So far in the seventh season of Supernatural, Sam and Dean have come face to face with some of the most challenging and dramatic trials they've ever faced: A renegade angel with the power of God, the all-devouring Leviathans that can't be killed, and the death of their surrogate father. While all of these story elements have made for a fantastic season so far, it is nice to get a few episodes here and there that bring in some great humor and unexpected experiences. "Time After Time" is definately one of those episodes.
At the start of the episode, Sam and Dean are put onto a case where victims are found completely mummified, aged hundreds of years in a single instant. In the course of their investigation, they realize that they are, in fact, dealing with the time god Chronos. While attempting to halt one of Chronos' attacks, Dean tackles him, but gets time jumped back to 1944, where he meets none other than Elliot Ness. Like many of us, Dean immediately knows Ness and has an "Untouchables" geek out, but quickly learns that Ness is not only a hunter, but is also hunting Chronos. While Sam is still in the present, both Sam and Dean are faced with the task of not only killing Chronos, but being able to do so while also getting Dean back to the present.
For me, personally, I love these kinds of episodes. It's a nice break from all the seriousness and drama that has been built up since Castiel and Bobby died. Dean always gets giddy and has a good time when he gets to time travel to different times, like in last year's episode where he and Sam got to go to the wild west. It creates great opportunites for some great comedy and creative story telling. Seeing Dean dress up in a zoot suit and make constant "Untouchables" references that leave Ness thinking Dean's an idiot. One example is when the two of them are getting ready to go after Chronos and Dean says, "That's the Chicago way," quoting Sean Connery from "Untouchables". Ness replies, " 'The Chicago way'? Who talks like that?" It's just great fun with a good story.
The cinematography is an element worth mentioning in this review. While in most of the time traveling episodes, the lighting and look of the episode doesn't change, but in this one, it does. When we see Dean in 1944, there is more of a orange/golden hue to the environment around them. It gives off that classic 40's vibe, and I really think it makes the episode look great.
As always, Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki are a joy to watch as Dean and Sam. Dean's character is given several moments of hilarity, which I think is very important for his character at this point in the season. Dean has been through so much loss and pain that he's been starting to forget why he's even still hunting. By having moments of levity and actual enjoyment in the job, it reminds Dean why he does what he does. There really isn't too much going on for Sam in this episode. While he does play a vital role at the end of the episode, there really isn't any forward movement with his "broken head" problem. But I'm sure that there will be PLENTY on that topic near the end of the season, much like last year with his soul/wall in his head problem. Overall, but Sam and Dean get an opportunity to go back to a very "meat and potatos" type case that gives them both a bit of levity from all the drama, and reminds them that while they do experience a lot of bad, they do love what they do.
All things considered, "Time After Time" is a GREAT episode. It's fun, it's funny, it's quick paced, and it gives a great cliffhanging hint of what is coming down the pike for the Winchesters. Afterall, what fun would having the god of time show up if he can't brag about the fact that he knows about the future......a future with some black goo. If you didn't get the opportunity to catch the episode tonight, be sure to watch it online ASAP, as it is a great episode for all to enjoy!
9 out of 10