Unhuman Nature

There's a bit of a tonal disconnect between the Nick going crazy story being coupled with Jack's illness, bonding with Dean. It is unfortunate because both sides of this episode contain some of the best material in the entire season.

Dean-Jack's day out-framed by Jack grappling with mortality-is sentimental without being cloying. It doesn't feel forced even if it is a bit unearned. The learning to drive sequence is bittersweet as it works well as a comedic bit and pathos-it rhymes with the "Night Moves" sequence in Baby (Season 11 Episode 4).

Likewise, Nick seeking revenge and then his desire to re-unite with Lucifer is darkly compelling. It is just human enough to be believable and just Lucy enough to remind us of the character we have grown to know over the years. The material is some of the darkest the show has done in awhile.

But together the two sides don't fully gel.

One of the darkest episodes of Supernatural which is a weird statement considering it was the best day of Jack's life.

"Unhuman Nature," the seventh episode of Supernatural's fourteenth season, directed by John F. Showalter and written by Eugenie Ross-Leming and Brad Buckner, is a poignant, multifaceted installment that deftly balances the emotional turmoil of its characters with the darkening supernatural stakes. The episode explores two parallel narratives: Jack's rapidly deteriorating health and Nick's descent into violence and despair, both embodying different facets of the struggle with identity, power, and the consequences of past trauma. This dual storyline structure creates a compelling tension that drives the episode's emotional and thematic core.

The episode opens with a haunting monologue from Nick, whose fractured psyche and violent impulses are laid bare. Mark Pellegrino delivers a chilling performance, capturing Nick's internal conflict as he vacillates between seeking solace in faith and succumbing to his darker urges. The opening scene, revealing Nick's brutal murder and crucifixion of a priest, sets a grim tone and underscores the depth of his psychological unraveling. His confession that he enjoys the violence and feels bonded to Lucifer adds complexity to his character, raising questions about free will and the lasting impact of possession.

Meanwhile, at the bunker, Castiel's attempts to heal Jack prove futile, with the Nephilim's condition worsening rapidly. The decision to take Jack to a conventional hospital leads to a series of both humorous and sobering moments, notably during the intake interview where the staff's bafflement at Jack's unusual medical history and parentage highlights the surreal nature of the Winchesters' world. The contrast between the sterile, clinical hospital environment and the supernatural chaos surrounding Jack accentuates the episode's exploration of normalcy versus otherness.

Dean's determination to save Jack is palpable, with Jensen Ackles conveying a mix of hope, guilt, and desperation. His interactions with Jack are among the episode's most affecting, reflecting a deepening bond and Dean's evolving acceptance of Jack as family. The arrival of Rowena, portrayed by Ruth Connell with a blend of sharp wit and vulnerability, adds a layer of tension and complexity. Initially reluctant and dismissive, Rowena's gradual softening-especially after overhearing Jack's sincere gratitude-provides a nuanced portrayal of a character torn between self-interest and genuine care.

The episode's direction by Showalter is assured, balancing the episode's tonal shifts from dark psychological horror to moments of levity and heartfelt connection. The cinematography employs muted palettes and intimate framing to underscore Jack's fragility and Nick's isolation. The editing maintains a steady rhythm, allowing the emotional beats to resonate without sacrificing narrative momentum.

Supporting performances enrich the narrative, with Jim Beaver's Bobby and Jared Padalecki's Sam providing grounding presence amid the turmoil. The episode's writing effectively weaves exposition with character development, though some viewers noted that the pacing occasionally falters due to the weight of multiple plotlines converging.

Thematically, "Unhuman Nature" grapples with the nature of identity and the struggle to reclaim agency after trauma. Jack's failing health symbolizes the fragility of existence when caught between worlds, while Nick's violent spiral embodies the destructive potential of unresolved pain and possession. The episode also meditates on forgiveness, acceptance, and the power of compassion, particularly through Jack's ability to reach Rowena without coercion.

Some criticisms focus on the episode's reliance on familiar tropes-such as the hospital setting's ineffectiveness and the trope of the "tormented villain"-which may feel repetitive to long-time viewers. Additionally, certain plot developments, like Rowena's sudden change of heart, could have benefited from deeper exploration. Nonetheless, these are minor quibbles in an episode that prioritizes emotional resonance and character complexity.

In conclusion, "Unhuman Nature" is a richly textured episode that advances Supernatural's fourteenth season with emotional depth and thematic sophistication. Through strong performances, thoughtful direction, and layered storytelling, it invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of identity, the scars left by trauma, and the enduring hope found in connection and acceptance. The episode stands as a testament to the series' ability to evolve while maintaining its core focus on family, sacrifice, and the human (and unhuman) condition.

Worst episode of the season. Ross-Leming and Buckner are really not good at writing consistent stories. They always make up plots about Nick/Lucifer that go against 10 things that have already been established on the show, from seasons 4 to 13. Most if not all of the plot holes of the show can be linked to them. We keep coming back to this boring character who did his time, he never should've been brought back after season 13. And that ending? Made no sense whatsoever. Only a Nephilim can access that power. The dialogue is not good; it's not natural, it doesn't flow. The episode itself was boring, the pacing was off. I loved the Dean & Jack bonding scenes; really cute.

This was probably one of the best episodes of the season. Loved it.