TV episodes review
US airdate 29 October 2010; 5 November 2010; 12 November 2010; 19 November 2010 (The CW)

The truth is out there: Sam’s got no soul, and all dogs are evil…

So, the undead, zombie-like sixth season of Supernatural lumbers on, but at least now we know what’s wrong with it. Just like Sam, Supernatural’s current season has no soul. It’s going through the motions; it amuses well enough, but it is lifeless, dead.

Truth and consequences is the name of the game in ‘You Can’t Handle the Truth’. TV newsreader truth demon Veritas brings out the best and worst in the Winchesters. ‘Family Matters’ is dreadfully dull for over half its running time, until Crowley unexpectedly pops up and the truth about Sam is revealed. That the boys are now working for Crowley is a not-very-satisfying twist (aside for the fact that it keeps the ubiquitous Mark A. Sheppard around). But what is Crowley’s agenda? He’s collecting creatures, but is he building an army or opening a zoo?

‘All Dogs Go To Heaven’ has the Winchester boys investigating an apparent werewolf, only to discover it’s a skinwalker/shapechanger masquerading as the family pooch. It’s a throwback (if rather violent) episode, oddly recalling the Eerie Indiana instalment ‘The Retainer’.

Just when it looks like Supernatural is on its way out, along comes ‘Clap Your Hands If You Believe’. Soulless Sam is suddenly a lot of fun when played for deadpan laughs, and Dean’s fight with Tinkerbell will be hard to beat. Even the faux-The X-Files titles hit the spot. Odd that the two best episodes have been comedy shows (this and ‘Weekend at Bobby’s’). Maybe comedy is the way forward for Supernatural? Brian J. Robb

VERDICT
Episode 6: You Can’t Handle the Truth: 6/10
Episode 7: Family Matters: 4/10
Episode 8: All Dogs Go To Heaven: 5/10
Episode 9: Clap Your Hands if You Believe: 8/10