In a nuanced and moving performance from Misha Collins, we meet Jimmy Novak - the man Castiel has been possessing. There are parallels here with Sam's own journey - something 'in his blood' makes Jimmy a suitable vessel for Castiel. While he embraced being chosen initially, when Castiel is ordered back to Heaven, Jimmy can't wait to return to his family. Through subtle shifts in voice and body language Misha creates Jimmy as wholly distinct from Castiel. The episode also finally brings the revelation to Dean of Sam's demon blood habit. In a scene shockingly reminiscent of the ghouls in the previous episode, Sam cuts a demon in order to drink it's blood. Finally, Dean is abandoned by Castiel, as Sam has been abandoned by Ruby. The episode ends with Bobby and Dean conspiring against Sam and locking him in Bobby's panic room, and a series of clips (SOON) shows the brother against brother confrontation ahead.
9 Reviews
Misha's Turn to Shine
hotcountry_chick20 July 2012
Warning: Spoilers
I love Misha Collins. His role as Castiel in the series brings not only many moments of light comedy, but many serious, brilliant ones as well. Take "Lazarus Rising", Collins' debut on Supernatural. In one epic moment, the viewers are introduced to the angel who saved Dean from Hell. With a simple tilt of the head or soulful/confused glance, we become witness to an angel who struggles with his own faith and blind obedience. This man can play anyone from an angel to a Catholic priest, and even notorious serial killer Paul Bernardo in Karla. As much as Collins does an amazing job as Castiel, however, his performance as Jimmy Novak is absolutely astounding.
In "The Rapture", Dean is summoned by Cas in a dream to a specific meeting place in the back end of nowhere. However, when Sam and Dean arrive, they find not their angelic ally, but Jimmy Novak, the vessel Castiel possessed on September 18, in Pontiac, Illinois, the same date and place where Dean was rescued from Hell. Novak is a family man, a devout Christian who, when called by Castiel to test his faith, readily does so, much to the shock and horror of his wife. Jimmy is eager to accept Castiel's invitation, but Amelia Novak is not only skeptical, but frightened to the point that she threatens to leave with their daughter. Despite the threat, Jimmy agrees to be Castiel's vessel, and separates himself from his life with his wife and daughter. The viewer witnesses this transformation via flashback, as Jimmy tries to make his way home (much to the dismay of Dean, and especially Sam). When Jimmy finally does reunite with his family, he learns the hard way that, because of his new divine role, he must distance himself from his loved ones, or risk their endangerment and/or death.
"The Rapture" finally allows Misha Collins to shine. As stated above, the only side of Collins the viewer is subjected to is that of the lovable, and often hilarious angel. This episode not only provides insight on the life of Castiel's vessel, but allows Collins to explore further into the role of vessel. The results are not disappointing. From his blind faith at the beginning of the episode, to his desperate pleas during the final minutes, Collins portrays with ease the life of the devout who eventually comes to terms with his faith, agreeing to return to life as a vessel to protect his family. In the final minutes of the episode, a fatally wounded Novak begs Castiel, now possessing daughter Claire, to allow him to return to his angelic role. Collins nails this scene. Watching this intimate moment, the dying man sacrificing himself to save those he loves, the audience is brought to tears. We share his emotions as he watches his daughter from outside his home; when Jimmy refuses to say grace during the family meal, we are reminded of the torture he endured during his year as Castiel. All it takes is a simple glance downward, or, gentle touch, for the viewer to believe that Collins is not just playing Jimmy, he IS Jimmy.
Brilliant episode, and brilliant performance. Glad to see Misha finally shine!
In "The Rapture", Dean is summoned by Cas in a dream to a specific meeting place in the back end of nowhere. However, when Sam and Dean arrive, they find not their angelic ally, but Jimmy Novak, the vessel Castiel possessed on September 18, in Pontiac, Illinois, the same date and place where Dean was rescued from Hell. Novak is a family man, a devout Christian who, when called by Castiel to test his faith, readily does so, much to the shock and horror of his wife. Jimmy is eager to accept Castiel's invitation, but Amelia Novak is not only skeptical, but frightened to the point that she threatens to leave with their daughter. Despite the threat, Jimmy agrees to be Castiel's vessel, and separates himself from his life with his wife and daughter. The viewer witnesses this transformation via flashback, as Jimmy tries to make his way home (much to the dismay of Dean, and especially Sam). When Jimmy finally does reunite with his family, he learns the hard way that, because of his new divine role, he must distance himself from his loved ones, or risk their endangerment and/or death.
"The Rapture" finally allows Misha Collins to shine. As stated above, the only side of Collins the viewer is subjected to is that of the lovable, and often hilarious angel. This episode not only provides insight on the life of Castiel's vessel, but allows Collins to explore further into the role of vessel. The results are not disappointing. From his blind faith at the beginning of the episode, to his desperate pleas during the final minutes, Collins portrays with ease the life of the devout who eventually comes to terms with his faith, agreeing to return to life as a vessel to protect his family. In the final minutes of the episode, a fatally wounded Novak begs Castiel, now possessing daughter Claire, to allow him to return to his angelic role. Collins nails this scene. Watching this intimate moment, the dying man sacrificing himself to save those he loves, the audience is brought to tears. We share his emotions as he watches his daughter from outside his home; when Jimmy refuses to say grace during the family meal, we are reminded of the torture he endured during his year as Castiel. All it takes is a simple glance downward, or, gentle touch, for the viewer to believe that Collins is not just playing Jimmy, he IS Jimmy.
Brilliant episode, and brilliant performance. Glad to see Misha finally shine!
Misha is an incredible actor
castielminion16 February 2011
This episode is one of my favourite Supernatural episodes EVER! It shows Misha's incredible acting ability as well as shedding some light on Castiel's vessel's back story.
I thought that Misha's acting was amazing, as he was able to create two totally different characters and could shift easily from one to the other when required. The ability of the actresses playing Jimmy's wife and daughter should not be underestimated either, nor should that of Jared and Jensen.
I would thoroughly recommend that you watch this episode, even if you are not a huge Supernatural fan. It is well worth the watch!
I thought that Misha's acting was amazing, as he was able to create two totally different characters and could shift easily from one to the other when required. The ability of the actresses playing Jimmy's wife and daughter should not be underestimated either, nor should that of Jared and Jensen.
I would thoroughly recommend that you watch this episode, even if you are not a huge Supernatural fan. It is well worth the watch!
A rare retcon episode that works, Thanks Misha!
CubsandCulture12 March 2020
This episode largely exists to allow Misha Collins to continue to play Cas without the viewer worrying too much about the poor smuck that Cas is possessing. This issue is brought up in later episodes (i.e. Claire) but season 4 was meant to be the only season with Angels. It would have been had Cas not proved to be as popular as he was making the central issue of this episode moot. Enter this attempt to solve the problem without making Cas unsympathetic. The script is largely but not entire successful on this front. The initial possession of Jimmy still feels like a violation-Cas taking advantage of Jimmy's faith-and the final resolution doesn't feel like a free choice on Jimmy's part. BUT the episode goes a long, long way in patching up the issue and it is at least a plausible plotting decision to keep Misha around.
The episode is greatly helped by Misha's performance. I think it is his best performance in the entire series because he doesn't even look like Cas when he is Jimmy. Collins sells the defects in the script.
The episode is greatly helped by Misha's performance. I think it is his best performance in the entire series because he doesn't even look like Cas when he is Jimmy. Collins sells the defects in the script.
Meet Jimmy Novak
zombiehigh1830 November 2011
Warning: Spoilers
You may find it hard to believe, But this is the first regular episode I watched on Supernatural. I'm not the kind of person that is able to watch regular TV shows, not since "Angel" but that was like a thousand years ago. A few months back I was surfing the TV channels when I stumbled on the middle of this episode and I remember I was like "Yeah I know that show, I have seen a couple of miscellaneous episodes a year or so ago. It's about two brothers fighting monsters, But what is the deal with angels and daemons? I might be very hazy on the details but I certainly don't recall one of the boys being a vampire". After watching this episode I got curious to know what will happen next, I didn't know the name of the episode or which season is it, so I kept surfing the internet till I found it and I was taken by how magnificent "When the Levee Breaks" was and I was hooked. So I watched season five on line then I decided to start from the Pilot again. Then I re watched the whole series over and over again and imagine the torturous feeling for someone like me to have to wait a week or more for a new episode on season seven (I admit season 6 and 7 are of lower quality but I'll keep watching as long as the writers are writing and the actors are acting).
I might go far from this episode but it's worthy to mention that in the Middle East we have very different airing schedule than the USA. Due to a very busy schedule, since we have TV shows from 22 Arab countries beside Turkish, Indian, Mexican, Korean, French and American TV shows, Supernatural is not really a priority to Arab viewers partly because other shows are more popular (Talk about "Lost", "24", "Grey's anatomy" and "Prison break", and I have to remind you we have a very different TV schedule) But mostly because of the controversial view Supernatural has on God, Angels and Prophets. Most Muslims will find that view not acceptable but for me though I'm bothered by that view, I like to see it as only an imaginary show (Which really is) in some kind of fantasy universe and I really love the brotherly bond.
To cut this short, I really enjoyed the following parts:
1- It's good to know the story behind Castiel's vessel. Misha Collins owned the show by his magnificent ability to switch from two different characters effortlessly. His performance was flawless and I liked how he changed his tone from Castiel to Jimmy.
2- Dean's dream was interesting, It was surprising to see Dean dreaming about fishing. Does he really like it? Is was good to see him sitting peacefully enjoying a simple pleasure and it was even more interesting to see him enjoying it without Sam. Was it a hint on where the relationship between the brothers is heading. But cut the guy some slack, Can't he have some peace without having the angels poking in his head.
3- Sam's behaviour is becoming more and more disturbing. His humanity is slipping away bit by bit and his daemon blood addiction is taking a more fierce form. (Is it because he lost a huge amount of blood last episode?) He is becoming more cold and less caring than he used to be. Will Dean ever save him? And now Sam you are keeping daemon blood in bottles and you still think you are in control? And did I mention that I hate Ruby, I do.
I might go far from this episode but it's worthy to mention that in the Middle East we have very different airing schedule than the USA. Due to a very busy schedule, since we have TV shows from 22 Arab countries beside Turkish, Indian, Mexican, Korean, French and American TV shows, Supernatural is not really a priority to Arab viewers partly because other shows are more popular (Talk about "Lost", "24", "Grey's anatomy" and "Prison break", and I have to remind you we have a very different TV schedule) But mostly because of the controversial view Supernatural has on God, Angels and Prophets. Most Muslims will find that view not acceptable but for me though I'm bothered by that view, I like to see it as only an imaginary show (Which really is) in some kind of fantasy universe and I really love the brotherly bond.
To cut this short, I really enjoyed the following parts:
1- It's good to know the story behind Castiel's vessel. Misha Collins owned the show by his magnificent ability to switch from two different characters effortlessly. His performance was flawless and I liked how he changed his tone from Castiel to Jimmy.
2- Dean's dream was interesting, It was surprising to see Dean dreaming about fishing. Does he really like it? Is was good to see him sitting peacefully enjoying a simple pleasure and it was even more interesting to see him enjoying it without Sam. Was it a hint on where the relationship between the brothers is heading. But cut the guy some slack, Can't he have some peace without having the angels poking in his head.
3- Sam's behaviour is becoming more and more disturbing. His humanity is slipping away bit by bit and his daemon blood addiction is taking a more fierce form. (Is it because he lost a huge amount of blood last episode?) He is becoming more cold and less caring than he used to be. Will Dean ever save him? And now Sam you are keeping daemon blood in bottles and you still think you are in control? And did I mention that I hate Ruby, I do.
Jimmy
shwetafabm13 June 2020
We see Castiel's vessel Jimmy and how it's like to be a vessel. It's a solid episode and for a character that's not the brothers you really end up caring from him and the family, that's a lot to do with the good fit of the actor in the series.
Weird Episode
claudio_carvalho20 June 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Castiel schedules a meeting with Dean in his dream but when the Winchester brothers arrive in the spot, they find that Castiel has gone. His vessel is actually Jimmy Novak, a religious middle-class man from Illinois that has no recollections of the Castiel's memories. Dean and Sam try to persuade him to stay since he could endanger his family but Jimmy sneaks out and travels to reunite with his wife and daughter. Sooner demons dispute Jimmy using his family as a bait and the man summons Castiel to protect his beloved family.
"The Rapture" is a weird episode of Supernatural and there are many points that are not clear. What is Anna doing in this show? Why Castiel does not return in Jimmy's "vessel" but in Claire's? What has happened with Ruby? How Dean and Bobby have plotted the trap for Sam? My vote is eight.
Title (Brazil): "A Forma de um Anjo" ("The Shape of an Angel")
"The Rapture" is a weird episode of Supernatural and there are many points that are not clear. What is Anna doing in this show? Why Castiel does not return in Jimmy's "vessel" but in Claire's? What has happened with Ruby? How Dean and Bobby have plotted the trap for Sam? My vote is eight.
Title (Brazil): "A Forma de um Anjo" ("The Shape of an Angel")
Rapture
ttapola23 August 2011
"Raise me from mortal / My will be your will / My words speak your words"
Another great episode after the slight underwhelmingness of the previous episode. Like that one, this has clues about where the series is going, but again, they are written so that they do not draw attention to themselves - one has to pay close attention to what is said to be able to predict the upcoming Mytharc twists.
That aside, Misha Collins gets an overdue episode where *he* is the star, and on top of that, the opening credits inform us that Julie McNiven is back. Fantastic news. Neither actor does less than stellar work, though this is Collins' moment to shine. Add to that a clever plot with so many surprise twists that some of them *should* feel forced, yet they all make sense - they aren't twists for just twists' sake. Also, the pacing is clearly better than in the previous episode.
Plot aside, there are very interesting themes explored here, namely human's faith in a god. Religious people can basically be divided into three categories: 1) The "in-name-only" ones, who state on official record that they are of certain faith, yet do not actively practice it. 2) The ones who do believe, but when their faith is put to test, turn out not to be true believers, abandoning their faith and acting like rational people instead (faith is, after all, *by definition*, the opposite of logic). 3) The truly devout ones, who, when their god asks, shall obey without question. In this episode the writers test certain characters, with interesting results. After all the great Mytharc stuff, one may find oneself pondering about how many of the "religious" people in *our* world really belong to groups 1 and 2, and therefore are either hypocrites or in need of that test of faith, which they will fail. As such, this episode is highly recommended to be shown to anyone's "religious" acquaintances.
Overall, this does not quite achieve Classic status, only 8/10 greatness, but the teasers of the upcoming episodes at the end (possibly not included on the DVD/Blu-ray release) hint that they will be even better than this one. And they are indeed.
Another great episode after the slight underwhelmingness of the previous episode. Like that one, this has clues about where the series is going, but again, they are written so that they do not draw attention to themselves - one has to pay close attention to what is said to be able to predict the upcoming Mytharc twists.
That aside, Misha Collins gets an overdue episode where *he* is the star, and on top of that, the opening credits inform us that Julie McNiven is back. Fantastic news. Neither actor does less than stellar work, though this is Collins' moment to shine. Add to that a clever plot with so many surprise twists that some of them *should* feel forced, yet they all make sense - they aren't twists for just twists' sake. Also, the pacing is clearly better than in the previous episode.
Plot aside, there are very interesting themes explored here, namely human's faith in a god. Religious people can basically be divided into three categories: 1) The "in-name-only" ones, who state on official record that they are of certain faith, yet do not actively practice it. 2) The ones who do believe, but when their faith is put to test, turn out not to be true believers, abandoning their faith and acting like rational people instead (faith is, after all, *by definition*, the opposite of logic). 3) The truly devout ones, who, when their god asks, shall obey without question. In this episode the writers test certain characters, with interesting results. After all the great Mytharc stuff, one may find oneself pondering about how many of the "religious" people in *our* world really belong to groups 1 and 2, and therefore are either hypocrites or in need of that test of faith, which they will fail. As such, this episode is highly recommended to be shown to anyone's "religious" acquaintances.
Overall, this does not quite achieve Classic status, only 8/10 greatness, but the teasers of the upcoming episodes at the end (possibly not included on the DVD/Blu-ray release) hint that they will be even better than this one. And they are indeed.
The Rapture (2009)
nebohr27 September 2022
This episode fell flat on it's face for a couple of reasons:
1) The whole idea of unnecessarily breaking up the Novak family was, in my mind, thoughtlessly cruel. The father /husband of this cute little Christian family just up and disappears, for years, and the family doesn't even deserve to get a courtesy text message from "the higher ups"; letting them know that Jimmy is doing extremely important work for "the Big Guy upstairs". No. Jimmy's wife and child have no idea what happened to him. They suppose he has died, but they aren't for sure. Cruel.
2) Is Sammy becoming, like, totally incompetent?
I find no fault with the rest of the production.
Nebohr.
2) Is Sammy becoming, like, totally incompetent?
I find no fault with the rest of the production.
Nebohr.
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