In Supernatural Season 11, Episode 17, “Red Meat,” Sam and Dean encounter a group of werewolves while attempting to rescue two young women, Michelle and Corbin. The episode primarily focuses on Dean’s increasingly reckless behavior and Sam’s unwavering dedication to his brother, even when faced with what appears to be Dean’s irreversible transformation into a werewolf.
The Heart of “Red Meat”: Facing Mortality and Loyalty
“Red Meat” delves into the brothers’ complex dynamic, highlighting Dean’s self-sacrificing nature and Sam’s enduring belief in redemption. The episode cleverly utilizes the werewolf mythology to explore themes of choice, control, and the blurring lines between humanity and monstrosity. Dean’s willingness to risk himself for others, even to the point of becoming a werewolf, underscores his inherent heroism, while Sam’s desperate attempts to save him demonstrate the unbreakable bond that defines their relationship. The ambiguity surrounding Dean’s fate at the episode’s end adds a layer of suspense and raises questions about the long-term consequences of their hunter lifestyle. The episode acts as a microcosm of the season’s larger themes of battling overwhelming darkness, both internal and external.
Unpacking the Plot: A Breakdown of Events
The episode opens with Sam and Dean responding to a distress call about missing backpackers. Their investigation leads them to a secluded cabin where they encounter Michelle and Corbin, who are being held captive by a pack of werewolves. A brutal fight ensues, and both Sam and Dean are injured. Desperate to save Michelle, Dean allows himself to be bitten by a werewolf, believing he can control the transformation long enough to kill the alpha werewolf and free the captives. Corbin, however, suffers a fatal wound during the escape.
As Dean succumbs to the werewolf curse, his behavior becomes increasingly erratic and violent. He grapples with the growing hunger and loss of control. Sam, determined to find a cure, desperately searches for a way to reverse the transformation. He chains Dean up in a motel room, battling his own doubts and fears as Dean’s condition deteriorates.
The climax of the episode sees Dean seemingly embracing the werewolf transformation. However, in a pivotal moment, he demonstrates his willpower by refusing to succumb entirely. Ultimately, Sam manages to find a potential cure, but the episode concludes with Dean’s fate uncertain, leaving viewers to wonder whether the treatment will be successful and what lasting impact the experience will have on him. The cliffhanger emphasizes the perilous nature of their work and the constant threat of personal sacrifice.
Exploring the Deeper Themes
“Red Meat” isn’t just a monster-of-the-week episode; it’s a character study that examines the Winchesters’ psychological struggles.
Sacrifice and Self-Destruction
Dean’s willingness to become a werewolf to save Michelle is a stark example of his self-destructive tendencies. He often prioritizes the well-being of others above his own, even if it means putting himself in mortal danger. This stems from a deep-seated belief that he is expendable and that others are more deserving of life. This episode forces Sam to confront this aspect of Dean’s personality and his own role in enabling it.
The Burden of Responsibility
Both Sam and Dean carry the immense burden of protecting the world from supernatural threats. This responsibility weighs heavily on them, leading to feelings of isolation, guilt, and despair. The episode highlights the toll that this constant pressure takes on their mental and physical health.
The Power of Hope
Despite the grim circumstances, Sam never gives up hope that he can save Dean. His unwavering faith in his brother’s ability to overcome adversity is a testament to the strength of their bond. This hope is what drives him to tirelessly search for a cure, even when the odds are stacked against him. It represents the core of their dynamic, a reliance on each other to find the light in the darkest of situations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions that shed further light on the nuances of “Red Meat”:
Q1: Why did Dean allow himself to be bitten by the werewolf?
Dean’s decision to allow himself to be bitten stemmed from a desperate attempt to save Michelle. He believed that by becoming a werewolf, he could gain the strength and ferocity needed to defeat the alpha and free the captives. It was a high-stakes gamble driven by his inherent desire to protect innocent lives, even at his own expense. This exemplifies his self-sacrificing nature.
Q2: Was Dean truly becoming a werewolf, or was he just acting?
The episode intentionally leaves Dean’s true state ambiguous. While he exhibited the physical symptoms of a werewolf transformation, it’s also implied that he was exerting a significant amount of willpower to maintain control. The ambiguity raises questions about the extent to which the werewolf curse affected him and the power of his own internal struggle. The ambiguity is a key plot device.
Q3: Did Sam find a cure for Dean’s werewolf condition?
Sam found a potential cure involving a combination of ingredients and a specific ritual. However, the episode ends before we see definitively whether the cure was successful. The uncertainty creates suspense and sets the stage for the next episode.
Q4: What happened to Michelle after she was rescued?
The episode doesn’t explicitly show what happened to Michelle after she was rescued. However, it is implied that she was taken to safety, likely with law enforcement or a similar organization, to recover from her traumatic experience. Her ordeal serves as a catalyst for Dean’s actions.
Q5: What was the significance of Corbin’s death?
Corbin’s death serves as a reminder of the dangers of hunting and the high stakes involved in the Winchesters’ work. His death also fuels Dean’s guilt and further reinforces his belief that he needs to sacrifice himself to save others.
Q6: How does “Red Meat” contribute to the overall arc of Season 11?
“Red Meat,” while seemingly a standalone episode, contributes to the season’s overall arc by exploring themes of darkness, sacrifice, and the brothers’ unwavering bond. It also foreshadows future challenges and reinforces the idea that the Winchesters must confront both external and internal threats.
Q7: What is the symbolism of the “red meat” in the episode title?
The “red meat” in the title symbolizes the raw, primal urges that Dean experiences as he transforms into a werewolf. It represents the animalistic instincts that threaten to consume him and the struggle to maintain his humanity.
Q8: How does this episode compare to other werewolf-centric episodes in Supernatural?
“Red Meat” distinguishes itself from other Supernatural werewolf episodes by focusing more on the psychological impact of the transformation on Dean and the emotional toll on Sam. While previous episodes often emphasized the action and horror aspects, this episode delves deeper into the characters’ inner turmoil.
Q9: What are the ethical implications of Dean’s decision to become a werewolf?
Dean’s decision raises ethical questions about the use of morally questionable means to achieve a greater good. While his intentions were noble, his actions could have had unforeseen consequences, potentially endangering others if he had lost control completely.
Q10: What are some potential long-term consequences of Dean’s experience in “Red Meat”?
Even if the cure is successful, Dean’s experience in “Red Meat” could have lasting psychological effects. He may struggle with feelings of guilt, trauma, and the lingering fear of losing control. It could also impact his relationship with Sam, forcing them to confront the underlying issues in their dynamic.
Q11: Why does Sam always have so much faith in Dean?
Sam’s unwavering faith in Dean stems from a lifetime of shared experiences, sacrifices, and an unbreakable bond. He recognizes Dean’s inherent goodness and believes that even in the face of darkness, Dean is capable of making the right choices.
Q12: Where does “Red Meat” rank in terms of memorable Supernatural episodes and why?
“Red Meat” is often ranked highly among fans due to its intense emotional drama, strong character development, and the ambiguity surrounding Dean’s fate. The episode effectively explores the core themes of the series and showcases the compelling dynamic between Sam and Dean. The emotional intensity solidifies its place as a memorable episode.