Originally aired: March 19, 2009

Writer: Ben Edlund
Director: Mike Rohl

Official CW Description

Someone found Lucifer's sword and is using it to kill angels. Castiel and Uriel have captured Alastair and ask Dean ) to use the torturing skills he learned in Hell to extract information from him so they can stop the murders. Sam is concerned Dean can't handle the job but Dean agrees to do it. However, when Alastair reveals some shocking information, Dean's world is shattered.

Full Synopsis

Outside, night

Car alarms are going off all over the place, in what looks like a junkyard. Castiel walks in, raises his hand, and silences the cars. He walks forward to where a young blond woman lies died on the ground. He moves her dress a little to see a bloody hole in the middle of her chest. “Good bye, sister,” he whispers. Behind him, police cars are pulling up. Police jump out and find her body. “What the hell?” one says. As they shine flashlights on her body, the shadow of huge wings can be seen on the ground beside her.

On the road

Sam is driving, looking slightly uncomfortable. “Ruby’ll meet us outside Shyann. She’s been tracking some leads...” Dean makes a grumpy sound. “Look, I know she’s not exactly on your Christmas list, but if she can help us get to Lillith...” Sam tries again. “Man, work with Ruby, don’t, I don’t really give a rat’s ass,” Dean interrupts. “What’s your problem?” Sam asks. “Pamela didn’t want anything to do with this, and we dragged her back into it, Sam,” Dean says, looking over at him. “She knew what was at stake,” Sam says quietly. “Oh yeah, saving the world,” Dean says. “We’re doing such damn good job of it.” “Dean...” Sam begins. “I’m tired of burying friends, Sam,” Dean cuts in. “Look. We catch a fresh trail...” Sam goes on. “We follow it, I know,” Dean says. “Like I said, I’m just - I’m just getting tired.” “Well get angry,” Sam says, looking over at his brother seriously.

Motel

The boys walk into their motel room, and Dean puts down his bag. “Ah, home crappy home,” he says. Sam turns on the lights. “Winchester, and Winchester.” Uriel and Castiel are standing in their room. “Oh come on!” Dean says irritably. “You are needed,” Uriel says. “Needed? We just got back from needed!” Dean snaps. “You mind your tone with me,” Uriel says. “No, you mind your damn tone with us,” Dean says angrily, moving forward. “We just got back from Pamela’s funeral,” Sam says, stopping him gently. “Pamela. You know, psychic Pamela? You remember her? Cas, you remember her, you burned her eyes out,” Dean says. “Remember that? Good times! Yeah, and then she died saving one of your precious seals. So maybe you can stop pushing us around like chess pieces for five fricking minutes!” “We raised you out of Hell for our purposes,” Uriel says calmly. “Yeah, what were those again? What exactly do you want from me?” Dean asks angrily. “Start with gratitude,” Uriel says dangerously. “Oh,” Dean says sarcastically, smiling. “Dean, we know this is difficult to understand,” Castiel finally speaks. “And we,” Uriel says, looking back at Castiel warningly, “don’t care.” Castiel is silent. “Now, seven angels have been murdered. All of them from our garrison. The last one was killed tonight,” Uriel explains. “Demons?” Dean asks. Uriel looks away. “How are they doing it?” Dean asks. “We don’t know,” Uriel says. “I’m sorry, but what do you want us to do about it?” Sam asks. “I mean a demon with the juice to ice angels has to be out of our league, right?” “We can handle the demons, thank you very much,” Uriel says. “Once we find whoever it is,” Castiel adds. “So you need our help... hunting a demon?” Dean asks incredulously. “Not quite,” Castiel says, moving closer. “We have Alastair.” “Great. You should be able to name your trigger man,” Dean says. “But he won’t talk. Alastair’s will is very strong,” Castiel says. “We’ve arrived at an impasse.” “Yeah well, he’s like a black belt in torture. You guys are out of your league,” Dean replies. “That’s why we’ve come to his student,” Uriel says. “You happen to be the most qualified interrogator we’ve got.” Dean looks shocked. “Dean. You’re our best hope,” Castiel says. “No. No way. You can’t ask me to do this, Cas, not this,” Dean says. Uriel smirks and moves closer. “Who said anything about asking?” Dean and Sam exchange glances, but not before there’s a flutter of wings, and everybody but Sam is gone from the room. “Dammit!” Sam yells.

In an old factory, Alastair is tied to a devil’s trap in the middle of a room. Dean and Castiel look in from the window. Castiel explains that Alastair is bound completely. “Fascinating,” Dean says, a little shakily. “Where’s the door?” “Where are you going?” Castiel asks. “To hitch back to Shyann, thank you very much,” Dean snaps, walking past the angels. Uriel appears in front of him. “Angels are dying, boy.” “Everybody’s dying these days,” Dean answers. “And hey, I get it, you’re all powerful, you can make me do whatever you want. But you can’t make me do this.” “This is too much to ask. I know,” Castiel replies. “But we have to ask it.” Dean watches him for a moment, and then looks back at Uriel. “I want to talk to Cas, alone.” Uriel is silent for a moment, then says “I think I’ll go seek Revelation. We might have further orders.” “Well get some donuts while you’re out,” Dean says. Uriel laughs. “This one just won’t quit, will he? I think I’m starting to like you, boy.” He disappears. Dean turns to Castiel. “You guys don’t walk enough, you’re gonna get flabby.” Castiel is silent. Dean shrugs. “I’m starting to think Junkless has a better sense of humour than you do.” “Uriel’s the funniest angel in the garrison. Ask anyone,” Castiel replies seriously. Dean looks at him for a moment, then walks closer. “What’s going on, Cas? Since when does Uriel put a leash on you?” “My superiors have begun to question my sympathies,” Castiel replies. “I was getting too close to the humans in my charge. You. They feel I’ve begun to express emotions. Doorways to doubt. This can impair my judgement.” He looks away. “Well tell Uriel, or whoever, you do not want me doing this. Trust me,” Dean says. “Want it, no. But I’ve been told we need it,” Castiel replies. Dean’s chin is starting to tremble. “You ask me to open that door, and walk through it? You will not like what walks back out.” “For what it’s worth, I would do anything not to have you do this,” Castiel says.

The door opens, and Dean walks in, pushing a cart that is covered with a sheet. “Heaven,” Alastair sings. “I’m in Heaven, and my heart beats so that I can barely speak... I seem to find the happiness that I seek, when we’re out together, dancing cheek to cheek...” Dean uncovers the cart. There are bottles and sharp instruments covering it. Alastair laughs. “I’m sorry. This is a very serious, very emotional situation for you. I shouldn’t laugh, it’s just that I mean... are they serious? They sent you to torture me?” “You got one chance,” Dean says, emotionless. “One. Tell me who’s killing the angels. I want a name.” “You think I’ll see all your scary toys and spill my guts?” Alastair says. “Oh, you’ll spill your guts one way or another,” Dean replies. “I just didn’t want to ruin my shoes. Now answer the question.” “Or what, you’ll work me over?” Alastair blinks. “But then, maybe, you don’t want to. Maybe, you’re scared to.” “I’m here, aren’t I?” Dean says. “Not entirely. You left part of yourself back in the pit,” Alastair snaps. “Let’s see if we can get the two of you back together again. Shall we?” “You’re gonna be disappointed,” Dean says, walking to the cart. “Oh you’ve not disappointed me so far,” Alastair replies. “Come on. You’ve gotta want a little payback. For everything I did to you... for all the pokes, and prods... no? Well... how about for all the things I did to your daddy?” Dean raises his head.

Motel

Ruby walks in the door as Sam holds it open. “I can still smell them,” she says disgustedly. “Seriously, Sam, I’m not exactly dying to tangle with angels again.” “I need you to find out where they took Dean,” Sam says. Ruby gives him a look. “Not sure I see the problem. You know they have Alastair strung up six ways from Sunday? Dean cuts himself a slice, Al’s reduced to a quivering heap and the good guys get the goods. What’s wrong with that?” “He can’t do it,” Sam says. “Look, I get it, you don’t want him going all Torture Master again,” Ruby says. “No, I mean he can’t do it. He can’t get the job done,” Sam corrects. “Something happened to him downstairs, Ruby. He’s not what he used to be, he’s not strong enough.” “And you are?” Ruby says. “I will be,” Sam replies.

Factory

“Had your papa on my rack for close to a century,” Alastair goes on. “You can stall forever,” Dean snaps. Alastair says that after each session, he gave John the same offer as he gave Dean. “I’d put down my blade if he picked one up.” “Just give me the demon’s name, Alastair,” Dean says. “But... he said no, each and every time,” Alastair ignores Dean. Dean takes off his jacket, as Alastair goes on that John was made of something unique. “The stuff of heroes. And then came Dean. Ah Dean Winchester, I thought I was up against it again. But, Daddy’s little girl... he broke.” Dean takes a swig of alcohol. “He broke in thirty,” Alastair says. “Ah, just not the man your daddy wanted you to be, huh Dean.” Dean slams down the bottle and grabs a cup, pouring holy water into it. “Now we’re getting somewhere,” Alastair says. “Holy water? Come on! Grasshopper, you’re gonna have to get creative to impress me.” “You know something, Alastair?” Dean asks, looking up. “I can still dream. Even in Hell, and over and over and over, you know what I dreamt? I dreamt of this moment. And believe me... I got a few ideas.” He puts a needle into the holy water, sucks some up, and walks over. “Let’s get started.”

Outside the room, Castiel listens to Alastair’s screams.

Dean turns away from the cart as Alastair gasps in pain behind him. “Let me know if you want some more, there’s plenty left,” he says. “Go directly to Hell,” growls Alastair.

Motel

Ruby is speaking in Latin, and she sets the edge of a map on fire. The rest of the map goes on fire. Sam looks at her. “Relax. The fire’s our friend. Besides, the only part of the map we need, is the where’s Dean part. Out.” The fire goes out, leaving a small round circle of it unburnt. “There. Your brother’s there. You know, it’s a good thing angels aren’t good at hiding their dirty business. Not used to being spied on. I mean, who’d be stupid enough to try.” Sam turns to look at her. “Ruby, it’s been weeks. I need it.” “You don’t seem too happy about it,” she says carefully. “You think I want to do this?” Sam asks, approaching her, then sitting on the bed. “This is the last thing I... but I need to be strong enough.” Ruby walks over and climbs onto his lap. “It’s okay. It’s okay, Sammy. You can have it.” She kisses him, then takes a knife out of her boot. She cuts her arm, and Sam puts his mouth over the cut and drinks. “It’s okay, Sam,” she says, stroking his hair.

Factory

“There’s that little pig poker, I wondered where it went,” Alastair says as Dean picks up a notched blade and pours holy water on it. “Do you really think this is gonna fix you? Give you closure? That is... sad. That’s really sad. Sad, sad.” Dean walks up to him and sticks the knife into his stomach. Alastair gasps. “I carved you into a new animal, Dean. There is no going back.” “Maybe you’re right,” Dean says. “But now it’s my turn to carve.” He twists the knife. Behind them, one of the taps on the pipes turn. Water begins to drip onto the devil’s trap drawn on the ground.

Outside, Castiel leans on the table and waits. Suddenly the lights begin to flicker. He looks up. The light explodes, going out. “Anna,” Castiel says, sensing her behind him. “Hello, Castiel,” she says. “Your human body,” he says. “It was destroyed,” she admits, “I know. But, I guess I’m sentimental. Called in some old favours, and...” “You shouldn’t be here,” Castiel says. “We still have orders to kill you.” “Somehow, I don’t think you’ll try,” she says calmly. “Where’s Uriel?” “He went to receive Revelation,” Castiel says. “Right,” Anna says.

In the room, Alastair’s head droops as Dean pulls out the knife. Dean grabs hold of his face, looking him in the eyes. Alastair laughs, spitting up blood. “Well, it’s your professionalism that I respect.” Dean moves away again, looking disgusted.

“Why are you letting Dean do this?” Anna asks. “He’s doing God’s work,” Castiel replies. “Torturing? That’s God’s work? Stop him, Cas. Before you ruin the one real weapon you have,” Anna says. “Who are we to question the will of God?” Castiel asks. “Unless this isn’t his will,” Anna says. “Then where do the orders come from?” Castiel says. “I dunno. One of our superiors, maybe. But not Him,” Anna replies.

Dean tosses a glass of holy water in Alastair’s face. “Who’s murdering the angels?” Alastair yells and coughs up more blood.

“The Father you love.You think he wants this?” Anna asks Castiel. “You think he’d ask this of you? You think this is righteous? What you’re feeling? It’s called doubt.”

Dean throws more water in Alastair’s face.

Anna puts her hand on Castiel’s. “These orders are wrong, and you know it. But you can do the right thing. You’re afraid, Cas. I was too. But together, we can...” “Together?” Castiel cuts in. He yanks away his hand. “I am nothing like you. You fell! Go.” “Cas,” she tries, but he glares at her. “Go.” She disappears.

Alastair spits out some holy water. “Just not getting deep enough,” he says off-handedly. “You lack the resources. Honestly, Dean. You have no idea how bad it really was.” Dean pours salt into the cup. “And what you really did for us,” Alastair goes on. “Shut up,” Dean says. “The whole bloody thing, Dean. The reason Lillith wanted you there in the first place,” Alastair goes on. “Well then I’ll just make you shut up,” Dean says. He grabs Alastair’s face, and pours salt down his throat as he screams.

Meanwhile, Sam is driving, looking determined.

Alastair coughs and chokes, coughing up chunks of salt. “Got something caught in my throat,” he chokes. “I think it’s my throat.” “Hmm. Well strap in,” Dean says, “Cause I’m just starting to have fun.” He heads back to the cart. “It was supposed to be your father,” Alastair starts up again. “He was supposed to bring it on. But in the end, it was you.” “Bring what on?” Dean asks, pouring holy water on the knife again. “Every night, the same offer, remember? Same as your father. And finally you said, ‘sign me up’.” Dean pours salt on the knife. “Oh the first time you picked up my razor...” Alastair says, “The first time you sliced into that weeping bitch... that was the first seal.” Dean stares at him, unsure if he’s telling the truth. “You’re lying.” “And it is written, that the first seal shall be broken when a righteous man spills blood in Hell... as he breaks, so shall it break,” Alastair recites. Dean stares at him, then turns away, fear evident in his eyes. “We had to break the first seal before any others, the only way to get the dominoes to fall right,” Alastair explains. “Top of the one at the front of the line. When we win? When we bring on the apocalypse, and burn this Earth down? We’ll owe it all to you. Dean Winchester.” Dean closes his eyes, unable to believe it. “Believe me, son. I wouldn’t lie about that,” Alastair says. “It’s kind of a religious sort of thing, with me.” He looks over to where the water is dripping, and sees that the water has made a hole in the devil’s trap. “No, I don’t think you are lying,” Dean says quietly. “But even if the demons do win... you won’t be there to see it.” He turns around to finish the job, but Alastair is standing right behind him. “You should talk to your plumber about the pipes,” he says, and knocks Dean to the ground.

He continues to beat Dean, Dean is bloody and helpless. Alastair grabs Dean and pushes him against the devil trap, lifting him by the throat. “You’re gonna have to learn boy. So I’ll see you, back in class, bright and early, Monday morning.” Dean chokes, unable to breathe. Suddenly, a knife is plunged into Alastair’s shoulder. Castiel is behind him. Alastair drops Dean, who falls to the ground. Alastair looks down at the knife. “Oh, almost. Looks like God is on my side today.” Castiel puts out his hand, twisting the knife in Alastair’s shoulder. He groans, but then pulls it out and drops it. He jumps at Castiel. Castiel has the upper hand until Alastair throws him against a metal spike on the wall, impaling him. “Well, like roaches... I really wish I knew how to kill you,” Alastair comments. “But all I can do is... send you back to Heaven.” He begins to speak in Latin, and a blue light starts shining from Castiel’s eyes and mouth. Before he can send him back though, he suddenly is pinned against the wall. Sam steps into the room, holding his hand up. “Stupid pet tricks,” Alastair growls. “Who’s murdering the angels?” Sam asks. “How are they doing it?” Castiel watches him from the floor. “You think I’m gonna tell you?” Alastair laughs. “Yeah I do,” Sam says, and makes his hand into a fist. Alastair’s eyes turn white and he begins choking. “How are the demons killing angels?” Sam yells. “I - don’t - know!” Alastair yells. “Right,” Sam says, continuing to choke him. “It’s - not - us!” Alastair says. “We’re not doing it!” “I don’t believe you,” Sam says. “Lillith is not behind this,” Alastair says. “She wouldn’t kill seven angels. She’d kill a hundred. A thousand...” Sam lowers his hand. “Oh, go ahead. Send me back,” Alastair says. “If you can.” “I’m stronger than that now,” Sam says. “Now I can kill.” He raises his hand again, as Castiel watches in shock. Alastair screams as a light burns from inside him, burning him up inside. He falls to the ground, dead. Castiel stares at Sam.

Hospital

Dean is in a hospital bed, hooked up to a ventilator and several IVs. Sam sits beside him, watching him. Castiel appears in the doorway, then walks away. Sam follows him. “Sam...” Castiel begins. “Get in there and heal him. Miracle. Now!” Sam orders. “I can’t,” Castiel says. “You and Uriel put him in there, because you can’t keep a simple devil’s trap together!” Sam accuses. “I don’t know what happened. That trap...” Castiel looks away. “It shouldn’t have broken. I am sorry.” “This whole thing was pointless,” Sam snaps. “You understand that? The demons aren’t doing the hits. Something else is killing your soldiers.” “Perhaps Alastair was lying,” Castiel suggests. “No. He wasn’t,” Sam says, and walks back into Dean’s room.

Outside

Uriel is sitting on a bench, waiting. “Castiel? I received Revelation from our superiors.” Castiel stands next to him. “Our brothers and sisters are dying, and they want us to stop hunting the demon responsible!” Uriel says. Castiel sits down. “Something is wrong up there,” Uriel says. “Can you feel it?” “The murders. Maybe they aren’t demonic,” Castiel says. “Sam Winchester said the demons have nothing to do with it.” “If not the demons, what could it be?” Uriel asks incredulously. “The will of Heaven,” Castiel guesses. “We are failing, Uriel, we are losing the war. Perhaps the garrison is being punished.” “You think our Father would...” Uriel begins. “I think maybe our Father isn’t giving the orders anymore,” Castiel cuts in. “Maybe there is something wrong.” Uriel stands up. “Well I won’t wait to be gutted.” He disappears, leaving Castiel alone.

Castiel is standing outside, at night. “Anna!” he calls. “Anna, please.” The light about his head flickers. He turns to see her standing behind him. “Decided to kill me after all?” she says. “I’m alone,” he says. “What do you want from me, Castiel?” she asks. “I’m considering disobedience,” he says. She nods. “Good.” “No, it isn’t,” he disagrees. “For the first time, I feel...” “It gets worse,” she says. “Choosing your own course of action is confusing. Terrifying.” She puts her hand on his shoulder, and he looks away. “That’s right. You’re too good for my help,” she says angrily. “I’m just trash. A walking blasphemy.” She starts to walk away. “Anna.” He stops her. “I don’t know what to do. Please tell me what to do.” She smiles. “Like the old days... No. I’m sorry. It’s time to think for yourself.” She disappears. He looks down, noticing a pipe on the side of the drinking fountain next to him.

Castiel is back in the factory where they tortured Alastair. He reaches down, looking at the gap in the devil’s trap. He looks up, seeing that water is dripping down still. He walks to the side of the pipe and tightens the handle. “You called,” Uriel says, appearing in the room. “What do you say, Castiel? Ready to join me? Will you fight with me?” “It’s strange,” Castiel interrupts. “Strange how a leaky pipe can undo the work of angels... when we ourselves are supposed to be the agents of fate.” “Alastair was much more powerful than we had imagined,” Uriel says, shaking his head. “No. No demon can overpower that trap,” Castiel says. “I made it myself. We’ve been friends for a long time, Uriel. Fought by each other’s sides... Served together, away from home... for what seems like forever. We’re brothers, Uriel. Pay me that respect, tell me the truth.” “The truth is, the only thing that can kill an angel...” A sharp knife slides out of Uriel’s sleeve into his hand. “...is another angel.” “You,” Castiel says. “I’m afraid so,” Uriel says. “And you broke the devil’s trap,” Castiel goes on. “Set Alastair on Dean.” “Alastair should have never been taken alive,” Uriel says, shaking his head. “Really inconvenient, Cas. Yes I did turn the screw a little. Alastair should have killed Dean and escaped and you should have gone on happily scapegoating the demons.” “For the murders of our kin?” Castiel says. “Not murders, Castiel. No. My work is conversion. How long have we waited here? How long have we played this game? By rules that make no sense!” Castiel turns away. “It is our Father’s world, Uriel.” “Our Father!” Uriel says loudly. “He stopped being that, if he ever was, the moment he created them! Humanity! His favourites. Swining, puking lava.” “Are you trying to convert me?” Castiel asks, turning back to him. “I wanted you to join me,” Uriel admits. “And I still do. With you, we can be powerful enough to... To raise our brother.” “Lucifer,” Castiel says. “You do remember him. How strong he was? How beautiful? And he didn’t bow to humanity. He was punished for defending us. Now if you want to believe in something, Cas, believe in him.” “Lucifer is not God,” Castiel says angrily. “God isn’t God anymore,” Uriel says. “He doesn’t care what we do. I am proof of that!” “But this...” Castiel turns to face him. “What were you gonna do, Uriel? Were you gonna kill the whole garrison?” “I only killed the ones who said no,” Uriel says. “Others have joined me, Cas. Now please brother, don’t fight me. Help me. Help me spread the word. Help me bring on the apocalypse. All you have to do is be unafraid.” Castiel lowers his head. “For the first time in a long time, I am.” Uriel starts to smile, but then Castiel throws him backwards through the wall. The two angels fight until Uriel gets the upper hand, knocking Castiel to the ground and grabbing his neck. “You can’t win, Uriel,” Castiel says. “I still serve God.” “You haven’t even met the man!” roars Uriel. “There is no will! No wrath!” He hits Castiel again. “No God!” Just as he raises his hand for another blow, his knife goes through his throat from behind. “Maybe - maybe not,” Anna whispers in his ear. “But there’s still me.” She pulls out the knife, and Uriel falls to the ground. There is a huge explosion of blue light as he dies.

Hospital

“Are you alright?” Castiel asks. He is sitting next to Dean’s bed. “No thanks to you,” Dean says painfully. “You need to be more careful,” Castiel says. “You need to learn have to manage a damn devil’s trap,” Dean says. “That’s not what I mean,” Castiel says. “Uriel is dead.” “Was it the demons?” Dean asks. “Disobedience,” Castiel says. “He was working against us.” “Is it true?” Dean asks suddenly. Castiel looks at him. “Did I break the first seal? Did I start all this?” “Yes,” Castiel says after a moment. “When we discovered Lillith’s plan for you, we laid siege to Hell. And we fought our way to get to you before...” “I jump-started the apocalypse,” Dean says softly. “We were too late,” Castiel says. “Why didn’t you just leave me there then?” Dean asks. “It’s not blame that falls on you, Dean. It’s fate,” Castiel says firmly. “The righteous man who begins it... is the only one who can finish it. You have to stop it.” “Lucifer?” Dean says. “The apocalypse? What does that mean?” Castiel is silent. “Hey! Don’t you go disappearing on me, you son of a bitch. What does that mean?” Dean says loudly. “I don’t know,” Castiel says. “Bull!” Dean replies. “I don’t,” Castiel repeats. “Dean, they don’t tell me much. I know our fate rests with you.” Dean’s chin trembles. “Well then you guys are screwed. I can’t do it, Cas. It’s too big. Alastair was right. I’m not all here. I’m not strong enough. I guess I’m not the man either of our dads wanted me to be. Find someone else. It’s not me.” A tear streaks down his cheek.

Synopsis by Deanandhisimpala