The latest episode of Supernatural took viewers into the world of wrestling as Sam and Dean investigated a case involving the death of a wrestler they used to watch as kids.

This article contains spoilers, so if you haven’t seen the episode “Beyond The Mat,” please do not continue reading.

It was good to see Sam and Dean combine work and play as they attended a wrestling match in order to investigating a case.  Even though I always enjoy episodes where the Winchesters talk about their never-before-seen childhood moments, “Beyond The Mat” didn’t work for me, probably because I am not a fan of wrestling and an episode devoted to a wrestling murder mystery wasn’t something that made me eager with anticipation.

That being said, Jensen Ackles playing Dean as a wrestling fan was a hoot to see. I love when we get Dean acting less like a hunter with the weight of the world on his shoulder and more like a regular dude. Ackles does the cute just as well as the serious and determined. And Sam seeing his childhood crush (sorry Amy Pond) allowed Jared Padalecki to display the boyish charm that fans love.

This is the third Supernatural appearance for guest star Aleks Paunovic, who played Gunner. The actor’s previous episodes were Season Two’s “Crossroad Blues” and Season Six’s “All Dogs Go To Heaven.” He did a commendable job playing a man who sold his soul a few times to a Crossroad Demon.  Gunner was a likable character who made some poor decisions but tried to do what was right.

Real life wrestling guest star Mike “the Miz” Mizanin’s showed he was a fine actor with the material he was given. But I’ll have to re-watch the episode again in order to appreciate the nuances of his and Paunovic’s performances.

The secondary plot involved Lucifer or Casifer continuing to play with his favorite doggy, Crowley, who proved the King was Not Dead, Long Live the King. I love when Crowley shows he is not defeated “I’m Crowley”. Yes you are, and Mark Shepphard owns the part.

As I previously mentioned, I will be re-watching the episode and afterwards, provide a follow-up post offering what I hope may be an improved opinion.

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