Ep 11. Playthings

In Supernatural season 2 episode 11, titled Playthings, the Winchester brothers find themselves investigating a case in the seemingly idyllic town of Maple Springs, New York. The episode opens with a young girl named Tyler wandering the halls of a grand hotel, where her mother works as the housekeeper. Tyler experiences strange occurrences, such as the elevator doors opening and closing by themselves, and a doll mysteriously moving on its own. Meanwhile, Sam and Dean arrive in town under the guise of insurance adjusters investigating a guest's claim of paranormal activity in the hotel.

The Winchesters soon discover that the hotel was once an orphanage run by a woman named Margaret Fox, who was known for her strict discipline and penchant for corporal punishment. Margaret's ghost is believed to haunt the hotel, and the locals refer to her as "the maid." Upon further investigation, Sam and Dean uncover a connection between Margaret and a series of recent disturbing events - the disappearance of several young girls, all of whom were staying in the hotel with their families.

One of the central themes of the episode is the idea of innocence lost. Both Sam and Dean struggled with their respective losses from the previous season, and in Maple Springs, they confront a similar loss of innocence in the form of the young victims. The children in this episode are portrayed as sweet, but vulnerable and susceptible to danger. The Winchesters take it upon themselves to protect these innocent lives while also grappling with their own demons.

The episode effectively builds suspense and dread as the Winchesters dive deeper into the case. The eerie silence of the abandoned orphanage, coupled with the unsettling presence of creepy dolls, adds to the overall tension. The dolls are reminiscent of the horror genre, and their purpose within the narrative is to represent the innocence of youth and the perversion of violence.

One of the highlights of this episode is the portrayal of Sam and Dean's relationship. They are shown bickering and disagreeing with one another, but they also share moments of levity and camaraderie throughout the investigation. Sam, in particular, gets some time to shine as he takes on a bigger role in the case and demonstrates his powers of deduction.

Overall, Supernatural season 2 episode 11, titled Playthings, is a solid addition to the series. While it doesn't push the boundaries of the show's formula, it effectively builds tension and presents a thought-provoking theme about the loss of innocence. The relationship between Sam and Dean is also a highlight, as their chemistry is on display throughout the episode. Fans of the series will enjoy the scares, the humor, and the emotional character moments.