American Nightmare is the 4th episode of Season 12. It aired on November 3rd, 2016.
Summary
OFF THE GRID – Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles) investigate a case that leads them to a devout religious family that lives off the grid. The brothers realize that the parents are hiding a huge secret that could destroy them all. Meanwhile, Dean struggles to accept Mary’s (guest star Samantha Smith) latest decision.
Characters
- Sam Winchester
- Dean Winchester
- Magda Peterson
- Gail Peterson
- Abraham Peterson
- Elijah Peterson
- Beth Roberts
- Mr. Ketch
Featured Supernatural being
Trivia
- The episode title may refer to:
- The pun of "American Dreams", national ethos of the United States, the set of ideals (democracy, rights, liberty, opportunity, and equality) in which freedom includes the opportunity for prosperity and success, and an upward social mobility for the family and children, achieved through hard work in a society with few barriers.
- There is also a name of a short-lived TV serial, American Dreams that run on 2002 - 2005.
- The American Nightmare itself refers to various things, ranging from names of a band (former name of Give Up The Ghost), films, songs, to even a title of book that heavily critiques Sarah Palin (Going Rouge: Sarah Palin, An American Nightmare).
- The pun of "American Dreams", national ethos of the United States, the set of ideals (democracy, rights, liberty, opportunity, and equality) in which freedom includes the opportunity for prosperity and success, and an upward social mobility for the family and children, achieved through hard work in a society with few barriers.
- "American Nightmare" is a song by The Misfits. Writer Davy Perez tweeted a link to the song just before this episode aired.
- Sam is revealed to be a fan of Lucifer's vessel, Vince Vincente.
- Sam's intervention in Magda's attempt to get revenge on her mother mirrors Sam's intervention in Max Miller's attempt to get revenge on his step-mother. The main difference is that Magda did not commit suicide afterwards, and chose to accept Sam's promise that despite her powers, she would be okay.
Quotes
Dean: So, Lucifer. The lord of evil, the angel of light, is now the master of butt rock. He jumped into Vince Vincente.
Dean: Cas is chumming it up with Crowley. They're hunting Lucifer together. That's right. One's an angel, one's a demon and apparently they solve crimes.
Video
Supernatural American Nightmare Trailer The CW