That's how they explained it in the episode, that the demon was providing the power for their spells without them knowing. I still think it should take a lot more know-how and effort to make that initial contact that attracts the demon's attention though. This was the equivalent of someone being on the hook for a mortgage because they clipped pictures of the house they want out of the newspaper rather than going through a bank and signing a deal.

Things I loved: Dean; Bad Day at Black Rock (one of the funniest things I've seen in AGES - that was some splendid writing and just glorious physical comedy, imho); Dean's Not!Son (Awwww! Such cuteness!); Fairy Tales coming true; The Black Pearl Ghost Ships; Groundhog Day & the return of the Trickster; "GhostFacers!"; Henrikson's revelation; Wee!Dean trying to give Sam a Christmas by stealing presents from the kid down the street; The Evil Christmas God Duo*. (Do love how very much this show continues to dovetail with Giaman's American Gods.)

Hee. I loved all these things as well! And most of your thoughts mirror my own.

There may be spoilers in this interview with Todd Farmer about My Bloody Valentine.

The relevant paragraph is near the end:

TF: There's no camp. There's some real humor that comes out of real situations but no camp. It's still creepy and still atmospheric. These are real people facing real scares and real brutality. And when I say "real" I mean quirky and flawed and loving and pissed off and brilliant. And much of that brilliance is due to the actors. Jensen Ackles is a force of nature, always surprising you with his choices. Patrick calls him a young Steve McQueen.

Have we posted this vid? I think not: [link]

Fay in particular needs to see this.

You can get download links here: [link]

The episode made me wince a bit because it was doing that contrived A Very Special Episode thing, but I loved the flashbacks to Wee!Dean and Wee!Sam (for I am always a sucker for that)

Am I the only person who winces at the oh so terrible acting of Wee!Dean? ("Shut Up! Don't you Ever say Anything about Mom!") It yanks me out of what I know is supposed to be a heart-tugging scene every time.

I've seen Ridge Canipe in other things, and he's a very organic actor. I tend to think his performance in the Christmas ep was director failure. It wasn't optimal, that's for sure.

Nice one, Consuela, thank you!

Oh, that was splendid, 'Suela!

I continue to be of the opinion that Faith and Dean would be very very good for one another. And should have lots of babies.

(I can't think of any other characters that I wish domesticity upon - but the notion of those two crazy kids on the road, raising a handful of monster-slaying brats...just a lot of adorability right there. And they both CRAVE family. I'm not sure whether Sammy would be part of this scenario...probably, though.)

Ooo, I quite enjoyed that vid.

(I can't think of any other characters that I wish domesticity upon - but the notion of those two crazy kids on the road, raising a handful of monster-slaying brats...just a lot of adorability right there. And they both CRAVE family. I'm not sure whether Sammy would be part of this scenario...probably, though.)

Oh,yes. Wonderful. (and by "scenario...")

Am I the only person who winces at the oh so terrible acting of Wee!Dean?

Not the only one. I cringed at those scenes, and at those of the alleged Dean spawn rocking on earlier this season too. Really, the only child actor I've liked on this show was the first girl who played Lilith.

Man. I'm reading the scheduling thread over at TWOP and now they're suggesting October 2nd or September 18th for the premiere.

I wish the CW would just announce the dates already.