Even back when I was disgusted with Sam, I was entertained and interested.

Yes. I loved that the golf clubs he dissed came in handy later.

I did find Sam's behaviour intriguing. I do think that without Dean as a moderating influence, he might become somewhat like we saw in the premiere, but I also think the Campbells have been a very poor influence, pushing him even futher along. I foresee Sam having to make a choice between them and Dean in the not-too-distant future.

I was worried that we'd come back to a magically healed Dean that needs no coping mechanisms

Oh, I don't think Dean is magically healed at all. I don't think he's ever going to be, to be honest, even if he was happily back on the road with Sam. Dean is too fundamentally broken at this point to ever be completely psychologically healthy. He's got issues with self-esteem, guilt, misplaced responsibility, abandonment, just to name shit off the top of my head.

He's just a good con man. Has been since childhood.

Pie:

I don't mean to discourage discussion, either! I just really liked the premiere, and I'm really interested in how it plays out.

I foresee Sam having to make a choice between them and Dean in the not-too-distant future.

I agree, although I'm not convinced that's a hundred percent Sam. We'll see, I guess.

I share ehab's frustrations in that I have a hard time deciphering Jared's facial expressions. I can pick up on the big emotions (concern, exasperation, fear) but I just don't see the more nuanced ones. I end up confused about Sam's thoughts and feelings even when the storyline doesn't call for ambiguity so in this situation, when I think we are supposed to be wondering if he came back wrong, I'm kinda totally lost.

I wanted the opener to be better than it was (to me), Amy, but I am definitely wanting to see what happens! I am very interested in see what resolution they come up with (I am operating under the assumption this is the last season.)

So I am looking forward to it, but I am grumpy, because I wanted more oomph, and it really did seem pretty draggy to me.

I love this!

Drowning your demons probably looks like a reasonable option when you know half a dozen or so by name.

It is a great sentence.

He's just a good con man. Has been since childhood.

Oh, Amy. Oh, Dean.

I probably sound cranky, but I'm feeling pretty lonely in my enjoyment of the episode, and my anticipation for the season.

I'm there with you. I watched the episode again tonight and as always see things that I miss on the first time. Gosh Darn, Jim Beaver nailed his part--I completely believed Bobby and that doesn't always happen for me. Sam was --simply beautiful. I think we have something deeper to uncover with him and that is great. Yay Arc!

Lisa, as you know, is a favorite of mine from the word go so she only improved for me. If Dean doesn't stay with her then I am asking her to be my girlfriend. I wish I had seen more of Ben, but I'll go where the writers take me on this one.

Grandpa Campbell--hmmm. That's tough because he obviously is holding cards close to his chest, but that doesn't have to mean bad. He was a hard core hunter who butted heads with Mary and I don't see any reason for her sons to get along any better with him.

The rest of the Campbells are frankly creepy. Especially the female cousin. When she grinned up at Samuel once, it was like she was some sort of minion. I don't know if that is intentional or that Saturday morning Sera was going, "Oh Shit!"

At this point I am giving Sera the benefit of the doubt. I'm pretty confident that she is going to continue my journey in a satisfying manner. She had a lot of things to set up after the season 5 finale.

And I saved the best gush for last (because it's not really me unless I say how astonishly crazy talented Jensen was in the episode.) Damn, dude, how did you play the whole episode with a lump in your throat? He totally needs an episode like Hush where he has no words. Every little nuanced thought is conveyed with his eyes and facial muscles. How do you show that you aren't head over heels in love with someone and yet really want to be with them, and given time, see the potential? Cause I saw him do that.

And I saved the best gush for last

Theresa, right?!

I'm thinking we were supposed to be made to feel unsettled by that episode. It achieved its goal, but (for the most part) I didn't enjoy it. But I am still hopeful for the season, I still love the Winchesters, and I'm 99% sure next week's episode will make me happy.

eta: I won't be at all surprised if I end up feeling differently about the season premiere after a rewatch.