I'm reading people bitch about the ruination of Cas's character, but I don't know if these people thought S4 ruined Sam. There's always coming back from regrettable things. It's in the writers' control. Pitchforks to Sera's house are a bit OTT.

I don't think Dean deserves to have Cas be a long term antagonist, because how many violations of trust can he take? But I think Misha would rock the HELL out of it.

Huh. I've missed seeing as much of him this year, but I actually think Castiel is being used better with regard to the overall story than he was last year.

Some people don't like thing that gets in the way of warm fuzzy thoughts, especially if it might mess with a ship.

Since none of the guys on the show are sleeping with any of the other guys on the show, I don't feel protective in that manner. I do realise I'm on my own when I ship whoever I choose.

I almost got into an argument in another fandom with a complete stranger who acted like they were owed a pairing, but then I backed off.

I can't and won't say that Cas IS being ruined. I think he's on an interesting path that could be handled well or . . . not. So, I'm nervous, but not crying for blood. I think this is potentially awesome that they are exploring this, and also incredibly nervous that they're exploring this with so little time left. I think the only thing that I've disliked about his character portrayal is how he dealt, or didn't, with Soulless!Sam threatening to hunt him down and kill him (and the whole "a non-corporeal being arguing for the sanctity of a meatsuit while leaving the soul in Hell").

I was talking with a friend about how Cas' story reminded me of Sam's story Season 5. All this wonderful potential only brought to fruition in the final episodes. Hints and hints and hints and BAM!TIEITALLUPINABOWOVER.

the whole "a non-corporeal being arguing for the sanctity of a meatsuit while leaving the soul in Hell"

I think this is more a function of the writers not defining the meaning of a soul very well, rather than a poor character choice. For a long time, his instinct has been to protect both Dean and Sam, and I think he was doing that, or trying to, odd as it seemed.

I've seen the question raised of Castiel having an ulterior motive for wanting Sam to remain locked in the cage. And began wondering myself if, now that he's tapping human souls for power, one that spent a great deal of time in extremely close proximity to Lucifer might be useful in some way that run-of-the-mill ones aren't. Maybe as a way of siphoning power out of the cage, or perhaps stuffing a third archangel in.

But do we *know* that's what he's using them for? He only used Bobby's to heal more quickly, the way I understood it in Frontierland.

I mean, clearly they want extra souls for *something,* I just wasn't sure it was clear what yet.

Amy, I think you're right, and it makes me sad. I can kinda see the intention, but the threads they pulled together are scattered. I can see the idea of "Dean wants Sam back no matter what, and Cas says it's dangerous for Sam" except they forgot the part where Sam wasn't really Sam, and Cas is a creature who would be all "yeah, they're dead, isn't it great that they're now receiving their heavenly reward?! I don't understand why you're sad."

the part where Sam wasn't really Sam

Sam disagrees with you here. I'm not sure what the show wants us to believe.

Pinkraygun review. I link to it only because of the exceptional pictures of Dean. Skip reading it.