I don't think Samuel was in hell. The crossroads demon was able to bring Sam back from what we presume is heaven in AHBL; I assumed Crowley simply meant he knew the right man for his job, and where to find him.

I'm glad we finally know who brought Sam back, although his face when he was telling Cas what a "piss-poor" job he did broke me.

And Crowley is definitely the greatest salesman who ever lived. The way he sold Cas was perfect -- pressing every button so neatly.

Loved that Cas was keeping watch over Dean, too, and how much he wanted to honor both what Sam wanted for Dean, and what he thought was good for Dean (i.e. the chance to rest and find some happiness).

I think Team Free Will's anger is justified -- no one wants to be played, especially after what the angels put Sam and Dean through. I think Dean especially is simply hurt that Cas didn't come to him and ask for help or advice. When it comes to his family, Dean does believe he's the only one who can keep them safe, even if that means keeping them safe from themselves (see: Sam partnering with Ruby, plus the fact that he was right about that bears out his belief).

The scene in the dark living room with the hushed voices was so reminiscent of mom and dad fighting so the kids won't hear. They broke up! God, that was painful.

And Cas speaking to god, waiting for an answer -- really beautifully played. He hasn't lost his faith, even though he knows god took himself out of the game a long time ago. I think the fact that it can only be god who brought him back at Stull is responsible for some of that, but I don't think Cas ever truly lost his devotion, not completely.

I need to watch it again. So much happened, I was sitting there with my mouth hanging open trying to process for most of it.

I am blocking out time this afternoon to rewatch Mommy Dearest and this. Most def.

I'm with Amy on Samuel.

Ellsworth! Bobby's demonic counterpart has the same name as his Deadwood character.

Goddamn, I was wondering why that sounded so familiar. Awesome.

Oh, god. Me and Mrs Jones is playing in the opening Crowley/Castiel scene. No, guys, layer on the relationship metaphors a little thicker, because I think my dead grandma didn't notice.

Mark Sheppard is so cute when he's playing furious.

Why do people anti-ship? I mean, I get not getting off on the idea of A and B getting it on, but why would you go around pissing on A/B shippers and tell them you've found a new reason their ship can't work or is ignoring canon?

It almost always seem to be people who aren't the rare few canon shippers, but seem to think somehow that one made up relationship impinges on another relationship happening offscreen.

I mean, there are ships I think are weird and completely don't work for me. I'll even talk about it. But I won't chase down a Sassy shipper yelling "more profound bond!" or anything. It's not my business what they ship unless they're somehow cramping the production in my corners of fandom. In which case they should just be eliminated. Fuck conversion.

eta: Unrelatedly, this artist has a lot of minimalist posters for sale. I feel ultimately dorky that I get all of them, but so will you.

I've been reading a lot of D/C fans who were going to picket Sera's house

OMG, please tell me someone is stopping them. I'm not even sure I would admit to outsiders that I am part of this fandom. "Are you here for the Supernatural convention?" "Nope, I'm with the Scientology group, way less kooky."

I get why Dean is so gutted, but I'm unsure about everyone else.

Okay, the way you guys are explaining it, I understand better. I get being mad because someone lied, but leaving them in a ring of angel fire with a storm of demons on the way? That was a little harsh. Dean, he raised you out of Hell where you were torturing souls. You get to not talk to him or pout for awhile until you feel better, but you don't get to execute him.

Why do people anti-ship? I mean, I get not getting off on the idea of A and B getting it on, but why would you go around pissing on A/B shippers and tell them you've found a new reason their ship can't work or is ignoring canon?

Because A/B and B/S will never make peace. Their cookies aren't done baking. Something about cookie dough.

Seriously though, do you think people were all, "Eff Kirk/Spock,obviously Bones and Spock had all the chemistry! And the tribbles?! Forgetaboutit! They were hawt!!"

I get being mad because someone lied, but leaving them in a ring of angel fire with a storm of demons on the way? That was a little harsh

Now that you mention it, yeah, this. I was too taken up with the whole romantic aspect of Cas telling Dean to save himself, and Dean's parting look of longing.

As a D/C shipper, this ep was beautiful.

Kirk doesn't respect Bones! He only respects Spock! And can therefore only do the dirty with him! Yea, because that's how people work, and there's some sort of zero sum porn game.

you don't get to execute him

I don't think it was all that. Cas could defend himself. The boys and Bobby could not. I didn't actually think he wouldn't get through it.

I hope Cas doesn't pay *too* much for his arrogance. He was arrogant enough to think that he could get all of Sam out of the cage, and was surprised it didn't work. He is being arrogant thinking that he's not opening up the world to danger from the mere action of being in a bargain with Crowley.

He wasn't arrogant enough to think Dean would understand, obviously. But I hope at least Crowley is vanquished or contained, and that Raphael gets beaten. Even if Cas has to fall.

I wonder what Balthazar thinks about Crowley? I wonder if Crowley and Baltie sip scotch and bitch about Cas' inappropriate attachments?