How do you know these people?

Work with 'em.

Guys, I find, don't often know about this stuff.

Just because he can't trust him doesn't mean they're going to break up, does it?

No. Because trust or no trust, Dean doesn't want him dead. They have to get through this battle one way or another.

mellenbal did indeed scare the cat. It was quite amusing.

I wish there were a third side in the big cosmic confrontation that could have been present to snark at Zachariah "deceptive ruses, torture, threatening loved ones to get your way... are you really sure your side should be making war against Lucifer rather than appointing him your general?"

I have a feeling that Michael may well end up being that third side, and that Zachariah might have been in for a very nasty surprise if Dean had, in fact, invoked Michael.

Given the kind of plotline we're seeing set up between Sam and Dean and the cause/nature of the rift, I can't help but wonder if what we're going to wind up seeing the conflict between Michael and Lucifer framed in those terms. In short, while Michael cannot trust and may not be able to forgive Lucifer, his desire for reconciliation may be greater than the instinct to smite. I hope that makes sense.

On the subject of Michael, I wonder if we'll see him try to convince Dean to let him in the way Lucifer worked on Nick--via vision or dream of a departed loved one. That would be an interesting way to bring back JDM.

um ... is there any chance that Castiel is actually Michael? he's gotten quite a boost in power and Dean is his very own special snowflake.

Interesting ideas, both of you!

I'm still stuck on wondering if the power that brought Cas back and put Dean and Sam on the plane was actually God. Zachariah seemed to know who Cas was referring to when he said it wasn't the angels (which is the only reason I can't see Castiel being Michael), and he did NOT look happy. Obviously, it wouldn't have been Lucifer, right? Who else is left?

No.

Good. I need to be told that. Their brother thing is insanely important to me. It's one of the reasons Wincest makes me so crazy.

I get that. It's their childhood that gets me, when I think about it -- how they were raised, what they were to each other, the weight of the secrets they were carrying around. And they really don't have anyone but Bobby now, aside from each other.

Not that I think they should stick together simply because they're blood. But they share a history that's made them who they are, and I don't think either of them should or would walk away from that lightly.

Their brother thing is insanely important to me. It's one of the reasons Wincest makes me so crazy.

This. And I really believe there are going to be some very interesting brother moments to come. I'm stocking up on Kleenex.

is there any chance that Castiel is actually Michael?

That would completely dash my hope of seeing a guest spot from Cate Blanchett.