Jensen and Jared are both contractually bound for a sixth season at the network's discretion. Kripke is not. Plus he has a development deal, I believe with the CW, so it would be safe to assume he's distracted with new projects, as Joss was with Firefly in Buffy's and Angel's later seasons.

Jared has been quieter about his preferences since the spectre of S6 has grown more likely, but it's no secret he's tired of the long hours and of Vancouver. He's said "I don't want to do another series, unless I get a gig like Misha's", which is not being one of two leads and carrying half of almost every scene. I'm sure he would love to take his shot at mainstream movies, and honestly I think he's going to be more successful at that sort of career than Jensen will be. Jensen's the better actor, but Jared looks both more heroic and more menacing. He'll be easier to cast. Jensen's too pretty to do character work, and not rugged enough to play heroic leads. Not, at least, until he gets about ten more years on that face.

Jensen has been less forthcoming about his wishes, but he has indicated that he's very concerned about having a job. I really believe one reason he's "relaxed" so much and is doing more cons is that they pay them quite well for a couple of days' work. One con could concieveably pay the bills between ne gig and another, if his series ends and there are no other offers immediately forthcoming. With that motivation it's simple to guess that he's viewing each con as an acting job, and being paid for the performance.

Aside from building recognition factor by appearing as often as possible on film, I get the feeling that financial security is at least partly responsible for some of Jensen's doubtful choices in the movies he's made.

Just my rambly thoughts.

This season has been good, but it would be nice to get back to the human stories that made me love the show in the first place.

Behind those stories, though, was the need to find John, you know?

Only in S1 though, and I think the human feel kept up through S2.

Right, but in S2 they were trying to find YED. There's always some overarching goal, just like in BtVS or Angel.

I get the feeling that financial security is at least partly responsible for some of Jensen's doubtful choices in the movies he's made

What was behind Jared's dubious choices?

Jensen has spent too much time standing next to Padalecki and Welling. He needs to stand next to normal people, and then he'll be more castable as an action character.

I think it's hard for anyone in an hour-long drama to find movie roles, too, simply based on scheduling, right? After the show is over they can grab for more roles that are filming wherever, whenever.

Right, but in S2 they were trying to find YED. There's always some overarching goal, just like in BtVS or Angel.

But there's no reason there couldn't be this again. That's what I'm saying, though maybe not too well.

What was behind Jared's dubious choices?

That young actor need to get his face on screen as much as possible--recognition factor, so producers and casting people at least know his face when a project comes up.

But there's no reason there couldn't be this again. That's what I'm saying, though maybe not too well.

Oh! I thought you were saying there didn't need to be a goal. You just want the more human, personal stories along with! Which is also a-okay with me.

I completely agree with Lee. I don't think that's a surprise, since I've been vocal about that all season--probably last season too.

I want more "Killing things, saving people. The family business." And I'd like the show to go out on that note--helping ordinary people, doing good on a human level--rather than "We saved the world! Now we're going to Disneyland!" or heaven or something.