I've heard people making the "Chuck was God" argument, and I don't buy in. It would be the kind of completely out-of-continuity move that the writers on this show have gone to great lengths to avoid. For one simple reason: Chuck can't be God because Dean's ambulate/necklace charm never "burned hot" in Chuck's presence. Period.

I do think his disappearance was an allusion to the prophets of the Old Testament, who were often "taken up to Heaven" by God. I think this is what happened to Chuck -- God removed him. It symbolizes that Chuck's work -- to guide the boys to the battlefield and avert the apocalypse -- was complete, that this is the end of that story line, that Lucifer is back in the pit with no hope of getting out.

Which is why I also am convinced that was Sam outside of the window. He wanted Dean to have a normal life. He told him too. Satan is gone, and God spared Sam, and now Sam wants to spare Dean. The story "ended," but "things never really end." Which means we are moving on. New plot next season. New big-bad. No more apocalypse (thank goodness, because I was getting tired of that word).

But man, either way, this episode floored me. You have to worry that a show that promises "the apocalypse" can't possibly deliver a solid storyline finale (I'd argue that Season 6 of Angel, if it had a chance to go on, would have done it with panache). But Kripke (and Ben Edlund! Wonder if he's got a brother named Chuck?) and crew did it. It was poignant, fascinating, funny, and powerful. It was basically perfect for this show. A+. (And for my money, Bobby got the best "moment" in the finale, when he feebly shot at Lucifer-Sam just to distract him, then made that "well, yeah, I know it was dumb, but what am I gonna do?" look at Sam -- its hard to find a moment of humor when the Devil is about to blow you up, you know?).

Thanks for watching with us, Jane. Really hope you can review the next season. This is easily the best show on television (Lost, schmost!) and it deserves better play on TV Squad!

I hear many people condemning Sam for what he made Dean promise. I admit it was hard on Dean and I had a lump in my throat myself, but what he was trying to do was breaking the eternal Winchester self-sacrifice circle. If Dean did find a way to bring Sam back it wouldn't be without a cost and it would start all over again. Sam wants Dean to live a healthy life, even if it means a life sentece for himself in Hell. It can be selfish or it can be tremendously altruistic, depending on the way you look at it. I choose the altruistic view.

Thanks for the comments, All. Yes, I'll absolutely review season six if I get the go-ahead from the TV Squad brass. I'm totally hooked.

Hmmm... Chuck as God... that's a really interesting theory. If he IS God, where did he go when he disappeared? Back to Heaven when Lucifer and Michael took the swan dive into the hole? And if that's indeed Lucifer looking in the window, then that's another game-changer for God (although my theory is it's Sam looking in the window).

Can't picture Dean settling down, not after the life he's lived. He knows too much. It'd be cool, though, if they figured out how to incorporate Lisa and the kid into the series. I still think he's Dean's son. Too many similarities.

I'm really glad it didn't end with season five, especially when I just climbed aboard the 'Supernatural' train. Can't wait for next season.

I probably should have read the comments first :)

I can't wait for season 6 and I do think it's Lucifer in the window although every now and then I think 'But what if it's Sam!"

Will you be reviewing season 6? I would love it if Supernatural got more coverage on TVSquad!

I buy the whole Chuck was God theory because Joshua (in the episode "Dark Side of the Moon")told Sam and Dean that God was on earth, and that he was probably helping them more than they knew. Sounds like Chuck to me.

I admit that I was waiting to see which 'fan favorite' died. And I gasped out loud at what happened to Cas and Bobby (besides Dean and Daddy Winchester, Bobby is easily my favorite character). This was a good Season Finale, however had this been the end of the series I would have been disappointed. Dean isn't someone to settle down, and while we did get a glimpse of his struggle there, it wouldn't have been a satisfying wrap up for this loyal fan. Looking forward to next year, and hoping they bring back Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Jim Beaver.

I think Supernatural should be reviewed next season as well. It is great to have a place to read other people's comments on the episodes and you have done a good job with this after dark series Jane. I think that the cage was not meant to hold two archangels. I think Lucifer and Michael were able to break out. I am torn between whether or not they stayed in their vessels or had to leave them in order to break out of the cage together. I am looking forward to next season. Oh, and I don't buy some people's theory that Chuck was God just because he disappeared at the end. In the Bible there are many prophets who disappear or are taken to heaven when their job is done. I think this is what happened to Chuck.

Glad you were able to finish this! I thought the season finale was a nice bookend to the original five-season arc. I'm personally torn on if it was Sam or Lucifer at the end of the finale, so I haven't quite decided which one was looking through the window.

Now, since Supernatural was (technically) supposed to end this season according to the producers, even though the network got its way and cleared season 6, will you be reviewing next season as well?