I enjoyed this episode, mostly because the boys are together and working together and that's a place I like them being. I think Dean's personality is Dean's personality, I don't see any change, this cheeky, bravado side is always just under the surface. The B word doesn't phase me, I think his language would be seriously colourful. I am sure Dean swears a blue streak. It was actually good to see him a bit lighter, a bit more how he was before all this apocalyptic stuff started happening to them. I put this to the fact he's not stressed out of his brain about Sam at every turn. I really loved seeing Ellen again and agree, what a lovely universe that would be with Ellen and Bobby married and the boys dropping around for the occasional home cooked meal. Cas has been hiding something for ages and it's now starting to come out. I actually thought this episode nudged the mystery along nicely. I think Cas wanted the boys to remember more for the reason of hoping that when the lies come out, they will understand how important this war is and how important to Cas the notion of freedom is, something he learnt from them. Not going to help him much when Dean realises he's been lying for a long time, that is going to be tragic for both of them. I thought this was a solid episode and I was very thankful for it after such a long break.

I just want Bobby to catch a break. How much more can that poor guy take.

This episode was like a slowly deflating balloon. There really wasn't anything to it, though it was nice to see Ellen and I laughed out loud at the fan servicey line about Castiel being in love with the Winchesters.

The fact that you don't want b**** said becuase it's not in character and not because it's demeaning and offensive, negates the whole sentiment. Calling women b****** and wh**** and whatever else, and truly living up to the Madonna/Wh*** standard of character development with the vast majority of its ladies up to this point has been fine. But now, it's TERRIBLE because there's a Kate Winslet reference?

Classy.

As much as I loved having Ellen around for a proverbial cup of coffee, Irish at that, not a particularly engaging episode. Had its moments but not very satisfying over all.

Great review, Mo. Pretty much agree with everything except Dean's "bitch." Anytime Dean says SOB or bitch in the same episode, it is a win for me. I do notice that Sera is taking away Dean's drinking now. I marked my calendar as April 15, 2011, being the day that Dean's characteristics were totally erased. I've been wondering when she would do that.

I found the episode enjoyable for the pretty, that the boys were together, and that there were enough hints at what the show used to be, but I've given up on all the storylines this season, so pretty is all there is left.

The brothers really didn't do or accomplish anything in the episode. Just mostly used for the exposition of the story. Once they got to the main purpose of the episode -- to show how much Cas liked the brothers so that when they find out he has done all the regrettable things that we don't know he's done, Dean will be hurt that more of his family deceived him -- the brothers were out of the picture; literally frozen in place the minute the angel story took over.

I have no investment in the angel story. We've only heard that there is one, and by now I have no interest in what is going on with Cas or in heaven. Same with the Mother story. Introduced her and then no development. What I really think is going on in S6 is bringing Misha into one of three leads in the series. The show seems to be taking a slow approach between signing Misha on in S4 and bringing him fully on-board by the end of S6. And, really, I don't give a hoot for a Two Hunters and Their Angel story.

My vote is to just get through S6 and hope for better in S7. Whether I will be back or not will depend on some concrete spoilers coming out over the summer that gives me a reason to sit through another season. This one has been below terrible. I agree with the BYO's post that things seem a little 'off' with even Jared and Jensen. Perhaps all the negative comments about S6 made the showrunner attempt to change direction from her original plans to give us a little bit of what used to be and still tell the stories (and read that as too many) she hoped to tell this season.

In summary, my vote for the episode was enjoyable enough not to complain too much about this specific one. The season as a whole, though, is another tune.

This episode had all the right ingredients, so I wondered why I didn't love it more. I've missed Cas, but he seemed so sad & tired. Usually, Cas scenes are intense, but I didn't feel that when Cas talked to Fate. I wonder if prior intensity was more due to Jensen???

I love meaty themes. So, I loved the part where Cas tells the brothers what he learned from them, "we don't have to accept fate. we can choose freedom" I personally love that idea. Too bad this season had no theme or stories backing up the "freedom is preferable" idea.

On another forum, some fans complained that they felt "pulled out the story" when Cas appeared. They said that they have zero investment in the angel war ,since they've seen so little of it. Anyway, I'm still trying to put my finger on why I wowed.

Finally, I'm agree with the poster who thinks that all the souls going to Heaven power Heaven/angels in some way. Remember S5 Cas lost his power when he was cut off from Heaven

I enjoyed this episode, maybe more because it was so nice to have Sam, Dean and Cas back again. It had the right balance of humor and story for me. Whatever Cas is up to, I don't necessarily think of him as engaging in "dirty tricks", more it seems like desperate acts.

The problem the writers are comping up against now is the same thing that happened with the Apocalypse. They've built up this War In Heaven so much without giving any clues as to what's really going on that my expectations are through the roof. No way can they ultimately reveal something that will not feel like a let down. They need to start moderating our expectations by giving us more details.

Regarding Fate, for the first time TPTB at Supernatural tied in Greek mythology with Judeo-Christian. Fate and her sisters work for God — they are not monsters. To clear up some possible misconceptions; the three sisters have specific tasks.

Atropos who was featured in 'My Heart Will Go On' job is to cut the "thread of life". She is given leeway to chose how a person/being (perhaps even angels and demons) would die but when is not up to her. More later.

Her sister Clotho spun the individual threads for each person which stated when a person would be born and die while also included how a person would live where as Lachesis' purpose is to measure out how long each thread is to be.

Now according to Supernatural the sisters jobs were decided by God who I am assuming wrote the "book of life" which has the information the sisters needed to fullfil their jobs. Now that God is missing and the book is worthless the sisters have no clue as to what their fates are. Plus I'm sure they were looking forward to a vacation.

Hi Mo nice to be back from hellatus was a long time. I really enjoyed this episode. I understand where you are coming from and I respect your opinions but I was entertained and even more no when I watched it again.
As far as Balthazar is concerned I loved him. From what we have seen from him I totally believed in his warped mind hating the movie Titanic Celine’s song etc. that scene with the boys was priceless. Loved how Dean and Sam worked effortlessly together like the old days summoning Batli in the motel room. And speaking of the room I thought it was big improvement over the rooms they’re usually in.
I was surprised to learn Cas was actually behind un-sinking the ship for the souls. Big reveal for me was souls are needed for the “war machine” but have no idea what that means. I hope it’s answered. Like you I feel Dean is going to be very hurt to discover Cas has been lying to them. I agree with your reasoning for Cas leaving their memories intact. Cas’s explanation made sense to me. Agree the show dropped the ball on this story line. I’m like at this point I almost don’t care anymore.
Only Bobby could say, "The hell with you" and make it sound like an endearment. How right you are and how great is Jim Beaver.
Loved the story line with Bobby and Ellen being married. Just made me miss Ellen even more than I already do. Jim and Samantha were awesome and so enjoyable.
Every time there was a reference to Sam and Dean they are called “the boys”. Awwww that’s how I always think of them. Might have something to do with the fact that I could be their mother. Ugh what a thought!
Loved all the little differences in the alternate time line. Most were really funny and I totally thought the mustang was perfect seeing that was Eric’s original idea of their muscle car.
Liked Fate and hope we see her again. I love it when Dean says “Son of a bitch” I’ll agree with you on his other comments. Doesn’t fit him anymore (thank goodness) writers smarten up.
The last scene Dean covering Bobby with a blanket and as he turns the light out we see the pic of Bobby alone again instead of the one with him and Ellen – that was heart wrenching. Like Dean and Sam Bobby has lost so much.

I’m pulling for TPTB will tie up all the story lines nicely by the end of the season.