Well nowhere near the level of the brilliant In My Time of Dying or the very good Lazarus Rising, but certainly leaps and bounds better then Magnificent Seven and last season's opener.
Pretty much liked every thing in the episode except for the spell used to raise Death as it doesn't even come close to matching what we knew was a requirement for raising death (not to say their can't be more then one way, but...)
Loved the us of the rebuilding of the Impala to signify the passage of time. Loved Dean in this episode. Really did. I was worried at first that the writers would have Dean forgive Castiel, and in no way shape or form could I buy that. Sam I could as Sam does know what its like to delude one's self and to make very tragic mistakes (though in fairness to Sam he was lied to over and over again, unlike Castiel).
Loved Death The actor just really plays the role well, very pleased to Lucifer again, Marc is awesome and had no idea he was in the episode.
Love, love Sam's issues, and pray that this is a long term issue (well be less in love if its a short term issue). While I know the show has no money, this is something that absolutely shouldn't be settled in an episode (or a few) I want this to last at least a season (if not for the rest of the series run).
I have been joyfully awaiting the removal of Castiel (A character I love, but one who's presents really kills any significant threat to the primary cast), and I thought they would either kill him by the 2nd episode or have him go off screen and appear later in the season to reform.
But perhaps instead, we get a Misha Collins playing the "Big Bad" but a completely new character. One who (like all SPN Big Bads isn't in only a handful of episodes). I think I might be able to get into that.
A say a B+, not great by any stretch or even A- material, but over all really strong.
