God what a mixed bag of an episode, as much as I had a problem with this episode I think it should have been split over two episodes as there are very solid elements in this mess, but none are fully developed. And as a result all felt soft.
Teh concept of the various other gods wanting to discover some way of stopping the Angel vrs Lucifer showdown is a very good idea. The idea of using a hotel, as the setting isn't original but its certainly something that is affordable for the production.
The idea of having Gabriel take the boys message to heart is also a good one as he more then any other angel (even Castiel) seems to really embrace humanity, both its faults and its pleasure. So thats another solid idea (and this from someone who likes the Trickster in very small doses, see Mystery Spot). And in his small use in Mystery Spot we say both some direct humor from him (but really not much) but a lot of edge as well.
Then the idea of having Lucifer and Gabriel having a conflict and him standing up for humanity (plus idealogical talks the strongest part of this episode) is also a very good idea.
But as it is all in one episode the story didn't develop any of the ideas to fruition. We didn't get enough of the mystery of the hotel, to build suspense and really on this show, thats sad (and was that a new director for this episode). With the gods being little more then glorified extras (besides Kali, the only one who made a good impression, in my book), the acting with them wasn't SN at its best (putting it nicely). Casting of primary roles is something SN has improved so much over the years, but this episode was disappointing (of course I do understand in one episode they can't afford to cast people that cost, they just can't but with a little more screen time they might have became a little more then caricatures.
And then we have Lucifer and Gab. the buildup to this was jarring (especially with the episode basically going from one type of story to the other, and this includes the tone of the episode). Now the show has gone from light to dark (successfully) in several episodes, usually one of the guys is not going to broad, but also they typically don't try and jump from tone to tone multiple times in a show. Spreading out this material would have allowed them to have a bit more time separation.
Humor. When its organic to the characters and the story I usually don't have a huge problem with it as long as the characters stay true to themselves.
In this episode that means Gab as Loki (his alias) should show his humor, but when talking as Gabriel (both with Dean and Sam, when his cover was blown) the humor should have vanished as well (it decreased but not enough, not based on the one time we did see him drop his mask and reveal who he truly was). And let me just say the video was weak. If they are trying to say its good porn, then by god make it seem like good porn, that would have been some of the worst porn I have ever, ever witnessed.
Pestilence - Ok, great casting here, but the visual goo being thrown about was WAY THE HELL OVER THE TOP. Seriously, that shop owner would have thrown that person out the minute it started, the minute. Now just lose the bile being tossed about and those scenes would have worked great, even the dumbest person should have been able to tell that something was up. Though nice to be told that they did indeed take famine's (who was so awesome both in casting portrayal, yeah war you sucked....well in comparison) ring.
Ok, rant over. Things in the episode as is that I did like.
I like the casting and acting of Kali.
I liked that Dean was taking his lessen to heart. For the first time in a long time a saw a bit of spark back with Dean.
But I also liked that Sam was still very driven about the issues of the world, and that Dean really needs to make sure that Sam doesn't become so focused that he loses site of what he needs to do, and one of those things is to keep their mind and body strong.
The opening (which I really wish as well would have been longer).
I liked the elephant scene with Ganesha, which wasn't really played for laughs, I actually enjoyed (a nice way to have a visual reference to the Deva.
I loved the Lucifer, Gab scenes, both the verbal conflict and the visual one. Shows how Gabs character can still show his personality without going into over the top "humor". And both actors (especially Mark who has so far, been very solid in every scene).
I also liked (though not so much the execution) the scene where Sam has to stop Dean from saving the human from being sacrificed. Something that we really need to see more of, where you have to sacrifice innocents because you can't risk yourselves yet. To much is at stake.
I loved Dean jumping on the idea of actually using Sam to bring Lucifer there once he thought they did actually have a chance to kill him.
The casting of Pestilence. Max Headroom and Trashcan man, seems like a good match to me.
The glimmer of hope for the guys.
The episode was both about what I expected based off the horrible preview, but also better (an some cases vastly superior) but way , way to uneven for me.
Third worst episode of the season with only Changing Channels (F), Swap Meat (D) being worse. I say right smack between a D+ and C-. Lets see how it settles.
Then I have to work early tomorrow. I may not get to watch the eppy until Saturday. 
Hope everyone enjoys it.
