Yes, yes, YES!!!!!!!! I so agree with EVERYTHING you said. This episode just rubbed me the wrong way. I think the characterization of both boys was awful--Dean looked like a jerk at times, and I basically had the same thoughts about Sam that you had. I had a big issue with Sam saying he went off with Ruby to get away from Dean--um, he was with Ruby while Dean was in hell! And since when has Dean been that controlling over Sam? Ugh! Now, I can get behind Dean apologizing more with this episode than the last one, as he was apologizing for his actions in this one, but I am tired of him saying "I'm sorry." I still don't think that Sam gets it--it's not about the apocalypse, it's about how he hurt his brother. He needs to say to Dean, "I am sorry I hurt you." That, to me, would show some character growth, for him to realize how his actions affected his brother. But, it seems that everything is now magically fixed. UGH!!!!

I also had a hard time with the James Dean face--I couldn't see a thing, either. And since when can Sam perform an autopsy? Everything felt so contrived--like the writing was leading the story as opposed to the characters (if that makes sense). This one seemed more like a (bad) season 1 episode than a season 5 one.

I do give props to Paris being willing to make fun of herself (and I have to admit to getting a little excited when she mentioned John! I was all, "JDM is in this one!"), and the "House of Wax" thing was funny, but, yeah, she can't act.

Man, I'd love to watch an episode with you!!!!!!

mick