See, that's exactly why his reaction would be if he blamed himself. Someone says something and he interprets it as if they are putting the blame on him!

I very much agree with you that Sam felt bad about what he had done. But feeling bad and seeking penance (as he claimed he was doing) are two different things imo. You are right he was overly sensitive here, which made perfect sense. But he also exhibited a degree of annoyance with people (i.e. Dean) for seemingly laying blame on him. IDK, I tend to think those who thought they were wronged get offended easily. Therefore, my take is as bad as Sam felt, he also thought he didn't have much choice due to the circumstances at the time.

That's also true-to-character. Sam doesn't see his actions objectively. He's in denial.

I couldn't agree with you more on this. Sorry about your mother, but I have a close family member acts exactly as you described here. So I see exactly what you are saying.

I don't see it as an error on the writers' part, but rather an error of Sam himself. He's being unfair, selfish and he's also hurt.

I also completely agree with you here. Like what I said in the comment to Mick above, the more I think about this, the more I think this is exactly where the writers want to leave the characters.

I see Dean's apology at the end as his way of pacifying his baby brother. And I didn't fail to notice it came after Sam threatened to leave because he thought them together wasn't working out. Like you said, nothing new here. They've been down that road before, and their dynamic is still the same--not as equal, but still as big brother/younger brother.

And I love this show too! :)

*huggles* ♥

{{heads over to read your fic...}}