A good kick off to what should be an action packed and emotionally draining season.

“What I do have is a GED and a give ‘em hell attitude.” – Dean (Jensen Ackles) on SUPERNATURAL “Sympathy for the Devil”

This was certainly beat up on the Winchester brothers episode. From the beginning to the end, Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean were abused by angels, by demons and everything in-between. But what “Sympathy for the Devil” really did was set up the fifth season and what we will be seeing from the show.

Mainly, this season will follow the Winchester brothers fighting against both the powers of so-called good (the angels) and those of so-called bad (the demons and Lucifer). Ah, but we got a glimpse into a possible third party in all of this. Something that had yet to make its appearance known so far in the mythology of the series. I say “its” because we are talking about God.

God was not only responsible for transporting Sam and Dean to the airplane and safety after being locked in the Church with Lucifer but God apparently cured Sam of his demon blood addiction and resurrected Castiel (Misha Collins) in order to help the brothers when they need it most. At least, this is what was alluded to during the episode (they never really said the word God).

We learned a bit more about what has happened to Dean since signing on as a servant of God (as he did in the last episodes of season four), he’s been given what appears to be some semblance of power – the ability to cast out the angels with his blood, turn a demon against itself and possibly more.

Of course, we find out that Dean is to be the living conduit for Michael, the most powerful of archangels and serve as his “sword” in order to defeat Lucifer and his armies. That is if Dean agrees.

And Dean isn’t at all ready to agree. Dean’s defiance of the angels is priceless in this episode. At every turn he’s telling them off. But really, why wouldn’t he be after they shafted him in season four lying to him about his real purpose and then not letting him stop Sam from killing Lilith.

And what has become of Castiel? The good angel was destroyed by an archangel but resurrected in some way to help the brothers. Now the producers told us in interviews leading up to season five that Castiel would be different but he would also be less powerful than he was in season four. I don’t know about you but what we saw in the opening episode didn’t look anything like he was less powerful. In fact, he looked unstoppable.

Meanwhile, Nick – a very powerful vessel – begins seeing visions of his dead family. They were murdered when someone broke into his home and killed them why they slept. A dastardly deed indeed. Now the devil wants him to be his vessel in order to seek vengeance on those (and by those we are talking all of humanity) that wronged him – including God that let it happen – if he only agrees to be Satan’s vessel. He does so after Lucifer takes the shape of his dead wife and emotionally convinces him to do it.

But is it enough for someone, probably a good someone, to turn to the dark side? No matter what Lucifer promises you’d have to know the bargain wasn’t exactly what you were looking for or what you’d get. We’ll see how it plays out and I bet that Nick (the human part of him) will play some role in what is to come in the weeks and months ahead.

The end of “Sympathy of the Devil” saw the moment that was building up the entire episode. Sam and Dean finally “talking” about Sam’s betrayal and choosing a demon over his own flesh and blood. Dean tells Sam that things will never be the same and that he is having a hard time forgiving and forgetting. This won’t likely be the last conversation we see between them as they struggle to find that trust and bond that was so shattered in season four.

In all, a pretty good way to kick off the new season setting up all the pieces in place as the brothers, Castiel and their allies fight against impossible odds to save the world.

Source: ifmagazine.com