Great episode and while it may not seem like it I think it reveals far more than what is presented on the surface which explains past present and future plot developments. These developments are shadowed and hinted at in the two story lines we follow through Sam and Dean/Cas.
On the topic of Deam's story line I have to say something about Demore Barnes first though. Quite simply his portrayal of Raphael is incendiary. The amount of depth he displays in the short amount of time he is on screen not only enhances the viewing of the show (which I also have to give credit to the wonderful score accompanying his dialogue with Cas and Dean) but also the depth texture and plot of the entire series. Hopefully the writers brings him back for some more episodes. Anyways with the actions of Zachariah Uriel and now Raphael(and Gabriel a couple episodes ahead)the audience is introduced to the idea that the angels in this universe are so ticked off that God doesn't seem to be around they've pretty much gone mad or insane. They've chosen to express this madness through joining Lucifer or by agreeing to allow the apocalypse because regardless of the outcome of the battle, they just want the struggle to be over.I love that; it's original and fresh. Next, it's suggested that the reason for God's absence is simple- God is dead. While not original it's poignant because we've all wondered it before and its implications in the series are obviously vast. From there the idea that it was possibly Lucifer that raised Cas (instead of God) makes the plot and mystery of the season that much more textured and rich.
However, I don't believe either claim.
-On the issue of whether or not Lucifer raised Cas, consider that Cas was the one who made it so that that neither angels nor demons could located Sam or Dean by putting that inscription upon their ribs. If it was Lucifer who raised Cas, it would seem a rather poor move on his part since Cas is the one who is stalling Lucifer from getting a hold of his vessel. Since we know Lucifer isn't stupid I highly doubt the possibility that he would have raised Cas. Thus, this leads us to the conclusion that either God raised Cas or something else did, but not Lucifer. Next, since we know Sam is Lucifer's vessel, (and as the previous poster pointed out) we obviously know that it wasn't Lucifer that transported Sam and Dean away from the chapel in the first episode this season unless he was concerned that his entrance into this world in such a close proximity to the brothers would have killed Sam. But given that at the end of this episode Lucifer reveals that he has the power to to revive the dead we know this is a non issue. Once again it either had to be God or some other supernatural force. So far, I'm putting my money on God.
Continuing, I think Sam's story line sheds more light onto this theory. First of all- did anyone notice that the necklace Lindsay is wearing throughout the episode is a lot like the medallion Cas took from Dean in the last episode- the one that is supposed to glow in the presence of God?
1-Castiel is pretending to be Lindsay so he can keep an eye on Sam. I think this to be the most unlikely theory though because there has been no suggestion previously that angels can be in two places at once or take on illusionary forms.
2-The medallion that Cas took from Dean has a brother/sister and Lindsay some how came into possession of it just the way Dean did (if we remember in the season 3 episode, A Very Supernatural Christmas, Sam gives the necklace to Dean as a present which was originally intended for John Winchester. Apparently Sam got it from Bobby originally). Either way the necklace is somehow connected to God and thus, through Lindsay and the necklace, it will be revealed that God is still alive. I think this to be the most likely theory at this point in the show but we'll see if it comes to bear any fruit.
3- Lindsay is God. I have no solid evidence at this point to back this theory up other than wishful thinking and I know that it seems highly unlikely. But I just think it would be an awesome inclusion for God to have wanted to sit down and have supper with Sam. That's not to mention that if the show is willing to bring Lucifer's character to life and have him represented as a character it stands to reason that they would be willing, at some point at least even if it is for what will be revealed to be a short amount of time, to have God represented in the show as well. Since Lindsay was wearing the necklace I would argue its not out of the realm of possibility.
4- I'm blind and dumb and it wasn't the same medallion.
Either way my last point is that I found the juxtaposition of Lucifer and Lindsay arguing with Sam about whether people can change to be rather telling. Almost everything that happens in this show seems to have a reason and the contrast between some one who is wearing a necklace that is some how connected to God telling Sam to have faith while Lucifer is telling Sam not to is something that shouldn't be overlooked.
Anyways, overall I think I can say this was quite possibly one of the best episodes of Supernatural I have ever seen. It had a good mix of humour and seriousness(as it usually manages) and gives tons of hints into what the future of the series holds. Props to the actors, writers, music composers and directors for top notch job. Absolutely stellar.
On the topic of Deam's story line I have to say something about Demore Barnes first though. Quite simply his portrayal of Raphael is incendiary. The amount of depth he displays in the short amount of time he is on screen not only enhances the viewing of the show (which I also have to give credit to the wonderful score accompanying his dialogue with Cas and Dean) but also the depth texture and plot of the entire series. Hopefully the writers brings him back for some more episodes. Anyways with the actions of Zachariah Uriel and now Raphael(and Gabriel a couple episodes ahead)the audience is introduced to the idea that the angels in this universe are so ticked off that God doesn't seem to be around they've pretty much gone mad or insane. They've chosen to express this madness through joining Lucifer or by agreeing to allow the apocalypse because regardless of the outcome of the battle, they just want the struggle to be over.I love that; it's original and fresh. Next, it's suggested that the reason for God's absence is simple- God is dead. While not original it's poignant because we've all wondered it before and its implications in the series are obviously vast. From there the idea that it was possibly Lucifer that raised Cas (instead of God) makes the plot and mystery of the season that much more textured and rich.
However, I don't believe either claim.
-On the issue of whether or not Lucifer raised Cas, consider that Cas was the one who made it so that that neither angels nor demons could located Sam or Dean by putting that inscription upon their ribs. If it was Lucifer who raised Cas, it would seem a rather poor move on his part since Cas is the one who is stalling Lucifer from getting a hold of his vessel. Since we know Lucifer isn't stupid I highly doubt the possibility that he would have raised Cas. Thus, this leads us to the conclusion that either God raised Cas or something else did, but not Lucifer. Next, since we know Sam is Lucifer's vessel, (and as the previous poster pointed out) we obviously know that it wasn't Lucifer that transported Sam and Dean away from the chapel in the first episode this season unless he was concerned that his entrance into this world in such a close proximity to the brothers would have killed Sam. But given that at the end of this episode Lucifer reveals that he has the power to to revive the dead we know this is a non issue. Once again it either had to be God or some other supernatural force. So far, I'm putting my money on God.
Continuing, I think Sam's story line sheds more light onto this theory. First of all- did anyone notice that the necklace Lindsay is wearing throughout the episode is a lot like the medallion Cas took from Dean in the last episode- the one that is supposed to glow in the presence of God?
1-Castiel is pretending to be Lindsay so he can keep an eye on Sam. I think this to be the most unlikely theory though because there has been no suggestion previously that angels can be in two places at once or take on illusionary forms.
2-The medallion that Cas took from Dean has a brother/sister and Lindsay some how came into possession of it just the way Dean did (if we remember in the season 3 episode, A Very Supernatural Christmas, Sam gives the necklace to Dean as a present which was originally intended for John Winchester. Apparently Sam got it from Bobby originally). Either way the necklace is somehow connected to God and thus, through Lindsay and the necklace, it will be revealed that God is still alive. I think this to be the most likely theory at this point in the show but we'll see if it comes to bear any fruit.
3- Lindsay is God. I have no solid evidence at this point to back this theory up other than wishful thinking and I know that it seems highly unlikely. But I just think it would be an awesome inclusion for God to have wanted to sit down and have supper with Sam. That's not to mention that if the show is willing to bring Lucifer's character to life and have him represented as a character it stands to reason that they would be willing, at some point at least even if it is for what will be revealed to be a short amount of time, to have God represented in the show as well. Since Lindsay was wearing the necklace I would argue its not out of the realm of possibility.
4- I'm blind and dumb and it wasn't the same medallion.
Either way my last point is that I found the juxtaposition of Lucifer and Lindsay arguing with Sam about whether people can change to be rather telling. Almost everything that happens in this show seems to have a reason and the contrast between some one who is wearing a necklace that is some how connected to God telling Sam to have faith while Lucifer is telling Sam not to is something that shouldn't be overlooked.
Anyways, overall I think I can say this was quite possibly one of the best episodes of Supernatural I have ever seen. It had a good mix of humour and seriousness(as it usually manages) and gives tons of hints into what the future of the series holds. Props to the actors, writers, music composers and directors for top notch job. Absolutely stellar.