I guess for me, I gave up on the brotherly bond in season 5 so I like that there are other characters that are interacting with the brothers, especially Dean. I wish we were getting more Castiel but I do buy the Dean/Lisa/Ben that they have set up so I'm along for the ride there too. I suspect that we will get more Cas once Lisa is out of the picture.

I do feel though that this season lacks a certain energy (except for last week) but I think that's partially because I'm still getting a sense that the scripts are too big and end up being reworked in the editing room so the pacing is kind of wonky.

I hate to admit it but I am reluctantly intrigued with what is going on with Sam even though I am expecting a huge whitewash to come out of it. As long as they don't turn it around on to Dean at some point, I think I will be relatively happy.