Everybody's laying the problems on Sam, blaming him for everything, but nobody dares to think that Dean's got a lot of responsibility in the road Sam took. Sam needed Dean's understanding, needed his help, and yet, Dean's taken every chance over the last couple seasons to call Sam a freak, ignored Sam's very broad hints that he needs help, used Sam as a punching bag for his own frustrations, and then acts all high-and-mighty shocked when Sam wanders down a dark road alone. Starting when John died, Dean pretty much closed Sam out, shouted at Sam for his troubles, and then accused him of doing "too little too late" and all in all, succeeded in making Sam be *alone.* Even when he wasn't alone, he was.

And let's not EVEN mention the whole addiction thing. Dean's never offered support, never offered trust, never offered belief, never offered understanding, just offered condemnation, anger, hostility, and mistrust. You don't do that to a twelve-stepper, yo. Especially when you're family. That's the fast road to pushing them back towards whatever they were addicted to in the first place.

I'm actually proud of Sam for standing up for himself to Dean and starting to call him on his bull. Sam's finally standing up and realizing he doesn't have to be Dean's punching bag, and I hope we see them get back to a more equal footing, or else this isn't gonna be the show I signed on for.

Personally, I didn't care for how they left things at the picnic table. I would've thought they would've at least had a stiff, manly hug goodbye or something. And I agree – what kind of person leaves behind someone who's struggling with an addiction? I know it's all leading up to something wonderful, but this episode totally left me angry. Oh well. Still looking forward to Thursday as always!

P.S. Is it just me, or does it seem like the CW doesn't advertise Supernatural on their station much at all? When I watch America's Next Top Model or something, I NEVER see Supernatural advertised, but I sure see plenty of Vampire Diaries. What's up with that?

As much as I hate to see the brothers separated, I agree it is something necessary, for a while, so Sam can get his head on straight, and he can figure out how to not only get Dean to trust him again, but to trust himself as well. I think we fans are in for the ride of our lives this season!