With two of my favorite shows returning tonight, my hands are almost shaking from all this pent up excitement. Well, it’s either that or the 12 cups of hot chocolate (those mini-marshmallows are brutal) that I drank today. It’s as simple as this; Supernatural is returning tonight and Supernatural is awesome.

If you’re reading this, you already know what I’m talking about and I need not say more. For those that don’t; I’m sorry, but you’re fired as a reader this site. Alright, maybe you’re not fired, but you’re on probation (double secret probation).

It’s time to salt the windows and doors, secretly draw a devil’s trap under your living room rug and replace all the bottles of water in your house with holy water because the demons are taking over and Sam & Dean can’t be everywhere.

Review

Just as I thought, this episode had nothing to do with the overall story arc involving the Devil. While this normally might be something that would annoy me (especially after being off the air for two months), I didn’t really mind it as the story was strong enough to carry an entire episode without me looking for more.

I can’t remember if this is the third or fourth time that Dean and Sam have had an “imprisoned” type episode. I can’t say enough how much I love these episodes because they usually have to improvise their weapons as most prisons, or in the case mental hospitals, don’t allow you to bring in a '67 Impala with an arsenal in the trunk.

One thing I particularly enjoyed was that Sam and Dean were able to get admitted into the mental hospital by just telling them what’s been going on in their life. Obviously the doctor hasn’t been reading those “Supernatural” books that the prophet has been writing. It was a wonderful nod at just how crazy their life is.

Following the events of the previous episode where both Jo and Ellen died, it was nice that the writers were able to use the setting of a mental hospital to have the brothers touch up not only what happened to their friends, but exactly where they are in life and what they’ve been doing. Who would have thought that such a wonderful internal monologue could be so perfectly portrayed by a monster who sucks crazy brains out of your head.

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While the ending was a bit underwhelming, the reveal of who the monster was did catch me a bit off guard. I was all about stabbing the doctor… oops. Did anyone else catch Lazlo Hollyfeld (Jon Gries) from Real Genius as the guest star hunter? Amazing! It's nice to see him out of the closet. (Not that way.)

That being said, I’m ready for next week because I don’t know how much more I can take of a Castiel-less Supernatural episode. I really don’t know if they’re going to be able to write him off after this season is over as he’s quickly become a favorite character… although, so was Ash and they had no problem dropping a house on him.

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So, what did you think of this episode? Were you alright with an episode that had nothing to do with the overall storyline? Missing Castiel? Have yellow eyes?

Let’s hear it!

Much like our previous “Review & Discussion” posts for 24, Human Target, Doctor Who, Dexter and Monk, we put up a placeholder to allow you, the fans, a forum to talk about the episode before it airs and before we get a chance to write the review [Update: Page one now contains the review of the premiere].

Here are some Supernatural articles from the past that should help tie you over as well as some clips and info from tonight’s episode.

Supernatural: Clips & Info From Tonight’s Return

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Complete List Of Winter Premiere & Return Dates

Preview: Last Supernatural For 2009

The CW Thursday Night Ratings Are Strong

Supernatural Episode Preview: “The End”

Supernatural Season 5 Premiere: Review & Discussion

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Don’t forget to catch the winter premiere of Supernatural tonight @9PM on The CW and then make your way over to USA for the Burn Notice premiere. Check back here immediately after for our review and further discussion.