Blood will Flow

I enjoyed the heck out of this episode, there were a few nitpicks, but I was gripped too!

For me the episode flew by, and on the whole the balance of the story lines worked, and they held my full attention and everyone had a purpose for being there under one story line. I really enjoyed the Dean and Amara scenes, I thought Jensen did a great job of showing how conflicted Dean is; there's an obvious bond and attraction to her that he seems powerless to resist ("I can't be resisted"), but at the same time he clearly knows he shouldn't be feeling it and he's wary and unsure of her motivations, as we all are. Loved it.

I was so grossed out by how perfectly revolting and manipulative Lucifer was - I love to hate him! Mark P was perfect and I was delighted to see him again, because this whole story line would have sucked without him (and didn't he say something about needing a meatsuit because topside he'd be smoke, so I guess he's some kind of hell embodiment of Lucifer's last meatsuit or something, which I'll take because I want Mark P and not some other meatsuit or possessed demon etc.)

Sam's single man tear broke me, and while Lucifer being behind the visions wasn't a total surprise, the emotional turmoil and trauma of Sam was enough to keep me riveted and horrified. SAM!!!

Have Rowena and Crowley set Sam up? Or do the three of them have a back up plan? (Rowena did seem calm and collected when those wards failed) Will Cas save the day? I can't wait to find out. Bring on January!