After the last episode, I certainly wasn’t expecting another semi-comedic stand-alone romp. On a certain level, I can see why the writers would go there, but after so many of that kind of episode earlier in the season, I wasn’t quite in the mood for another.
Thankfully, this was one of those Trojan Horse episodes that has been a strength of the “Supernatural” format. Everything about Gary seemed to point towards the case that brought the Winchesters to town, even after Gary set fire to those bones. The truth was a lot more interesting. Tying this to the overall season arc, even in an indirect sense, was a great touch.
In many ways, that redeemed the episode. Sure, it was funny watching Dean react to Gary-Sam, and Sam’s approach to family politics tied into the previous episode’s point about his anger, without a doubt. But it was also filled with elements that have been done a thousand times before, and often better. The whole mirror routine has gone from being clever and funny to being more than a little self-indulgent.
There were some nice character moments.