Party On, Garth

Dean in action.

What an episode. The Born-Again Identity lived up to all the hype it was getting weeks before it came out. Probably months before when it was announced that Misha Collins was returning the 17th episode of the season. The Born-Again Identity was an excellent formula of redemption for Castiel and a way out for Sam. Not to mention the odd slip of humor in the most serious of situations. Additionally, this episode had the feel of what Supernatural used to be in previous season (not that there is anything wrong with Season 6 or 7).

The main plot point of this episode was that Sam is finally cracking under the pressure of his memories of hell and Lucifer's constant screaming in his head. As in the previous episode, Sam is unable to sleep thanks to this, and it began getting worse. Well it got bad when Sam couldn't do anything about it anymore. This soon leads Sam getting hit by a car and sent to a hospital. There, Sam is put into the mental ward for his inability to sleep. Dean is extremely worried for his brother and desperately wants to save him and suggests finding a faith healer. Sam quickly reminds Dean of last time they did that (Faith) and how it turned out. In this conversation, Cas is brought up, and it quickly reminds you on how Dean still feels about Castiel's betrayal.

So despite what Sam said, Dean goes out and looks for anything to help Sam. I love how once again they play with the idea that Bobby is still around by when Bobby's journal falls down and a certain card falls out. Dean calls it and the guy calls back later with information on a healer named Emmanuel. Insert Misha Collins' return here. You can imagine Dean's surprise when he sees Castiel alive after everything. Much to Dean's dislike, Castiel has no memory of being an angel. Dean has to keep his mouth shut for his brother's sake and asks “Emmanuel” for help.

 As Dean and Castiel head back to the hospital, Dean runs into Meg at a convince store. In this episode, it has been revealed that Crowley has lifted the hands off policy from the Winchesters. So Meg and Dean make a sort of alliance. Although Dean make sure to tell Meg not to tell Castiel anything of his past. Once at the hospital, they notice a bunch of demons waiting outside, and Meg tells Castiel hes an angel. Knowing Meg is right, Dean tells Castiel Meg is telling the truth, and hes their only way of getting in. Castiel goes to smite the demons and begins regaining his memories. After all the demons are destroyed, Castiel tells Dean he remembers everything, and tries to leave knowing the betrayal he had done to Dean. I honestly I don't know how else they could have played out Castiel regaining his memories, but I'm so glad they didn't drag it out over episodes. But it makes sense for Castiel to regain his memories that way, instead of another.

 In Sam's hospital room, Castiel tells Dean can't heal Sam's mind since it has deteriorated so much. At this point, Sam sees everyone as Lucifer. Then this idea hits Castiel to switch places with Sam since he can survive the sleep deprivation. The one thing I can confused about is that did Castiel take Sam's memories, or mental state from him? From what I understand is that memories cannot be destroyed, but they can be blocked like the wall in Sam's head that Death placed. So knowing this, I think Castiel moved the memories to himself. Either way, Castiel saves Sam, who is now sane and surprised to see Castiel.

With this it ends Sam's mind problem and brings Castiel back in a good way. In this situation, he can't help them like he was able to before. But fans, Castiel is alive, so rejoice in that. I am glad that they finally addressed Sam's memories of hell. There was only so long he could continue before he snapped, which he did. In the first part of the season, Sam acted like he somewhat normal and Supernatural didn't address this fact for a few episodes. So after this episode I am satisfied.

 So next episode we are going to see the return of Garth, who we last saw in Season 7, Time For A Wedding. Garth calls the Winchester's up for help on a hunt for an creature that you can only see when your drunk. I have a feeling this episode is a lighter episode than the previous one. You also kinda get that from the title, Party On, Garth. Oh ya before I forget, Supernatural is going on Hiatus AGAIN after this episode. But it will be the last of the season and it continue on after that finishing off the last five episodes. But on the topic of Party On, Garth, I am a bit wary on it. Sure it looks like an interesting and funny episode, but I have a bad feeling about it. I honestly hope I'm wrong, and it could be the amazement from last episode hasn't worn off. I'll leave you with the promo.
Some other clips related you might want to check out: Clip 1