For anyone who thinks that Supernatural was beginning to lose its stride, think again. Last night’s episode “The Devil Is In The Details” was one of the most enjoyable hours on television for a show coming back from winter hiatus.  Not bad for a show that is in its eleventh season!

This article contains spoilers so if you haven’t see the episode, please do not continue reading.

When the episode opens, it’s Christmas and Crowley is opening his presents.  To see Crowley dressed in a onesie made the scene worth it even before the first line is uttered. The action that follows involved Lucifer dressed as Santa Claus stabbing Crowley with a candy cane stake. It seems this is all part of Rowena’s dream, and Lucifer calls her on her slumber scapes.

Back in The Cage, Lucifer continues to play mind games with Sam before taking him on a trip down memory lane in which viewers get to see highlights of Sam’s greatest hits. I especially enjoyed seeing the scenes involving Sam’s Hell sacrifice and his dragging Michael into the hole.  This was the late, great Season 5 finale “Swan Song” and being reminded of Supernatural’s rich history was fantastic and Lucifer comments to the actions witnessed were hilarious: “Assbutt? I never understood that”.  Mark Pellegrino’s delivery is remarkable. Viewers know Lucifer is the villain and evil but Pellegrino makes him humorous and funny too.

Meanwhile, Dean wants to know what happened to Amara and enlists Castiel for some angel scouting. Dean is not feeling well, hurling like crazy. Castiel tells Dean he has “smiting sickness”.  Hmm, looks like the stomach flu to me.

Crowley’s not pleased that Rowena is in cahoots with Lucifer, who she believes can defeat Amara and then take his rightful place in Heaven.  And what does Rowena hope her loyalty to Lucifer will get her?  Crowley calls Dean to let him know what happened to Sam. Darn, now Dean has to go to Hell to pick up his little brother!

This is your life, Sam Winchester continues as Lucifer shows Sam a time from Sam’s teen years.  Lucifer likes how Sammy used to be.  Lucifer wants Sam to see he used to be a “take charge” kinda guy now he’s prissy and soft.  The truth about the ‘This is Your Life, Sammy tour’ is revealed- Lucifer wants Sam to say yes to Sam being Lucifer’s vessel so Lucifer can escape The Cage and go up against Amara.  Lucifer reminds Sam that he’s supposed to be a hero which in the Winchester way means sacrificing yourself for the greater good. That Lucifer is a cagey (pun intended) one.

I loved the scene where Dean needs to say the password to get into Hell and sings “Camptown Races”. Do, Da, Do, Da, Dean you made my day!

Castiel discovers an angel near the smiting site but Amara manages to consume this angel’s essence and restore her own strength.  She starts to destroy Castiel but he’s saved by Billie.

Over in Crowley and Rowena land, Crowley manages to put mommy on a leash to get her to reverse the spell and send Lucifer back where he belongs.  But she needs to do it before Sam says yes to Lucifer’s vessel request or the spell won’t work.

Sam tells Lucifer he’s rather die and watch all those he loves die too before saying yes to him.  That statement is put to the test when Castiel and Dean arrive and enter the cage.  A fight ensues with Lucifer kicking the crap out of Sam, Dean and Castiel then threatening to choke the life out of Dean unless Sam says yes.

But as luck would have it, Rowena’s spell works in the nick of time and Lucifer is zapped away.

However, when Castiel comes to Crowley and Rowena, he’s not himself.  He’s Lucifer!  Apparently, Castiel agreed to be Lucifer’s vessel when Lucifer ensured he could defeat Amara.

“The Devil in the Details” was classic Supernatural: The brothers in danger, humor and an unbelievable twist at the end.

What did you think of the mid season premiere?