Despite my usually wordy self, I don't have much to say about this episode at the moment except that I really, r.e.a.l.l.y, REALLY enjoyed it! There wasn't too much going on but I honestly loved the character parts to bits and pieces. It had such a lovely amount of Bobby, Dean (old and young) and Sammy.

The guy who played Patrick did a really swell job of portraying him in a very diverse way, so in spite of the people who got killed after they lost too many years in his poker game, he never really came across as a menace, an evil entity that the Winchesters plus Bobby should get rid of for the sake of humanity. And I totally got the impression that although being pretty surprised at Sam's bluff, he never begrudged Sammy his victory and was glad to restore Dean to his former, young self.

And Sammy did such a wonderful con, I wanted to smish him so bad! He is fully aware of the impression he has on other people but he is strategic and cunning enough to use this to his advantage if he has to. No one can resist the puppy-dog eyes of doom!

Chad Everett did a truly magnificent job at bringing Dean's older version to life. He definitely outdid himself with the way he channeled Jensen Ackles' portrait of Dean. In all his moves and gestures and expressions you could see it was really Dean and not someone else trying hard to pose as older Dean. That was one formidable job he did. Not for one moment did I doubt it was really Dean standing right in front of Sam. And Sam behaved every bit of accepting Dean's temporary appearance. Jared Padalecki and Chad Everett never missed a beat and it felt very organic, like the chemistry he has with Jensen Ackles. Therefore, olderDean was extremely believable.

Bobby and oldDean's quips and quick-witted talks were undoubtedly a highlight of the episode. These two worked so well together. And I loved how Bobby reacted to Dean's never-ending stream of complaints about his old body. I especially enjoyed the scene in the graveyard when Dean dug the grave. Excellently done!

The young Cliff right at the beginning of the episode was a real stunner look-wise! Boy, did they find someone who worked the part of a ladies man like only Dean does. No wonder the elder Winchester seemed to connect to him so easily. I liked the parting words Dean gave Cliff.

I was sad to hear how Bobby feels about his paralysis but I understand where he comes from. In my opinion that kind of mind-set is quite believable for someone as active as Bobby to end up handicapped. And I too think that the talk between him and Dean at the end was very sweet and also very important for them. I have no doubt that Bobby knows exactly how Sam feels about this (after all, the kid isn't bleeding-heart-Sammy for nothing), so it was really only necessary to have Dean give Bobby's self-worth a boost again. And they did it in a quiet and good manner.

I absolutely adored that in this episode Dean twice said "Sammy" and he meant it in the most concerned and love-filled way possible. This was really Dean who deeply cared about his baby brother, and for once there was nothing between them but the connection of their brotherly bond.

My only minor complaints about the episode was a) that I wasn't such a fan of Patrick giving Sam the clap. That was so not necessary. He could easily have come up with something more fitting for someone who broke into his home. I agree that it was played for cheap laughs but on the other hand, it's not like I think it was totally off. I can deal with it. Though I wouldn't have wanted to be in Sammy's shoes when he went to the doctor.

Patrick's girl, Lia, was a bit too obvious in her motives. I feel like that whole thing with her amulet and the picture of her daughter could have been played a little subtler.

All in all, I truly enjoyed this ep and will certainly re-watch it numerous times because it had awesome characterizations.

So much for not wordy this time around.

But most of all, glad to have you back T-fan! We missed you terribly.