Lazarus Rising

This episode is when the show fundamentally shifted (for a few years) from a weekly case of the week procedural to an melodrama that has an long term, multi faceted plot. Neither version of supernatural is really worse than the other but this episode more than seasons 1, 2 and 3's openers grounded the season in a ongoing story. It also beefed up the religious content of the show much more so than prior forays into the material. This is indicated something different but good was coming for Sam and Dean.

Of course the introduction of Cas is iconic. Re-watching it today and it struck me just how *cinematic* this episode is. The scene in the gas station and the final scene in the barn are some of the best visual story beats in the show's entire run.

Castiel played by Misha Collins had the most wonderful character entrance of anything i have ever watched. The episode as a whole was very well done.

One of my top favorite episodes. Castiel is by far one of the most amazing characters I've ever met.

Will have to go down as one of the best episodes simply because of castiel's entrance at the end of the episode.

Misha Collins's portrayal of Castiel single handedly saved Supernatural and allowed it to run as long as it did. His entrance in Lazarus Rising is, and will always be, the best entrance and introduction to the best character created. Thank you so much, Misha.