Supernatural Season 4, Episode 1 recap: The moment angels became real

For three seasons, we had no idea that angels would officially become part of Supernatural canon. That’s exactly what happened in Supernatural Season 4, Episode 1, with the introduction of the best angel on the whole series.

After three years of only seeing evil, we finally learned that there may be some good in the world. Angels were introduced in Supernatural Season 4, Episode 1. As much as we didn’t initially believe it, now it’s hard to imagine a show without them.

This was also the episode that made it very clear that dead would never stay dead; just in case the Season 2 finale and “Mystery Spot” weren’t enough to confirm that. Just ahead of the 10th anniversary of the episode, it’s time to delve into the world of “Lazarus Rising.”

Dean is Lazarus

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The title of the episode comes from the very start: with Dean coming back from the dead. Buried in his own grave, he’s forced to dig out of it and find something that will get rid of the thirst he’s feeling. That’s when he has a chance to take stock at his body–there’s not a mark on him except one handprint burned into his skin.

As he grabs a few supplies (including Busty Asian Beauties) from the gas stop, strange things start happening. His initial thought is, understandably, demons, so he grabs the salt and lines the window. However, the glass in the building smashes and Dean is forced to cover his heads from the loud shrieking noise around him.

Once the sound is gone, Dean is able to make a couple of calls. Of course, Bobby doesn’t believe that Dean is alive so hangs up on him. Dean decides to steal a car and head straight to Bobby’s, who is ready with holy water, silver knives, and more.

We get the confirmation that this is really Dean.

SUPERNATURAL — “Lazurus Rising” — Photo credit: Sergei Bachlakov — Acquired via CW TV PR /

What’s Sam been up to?

Once they catch up, Bobby relays everything that’s happened to Sam. Sammy is in a motel room with a barely dressed woman. Of course, the two hug once Sam is certain that his brother is back.

Now Dean wants to know what happened. How did Dean get out of Hell? It certainly wasn’t Sam, so they and Bobby head off to see Pamela Barnes, a psychic friend. During a seance, Pamela is able to talk to “Castiel” but her eyes are burned out of her head. She is left alive, though.

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While at a diner, the brothers find themselves surrounded by demons but they have no idea how Dean is out of Hell. Sam wants to exorcise them all, but Dean wants to leave. It’s a bone of contention that leads to Sam heading back to the diner in the middle of the night to exorcise them. However, they’re already dead with their eyes burned out.

One of the demons is still alive, sharing that all will die. Sam just holds his hand out and exorcises the demon with just his mind. He’s been practicing his demonic power control and getting stronger while Dean has been in Hell.

It also turns out that the woman from earlier was Ruby in a new meatsuit. She’s been helping him get stronger.

Bobby and Dean summon Castiel

After hearing the high-pitched noise again, Dean and Bobby decide it’s time to summon Castiel. It’s the moment of Supernatural Season 4, Episode 1 we’ve all been waiting for. Armed with rock salt shotguns, Ruby’s knife, and enough sigils to cover the unused barn, the two summon what they believe is an evil creature. And it’s time for the best introduction on the show.

With a touch of the head, Bobby is rendered unconscious so Castiel and Dean can talk. We finally get confirmation that Castiel is an angel and he saved Dean from Hell on a command from God. There’s work for Dean to do.

Next. Supernatural Season 3, Episode 16 recap: Dean heads off to Hell. dark

What did you think of Castiel’s introduction? What were your thoughts of Supernatural Season 4, Episode 1? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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