All in all, "I Think I'm Gonna Like It Here" was a solid premiere for Season 9. A great deal of Season 8 was hit-or-miss as the writers struggled to figure out how to handle Sam's girlfriend, post-Purgatory Dean, and a logical inclusion of fan-favorite Castiel. As a result, much of the conflict felt forced, and Castiel often came across more as an obligatory rather than organic presence. In "I Think I'm Gonna Like It Here," Castiel's was actually the strongest of the three storylines. Jensen Ackles acted his heart out and we got a solid establishing look at Sam's state of mind, but Castiel's plot was by far the most original for this series. Sam wanting to die? Check. Dean willing to do anything to save Sam? Check. Bobby making another appearance and lessening the impact of his death(s)? Check. A lack of tension due to the fact that neither Sam nor Dean are going to die and stay dead in any episode that is not a series finale? Check. One brother keeping a huge secret from the other to prolong tension into November sweeps? Check. Castiel--in his right mind--eating, bleeding, doing laundry, and wearing something other than a suit and trench coat?
Whoa. On a practical note, the showrunners have given a plausible explanation for why Castiel cannot immediately join Sam and Dean. While Misha Collins' promotion to a regular rather than guest actor was news welcomed by plenty of
Supernatural fans, Castiel's increased presence could be problematic on a very basic structural level. Motel rooms generally have two beds. FBI agents generally travel in partners rather than trios. There are only so many rock pseudonyms that include three names (and Crosby, Stills, and Nash was already pushing it). With the existence of the Men of Letters bunker and especially Castiel's status as a target for angelic retribution, Collins' inclusion in the show can be unobtrusively handled rather than having the feel of blatant insertion. Season 9 is off to a promising start, and hopefully the momentum of "I Think I'm Gonna Like It Here" does not fizzle out in a sea of disconnected standalones as has occurred in the past.
Unanswered Questions: How does Jensen Ackles manage to become more beautiful with every passing year? The man has the supernatural ability to never age. Is Crowley just going to hang out in the trunk of the Impala whenever the Winchesters don't need him for something? If so, he is not going to enjoy the standalone episodes. What powers do fallen angels still have? Is Castiel's vessel still alive? If so, poor Jimmy. There aren't enough cheeseburgers in the world to make up for the past few years.