I'm really hoping the season 8 arc is better than the season 7 arc.

The Leviathan were really good villains, but they were in it so intermittently (maybe 3 eps during the show, then 21-24), that they were really underutilized.

Or just give us a season of largely standalone eps, with a multi series big bad - like 1-5.

Completely agree with you on the reuse of the same angsty storylines. Hell - give Sam an eating disorder if you need some angst. 

 jeremey carver stated that flashbacks of purgatory wont be in every episode. I thought this one still held its own. after 8 season creativity has to be hard to come by and i wasnt let down in anyway. I like Sams's ambition to get out of the "family business" it mirrors season 1 sam who didnt want anything to do with it till jess was murdered. I feel like Supernatural is getting back to its roots where the show began. Only good things are to come! 

 I liked the episode despite it's faults.  Did wish we'd had some Purgatory flashbacks though.

I really don't understand why Bobby couldn't come back now because other than the Tablet of God angle, this show is starting to become unnatural minus the super.  I hope the writers are planning to bring back some old alliances because without Cass, the cancellation purgulatory is starting to open wider.