Supernatural fans had their prayers answered, as the power that be sent the angels to the rescue. The angels story line carried the series through the fifth season, and it looks like the battle is going to continue.

With God still missing in action, Heaven supposedly is in chaos. Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles) call upon Castiel (Misha Collins) to help them figure out why three police officers have died in fashions very similar to the plagues of Egypt. In all the chaos that occurred with the failed Apocalypse, several powerful artifacts from Heavens arsenal have somehow made their way to Earth. The culprit here is the Staff of Moses, which has found its way into the hands of a child named Aaron Birch (Adom Osei).

Apparently, some angels still intend to bring about the end of the world, with Raphael (Demore Barnes) intending to take Gods seat of power. Angels are now trading artifacts for souls, a disturbing trend that blurs the line between angels and demons. In the end, Raphaels host body is destroyed and the boys soul restored.

While the return of the angels is a welcome development, it still lacks the originality of last season. Instead of a new story line with a new villain, it looks like fans will be getting a continuation of the war. For most fans, that is just fine.

What Worked

Bringing in religious artifacts from Heaven sounds like an intriguing premise that will likely yield some entertaining episodes. While it is a bit reminiscent of the series Alias, and the five season hunt for lost artifacts from an inventor named Rambaldi, it at least represents a new path of possibilities for Supernatural.

The boy being named Aaron was quite clever, and appropriate. Mosess brother was named Aaron, and his staff also possessed power during the plagues of Egypt.

What Didnt Work

The pace of the episode was a bit slow in spots. Perhaps the absence of Lucifer as a villain just makes the series lack the dramatic tension it had a year ago. Right now, the creative team seems to be taking its time in revealing a direction for the series. Recovering from a near Apocalypse apparently takes some time.

The show, when it does not focus on the major story arc, just isnt terribly interesting. This was the case last season, and even though it is early into Season 6, the same pattern seems to be developing. Somehow, the episodes that do not focus on the angels have to do more than recycle old monsters and played out story lines.

Giving Credit Where Credit is Due

Supernatural stars Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles. The Third Man was written by Ben Edlund and was directed by Robert Singer (II).

Supernatural airs Fridays at 9 p.m. ET on The CW.