This preview may contain spoilers.

Sam and Dean have endured a variety of surreal supernatural encounters over the years, but tonight's "Changing Channels" episode may be one for the record books.

TV shows come to life as the Winchesters endure an annoying trap they can't escape. Reluctantly thrust into the roles they've watched in a variety of popular series, the brothers trek through a crime procedural show, a sitcom, a soapy hospital drama and a ruthless Japanese game show.

Who's behind this amusing predicament? One culprit immediately comes to mind: the Trickster (Richard Speight, Jr.).

With the Trickster possibly up to his usual pranks, Sam and Dean speculate that an alliance with the powerful villain may be beneficial, especially with the Apocalypse looming.

But can they navigate the bewildering maze of TV shows to find out?

What Worked

Watching the Winchesters stumble through a number of familiar TV shows is a recipe for laughter. As usual, "Supernatural" delivers!

Many of the episode's best moments are rooted in surprises, so I'll tread carefully here in hopes of not spoiling too much.

The opening scene of the episode sets up the premise well with this announcement: "'Supernatural' is filmed before a live studio audience." The portrayal of Sam and Dean in a campy sitcom -- complete with an enthusiastic laugh track -- is outrageously executed, and spirals off into an new opening credit sequence that is just as comical.

Then we are taken back in time to see how the Winchesters ended up in such a mess. Check out the video clip of this scene below, which foreshadows what is to come.

Amusing set ups roll again once the episode lands them back into the TV mayhem. After a quick trip into a sappy, but dangerous hospital drama, the Winchesters are dumped into a Japanese game show scene that is an out-and-out nightmare if it wasn't so painfully funny.

I particularly enjoyed Jared Padalecki's performance during the crime procedural sequence. It's a stand out moment as Sam slowly pulls of his sunglasses -- at night no less -- and says, "Well, I'll say jackpot." It's voiced with such precise "CSI" accuracy that I still find myself chuckling.

Best yet, when all the laughs die out, a sudden shift in the episode delivers a serious dose of drama, proving this episode is not just an exercise in amusement, but a watershed moment of Season 5.

All in all, this is a can't miss episode. Enjoy.

What Didnt Work

I have no quibbles; this will likely go down in my book as one of "Supernatural's" finest moments of Season 5.

Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due

"Supernatural" stars Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles. It airs on The CW Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET. Changing Channels was written by Jeremy Carver and directed by Charles Beeson.

Be sure to check out Dan Compora's review of Changing Channels.