Castiel

Name	Castiel
Actor	Misha Collins Sydney Imbeau
Dates	Before Humanity - Present
Location	Heaven
Occupation	Angel
Episode(s)	various in Seasons 4-6 (see below)

I'm the one who gripped you tight and raised you from perdition. – Castiel to Dean, 4.01 Lazarus Rising

Castiel is an Angel of Heaven, who manifests on Earth inside his Vessel, Jimmy Novak.

Many angels laid siege to Hell to rescue Dean, but it was Castiel who ultimately saved Dean. According to Castiel, he did so "because God commanded it". His handprint was burnt into Dean's left shoulder.

Characteristics

File:Angel Castiel Manifesting.jpg

Castiel manifesting in his Vessel on Earth after obtaining his host's consent.

Looking on Castiel's true form will burn out a human's eyes, as Pamela Barnes found when she tried to summon him in a seance. Castiel states his angelic shape is as big as the Chrysler Building in New York, which is 1047 feet (319 m) in height.

Castiel's true voice, like the true voices of other angels, is piercing to the human ear. He can use Electronic Voice Phenomenon to speak to people when he is outside his vessel. He communicates with his vessel, Jimmy Novak, through the electronics in his home, and appears to use an analogous method to communicate with Dean and Sam in Heaven. Castiel can also speak to his vessel unaided; he converses with Jimmy to obtain his consent to serve as a vessel.

Castiel is able to teleport himself, and in some cases groups of people, through time and space. He can cover great distances in a matter of seconds, as shown in 6.06 You Can't Handle The Truth when he believes Gabriel's Horn of Truth has been discovered, and searches an entire city in moments. The angel possesses vast occult knowledge, ranging from lore, to spells cast in Enochian, to the structure and defenses of Hell. His knowledge of human customs and behavior is somewhat lacking. Cas can move objects with a gesture, and even ignite them, as demonstrated when he burns Crowley's bones. Castiel is also proficient with an Angel Sword, generally outmatching his angelic opponents while using it.

Castiel's initial rank in The Host of Heaven is unknown. Uriel appears to be junior to him, until he is promoted when Castiel's superiors become concerned about Cas's empathy for Dean. In the past Anna Milton, in her angelic state, was his superior in their Angel Garrison. Zachariah was also his superior. However, Castiel seems to have been higher in rank than the henchmen that often accompanied Zachariah. He states in 5.02 Good God Y'All that he has been cut off from Heaven after helping Dean escape from Zachariah in 4.22 Lucifer Rising. This means that he lost some of his abilities, and he does not have the power to heal Bobby. After banishing himself and a group of other angels, Castiel loses more of his powers and appears almost mortal at the end of Season 5.

Castiel is the only angel thus far to have died and been brought back to life. This occurred twice: in 5.01 Sympathy For The Devil after he was killed by Raphael, and in 5.22 Swan Song after he was killed by Lucifer. After his second death, Castiel states the he believes God brought him back, "new and improved". Upon his second return, he is able to heal Dean and resurrect Bobby, apparently without the support of Heaven, another indication of his new elevated rank. At the end of 5.22 Swan Song Castiel returns to Heaven to restore order to The Host of Heaven after Michael's imprisonment. He opposes Raphael in the subsequent civil war. As of 6.15 The French Mistake, he currently holds Heaven's Weapons, which is considered an advantage in the war against Raphael.

See also Angel Garrison, Angel Lore, Castiel's Cell Phone

Personality

As an angel of the Lord, Castiel initially expressed little to no emotion towards humans. Although after being in a vessel on Earth for some time, he starts developing feelings for some humans, particularly with Dean and Sam Winchester, and adjusts to some human customs like a handshake or a hug. As he gets more attached to humans, he starts bending the rules of Heaven for Dean and Sam's sake, and he eventually starts questioning angelic orders from his superiors. It was for this reason that his superiors placed him under Uriel's command. His subsequent decision to rebel against Heaven was also prompted by his bond with the Winchesters, and they grow closer during his exile in Season 5. By Season 6, after his second resurrection by God, Castiel for the most part understands human tendencies and customs, though can be awkward in the way he performs them.

Castiel Trivia

• Castiel's name is first mentioned in the Season 3 episode 3.06 Red Sky At Morning during the graveyard scene where Sam reads aloud a summoning ritual from his father's journal. He speaks the names of several angels during the ritual, and one of them is Castiel.
• Misha Collins reports that "Kripke wanted to base the look of the character on the comic book character ‘Constantine’" Source.
• There was great secrecy around the introduction of the character. When the role was being cast it was advertised as being for a demon. It was only at the audition that Misha found out Castiel was an Angel. Read the casting sides for Castiel.
• Mark Pellegrino who plays Lucifer also auditioned for the role of Castiel.
• Dean first refers to Castiel as "Cas" in 4.04 Metamorphosis. The nickname is subsequently used by Sam] and Anna then Uriel as well, later several characters refer to him by the nickname, e.g. Ellen Harvelle.
• The shows' writers spell the nickname "Cass" (Source). In fandom, and particularly in Fanfiction it is almost exclusively spelled "Cas".
• On the Season 4 DVD the english subtitles call him "Cass" and other times it's "Cas".
• According to "A Dictionary of Angels: Including the Fallen Angels"(ISBN-13: 978-0029070529), Castiel is an Angel Of Thursday in the occult lore. This may be a reference to the fact that Supernatural aired on Thursday nights on The CW when the character was introduced.
• There is a municipality in Switzerland called Castiel. Its coat of arms is the archangel Michael killing a dragon. This image has appeared in paintings in 2.13 Houses of the Holy and 4.22 Lucifer Rising.

Castiel in Fandom

See also:

• • Castiel's Trench Coat
  • Misha Collins
  • Misha on Twitter
  • Random Acts - Misha and his charity
  • Misha's Minions
  • Mishawives
  • Dean/Castiel
  • Castiel/Gabriel
• spn_castiel - Castiel group on LJ
• deancastiel - LJ community to the relationship between Castiel and Dean
• Angel Whump - LJ community for fic where Castiel gets "whumped" i.e. hurt
• Rock Salt And Feathers - A fan fiction archive for the pairing of Dean and Castiel
• Fanfiction featuring Castiel on Fanfiction.net
• @HeWhoIsCastiel - Castiel role playing account on Twitter

Appearances

4.01 Lazarus Rising

Castiel in Lazarus Rising.

When Dean awakens and climbs out of his coffin, he does not know who rescued him from Hell. Castiel tries to 'speak' to Dean after his resurrection, but all Dean hears is a piercing sound. When Pamela Barnes conducts a seance to reveal the being who saved Dean, she reveals that its name is Castiel. Pamela orders him to appear and attempts to catch a glimpse of him. Castiel warns her off, but she persists and is blinded when she encounters him psychically. Again, while Dean is alone in his hotel room in Pontiac, Castiel tries to speak to Dean, but his 'voice' shatters all the glass in the room and makes Dean's ears bleed.

Assuming that what resurrected him is evil, Dean is intent on summoning Castiel and destroying him. Dean and Bobby prepare an empty warehouse with protective sigils and symbols, and Bobby performs a summoning ritual. The ritual does not produce immediate results, but Dean and Bobby wait to see if something will manifest. When Castiel appears, Bobby and Dean shoot him with rock salt, but this has no effect. Dean stabs Castiel with Ruby's Knife, also to no avail. Castiel touches Bobby on the forehead, causing him to pass out.

Dean questions Castiel, demanding to know what he is. Castiel reveals that he is "an angel of the Lord" and that he is occupying a vessel. Castiel tells Dean he is inside the body of a pious man who "prayed for this". Castiel explains that he saved Dean from Hell on God's command. He tells Dean that God "has work for him."

4.02 Are You There, God? It's Me, Dean Winchester

Castiel appears to Dean in a dream set in Bobby's kitchen, and confirms that the spirits who attacked them were Witnesses. He tells Dean that Lilith summoned them, and that in so doing she broke one of The 66 Seals. He explains that the angels are fighting to keep the other seals in tact, because when the last one is broken, Lucifer will be freed.

4.03 In The Beginning

Castiel sends Dean back 1973 to meet his parents when they were young. The purpose of this was to show Dean the truth of what happened with Mary Winchester and Azazel. Castiel explains that the angels still have no idea what Azazel's endgame is. He then tells Dean that Sam is headed down a dangerous road and that if Dean doesn't stop him, the angels will.

4.07 It's The Great Pumpkin, Sam Winchester

Dean and Sam return to their motel room to find Castiel and Uriel waiting. Sam is thrilled to meet Castiel. Castiel's response is to acknowledge Sam as the the 'boy with the demon blood' and says that he is glad Sam is no longer using his powers. Castiel reveals they found a hex bag, which would've killed the boys, secreted in the room. He then tells them that the raising of Samhain by the witch will break another of The 66 Seals. He advises Sam and Dean to leave town because he and Uriel are going to destroy it. Sam and Dean argue that they can find and kill the witch and stop the summoning of Samhain.

Later Uriel expresses his contempt for humans and tries to persuade Castiel that they should destroy the town anyway. Castiel reminds him that Dean was saved because he has 'potential', and reminds Uriel that they must follow their 'true orders'.

After Sam has used his powers to send Samhain to Hell, Castiel appears to Dean. He reveals that their true orders were to follow Dean's decision, as a test under battlefield conditions. Dean, thinking he's failed, asserts that he'd make the same decisions all over again if he had to, because of what he and Sam have saved. Castiel confides that he was praying Dean would choose as he did, and that he respects and loves humans as God's creations. He also admits that he has doubts about the plan from Heaven, and is no longer sure what is right and what is wrong. He warns that in the coming months, there will be more hard decisions for Dean -- and the angel does not envy him that.

4.09 I Know What You Did Last Summer

Castiel and Uriel arrive to kill Anna.

Castiel appears with Uriel to kill Anna at the end of the episode.

4.10 Heaven And Hell

Castiel and Uriel appear and demand that Sam and Dean hand over Anna, with Castiel announcing, "We're here for Anna...she has to die." Uriel states that Anna is not as innocent as she appears. The boys protest but the angels attack. Suddenly a bright light engulfs them and the angels are repelled and disappear. The boys go to the room where Anna was hiding, and find that she has used her blood to draw sigils on a mirror and use some spell against the angels.

Uriel and Castiel reappear from being banished later to take Anna. Dean's choice is revealed: either Anna dies - or Sam. As the angels are about to take her, an injured Ruby appears with Alastair. The demons and angels confront each other and a fight ensues. During the confrontation Castiel faces off with Alastair, landing several blows and trying to cast the demon back into the Pit. It proves ineffective and Alastair pins Castiel to the ground, strangles him and starts a demonic chant. Castiel is saved from Alastair's grip when Dean hits the demon across the back with a tire iron and distracts him from Castiel.

During the fight Anna steals her grace from Uriel and becomes an angel again. During her transformation, Alastair disappears and his host is destroyed. Uriel and Castiel leave, and it is discovered that Sam had planned all along to bring the demons and angels together to get them to fight each other.

4.15 Death Takes A Holiday

Castiel, pretending to be Bobby Singer, tells Sam by phone about a scenario described in a version of Revelations:

And he bloodied death under the newborn sky

Sweet to taste

But bitter once devoured

This is one of The 66 Seals which will be broken if two reapers are killed under a solstice moon. Castiel needs Sam and Dean to prevent the killing because the demons responsible are holed up in a refuge covered in Enochian Sigils that prevent angels from entering. The boys are successful in preventing the seal from being broken, and in the process Castiel captures Alastair.

After talking with a reaper, Dean asks Castiel why, if death is part of the natural order, he was rescued from Hell. Castiel replies "You're different."

4.16 On The Head Of A Pin

In the first scene, Castiel finds an angel from his garrison dead.

Castiel and Uriel then appear in the Winchester's hotel, explaining to Dean that the torturing skills he learned in Hell are required to break Alastair so that they can identify which demon is killing angels. Dean refuses to accompany them, but Uriel and Castiel transport him to the place where Alastair is kept in spite of this protest.

Once there, Dean insists on speaking to Cas alone. Uriel departs. Castiel then explains that he has been placed under Uriel's authority because his superiors feel he is too emotionally involved with the Winchesters. They believe that this is impairing his judgment. Castiel tells Dean that the angels need, rather then want, him to do this. Dean is convinced, and enters the room where Alastair is held. Castiel waits outside, listening.

Anna arrives and attempts to convince Castiel that forcing Dean into torturing again is morally wrong, and that it could not truly be God's orders. Castiel is clearly uncertain. Anna approaches him, explaining that she felt doubt before she left Heaven. She tries to persuade him that together they could find an answer. Castiel backs away from her, insisting that they have nothing in common because she fell. He tells her to leave, and she does.

Meanwhile, Alastair is freed from the devils trap and attacks Dean. Castiel enters the room and fights him, but Alastair manages to trap him. Alastair then begins to chant a demonic spell to send Castiel back to Heaven, but Sam interrupts him using his demonic powers, saving Castiel. Alastair is killed by Sam after insisting that no demon is responsible for the deaths of the angels.

Alastair VS. Castiel

Later, Castiel confronts Sam at the hospital where Dean is being treated. Sam assures Castiel that Alastair was not lying.

Uriel and Castiel meet at a playground to talk about how 'something is wrong' in Heaven. Castiel then calls Anna and tells her that he is considering disobedience; however, he does not believe it is 'good'. He asks her to tell him what he should do, but she refuses, reminding him that he had thought her help beneath him a short while before. She tells him to make his own decisions.

Castiel returns to the warehouse where Alastair was kept and finds out that a leaky pipe enabled Alastair to escape from the devils trap. Uriel arrives while Castiel is examining the trap. Castiel declares that he built the Old Enochian trap, and insists that a demon could not have defeated it. He demands to know the truth. Uriel admits that he was responsible for the deaths of the 7 angels, and that he wishes Lucifer to rise and humanity to be destroyed. He has been converting other members of the garrison to this viewpoint, and killing those that disagreed. Uriel attempts to recruit Castiel, but fails, and Castiel attacks him. Uriel fights back, bringing Castiel to his knees. Anna arrives clandestinely and stabs Uriel from behind, saving Castiel.

Castiel visits Dean in the hospital and confirms that Dean's actions in Hell resulted in the breaking of the first seal. When Dean asks why he was not left in Hell, Castiel responds that "the righteous man who begins it is the only one who can end it".

4.18 The Monster At The End Of This Book

Sam and Dean have encountered Chuck Shirley, a man who has written detailed accounts of the Winchesters' lives. Everything Chuck writes seems to come true. When Chuck predicts that Sam will encounter Lilith, Dean, afraid for Sam, angrily insists on an explanation of the writings. He threatens Chuck with violence, but Castiel arrives to stop Dean and reveals that Chuck Shirley is a Prophet of God. His books will one day be known as the Winchester Gospels. As a prophet, Chuck must not be harmed.

Dean returns to his motel to find that Sam has burned the protective hex bags Dean made. He is seeking the confrontation with Lilith that Chuck foresaw. Frustrated, Dean threatens to leave Sam to his fate, but changes his mind and instead storms out into the parking lot. Desperate, Dean starts to pray and Castiel appears, pleased by the sign of faith. Dean asks for help in preventing what Chuck has predicted, but Castiel refuses to interfere directly, saying that what a prophet has seen will come to pass. However, Castiel explains that Chuck is watched over by an archangel that will annihilate any threat to the prophet, including a demon like Lilith. Dean thanks him and uses the information by putting Chuck in the same room with Lilith as she and Sam are about to fight. This causes the archangel to appear, and Lilith flees.

4.20 The Rapture

Jimmy Novak - the Vessel for Castiel.

Castiel appears in a dream to Dean, and asks him to meet him in the real world because there is something he needs to tell him. When Dean and Sam arrive at the address provided by Castiel, they find signs of a violent confrontation. They encounter Castiel's vessel, Jimmy Novak, and determine that Castiel has been taken back to Heaven by force.

Castiel's vessel Jimmy Novak remembers little, but describes being possessed by Castiel as being "chained to a comet". Jimmy is anxious to return to his family. Sam and Dean try to prevent him from leaving, but Jimmy escapes. He returns home, but demons soon intrude, trying to capture the "empty vessel". Sam and Dean help the Novaks to escape, but the demons capture Jimmy's wife and his daughter, and offer to trade their lives for his.

Jimmy goes to meet the demons and is shot as a captive Sam and Dean watch. Suddenly Castiel returns, possessing Jimmy's daughter Claire Novak. She, like Jimmy, is an angelic vessel, having inherited the something "is in his blood" that made Jimmy a vessel. After defeating the demons, Castiel agrees to Jimmy's dying plea that Castiel use him as a vessel instead of his daughter.

As Castiel leaves, Dean asks him what it was he wanted to tell them, but Castiel rebuffs him, saying that he learned his lesson in Heaven. He doesn't serve man...or Dean, only Heaven.

4.21 When The Levee Breaks

After discovering that Sam has been drinking demon blood, Dean and Bobby imprison him in Bobby's Panic Room. Dean calls on Castiel, demanding to know if Sam is capable of killing Lilith. Castiel says yes, but that consuming the amount of demon blood required would make him inhuman. Castiel reiterates that the angels believe Dean can be the one to stop the apocalypse, rather than Sam, and asks if Dean will accept that role. Dean agrees for Sam's sake, and swears fealty and obedience to God and the angels at Castiel's insistence.

Later Castiel comes secretly into Bobby's house and uses his powers to release Sam's bonds and open the door to Bobby's Panic Room. Sam escapes, and Castiel leaves. Anna visits Castiel at a waterfront, and confronts him over his actions, but he says he is acting on orders. He tells her that she should not have come to see him, and she is taken captive by other angels.

4.22 Lucifer Rising

Castiel and Zachariah hold Dean captive in the Green Room, waiting as the apocalypse approaches. Dean pleads with Castiel to let him see Sam, but Castiel refuses, saying that it is not advisable. The doors of the room are removed to prevent Dean's escape.

Later, after Zachariah reveals the angels' real plan, Castiel returns and apologises to Dean for deceiving him. Dean is angry, and argues with Castiel, trying to convince him to help stop the apocalypse. Cas initially refuses, arguing that they would all be hunted. They argue, and Cas leaves. He then returns abruptly, forces Dean against a wall, and signals for silence. Cutting his forearm, Cas draws a sigil on the wall in blood. Zachariah arrives to stop him, but Castiel places a bloody hand on the sigil and Zachariah is sent away. Castiel says he will take Dean to Sam to stop him killing Lilith - because her death IS the final seal.

Castiel and Dean visit Chuck Shirley, who has foreseen that Sam is at the Convent. An archangel arrives, and Castiel says he will hold it off and sends Dean directly to the Convent. Castiel and Chuck wait for the archangel as the house continues to shake.

5.01 Sympathy For The Devil

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Castiel kills one of his brothers with the angel knife.

Early in the episode, the Winchesters visit Chuck Shirley to discover what happened to Castiel when the archangel attacked at the end of 4.22 Lucifer Rising. Chuck reveals that Castiel was killed, that he exploded "like a water balloon of chunky soup".

After luring the Winchesters to their father's storage unit, Zachariah reveals that Dean is the archangel Michael's vessel. Dean refuses to act as a vessel, so Zachariah tries to coerce Dean's agreement by torturing both Dean and Sam. Suddenly, Castiel appears. He attacks the two angels Zachariah brought with him, killing both with an Angel Killing Sword. He then orders Zachariah to heal Sam and Dean, then leave. Zachariah complies.

Castiel informs the brothers that Lucifer is preparing to take a vessel and that they must be on their guard. He touches Sam and Dean, burning Enochian sigils into their ribs that will hide them from all angels, including Lucifer. When asked what brought him back to life, Cas does not answer, and vanishes.

5.02 Good God Y'All

Castiel calls Sam to find out where the boys are; he cannot locate them because the Enochian Sigils he etched into their ribs hide them from all angels, including himself. He meets them at the hospital where Bobby is being treated. He reveals that he is cut off from Heaven following to rebellion, and has lost some his powers, including the ability to heal. This means that he cannot help Bobby. He then says that in order to defeat Lucifer he plans to find God. He asks Dean for his amulet, which Cas says will burn hot in God's presence. Dean mocks Castiel's plan, and Cas responds angrily, detailing what he has done for the Winchesters and what he has lost as a result. Dean relents and gives him the amulet, with orders not to lose it.

I killed two angels this week. My brothers. I'm hunted. I rebelled and I did it -- all of it -- for you. And you failed. You and your brother destroyed the world. And I lost everything -- for nothing. So keep your opinions to yourself. – Castiel, 5.02 Good God Y'All

5.03 Free To Be You And Me

Castiel visits Dean in a hotel room to ask for help. He wants Dean to help him find Raphael, the archangel who killed Castiel. Cas hopes to trap and interrogate Raphael, forcing him to divulge the location of God. Castiel also says that he is asking because Dean is "the only one who'll help me". Dean agrees to go along, but only if they drive. Cas and Dean arrive in the Maine town where Raphael was sighted and go to the local sheriff for information. Cas wants to tell the sheriff about Raphael, but Dean persuades him that the truth is not a good idea in this situation. He gives Castiel an FBI badge and straightens his tie.

After an awkward (and amusing) conversation with the sheriff, they discover that Raphael's vessel has been taken to a local hospital. Cas decides to trap Raphael using a very dangerous ritual involving holy oil obtained from Jerusalem. He admits to Dean that even though Dean, as Michael's vessel, will not be harmed, Castiel may not survive. Dean considers this, and asks Castiel what he would like to do on his last night on Earth. Dean throws out a few suggestions, and discovers from Cas's reactions that the angel is a virgin. In response, Dean takes Cas to a brothel. At a table in the bar area, Castiel looks terribly uncomfortable. Dean orders him to relax, to no effect. A girl comes over and Dean introduces her to Castiel. She leads the nervous angel to a back room, leaving behind a bemused Dean. A few moments later, a scream from the back sends Dean in search of Cas, who is being yelled at by the frightened prostitute. It seems that Cas tried to comfort the girl by telling her it wasn't her fault that her father ran away; it was because he hated his job at the post office. Dean laughs, and the two of them run as a pair of bouncers appear.

The next morning, Dean and Castiel place Raphael's vessel in a circle of holy oil in his room at the hospital. Castiel chants in Enochian to summon Raphael, then lights the oil. Raphael does not manifest, and hours later Dean and Castiel return to their base in an empty house. Raphael, occupying his vessel, is inside when they enter. He threatens to take Dean to Michael, but Dean lights a hidden circle of holy oil, trapping the archangel. Castiel and Raphael argue, with Raphael insisting that God is dead. Castiel refuses to believe him, and he and Dean leave Raphael trapped in the circle of fire. Later, Castiel says he believes God is out there, and that he will keep searching.

Castiel: Let's go. Raphael: Castiel, I'm warning you. Do not leave me here. I will find you. Castiel: Maybe one day. But today, you're my little bitch. – Castiel to Raphael, while Raphael is trapped in holy oil.

5.04 The End

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Future Castiel in 5.04 The End

Castiel phones Dean, eager to meet up and search for the Colt, but Dean begs that he wait until morning. Castiel agrees and continues standing, rather forlornly, on the side of a highway.

Dean wakes in the morning to find that Zachariah has zapped him five years into the future, into 2014. In appears that in 2012, Lucifer's minions re-released the Croatoan demon virus. In this post-apocalyptic world, most humans have been reduced to murderous zombies. Dean goes in search of Bobby, and finds a photo showing that Castiel is at Camp Chitaqua. When Dean arrives, he finds that Future Dean, Future Chuck and other survivors are also there.

Future Castiel informs Dean that sometime after the Croatoan virus was released, the Angels left, and so did most of his angelic powers, so that Cas is now effectively human. He can however detect that Dean from 2009 is different from Future Dean. He is embittered at his situation and has immersed himself in "women and decadence". When Dean first encounters him, he is organising an orgy, and when Dean asks if he is stoned, he says "Generally - yeah".

Future Castiel is presumably killed during the attack Future Dean leads on Lucifer.

When Zachariah brings Dean back to the present, he once again asks him to be Michael's vessel. When Dean refuses, Zachariah is about to take him prisoner and torture him again, but Castiel intervenes, transporting Dean to safety at the roadside where Cas has been waiting. Dean comments on his good timing, and Castiel smiles, saying "we had an appointment".

5.06 I Believe The Children Are Our Future

Sam and Dean ask Castiel for help when they discover that Jesse Turner is a Cambion, the son of Julia Wright and a demon. Castiel insists that Jesse must be killed as he is incredibly powerful, even capable of "killing the Host of Heaven with one word". Because he can transport himself anywhere Jesse cannot be held prisoner, and though Jesse is not himself evil, Castiel is unwilling to take the risk that Jesse would choose to serve Lucifer. However, when he attempts to kill the boy, Jesse turns Castiel into a small action figure. Castiel is restored when Jesse leaves and goes into hiding.

5.08 Changing Channels

When the Trickster traps Sam and Dean in an unending series of TV shows, Castiel tries to rescue them but is banished. When he reappears, Castiel is bloodied and bruised, and says he thinks it may be something more powerful than the Trickster - who appears and again banishes him. Finally, after the Trickster is revealed to be Gabriel, Dean gets him to bring Castiel back.

5.10 Abandon All Hope

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Castiel doing shots with Ellen and Jo

Castiel discovers the crossroads demon Crowley making a deal with a banker. He follows the demon to the house Crowley is occupying, and informs Dean of its location by phone, then reveals that the house is protected from angels by Enochian symbols. Sam and Dean recruit Ellen and Jo to help with the mission, and the four of them breach the house. Sam and Dean find Crowley and are shocked when he willingly hands over the Colt and the location of Lucifer.

The team regroups at Bobby's, and Castiel does shots with Ellen and Jo (after the latest 5 he declares that he's "starting to feel something"). The hunters prepare to take on Lucifer in Carthage, Missouri, and Bobby insists on taking a photo of them all so he has something to remember them by. The others laugh off Bobby's comment, but Castiel observes that "Tomorrow we hunt the Devil. This is our last night on earth".

When the team arrives in Missouri, Castiel sees Reapers everywhere. He follows one, trying to find out why they are there and is captured by Lucifer, who imprisons Cas in a ring of flaming Holy Oil. Lucifer describes Castiel as a "peculiar thing", and questions him about his arrival and who he has brought with him. He tries to convince Castiel to join him, because Castiel will be Heaven's target if Lucifer is defeated, but Castiel refuses. Lucifer leaves to finish his ritual, leaving Meg to watch over Castiel. Castiel manages to loosen the fittings on an overhead pipe and uses it to knock Meg into the flaming circle. Castiel tries to cast her out of her host, but finds that without Heaven's support he is unable to do so. Meg mocks him as powerless, and Castiel throws her onto the holy fire, walking over her to escape. He arrives in time to save Sam and Dean from Lucifer.

5.13 The Song Remains The Same

Anna comes to Dean in a dream, telling him that she has been held prisoner in heaven after being turned in by Castiel, but has escaped. She wants Dean to meet her, but instead of Dean, Castiel arrives. He does not believe she could have escaped on her own, having himself experienced "Heaven's persuasion". He accuses her of working for Heaven against the Winchesters. Anna denies this, but insists that Sam must die so that Lucifer cannot take him as a vessel. She fails to convince Castiel, who refers to Sam as his friend. He informs her that, despite their shared experiences, if she attempts to harm Sam, he will kill her.

Later, after informing Sam and Dean of the situation, Castiel performs a ritual to determine Anna's location. He discovers that Anna has gone back in time to kill Sam and Dean's parents. Sam and Dean insist that he bring them along, but Castiel protests that time travel is extremely difficult, even with Heaven's support. Because he is outcast, he tells them that "taking this trip, with passengers no less...it'll weaken me". However, he gives in to their continued insistence and packs a satchel containing holy oil and his Angel Killing Sword, then gives it to Sam. Cas touches the brothers' foreheads, and suddenly they arrive in the year 1978. Sam and Dean find Castiel slumped against a car, bleeding and breathing heavily. He insists that he is better than he expected to be, but then coughs up blood and passes out. Dean books Castiel into the honeymoon suite at a hotel to regain his strength while they fight Anna. Sam is concerned about Cas, but Dean describes him as "tough for a little nerdy dude with wings".

After Sam and Dean are returned to their time by Michael, Castiel appears in their hotel room. He does not immediately realize where he is, but when informed that he has made it back, he admits to being very surprised. He passes out, and the brothers drag him over to a bed to rest.

5.14 My Bloody Valentine

Sam and Dean investigate cases of people who abruptly kill themselves in odd ways near Valentine's Day. While examining the remains of the victims post-autopsy Sam notices an inscribed angel sigil on two of the hearts. Dean phones Castiel for angelic assistance. Cas appears directly in front of Dean while they are still on the phone. He recognizes the sigils as a mark of union placed on the victims by a Cupid, a lower angel called a Cherub. Castiel, Sam, and Dean go to a couple-filled restaurant, suspecting that Cupid will be drawn to the love-filled environment. While there, Cas asks to eat Dean's untouched hamburger, but before he can take a bite he senses the Cupid has arrived. Castiel traps Cupid in the back room of the restaurant and forces him to show himself.

Cupid manifests as a naked man and goes around giving Dean, Castiel and Sam enthusiastic hugs, lifting them up off the floor. Castiel informs them that this is the Cupid's way of shaking hands, and that no one likes it. The three interrogate the cherub about the strange deaths, and he begins to cry. Castiel tries to comfort him, earning another intense hug. The cherub then asks Cas to read his mind so that they will understand that he was not involved in the deaths. Cas agrees and makes eye contact with the other angel. After a moment he turns away, announcing that Cupid is telling the truth.

Later, Sam fights a demon and takes its briefcase. At their motel, Sam and Dean open the case and release a brilliant light. Castiel appears behind them, holding a paper bag of hamburgers, and explains that the brothers released a soul. As he eats the hamburgers, Castiel announces that Famine is in town and is causing the strange, starved behavior among the victims. Even Cas has been affected through his vessel, Jimmy, who craves red meat. Once strengthened by consuming souls, Famine will be able to march across the lands with authority.

Sam is incapacitated by his craving for demon blood, so Castiel and Dean search for Famine. Cas continues to eat, saying that the hamburgers make him very happy. They locate Famine, but Castiel is distracted by a tray of raw ground beef and Dean is captured. Sam arrives after killing two demons and drinking their blood. With his powers he is able to defeat Famine, but is then locked in Bobby's Panic Room by Dean and Castiel. Castiel tries to reassure Dean that Sam will be okay when the blood is out of his system, but Dean leaves.

Dean: What are you, the Hamburglar? Castiel: I've developed a taste for ground beef. Dean: Well have you even tried to stop it? Castiel: I'm an angel, I can stop anytime I want. Dean: Whatever. – Background conversation, 5.14 My Bloody Valentine

5.16 Dark Side Of The Moon

Sam and Dean are killed, and Dean wakes up inside his Impala. Young Sam is there, and Dean realizes he's reliving a happy memory. When Dean remembers that he and Sam were shot, the memory disappears, and Dean hears Castiel's voice coming from the Impala's radio. Castiel tells Dean that he is dead and is in Heaven. He urges a confused Dean that he must follow the asphalt road in front of him if he is to find Sam. The connection between Castiel and the radio, made possible by a spell, fades, and Dean is on his own again.

Dean and Sam are reunited in a Thanksgiving memory of Sam's that takes place in an old girlfriend's house. Suddenly a bright light streams through the windows and shakes the ground, forcing Sam and Dean to hide behind furniture in the living room. When the light has passed, a TV turns on. Castiel's face appears on screen, and though the message is grainy and full of static, they can communicate. Castiel warns them "Don't go into the light," revealing that the light is actually Zachariah searching for them. Zachariah's goal is to send Sam and Dean back to Earth and convince them to say 'yes' to Lucifer and Michael. Castiel sends them on a mission to find an angel named Joshua, who resides in the center of Heaven, in Heaven's Garden. Joshua, according to Castiel, is rumored to be the angel that God speaks to, and their only chance of finding God on Earth. To find him, the brothers must follow the Road, the axis mundi, for it will lead them to Heaven's Garden. The Road weaves through Sam and Dean's memories, and they become lost and are eventually captured by Zachariah.

Joshua interrupts Zachariah with a message for Sam and Dean. He informs them that though God was the one who saved them from Lucifer and resurrected Castiel, God will not intervene to destroy Lucifer and stop the Apocalypse. Sam and Dean are returned to Earth with the knowledge that their last resort has failed. The brothers relay the devastating news to Castiel.

At first, unwilling to believe, Castiel suggests that maybe Joshua was lying. Sam regretfully assures Castiel that he believes Joshua was honest. Slowly walking towards the door, his faith broken, Castiel stops and looks up, murmuring,

"You son-of-a-bitch...I believed in..."

He pauses a moment before turning to Dean and returning his amulet, saying, "It's worthless," before disappearing.

And as Sam tries to console Dean, insisting that they will find a way to stop Lucifer. Dean pauses a moment as he leaves the room to throw the amulet away.

5.17 99 Problems

After being called by Sam, Castiel turns up in the brothers motel room. As he staggers forward, Sam asks if Cas is drunk. He denies this initially, then admits that he found a liquor store, then drank it. Sam asks if he his alright, and Cas motions for him to lean down and mutters "Don't ask stupid questions". When asked about the local prophet, Castiel reveals that the names of all the prophets are "seared" into his mind, and that her name is not among them. He helps the boys determine that they are dealing with the Whore Of Babylon and supplies them with a stake of cypress from Babylon with which to kill her. He also informs them that only a "true servant of Heaven" can kill the Whore, and that neither he, Dean, or Sam qualifies. Castiel finds the town pastor and brings him to the brothers, who explain the situation. The pastor is shocked, and wonders why an angel like Castiel could not kill the creature. Castiel responds that he is a poor example of an angel.

Outside the motel, Castiel sits on a bench and leans forward, rubbing his forehead. Dean tosses him a large bottle of aspirin, and suggests that he take them all. They talk briefly about absent fathers. Later, Castiel is injured when the Whore Of Babylon attacks him.

5.18 Point of No Return

As Dean prepares to say yes to Michael, Castiel and Sam appear and take Dean back to Bobby's. As they argue over alternatives, Castiel is struck with a sudden pain. When asked if he's okay, Cas replies that "somethings happening" and vanishes. He arrives in a wooded area where the trees have been flattened by angelic power - the angels have resurrected someone. The ground in the center of the fallen trees pulsates and Castiel tries to help the resurrected man out of his grave. As he leans forward, an angel attacks him from behind. They fight, and another angel appears. Castiel manages to kill his assailants, and turns back to the figure struggling out of the ground. Cas pulls him out and transports him Bobby's. The others gather round, and it is revealed that the Winchesters half-brother, Adam Milligan, is the man. Castiel shields Adam with a set of Enochian Sigil. The Winchesters talk with Adam, who claims that he is supposed to act as Michael's vessel. Castiel suggests that the angels have decided that Dean will not say yes, and so are turning to Adam as a back-up as he is also John Winchester's son.

While Sam, Bobby, and Castiel try to plan their course of action, they keep an eye on Adam and lock Dean in the panic room. When Castiel goes to check on him, Dean tricks him into entering the room then puts his hand to a hidden Angel Banishing Sigil, sending Castiel away and giving Dean time to escape.

File:Cassigial.jpg

Sigil in Castiel's chest

Once in town, Dean approaches a street preacher and asks him to call the angels so that he can assent to Michael. Castiel appears and touches the preacher, causing him to pass out. Castiel attacks Dean, beating him severely and raging that Dean is prepared to surrender after all the sacrifices the angel has made to help the Winchesters avoid the Apocalyptic battle between Michael and Lucifer. Lying on the ground, Dean encourages Castiel to kill him, but Castiel relents and taps Dean on the shoulder, knocking him out. Cas then takes him back to Bobby's, where it is discovered that the angels have taken Adam.

Castiel determines that Adam is being held in the Green Room, and that it is heavily guarded. Castiel takes Sam and Dean to an abandoned warehouse where he says they can access the Green Room. Castiel says he can get them in there, but must fight five angels to do so. Dean suggests that the idea is suicidal. Cas agrees that it may be, but says that is preferable to watching Dean fail, and that he doesn't have the faith in Dean that Sam does. He then removes his tie and takes a box cutter from his pocket.

Inside the dark warehouse, Castiel is attacked by an angel, but defeats and kills him. Four other angels appear, and Castiel drops his sword and yells at them to attack. As they close in on him, he rips open his shirt, revealing that he has carved an Angel Banishing Sigil into his chest. As he slaps his hand to it, it releases a bright flash and send away all the angels, including himself.

5.21 Two Minutes To Midnight

Dean receives a sudden phone call from Castiel, who disappeared at the end of 5.18 Point Of No Return and has not been heard from since. Cas informs Dean that he woke up in a hospital, much to the surprise of the doctors treating him, who thought he was brain-dead. He says that he was found on a shrimping boat off Delacroix sometime after banishing himself and the other angels. Dean tells him that he is with Sam and Bobby, and that Cas should transport himself there. Castiel replies that he cannot teleport because his "batteries are drained"; he is effectively a human. He asks for money for transportation and for "more pain medication, ideally", and Dean agrees to have Bobby send it. Before hanging up, Cas apologizes to Dean for losing faith in him and believing he would turn himself over to Michael.

Dean and Sam meanwhile go after Pestilence, who is using a nursing home as a base of operations. As they approach the room where Pestilence is located, they become stricken by a variety of diseases. When they find the room they need, they are unable to do more than collapse on the floor in front of Pestilence. At this moment Castiel shows up to help, having taken a bus to this location. He enters the room and is immediately struck down by Pestilence, who eyes him with curiosity. He refers to Castiel as an "occupied vessel...but powerless". He speculates that Castiel has no spark of angel left in him, but Castiel mutters maybe a little, grabs the knife dropped by Dean and lunges at Pestilence, managing to sever his ring finger. Cas, along with Sam and Dean, is healed, and he kills a demon that was accompanying Pestilence. The Horseman vanishes, saying that they are already too late.

Later, Castiel accompanies Sam and Bobby in an attempt to destroy a building containing the Croatoan virus, which is disguised as a swine flu vaccine. On the way, Castiel is filled in on Sam's idea to say yes to Lucifer as a means of getting him back into his cage. Unlike Dean and Bobby, Castiel does not dismiss the option, saying that it may be possible and that Sam and Dean have often exceeded his expectations in the past. He also tells Sam that Lucifer's vessel would need to be strengthened by demon blood. Castiel also informs Sam that Michael is now likely using Adam Milligan for a vessel.

At the vaccine shipping facility, Castiel saves Sam from an infected human, using a shotgun for the first time and pronouncing it effective.

5.22 Swan Song

Sam, Dean, Bobby, and the now quasi-human Castiel have committed to the plan to trap Lucifer and return him to his cage by allowing him to enter Sam. In preparation, they drain a group of demons and bottle their blood for Sam to consume. Next, the four of them travel to Detroit.

In Detroit, Sam says his goodbyes. He asks Castiel to look after Dean and Bobby. Cas states that the request is impossible, but then realizes that he is "supposed to lie". Sam and Dean go to confront Lucifer, and Sam says 'yes'. Lucifer enters him and takes hold, and Sam cannot force him into the cage. Lucifer departs, leaving Dean to return to Castiel and Bobby. Dean asks for suggestions on what to do next, and Castiel suggests they get drunk while they wait for the end. Dean refuses to give up, however, and contacts the prophet Chuck Shirley, who gives him the location of the impending battle between Lucifer and Michael. Dean heads for the location, Stull Cemetery near Lawrence, Kansas. He interrupts the two angels before the fight, insisting on a conversation with Sam, which angers Michael. Suddenly Castiel yells at Michael to get his attention, then hurls a Molotov cocktail full of Holy Oil at the archangel. Michael is engulfed in flames and vanishes. Cas tells Dean that he will return, but that Dean will have time to talk to Sam.

Outraged by Castiel's audacity in attacking Michael, Lucifer obliterates him with a snap of his fingers, then kills Bobby moments later. After Dean and Sam succeed, and Lucifer (as well as Sam) and Michael are imprisoned, Castiel returns. An astonished Dean asks the angel if he is God, and Cas says no, but he believes God brought him back. Cas's angelic nature has been restored, and his powers improved. Castiel heals Dean of his injuries and brings Bobby back to life.

Castiel leaves the cemetery with Dean, riding in the Impala. Dean asks Castiel about his plans. Castiel says that Heaven must be in chaos without Michael, and that he will return to help restore order. Dean is critical of Castiel's willingness to return to Heaven in the service of God after all they have been through. Castiel believes that God likely helped them more than they suspect. Before he leaves, Cas suggests that Dean even got what he asked for: "No Paradise. No Hell. Just more of the same. I mean it Dean. What would you rather have? Peace - or freedom?"

6.01 Exile On Main St.

Sam tells Dean that after he came back from Lucifer's Cage, he prayed to Castiel in hopes that he could explain what happened. Castiel didn't answer, and he does not appear in this episode.

6.03 The Third Man

Following a string of deaths that resemble three of the Twelve Plagues of Egypt, Dean prays to Castiel in the hope that he will be able to answer some of their questions. Sam is certain that the angel will not appear, because Sam has prayed to Castiel several times since he escaped Lucifer's Cage a year ago without receiving an answer. Castiel appears behind Sam, and greets the brothers, much to Sam's chagrin.

Castiel: Hello.
Sam: Hello.
Castiel: Yes.
Sam: Hello? Hello.
Castiel: That is still the term.
Sam: I spent all that time trying to get through to you, Dean calls once and now it’s hello?!
Castiel: Yes.
Sam: So what, you like him better or something?
Castiel: Dean and I do share a more profound bond. I wasn’t going to mention it.
Dean: Cas, I think what he’s trying to say is that he went to hell for us. I mean he really took one for the team. You remember that? And then he comes back without a clue and you can’t take five freaking minutes to give him some answers.
Castiel: If I had any answers, I might have responded but I don’t know. Sam, we have no idea who brought you back from the cage or why.

Archangel Raphael vs. Angel Castiel

Castiel then goes on to explain that he came, not because Dean called him, but because the recent deaths have been caused by a powerful angelic weapon known as the Staff of Moses. He tells them that Heaven has been in chaos following the Apocalypse and the loss of Michael, and several of Heaven's weapons have been stolen. He asks the Winchesters for their help in finding the Staff. Together, the three of them visit the family of a boy who was murdered and then framed by the recent plague victims. They soon discover that the boy's brother, Aaron, has a piece of the Staff. Castiel takes the Staff fragment from him and Aaron explains that he sold his soul to an angel in exchange for the weapon. Castiel insists that they must find the angel and the other pieces of the Staff.

Castiel teleports Sam, Dean, and an unconscious Aaron back to the brothers' motel room. He reveals that he can read the unknown angel's mark within the boy, but notes that it will be excruciatingly painful for Aaron. Dean objects, but Sam agrees that it is necessary. Castiel proceeds, and discovers the angel is Balthazar, a close friend of his who was believed to have died during the war. Before Castiel can make sense of Balthazar's actions, an angel appears and attacks him. The two fight and fall out a window, landing on Sam's car, crushing it. Castiel recovers and the second angel departs. Castiel explains that the other angel is a servant of Raphael, who is free and has gathered a following of traditionalists who wish to restart the Apocalypse. Sam surmises that the angels are in a state of civil war; Castiel admits that this is the case, and that he is ashamed of his brothers' actions. He then conducts a spell to locate Balthazar, and transports the three of them to his location.

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Raphael vs. Castiel

Castiel ventures into Balthazar's suite alone and confronts him about his conduct. Balthazar explains that he is simply following in Castiel's footsteps by making his own decisions and doing whatever he likes. Castiel demands he return the stolen weapons, but Balthazar declines. They hear an indication of Raphael's arrival, and Balthazar disappears. A hostile angel attacks Castiel, who pleads for him to stand down, but is forced to kill the other angel. Raphael appears and beats Castiel mercilessly, throwing him down a flight of stairs. Just as Raphael is about to kill Castiel, Balthazar reappears and destroys Raphael's vessel using Lot's Salt. He remarks that Raphael will be too preoccupied looking for a new vessel to pose a threat anytime soon.

Before Balthazar can leave, Dean lights a hidden ring of Holy Oil, trapping the angel. Dean demands the return of Aaron's soul. Balthazar is furious, but agrees when Castiel refuses to interfere. After he releases the soul, Castiel frees Balthazar before Dean can demand anything else, declaring that his debt to the second angel is cleared. Balthazar and Castiel vanish.

6.06 You Can't Handle The Truth

When Dean discovers that an antique horn was recently stolen from a local music store, he theorizes that it is an angelic weapon, Gabriel's Horn of Truth, and is causing the disruption in Calumet City. He prays to Castiel, who appears immediately when Dean mentions the possibility of a holy weapon being in town. Dean is angry with him for only answering when it's in Castiel's own interest to do so, because Dean has been calling Cas for help with Sam. Dean is afraid that Sam may still be possessed by Lucifer, but Castiel tells him that the angels would feel it if Lucifer were free. He picks up a bottle and pours Dean another drink. Castiel once again tells Dean that he doesn't know what's going on with Sam, and reminds him that he is fighting a civil war.

Dean: What is wrong with him?
Castiel: I don't know Dean. I'm sorry.
Dean: What happened to you Cas? You used to be human, or at least like one.
Castiel: I'm at war. Certain regrettable things are now required of me.

Dean starts to explain his theory about the Horn, and Castiel disappears before he can finish. He then reappears two seconds later and announces that the Horn of Truth is not causing the disturbance because it is not in town; he knows because he looked everywhere. Before he goes again, he tells Dean that he does want to help with Sam and that he'll make some inquiries.

6.07 Family Matters

Dean calls Castiel for help immediately following the events of 6.06 You Can't Handle The Truth. Sam is tied to a chair and still bloody from Dean's pummeling. Castiel takes the opportunity to ask Sam a few questions. He quickly discovers that Sam is no longer sleeping or feeling any emotions, which worries him, so Castiel performs a ritual similar to the one he used prior on Aaron Birch. He reaches inside Sam's abdomen with his angelic powers, and, as it is an extremely painful experience, he has Sam bite down on his belt. What Castiel learns from the examination is that Sam's soul is missing and is likely still in Lucifer's Cage. With no other clues, they decide to head to the Campbell Compound and question Samuel Campbell, who came back from the dead at the same time that Sam escaped Lucifer's cage. Before they leave, Dean has Castiel heal Sam's earlier injuries.

At the compound, Dean questions Samuel about his resurrection, but Samuel reiterates that he doesn't remember anything before waking up alive. Dean insists that Samuel talk to their 'wingman', and Castiel appears beside Samuel.

Samuel: This Castiel? (to Castiel) You're scrawnier than I pictured.
Castiel: This is a vessel. My true form is approximately the size of your Chrysler Building.
Dean: Alright, alright, quit bragging.

Castiel tests Samuel to see if he still has a soul - he does - and Castiel leaves shortly afterward. Before goes, though, he promises Dean that he will be on the lookout for something to help Sam regain his soul.

6.10 Caged Heat

Sam prays to Castiel, and when the angel does not answer, claims that he has found the Lost Ark of the Covenant. Fooled, Castiel appears to Sam and asks where it is, but is met with hostility and derision because he is unaware that Sam was referencing Raiders of the Lost Ark. Sam demands that he help them track down Crowley. Castiel informs Sam that he is in the middle of a battle but Sam doesn't care and threatens to kill Castiel if he does not help him. Castiel simply replies "You need help", but agrees to assist nonetheless by performing a spell to locate Crowley. The spell fails because Crowley is shielded. Castiel then accompanies Sam and Dean to Samuel's office in the Campbell Compound, but is asked to leave when Samuel catches them so that the family may discuss matters in private. He is later seen watching a porno and struggling to understand it while Sam and Dean do research at their hideout.

Samuel comes around and tells them where they can find the demonic prison housing the monsters, though he refuses to take part in the attempt on Crowley. Outside, they meet with Meg and three of her demon cohorts. Castiel is displeased with the notion of working with an "abomination", Meg in particular. There is a confrontation in which Sam kills one of Meg's associates, but they agree to proceed together. Alone with Dean, who is preparing for the mission, Castiel suggests that forcing Sam's soul back into his body could have catastrophic consequences for him, as Lucifer and Michael will no doubt have spent the last year tormenting him. Dean is convinced that restoring his brother is the right thing to do, however. The group infiltrates Crowley's base, a disused prison protected by demons, hellhounds, and spellwork.

Inside they are attacked by hellhounds, losing the other two demons following Meg before blocking the dogs behind a locked door and a line of salt. Deciding that she would have the best chance of holding them off, Meg tells the brothers and Castiel to find and kill Crowley. Suddenly, she kisses Castiel passionately while reaching inside his coat. To everyone's surprise, Castiel reciprocates, apparently inspired by the porno he saw earlier. When they pull away from each other, Meg is holding his Angel Killing Sword. Castiel does not object, and leaves with the brothers while Meg uses the weapon to fight the hellhounds. Castiel is not with them for long, however, as Samuel banishes him with a blood sigil.

In his absence, the Winchesters and Meg eventually manage to catch Crowley in a devil's trap, but he escapes and overpowers them all. Castiel reappears suddenly, holding a burlap bag that contains Crowley's bones. He demands to know if Crowley can genuinely retrieve Sam's soul from the cage, and the demon admits that he cannot. Castiel burns Crowley's bones with a wave of his hand, and the demon is destroyed.

At Dean's request, Castiel agrees to dispose of the remaining monsters within the prison. He then disappears after admitting that he is on the losing side of the war against the archangel Raphael.

6.12 Like A Virgin

Sam is still unconscious over a week after Death returns his soul. Dean calls Castiel, who reads Sam's soul in the panic room. He confirms that the soul is there, but when Dean asks if Sam will ever wake up, Castiel is doubtful. He says that Sam's soul feels "skinned", and he is critical of Dean's decision to have it returned. He even tells Dean that if he wanted to kill his brother, there were other ways.

After Sam awakens, he has no memories of the past year. Dean is not willing to tell him the truth, but Sam begins to suspect that something happened during the missing year. He prays to Castiel while Dean is away. Cas appears, and rejoices to see Sam awake and alright. He even tries to hug Sam, but when Sam hesitates, Cas realizes that a hug would be awkward. The angel tells Sam that what has happened is nothing less than a miracle, and admits that he was against Dean's choice. He asks Sam how it feels, and when Sam asks what he means, Castiel reveals that Sam's soul has been put back. Sam realizes that he must have been on Earth without his soul, but hides his surprise from Castiel. Sam then says that he is a little confused about some things, and asks Castiel to talk with him about some of the things that have happened during the last year and a half. Castiel does so.

6.15 The French Mistake

Balthazar appears to Sam and Dean, telling them that Raphael is trying to kill all of Castiel's allies in one night, and that "Cassie" is underground. He gives them a key to the Angelic Weapons he stole, then conducts a ritual. Sam and Dean are thrown into an alternative universe in which they are actors named Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki on a show called "Supernatural". On the television backlot, Dean prays to Castiel for help. Spotting what appears to be Cas a moment later, they rush over to talk about what has happened, only to find that it is not Castiel, but Misha, the actor that plays him on the show.

The brothers are eventually pulled back into their universe by Raphael, who was trying to bring back his assassin Virgil. Balthazar arrives, and reveals that the key he gave them is fake, and he was playing for time to move the weapons. Raphael threatens the Winchesters, but Castiel arrives. The shadows of his wings flicker on the building behind him as he tells Raphael that the "power of the weapons" is with him, and that he will kill the archangel if he remains. Raphael vanishes. Balthazar also leaves after a parting word to Castiel.

Castiel goes to the brothers and touches their shoulders, transporting them and himself to Bobby's house. Dean demands to know if Castiel was involved in Balthazar's plot to use them as decoys. Castiel says that he was not, but that if necessary he would also have used them as a distraction. Dean is angry, but Castiel reminds him again that if his side loses to Raphael, everyone loses. The brothers want Castiel to tell them about what is really going on in the war. He says that he will when he can. Then he disappears.