Well, there's no denying that I always loved about Supernatural that it had that narrow focus. There are ensemble shows a dime a dozen out there, but only very few shows that dare to have only 2 main characters and then even manage to keep them as interesting as the Winchesters for 4 seasons. That said, I don't really think that it is the epicness in itself that bothered me with 4.10, 4.16 and 4.20. You know, 4.16 is easy, I like that episode, it was fascinating and complex, I was mostly bothered with the darkness in it. Man, did SN teach me my limit in that regard this season. LOL But the problem with 4.10 and 4.20 was that they cut into major character arcs, i.e. Dean's hell-trauma and the reveal of Sam's blood drinking habits. If they hadn't tried to mix important character moments with an epic plotline, which only managed to take away the focus from said important character moment, I wouldn't even be half as pissed with these episodes. I have no problem if they take 3-5 episodes per season and make them into an epic good vs evil drama as long as they don't try to squeeze major turns for the characters in alongside. Sam and Dean deserve better than that. ;)

I love going back to older seasons as well. It's amazing to look at the characters and think where they end up and the best part of it is, that you can follow the different steps of when and why the characters changed. There is such an amazing sense of continuity and consistency with the characters. It always makes me proud of our little show. :)