Yes, I, too, was surprised when the show didn't connect the overall theme to the fact that both Sam and Dean have been dead and now are alive. Though, I do think there is a difference between the boys and Karen (they don't look dead, for one and they aren't zombies, for two)it was still such an obvious connection to make.

Also, I agree that Sam has been muddled and hard to read, especially the last two years. Honestly, I'm just so ready for the boys to re-connect on a level that will provide that two-way conversation again simply because I miss it. But I thought your comparison between Sam in this episode and Sam in season two was interesting. I hadn't thought of it and I hope it is a deliberate showing of the Sam we once knew.

I know he also did the same thing in Metamorphosis, but that felt different. That was clearly Sam fearing that he was turning into a monster, whereas the other two instances seem to be more of a moral standing. Very interesting, indeed.

And, also agree that Sheriff Mills and Karen were very well done. I was a little sorry to see them go.