I agree, the family is the base of the show, it's what makes it what it is. This season has felt a little off to me, because there hasn't been as much family as in the past two season. Its mostly been about Dean's deal and Sam fighting even if Dean wasn't willing to at first, and now they're both fighting and it's like you've said in your reviews, they're loosing hope and grabbing at any chance they can get. Anyways! I know next season is gonna be awesome. Maybe they'll reveal about Mary's journal as well, and I think you're right that John knows whatever it was. He knew all about Sam and didn't tell them, it isn't like John doesn't know how to keep a secret!