That's a really good point about him being more like S1 Dean. I couldn't shake the feeling that the writer basically compiled a list of "things fans like" (horror! Dean having sex! early-season vibe!) and jammed them all in there.

I'm really glad someone else felt about it the way I did.

Oh, but I forgot to mention the other thing I actually liked in the ep--Sam, upon learning they need virgin blood to kill the baddie: "I'M a virgin!" :-D