Some further thoughts on "It's a terrible life"
So the angels set up the whole office-work scenario for Dean's benefit, because he's the one they care about, but it's Sam who affirms his commitment to hunting first, and even more forcefully than Dean does. I kind of love that, because it shows once again that you can't set up a trap/test/bait for one brother without getting the other too. They come as a set. We've known that since "Croatoan." Also, cubicle!Sam wanted to hunt because it helps people, not because he had something to avenge. I'm pretty sure this is the first time we've ever seen Sam make that particular decision for that particular reason.
Part of the reason Sam made his decision first was that the angels, not caring about his mental state, didn't bother to try and make his life attractive. Dean got the cushy management job, the big money, the fancy office, the swanky apartment. Sam got an ugly polo shirt and a cubicle he barely fit in. As Dean correctly pointed out, most people who work in cubicles think they're meant for something better. But also, for the past couple of seasons, Sam has been a more dedicated hunter than Dean, especially with the time he spent alone in "Mystery Spot" and during the summer, and it really came through for him here.
And in addition to hunting, cubicle!Sam also reaffirmed his closeness and connection to his brother. Not that I ever doubted it, but it was nice to see.
I'm highly amused by that fact that, despite all their grousing about those "Winchester douchenozzles," the Ghostfacers still incorporated the boys' ghost-hunting tips into their website. Which at least means that their site is giving accurate information. Good job, Ghostfacers.
I know find myself wanting to write an AU where the angels decide that Dean is actually more useful to them without all the trauma and the emotional baggage, so they never bother restoring the boys' memories, and corporate!Dean and cubicle!Sam hit the road together as newbie ghost hunters. Dean will be the research expert and Sam will be the muscle, and they'll keep relying on the Ghostfacers site for tips, and it'll be hilarious and adorable.
Next week looks like a hoot, too.