I'm right with you on the angel interference in what the boys got to see. Certainly much of the episode seemed aimed at manipulating the Winchesters to say yes.

I do think there is room for hope though. Finally, Sam has the opportunity to understand the impact of his choices on his brother. Dean, if he can stop and think about it for a moment, can recognise that free will means you don't have to obey orders and take care of everyone else before yourself.

As for how season five ends, well for much of the season I've been expecting them to end in Detroit with Lucifer's face off with Sam rather than the end of the Apocalypse. I didn't see anything here to change my mind.

Season six? *flappy hands*