Show stopped being just about two brothers a long time ago. Part of a healthy developing show is main characters creating and maintaining developing relationships with other characters which creates dynamics for the main characters. This is a fact with any piece of fiction. Sure, the central theme will always be about the developing relationship between the brothers BUT it is also about the brothers as single entities operating in a world in which they are making their own choices and forging their own- separate identities and family/friendship paradigms. You know… like most healthy humans have to do eventually.

you do realize supernatural is about 2 brothers and not 2 brothers and 1 angel, right? new title of the show. 2 humans and 1 half human! lol. (two and an half men reference)

I like the character cas, but sometimes its boring to see dean and sam babysit cas when he was weak and when the guys kept calling for cas for this and that, the show reminded me of charmed when the sisters kept calling for leo their white lighter! it was annoying to see. but overall, cas was funny. but sometimes the show must go on. (I am sure misha directed some episodes so he’s not really gone from the show) just not in cast mode.

I think the show should have stopped when the storyline did in season 5. (I did like the dean dog episode in season 8 I believe)(they should make more dog and human episodes)
but like smallville, the show wants to make $$$. all shows do. and the reruns is more $$$. more episodes + more reruns=$$$

would the show supernatural made it to season 10 if Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki were never in the show in the first place???

I am really, really, really hoping that Misha will be back as Cas in Season 10 and that he’ll be in more of that season than he has in this one. Much as I love other aspects of the show, if Misha doesn’t return then I doubt I will either.

Of course my point of view is biased. I have an opinion which may or may not be agreeable to all. That’s ok, that’s what makes the world go round. I don’t think the integrity of the creators or writers is in question if they try to integrate fan ideas or concerns. That’s why they have had staying power because they are responsive.

I think your last point is a biased point of view and your former point is very dismissive of Castiel’s own personal storyline which did contribute to overall ratings which Carver himself pointed out in an interview. I get the feeling TPTB don’t do anything to ‘appease’ fans. That assumption does a disservice to their integrity as creators and writers.

Ratlngs have risen because finally Dean has been given a story of his own and his performance is outstanding. Think about it what noteworthy thing has Cas contributed to this season so far. They are keeping a popular star around to appease his fans.

I quite agree. Cas has outlived his purpose in this series. Nothing personal about the fine person that is Misha, but I am ambivalent about his character. We need to move on and not keep characters just because we like the actor. No hating please.