Sam and Dean returned to hunting as a tandem last week on Supernatural, a welcome development that earned "The Girl Next Door" a 4.0 rating from our critic.

But there's a lot more that can be said about the installment, which is why staff writers Carissa Pavlica, Kate Moon and Sean McKenna have gathered below for the latest edition of the Supernatural Round Table. Won't you join them?

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What did you think of Jensen Ackles second time as director?
Carissa: I honestly don't know enough about directing to know if he did well or not but acting in what your directing has to be a challenge no mater what. Additionally, at Comic Con, Jared Padalecki said that Jensen was a great director because he knows the characters so well and what it takes for each actor to reach their moment.

Kate: It's fun to watch episodes that actors direct because they know their character and their co-characters so well. Just as Supernatural is going back to its roots with the brothers, the Impala, and the monsters-of-the-week storylines, Jensen Ackles' directing showcases the brotherly dynamic perfectly.

Sean: I agree with Carissa and Kate that the actors certainly know their characters, so, it adds that whole extra element when directing. I think Jensen did a great job, especially because he was in a fair amount of scenes. I hope he continues to direct, especially for Supernatural.

Did you enjoy getting some more backstory on Sam?
Carissa: Yes, especially since the actor has remained the same. I really like that kid. I had always thought he tried to stay as out of the family business as he could, but he seemed wrapped right up in it to me. I liked what they chose to share very much.

Kate: Yes, definitely. The actor who played young Sam was amazing; he had the same floppy hair and the puppy-dog eyes even at that age. He and Amy were adorable together even if she was a she-demon.

Sean: I have to agree again with my fellow panelists. Sam’s conflict with his family and his desires stemmed from an early age and it was clear to see how much he teetered on that line. Plus, his first kiss was with a supernatural creature! No wonder he’s constantly thought about monsters as more than just “monsters.”

Dean killing Amy. Good choice or bad choice?
Carissa: I don't know. Sad choice. Logical choice. Leaving the boy with no one will likely turn him into a real force to be dealt with as time goes on. I admit was shocked that he killed her, and wish he didn't. But I get where he was coming from.

Kate: Bad choice.  It's almost like Amy was a substitute for everything that was wrong with Sam. Of course Dean would never kill his brother, so he went with killing Amy. Would she have killed again?  Possibly, but Dean's reasons were unclear and unconvincing.

Sean: I know the morality question about monsters has been discussed before and I understand both sides. That said, I was shocked that he killed her. I know he’s usually been black and white about his job, but I thought for once he chose to listen to his brother and side with him. If Sam ever finds out he was betrayed, that’s where the real problems will happen.

What was your favorite moment of the episode?
Carissa: Bobby rescuing the boys in hospital. He looked hot in a suit! Who knew??

Kate: New rule: you steal my baby, you get punched. Who do you love more, Dean? Sam or the Impala?

Sean: I don’t know why, but Dean and Bobby being enthralled with the Spanish soap opera just seemed funny. The show really knows how to combine the lighthearted moments with the darker ones.

Does everything really taste better with cheese?
Carissa: I'd venture to guess there isn't enough cheese in the world to make that guy taste good, so I'll have to go with no.

Kate: Oh yes! Slather a person with enough cheese and you won't taste anything but. It's good to know that the Leviathan has something in common with humans, right?

Sean: On a human? That’s just gross. I may have lost my craving for it now.