With ‘Supernatural‘ set to return next week, on October 8th (at 9 pm ET) on The CW, the network has released four posters as well as detailed plot synopses for the first two episodes.  The posters feature the two leads of the show, Jared Padalecki as Sam Winchester and Jensen Ackles as his brother Dean as well as their loyal angelic comrade Castiel played by Misha Collins and the series’ big bad Crowley, portrayed by Mark Sheppard.  Check them out!

Hmmm.  Does it mean something that they appear to be locked in cages?  Does that hint at something about the ninth season?

Now as for the synopses for the first two episodes, they may be a little spoiler-y, so if you tend to avoid spoilers, you may want to turn back now.  (Just scroll back up and gaze at Dean.  Or Sam.  Or Cas.  Or heck, Crowley.  Whatever floats your boat.)

For the rest, here is the official plot synopsis for the first episode of the new season:

FALLEN ANGELS — Dean (Jensen Ackles) is frantic after Sam (Jared Padalecki) collapses and the doctor tells Dean his brother won’t make it. Desperate, Dean sends out an all points bulletin via prayer to every angel in the area, asking them to help his brother. In exchange, Dean will owe that angel a favor. Numerous angry angels race to find and kill Dean, but one, Ezekiel (guest star Tahmoh Penikett), gets to him first. Meanwhile, Sam fights for his life and must face some familiar demons to do so. Castiel (Misha Collins) struggles to survive without powers. John Showalter directed the episode written by Jeremy Carver (#902).

This was all pretty much already known, as indicated by the new season’s trailer and promotional images had already spelled most of that out.

Now if you don’t want to know anything more, you should turn back now, as the plot to the second new episode has also been revealed:

Dean will shock Sam by popping open the trunk of the Impala and showing him that he has kidnapped Crowley. Kevin (guest star Osric Chau) will freak out when he sees the King of Hell, but Sam and Dean are going to convince him that they need Crowley to find the demons on Earth. In the meantime, Abaddon (guest star Alaina Huffman) will re-emerge and plan to take over Hell. Guy Bee directed the episode,written by Andrew Dabb.

So obviously Sam survives his brush with death.  And the Winchesters will have to employ Crowley in order to continue their demon-battling mission?  Interesting.

Will you be tuning in?

‘Supernatural’ returns next Tuesday on October 9th at 9 pm ET on The CW.