The script isn't all that sharp in this episode. There is just something about making the kid not speak that screams hackneyed technique to justify Dean opening up about his past, mother. Likewise, the repeated refrain of "It's worse than dying" it too blunt and merely converts subtext into text. Gamble ended up being on the better writers one the show but this isn't her finest hour.
Nonetheless the episode is quite good. Manners (director) was really good at defining the show's style and this episode has some the creepiest imagery of the first season. Likewise, Ackles is particularly engaging in this episode. It is nice seeing Dean have a soft spot.
