I wonder if maybe we're just missing a few things, that some of the gaps will be filled in later. Much can happen in four months, so having Ruby be all mentory to Sam, while we knew that's what she wanted from day one, won't be as odd later. Who knows what she did to wiggle into his good graces - I doubt it would have taken much. They are both bonded by a common goal, to kill Lilith.

Ah, see, I don't agree that the show ever deteriorated all the way into high camp comedy. S3 had major trouble spots for me, but it never got quite that bad.