I wasn't sure if you were spoiler-friendly or not, but: yeah. The next episode is the return of Anna... and unfortunately, what with the show's track record in regards to women and angels that aren't Castiel - not to mention, some less vague spoilers that I won't go into unless you give me the go-ahead (but they can be found in YouTube so it's not like they're state secrets) - I doubt she'll survive the experience. But it's possible I'm wrong, and frankly, I hope so. They need more allies. It's a fond wish of mine that they actually start building up a tactical support base, instead of continually having it smashed to bits.

Speaking of, where the hell has Bobby been? I know it's only been two episodes, but it feels much longer.

I read a Claire/Jo now-AU short futurefic recently that was kind of lovely, but it was premised on angels being able to protect/hide humans from demons. Really? May I have a link?

I don't think so, no. In fact, I think it was implied that not even the reapers know what happens after. At least, the first time Dean encountered a talkative one - "In My Time of Dying", I think? In "Death Takes a Holiday", there might be conflicting information. (It's been so long I don't really remember, and I don't have access to my Supernatural avi stash right now.) Really, continuity problems wouldn't really surprise me. SPN TPTB have never been very good in regards to that.