Pondering 9.01
First of all, yes, Dean absolutely would allow the violation of Sam's body and mind if he thinks it's the only way to save Sam's life. Awful as it is, this action was completely IC for Dean - even though he knows Sam wouldn't have said yes to possession. I wish the writers had had Dean at least suggest that Ezekiel possess him instead, and try to heal Sam from inside Dean. That discussion could have been interesting.
Was that really Death, or was it another projection of Sam's mind? If it was really Death, it turns out he's a surprise!SamGirl; if it was Sam, he's suddenly extremely conceited. I think this one is a 50-50 chance until we get more info. Just because Dean and Bobby were manifestations doesn't necessarily mean Death was too. Sam was, after all, on the verge of dying and it's reasonable Death could have come to reap him. Also, if Death was a construct of Sam's mind, then where was his real reaper?
I wonder if Death (if it was really him) recognized Ezekiel when he showed up looking like Dean. Maybe the point of the comment about bringing him cronuts was to convince Death he was really Dean, because they've bonded over junk food in the past. Or maybe to convince the audience. Or Sam. Hmm.
So was it Ezekiel or Dean who said to Sam, "There ain't no me if there ain't no you"? My interpretation is Ezekiel (with Dean's cooperation), unfortunately; I'd've preferred to hear it from Dean. I do think Dean does feel that way, though. But Sam had to be saying yes to Ezekiel (albeit unknowingly), that's the whole point of having the conversation at all.
I do not trust Ezekiel! He's going to get all comfy in Samland and not want to leave! (Nor would I!) Hence the name of the episode! Plus, we don't even know for sure who this guy is. We only have his word that he's Ezekiel, a name Cas recognized. He's hot, tho. :)
So now the angels use Dean's phrase "angel radio" amongst themselves? That's just stupid.
The title card is very spiffy. I'm not a big angel fan, though, so it's a bit disheartening.
Looking forward to the next episode!