I totally agree about the grossness factor. Ugh. I had to close my eyes several times. And I'm sure you're right about the Sam blood closeups--they're clearly setting us up for something.

Oh, and you reminded me that I forgot to comment at all about the opening scene, which I thought was cute as hell. Nice to know Sam maintains the oral hygiene even when they're sleeping in the car, and Dean falling out and being all hungry was hilarious.