Oh Castiel, how long we've missed your presence on the seventh season of 'Supernatural,' and how we pray for your speedy return, or at the very least, a signed photo of Misha Collins.

Whether or not the great Angel of Thursdays, Castiel honors our prayers, we do have good news in that The CW has finally announced the story behind Misha Collins' long awaited return to 'Supernatural!' 

As any good 'Supernatural' fan will tell you, Misha Collins played the angelic figure for three seasons, earning regular status for two of them, before opting out of his series regular contract for the current seventh season.

At the time, it seemed like an interesting move considering 'Supernatural's sixth season finale "The Man Who Knew Too Much" culminated in - SPOILER ALERT - the divine Castiel absorbing all the souls of Purgatory and declaring himself the new God, and potentially a major enemy to our beloved Winchester brothers in the season to come.

Collins appeared in the first two episodes of the current season, before having his essence dissolved by the "Leviathans" within.  All season 'Supernatural' fans have waited for news of the circumstance of his return, and need wait no longer!

According to a recent press update from The CW, Collins will resurface in March 23 episode "The Born-Again Identity," though not necessarily as the Castiel fans of the series remember.  Says the release:

"MISHA COLLINS RETURNS!! — Lucifer (guest star Mark Pellegrino) drives Sam (Jared Padalecki) to the breaking point and Sam ends up in a mental hospital. Desperate to save his brother, Dean (Jensen Ackles) calls every hunter he knows for help. One of the hunters gives him the name of a healer who turns out to have a very familiar face (guest star Misha Collins)."

'Supernatural' executive producer Bobby Singer (yes, the one with a character named after him) directs the episode, with writing from long-time producer and current showrunner Sera Gamble.  Before "The Born-Again Identity," 'Supernatural' will return from a brief hiatus on March 16 with "Out With the Old."

What say you, 'Supernatural' fans?  Are you happy to have Misha Collins back, or is the pain of losing Castiel too great?  How many of you think the series has run its course by this point, and needs to fly up to join the angels in the sky?

Give us your theories on what Misha Collins' mysterious "healer" represents in the comments section below, and keep it here for the latest 'Supernatural' news straight from the pit!

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