The Darkness has arrived to Supernatural, and it might just be a new positive light for the series.

OK. I know I’ve been burned before. There was such an exciting promise to the Leviathan on Supernatural Season 7 Episode 1, and then look how that turned out. And I was even disappointed by many aspects of Supernatural Season 10.

But I get that there are going to be missteps along the way like there also are going to be high points, especially when you consider the show is now in its 11th season. That’s a lot of episodes.

So going into Supernatural Season 11 Episode 1, I couldn’t help but have hope, knowing that the series was getting another chance to start something fresh and kick things off in a positive way.

Supernatural Photos from "Out of the Darkness, Into the Fire"

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Thankfully, this was a solid start, and I’m intrigued by the Darkness and just what type of journey Sam and Dean will have to embark on to stop it.

The infected or rabid or humans with crazy neck tattoos did feel a lot like zombies, which Dean referenced in his shout out to the film 28 Days Later. But these infected people aren’t mindless. They can drive and track others down, and they are scary in packs.

Their attack on the hospital reminded me of the demon attack on the jail in “Jus in Bello,” back in Supernatural Season 3. Though it seems the Darkness is supposed to be scarier than, say, Lilith.

I’m hoping the Darkness proves to be a worthy big bad. I’m not blown away by the villain, but I’m intrigued by it and what could be in store. Because by the end, we got some really juicy bits of info like Dean being connected to the Darkness and that baby having the Mark and that Sam has been infected.

It opened the door to what could be some interesting directions if executed well.

I’m curious as to how Sam’s infection will be handled. It was a surprise, though I maybe should have seen it coming, like I saw Sam not telling his brother what was up. Because it’s not like he can die from it. He’s one of the stars of the show. So will it be something that seems dramatic now but be fixed within a few episodes? That’s happened before.

I did enjoy hearing the brothers talk about doing the same thing over and over and the repetition and instead trying something new. We did get Dean’s willingness to try something different, which was the right step. But if things really do change overall, only time will tell.

As for Castiel and Crowley, I hope they get far more interesting storylines than last season. Frankly, the whole orgy joke with Crowley felt like it was trying too hard to be funny, but I did like hearing references to Lucifer and Michael in the cage. Imagine if they got out?

Castiel needs some serious help, but I’m not surprised his brothers are looking to setup a torture spot for him. Let’s hope there’s some payoff from taking his character in this direction.

Rowena was nowhere to be found, but I'm sure she'll be back. I just hope she gets to be less of a cartoon this go around.

Overall, this was an engaging episode that did a good job of focusing on the brothers and setting up what feels like a compelling new direction with the Darkness. I know it's early, and Supernatural usually does premieres well, but I can’t help but be excited to get back on the road with Sam and Dean.

What did you think of the premiere? Can Sam find a cure? Sound off below, and don't miss out on any Sam and Dean adventures. Watch Supernatural online at TV Fanatic!

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Sean McKenna was a TV Fanatic Staff Writer. He retired in May of 2017. Follow him on Twitter.