Ahhh...I don't see it as kicking John when he's down. It just seems like something that's not really in character with him. But I do agree that there is more to this storyline (and I'm all for flashbacks with the Papa!).

But I think my main problem with it is from what *we* actually know, it just makes Ellen look ridiculous. Even if she was mad at John, Dean and Sam are separate people and I think they proved that they would do whatever they could to protect Jo if she insisted on being a part of that world.