Season 11 of "Supernatural" is turning out to be one of the show's best seasons, with the brothers putting on a united front once more and a nemesis that has a strong bond with Dean. Fans have so far seen The Darkness just gathering strength, but Amara appears ready to move on to the next stage of her plans in the midseason finale.

The synopsis for episode nine, "O Brother Where Art Thou?," states that Amara (Emily Swallow) will finally reveal what she's capable of by "unleashing her power on the local townspeople as she issues a shocking challenge." Dean (Jensen Ackles) attempts to understand the bond that Amara says they share while Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Crowley (Mark A. Sheppard) work out a plan that might have serious consequences.

The synopsis sounds intriguing already, but a look at the trailer for the upcoming episode reveals just how intense the midseason finale is. The clip starts with a shot of a cage that "Supernatural" fans are no doubt familiar with. Sam finds himself in the cage with Lucifer (Mark Pellegrino). The next scene shows the younger Winchester asking God if this is really what he wants. Not surprisingly, that old biblical staple – the burning bush – makes its presence felt. Sam tells his brother about asking God for help and seeing himself in the cage.

Amara is then seen with a group of protesters. She raises her hands to the sky; it darkens and lightning can be seen. There's a sneak peek of Crowley talking to the brothers about his plan and the three of them talking to Rowena (Ruth Connell). There's a montage of Amara killing angels, people being struck by lightning, a fountain spouting blood, Rowena burning and the Darkness kissing Dean. The clip ends with Lucifer telling Sam that he is their only hope.

Amara had outright told Dean at the start of the season that they share a bond (and the Mark of Cain), and this is something that has been teased in the past few episodes. Now, with Amara and Dean sharing a kiss, it seems that the bond they have might be quite strong. But is it stronger than what Dean has with his brother?

The midseason finale of "Supernatural" season 11 will be aired on Dec. 9.