When Supernatural‘s 11th season kicks off, the Winchester brothers will once again have to save the world. However, this time it has nothing to do with the apocalypse, Leviathans, purgatory, or Metatron. We think.

This season is all about the arrival of the evil that no one knows anything about: the Darkness. But that mystery aside, there are a few things we know about what to expect when the brothers return.

How did last season end?

Dean killed Death. Rowena removed the Mark of Cain from Dean’s arm, thereby unleashing the Darkness, which enveloped Sam and Dean. Oh, and Rowena then cast a spell on Cas that forced him to attack Crowley while she made her escape with the Book of the Damned.

What is the Darkness?

The prebiblical entity will be just that: one entity. More specifically, we’re pretty sure it will be played by a woman. (Maybe even this woman?) And thanks to a lack of lore on the subject, the Darkness will leave the boys with more than a few questions, and that’s precisely what will lead them to ask for help from people, both good and bad. Yes, even Metatron.

Any familiar faces coming to town?

None we can guarantee, though it’s safe to say Crowley will be sticking around post-Castiel’s attack. But the biggest point of intrigue this season has to be the possible return — or is it introduction? — of God. Jared Padalecki did reveal that the big man could be coming along for the ride considering he’s the only one who has extensive knowledge of the Darkness (and what it takes to defeat it.)

And although this isn’t necessarily a familiar face, it is familiar: Sam’s visions are back. Well, he thinks. And it seems Dean might have them too?

How is the relationship between the brothers?

To sum it up quickly: It’s good. It seems that after everything they’ve been through — which is A LOT — the Winchesters have realized that they’re stronger together than they are apart. And that’s probably good considering that Death’s death is definitely going to come back to bite them.

Supernatural returns Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 9 p.m. ET on The CW.

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