Can you wait a full month for new episodes of “Supernatural”? No, I can’t either. But we must, alas; the show returns Jan. 15.

The episode descriptions for the first three outings of 2009 are below. Upcoming guest stars include Barry Bostwick and Helen Slater –anyone old enough to remember her as “Supergirl”? I saw that movie in the theaters (I’m old). However “Smallville” fans may know her as Lara-El.

“Family Remains” – airs Thurs., 1/15 at 9 p.m. E.T. on the CW

Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles) investigate a house that appears to be haunted, but when an unsuspecting family moves in they find that it’s actually occupied by something much more sinister.  Guest starring David Newsom and Helen Slater. “Family Remains” was written by Jeremy Carver and directed by Phil Sgriccia.

“Criss Angel is a Douche Bag” – airs Thurs., 1/22 at 9 p.m. E.T. on the CW

Three aging magicians attend a magic conference and prove that they still have a few unbelievable tricks up their sleeves – but are they only illusions?  Meanwhile Ruby (guest star Genevieve Cortese) tries to convince Sam (Jared Padalecki) to use a little magic of his own.  Also starring Jensen Ackles as Dean and guest starring Barry Bostwick, Richard Libertini and John Rubinstein  “Criss Angel is a Douche Bag” was written by Julie Siege and directed by Robert Singer.

“After School Special” – airs Thurs., 1/29 at 9 p.m. E.T. on the CW.

A mysterious death finds Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles) returning to one of the high schools they briefly attended while traveling around the country with their dad.  But flashbacks reveal that the short time they were at the school resulted in a dramatic effect on the future. Guest starring Colin Ford as “Young Sam” and Brock Kelly as “Young Dean.”   “After School Special” was written by Andrew Dabb & Daniel Loflin and directed by Adam Kane.

Source: featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com