Even the Most Die-Hard 'Supernatural' Fans Can't Agree on This Controversial Finale Choice – Here's Why
The CW's long-running hit 'Supernatural' wrapped up after 15 legendary seasons, but years later, its finale still divides fans. The shocking decision to kill Dean Winchester (Jensen Ackles) during what should have been a routine vampire hunt – after surviving battles against literal gods and cosmic entities – left many viewers scratching their heads. But here's what most people don't realize: the emotional but polarizing ending we got wasn't the creators' original vision.
Showrunner Andrew Dabb recently revealed an alternate, more ambitious finale that COVID-19 tragically derailed. Imagine this: instead of just the Winchester brothers reuniting in Heaven, they'd walk into a heavenly version of their beloved Roadhouse bar, surrounded by every fallen friend and ally from their decades-long fight against evil. Dabb confirms they planned to bring back as many legacy characters as possible, turning the finale into a celebratory reunion for both the characters and the cast.
'We wanted it to feel like a true series finale party,' Dabb told TVInsider. The production even considered flying in former cast members for brief cameos, budget-friendly but packed with emotional payoff. This would have given fans closure with fan-favorites like Bobby, Charlie, and even Crowley (whose absence in the finale still stings for many).
But here's where reality intervened: pandemic restrictions made large ensemble scenes impossible. The intimate brotherly ending we got was a beautiful Plan B, but undeniably different from the grand sendoff initially envisioned. Dabb acknowledges this openly: 'The ending we have is fantastic... but it certainly did change because of the pandemic.' This raises a fascinating 'what if' – would fans have preferred the more nostalgic, ensemble-driven conclusion?
Now for the controversial question: does knowing this behind-the-scenes context change how you view the finale? Some argue the simpler ending better reflects the show's core theme of brotherhood. Others insist the scrapped reunion would have honored the show's sprawling legacy more fully. And let's be real – in the 'Supernatural' universe, death is rarely permanent. If Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki ever return for a revival (as rumors constantly suggest), who's to say we won't finally get that epic Roadhouse reunion after all?
Where do you stand? Was the pandemic-altered ending a poignant farewell, or does the knowledge of what could have been leave you wanting more? Sound off in the comments – this debate is far from over.
