In the final episode of Supernatural, titled “Carry On,” Dean Winchester tragically dies on a routine vampire hunt, paving the way for his reunion with his deceased parents in Heaven, while Sam Winchester lives a long and fulfilling life, ultimately joining his brother in the afterlife after raising a family and growing old. The episode serves as an emotional epilogue, prioritizing character closures and the enduring power of family over high-stakes monster battles.
A Final Hunt, A Final Sacrifice
The conclusion of Supernatural wasn’t the explosive, world-saving spectacle many fans anticipated. Instead, it focused on the core of the show: the bond between Sam and Dean Winchester. After 15 seasons battling the forces of darkness, the ending stripped away the grandiose and brought the brothers back to their roots: hunting monsters.
“Carry On” opens with the brothers investigating a seemingly straightforward vampire case. A group of vampires, led by a particularly strong and aggressive leader, poses a threat to a small town. The hunt feels reminiscent of early Supernatural episodes, emphasizing the gritty reality and the constant danger the Winchesters face, even after defeating God.
During the fight, Dean is impaled by a rusty piece of rebar, a wound that proves fatal due to the specific angle and damage inflicted. While not a dramatic showdown with a major villain, Dean’s death is impactful precisely because of its ordinariness. It highlights the inherent risks of their life and the constant possibility of tragedy, even in the face of smaller, more manageable threats.
The episode then shifts to Dean’s entry into Heaven. He’s greeted by Bobby Singer, who explains that Jack, now possessing God-like powers, has rebuilt Heaven, focusing on individual memories and creating personalized paradises. Dean chooses to spend his time driving his beloved Impala down familiar roads, waiting for Sam to join him.
The latter half of the episode follows Sam’s life without Dean. We see him grieving, but also moving forward, building a life with a family. He names his son Dean, honoring his brother’s memory. The episode culminates with an elderly Sam dying peacefully in his bed, finally reuniting with Dean in Heaven. The final shot shows the brothers embracing, solidifying the enduring power of their bond and the promise of eternal happiness.
The Reaction and the Controversy
The finale of Supernatural was met with a decidedly mixed reaction. While some fans appreciated the focus on character closure and the emotional weight of the brothers’ journey, others felt disappointed by the low-key stakes and the anticlimactic nature of Dean’s death.
Many criticisms centered on the absence of key supporting characters like Castiel, who had made a significant impact on the brothers’ lives. The decision to exclude these characters, arguably due to logistical constraints related to the pandemic, left many fans feeling that the finale didn’t fully honor the show’s rich history and extensive ensemble cast.
Despite the controversy, “Carry On” remains a significant moment in television history. It marked the end of a beloved series that had captivated audiences for 15 years and established a devoted fanbase. The episode’s focus on family, sacrifice, and the enduring power of love resonated with many viewers, solidifying Supernatural‘s legacy as a cultural phenomenon.
FAQs: Decoding the Winchester Farewell
Here are some frequently asked questions about the final episode of Supernatural, providing further insights and clarifications:
FAQ 1: Why did Dean die in such a mundane way?
The writers intentionally chose a less dramatic death for Dean to emphasize the inherent dangers of the hunter lifestyle and to highlight the idea that even after defeating cosmic threats, the Winchesters were still vulnerable to everyday risks. This was a deliberate choice to ground the ending and remind viewers of the constant sacrifices they made. It was meant to be realistic and underscore the constant threat of their work.
FAQ 2: Why wasn’t Castiel in the finale?
The absence of Castiel, a crucial character in the later seasons, was a major point of contention. While the exact reasons remain debated, it’s widely believed that pandemic-related restrictions and scheduling conflicts prevented the actor Misha Collins from participating in the filming of the finale in person. His absence was acknowledged in the episode through dialogue, but many fans felt it wasn’t sufficient.
FAQ 3: What happened to Jack after becoming God?
The episode shows Jack rebuilding Heaven to be a more personalized and fulfilling experience for everyone who resides there. He’s implied to be overseeing the universe, but in a less interventionist way than his father. He’s depicted as a benevolent and hands-off deity, allowing free will and individual happiness.
FAQ 4: What exactly did Jack change about Heaven?
Bobby Singer explains that Jack restructured Heaven so that individuals could live in personalized versions of their happiest memories and reconnect with loved ones. This contrasted with the previous depiction of Heaven, which was seen as more rigid and bureaucratic. Jack’s version emphasizes individuality and fulfillment.
FAQ 5: Was Sam truly happy without Dean?
While Sam undoubtedly grieved Dean’s loss deeply, the episode portrays him as finding happiness and fulfillment in building a family and living a long life. He honors Dean’s memory by naming his son after him, suggesting that Dean’s influence remains a constant presence in his life. The montage shows his life was full, albeit with the shadow of his brother’s absence.
FAQ 6: Why did Sam name his son Dean?
Naming his son Dean was a clear sign of Sam’s love and respect for his brother. It served as a constant reminder of Dean’s sacrifices and the impact he had on Sam’s life. It was a way to keep Dean’s memory alive and ensure that future generations of the Winchester family would know about his heroism.
FAQ 7: How long did Sam live after Dean’s death?
The episode implies that Sam lived for many decades after Dean’s death, aging naturally and eventually passing away peacefully in his old age. The exact number of years isn’t explicitly stated, but the visual depiction of an elderly Sam suggests a significant passage of time.
FAQ 8: Did Sam ever stop hunting?
The episode doesn’t explicitly show Sam continuing to hunt monsters after Dean’s death. While it’s possible he did so occasionally, the focus is on his family life, suggesting that he prioritized raising his son and building a stable home. He seems to have found a different kind of purpose.
FAQ 9: What car was Dean driving in Heaven?
Dean was driving his iconic 1967 Chevrolet Impala, lovingly nicknamed “Baby.” This car has been a central symbol of the show since the very beginning, representing the Winchesters’ freedom, their connection to their father, and their unwavering dedication to their mission. Its presence in Heaven symbolizes Dean finally finding peace and contentment.
FAQ 10: Why wasn’t John and Mary Winchester’s reunion shown in Heaven?
While John and Mary Winchester were mentioned and their presence in Heaven implied, the episode chose to focus primarily on the reunion of Sam and Dean. This decision likely stemmed from a desire to keep the focus on the core relationship of the series and to provide a more intimate and emotional conclusion.
FAQ 11: Was this truly the end of the Supernatural universe?
While “Carry On” marked the end of the original Supernatural series, the universe has continued with the prequel series “The Winchesters.” This shows that the potential for exploring different aspects of the Supernatural world remains, even if the original storyline has concluded. Whether more direct continuations occur remains to be seen.
FAQ 12: What is the legacy of Supernatural?
Supernatural‘s legacy extends beyond its 15-season run. It established a devoted fanbase known for its passion and community spirit. The show’s themes of family, sacrifice, and perseverance resonated with viewers, making it a cultural phenomenon. It also revitalized the monster-of-the-week format and influenced a generation of fantasy and horror television. The enduring popularity of the show ensures its place in television history and pop culture.