The final episode of Supernatural, “Carry On,” delivered a bittersweet conclusion to the Winchester brothers’ epic saga. Dean Winchester meets his untimely end during a seemingly routine vampire hunt, while Sam Winchester continues his life, raising a family and living a long, fulfilling life before eventually reuniting with Dean in Heaven.
The Final Hunt and Dean’s Demise
The episode intentionally eschewed the grand, apocalyptic scale that had become commonplace in later seasons, returning to the roots of the show with a classic monster hunt. The brothers, alongside their adopted son Jack Kline (now God) and Castiel (who sacrificed himself earlier), had ostensibly won the war against Chuck. However, evil still lurked in the shadows.
This time, it took the form of a nest of relatively new, rapidly-breeding vampires. During the hunt, Dean is impaled by a rusty piece of metal protruding from a beam. It’s a shocking, almost anticlimactic, death for a seasoned hunter who had faced far greater threats. However, the simplicity is deliberate. It underscores the inherent danger of their lifestyle and the fact that even the most skilled hunter is vulnerable to the unpredictable nature of evil.
The focus then shifts to Dean’s acceptance of his fate. He spends his final moments reminiscing with Sam, sharing a tearful goodbye. He insists that Sam continue on, reminding him to live a full life. The scene is raw, emotional, and intensely personal, reflecting the deep bond between the brothers that served as the heart of the series.
Sam’s Life After Dean
The latter half of the episode fast-forwards to Sam’s life without Dean. We see him mourning, grieving, and ultimately finding a way to move forward. He eventually marries and has a son, whom he names Dean – a poignant tribute to his fallen brother.
The montage portrays Sam aging, raising his son, and living a seemingly normal life, albeit one forever marked by the absence of his brother. The visuals are deliberately heartwarming, showing Sam attending his son’s events, playing with him, and creating new memories, all while subtly acknowledging the void Dean left behind.
This segment aims to reassure viewers that despite the loss, Sam found happiness and fulfilled the promise he made to Dean – to live a good life.
Reunion in Heaven
The episode concludes with Dean in Heaven, sitting in the Impala at Bobby Singer’s old house. It is a peaceful, idyllic setting, free from conflict and danger. He is finally at peace.
The most crucial moment arrives when Sam, now an elderly man, dies peacefully in his sleep and joins Dean in Heaven. The brothers reunite, embracing in a wordless moment of closure. This scene provides a sense of hope and reassurance, emphasizing the enduring bond between them that transcends even death. The final shot is of the brothers driving off in the Impala, ready to “carry on,” not as hunters, but as souls reunited in eternal peace.
Frequently Asked Questions About the “Carry On” Episode
H2 Frequently Asked Questions
H3 Why did Dean die from a seemingly insignificant wound?
The creators explained that the intention was to highlight the unpredictable and dangerous nature of the hunter’s life. Dean’s death wasn’t about defeating a powerful villain; it was about the everyday risks they faced. It emphasized that even the best hunters are vulnerable to unexpected dangers, and it grounded the finale in the reality of their profession. The wound, though seemingly minor, was ultimately fatal, underscoring the harsh reality of their chosen path.
H3 Why wasn’t Castiel or Jack in the final scene in Heaven?
While Castiel’s absence was felt by many fans, his sacrifice in the previous episode effectively secured his place in Heaven. He played a crucial role in defeating Chuck and ensuring the survival of the world. As for Jack, now God, the writers reasoned that his role was to create a better Heaven for everyone, including the Winchesters. His presence wouldn’t have fit with the intimate and personal reunion between the brothers. Jack’s contribution was behind the scenes, ensuring a perfect afterlife for Sam and Dean.
H3 Was the ending originally planned to be different?
Yes, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the original ending was significantly altered. Originally, there were plans to include more familiar faces in Heaven and to have a larger gathering to celebrate the Winchesters’ victory. The pandemic forced the writers to scale back the scope of the ending and focus on the core relationship between Sam and Dean.
H3 What was the significance of Bobby Singer’s house being in Heaven?
Bobby Singer was a father figure to Sam and Dean, and his house represented a place of safety, comfort, and family. Placing the brothers in a replica of his house in Heaven symbolized the peace and belonging they had finally found. It was a way to honor Bobby’s memory and acknowledge his crucial role in shaping their lives.
H3 Did Sam ever forget Dean after he died?
The episode makes it clear that Sam never forgot Dean. He named his son Dean in his honor, a constant reminder of his brother’s legacy. While he moved on and built a life for himself, Dean’s memory was always present, shaping his decisions and influencing his actions. The montage showcases Sam carrying Dean’s spirit with him throughout his life.
H3 Why wasn’t there a grand battle with Chuck in the finale?
The final battle with Chuck occurred in the penultimate episode. The writers decided to focus the finale on the aftermath of the war and the personal consequences of the Winchesters’ choices. They felt that a grand battle would overshadow the emotional closure they wanted to achieve with Sam and Dean’s story. The focus shifted to their individual journeys and their final reunion.
H3 What is the “Carry On” song significance?
“Carry On Wayward Son” by Kansas has been the unofficial anthem of Supernatural since the first season, playing at the beginning of most season finales. Its lyrics about enduring hardship, finding strength in each other, and continuing the fight resonated deeply with the themes of the show. Its inclusion in the final episode was a fitting tribute to the series’ legacy and its enduring message.
H3 What happened to other characters like Jody Mills and Donna Hanscum?
While the finale focused primarily on Sam and Dean, their absence doesn’t negate the fact that these characters would be leading full lives on earth. Jody and Donna, along with other hunters, would be leading the charge in helping protect the world that Jack as God created. They were allies and they weren’t required to be in heaven.
H3 Why did Sam name his son Dean?
The naming of Sam’s son Dean was a very deliberate act of love and remembereance. It served as the ultimate way of keeping Dean’s memory alive and making sure his nephew knew about the heroic uncle he would never get to meet. It served as a direct promise to Dean’s request and solidified his legacy.
H3 Was the Impala always supposed to be such a crucial part of the show?
The Impala, affectionately nicknamed “Baby,” evolved into a central character in its own right. It wasn’t initially intended to be such a significant element, but its presence grew organically as the show progressed. The Impala became a symbol of the Winchesters’ freedom, their shared history, and their unwavering bond. It became the center of everything.
H3 What does the future hold for the Supernatural franchise?
There has been a spinoff show with two of the main characters that recently was not renewed, however, the future of the Supernatural franchise remains open to possibilities. The vast universe and devoted fanbase suggest that more stories could be told in the Supernatural world. Whether it’s through new shows, movies, or other mediums, the legacy of Supernatural is likely to endure for years to come.
H3 What was the overall message of the Supernatural finale?
The overall message of the Supernatural finale is one of acceptance, love, and the enduring power of family. It emphasizes that even in the face of loss and hardship, life goes on, and happiness can still be found. It highlights the importance of cherishing relationships and creating a lasting legacy. The final scene in Heaven reinforces the idea that love and connection transcend even death, offering a sense of hope and closure to the Winchester brothers’ epic journey.