The infamous romance between Sam Winchester and the demon Ruby, a point of significant contention among Supernatural fans, officially begins to take root during Season 4. However, pinpointing the exact episode where they “get together” in the romantic sense is nuanced. While their relationship starts earlier, a pivotal turning point occurs in Season 4, Episode 9, “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” where their alliance deepens and their physical intimacy begins.
Understanding the Genesis of Ruby and Sam’s Relationship
The relationship between Sam Winchester and Ruby is one of the most controversial storylines in Supernatural. Ruby’s introduction in Season 3 as a demon claiming to want to help Sam initially paints her as an unlikely ally. However, her true motives and manipulation gradually unfold, leading to significant consequences for Sam and Dean. Understanding the dynamics of this relationship requires careful examination of its various stages.
The Early Stages of Trust and Manipulation
Ruby first appears in Season 3, offering Sam her demon-killing knife and claiming to be able to help him control his powers, which are heightened in the absence of Dean. During this time, their relationship is largely pragmatic, a partnership born of necessity. Sam, desperate to combat the demons released from hell, relies on Ruby’s knowledge and abilities. However, beneath the surface, Ruby is subtly manipulating Sam, planting seeds of doubt and pushing him towards embracing his darker side. She exploits his insecurities about Dean’s safety and his frustration with feeling powerless.
The Season 4 Shift: Intimacy and Dependence
“I Know What You Did Last Summer” marks a significant turning point. Dean, resurrected by Castiel, witnesses Ruby’s influence over Sam. The episode revolves around Anna Milton, a girl who can hear angels, and the angels’ desire to eliminate her. Sam, under Ruby’s influence, makes increasingly questionable decisions. During this period, their relationship crosses a line into intimacy. Ruby provides Sam with demon blood to enhance his powers, and their bond becomes increasingly co-dependent. This episode cements their “getting together” in a physically intimate sense and solidifies Ruby’s control over Sam.
The Downward Spiral: Addiction and Betrayal
From Season 4 onwards, Sam’s reliance on Ruby and demon blood spirals out of control. Dean becomes increasingly concerned about Sam’s actions and the destructive path he’s on. Ruby skillfully manipulates Sam, isolating him from Dean and reinforcing his belief that his powers are essential to defeating Lilith and preventing Lucifer’s release. Their relationship is characterized by lies, secrets, and a growing sense of unease, culminating in the ultimate betrayal when Ruby reveals her true allegiance: she has been manipulating Sam all along to free Lucifer.
FAQs: Deep Diving into the Ruby and Sam Saga
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Ruby and Sam’s complex and ultimately tragic relationship:
FAQ 1: Was Ruby Always Evil?
Yes, Ruby was always a demon. Her initial claims of wanting to help the Winchesters were a carefully constructed facade. She manipulated Sam from the beginning, with the ultimate goal of freeing Lucifer. Although she feigned compassion and concern for Sam, her actions were always driven by her allegiance to hell. Her entire persona was a calculated performance.
FAQ 2: Why Did Sam Trust Ruby in the First Place?
Sam was desperate to find a way to fight the demons released from hell and protect Dean. Ruby offered him knowledge and power, something Dean couldn’t provide. Sam’s loneliness and feelings of isolation after Dean’s death in Season 3 made him vulnerable to Ruby’s manipulation. He saw her as a solution to his problems, blinding him to her true nature.
FAQ 3: How Did Ruby Manage to Manipulate Sam So Effectively?
Ruby exploited Sam’s insecurities, his desire for power, and his feelings of being misunderstood. She presented herself as an ally who understood his unique abilities and potential. She also isolated him from Dean, further solidifying her control. Her manipulation was subtle and gradual, making it difficult for Sam to recognize the danger he was in.
FAQ 4: What Exactly Was Ruby’s Plan?
Ruby’s plan was to groom Sam into a vessel powerful enough to kill Lilith, the last seal preventing Lucifer’s release. By having Sam consume demon blood, she amplified his powers to the point where he could kill Lilith. Once Lilith was dead, the final seal would break, and Lucifer would be freed. She was a pawn in a much larger scheme orchestrated by the demons.
FAQ 5: Did Sam Ever Truly Love Ruby?
The nature of Sam’s feelings for Ruby is debatable. He was certainly attracted to her and relied on her for guidance and support. However, it’s unlikely that he truly loved her. His judgment was clouded by his dependence on demon blood and Ruby’s manipulative tactics. Their relationship was built on manipulation and addiction, not genuine affection.
FAQ 6: How Did Dean React to Sam and Ruby’s Relationship?
Dean was vehemently opposed to Sam and Ruby’s relationship from the beginning. He saw her as a dangerous influence and tried to warn Sam about her true nature. Dean’s distrust of Ruby and his efforts to protect Sam created a significant rift between the brothers. Their relationship became a major source of conflict and tension.
FAQ 7: What Role Did Demon Blood Play in Sam’s Relationship with Ruby?
Demon blood was a crucial element in Ruby’s manipulation of Sam. It amplified his powers, but it also made him more susceptible to her influence. The demon blood created a dependence, both physical and psychological, making it difficult for Sam to break free from Ruby’s control. It was the tool Ruby used to keep Sam under her sway.
FAQ 8: Was Ruby’s Second Vessel Any Different from Her First?
Ruby used two different vessels throughout her time on Supernatural. While the essence of Ruby, the demon, remained the same, the second vessel (played by Genevieve Cortese) allowed for a more intimate and convincing manipulation of Sam. This vessel was presented as more physically appealing, further blurring the lines between alliance and romantic entanglement. The change in vessel contributed to the intensification of her relationship with Sam.
FAQ 9: What Happened to Ruby in the End?
Ruby’s deception was ultimately revealed, and her true purpose exposed. Dean, fueled by betrayal and anger, finally killed Ruby with her own knife in the Season 4 finale, “Lucifer Rising.” Her death was a significant moment for both Sam and Dean, marking the end of a dark chapter in their lives. Her demise symbolized the brothers’ reconciliation and their renewed commitment to fighting evil together.
FAQ 10: What Were the Long-Term Consequences of Sam’s Relationship with Ruby?
Sam’s relationship with Ruby had devastating long-term consequences. It damaged his relationship with Dean, led to his addiction to demon blood, and ultimately contributed to Lucifer’s release. The guilt and shame over his actions haunted Sam for years to come. It was a defining experience that shaped his character and his future decisions.
FAQ 11: Did the Writers Ever Regret the Ruby and Sam Storyline?
While opinions vary among the show’s writers and cast, the Ruby and Sam storyline remains a point of contention. Some acknowledge the controversial nature of the relationship and the negative impact it had on the show’s narrative, while others defend it as a necessary plot device to advance the overall storyline. Its reception is undoubtedly mixed within the Supernatural community.
FAQ 12: How Did the Fans React to the Ruby and Sam Relationship?
The fan reaction to the Ruby and Sam relationship was overwhelmingly negative. Many viewers felt that it was out of character for Sam and that it damaged the bond between the Winchester brothers. The relationship was widely criticized for its lack of authenticity and its reliance on shock value. It is considered one of the most divisive storylines in the show’s history.