Dean Winchester confronts and ultimately eliminates Adolf Hitler in Season 12, Episode 5, titled “The One You’ve Been Waiting For.” This episode blends historical horror with Supernatural‘s signature monster-hunting, sending the Winchester brothers on a mission that’s both ludicrous and terrifying.
Hitler’s Resurrection: A Supernatural Twist
The episode dives into the world of necromancy and the occult, revealing a plot to resurrect Adolf Hitler through a relic known as the Thule medallion. This medallion, held by members of the Thule Society, a real-world esoteric group with ties to Nazi ideology, contains a piece of Hitler’s soul.
The Thule Society and Occult Revival
The Thule Society’s obsession with the occult and their belief in Hitler’s messianic potential drive the episode’s plot. They aim to bring back the Führer, not as a political leader, but as a supernatural force of evil. This approach allows Supernatural to tap into the well-documented historical fascination with the occult within Nazi circles, adding a layer of historical creepiness to the fantastical elements.
The Medallion: A Conduit for Evil
The Thule medallion acts as a vessel, collecting pieces of Hitler’s soul over time. With enough pieces, the society plans to place the medallion on a descendant of Hitler, effectively resurrecting him in a new, albeit imperfect, body. This sets the stage for the Winchesters’ intervention.
The Winchester Brothers’ Intervention
Dean and Sam Winchester become involved after a series of mysterious deaths connected to the Thule Society. Their investigation leads them to discover the Society’s nefarious plan and the imminent resurrection of Hitler.
Dean’s Confrontation: History Redressed
The climax of the episode sees Dean face off against the resurrected Hitler. While not a perfect physical specimen (the new body is undeniably weaker and more grotesque), the resurrected Hitler still retains his charisma and hateful ideology. Dean, armed with his signature determination and weaponry, delivers the final blow, eradicating the threat.
Sam’s Research and Supporting Roles
While Dean is the one who ultimately takes down Hitler, Sam’s research and investigative skills are crucial to understanding the Thule Society’s plans and identifying the medallion’s significance. He also provides essential backup, ensuring Dean isn’t overwhelmed by the Society’s members.
FAQs: Diving Deeper into Dean’s Hitler Slaying
Here are some frequently asked questions to further unravel the complexities of this Supernatural episode.
FAQ 1: Was the Thule Society a real group?
Yes, the Thule Society was a real German occultist group that existed in the early 20th century. While their influence on the Nazi party is debated, many prominent Nazis, including Rudolf Hess, were associated with the Thule Society. Supernatural draws on the historical accounts of their esoteric beliefs and supposed connection to Hitler.
FAQ 2: What made the Hitler resurrection possible in the Supernatural universe?
In the Supernatural universe, souls are tangible entities. The Thule Society’s possession of pieces of Hitler’s soul, contained within the Thule medallion, allows them to orchestrate his resurrection through dark magic and necromancy. It’s a combination of occult ritual and the established rules of the Supernatural world.
FAQ 3: Did the episode receive any criticism for depicting Hitler’s resurrection?
Some viewers found the episode insensitive or in poor taste. However, many appreciated the show’s creative license and its use of a historical figure to explore themes of evil and the enduring nature of hatred. The depiction ultimately aligns with Supernatural‘s history of confronting various historical and mythical monsters.
FAQ 4: Is this the only instance of a historical figure appearing in Supernatural?
No, Supernatural has featured several historical figures throughout its run, often reimagined within the show’s supernatural context. Some examples include Lizzie Borden, H.P. Lovecraft, and even Jack the Ripper.
FAQ 5: How did the Winchester brothers find out about the Thule Society’s plan?
The Winchesters began their investigation after a series of seemingly unrelated murders, each linked to individuals connected to the Thule Society. Through their research and interaction with other hunters, they pieced together the Society’s plan to resurrect Hitler.
FAQ 6: What weapons did Dean use to defeat Hitler?
Dean uses a machete to deliver the final blow to the resurrected Hitler. While he employs other weapons during the fight, the machete becomes the instrument of his demise, symbolizing the decisive action needed to confront and defeat evil.
FAQ 7: Was the resurrected Hitler a powerful supernatural being?
While the resurrected Hitler possessed some supernatural abilities due to the ritual that brought him back, he wasn’t depicted as an overwhelmingly powerful entity. His weakness lay in his imperfect vessel, making him vulnerable to the Winchesters’ attacks.
FAQ 8: What was the significance of killing Hitler within the context of Supernatural‘s overarching narrative?
The episode serves as a reminder of the ever-present threat of evil and the Winchesters’ unwavering commitment to fighting it. It also reinforces the theme that even historical figures can be manipulated and reborn through supernatural means, requiring constant vigilance.
FAQ 9: Did the Thule Society face any lasting repercussions after their failed attempt?
The episode ends with the remaining members of the Thule Society presumably dealt with or driven into hiding. However, Supernatural often leaves the door open for recurring villains, suggesting that remnants of the Society could potentially reappear in future episodes, although this did not occur.
FAQ 10: How does this episode fit into Season 12’s overall storyline?
Season 12 sees the Winchesters dealing with the British Men of Letters and their more structured, often ruthless, approach to hunting. While the Hitler episode is largely self-contained, it contributes to the broader theme of facing unexpected and diverse threats.
FAQ 11: Where can I watch “The One You’ve Been Waiting For?”
You can typically find Supernatural episodes, including “The One You’ve Been Waiting For,” on streaming services like Netflix (depending on your region), Amazon Prime Video, and through purchase on platforms like Apple TV and Google Play Movies & TV. Check your local listings for availability.
FAQ 12: What are some other similarly outlandish episodes in Supernatural that fans might enjoy?
Supernatural is known for its bizarre and entertaining episodes. Some other equally outlandish examples include “Yellow Fever” (Dean’s fear of everything), “Changing Channels” (the Trickster putting the Winchesters in TV shows), and “The French Mistake” (the Winchesters end up in our world).
By tackling the outlandish premise of Dean Winchester killing Hitler, Supernatural delivers a unique and memorable episode that showcases its signature blend of horror, humor, and family drama. It’s a testament to the show’s ability to tackle even the most absurd ideas with conviction and entertain its audience along the way.