Dean Winchester, the stoic and beloved hunter from Supernatural, makes his presence felt in The Winchesters, but not in a way fans might immediately expect. He appears in the premiere episode, “Pilot,” as the narrator of the story. Jensen Ackles reprises his role, lending his familiar voice to guide viewers through the origins of his parents, John and Mary. He’s also seen driving Baby, the iconic Impala, at the end of the episode, setting the stage for the prequel series.
The Voice from Beyond: Dean’s Narrative Role
Dean’s role as the narrator provides a crucial link between Supernatural and The Winchesters. His voiceover acts as a framing device, establishing the premise of the show and hinting at the larger mysteries surrounding his parents’ past. It’s a clever way to keep Dean involved without disrupting the established timeline of Supernatural. His narration gives him control over the story, hinting that the history he knows may not be entirely accurate or complete.
The Impala’s Appearance: More Than Just a Car
The brief glimpse of Dean driving Baby at the end of the pilot episode carries significant weight. It visually confirms his continued involvement in the story, despite his narration suggesting a potential alternate timeline or at least a different perspective on events. The Impala itself is a powerful symbol, representing the Winchester legacy and their enduring fight against evil. The specific circumstances surrounding Dean’s presence and his knowledge of the past remain central to the show’s overarching narrative.
Unpacking Dean’s Involvement: FAQs
To fully understand the nuances of Dean Winchester’s appearance in The Winchesters, let’s delve into some frequently asked questions:
FAQ 1: Is Dean actually in “The Winchesters,” or just narrating?
While Dean’s primary role in the premiere episode is as the narrator, the ending scene with the Impala suggests a deeper connection. He isn’t physically present in the 1970s, but his influence on the story is undeniable, both through his narration and the implication that he’s actively investigating or manipulating the past. Future episodes may reveal further details about his involvement and how he’s able to observe or even influence events.
FAQ 2: Does Jensen Ackles only provide the voiceover, or is there more to his role?
Currently, Jensen Ackles primarily provides the voiceover for Dean Winchester. However, the scene with the Impala suggests that he might make further appearances in future episodes, potentially in a non-narrative capacity. Whether these appearances will be flashbacks, visions, or something else entirely remains to be seen.
FAQ 3: Why is Dean narrating the story? What’s his motivation?
Dean’s motivation for narrating The Winchesters is hinted at but not explicitly stated in the pilot. The narration suggests a quest for answers, a desire to understand his parents’ history, and perhaps even a need to correct or alter the past. This could be driven by a desire to understand the complexities of his family history. He might be trying to reconcile his own experiences with the version of the past he thought he knew.
FAQ 4: Does Dean’s narration mean the show is a sequel, prequel, or reboot?
The Winchesters is best described as a prequel with potential elements of an alternate timeline. While it explores the origins of John and Mary, Dean’s narration introduces a layer of ambiguity, suggesting that the events depicted might not be entirely consistent with the established canon of Supernatural. This allows the show to explore new storylines and character arcs without being strictly bound by the original series.
FAQ 5: Will Sam Winchester make an appearance in “The Winchesters”?
As of the first season, there is no confirmation that Sam Winchester will appear in The Winchesters. While anything is possible, the focus remains on John and Mary’s story, viewed through the lens of Dean’s perspective. Bringing Sam into the narrative could complicate the already intricate timeline and potentially detract from the main focus of the show.
FAQ 6: How does Dean know so much about his parents’ past, considering he didn’t know much in Supernatural?
This is a key question that The Winchesters aims to explore. Dean’s narration implies that he has uncovered new information about his parents’ past, perhaps through research, investigations, or even supernatural means. The show may delve into how he acquired this knowledge and why he feels compelled to share it.
FAQ 7: Does Dean’s presence in “The Winchesters” impact the ending of Supernatural?
The show deliberately walks a tightrope between honoring the established canon of Supernatural and exploring new possibilities. While Dean’s narration hints at potential timeline alterations, the creators have emphasized that they are not looking to retcon the ending of the original series. The Winchesters serves as a companion piece, adding depth and context to the Supernatural universe.
FAQ 8: Is “The Winchesters” connected to other Supernatural spin-offs?
Currently, there is no direct connection between The Winchesters and other proposed or existing Supernatural spin-offs. However, the shared universe allows for potential crossovers or references in the future. The focus remains on establishing the world of The Winchesters and telling the story of John and Mary.
FAQ 9: Is Dean trying to change the past through his narration?
The possibility that Dean is trying to influence or alter the past is a central theme of The Winchesters. His narration is not merely a recounting of events; it’s a deliberate framing of the story, suggesting that he has an agenda. Whether he succeeds in changing the past and the consequences of such actions remain to be seen.
FAQ 10: Why is the Impala different in “The Winchesters” compared to how it was when John owned it?
The Impala’s appearance at the end of the pilot, driven by Dean, suggests that the Impala in the scene isn’t John’s Impala. The specific model and condition likely represent Dean’s Baby from the Supernatural timeline. This visual cue reinforces the idea that Dean is observing or influencing the past from a point in time after the events of Supernatural.
FAQ 11: What is the significance of Dean’s closing line in the pilot episode?
Dean’s closing line, the exact wording of which is key to understanding its significance and varied interpretations depending on the viewer, often speaks to themes of free will, fate, and the unpredictable nature of the hunting life. It typically highlights the Winchester family’s ongoing struggles and their willingness to fight against impossible odds. It often serves as a hook for the next episode and a reminder of the larger stakes involved.
FAQ 12: Will other characters from Supernatural show up in The Winchesters through flashbacks or other means?
While the primary focus is on John and Mary, the possibility of cameos or flashback appearances from other Supernatural characters cannot be ruled out. Familiar faces like Bobby Singer, recurring hunters, or even glimpses of Azazel (Yellow-Eyed Demon) in flashbacks could enrich the narrative and provide further connections to the original series. However, these appearances would likely be carefully considered to avoid detracting from the core storyline of The Winchesters.