Imagine pouring your heart and soul into a beloved TV series for over a decade, fighting cosmic battles against angels, demons, and ancient evils, only to have the grand finale derailed by something as mundane as a global pandemic. That's the bittersweet reality for the creators of 'Supernatural,' who harbor a deep regret about how their polarizing series ender turned out. Fans are still divided over the show's conclusion, and it's not just about the emotional punch—it's the missed opportunities that sting the most. But here's where it gets controversial: what if the perfect send-off was just within reach, only to slip away due to forces beyond anyone's control?
The story revolves around the Winchester brothers, Dean (played by Jensen Ackles) and Sam (portrayed by Jared Padalecki), who have battled everything from the devil himself to God and even monstrous Leviathans threatening the apocalypse. Yet, in the final episode, it's a straightforward vampire hunt that ultimately sends the eldest brother, Dean, to his heavenly reward—quite literally. The narrative wraps up with Sam living out a full, natural life before reuniting with Dean in the afterlife. For newcomers to the fandom, this means the brothers, who've cheated death countless times through supernatural means, finally find peace in eternity. However, the show's brains behind the scenes, led by showrunner Andrew Dabb, wished they could have ended things differently. They envisioned a heartwarming reunion that would have brought back echoes of the past, making the finale feel like a massive family get-together in the great beyond.
In an interview with TVInsider, Dabb opened up about their ambitious original concept. The plan was to whisk Sam and Dean straight to the Roadhouse—a beloved fictional bar from the early seasons, kind of like a supernatural safe haven where hunters gather, share stories, and unwind. Think of it as the Cheers bar for monster slayers, a place filled with camaraderie and lore that's iconic in the 'Supernatural' universe. There, the brothers would reunite with fallen comrades from previous episodes, creating a joyful, nostalgic bash that celebrated the entire journey. Dabb described it vividly: 'We kind of went through the process, and what we'd wanted to do with the ending was send Sam and Dean, once they've gone up to heaven, to the Roadhouse and have as many people there as we could get, and we were literally going to go out to a bunch of people and "It's not very much money because there's so many people, but here's a plane ticket, come up with us, celebrate this thing."' It was meant to be a low-budget extravaganza, with the creators reaching out personally to actors for cameo appearances, turning the finale into a fan service dream.
Alas, that dream shattered when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, making it utterly impossible to cram so many performers into one space safely. Protocols around filming during the pandemic were strict, prioritizing health over Hollywood magic, and gathering a crowd like that became a logistical nightmare. Dabb reflected on the adjustment, noting how they pivoted to focus on the core brotherly bond: 'I think we did get a nice moment with the two brothers together, and that was always the show. So, to come back to that and end on that moment, even though it wasn't what we planned, I thought it still worked really well. And I thought [director Robert Singer] really shot it really well, and the guys played it really well. And I thought the ending we have is fantastic, but it certainly did change because of the pandemic.' And this is the part most people miss: while the final result captured the essence of 'Supernatural'—the unbreakable bond between Sam and Dean—it lacked that explosive, feel-good catharsis that could have elevated it to legendary status. For fans who rank 'Supernatural' episodes, this one often sparks debate, with some calling it a letdown compared to the highs of earlier seasons.
To put it in perspective, the pandemic didn't just affect 'Supernatural'; think about other shows like 'The Office' or 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine' that had to scramble for virtual finales or truncated seasons. But for 'Supernatural,' losing that Roadhouse reunion felt like a punch to the gut, especially since the series has a history of bringing characters back from the dead—resurrections are practically a plot device! Now, with whispers of potential revivals or spin-offs (like the animated horror series in development), there's a tantalizing 'what if' hanging in the air. Could a fresh take on the show finally deliver that dream ending, perhaps with even more twists? It might involve killing off the brothers again (not exactly a first for them) and orchestrating a heavenly party that honors the fallen.
But here's the controversial twist: some fans argue that the actual finale's simplicity was a strength, forcing viewers to confront mortality without the fluff of cameos. Others cry foul, saying it robbed the series of the emotional payoff it deserved after 15 seasons. What do you think—was the pandemic a fair excuse for the change, or should creators have fought harder for that reunion? If 'Supernatural' does get a reboot, would you want the Roadhouse scene to happen, or do you prefer the current, more intimate ending? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you agree with the creators' regret, or disagree that it was even necessary? Let's discuss!
