Is Supernatural Finale, In Any Way, Redeemable?
It seems fans are divided.
Back in November 2020, when the 327th and final episode of Supernatural, titled Carry On, aired, millions took to social media to discuss it as soon as they were done watching it. Clearly, everyone was (and remains) saddened by the conclusion of Sam and Dean Winchester's journey. However, the way it wrapped up has polarised the fandom, and the debate seems far from settled.
Recently, fans have been sharing their views on the finale on Reddit.
What Happened In Carry On
The final episode sees Dean suffer a fatal injury while combating vampires. He then proceeds to pass away in Sam's brotherly embrace after an emotional farewell. In the afterlife, Dean discovers a paradise shaped by Jack and Castiel's efforts and reunites with loved ones lost throughout the series.
As for Sam, he leads a fulfilling life, starts a family, names his son Dean, and eventually passes away from natural causes, reuniting with his elder brother in the afterlife.
Opinions On The Finale Are Polarised
While many fans were overwhelmed with emotion over Dean's demise and Sam's sorrow, others were left baffled. After 15 seasons of evolving, maturing, and facing formidable foes, including God himself, did Dean really meet his end in such a trivial manner?
‘It just felt like a cheap (and sad!) payoff after fifteen YEARS of investment,’ a fan commented on Reddit.
Yet, could the finale have its merits? Some argue that if Supernatural had to conclude, Carry On aptly encapsulated the Winchesters' tale and neatly circled back to the narrative's start.
‘It seems to me that it's exactly what Dean had always wanted - to die while hunting. And that's exactly how he went out,’ a fan wrote, explaining why they loved the finale. ‘In addition to that, Sam finally gets the chance to settle down and leave the hunting life behind, which is something he had always seemed to want earlier in the show.’
Ultimately, both brothers got what they wanted from the outset: a valiant, selfless death for Dean and a peaceful, 'apple-pie' existence for Sam. But was it genuinely fulfilling? What's your take?