Supernatural Season 15 Didn't Even Need That Controversial Episode 20
When it comes to a series that has grown such a dedicated fan base and has been running for as long as Supernatural, there is no easy way to end a series for good.
Ultimately, the ending of the series proved divisive with viewers. Now some fans wonder, was that last episode even necessary?
[Warning - Spoilers Ahead]
What happened in the final episode?
Season 15 Episode 20, titled 'Carry On,' shows Sam and Dean after their final battle against Chuck in the previous episode. The episode begins with the Winchester brothers' lives returning mostly back to normal. However, after Dean's surprising and sudden death during a hunt, we see a grief-stricken Sam as he tries to find a way to carry on without his brother. The narrative then fast-forwarded to show Sam's life as a retired hunter, happily married with a son also named Dean. Eventually, Sam passes away of old age, and he is reunited with Dean in Heaven, where they embrace after finally finding peace.
Why 'Carry On' didn't need to be the finale?
While Carry On aimed to bring closure to the Winchester brothers' story, it seemed that much of a typical series finale had already been achieved in the previous episode, Inherit the Earth. In that episode, the loose ends of the series' narratives were mainly wrapped up. Plus, it ended with a much more gratifying climax, with Sam and Dean emerging victorious against their battle with Chuck. Arguably the emotional weight and narrative resolution in Inherit the Earth made it feel like a much more fitting conclusion, which could have left fans satisfied and ready to bid farewell to the beloved characters.
What the fans think
Unfortunately, the show's finale has arguably left a bit of a stain on the much-loved series, evident throughout the r/Supernatural Reddit threads. Having a weak finale as the series' last episode has left fans lingering over an appropriate ending they'll likely never receive. Many fans have especially voiced their disappointment with Dean's death, considering it rather lackluster for such a significant character. As one Redditor puts it, 'Dean, the great warrior, the one monsters warn earn other about, gets killed by a fucking nail. Oh come on.'
Additionally, some have pointed out that the drop in quality of the finale could be attributed to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, further diminishing the shine of the final episode. As another Reddit user states, 'I think it would have been a lot better if not for covid. They couldn't have anywhere near the cast they wanted for the finale.'
While Carry On attempted to bring closure to the Winchester brothers' story, it clearly fell short for many fans, leaving them longing for something more appropriate. Yet, although the final episode left a lasting impression that didn't quite live up to the show's legacy, at least the second to last episode provides a more satisfying conclusion overall, which fans can choose to make their true finale instead.
Sources: Reddit.