It had to end this way, you understand that, right? Supernatural, despite its false reputation as another teen drama on the CW, has rarely dumbed itself down and delivered something that felt out of place in its season enders.
Show creator Eric Kripke's vision of Supernatural ran for five seasons and five seasons only, and Thursday's episode, "Swan Song" sure felt like a series finale even though the show will live to see Season 6 (although it will do so without Kripke, who will hand over the title of showrunner to executive producer Sera Gamble).
We always knew the apocalypse was coming, and that Sam and Dean would have to make great sacrifices to prevent Lucifer from walking the Earth and making us all his bitch. And that's what we got: Sam was headed for a pit in Hell to endure the worst thing imaginable for eternity, and Dean—his job done and brother lost—was off to live the "good" life, even though he'd always be haunted by the knowledge of what went down in that cemetery in Kansas.
That is, until a few major events spun everything on its head.
Kripke, speaking through his own vessel in prophet Chuck, acknowledged that while any moron can start a story, it takes a lot more effort to end one. Kripke also understands that endings can never satisfy everyone, and there's no doubt that some fans will have their issues with "Swan Song." But what Kripke did splendidly was leave much of what really happened open to interpretation, resulting in a beautiful final moment for Supernatural and one of the most satisfying season/series finales in recent memory.
In the climax of "Swan Song," Sam said "yes" to Lucifer, allowing the Prince of the Netherworld to take his body with the hopes of retaking control and swan-diving into Lucifer's lock box, imprisoning Satan in Hell until some other nitwits accidentally set him free again. Things didn't go according to plan (understatement of the year), and Cas was blown to angel bits, Bobby had his neck snapped, and Dean ended up with a face full of LuSamfer's fist. (Side note: I was barely able to even watch Jensen Ackles' Elephant Man face—horrifying!)
But what happened next was beautiful: Somewhere deep inside Lucifer, Sam began to take control, and we were treated to a spectacular montage of Sam and Dean through the years. Sam ultimately wrestled back control of his body, opened the gate to Lucifer's prison, and was about to jump for it when the archangel Michael returned, ready to fight his brother to the death. Instead, they both hurtled into Hell, the chasm closed, and Dean was left alone for a very uncomfortable moment.
Sam and Dean's relationship is eerily similar, on several levels, to Lucifer and Michael's, but there are key differences that set them apart. Lucifer and Sam were both cast away (or cast themselves away) and had a troubled relationship with their fathers. Dean and Michael were eternally loyal to their fathers, possibly to a fault. But while Michael recognized that his brother had become something of a monster and wanted to destroy him, Dean saw Sam's strange powers and demon-blood-drinking addiction and stuck with him to the bitter end, doing all he could. Ahhh, humans.
Ever since the Winchester brothers were pegged as the vessels for Lucifer and Michael, I've been dying to see how things would end up. And I'm glad Supernatural didn't take the wimpy way out.
Kripke has always said the show is really about these two brothers and little more, and through tear-soaked eyes we were reminded of that via the multiple montages, which relived the good and bad from the past five seasons. Even with the fate of the world hanging in the balance, my heart was going out to these two brothers whose long road came to an end with gut-wrenching choices.
Comments (174)
Fantastic review of the final episode, which, as you said, was everything the fans have come to expect from Supernatural. It ultimately had to be heartbreaking - Kripke has never let the boys ultimately win out - it couldn't happen this time either. I very much agree that this would be a great way to end the series - but it would always leave me a bit too hungry for more. I think that having a sixth series would allow the Winchesters to fade out a little more gracefully, in whatever way it happens. I also think the sixth series is necessary because way too much is lieft hanging not for Sam, but for Dean. I don't think he could ever have been happy staying with Lisa and Ben knowing that Sam was in hell, not once the shock wore off. Lisa was the only thing I didn't like about this ending. I loved the original character from the third series, and the way that Dean related with her son, but until she suddenly reappeared there was no reason to think she was any more special that other women who Dean had seen as more than someone to sleep with. She was an obvious plot device, and from someone as clever as Eric Kripke it was really disappointing, much like the body swap episode, which was the only low point of this latest series. For the series to have ended satisfactorily now I think Dean would have to have died as well. The show is ultimately about the relationshio between the brothers, and as has been demonstrated again and again, Dean without Sam just doesn't work. If Sam hadn't come back, I would have given it a couple of weeks before Dean drove the Impala off a cliff. I adored this series - unlike many shows, which start with a good premise and then devolve into genericism, this show has got better with almost every episode. There are so many possibilities right now, and with Eric Kripke's vision no longer guiding the show I can't wait to see what's going to happen. this is an exciting time people! Lets enjoy.moreless
I watch my Seasons 1 & 2 DVDs, and some of the Season 3 episodes, and pretend that's all there is. In my opinion Kripke threw his great story away.
great review with some really interesting theories. Chuck narrating the Winchester saga right on! Lucifer walking the earth in Sam's meat suit - NO WAY I think Sam has spent some time in hell (probably longer than Dean did) but Sam was pulled out of perdition by the same "badass" angel that pulled Dean up. Watch next season we will see a hand print on Sam's upper arm.Wonderful end to the 5 year arc.Congrats to Kripke & crew for that. For 5 years I've been entertained by the best show on TV (even with the weaker episodes) Kudos to the cast especially Jared, Jensen Misha and Jim. Jared "kicked it in the ass" (nice shout out to Kim Manners) and hit it out of the galaxy , he was just awesome. Jared does evil so well! This would have been an awesome ending for the series...but I am ecstatic that we have at least another season wonderful ending for.Of course Sam is back because there is a S6. Castiel blown to bits, Bobby's neck snapped I just yelled NOOOOO! I too found it hard to watch as Dean's face went through a major beat down. Never has Dean looked that bad.When Sam takes control back because a glint of the chrome on the Impala and sees his toy soldier which gives us the most wonderful flashbacks I seen in any show period, of all the brothers moments over the last 5 years. Seeing Dean on his knees in the graveyard so terribly alone broke my heart too. I knew how Dean was feeling. So glad Cas and Bobby are back. Dean going to Lisa and her “I will help you with this loss Dean†hug, Dean almost colaspese in her arms. I could hear the sobs…but Dean gets his normal apple pie life with Lisa and Ben. That is where he needs to be, with someone who can help heal his wounded soul. Guess it’s safe to say that Dean’s paradise won’t last forever otherwise how do we get a Season 6. BUT I’m ecstatic the episode ended this way.moreless
Hmmm... OK... more games with names. Charles is from Old German and means (essentially) "man" or "freeman." Given that, it's quite possible that Chuck is an "everyman" character, while also being a manifestation of Christ ("God made man"), so if Kripke is playing with names, then yes, I'd say it's quite possible that Chuck was God in his aspect as Christ, God made man. If that's the case, there's still a lot of mythic potential to attack.
i realised it was "mistress magda" after reading this article. 'till now i couldn't figure out what it was chuck said. The prophet/jesus theory sounds much more convincing than the one were Chuck is God.I believe the whole Apocalypse was a test for the angels too. Including Lucifer and Michael.As for Lucifer being a fake when closed in the cage, i dont think so. What was Sam struggling against? And how come neither Castiel nor Micheal could tell? Lucifer could tell that the fake Gabriel was fake.Which leaves 3 possible explainations(i could think of) for Sams/Lucifers/whatever appearence in the end:1. It is a clumsy way to open a door to the next season, added by someone other than Eric Kripke (who intended to finish it in Season 5).2. Sam is back as a gift (from God) to both Sam and Dean (What about that poor woman and her son? :P).3.Lucifer and Sam are out. Why Lucifer? Because Lucifer showed love towards his brother (at least) especially in the battlefield. Besides, he claimed to have been acting out of love for his Father sinces we first saw him. I guess, the road to hell (For Lucider) is paved with good intentions (and lots of love towards God).moreless
I don't know why everybody is complaining about Kripke leaving, yes he did an excellent job, but to say the next season will not be any good is just dumb.My guess is that they are not bringing in someone who has never seen the show before. They will have a feel for the show and the characters, and I'm sure will do their best to stick to what we have all come to love about the show. I for one will wait for next season to form my opinion about whether it fits with the rest or not.Am I the only one or was anyone else upset with the soundtrack song last night? I always look forward to the soundtrack of Dean's life ( great classic rock songs), but too come out with Def Leppard.....yukmoreless
First of all, it seems like the idea of "I'm leaving the ending up to the fans/the viewer" is gaining popularity, and i gotta say it just strikes me as lazy. When I watch a movie or a TV series, I do it because I want to see someone ELSE's story. I want to see THEIR vision. I don't turn on my TV to watch an hour-long invitation to make fan fiction. As for Sam at the end, I think it was just a back-door for the sixth season. It was written in so that if the show got canceled, it at least got a mostly-complete ending (complete with convenient "not everyone will like it but here it is" disclaimer); and if it got renewed, you've got an opening for the next season with built-in buzz.moreless
ASSBUTT best line ever!
although i'm little bit felt gloomy about Swan Song, i hearted it!And i definetely want the next season of Supernatural
I've watched this show from the very first episode and fell in love with these two brothers (I have two sons, myself), and the whole dynamic relationship between them and their peeps. Swan Song was an amazing episode, and if it were to end, there couldn't be a better finale than that. However, there's NO WAY I wouldn't continue watching the Winchesters, Bobby and Cas. If they're on the tube, I'm there with them. Kripke..why? Please reconsider...sob.
Had one small issue that annoyed me in the final episode. Dean said near the end to Castiel as they were driving away after Sam fell into the pit something along the lines of " ..and my bother just fell into the pit" basically capping off his description of what a bad day he had. What annoyed me about this is BOTH of his brothers fell into the pit, not just Sam. I think this is something the writers should not have forgotten about and Dean should have mentioned this fact. And the fact that Micheal said no one is in the vessel but him is not an out, there is no way Dean would believe that even if it were true. A significant oversight that I hope is corrected next season by having Dean wracked with guilt over forgetting the loss of his other brother, especially since it is not the first but third time that he lost Adam to death or some other doom.moreless
Hey, ASSBUTT!...
I really hope Sam is just Sam. If we have to endure another season of Lucifer running around and being an ass... I'm going to stop watching, seriously, it's time for a new story arc if you're gonna continue this show!
As swan song is effectively the end of kripkes whole vision for sam and dean i strongly feel that it should be the end for me aswell.the final episode was so beautiful that it would be a shame if the next season became a anti-climax.personally i think they should leave there story and take it in another direction with other characters.lets face it where else can they take the brothers story,they've already been to hell and back.
It could've ended now... and what a fantastic end it would've been. But if they wanna keep it going,... I mean, why not?
Swan Song got great ratings for the CW, but I'm not settled at the show ending like that and I can't wait for Season 6.
I think that "Swan Song" should be the end of this wonderful series. For me I felt like it tied a nice bow on the series. No regrets here. But if there is a sixth season then I will watch it. Hell if I can watch SGU then I can watch almost anything past its expiration date.
To be honest, I'd love the show to continue to no end, but right at this point I can't seem to see a future for it... I mean, what's there more to speak about? The season finale was awesome - it really was a finale... I think an ultimate move could be to make a movie out of the series and that's it. I can't think of anymore ideas for another full season. I'm afraid this will lead to a poorer ending and we won't be able to enjoy it anymore.... but, yeah, that's only my opinion
"To Eric Kripke and the rest of the Supernatural crew, a hearty thank you for delivering a splendid season and a spectacular finish. We'll be talking about it for a long time."I wholeheartedly second that! Awesome show, awesome writing, acting, directing, and everything. Five years of absolute delight. ; )
interesting
Awsome seaso finale
I loved the episode apart from a couple of things. I don't understand why the writers decided Michael should be in Adam. We know Dean and love him and it would have been awesome to see Michael in hisbody. Sam and Dean were always compared to Lucifer and Michael and seeing Jensen play Michael would hand ruled. Why did Jared get to have all the fun? Dean should have said yes to Michael and then as Michael and Lucifer were fighting they should have had the montage Sam had and both opened and jumped in the hole. Way better story and ending.
I think Sam is just Sam, no more Lucifer in season six. And I think that now Sam is not gonna let Dean know that he is alive because he's gonna believe that Dean is better without him. Of course, i guess Lisa and ben are gonna die or something and that's gonna make Dean want to hunt again. sam is gonna come to help his brother and they are gonna be together again :) Well, that's just my theory.
I would love to see this season be like it used to be. Killing urban myth creatures.. I assume Dean's new family will be killed by Crowley or Dracula and next season will be about revenge.
Awesome season finale .... consistently great show :)
Probably Adam is the kind of vessel for Michael, that Mark Pellegrino is for Lucifer. He's able to wear him, but not for very long. Also, why were you surprised? In the episode with the beautiful room, everyone but Dean and Adam fell to the ground unable to withstand the angel's true form, thus telling us Adam was a usable vessel.
I have a huge problem with the Finale!!! The angels told Adam that he couldn't be a vessel for Michael in the 100th episode. They said he was just "bait" to get Dean to show up. So how in the world did Michael take over Adam? When he showed up in Adams body i was so surprised and taken aback because it doesn't fit. Why would they tell us that Adam couldn't be the vessel and then change there mind a few episodes later. Can someone please explain this to me because i am so CONFUSED!!!!!!!
I'm not so sure if I like the idea of a sixth season. Without Kripke it won't be the same and this was such a beautiful ending. I really hope they won't run the show into the ground. But this is like the best show ever, so they better do a great job!
As noted, <em>Supernatural</em> has the opportunity of pulling a <em>Buffy</em>. That show also had a nasty season five series finale but was going to continue on afterwards albeit with big changes. It had a mediocre sixth season that left many fans uncomfortable and was a bit of a chore to watch. However the seventh and final season was better and ended well for most fans.<em>Supernatural</em> can do exactly the same if they play their cards right.
Hello guys can i ask something??Season six will be the last for our supernatural???please answer me
For the true fan it's impossible to just stop watching here, although I do think this is the best way for Supernatural to end. I just absolutely loved it. First, I didn't know what to think, then I thought about it all night, and I realised I absolutely did love it. It was and wasn't what I expected. But for a sixth season; one the one hand it makes me a bit scared, because Kripke is leaving and when the master leaves the show to the student, it can end up like a bad sequel to something great. I wouldn't want it spoiled. On the other hand, also a strong argument; look at what Joss Whedon did on Buffy. No one believed that the season 7 finale could be better than season 5 in which she dies. We all feared that ending. And it surpassed our expectations, leaving us - well, me - to cry with fullfilment. So, I'm gonna hold out for season six. Good luck, Sela!moreless
God, that was such a great finale. It would have been perfect end to the series too.....but I'm secretly happy that we still get to watch Sam and Dean next season. =D
I think I will watch season 6. if i don't like it, i'll ignore it and have it end there.I like to think that Sam was freed from Hell, heading to heaven. Maybe his expression was just that he was sad to say goodbye to Dean, or that Dean won't know where Sam's gone...
Yes, I've argued for ending Supernatural now, letting it go out with a bang, not a whimper. But that being said - I won't be able to stay away from next season, I NEED to see what happens to my boys - especially poor Sammy!
I am curious to see what they'll come up with for season six. Hopefully it will be good.
first of all loved the season finale second of all i dont think it should end at season 5 im glad its coming back and hope it stays on for a long time because to many good shows gets canceled and were stuck with boring ones the even that dont even make it two thirteen episodes so i hope the do Bring back supernatural
I have to agree with many of the other posts. If something happened and Season 6 never gets made, I'm content with the ending Swan Song gives. I recently got back into the show (just too much to do to keep up with it). I managed to cover seasons 2-4 in a few weeks and got caught up on season 5 before the Valentine's episode. I had forgotten just how good it was. Unfortunately, I'm reminded of Babylon 5 in that JMS had it planned for a 5-yr run, knowing exactly how it would end. However, when they weren't sure it was getting it's 5th season, they managed to wrap it up in four but then were told they got the new season so they had to put something together which was not originally in the plan. Their final season just seemed to be missing something. I'm hoping that won't be the case with Season 6 of Supernatural. A friend, who is a die-hard fan, and I were discussing where they could go after the wrapping of the Apocalypse. There are the other pantheons of gods (we were introduced to several with the Hammer of the Gods episode). But if the intent was the parallels of Michael/Lucifer and Dean/Sam, I think there will be problems capturing the energy now they wrapped it up.moreless
You guys think there's gonna be a time jump?
Lay your weary head to rest dont you cry no more........
Next season should be about closure. We deserve to know what became of their deceased loved ones.
There are so many theories for season 6, but it should be nice that it will be something bigger that we all thinking it will be.... beyond the apocalypse ..... something great!!! I can't wait...
There will be peace when you're done............
If season six is bad, at least I know I can ignore it and remember this as the final trial of the brothers Winchester. I have trouble believing the ending of season six will be able to top this in emotional intensity. For me, it will be as if Sam was not shown under the streetlight.
Excellent finale! And the montages were fantastic!
I Dont think anybody who watched the series 5 finale will be skipping series 6 there is som many questions to be answered.
it was a worthy finish to the show....but of course will i be watching next season, no doubt about it!
just a spectacular episode, i love this show to death!
Tim, what the hell is Chuck?!!..i dont remember him poppin out like that..
I'm glad the show doesn't end here, but if it were, the flashbacks would have made a perfect ending. I can't wait to see who chuck is even though i grew tired of the whole angels-demons conflict.