‘Supernatural’ Season 15 Recap: The Road So Far

Written by Juanita ‘Obi-Juan’ Bonner

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the final season of ‘Supernatural’.
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Once we all finally stopped crying after the announcement that season 15 of Supernatural would be the last, the #SPNFamily reluctantly settled in last fall for a shorter, 20 episode season with the normal mid-season break. Then we collectively suffered through what we thought would be our last Hellatus. But, only a few episodes in post-Hellatus, the entire world took a break as the Coronavirus became a global pandemic. That’s when the true Hellatus began!! With no start up in sight, the fandom went from mourning the shows end to wondering when it would actually end.

In the meantime, thanks to technology, fans have been able to get a closer view of our boys, not as their characters, but at themselves. Things like Zoom meetings, political action, charity engagement, and endearing photos and videos at home ALL INCREASED keeping us even more connected than we might have thought possible. I mean. Can you imagine what a pandemic would look like without technology??  

Now that we have an actual date for our beloved show to return (FINALLY, am I right?) – Thursday, October 8th for those of you not awake (LOL) – and before I dive back into my weekly reviews, let’s revisit The Road So Far…

From the beginning, season 15 hit the gas and scarcely let up since. In 15.01: ‘Back and to the Future’, we pick up where season 14 left off. Jack (Alexander Calvert) is dead and Sam (Jared Padalecki), Dean (Jensen Ackles) and Cas (Misha Collins) are surrounded by the undead horde produced by Chuck’s (Rob Benedict) Thanos-like snap. We get to see the more comedic talents of Calvert as Jack’s body is possessed by the, I know he’s up to no good, but I want to love him anyway, demon Belphegor. We also start what will be a running theme in the coming episodes, returning characters and cameos – YES!! Not to mention we have strong tension between Dean and Cas, billions of ghosts have been released from Hell, and oh yeah… Lucifer’s cage is open!! Plus, Sam’s gunshot wound lingers as Cas struggles and fails to heal it. Feeling that Chuck is gone, the episode ends with one of the best full circle moments of the entire series – a recreation of “We got work to do,” from the series pilot – OMC!!!
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Picking up the pace even more, 15.02: ‘Raising Hell’, brings Rowena (Ruth Connell) and Ketch (David Haydn-Jones) back into the fold with flirty playfulness and I loved it!! Chuck finds Amara (Emily Swallow) who, with sufficient eyeroll annoyance, dismisses his plight. We also find out that Sam and Chuck are connected by The Equalizer gunshot wound and for what’s likely the first time ever, Chuck appears afraid. It’s about damn time!! By the end, with help from the ghost of Kevin Tran (Osric Chau), the other spirits wreaking havoc on the town are contained in a magical crystal. Including Rowena’s ex (LOL!), Jack the Ripper (Lane Davies). And though it’s wonderful to see Kevin, Belphegor points out that once a soul graces Hell, they cannot pass on to Heaven without the exception of God. *SIGH* When will Kevin get what he truly deserves?

By the time, 15.03: ‘The Rupture’, wraps up, Team Free Will is forever changed. Just as he’s beginning to redeem himself, Ketch is needlessly (seriously… needlessly!!) killed by Ardat (Sharon Taylor). Belphegor had secret plans all along, and though we all knew it, this fangirl loved how surprisingly it all played out. Unfortunately, the hardest fall for our heroes culminates in the absolutely devastating loss of Rowena. And, just as predicted by Death (Lisa Barry), at Sam’s hand as well. Everyone, including us viewers, were devastated! But, the moments between Sam and Rowena leading up to her death are now some of my favorites throughout the entire series. Grief stricken, Dean lashes out at Cas – blaming him for everything, including Mary’s (Samantha Smith) death. In the end, Cas not only reveals that his Angelic powers are failing, but he also leaves the group altogether; making the already very heart heavy episode weigh even more. 

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Directed by Jensen Ackles, 15.04: ‘Atomic Monsters’ opens with an action packed, “John Wick style” yet, confusing vision for Sam. In typical Winchester fashion, he neglects to tell Dean about this or any of the other visions he’s been having. Overall, the monster of the week takes a back seat to the bigger picture and will again in future episodes, as we now have bigger fish to fry. However, even with all of its heavy lessons, this episode has a lot of fun with itself. Chuck, wanting to feed his inflated ego, seeks out an old flame – R.I.P. Becky Ros (Emily Perkins)! We see plenty of meta references on display with actual Supernaturalverse merchandise as well as dialogue poking fun at fan fiction, Leviathans and even writers in general. We also hear “Sounds of Someday”. A song from Jensen’s real life band, Radio Company. By the end, Chuck, tied to Sam and by extension, this universe, decides to change the story – of course!!
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Keeping the surprises coming, 15.05: ‘Proverbs 17:3’, directed by our favorite Trickster (Richard Speight Jr.), starts out basically as a typical monster of the week story and ends with anything but – a freshly meat suited Lilith (Anna Grace Barlow)!!! As if mentioning her early on when the gang is in search of her Crook wasn’t enough, she returned! And to do Chuck’s bidding no less. WHOA! Not only has she been sent to collect the Equalizer, melting it in the process (NOOO!), but she also spills information regarding Chuck’s “stories.” They always end with one brother killing the other. Every time! This disheartening news puts Dean at a loss causing Sam to re-think his visions. He comes clean to Dean – a much welcomed reprieve from the norm. Sam explains that rather than seeing these visions as some deranged form of PTSD, he now sees them as a connection to God himself via the gunshot wound. Now we’re all on the same page and it’s fascinating…

Revisiting fresh wounds from Rowena’s (Ruth Connell) death, 15.06: ‘Golden Time’, opens with witches trying to raid her apartment. It doesn’t end well for them… LOL! But despite our pain, the writers find new and interesting ways to give us hope. Including the fact that Rowena warded her apartment so no one but Sam or Dean could enter. In effect, bestowing them all of her magical possessions. Awww!! Additionally, Eileen Leahy’s (Shoshannah Stern) ghost appears to Sam and in his attempt to help her, they discover a resurrection spell. Yay!! On the B-side, Castiel, with his powers still fading, is working his own case in Wyoming. He saves the day while having a personal realization about his fight with dear old dad and positions of authority. Before it’s all said and done, we do learn a few nice tidbits. One. The Witch Mother (Karen Giles), in regard to the resurrection spell, points out that Death will close loopholes such as these. Interesting!! Also, Dean, referring to Sam as “Ginger Junior (LOVE THIS!!),” along with other witch references throughout, easily sets Sam up as Rowena’s apprentice. This HAS TO mean something, right??

Next, and quite literally one of my favorite episodes of the whole series, 15.07: ‘Last Call’, gives us a hodgepodge of information. Including some romance brewing between Sam and Eileen, Cas returning to the fold and a reference from Sergei (Dimitri Vantis) regarding a key to Death’s Library. That seems important… LOL!! Not to mention, Dean, or should I say Jensen playing Dean, giving us all the feels with a musical duet with guest star (and real life friend), Christian Kane. I’m pretty sure I’ve re-watched this scene at least 20 times. The “Eye of the Tiger” (Survivor) reference gets me every time!! You? By the end, Dean, having learned some lessons on his solo hunt, is back with purpose. We also find out that Chuck is weaker than they once thought – HECK YEAH! And let’s not forget that Cas, who’s impressively taken on a much darker tone overall, mentions Angel Radio has been silent for months – something I expect to come back around at some point.

In 15.08: ‘Our Father, Who Aren’t in Heaven’, Richard Speight Jr. comes back to direct once again lacing the episode with his “Trickster magic,” as Team Free Will seek answers to defeating God via the Demon Tablet. We get to hilariously see the return of Donatello (Keith Szarabajka). Though seeing him Bluetoothed by Chuck is… well… disturbing to say the least (LOL!). We also find out that Rowena is now the Queen of Hell (of course!!). Plus, picking up on Dean and Castiel’s tension, she tells them to get over it or risk regret. As she does for Napoleon (yes, that one!) and Mick Jagger (yes, that one too!)… LOL!! OMC, I love her!! And sadly, by the end, Sam and Eileen get tricked by Chuck and end up captured. But despite all that, this episode gives fans the world over a whole new set of memes for the long lost Winchester – Adam Milligan (Jake Abel)!! And boy did the writers handle this epic return with simplistic yet impactful style. Expecting a crazy blow out after all these years, instead we see a calm and symbiotic Adam/Michael. And the closure for past grievances – namely, leaving him in The Cage since season 5 – is touching. Overall, this storyline is so well done that I was actually a bit stunned. You? Ohh, and let’s not forget Michael vanquishing Lilith with just a look… WHOA!! His powers are off the charts!

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Picking up with a captured Sam and Eileen, 15.09: ‘The Trap’ shows us even more of the once beloved Chuck’s selfishness as he pits the two against one another and proceeds to tear down Sam’s hope with scenarios of death and despair. On the B-side, Dean and Cas, despite not being able to reach Sam, continue on to Purgatory because it’s the only place the key spell ingredient to trap God – a Leviathan Blossom – can be found. Not to mention the clock is ticking as the rift torn by Michael won’t stay open for long. Things go awry via some Leviathan retaliation in honor of Eve (Julia Maxwell) – the Mother of All Monsters. Boy, I’d sure love to see her come back before the end!! In my full recap, I discuss some of the inconsistencies in this episode, but they pale in comparison to the revelations. Including seeing Dean frantic and breaking down as he prays to Cas, admitting his anger and how bad it can truly be. A moving scene to say the least. We also learn that Sam’s visions are actually alternate endings for other universes. Other Sams and Deans!! Wow, my predictions were right! By the end, even though Dean gets to punch Chuck in the face (YES!!!), Sam’s hope is lost which breaks the gunshot wound bond. Chuck also crushes the magic sphere created to trap him. So, now with NOTHING tying him to this world, away he goes. Finally, we see Sam and Eileen part as she steps back to prevent a weak spot for the boys. A heavy episode is putting it mildly for this one! But… Jack’s back – YES!!
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Taking a more comedic approach from the previous episode, 15.10: ‘The Heroes’ Journey’, shows our boys getting slapped with everything from cooking fires, tooth pain, declined credit and parking tickets to straight up clumsiness and getting sick. We eventually find out, thanks to Chuck, the boys have lost their mojo and are now seemingly “Average Joe’s” rather than the heroes of journey’s past. And it’s fracking hilarious!! But what really places this episode quite high on my favorites list is the much needed return of Garth (DJ Qualls) – YES!! He’s just what the doctor ordered to not only fix Dean’s 17 (yes, 17!!) cavities, but also help the boys get back in the fight. Not to mention, he gets to resolve his own personal issues as the hero who saves the day. But not before we get absolutely gut busting scenes with Dean’s lactose intolerance, Sam drinking a cayenne fiery cure all, a Monster Fight Club that’s exactly what it sounds like and an oh so fitting commercial for a monster and a Winchester match up no one will soon forget – am I right?? And we can’t forget that anesthesia filled dancing dream sequence – SPECTACULAR!! Finally, as an obvious nod, we also get a bit of Scooby-Doo-like antics to round out the laughs. By the end, after one last hug from Garth, Sam and Dean are headed to Alaska to seek out a mojo cure. But before they go, we get to see Garth at his happiest – giving us all much needed closure.
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A standard filler episode, 15.11: ‘The Gamblers’, still manages to clear up a few existing storylines while raising new questions at the same time. Dual tales show Sam and Dean in Alaska putting their pool skills to use against magic coins cursed by the Goddess of Fortune, Fortuna (Lynda Boyd). Conversely, Castiel, posing as Agent Lizzo (LOL – YES!!) follows up on a suspicious murder case and a missing person’s sighting in Cushing, Oklahoma – Jack Kline! And he’s feeding on the ancient human soul-sucking Angels, the Grigori. WHOA!! Overall, the whole episode is filled with throwbacks and tie-ins. Including a particular curiosity of mine. Would other Gods play a role in the final battles to come? Fortuna answers this by explaining that Chuck, who created this universe and the other Gods in it, betrayed them too! However, as Fortuna tells it, most of the other Gods let this go. Bored of Chuck’s apocalyptic threats and caring little for the struggles of man, they shrugged their shoulders and moved on. It’s a quick yet fitting way to wrap up this lingering storyline – am I right? Realizing heroes still exist, Fortuna gives Sam and Dean the luck they came for. But not before leaving them with some advice regarding Chuck: “Don’t play his game. Make him play yours.” By the end, we learn that God fears Jack which is why Billie kept him in The Empty until Chuck left earth. Now, she has set him on a path to become even stronger for the inevitable battle ahead. The eating hearts is part of this and overall, I’m skeptical and happy at the same time. You??

Wasting no time, 15.12: ‘Galaxy Brain’, starts with Chuck on Earth 2. “Pop Tart Heart”, a song from Rob’s real-life band Louden Swain, plays in the background. And after a bit of egomaniacal theatrics, Chuck admits that all the other Sam and Dean’s don’t “spark joy,” like our Sam and Dean and eventually decides to dismantle his other universes via mass destruction. YIKES! Adding more shocking moments, Dark Kaia (Yadira Guevara-Prip) returns with a few surprises of her own. She can see that her world is being destroyed and fears for our Kaia, who’s alive – NICE!! And returning for a third time to direct, Richard Speight Jr. seems to take a darker tone this time around as the boys contemplate revenge, a soulless heart eating Jack and just exactly what Billie is up to. Additionally, Jack’s new babysitter, Merle (Sandra Ferens), the very rude and annoying Reaper, reluctantly helps them restore the Bunker’s Cosmic Warding once stripped by Amara and was never fully restored. This helps keep Jack off Chuck’s radar and allows him to open a rift to Dark Kaia’s world. In the end, they save our Kaia – YAY!! – while Dark Kaia stays behind to perish with her world – BOOOO!! Not to mention, Cas and Jody (Kim Rhodes) finally meet for the first time. NICE! In the end, Billie surprises them all by reaping Merle and revealing that EVERYONE has a book in Death’s Library. Even Chuck!! And, in order to create other universes, Chuck built himself into the framework of this universe meaning, he can die too!! But the biggest surprises of all, NO ONE can read their own book without Billie’s say so and The Winchester’s are “the messenger’s of God’s destruction.” WHOA!!  

The episode 15.13: ‘Destiny’s Child’, was the final one to air before the pandemic shut down production. Ironically, some superstitious folk might think the show stopping production just after the 13th episode is weird, no? Personally, I think it fits right in to the Supernaturalverse!! Regardless, come back and see me for a full recap of this episode posting on October 8th before our show resumes for the final leg of this 15 year tour. Until then… Go Team Free Will!

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