Supernaturalverse: Four Reasons ‘The Winchesters’ Deserves a New Home

Written by Juanita ‘Obi-Juan’ Bonner

Key art from ‘The Winchesters’ Courtesy of The CW.

Hello my fellow Supernatural (CW; 2005-2020) fans!! Now that the dust has settled on the new spinoff and the big wigs at the CW opted not to renew series for a second season (*BALLS*),  I thought I would take a moment to discuss four reasons why The Winchesters (CW; 2022-) DESERVES more!! As the driver *WINK* of this ride, my playlist consists of four tracks: Character Development, Cameos and Callbacks, Behind the Scenes, and the biggest melody of all… The Fans!! So… jump in, buckle up, shut your… ah-hem *LOL!*, and let’s go!
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Track 1: Character Development
 
In a show about monsters, the heart of Supernatural has always been our boys – Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean (Jensen Ackles) Winchester. Along the way, we met many who we grew to love and hate. Mostly love though. I mean… I really did like Chuck (Rob Benedict) in the beginning. *LOL* My point is, we got time with our characters. Hell, even if Supernatural actually wrapped up when it was supposed to, we still would’ve gotten five years of character development. Not to mention, at best, it takes 2-3 seasons before a show really finds its footing. So too should it be with our new set of hunters. All of which have done a damn fine job thus far. *ROUND OF APPLAUSE* Especially when coming in cold to an extremely well established world. *HECK YEAH!* To help with this, the writers took care to keep us guessing throughout the season on just how this story intertwines with what we already know. Constant OMC (Oh my Chuck) *BIG GRIN* moments arise against canon throughout. Wait… what?? *LOL* Yet, by the end, all is revealed and we know exactly why this or that may appear off kilter. To top it off, we’re transported into a nostalgic 1970’s setting *AWESOME* where bright paisley colors, shag and bell bottoms reign supreme! *BRAVO*

More on character development you say!! *RAISED EYEBROW* Well… Team Free Will, this song isn’t over yet!!  

First, the budding romance between the show’s namesake – John Winchester (Drake Rodger) and Mary Campbell (Meg Donnelly) – is fantastic! And when I say fantastic… I’m referring to the CUTEST THING EVER from a couple we all know VERY well. Their chemistry is palpable and seeing the tiny universe on the background of their love is awesome. All be it a bit off, as noted. I promise, it’s all on purpose! We also get to see each of them work through their own issues in different ways while eventually coming full circle in a mix of togetherness and individual growth. THIS my friends… is a Supernatural staple… and I LOVE IT!!

As for the rest of the crew? The Scooby Gang vibe is ever present and infectious giving nod to 13.16 ‘Scoobynatural’ *NICE* while establishing new canon for the Supernaturalverse overall. Complete with a van, our new Hunters are full of spunk. None more than the van’s owner, Carlos Cervantez!! Played by the lovely Jojo Fleites, Carlos is a non-binary/bisexual character and a fantastic mix of strong vocal representation blended perfectly with vulnerable PTSD and a colorful 70s style. A military vet, musician and dare I say, fashion icon *YES!!*, is just the beginning of Carlos and I cannot stress enough that we NEED more!!

Next up… the bookworm/hunter-in-the-making Latika “Lata” Dar portrayed by the beautiful Nida Khurshid. A northern India born pacifist; Lata is a smart edition to the cast. And similar to the other three, she experiences her own journey of growth throughout the season. Overall, her mysterious background mixed with impressive wits and loving nature brings a warm and intriguing character that I didn’t even know I needed! *BRAVO LITTLE LADY*

Rounding out the young fab four core, we also have regular appearances by the compelling rare books expert Ada Monroe (Demetria McKinney) and John’s badass mechanic mother Millie Winchester (Bianca Kajlich). Each bringing their own brand of mother-like qualities, these ladies are often the voices of reason for our gang who, when push comes to shove, join the fight without hesitation. Especially Millie! *KAPOW* Adding in Mary’s father Samuel Campbell (Tom Welling), similar to its predecessor, the show creates family tension and creepy monster vibes throughout. As if loving all this wasn’t enough? Let’s skip to the next tune.

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Photo from ‘The Winchesters’ Courtesy of The CW.

Track 2: Cameos and Callbacks
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If you haven’t completed the full season and you really hate spoilers, stop right now!! For the rest of us… the joy of seeing ANY characters from our beloved Supernaturalverse is something we expected with this series. But who?? Well, Jensen and crew most definitely do not disappoint when it comes to showing us some of the best personalities to come out this universe. Quite frankly, seeing Rowena (Ruth Connell) and Loki (Richard Speight Jr.) in season one would’ve been enough. But giving us Dean, Bobby (Jim Beaver), and Jack (Alexander Calvert) too!! *WOW* Plus we get Rob Benedict (as Tango) and music from Louden Swain under their Supernatural Convention stage name with a 70’s persona – Elastic Waste Band. Now that’s a deep cut!!
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Going forward, could we see Castiel (Misha Collins) or Lucifer (Mark Pellegrino)? Or what about some of my favorite ladies noted in my very first article with NTG way back in 2019 – The Women of ‘Supernatural’: The Good, the Bad and the Wayward. With a spin on the verse, seeing Charlie (Felicia Day), Jody (Kim Rhodes) or Donna (Briana Buckmaster) would be AMAZING!! Not to mention those evil characters begging for more backstory!! Like Lilith (multiple actors) and Ruby (multiple actors). *OOOO!* Or what about a guest spot by Danneel herself as Sister Jo? The potential for big AND small character returns in a weird and multiversal way is really endless and truly wonderful!!

As for callbacks and Easter eggs? Season one is full of them! Like Rock, Paper, Scissors in 1.04: ‘Masters of War’, multiple Men of Letters ties, John’s moose belt buckle *TOO CUTE*, and the beginning of John’s journal. *AWWW-SOME!* But there’s always room for more. *DANN STRAIGHT* Personally, I’d also love to see some running props show up like the perfectly 70’s Starburst Clock or the frequently used Deer’s Head. Or even something really powerful like The Colt. There’s also a plethora of monster tales in between new ones to pull from to keep the “Mothership” (Jensen Ackles) feel. As any watcher knows, the established lore is quite vast and my next number knows all about that!

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Photo from ‘The Winchesters’ Courtesy of The CW & Supernatural Wiki.

Track 3: Behind the Scenes
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Put together by Dean himself, along with his wife Danneel, The Winchesters isn’t just some corporate attempt to capitalize on the magic. It’s homegrown and steeped in family. As Jensen stated in the Being in the Room interview with Nightsky (The Winchester Family Business) at New York Comic Con: “This one’s really special to us and we take great care.” *AWWW* It shows Jensen… it REALLY shows!!

Further, showrunner Robbie Thompson, a Supernatural veteran with both writing and producing credits most definitely understands the assignment!! Joining the Supernatural crew from 2011 to 2016, Robbie helped bring us some of the best of the show in its later years. Writing such gems as 7.12: ‘Time After Time’ (2012), 8.11: ‘LARP and the Real Girl’ (2013) and the HUGE family favorites, 10.05: ‘Fan Fiction’ (2014) and 11.04: ‘Baby’ (2015), to name a few. After a spectacular first season, if it were to find a new home, I have no doubt that The Winchesters would be in good, if not great hands. *HECK YEAH!!*

Throw in the fact that directing alumni have also come aboard. Like multi-character pupil from 2007-2018 Richard Speight Jr. (Trickster/Loki/Gabriel) who guided several episodes from 2010-2020. Including the funny/creepy 11.08: ‘Just My Imagination’ (2015) and the chilling 15.05: ‘Proverbs 17:3’ (2019). *YAY LOKI* Another noted director is John F. Showalter who frequently took the helm from 2010-2020. In that time, Showalter stamped 26 episodes and gave us favs like the absolutely hilarious 6.09: ‘Clap Your Hands if You Believe’ (2010) and one I was very proud to cover – the ghost filled scare 15.01: ‘Back and to the Future’ (2019). *NICE!* And Jensen himself has expressed wanting to dust off his director’s chair for the series. *YES PLEASE!* Oh, but this song isn’t over yet.

As with all Supernatural stories, the writers do an excellent job of using a monster tale as an anchor while promoting psychological growth and healing for all the characters at one time or another. Historically, each episode often furthers some part of a multipronged story. That trend is continued here and it’s wonderful!! Adding in diversity, representation, empowerment and controversial topics – some of which the parent show failed to fully realize at times – The Winchesters is a refreshing and much needed update to the Supernaturalverse. I mean... it’s no easy feat to bring in modern issues while balancing a link between the source material. All while rocking a sweet 70s vibe. *AWESOME!!* Now more than 15 years on… my final song says it all!!

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Photo from ‘The Winchesters’ Courtesy of The CW & Supernatural Wiki.

Track 4: The Fans
 
Over the many seasons of Supernatural, fans have followed the characters through many trials, tribulations, and periods of growth. Heck… we as fans have grown too. A lot can happen in fifteen years!! *RIGHT?* Yet, Supernatural was a constant we came to expect year after year. And though it’s over, the show is by far not gone. PLUS… new fans join the family all the time. Besides, I’m pretty sure that none of us were ready to let go. *NOPE!* Even in the final season with the COVID19 Pandemic in our way – the worst Hellatus in Supernatural history *LOL!!* – we showed up. Not to mention, to date, conventions are still roaring and fans are constantly posting under #Supernaturl, #SPN and #SPNFamily right alongside the newcomer, #TheWinchesters. *HELLS YEAH* Interviews, articles, music and videos are also just as prevalent. And don’t forget the elevation of other career endeavors and charitable campaigns. All thanks to the fans!! *PEW-PEW!!*
 
Way back in 2005, “The Little Show that Could” (Erik Kripke) lasted 15 unbelievable years. And with its share of ups and downs, the one constant – besides Sam and Dean – was the fans!! We made the show what it is. We still make the show what it is and many of us are totally on board to do the same for The Winchesters! Unfortunately, the ratings for the show varied throughout the season. Still, the spin-off has continued to rival many episodes of another CW darling – The Flash (Season 9). *NICE!* Therefore, it’s clear The Winchesters has made a mark. *DAMN STRAIGHT!!*
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Since being cancelled on May 11th, the fanbase has increased posting support with a new hashtag – #SaveTheWinchesters. *YES!!* And with Deadline noting shortly after the heartbreaking news that both its parent company Warner Bros. and Jensen himself hope to find a new home for the show, the hashtag began to trend. Before the day was out, as predicted, Jensen got the ball rolling with his own call to arms in three subsequent tweets: “Looks like we got work do,” and “Let’s go!!!” Along with: “And we’re off…,” which includes a video from the fab four cast as well as Jensen… all calling for fans to spread the hashtag across social media. *KAPOW* I LOVE THIS SO MUCH… and if any fanbase can do this, Team Free Will can!! So, if you have yet to see this fitting love letter to the original series and witty addition to the Supernaturalverse, please join us!! Because seriously, you’re missing out!! Enjoy, share the love and help us find a new home for our fab four and crew!! Because we all know that: “Saving People… hunting things… the family business” most definitely began with John and Mary Winchester. Seeing a spin on this EPIC backstory??? Well… that’s just fan lip service with a side of pie!! *WINK* Until next time.

All Season 1 episodes of The Winchesters are available now (for free!!) on the CW right here or on the app across platforms. 

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