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After an impressive 15-season run,Supernaturalconcluded in October 2020 and left a legacy that resonated deeply with its dedicated fanbase. However, the show faced unprecedented challenges during its final season. The alterations made to the finale, particularly the last two episodes, prompted both excitement and disappointment.
Whenever viewers reflect on the series’ conclusion, many are left wondering about the original vision for the ending that was reshaped by external circumstances. The changes not only affected the production but also stripped away significant elements that could have enhanced the finale’s experience.
Why WasSupernatural’sEnding Changed?
The abrupt onset of the pandemic caused a ripple effect through the entertainment industry, halting productions and leading to a myriad of challenges. ForSupernatural,this meant that the original plans for episodes 19 and 20 had to be rewritten in response to new health and safety regulations.
In aninterviewwith Entertainment Weekly, Andrew Dabb noted,“We did a rewrite once we knew what our COVID rules were going to be for episodes 19 and 20, and it changed some things, it did.”
The most significant adjustment centered on the depiction of Heaven in the finale, and initially, the writers envisioned a heartwarming return to earlier characters and moments from the series, creating a nostalgic atmosphere for the Winchesters’ final goodbye.
Unfortunately, logistical challenges presented by the pandemic made this vision unfeasible, and with restrictions limiting the number of individuals on set and concerns regarding travel for various cast members, the crew was forced to pivot from their ambitious plans.Jensen Acklesalso shared his disappointment about the same in aninterviewwith Glamour.
We were supposed to have a lot of familiar faces come back, and we were going to try to filter them into a montage. It was going to be almost a break from the story and a look at how far we’ve come—a little tip of the hat to the fans—and we would all be able to celebrate together. Obviously, we couldn’t do that. So that part of the finale episode got nixed.
Despite these setbacks, Dabb emphasized that the core emotional narrative remained intact. The show’s finale might have honored the characters essayed Ackles andJared Padalecki, and their journeys, but the absence of the original, expansive finale concept might have left a palpable gap for many long-time viewers.
What Was Lost in the Rewrite ofSupernatural’sFinal Episodes
The changes to the finale didn’t just affect the setting of the Winchesters’ concluding moments, they also stripped away a deep sense of closure that many fans had anticipated.
The planned reunion of beloved characters would have provided an emotional weight to the series’ end, celebrating the journey of Sam and Dean Winchester alongside those who had shared their adventures, and Dabb described the vision beautifully in a book from Insight Editions that offers a peak at the behind-the-scenes photos and moments from the show (viaCheatsheet).
A fitting version of Sam and Dean’s Heaven: all the people the boys had met along the way … crowded into a re-built Roadhouse, as the band Kansas played our (official unofficial) theme song: ‘Carry on Wayward Son.’
This nostalgic gathering would have served as a perfect tribute to the long-standing relationships and adventures that defined the series. In a candid reflection on the original plans, Dabb expressed his longing for what could have been.
“I sometimes think about our original idea—all of Sam and Dean’s family and friends, and one of the greatest rock bands ever on a masterpiece of a set, and I miss it … even though it never really existed.”
ButSupernaturalstill managed to conclude its saga on a note that remained true to its characters, even when the pandemic-induced changes left fans longing for more.
You can watchSupernaturalon Netflix.
Sonika Kamble
Articles Published :1195
Sonika Kamble is an entertainment writer at Fandomwire, covering everything from timeless classics to newly released movies. With over 1000+ articles published, she delves into breakdowns, think pieces, speculations, and more.She enjoys connecting the dots and covering newfound angles about characters, scenes, and themes from movies directed by Scorsese, Fincher, Tarantino, Linklater, and other exceptional filmmakers.
