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It is easy to get caught up in Jensen Ackles’ portrayal of Dean Winchester in Supernatural. However, it is even more fun to know that Jensen Ackles was also behind the camera for several episodes of the series. He definitely brought a unique flavor to the episodes he directed. To know that he did more than just portray the wonderful Dean Winchester is wonderful.
Directing requires a whole different skill set altogether. Is there anything Jensen Ackles can’t do? Truly, this man is an all-rounder when it comes to the world of entertainment. Each and every episode that he directed was amazing and filled with the usual drama and suspense that Supernatural always brings. Although it is hard to choose, it is fascinating to consider how his experience as Dean Winchester might have influenced his vision as a director. So, let’s take a look at the episodes that Jensen Ackles directed.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the writer.
I didn't know Jensen Ackles directed multiple
Supernatural episodes—here are my favorites
1) Season 8, Episode 3— Heartache
In this episode, we get to see the brothers bond after Dean returns from Purgatory. Dean tells Sam about the incident that happened in Minneapolis about a man whose heart got ripped out. When Sam and Dean go to investigate the case, they find out that the man who was seen in the security footage was not charged because he had a clear criminal record and he knew nothing of the accident. Sam and Dean go to talk to the man.
The episode then starts to strategically reveal the truths and secrets. Jensen Ackles has done a commendable job in creating an unsettling atmosphere through visual storytelling and the bizarre nature of the incidents. Jensen Ackles balances the macabre elements with the emotional undercurrent of the episode. As Betsy reveals the truth about the secret, Brick had to remain young and to keep going year after year, using a sacrifice that needed to be done twice a year. On the other hand, it is slowly revealed that Sam has a longing for a normal life away from all the supernatural troubles.
The sharp contrast between Sam’s desire for normalcy and Dean’s unwavering commitment to the supernatural has been effectively portrayed in this episode through Jensen Ackles’ direction. The scenes with the ritual are a perfect depiction of Jensen Ackles’ talent and vision as a director; hence, it quickly became a favorite episode. This episode is a blend of both lightheartedness and grimness.
2) Season 11, Episode 3—The Bad Seed
Yet another incredible episode directed by Jensen Ackles. After Rowena escaped with the book of the Damned and the Codex. The episode starts off by showing that Rowena wants to start a new coven with the three other witches and names it Mega Coven. The witches refused to join Rowena and told her that they know that she is trying to escape from the Winchesters and the many other enemies that she already has.
When the witches tell Rowena that Crowley is still alive, she gets angry and kills the witches off. On the other hand, Dean, Sam, and Castiel talk about Darkness. Crowley gets weaker and weaker. To save Castiel, Dean and Sam capture Rowena. However, they were able to get the Codex only. With Rowena captured, Sam goes to check up on Castiel but finds that he has escaped. The episode builds on the tension and intrigue that the show relies on.
Jensen Ackles brought a keen eye for character nuances, especially if we consider Rowena’s interaction with Dean and Sam and Dean’s inner struggle after knowing why Rowena removed the Mark of Cain from him. The way this episode maintained the suspense till the very end and added a layer of complexity to the characters makes it an easy addition to my list of favorites.
3) Season 10, Episode 3—Soul Survivor
This is truly one of the best episodes in the series. After Sam captures Dean and takes him back to the bunker to cure him, he puts Dean in shackles. With the blood that would help Dean get better, he returns to Dean.
Dean tries to make Sam stop the cure because he does not want to get cured. However, Sam starts off with the blood injection and jabs it into Dean. Dean struggles with pain and starts to scream. On the other hand, Castiel and Hannah drive to reach the bunker to help Sam with Dean. Castiel’s grace is dwindling, and he needs some other angel's grace to remain alive. However, he refuses to kill any more angels. Later, Crowley comes to help Castiel, and he uses Adina’s grace to save him.
Castiel goes to the bunker to help Sam with Dean and finds that Dean has escaped his shackles. Jensen Ackles has done a commendable job in directing this episode. We see each and every emotion of the characters in a well-thought-out manner. From Crowley to Castiel, each and every character’s involvement in this episode leaves a lasting impact. This direction depicted a compelling exploration of Dean and Sam’s dynamic, as we see Sam trying to save Dean. This unique aspect of this episode achieved a soft corner in my heart right away.
4) Season 6, Episode 4—Weekend at Bobby's
Even though this was the first Supernatural episode directed by Jensen Ackles, it truly proved his directing potential. In this episode, we are taken into the world of Bobby Singer with him as the main focus. Unlike the other episodes where we see the boys taking the majority of the episode, in this one, the viewers are acquainted with how deeply Bobby is involved in the boys’ lives.
Dean and Sam never truly felt the love from their father. Let’s be honest, though John Winchester tried his best, he was not a good father. Time and again, John often kept disappearing from the boys' lives, and Dean single-handedly took care of Sam. However, after Bobby’s arrival in their lives, they were able to get the love that they were missing from their father. It is one of the reasons why this episode is one of my favorites. In this episode, we truly see how significant Bobby is to Sam and Dean. The episode starts off with Bobby using a spell to call Crowley.
On the other hand, Sam and Dean were following a case in Wisconsin. We see Bobby juggling research about the monster Sam and Dean were facing, his neighbor, and trying to help his friend, a fellow hunter named Rufus. Directing oneself in a scene is challenging. The episode has a distinct visual style, which makes it different from the other episodes of this series. Jensen Ackles brought forth a grounded and character-driven depiction. In this episode, we also encounter Gavin MacLeod. Gavin is Crowley’s son, and Bobby uses him to get his soul back from Crowley.
5) Season 7, Episode 3—The Girl Next Door
In season 7 episode 3, Dean, Bobby, and Sam were struggling with the Leviathans. This episode is one of the best ones of the series. However, many might not know that this episode was directed by none other than Jensen Ackles himself. In this episode, we get to see many flashback moments. This episode takes a step back to explore the deep personal ties for Sam.
Sam is still struggling with the hallucinations and is having a hard time understanding what is real and what is not. He sees Lucifer, which starts to affect him more and more. Though Dean tries to help him, his suffering continues. The episode starts with Dean finding himself in the hospital, trying to understand his surroundings. When he finds out that he is in Sioux Falls General, he starts to panic. Bobby visits him and starts to fill him in on the details. Bobby helps them escape from the Leviathans.
When Sam visits the supermarket, he sees the newspaper, which intrigues him. Later, Sam encounters Amy, and he confronts her about Jacob’s feeding. She tells him that Jacob needed it because he was sick. She then promises that it won’t happen again. Later, Sam asks Dean not to kill Amy.
Even though Dean assures him, he kills her. Jensen Ackles has done a commendable job in not just portraying his own character in the episode but also directing it to perfection. Juggling his acting duties while also taking on the task of directing is not an easy one. The main reason this episode stands out as a favorite is the way Jensen Ackles juggles between playing the role and directing.
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