Supernatural’s original ending was brilliant — except for one baffling detail

When Supernatural premiered in 2005, few anticipated it would evolve into the longest-running American fantasy series, spanning 15 seasons and over 300 episodes. Focused on the captivating relationship between Sam and Dean Winchester, the show became a fan favorite due to its thrilling mix of horror, heart, and mythology.

What many fans might not know, however, is that Supernatural was intended to be much shorter. Series creator Eric Kripke envisioned a five-season arc with a definitive conclusion, and to many, that original ending is seen as the show's creative high point. Season 5's finale, "Swan Song," brought together every major plot point, delivering a biblical battle filled with emotion, sacrifice, and a satisfying conclusion.

The episode had Sam sacrifice himself to contain Lucifer and save the world. Meanwhile, Dean respected his brother’s wish by avoiding any hunting activities and leading a peaceful life. It was tragic, meaningful, and the kind of conclusion that stays with audiences long after the final scenes. However, there was one moment from this nearly flawless finale that left many viewers confused.

While Supernatural receives a lot of praise for the original’s ending, one key element felt out of sync with everything else the show had been setting up for its main characters — particularly Dean. The decision to part ways with Sam, without any struggle, felt uncharacteristic of the older Winchester brother.

Dean’s silence didn’t match his character

For the first five seasons, and arguably even longer, Dean Winchester was defined by one constant, distinguishing feature: his unwavering resolve to save Sam. He sacrificed everything, even his soul, defying Heaven and Hell’s boundaries to rescue him countless times from destruction. So, when Sam jumped into the depths of Hell to try to stop the Apocalypse, it was contradictory for Dean to abandon him.

During Season 3, Dean had firsthand experience with Hell, so he definitely knew what it was like. Still, the finale chose to show him honoring Sam’s sacrifice by ‘dying’ to a normal life with Lisa. The intent was for this to serve as a wholesome conclusion, but viewers who witnessed Dean break every rule for his brother tend to believe that not trying to do something for Sam goes against his character.

The Supernatural story had to continue — and so did Sam

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The show’s continuation ironically helped remedy this contradiction. Supernatural chose to bring Sam back for season 6, though not through Dean’s intervention. Instead, Sam’s revival stemmed from a deal between Castiel and Crowley, who agreed to resurrect him, but without his soul. Although this decision was unusual in some ways, as it advanced the storyline, it still highlighted the emotional void created by Dean’s neglect during the aftermath of Sam’s arc in season 5.

The subsequent seasons offered deeper insights into Dean’s guilt, Sam's trauma, and Castiel’s evolving character. However, even with that additional context, confusion about Dean’s lack of effort to retrieve Sam became a central focus, especially given the turmoil the brothers had experienced together.

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