SUPERNATURAL: Robert Singer on Casting Henry Winchester, the Returns of Castiel, Benny, and Charlie, and More - Give Me My Remote : Give Me My Remote

SUPERNATURAL: Robert Singer on Casting Henry Winchester, the Returns of Castiel, Benny, and Charlie, and More

January 29, 2013 by  

Over eight seasons, SUPERNATURAL fans have learned quite a bit about Sam and Dean’s parents, plus their maternal family, the Campbells. But in Wednesday’s episode, “As Time Goes By,” viewers will get to meet Henry Winchester, the paternal grandfather of our boys.

The CW hosted a screening of the hour earlier today, and after, executive producer Robert Singer talked about finding the right actor for the important role, teased a few upcoming returns, and the possibility of season 9…

Casting Grandpa Winchester:

The Winchester men have a certain ruggedness about them, but when it came to casting Sam and Dean’s paternal grandfather, Singer said the show wasn’t exactly looking for someone to match the boys.

“It was sort of a generation removed,” he noted. “We were just looking for the best actor and the guy we thought would work well with the boys. And a contrast. This is a guy who is more elegant and more learned and more educated…We were actually looking for more of a contrast than a familial…sameness.”

Indeed, from the second Grandpa Winchester finds his way to 2013, Gil McKinney’s Henry finds himself at odds with his grandsons. Without ruining too much, he does get a bit confused by current technology, mess with Dean’s car (ooooh boy, is that never good), disapproves of their life choices, and has a different idea of how things should be handled.

The return of familiar faces:

While so much of the show has been about the two Winchester brothers, Singer confirmed a few familiar faces will be returning soon: “Kevin will be back. Benny will be back. Castiel is back. Maybe Amelia. Maybe not.”

As SUPERNATURAL fans know Castiel’s role in the show right now is very tied to the season-long tablet arc.

“He’s really crucial to the tablet story,” Singer said. “He’s going through a trial of his own that’s personal. Naomi is very unhappy with him. Crowley is very unhappy with him. And he is a confused angel right now.”

With Benny, things are a bit more complicated.

“He’s fighting the good fight of not giving in to his blood lust,” Singer teased. “And Dean having to basically cut the tie is a hard thing for [Benny]. So we’ll explore the idea of what he’s been going through in a little while. We didn’t feel like — and never felt — that that story was totally ended. It’s probably not great drama to end a whole arc on a phone call.”

Charlie’s coming back!

Felicia Day (Charlie) may have just popped up in last week’s “LARP and the Real Girl,” but the series is already making plans for her third trip back to the show.

“Felicia’s going to be coming back in an episode,” Singer revealed. “We love Felicia.”

Unfortunately, there’s not too many details about what she’ll be up to in the upcoming hour.

“We know she’s going to be in it, [because] we’re just breaking a story now,” he said. “I know she brings them a case, but beyond that, I can’t tell you a lot.”

Maybe season 9?

SUPERNATURAL may be experiencing ratings (and creative) success this year, but Singer was hesitant to say he was certain that the show would return next year.

“I’ve been around this long enough to know you never feel confident about anything,” he allowed.

That being said, he did note the network seemed pleased with the show’s ratings in its new Wednesday time period, which should bode well for an additional year: “If I were a betting man, I’d bet that we’d be back.”

Make sure to come back to Give Me My Remote tomorrow night after “As Time Goes By” airs for more on Henry Winchester, where Sam and Dean go from here, and more.

SUPERNATURAL airs Wednesdays at 9 PM on The CW.

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Comments

126 Responses to “SUPERNATURAL: Robert Singer on Casting Henry Winchester, the Returns of Castiel, Benny, and Charlie, and More”

  1. Dilys on January 29th, 2013 4:54 pm

    I’m happy to hear Singer address Cas but I must confess I want more. Don’t they realize how much Cas fans are missing him? I’m so frustrated that they gave him back and then took hiim away so quickly. And I really am not all that interested in Benny’s struggle with blood lust. I would far rather have more Cas.

  2. Dot on January 29th, 2013 5:01 pm

    So happy to hear Castiel will be back in a major way, I love his friendship with Dean and he’s a fascinating character in his own right, and yay that we’ll have more Kevin, Charlie, and Benny. I also liked Amelia, it would be interesting to see if she and Sam can stay a part of each other’s lives somehow. I’m excited about the ep with John’s father and what that may reveal.

    I hope season 8 keeps addressing Sam and Dean’s issues in an emotionally honest way and healing the relationship. Also while I’m a big fan of the brothers, the other characters bring so much richness to SPN and I think Sam and Dean don’t do so well all alone–and it increases their tensions with each other. The back half of S8 sounds promising, thanks for the info!

  3. Tina on January 29th, 2013 5:03 pm

    I’m not interested in Cas or Benny or Kevin or Amelia. I’m interested in the brothers. Last season they were guest stars in their own show. I don’t want this to happen this season too. And I want to see them fighting together! Because we’re in episode 11 and they just started to act like brothers again.

  4. Peter J on January 29th, 2013 5:07 pm

    The article mentions Benny, not Bobby.

    Glad to hear Cas will be back soon. I want to see more of his bond with Dean, since this was spotlighted at the start of the season and led to some great scenes. I’d like to see Cas reclaim his own voice and defeat Naomi.

    I like Benny as well. I hope he can keep on the right track and maybe Sam can learn to trust him.

  5. Kay on January 29th, 2013 5:13 pm

    Thanks for the interview. I am quite happy to know Benny will most likely be back. I like him.
    It’s wonderful to know that Cas is crucial to the tablet story; I only wish that the tablet story was a little more crucial to the season! It seems the show spins endlessly with Sam’s and Dean’s “relationship” issues.

  6. Jamie on January 29th, 2013 5:19 pm

    Amelia may be back?? WHY? How do the writers not realize that the Amelia-Sam storyline was one of the show biggest fails in 8 seasons? It just did not work.

    No chemistry between the actors, and I just did not care about a non-Supernatural life for Sam. It was boring.

    I really wish the writers would refocus the myth arcs on Sam and Dean. Tie them to the arcs emotionally. Give them an active role instead of just waiting on Kevin. It would make me care about the arcs so much more.

    I am also getting frustrated with everyone saying they like Cas’ relationship with Dean. Writers, Dean is not the only brother. I don’t get why the writers are not exploring the Cas and Sam relationship more. It only makes sense.

  7. F on January 29th, 2013 5:22 pm

    Not interested in Castiel at all, been there done that, its all the same with poor whittle Castiels story. I hope the boys don’t have to stop to deal with him.

    More than interested for Benny, he’s a great character. I wish it was Bobby also though. boo.

    But more importantly the boys story is heating up again like in the early seasons. Marking it personal and relevant to being a Winchester, family, brothers and all that. More Sam and Dean personal story please. Really looking forward to Grandpa Winchester, this ep looks more like the show I fell in love with, family, drama, scifi.

  8. Peter J on January 29th, 2013 5:30 pm

    I see their mention of Amelia possibly being back as a way of saving face. They may have had plans for her and then she was not exactly popular with viewers. I think the choice of saying she may be back means she won’t be.

    Cas died over and over to help the Winchesters. I think their helping him this time would make for something new. I don’t feel like previous seasons were about poor widdle Cas. He was an ally to them, at times nothing more than their weapon. This season I am hoping for more of their showing he matters to them, as a friend, not just a weapon.

    I’d like more Cas and Sam scenes too, I just enjoy the different chemistry between Cas and Dean. There’s nothing else like it on TV. Their scenes always deliver drama and humor and much more.

    While I’m at it, I’d like to see more of Cas and Benny together. This won’t take away from Sam and Dean, it will add to their characters to interact as a group, like the old days with Bobby.

  9. Anja on January 29th, 2013 5:36 pm

    There’s never too much Castiel! Even after so much years of being present in Sam & Dean’s life, the character is still exciting, and every episode that he’s in is like a gift for me. I wish they used him more in season 8, I was really hopeful when it started, and everyone was saying how happy they are to write for Cas, but it prooved that there will not be many more episodes than in season 7. I know that Misha is busy right now, with 2 babies, but I hope the writers give him more episodes next season!

  10. F on January 29th, 2013 5:37 pm

    No Castiel died because of what the angels were doing, his own kind. He made his own choices, he needs to stop blaming and attributing his actions to the Winchesters. The Winchesters have more than helped him over and over again, Sam died to save heaven, Dean lost his brother for this stupid heaven war.

    I’d like to see this season actually around Sam and Dean as brothers and return to the reason of the mytharc and not help anyone but themselves as humans as people as family. I don’t want their story to stop because of Castiels convenient angel story arc yet again.

  11. Peter J on January 29th, 2013 5:41 pm

    Castiel didn’t blame Sam and Dean for fighting against Heaven, he wanted to fight. But I don’t think the show has ever been about Sam and Dean worrying over poor widdle Cas. He’s always helped them. When he’s made a mistake, he’s always atoned and worked to clean up the damage he did. This would be the first big time Cas has been in trouble and Sam and Dean might be able to save him. Since they care about Cas, I would like to see this.

    I don’t believe Cas stops their story. I think pointless, depressing backbiting stops their fighting. If we look at the episodes this season, the 3 episodes where Cas was back with them were the 3 episodes where they were closest. When Cas was gone, they fought, argued, and walked away from each other.

  12. Peter J on January 29th, 2013 5:42 pm

    stops their story, I mean…not stops their fighting.

  13. Mar on January 29th, 2013 5:42 pm

    So happy Benny is coming back! I just hope they turn him into another Ruby and have Dean kill him. I hope they try something new, like keep him around as a guest until the end. He brings something new and greatt.

    Carver promised more than once that the myth arc would be prominent, and that Sam & Dean would be aggressively on the offensive this season. He lied. I see no difference between the passive flavor of season 7 and this year. There are also too many fillers – where is the main story with Crowley? The brothers are guest starring in their own show again, watching as everything happens to everyone else.

  14. Mar on January 29th, 2013 5:44 pm

    Oops I meant “Don’t turn Benny into Ruby … don’t kill him…”

  15. Anja on January 29th, 2013 5:46 pm

    QUOTING F: “He made his own choices, he needs to stop blaming and attributing his actions to the Winchesters.”

    You do realize how stupid this sounds, right? I don’t think there was a character who ever sacrifised more for Dean and Sam, than Cas did. Maybe Bobby, but Cas is right behind him. His actions show that he cares much more about the Winchester than about his OWN family and he died for them several times, he took on Sam’s wall, he cleaned up his mess, he is doing penance by helping ill babies, for god’s sake! How do you even get more devoted than that?

  16. F on January 29th, 2013 5:48 pm

    No the episodes they were together so to speak were all about Castiel thinking about Castiels feelings and Dean and Sam thinking about Castiels feelings. No Sam and Dean what so ever. Although Jensen and Jared try to make those slight looks and nods to each other to make it seem that Sam and Dean do acknowledge each other. The last episode was more brotherly than any episode in the last 10.

    It flows better when its the two of them, more like the early seasons where it was a 1000 x better story.

    I would hope Sam and Dean will learn not to have to fight heavens war because its like fighting an uphill battle and they always get skrewed. Its time for Sam and Dean to fight for themselves.

  17. F on January 29th, 2013 5:55 pm

    Your kidding Anja. The boys fought an Angel war and you say that Castiel sacrificed for them? The only people that did all the sacrificing were Sam and Dean. Sam and Dean died, were manipulated were lied to were used for an Angel war.

    Their whole lives they’d been used to do this one thing. Mary, John, Bobby, Rufus, any other random have died for Sam and Dean. Castiel betrayed Zach, not heaven, not God. Zach had his own deal and Castiel was his right hand man. Castiel went against Zach.

  18. Penny on January 29th, 2013 6:02 pm

    So sick of the side characters. Also, the only problem with Amelia is that she’s treated so much worse, and as so much less than a male monster. This show hates women, and hates Sam with women, just like Dean does. It’s actually really sick. Benny got more episodes devoted to his character than Sam has. We’ve not gotten one honest Sam episode yet so far. When Sam drank demon blood, all he got was a hidden story and no on screen struggle, he got hatred and racism. But now that Benny, a character for Dean, is on, we have to know all about his struggles with blood. Really, Show, really? It’s so cynical, it’s not funny.

    And I agree that Sam and Dean like in seasons 1 and 2 were the best this show ever did with character writing.

  19. Nathalie on January 29th, 2013 6:03 pm

    I’m invested in Castiel’ story and Dean’s mostly. These two are beautiful as individuals and beautiful together. More of that please 🙂

  20. Gale on January 29th, 2013 6:03 pm

    I, for one, like the way the show has evolved. Not all change is bad. If shows never changed, they’d remain stagnant and boring. I also like Cas, Benny, Charlie and was willing to give Amelia a chance. Amelia’s character was treated like a sideline story of what Sam went through, so to judge her based on snippets is not my style. I may be alone in this, but I think the boys deserve to have a life beyond what is right in front of them.

  21. Peter J on January 29th, 2013 6:06 pm

    Cas went against Heaven and God. Cas had absolutely no idea that God was not in total support of Zachariah’s plan. Even when he was resurrected the first time, he wasn’t sure if God had brought him back, or if it was Lucifer. Only after he was resurrected again did he begin to believe God had spared him.

    Cas sacrificed his life two times for Sam and Dean. He did so in a way which meant he couldn’t be saved, not the way he saved Dean from Hell, not the way he saved Sam from Hell. He was just gone. If not for God he would have never returned. I would say that is the ultimate sacrifice.

    The episode where Cas came back from Purgatory was very similar to the first season. If you look at the first season, you will see more than one episode where Sam has a problem and Dean cares and listens. Dean has a problem, Sam cares and listens. That’s what Supernatural stopped doing long ago. Their conflicts are never about Cas. Their conflicts are about everything else. They are depressing and forced. Seeing Sam listen to Dean, seeing Dean, hurt and frightened and confused, confiding in Sam about Cas – these were close to the type of scenes that made Sam and Dean so likeable and so popular long ago. I want to see more of this. I don’t want to see another song and dance about Ruby, Amy, Amelia, text messages of doom, or who leaves first.

  22. Kyle on January 29th, 2013 6:08 pm

    I’m really excited to see more Sam and Castiel scenes. I hope to see a hug between them! And never enough Castiel and Dean. What an amazing relationship. Teams are always better in three and I’m happy to have the three of them back together again. Castiel adds a newer dynamic that’s refreshing and wonderful, compared to the dull monster-of-the-week Sam ‘n’ Dean episodes that almost ended the series only 3 seasons in, is that right? I read that somewhere.

    Anyways, I’ve started to really like Benny, too. Very excited to see him again, the Benny-Dean-Castiel team is hilarious together! Amelia, I wish was more interesting. Because anyone who makes Sam happy makes me happy. I just wish they could show more of what their relationship is, because Amelia comes off as flat and boring. VERY HAPPY TO HAVE CHARLIE COMING BACK! First openly queer important character, and she isn’t defined by her sexuality. Adorable. Also the first female who hasn’t died, I hope that stays.

    It’s about time the Winchesters save Castiel, instead of the other way around. He’s always proving how important they are to him, and I want the brothers to finally prove how important he is to them. They love him. He’s a Winchester. He’s earned it.

  23. Nathalie on January 29th, 2013 6:10 pm

    Btw I really hope Dean and Castiel will finally get together this season or at least next. It would be the ultimate resolution to their relationship, because it evolved beautifully. Can’t wait for more.

  24. Ellen on January 29th, 2013 6:11 pm

    I agree, never enough scenes between dean and castiel! I love their relationship so much. I can’t wait to see Castiel again to be honest! He’s my favourite!

  25. logan on January 29th, 2013 6:12 pm

    all any of us want is for sam and dean to be happy. its quite clear to me that so far as the writers have presented it, for dean to be happy there needs to be cas. and for sam to be happy, he needs to find love. perhaps with amelia, perhaps not. but we should all give her a chance, because it might mean sam will have a happy ending.

    as for cas, hes the only one (besides sam) thats been there time after time and knows dean completely and would do anything for him.

    cas staying alive and sticking around is crucial to deans happiness.

    however you see their relationship, he needs to be in deans life because it honestly will not be believable for any other love interest to be introduced for dean this late in the game.

    i think amelia has potential for sam, and the writers need to stop with their pathological need to constantly hurt/kill castiel.

    and charlie should come back every other episode as a consulting hunter ;P

  26. Anja on January 29th, 2013 6:13 pm

    To F: This is bull****! Do you want clear examples when he sacrifised for them? FINE!
    1. The Monster at The End Of The Book: Dean asks him for help, he says he can’t help them, but he tells him anyway, what the effect will be if a prophet is in the same room as a demon. For that, he is dragged to heaven and TORTOURED so he will get these ideas of helping human out of his head.
    2. The Rapture: The scene where he brings a note to Dean in his dreams, he’s trying to WARN them about what the heaven’s plan is for them. Unforutnately, they get to him before Sam&Dean do.
    3. When the Levee breaks: He is blown into pieces, when he tries to distract the archangel, so that Dean could get a mere POSSIBILITY of preventing Sam from killing Lilith
    4. Swan Song: Cas is again BLOWN into pieces, so that he can buy Sam & Dean a few seconds, where Dean tries to make him regain control over Lucifer.
    5. The Born-Again Identity: He takes on Sam’s wall, expects to die again, but instead goes crazy.
    6. What’s up, Tiger Mommy?: He is constantly on the run from the Leviathan, just to keep them away from Dean.
    7. Why do I even have to tell these things to someone who watches supernatural?

    I’m sure I left some examples, but I think you should get the picture of what I’m trying to say. cas sacrifised himself more than anyone did and I guess he earns respect for that.

  27. lluvia on January 29th, 2013 6:13 pm

    Has it occurred to any of the Castiel fans here that maybe Misha asked for a substantial amount of time off to be with his wife and children? Just give it a rest, already.

  28. Jina on January 29th, 2013 6:15 pm

    Glad that the other characters are coming back! Side characters are very important to any story, to keep the storyline moving forward. The only thing that I’m a bit disappointed in is that Amelia may not be back. I thought the writers this season wanted to give Sam a more permanent love interest, and not just some girl. Hopefully the writers have something in mind for her! Other than that, very happy to hear that Cas, Benny, Kevin (and charlie!) are coming back. 🙂
    I really hope we see Cas soon because the last place that we saw him did not leave him in a good spot. He went back to Heaven, when he initially didn’t want to. I hope he is okay.

  29. Shayla on January 29th, 2013 6:20 pm

    Supernatural is a freaking beautiful show. The actors, the characters, the way they portray the relationships. I love all the seasons no matter how angsty or upset they make me. I love Cas and Deans relationship and hopefully we get to see more of them in later episodes! There are millions of fans out there that support Supernatural and the cast and honestly i don’t mind waiting for another season to come out because that just means i have more time to re-watch the other ones!

  30. Peter J on January 29th, 2013 6:22 pm

    Misha may have asked for time off but he’s barely been in most of the season. I’m not sure he would have asked for that much off.

    Cas was, in The Rapture, tortured to make him forget his feelings for Dean. Torture like this later caused other angels to go insane (Anna). So he sacrificed a lot.

  31. Sara on January 29th, 2013 6:23 pm

    I hope Castiel’s problem will get more attention soon, because this line of fillers we’re having right now is kind of awkward. I also hope that things between Dean and Cas will eventually get better. Dean seemed to be so happy around Cas. Misery ain’t the only thing the poor man should get in his life.

    And it would be great if the boys worked out their issues in a healthy way. I want them to be close, but I’m not fond of that sudden comeback of that unhealthy codependency. The isolation only makes them more miserable.

    Also, yay for Charlie and Benny.

  32. Lucy on January 29th, 2013 6:25 pm

    YES! Yes, Castiel is back and I want to see his relationship with Dean develop! Can’t wait for that!

  33. erb on January 29th, 2013 6:33 pm

    This F person obviously doesn’t care about what actually happened, only about ripping Cas. I was brought back into this show because of Cas and I have no problem ditching it if he’s not an integral part of the story. I’m very emotionally invested in Castiel.
    I still wish we could have seen more of Purgatory as I liked the Dean/Benny/Cas dynamics, but I also wish the Sam/Amelia had been developed in another manner. I have no objection to more Sam/Cas scenes, and I adore the Dean/Cas ones.

  34. ShireneF on January 29th, 2013 6:36 pm

    Most intrigued by the relationship between Dean and Castiel. Is it bromance or Romance? I wish the show would define it better! If it’s Romance GO FOR IT, I think the American public is ready. No more wishy-washy could be what ifs between these two! There’s never too much Castiel! I would love for Charlie to meet Castiel.

  35. RYAN on January 29th, 2013 6:37 pm

    I really hope Castiel gets more episodes. I love Sam and Dean, but Cas is and has always been my favorite. The Sam and Amelia story was pretty terrible this year so I hope that arc is over with. Can’t wait for Charlie to come back. I’m on the fence about Benny. I do like him, but I’d prefer Dean and Cas to have more scenes together rather than Dean and Benny. They do share a more ‘profound bond’ right? I want that to be explored more than the relationship comparisons with Sam and Deans storylines this seaosn

  36. RYAN on January 29th, 2013 6:39 pm

    @ShireneF Completely agree with you on that.

  37. Holly on January 29th, 2013 6:39 pm

    Good to hear about Cas and Kevin and Benny – I’ve always loved it when the show expands its universe. The boys need more friends and the show needs a wider network of characters or it’s just going to get stale (so might argue it already has been, on and off).

    Pls pls pls upgrade Amelia from a ‘maybe’ though! I was crushed when Sam left her – and she was choosing to make a go of it with him and everything! I would LOVE to see her reaction to learning the truth about Sam’s life and the supernatural – she seems capable and brave to me, I think she could handle it, maybe even get involved in the hunting world somehow. Whether she ends up with Sam or not I think she’d make an interesting addition to the show.

    And I can’t stop by without saying, as always – more Cas please! It’s nice to be assured he’s coming back, but then again we already knew that, so it’s not really news :p I’m really liking that he’s got his own struggle this season and I’m eager to see more of that, to see him deal not only with Naomi and the tablets but his own personal issues – his continuing penance for the leviathan etc and generally coming to terms with that (the scene where he confesses he’s afraid he might kill himself has been one of my absolute FAVOURITES of the season, I hope the show doesn’t drop that, it’s such a powerful story). So, yes, more Cas please, and please don’t kill him this year okay? I don’t know if I’d be interested in a season 9 without him.

  38. Deb on January 29th, 2013 6:42 pm

    I love Benny, love Cas, love Charlie, love Amelia!

    I want them ALL back!

  39. Peter J on January 29th, 2013 6:43 pm

    I don’t think I could watch the show without Cas. That’s not a threat, they’re not basing their decisions on my viewing habits, but I couldn’t watch without Cas. I started for Dean and Sam, and I’ve stayed with Cas. I want to see more of Cas and Dean, but most of all I want Cas to stay. And total agreement with you about the suicide comment needing to be addressed again.

  40. Charlotte on January 29th, 2013 6:44 pm

    Eager for Cas to come back – I’m not blaming the writers for no Cas at the moment in a literal sense because I know Misha requested time off. However, that doesn’t mean they can’t have Cas around in spirit by mentioning him, so I do and will blame the writers if they keep neglecting this. Glad to hear Benny will be back too, as he’s a great addition to the show, and I really hope he’s ends up more than just a device to create brotherly drama. Finally, please please writers can you come up with an interesting and supernatural storyline for Dean, thank you.

  41. Deb on January 29th, 2013 6:44 pm

    Oops. I want Kevin back too!

    Also, Sam/Castiel scenes.

    I’m really excited to see where things go in general.

  42. Nanna on January 29th, 2013 6:44 pm

    I really love both Sam and Dean, but I care a great deal for a lot of the other characters as well, they make the show more interesting and exciting (and the two brothers only having each other is not healthy at all). But especially Cas has a special place in my heart, and can’t wait for him to come back! And Cas and Dean’s relationship is just beautiful, I really hope it gets explored more. And Cas is also great at keeping the Winchesters together and stow their crap! Really wishing for Misha Collins to become a series regular in the near future! (And not to let Cas push Sam out if the picture or some crap like some might tend to acuse! I WANT TEAM FREE WILL)

  43. Stephanie C on January 29th, 2013 6:50 pm

    I do hope we see more Cas. I miss him very, very much. (And maybe it is because Misha asked for time off and he definitely deserves it, but there are ways the show could have been kinder about accomplishing this. I still can’t watch 8.10 without crying.) To me, Cas is more important than just the tablet storyline. He’s an integral part of the show and I don’t feel half as excited about new episodes when I know he’s not in them. (I’m really hoping Misha’s a regular in Season 9!)

    I am excited Charlie is coming back. I really enjoyed LARP and the Real Girl. Her romance with Gilda was adorable and I was so sad when Gilda left. (Maybe she’ll be back too?)

    I’ve loved quite a bit of S8 so far, particularly the hug scene between Dean and Cas and Dean talking to Cas about his feelings. (I really hope the show isn’t just going to leave that conversation there. The whole “I’m afraid I might kill myself” really should be addressed, I think.) It seems like the show is moving towards giving Dean and Cas a canon romance, which would be wonderful. Those two have what I believe to be the greatest love story ever told.

  44. Steph on January 29th, 2013 6:52 pm

    Serious to God, if this season becomes another season 7, which was only focused on the brothers most of the time and had only a handle of glorious episodes, specifically those with Cas in it, I’m quitting this show. And I know another 600 people who will do the same.
    If I wanted to see the brothers all the time, I’d watch the first three seasons again and be done with it. We need more Cas, way more Cas and lots of Benny. Both are terrific characters and have so much to tell, either together or individually.
    Please, do not listen to Cas haters. They’re only a minority. I hope that the Winchesters will now try to save him for a change, but, I’d love to see him fighting on his own as well. Some scenes with Benny would also be welcome.
    But please enough with this never ending circle about the brothers’ relationship. They’ve reached a point where they need other people in their lives to feel happy, and that’s only normal. The most normal thing for them, considering. Just please.
    Also more Dean and Cas scenes. Their chemistry is unparalleled and I’d love to know more about Cas’ suicidal tendencies. Finally, Cas and Sam scenes, why the hell not? Bring them!

  45. Steph on January 29th, 2013 7:00 pm

    @logan Amen to everything you said, my friend. Finally, someone who gets it. 🙂

  46. Penny on January 29th, 2013 7:00 pm

    Castiel was a mass murdering mind raping Big Bad Villain in season 6 – Cas was the same as Crowley is now or Dick last season. People are forgetting this because it’s convenient to, including Sam and especially Dean. If someone attacked me like Cas did to Sam, I wouldn’t expect the totally spineless puff ball approach Dean took as soon as Sam was healed. Castiel may be a fan favorite, he may be getting some big redemption story, but there was something egotistical and rotten inside him, and it’s wrong to forget this aspect to his character. Castiel was a villain, not a victim. He’s not some woobie, he’s a monster, and it’s sad to see him treated as more of a person than Sam ever was. I don’t feel sorry for Castiel, and I never will. He’s just a villain being treated better than a hero. And that makes us all hypocrites.

  47. s on January 29th, 2013 7:08 pm

    Since most of their friends (Bobby, Ellen, Jo and Ash) have been killed off, and the most interesting angels are gone (Gabriel, Balthazar, and Lucifer), I do not care about any of the supporting characters anymore. And that includes Cas. His usefulness ended with the end of the apocalypse – season 5. Kevin is boring, Benny is an unbelievable and unnecessary cause of tension, and Amelia was never fully developed as a love interest.
    Get back to what this show did best. Two brothers hunting evil. Period. Bring back Sam and Dean. Let them remember and react to everything they’ve been through. Let the past have an impact. Repair their relationship. Get back to where they were BOTH the best hunters in the world (How often has Sam been incapacitated or knocked out already this season? Come on, writers. He’s better than that!)
    Return to the format that made this show great, or let it end.

  48. Pondlass on January 29th, 2013 7:10 pm

    PLEASE NO MORE AMELIA…..PLEASE….!!!!

  49. Claire on January 29th, 2013 7:17 pm

    lol, I see Sammycat found this article.

    Very much looking forward to having Cas back. Seven seasons of Dean revolving around special snowflake Sam is plenty. Let Sam go back to Amelia, and Dean and Cas can hunt together.

  50. Emilia on January 29th, 2013 7:19 pm

    I want a lot of things for the rest of this season and the upcoming ones:

    1) I NEED MORE CASTIEL. Yeah, in caps. I think I’m screaming. I’m begging for him to be more, to have more scenes, to share more dialogues with Dean and deepen his friendship with Sam. I want Misha Collins to be a regular again, he is an amazing addition to the cast that shouldn’t be ever belittle as he was in Season 7 and sadly he is being this Season as well. We all know he is important for the plot, basically one way or another SPN plot moves along his character since season 4, but I’m particularly tired of seeing him go, 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 times a season. He needs to spend time with his real family, he needs to spend time with Dean, he needs to learn how to be a hunter, as it’s his dream… and he needs to be happy, for once! Stop, please stop hurting him and making him disappear.

    2) I need more side characters. Side characters construct plot and make it better. I want Amelia (in a better plotline, being Sam’s endgame!), I want Benny (being Dean’s friend, and Cas’ why not?), I want Garth and Charlie, Kevin and Mama Tran.

    3) I need Dean stop thinking he does everything wrong, I need a Dean who evolves from his past self, I need a mature Dean, who doesn’t ask for forgiveness every time someone else says he is wrong. I need a Dean who is free and his self person.

    4) I need a final resolution to Dean and Castiel relationship. Their romance has endless support all around the world, and American television is prepared to aboard a unconventional love relationship between a man and an angel. They shows us everyday how much they mean for the other one, how much happy they are when they are together, and how much broken when they are apart… please, don’t stop now.

    5) I need Team Free Will: Sam, Dean and Cas interacting like in 8×07 and 8×08, hunting together, being the family they are. THIS IS THE CORE OF THE SHOW. Don’t break our hearts again.

  51. Peter J on January 29th, 2013 7:23 pm

    No one has forgotten what Cas did. The show never gave Cas a free pass. They never said, “Wait, Cas was right all along, Dean needs to apologize.” They never said, “Well, that wasn’t actually Cas, he wasn’t right, so he has no reason to feel bad.” They never had him say that he had no reason to feel guilt because he’d already suffered.

    Cas died because of his Leviathan plan (a plan that he started in part to help save the world from Raphael). Cas came back and sacrificed himself again to heal Sam’s pain. Cas stayed in Purgatory, where he likely would have been killed, to atone for his sins. He is now being tortured and brainwashed in part because of what he did to Heaven.

    I don’t believe anyone on this show has paid for their crimes as much as Cas has.

    Dean cares about Cas. Dean has cared about Cas from almost as soon as they met. He has seen Cas die over and over for what Dean believed in. Even when Dean gave up hope in stopping Lucifer, Cas went on a suicide mission for Dean’s beliefs and ideals. Dean has seen the pain brought to himself and those who matter to him when he pushes Cas away. He has no reason to ever turn his back on Cas again. When he loses Cas, he falls into depression, pain, and rage. Say what you will about the brothers and their brotherly love, but Dean will never be the same without Cas in his life. For 5 years now this has been shown time after time. That doesn’t take away from his relationship with Sam, it strengthens his relationship with Sam. Dean is at his best when Cas is strong and by his side.

  52. Briar on January 29th, 2013 7:24 pm

    I’m thoroughly enjoying this season so far. However much I wish Cas were around more, I understand Misha’s need to spend time with his new daughter. I do wish to see the relationship between Cas and the brothers develop even more, however, and hope “Team Free Will” becomes more of a permanent thing. I would really enjoy if Misha weren’t a guest star anymore.
    I’ve also enjoyed Ty Ollson this season. I very much expected to hate the character of Benny, but I’ve fallen madly in love with him and will be extremely disappointed if he turns into a bad guy. Amelia, on the other hand, is an unconvincing and aggravating character. I didn’t like her in the beginning and still continue to dislike her.
    Extremely excited for Charlie to come back! LARP and the Real Girl was my favorite episode since The French Mistake!
    All this being said, I have faith in the writers and the powers that be of Supernatural. I only hope that I’ll be able to have adventures with the Winchesters for years to come.

  53. Melanie on January 29th, 2013 7:24 pm

    Sounds great, except I hope they go with ‘maybe not’ with Amelia, at least in real time. Another (final) flashback would be OK. I get the story and I liked what Jared and Liane did with their scenes, but it seems done to me and I thought the flashbacks hurt the forward momentum and tension of the present day story.

    Loved Larp & the Real Girl — can’t wait to see Charlie again.

  54. Kaya on January 29th, 2013 7:30 pm

    I think that the brothers need to work through their issues first so that they can save Castiel from Naomi and solve the tablet case. I’m hoping to see BAMF!Cas again and his amazing relationship with Dean. And some nice scenes with Sam, too. They’re family, but they should be friends as well.

    The bond between Sam and Dean is what made the show great in the first place and they’re going to repair it. I don’t mind a few episodes with just the two of them. But they need other people in their lives. That’s why I’m excited to see Dean interact with Charlie and Benny. Sam needs friends, too. I really enjoyed his scenes with Jody Mills, it would be great if she appeared again. He deserves love and happiness but NOT with Amelia. I never want to see or hear about her ever again. I wanted to give her a chance but she was just so terrible. Maybe some cool hunter chick? Idk. Although I seriously doubt the show’s ability to write good female love interests.

    Anyway, the second half of season 8 looks promising. So excited!

  55. Loreto on January 29th, 2013 7:30 pm

    We need Team Free Will as a permanent thing!!! Also, we want more Cas, the fandom loves Cas, specially his relationship with Dean. You guys have a great potential around that relationship and you keep separating them or treating Misha’s character like crap.

  56. Shari on January 29th, 2013 7:31 pm

    CASTIEL, PLEASE
    yes, in caps, becouse Castiel is so loved by a giant part of the fandom/people that watch SPN and it’s a shame that he keeps getting less screentime ( i know Misha asked for some time off, but once he’s back i would like to see more of him again)
    Dean and Sam need more people in their lives, we know that now becouse of the way they are.
    Also Dean and Castiel’s relationship, we all know theres more behind it, we really don’t need it to be rubbed into our faces, but just addressing the fact that they are together would be brilliant, maybe with some kiss, who knows?

  57. Victoria on January 29th, 2013 7:32 pm

    This season has been pretty great for Cas fans, especially because they’re fleshing out the relationship with Dean, which come one, everyone knows we want it. Sucks that we wont be seeing him for some time but I’m sure it’ll be worth the wait..I hope. Charlie was freaking great, where did those feelings come from? I dunno, but she’s great. Pretty much holding out hope for Castiel here (Cas and Dean too) he’s become kind of it for me. I love Cas!

  58. RileyJo on January 29th, 2013 7:34 pm

    Sounds awesome! I really hope that Castiel can be saved by the Winchesters, I’d love to see him as a series regular! I’m also hoping for some character development for him, because it seems like he’s bottling up a lot of guilt. He obviously need some help, hopefully Dean can step in?
    Either way, Team Free Will is the best trio imaginable, and I hoep they get back together.
    I absolutely love Benny, so glad that he’ll be in at least a few more episodes. I think he’s an amazing friend for Dean, and I hope they can continue being friends.
    I’d also love to see Dean and Cas is a relationship this season. They’ve been hinting at it so heavily, and I think it would be a great story arc, and provide opportunity for some incredible character development! Also, that would mean Cas could finally have something to give him hope, a reason for him to stick around, something to make him feel wanted.
    8×11 was amazing, and I cant wait for Charlie to come back. One of my favorite character on SPN.

  59. F on January 29th, 2013 7:34 pm

    Oh Anja are you kidding

    MATEOTB had nothing to do with Castiel helping, he knew the end story, he knew that they needed Dean to be Michael and Sam to be Lucifer, that was the end story, Castiel knew that. What Castiel did not know until 422 was that God was not in charge. So he knew when he betrayed Zach that it was him and not God. Hence him looking for God.
    He also gave up on Dean and so he should put himself in harms way it was all heavens and his fault that this all happened. He screwed the boys, he manipulated them right along with the other angels. He pulled Dean out of hell and if Dean didn’t do what he was told he would throw him back in. Just because God wasn’t in charge doesn’t mean the choices he made weren’t his. He left heaven and that decision was apparently his but all the horrible decisions he made were not his? Make up your minds Castiel fans.
    Nothing will ever compare to what the Winchesters did for the angels and earth. They made their whole lives a sacrifice as humans fighting a stupid angel war, they lost everything. The boys owe nothing to anyone, they do it because they are loyal good people. The certainly don’t owe Castiel anything.

  60. lluvia on January 29th, 2013 7:36 pm

    Quite amusing to see so many similar sounding posts here about Castiel–I smell sockpuppets!

  61. jen on January 29th, 2013 7:37 pm

    yessssssss….More Charlie, thank you, I’m crying a little bit, I love her so much, you don’t even understand. You’re not allowed to kill her! She’s adorable! Also pleased about Benny actually, I felt a bit cheated at the abrupt ending with that, I’m glad we’ll be getting at least a better closure or something. I ended up liking him way more than I expected I would. I am super-tense about poor Cas’ fate, he’s got everybody out for him and something creepy in his head. I have issues with the dentist already, ugh that was awful. I want him to be okay but I’m scared he won’t be. I’m really not sure about the grandfather popping up, I’ll have to see how it goes, it seems a bit cheesy on the surface, like every single member of their family had something weird happen. But I’m willing to wait and see, they could make it awesome.

  62. Jane on January 29th, 2013 7:38 pm

    Just don’t put aside the boys storyline, keep it going, keep their progress on track. I love seeing Sam and Dean working together as a team but more importantly as brothers.

    I hope this whole story mytharc is something really personal to the boys like the YED. Or else its hard to get invested because the whole time I’m thinking, just let the angels/demons fight it out.

    Love seeing Benny cause conflict between the boys, I’d love to see Amelia do the same.

    I hope we see Dean have a love interest or atleast become the Dean of old and bring back the love of women. I see there is a pic recently of Dean and a lady kissing, please I hope that leads to a shirtless Dean and another great sex scene.

  63. Mimi on January 29th, 2013 7:42 pm

    Would really, really appreciate more Castiel. His story arc is the only really interesting one at this point, the only one that intimately ties in to the mythology. I keep holding out hope they’ll give him an episode where he’ll be mildly okay throughout, without confessing to being suicidal or forced to stab his comrade. I feel like it’s been seasons since I’ve been able to be genuinely happy for him. Even the Winchesters get a breather every once in a while. At this point, I feel like the lesson for Castiel is “you should have stayed heaven’s hammer, because free will has offered you nothing but agony.”
    Benny *could* prove to be interesting, although sometimes I feel like I’m watching Twilight with the whole emo vegetarian vampire shtick.
    Also, please give Sam a good story line. Please. He’s an amazing character, he doesn’t deserve to be stuck with the cringe-worthy Amelia soap opera drama.

  64. juniper341 on January 29th, 2013 7:42 pm

    I have no desire to see Amelia ever, ever again. That story was so boring I got up to do something else whenever one of Sam’s flashbacks came on. I really, really want to see Cas fighting alongside Sam and Dean. We’ve seen what having “a trial of his own” entails….the search for God (off screen),the war in Heaven (off screen), amnesia storyline (off screen). I want to see Cas ON screen, not have to use my imagination regarding what’s happening in his story.

    I like Benny and am glad they’re bringing him back as well. With the relationship of the brothers pretty much destroyed by the showrunners of the past few seasons, when it’s just those two anymore, the show gets very morose and claustrophobic. I do hope their relationship is repaired, because at this point, it’s nothing like it used to be.

  65. Wongvhan on January 29th, 2013 7:44 pm

    I miss Castiel. I found 8×11 slightly odd when Castiel wasn’ t even mention once. I love what he brings to the table, adding new atmosphere to the series and makes the Winchesters a trio instead of a duo. There is no such thing as ‘too much Cas’

  66. Peter J on January 29th, 2013 7:45 pm

    The end story was stopping Lilith from being killed. Cas was trying to give Dean information about this when he was taken away. Cas was tortured for an extended period of time. He was given torture that turned other angels into complete lunatics, one of whom went on to try to kill Dean and Sam’s parents. In spite of this torture, Cas broke free, even though he knew this would end in his death. Cas chose the Winchesters over existence. If not for God, he would have died in Lucifer Rising.

    The only time he threatened Dean was when Dean repeatedly badgered and insulted and threatened him, to the point where even Dean realized he’d gone too far. Cas had no intentions of ever sending Dean back to Hell. It was only a few episodes after this that other angels began having confrontations with Dean away from Cas, because they specifically knew that Cas liked Dean and was not going to harm him.

    Cas gave up everything he believed in to help Sam and Dean. Thousands of years of beliefs, of what he was told was the only true existence. Cas coped with unimaginable torture and brainwashing to be what Dean needed him to be. He sacrificed his life, again and again and again, without ever even having a second thought.

    We can give a long list of sacrifices Sam or Dean made. That doesn’t take away what Cas did. It’s not mutually exclusive. Cas has bled and died for the Winchesters. Without him, Lucifer would dancing a jig over the Winchester graves for 40 minutes per week.

  67. Kivina on January 29th, 2013 7:48 pm

    Grandfather Winchester will be awesome. We will finally find out about John’s side of the family. I can’t wait for the dynamics.

    Also I’m thrilled to see that Cas, Charlie and Benny will be back. I need Cas/Charlie episode. Just imagine the hilarity. And Cas/Benny interactions are always golden (with Dean suffering between them). 8×11 made me happy with Sam/Cas scenes, they have really unique chemistry. There is the history of Sam between them, that makes them always kinda wary of each other but despite it, they’re friends who respect each other. But I feel sorry for Misha, from what he says about Jared he probably spend half the time laughing.
    And of course Cas/Dean relationship. When these to are in the scene, emotions start to pour all over the place. Can’t get enough of them.

    I still hope that the Winchesters will try to save Cas, to really help him with Naomi. I’ve recently re-watched the series and it makes me sad when I think about how much Castiel gave up for them and they did practically nothing in return. Just treated him like a weapon and the fact that he fought a war in Heaven (in season 6) just went past them like they couldn’t care less. But season 8 is making amends, especially with Purgatory.

  68. Peter J on January 29th, 2013 7:48 pm

    Jane, I’d like to see Jensen Ackles shirtless too (don’t care so much about seeing Dean and women – Supernatural sucks at romance), but not if it is like most of his sex scenes. The last one was even intercut with a murder. Blech. They should just have Dean become a nudist for a few episodes.

  69. bee on January 29th, 2013 7:53 pm

    I’m going to preface this by saying:
    1) I love Castiel and the Dean/Cas dynamic, shipping aside. And even though I want Dean to be happy (and I think Cas could potentially make Dean very happy), I understand why Destiel isn’t canon–yet.
    2) This doesn’t mean that I dislike Sam, or that I think he should be shoved to the side. I adore Sam and the brother dynamic (yeah, I ship it, so what?) and I always look forward to seeing it.

    I want Team Free Will back. The character interaction and growth that can be found between these three is endless. I see so much potential. I expect that they all might be working together again in something approaching harmony by the end of season eight, but I can only wait and see. I look forward to seeing Cas do funny human things, like trying to hold hands with someone or learning to brush his teeth. As great as the Dean/Cas and Sam/Dean dynamics are, I would love to see more Sam/Cas interactions.

    I love Benny (although I wish we had a bit more development on his relationship with Dean), Charlie, Kevin, Mama Tran, and etc. I appreciated Sam having a love interest, but I just don’t appreciate Amelia very much. I appreciate what she and Sam had (have?), and that she made him happy, but there was very little in the way of character and relationship development–it seemed like he went from being a stalker hotel repairman to getting a place together in no time at all. Amelia had the potential to be a great side character, but I really just didn’t see any progression in their relationship at all, only jumping from step one to step ten.

    I’m crossing my fingers and hoping for Samandriel, Gabriel, and Balthazar to come back (c’mon, we didnt even see Samandriel’s burnt wings!), but I know the odds of that happening are pretty slim.

    Also, where’s Meg? Are we ever going to hear about her again? She’s not my favourite character, but I’ve grown to like her C:

  70. Kaya on January 29th, 2013 8:01 pm

    Also, Team Purgatory, please! Dean, Cas and Benny are such great characters and their dynamics in Purgatory was golden. Wouldn’t mind to see them interact again.

  71. Jane on January 29th, 2013 8:02 pm

    Peter J

    I love the sex scenes, more Jensen back muscles, I liked the one interweaved with monster, I thought it was clever but then again I think I could of just been blinded by the jensen six pack.

    I’m not a shipper of anyone that isn’t actually together so I’d love to see more Dean with women, I’d love to of seen him with a crazy relationship like Bella would of been. Angry and sexy. The boys need girls in their lives.

  72. Mercedes on January 29th, 2013 8:04 pm

    The boys need LOVE in their lives. And LOVE is provided not only by sex. I hope Amelia returns, if she is the one for Sam, to make him happy… and I really wait for Cas to be the one for Dean.

  73. Lisa on January 29th, 2013 8:05 pm

    Cas! I know it has only been one episode since we last saw him, but I already miss him so much and can’t wait for the next episode with Misha in it!

    Like Stephanie C. said, “He’s an integral part of the show and I don’t feel half as excited about new episodes when I know he’s not in them. (I’m really hoping Misha’s a regular in Season 9!)” <- That is exactly how I feel too.

    I adore the scenes with Dean and Cas (profound bond! <3) in them, but I also adore the scenes between Sam and Castiel and especially with all three of them together. I am (and always will be) a fan of TeamFreeWill!

    Very excited to hear that Charlie will be back again. It would be so amazing if we got to see Charlie meet Cas! The comedic potential of that pairing (along with Dean and Sam) would be off the charts!

    I've been loving Season GR8 for the most part and have my fingers crossed for Season 9 to become a reality!

  74. Carol on January 29th, 2013 8:05 pm

    Glad to hear that Cas is so important, although I hope it’s not just for the tablets plot. This character could be the mascot for free will, a testament to the brothers’ profound influence on those around them. The Winchesters took a mindless drone of heaven and inspired him to rebel. Give this character a story that does him and all he stands for some justice.

  75. F on January 29th, 2013 8:08 pm

    Sorry Peter J we think completely differently obviously. Dean right so confronted Castiel because he just explained that he is there to do the angels bidding. Dean Winchester doesn’t do anyones bidding. Dean doesn’t owe Castiel anything for that, Castiel bought him out to be an angel muppet. Castiel deserved a beat down for all that.
    He didn’t betray heaven, he betrayed Zach. He knew Zach was not doing what God wanted or heaven so he left Zach NOT heaven for himself. He says its Dean because Castiel as his fans have no problem blaming others including the Winchesters for his problems. Dean was kept away from Sam, Castiel chose to do this and only when Dean pointed out that he was Zachs muppet did he think about betraying Zach not God/heaven.
    Dean and Sam owe nothing to anyone, they have given up there lives for a fight that wasn’t supposed to be theres as humans. I hope the writers address this at some point.
    Castiel infact owes them everything, if they weren’t who they were, Castiel would be working for Zach or Dead but then he proceeds to blame them for him betraying Zach. Amazing.

  76. Peter J on January 29th, 2013 8:14 pm

    Jane, I certainly don’t blame you for wanting to see more of Ackles. I’d prefer him with Cas, but if he has a good sex scene then I will somehow force myself to watch.

  77. Peter J on January 29th, 2013 8:17 pm

    Cas brought Dean out to save the world. That is what Cas thought Dean would be doing. Not to be a Muppet. He thought Dean was a hero and a warrior. He believed in Dean. He believed in Dean so much that he slaughtered his own kind for Dean’s cause and Dean’s loyalty.

    We will agree to disagree.

  78. LJ on January 29th, 2013 8:21 pm

    Dean is my favorite character and the reason I still watch this show. I love his relationships with Cas, Benny and even Charlie so long as she’s not lecturing him on treating Sam better. The only relationship I can no longer stomach is the one with Sam because it is so lopsided. Until Sam actually sacks up and admits how horrendously he treats his brother more of than not, I will not be rooting for them to be in scenes together. In fact, I would prefer it if they had Sam run back to Amelia and keep their scenes limited to their motel room so that I can easily FF through them. Sam is a terrible brother and Dean has plenty of others in his life who actually appreciate him. He doesn’t need to constantly cave in to Sam’s childish ultimatums. He can do better.

  79. Meagan on January 29th, 2013 8:25 pm

    Can’t wait to meet Grandpa Winchester and seeing Charlie again? That would be geektastic icing on the cake! Shiny!

    I’m hoping for some more brotherly conflict – only because it’s so good when they work it out. And Cas Cas Cas. Love me Dean and Cas. 🙂

  80. Erica on January 29th, 2013 8:27 pm

    I can’t wait to see more of Cas’s story. I just know we’re in for some drama and the thought of all the intense Dean/Cas scenes that could create gives me butterflies in my stomach!! 🙂

  81. Lena on January 29th, 2013 8:28 pm

    I’m curious and worried about Sam. I haven’t seen much development as far as linking him emotionally to the guest stars and the supernatural side characters. I’m wondering what’s going on with him emotionally. I also hope both Dean and Sam get linked more to mytharc as the second half of the season progresses. Dean’s PTSD from purgatory has pretty much vanished at this point and Sam’s storyline with Amelia was so weirdly soap-operaish and boring. I’m excited about Henry and looking forward to seeing more Winchesters on the show! The preview looks amazing, hope he turns into a recurring character 🙂 As a last note, I think Charlie coming back is excellent, especially if we get to see her interact more with Sam. They had some awesome commonalities in S7 and her interactions with Dean in 8.10 were awesome. Hope we get to see a little bit of that with Sam as well!

  82. Lora on January 29th, 2013 8:35 pm

    I’m loving this season, but I’m disapointed by the lack of Castiel. Maybe I did get my hopes up too high, maybe Castiel is really loved by fans but not by the show, this makes me sad but hey! this is supernatural, we can’t have nice things D:

  83. Jen on January 29th, 2013 8:36 pm

    Uhhh…..

    I’m happy that cas is “integral” to the tablet arc, but how about just “integral” to the show. Or “integral” to the brothers. Or DEAN. Wtf.

  84. Lucy on January 29th, 2013 8:56 pm

    I would be much more happier if Singer had said that the writers would make Sam apologize to Dean too, making him grow of his forever 14 years old-I-am-the-centre-of-the-entire-world-mind and no put more the blame by Sam choices and acts – leaving Amelia, causing the death of Martin, ending with the chance to Benny stay clean and abandoning his brother unconscious, bleeding and trapped, in a city under attack by a vampire – on Dean’s shoulders all the time.
    I thought Carver would change the dysfunctional dynamic between them, unfortunately my hope die in the last episodes. Nothing has changed.

  85. Sharon on January 29th, 2013 9:02 pm

    Glad to hear that the Benny-Dean thing is still in play. I really like Benny.

  86. Al on January 29th, 2013 9:18 pm

    I really hope we’re not heading down the path once more where it’s Sam and Dean and their unhealthy codependency on one another. The removal of Castiel for the time being troubles me, and I hope that your definition of integral doesn’t mean he’s going to come in for a few episodes, kick ass and die, because the character deserves better. The show deserves better. Just the boys lands us right back in the beginning, no development, no real change. Their relationship with Cas is healthy, and realistic, meaning that Cas could become an even more integral, reoccurring and permanent part of the boys’ lives, not just the plot for the season.

    Specifically, Dean and Castiel’s relationship. Cas has clearly established himself as someone who will only allow Dean to see him as an equal, not an obligation/duty (as Dean views Sam). They both care a lot about one another, to the point where Dean even says that he needs him. If that’s not special, not profound enough to keep around and make into something even greater than it already is, I’m out. There needs to be elaboration, there needs to be development, this show needs more relationships, and why don’t we start by developing the most important one outside of Sam and Dean; Dean and Cas.

    The brothers are great, they’re awesome, they’re together and whole, but we can’t just have them forever. It’s season 8, for crying out loud, GIVE US SOMETHING MORE. Something meaningful. You’ve already got a great basis for more development. It’s simple. Just write in more of Castiel. It will do wonders. It will be magnificent. You’ll see, we want more. Get outside of that little box of SAM N’ DEAN all the flipping time, and it’ll be so worth it.

  87. Ellen on January 29th, 2013 9:19 pm

    I am SO happy Charlie is coming back!!! She’s one of my favorite characters on the show (plus the way she and dean are total bros together is hilarious) and she NEEDS to meet Cas! I think she would love him (and teach him about pop culture haha.)

  88. Mon on January 29th, 2013 9:23 pm

    Okay, first off – Castiel coming back is something I`m eagerly looking forwards to. To be honest, he`s pretty much the only reason I`m watching the show. Don`t get me wrong – I love the brothers with all my heart, but their relationship has been through every possible loop, it goes up and down and… I`d just really like to see them working together and not having yet another “Sam, what have you done?!”, “Dean, I want my own life!” thing because frankly, I`m a bit tired of that.

    Ideally I`d love to have more Cas/Sam scenes, but in a twist – if Castiel and Dean actually have a romance, that would make the whole Sam/Cas relationship absolutely amusing. Of course, it`s a huge risk, what with the negative outlook on homosexual relationships, the fear of the angry letters and on and on and on. I still believe that if the show took it to this direction, it would attract a LOT of positive feedback. Now, moving on-

    I don`t really care about Benny. He`s a nice character, but I just find him flat. I wouldn`t really mind it at all if he never appeared again. Not sure what it is, maybe his new appearance will pick things up for me.

    As for Amelia? Please, God, no. No chemistry between the actors, no chemistry between the characters, absolutely nothing. Just… no.

    Finally, I`d love me some more Crowley! Him and Castiel are by far the best new characters introduced in a very long time. Crowley is evil, yet absolutely lovable and amazing! He could bring Meg along too 🙂

    P.S. No even mentioning Bobby – he`s coming back, obviously. Right? I mean, he is. RIGHT?!

  89. ShireneF on January 29th, 2013 9:30 pm

    I love Castiel so much! Supernatural need to go big screen/movie and have a Castiel centric story. I don’t know of what but i’m sure they can come up with some juicy plot line

  90. Aubri on January 29th, 2013 9:40 pm

    So glad Cas is coming back in a bigger way! I also really want to see more Sam and Cas scenes that aren’t just there for comic relief. Charlie is amazing! Benny is amazing! Loving the great new characters from this season and the ones were bringing back.

  91. Beth on January 29th, 2013 9:44 pm

    I am so glad that Cas is back!
    As excited as I am to meet the Winchesters’ grandfather, I am most excited to see how Castiel’s part in the tablet arc plays out. He is my favorite character, and it’s very hard, never being sure of his safety in or on the show. I hope for the best, and that when the show is renewed for a 9th season (I BELIEVE!) that Misha’s contract is also renewed (maybe even upgraded to costar??).
    I really look forward to seeing Charlie again! LARP and the Real Girl is one of my all-time favorite episodes, but I’ve loved her since her first appearance.
    I’m glad Benny’s story isn’t over. I’m worried for him, and like how he incorporates a wider perspective into the Supernatural universe.
    I hope to see some of the other characters again, like Sheriff Jody Mills, Amelia, Meg, Missouri… So many great characters, so little time.
    I am really glad the brothers are on better terms (as much as I enjoyed the tension between them!) but I can’t wait to see their individual character arcs continue, too.
    I also hope that all of these romantic parallels between supernatural creatures and their mortal, human lovers leads to something explicit between Dean and Castiel!
    😀

  92. Paige on January 29th, 2013 10:01 pm

    So happy to read that Cas’ role is integral, though I never doubted that for a second. I really REALLY hope to see more development between he and Dean, as their relationship is the most intriguing to me. So psyched to read that Charlie is coming back too…if she and Castiel got to interact I could die happy.

  93. EJ on January 29th, 2013 10:02 pm

    Can’t wait to see Cas again. 8×10 was so hard for him. He is being manipulated wiithout his knowledge and he was trying to make good, he is suicidal already and now the Naomi crap. I’m really afraid that he is going to sacrifice himself to close the Hell gates.

    I really hope he can finally forgive himself. He makes this show worth to watch.

  94. Sam on January 29th, 2013 10:03 pm

    Love love love Castiel, Kevin, Charlie and Benny. Of course I love the Winchesters too, but I worry about our other characters! The show has a habit of kicking people off, and season 7 just felt sooooo empty and claustrophobic. I want Cas to be around until the end of the series, and the others too if possible! (Also, bring Bobby and Jodi back. And Gabriel.)

  95. Jeff on January 29th, 2013 10:06 pm

    They need to bring back Meg. She is a great character. Great foil for Cas. Great foil for Crowley.

  96. Mar on January 29th, 2013 10:12 pm

    I’m thrilled the Winchesters will touch their roots again, at last. About freaking time!

  97. Brittany on January 29th, 2013 10:22 pm

    I want to see Cas back in as a regular character so bad. He’s not just some angel in the background anymore. He’s family to the boys, regardless of the things he’s done. I really wanna see Dean and Sam get involved in getting Cas out of whatever sticky situation he’s in. Castiel has helped the boys out so many times, I think it’s time for them to help him. I want to see the inner-workings of Dean and Cas’ relationship on another level. And I want to see Sam and Cas build a stronger friendship.
    I love Benny. I love his quirks and charms. I wanna see him overcome his demons and conquer his bloodlust, but beyond that I dunno where they could take him as a character.
    As far as Amelia goes, I have no opinions of her as a character. In the same hand, I do want Sammy to be happy. But he needs to come to the realization that he can’t just leave the job. Look at what happened with Dean, Lisa and Ben. I would say Amelia would have to be completely privy to what’s going on, or he needs to find someone that is ALREADY in the life.
    YAYYYY! CHARLIE! I love her so much. I pray for her and Cas to have scenes together. I think them meeting would be the funniest thing ever and such an interesting dynamic.

  98. SC on January 29th, 2013 10:46 pm

    This show isn’t Supernatural anymore. They should rename it “Touched by a Crappy Angel.” It would be more accurate. Now it’s all farce and woobie vampires and boring heaven instead of scary monsters. Get rid of Benny, get rid of Crowley, get rid of Castiel– all the comic relief bs. Bring back Meg and make her scary again, bring back the alpha vamp instead of this Twilight wannabe. Put some guts back in this show.

  99. SC on January 29th, 2013 10:52 pm

    Also all these Castiel fans are so transparent. He should have died at the end of S5. Ever since then they’ve been trying to shoehorn him into the show– heck they even created a whole “mytharc” for him this year just to bring back the crappy angels. Worst decision they’ve ever made and they should get rid of the angels for good– they’re too powerful and deus ex machinas. The show should go back to being about the Everyman and his struggles against the monsters. This religious ick has ruined what used to be a good show. Now there’s no imagination in it anymore, it’s just rehash after rehash.

  100. Beth on January 29th, 2013 10:57 pm

    @SC
    How are Cas fans transparent? Is it because we honestly express our sincere hope that he will continue to be on and thrive in the show? Is it because we are numerous? Vocal? Supportive of Team Free Will?
    (I of course do not speak for all fans. Simply the fans like myself, all up and down this article.)
    I’m glad, if that’s so. Better to be transparent and positive, defending a character out of love, than to be a dark spot on the fandom, spewing hate towards a character out of ignorance or misplaced frustration.
    Food for thought.

  101. Brittany on January 29th, 2013 11:11 pm

    @Beth
    PREACH. I love you right now.

  102. ShireneF on January 29th, 2013 11:23 pm

    I do agree with SC that supernatural delineated from the original scary monster vs everyday man. However, the plot has to move on. How can there be Demons without Angels? You felt that the angels should have died in the end of season 5, but that’s ironic. It is because of the Angels that Supernatural continued. The show was meant to end in season 5. However the viewers exploded with the introduction of the Angels and of course Castiel, so they decided to continued it.

  103. Cloe on January 29th, 2013 11:32 pm

    Some comments are so repeated………. ¬ ¬ Ctrl C.
    I loved the news and I hope that all these characters coming back to have a decent end in series or for a continuation in season 9.

  104. Ananda on January 29th, 2013 11:36 pm

    I want to see more team free will. I love the boys but I feel like they are stagnating with only each other. Worse, they realize it and look so miserable trying to only have that “brotherly bond.” So I look forward to the return of favorites like Cas, Naomi, and Charlie. I’m a little ambivalent about Benny and Amelia but willing to give them a try. Mostly I’m excited for the return of Cas and his role in Team Free WIll. I love how his relationship is developing with the boys (both Sam and Dean). And I can’t wait until he takes his friendship with Dean to the next level.

  105. Beth on January 29th, 2013 11:39 pm

    @Cloe
    I didn’t see any copy+paste answers. But many fans have similar hopes and/or concerns. Such as, the return of Jody Mills, which is often expressed in article comments sections.
    Just because there are many similar pleas to the same end does not mean that they are unimportant or insincere. Otherwise democracy could never work.
    It’s good that many fans have a unified mind about some things, because that helps the show succeed. 🙂

  106. Mariel on January 29th, 2013 11:47 pm

    CASTIEL IS MY FAVORITE CHARACTER! AND CHARLIE IS MY NEW FAVORITE CHARACTER. LEARNING THAT BOTH ARE COMING BACK IS MAKING ME SPAZZ OUT IN THE BEST WAY!

  107. Trickster on January 30th, 2013 2:03 am

    If I see Amelia The Boring one more time I’ll throw something at the screen. She has zero chemistry with Sam, she’s badly written and her scenes were more painful to watch than poor Samandriel’s torture (he DID NOT DESERVE TO DIE).

  108. Kate on January 30th, 2013 2:11 am

    I really hope the show isn’t going backwards to a repeat of season 7 (which almost killed the show) of it just being all Sam and Dean all the time. That was miserable and completely boring. Supporting characters are needed to make the show and plot thrive, and Sam and Dean are happier when they do have other people to care about and lean on. I know some people think the misery and depression is just so interesting, but the majority don’t think it is, which is why season 7 was so awful. Dean and Sam need to have some happiness outside of each other in order to be happy with each other. That’s obvious by now. Dean has Cas and now Charlie and maybe Benny and I hope he gets to keep all of them, especially Cas. But I would like there to be more people for Sam too. The Amelia storyline was poorly executed, but I wouldn’t mind seeing her again. And what about more Sam and Cas scenes? And Jody Mills? Maybe even a new character Sam could bond with, or maybe Kevin. He and Kevin actually seem like they’d have a lot in common.

    I’m not saying there can never be eps where it’s just the bros, but this idea a few people have that being mostly isolated and completely on their own is a) good for the fictional relationship of Sam and Dean or b) even remotely interesting to the vast majority of SPN viewers is crazy. The whole two brothers alone against the world has been done ad nauseam, and if the show is to survive it needs to branch out. There’s only so many times you can see Dean and Sam have the same conflict or the same plot. They’ve done it all. I’d like to see them get back to actually liking each other, but in order for that to happen there needs to be other characters and plots that aren’t so focused on them to bleed the tension off. Every story needs conflict, and if it’s happening other places than in Sam and Dean’s relationship, then they can actually be two brothers who are different but mostly like each other again, like they were in the early seasons.

    Also I find it highly amusing that people that are in favor of keeping Castiel and other supporting characters get accused of sockpuppetry when the Cas haters and their ilk can’t muster up more than 4 or 5 people on every article to make the same carbon copy, canon blind arguments over and over. Sounds like the insecurity of people who know they’re outnumbered to me.

  109. S on January 30th, 2013 2:34 am

    I’m really glad to hear Cas is important, and I hope he continues to be. The Dean/Castiel dynamic is what keeps the show alive for me. Castiel is such a pivotal character, I can’t imagine the show without him now, and I fervently hope he’s given more screen time and weight in terms of character development.

  110. Ann on January 30th, 2013 2:36 am

    Cas and Charlie are coming back!!!!! 😀
    Great news. Looking forward to seeing their interactions with Dean. Hope thaey meet each other. I’m not really invested in the brother’s only storyline anymore. I hope Sam gets someone he can be friends with too, like Kevin? Sam and Cas should have more scenes. Go Team Free Will! also, Team Purgatory! Really want them all to meet again. It would be nice if Dean actually worried more about Cas’ situation. wish Cas would become a regular character. The Dean and Cas relationship is what got me into rewatching the show. hope there won’t be a repeat of season 7 and only the brothers left. Wish Meg would be back. Also Bobby.

  111. Anjali Alahakoon on January 30th, 2013 5:43 am

    I’m so glad to hear Castiel is coming back…Actually I’m freaking thrilled to hear that…He’s my favourite. PLEASE MAKE HIM A REGULAR CHARACTER AGAIN.Last time we saw him he wasn’t in a good place.. So I’m really worried about what might happen..In the upcoming episodes I like to see the boys help cas to get through with this problems and like to see more sam/cas and Dean/cas time.
    But seriously why Amelia..Sam/Amelia scenes were really boring and annoying, Some times I even skip those. Don’t want her back. Please use that time to do something good with winchester boys and castiel.

  112. blue on January 30th, 2013 6:01 am

    I see the bat signal went out to the Cas fans on tumblr and they’ve updated their agenda to push for Cas/Sam scenes. Have fun with that, but I hope you realize that this means the end of the Dean and Cas’ closeness. Once a character is attached to Sam, he or she becomes nothing more than St. Sammy’s fluffer. That’s just the way this show rolls.

  113. rosa on January 30th, 2013 6:15 am

    Cas – forever my favourite. For me he is the most enjoyable part of the show. Too bad TPTB underuse him.

  114. Salt and Symbols on January 30th, 2013 6:32 am

    I certainly hope TPTB understand that the Sam/Amelia story was an epic failure and that it was because it was written so clichéd that daytime TV would have rejected it.

    I’m glad they all love Felicia Day so much that they write scripts specifically for her. I wanted the SPNverse expanded, but not with comedy characters like Charlie. I can’t believe we gave up Bobby, Rufus, and Ellen for Garth, Kevin, and Charlie. Please, Show, believable character that fit with what this show is supposed to be about…and characters that are written to support the brothers’, not have scripts that showcase a stunt-casted actor.

    Benny…Yes! Benny is a great character and does actually fit into the SPNverse. Love his scenes with Dean, but move him away from being another ‘needy’ friend that calls Dean to be his AA advisor. I mourn that the Purgatory story just dropped…and, hey, where is Purgatory, Dean’s new weapon.

    Henry Winchester looks interesting and a lot can be done to expand SPN’s mythology, if he’s used correctly and isn’t another pervert like the Campbell side of the family was.

  115. tia on January 30th, 2013 6:44 am

    i hate cas -not looking forward to him coming back-because it ALWAYS the same thing. he comes back at the end of the season-he is the main focus of the main arc- sam and dean get pushed to the backround and are cas’s helpless pets. its rediculous. i too am about done with this show. if they don’t get thier act together and make this show about the boys. i am done. i love love love benny. its too bad that they found it important to stop showing purgatory so soon. that was the only interesting “arc” so to speak this season. if they have one more angel/demon arc i am done.

  116. sis on January 30th, 2013 7:04 am

    I am so tired of this “Sam and Dean show” shit.
    The show is BORING when is all about the brothers. BORING.
    I want more Cas. More Kevin. More Mama Tran. More Charlie. More Benny.
    Enough with the codependency.
    I wanted to see more of the Sam/Amelia arc and more Purgatory, but I couldn’t because Robert Fucking Singer had to make the show only about the brothers again.
    I am so fucking tired.

  117. dana on January 30th, 2013 7:06 am

    i miss castiel

  118. Peter J on January 30th, 2013 7:13 am

    blue, I realize that does happen (I know it happened to Bobby). I would like to see a mixture. I don’t have any desire to see Cas fall into the “Dean, suck it up, live for Sam,” bubble. I would like to see them a little closer, because after all these years they would be, but I always want him to be closest to Dean. That is the only thing that would make sense for the character, and Misha and Jensen are so phenomenal in their scenes.

  119. silve on January 30th, 2013 7:43 am

    Dear Mr. Singer,

    You have already proven to me how little you think of Dean and his stories and how much you love Sam. My disappointment in your insistance that Dean is not important but Sam is and always will be has finally made me realize that as a Dean fan, I will never have my hero acknowledged. Only Sam is important to you and he will be the one with all the stories while the fine actor that Jensen is will be wasted on propping up the show.

    Dean is the reason this show is still on the air, I would have thought you’d be a bit more thankful to Jensen and the Dean fans, but instead you just use and use. How disppointing you have made this show.

  120. SPNFan on January 30th, 2013 8:43 am

    Wow. I’m surprised and saddened by the amount of negativity and hatred being thrown around in these comments. I may be in the minority here but I love this show. I love the characters, the actors, and all the wonderful cast and crew. I think Mr. Singer and all the other producers/directors/writers have been doing a great job. I don’t regret a single penny that I spent on every single Supernatural DVD, nor all of the time I’ve spent waiting, watching, and talking about Season 8. Have I liked every single thing that has happened or every single character that has been introduced? Of course not *coughAmeliacough* but I think overall they have got more right than wrong in the SPN universe.

    I love both Dean and Sam and I love their relationship and I fully embrace that family is and always should be the core of this show. I don’t mind when the show focuses on the brothers. The Winchesters are the show, imho. It doesn’t bother me when they fight or when they’re working together well.

    That being said, I also personally most enjoy the episodes that have Castiel in them. I love the different dynamic that he brings to the Winchester duo. He is, without a doubt, my personal favorite character. I would explode with happiness if they ever took Dean and Cas’ relationship to the next level. I would love to see Sam and Cas’ relationship explored more and their bond deepened. I would be so, so, very, extremely happy to see Castiel in lots more episodes and to see Misha Collins become a regular on the series instead of just a special guest star.

    I love the new and interesting characters that have been introduced like Charlie, Kevin, and Garth. And I pine for the old favorite characters like Bobby, Gabriel, and Ellen. It would be amazing if they found some way to bring back Bobby or Gabriel to the show. It would be amazing to see an episode with Charlie getting to meet Cas.

    But whatever happens, I am and will remain a humble and adoring SPNFan. For me, no matter what flaws this show possesses, it is still vastly superior to pretty much any other show on television right now.

  121. Loli("v") on January 30th, 2013 9:54 am

    Salt and Symbols love love looove your comment thank you I completely agree with everything you said. It’s unbelievable how the purgatory storyline got dropped when it was the only thing that kept me watching coz Sam and Amelia: THE most boring character interaction on the show ever. And Cas, same song different verse! Dean and Benny’s relationship was cool and intriguing yet as always Dean gets the push so we can all watch how Sam is hurt and how he’s right and how he’s excused for anything he does and blame it all on Dean coz God doesn’t Dean destroy everyone and everything he cares about and must be blamed and reminded constantly how invalid he is. Then we have Cas who always have something going on.. he’s betrayed, hurt, confused, went coco in the head now back, hurt, confused..etc AAAAAHHH I don’t know how to truly be excited for a new episode anymore

  122. Beth on January 30th, 2013 10:37 am

    @ blue
    Way to be crass.

    @ tia
    It’s funny how you think the “only interesting arc this season” was Purgatory, which heavily featured Cas and his relationship with Dean, yet you hate Cas and think he steals focus.
    Cas has earned his place on the show (four seasons running, and pray to God more to come), and Supernatural hasn’t been just about the brothers for years.
    If you are so unhappy with this show, why keep watching?

  123. Beth on January 30th, 2013 10:45 am

    @Loli
    I feel like you’re allowing the show’s narrative to really saturate how you feel about Dean? When certain characters blame Dean for things, we’re not supposed to believe it. It’s supposed to throw into stark contrast Dean’s own self image, and the hero we know him to be. Everything isn’t his fault. (That’s something Cas even tells him, bless.) The show isn’t trying to villainize Dean at all, it’s trying to make us see Dean’s internal damage — just because Dean believes he breaks everything and is a hollow man, doesn’t mean we should believe it. We have the privilege of an outsider’s view, we get to watch him be a hero time and time again, fight the good fight against impossible odds. Sam, too. Sam’s not always right, and I think the show does a great job of showing his flaws and faults and bad arguments (like refusing to listen to other people when he’s set his mind on something). But Sam is a hero. So is Cas. Cas had maybe some of the most personally impossible battles to fight, yet here he is, defying fate and death and god himself. To fight for what’s right, to fight for humanity, to fight for his family, Dean and Sam.
    One way to get excited for upcoming episodes might be to reinvent your perception of the brothers and company, to reinvest in their emotional story lines. It’s a rich show, full of all kinds of interesting character arcs and development. Enjoyable, for those who care. 🙂

  124. JaredSam on January 30th, 2013 12:18 pm

    I hate Amélia and I hope she not come back. I more will that she died

  125. Brittany on January 30th, 2013 3:03 pm

    @ Beth
    I keep coming back here just to read your comments. You’re so balanced in your opinions and I love it.

  126. Sinead on January 31st, 2013 2:03 pm

    I won’t bother going on about how much I adore Castiel and can’t wait to see him return, because almost everyone else has already done so.

    I will though, add my support to the piles already here for Kevin, Mama Tran, Benny and Charlie. Amelia is someone I can give or take; I’m glad she made Sam happy, but she was a bit bland and two dimensional really. If she returns I hope we get to see some development of her character.

    Lastly, I’ll just throw in a probably pointless shout out to two of my absolute favourite characters in the entire series, Balthazar and Gabriel. I’d love to see them somehow return, especially if they got a scene or several together – I mean, can you imagine the sheer volume of potential snark, innuendo, comraderey and competition between them? I think it’d be fantastic!

    But I know that’s incredibly unlikely, so for now I’ll just hold onto the high hopes I have for the storylines of Charlie, Benny, the Trans, and, of course, Castiel.

    Don’t let us down, writers! We have faith in you still.