Supernatural Season 11: 6 Potential Game Changers
With fall in the air, the 11th Season premiere of Supernatural is close at hand. No matter what you may have thought of season 10, the finale set up many new storylines for this coming year. Dean no longer has the Mark of Cain, he presumably killed Death (though we know itโs never that easy), The Darkness has been released, Rowena has the Book of the Damned and the Codex in her possession, Castiel is under Rowenaโs attack dog spell and is out to destroy Crowley, who seems trapped with no escape (but heโs Crowley โ Heโll always escape) and a human Metatron has the Demon tablet and an unknown agenda. That seems like a whole lot of story mileage for Season 11.
On the surface, it may seem like another run of the mill season of Supernatural: We have a bunch of players clamoring for power, the brothers must face a threat thatโs worse than ever before, and on and on ad infinitum. However, the information weโre getting about the upcoming season seems to be telling a different story. But first things first: Unfortunately, thereโs no way to discuss this season without mentioning spoilers that have been released. So, to be clear – THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS SEASON 11 SPOILERS.
Right now, thereโs no way to know how the season will unfold. But from what we have learned so far, it certainly appears that the storylines could shift Supernatural in a very interesting direction. Specifically, that direction would be reminiscent of earlier seasons, but have a higher level of sophistication as a result of all that the Winchesters have endured, and how far the Supernatural universe has come in 10 seasons. In essence, these plotlines could be true game changers that may give us a year filled with lots of scares, compelling mythology, and brotherly moments. And thatโs when Supernatural is at its best. The following list details some areas to watch out for in what could be one of our showโs best seasons in recent history.
Samโs Visions: We havenโt seen Sam have any kind of visions or premonitions since season 2, but this season theyโll make a return of sorts. Of course, we donโt know much about the type or context of these visions, or if Sam will be the only one to have them (Dean may as well), but just their existence is exciting. What will be even more interesting than why Sam is experiencing them, is the effect they might have on him.
Seeing the visonโs effects has the potential to be very important for Sam. Viewers donโt always get to see Samโs perspective, especially in recent years, and these visions could be a much needed gateway into Samโs thoughts and feelings. Being able to see the inner workings of Samโs psyche without supernatural influence (via hallucinations or angel possession) would be a breath of fresh air. In addition, if Sam turns to a higher power while heโs having these visons, we might get to hear him have actual conversations (albeit possibly one sided) that would flesh out where heโs at emotionally. After everything Sam has been through, he deserves the chance to get it off his chest.
The other reason these visions could be vitally important is that they might also provide answers to long standing questions regarding Samโs past: Was he purified by the trials (like he thought) or does he continue to have demon blood inside of him? Does he still have latent powers that could possibly be harnessed if needed? Does he have a connection with Lucifer? Does he have abilities he knows nothing about yet? Now, this storyline may not answer any of these questions, but the onset of a visions plot does have the potential to give us some substantial information about Sam, and through it, maybe weโll indirectly learn more about Dean as well.
The Stable Relationship of Sam and Dean: Weโve heard numerous times that this season will feature the brothers united against the common threat of The Darkness. This is great news because at some point, we all get tired of the brothers fighting and deceiving one another. Having Sam and Dean on the same page and working together could be a game changer in that for the first time in a long time, we may get to see the brothersโ bond in the absence of some catastrophic thing being wrong with one of them or without massive conflict between them. Of course, thatโs not to say we wonโt see any conflict – this is Supernatural weโre talking about โ conflict and angst kind of go with the territory. But keeping the brothersโ relationship stable leaves room for all the things we havenโt seen enough of in recent years: jokes and banter, simple brotherly moments, and best of all, kick ass hunters in sync with one another.
This is important because if Dean and Sam arenโt fighting, we may get the chance to see all of their many strengths โ instead of the weaknesses that have led to some poor choices in recent seasons. We may also see how those strengths complement one another when the brothers are working a case. Whether itโs Samโs head for research, or Deanโs ability to think quickly on his feet, or the many other things that make Sam and Dean โ well, Sam and Dean, we just may get the Winchesters showcased at their best this season.
The Darkness Unleashed: The Darkness is said to be an entity more threatening than the brothers have ever had to face before. Yeah, weโve heard that a time or two. Not to be negative, but the writers need to be very careful with The Darkness, lest we have another mother of monsters or Leviathans on our hands. But having said that, The Darkness made the list because it does have the potential to be the best foe since Lucifer – that is, if done correctly. If the Darkness actually does wreak havoc upon the earth, and we actually get to see its effects, it could be truly terrifying, but the key here is seeing its effects. We canโt just be told itโs happening (a bad habit the writers often fall into), we have to see what The Darkness is capable of. If itโs as evil as weโve heard, it should be scary as hell. Wait, scratch that. Weโve seen Hell. It should be much, much scarier.
So if the Darkness is to be frightening, we also need it to be sinister. We need a lurking shadow and a shrouded entity – an evil whispered out to the world, affecting people in startling, shocking ways. What we donโt need is The Darkness as some sarcastic, fast talking, smarmy human. Even if the Darkness does manifest itself as a human (which based on reports is a distinct possibility โ though I shudder to think about it), hereโs to hoping weโll get to see the Supernatural side of it in action; In fact, a few ominous, spooky special effects showing us its massive power wouldnโt hurt either.
As to the motivation of the Darkness, that has the potential to be very compelling as well. It could even be game changing if it opens up a whole new mythology, or expands on the one we already have, but please, no motivation like eating people or something just as silly. If the Darkness existed before God and the archangels like weโve been told, then its motivation should be pretty darn sophisticated. If it is, then I canโt wait to see this Darkness.
Castiel, Crowley, Rowena, and Metatronโs Agendas: Out of all the possible game changers on the list, this one is the most โiffy.โ Too many times weโve seen Castiel underutilized or the King of Hell whine about his state of affairs, and Metatron has yet to have a real plan about anything. We have to remember, there was a time when Castiel was an angel warrior and Crowley was breaking innocentsโ necks (remember Kevinโs girlfriend?). All of these characters, (yes, all of them) have the potential to be interesting players if their agendas are revealed in a prompt and compelling way. The good news is that spoilers say Crowley will be back to his scheming ways, and Rowena is likely to make a huge power play using her witchcraft. The bottom line is, if these characters are actually doing something this season, that is, less talking and plotting and much more action โ then every player will be relevant and more importantly, interesting.
And letโs not forget about Death himself. The ramifications of killing – or even temporarily immobilizing – Death could be calamitous. If we get to see those consequences on the world, on reapers, or even just on Sam and Dean, then Death โ who is always compelling and fun to watch – could be a more prominent player this season – and that could be a very good thing.
Backstory: It appears this season weโll be delving into the Winchestersโ past, even all the way back to their childhoods. This is a very exciting prospect. Episodes like โSomething Wicked,โ โA Very Supernatural Christmasโ and โAfter School Specialโ revealed important backstory that was and continues to be an essential part of who the Winchesters are. If we get something along those same lines this season, weโll learn something new about Sam and Dean, which would serve to give the characters even more depth. After 10 years, how great would it be if the writers peeled back more layers of the guys that we didnโt even know were there?
In addition, if we get the return of any past characters (either โrealโ or imagined) which we know is likely, they may also give us new insight into the brothers. But even if they donโt, we fans are unabashedly sentimental: It would be really satisfying to see some familiar (and much loved) faces visit the Supernatural world again.
This backstory also has the potential to help Sam and Dean reconcile part of their pasts, or perhaps even something about themselves. Even more importantly, it may be used as a device to help the brothers understand one another in a new light (as it did for Sam in โDark Side of The Moonโ). Of course, for viewers, this means more touching scenes and brotherly moments, so letโs bring on the backstory.
Saving People, Hunting Things โ The Family Business: Sam and Dean canโt fight the Darkness all the time. We have to have monster of the week episodes. With the brothers united this season, we may get a return to what they used to do best – saving people. Sure, the Winchesters have continued to save people throughout the run of the series, but earlier seasons had the guys going from town to town helping people every chance they got. These days, most episodes have the brothers consumed with saving the other from a life and/or soul threatening affliction, or the focus is on the regular and recurring characters squaring off against one another. The Supernatural universe seems to have gotten smaller and more insulated, and the average person in peril seems to have suffered for it. Spoilers indicate a season 1- 2 vibe this year, though, and with the brothers at peace with each other and relatively free from supernatural conditions, they may just get back to the heart of the family business again.
Showcasing Sam and Dean as the heroes they are, risking their lives to help unknowing strangers would return the show to its earlier roots, and by default would be a game changer, especially in light of more recent days of killing meat suits and racking up body counts as collateral damage. Of course, Sam and Dean wonโt ever stop risking their lives for one another as well, and letโs be honest – we like it that way. As a wise cos play character once said, โBut to be Sam and Dean, to wake up every morning and save the world. To have a brother who would die for you. Well, who wouldnโt want that?โ Indeed.
There you have it. These are six possible game changers for a show about to go into its 11th season โ proving that Supernatural has the power to continue to reinvent itself. The potential of these upcoming storylines is almost limitless. Between The Darkness, Sam and Deanโs solid relationship, and the past and present colliding to shake up all the major players, this season of Supernatural is one to watch closely.
What do you think? Let’s Discuss!
I wouldn’t hold my breath for any “game changers.”
They can’t even get Castiel something new to wear. That trench coat should be in tatters by now, given all he’s been through.
It’s funny isn’t it. Castiel can angelically heal his trench coat but not Charlie. ๐
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I will have to say I am more excited for this season based on the promos than I have been in a long time. They look really intense and creepy and exciting and the brothers are UNITED! Yay
What she said. ๐
While I agree with every word in your article, the two points that are most important to me are:
1. that we finally get a good chunk of Sam POV. The guy has become a cipher. Apparently he only had one thought in his head for the entirety of S10 and that was “must save Dean.” He’s a smart enough guy that he’s capable of juggling more than one thought at a time.
2. That the brothers finally have a good, stable relationship. The primary reason that Seasons 9-10 will always be my least favorites is that Sam and Dean were so strongly at odds with each other for many of the episodes. It was ugly to watch and it greatly diminished the emotional satisfaction that I get from the show, a satisfaction that has made this my favorite show ever.
I’m also more excited for this year than I have been in 2 seasons. Samanddean10 I love the way you worded that “emotional satisfaction,” mine was very low during Seasons 9 – 10 also. Here’s hoping that Season 11 is as good as that fantastic unofficial promo makes it look!
What she said LOL
Soon if God had to beat back the darkness, presumably with the arch angels he created, how in the world can they stop it without chuck aka carver Edmund aka god. These are Not Raphael quality arch angles, but licufer, micheal, gabrial(to bad he is dead, loved that character ). We know chuck/god hasn’t left from the musical episode early last season, unfortunately I don’t think we will see him until the series finale, explaining why he had to put the boys through all this. New promos show sam praying…but we have been told he always prays….man, I like this silly show, even though the last couple seasons have been a stretch at times, I still find myself going back to season 4 on netflix, when things really took off, I wish it could get back some of that sense of awe….if they writers do a good job with the darkness, Sam’s visions and everything else…could be the best season yet
I agree on all six game changers and I do hope we get to see them. Always at the start of the season the stories and spoilers have had a lot of potentional. Have they paid out? For me not entirely. Some has and some hasn’t. Keeping my fingers and toes crossed for this one.
Hi Metamorphic Rocks, great to see you back. You hit so many nails on the head here. I agree with everything you said. I hope that the potential of The Darkness isn’t ruined. So many times they built us up with anticipation for a big game changer and it just fizzled out. Mother of All , leviathans , angels falling, Demon Dean. I am very excited about the brothers working together again with a common goal. I also want lots of angst and NORMAL brotherly conflict not the nastiness of the last few years where I hardly recognized them. I feel they will always keep secrets in the name of “protecting” each other. That is kinda their style. But as far as I am concerned they must be united ultimately and want it back to be ‘you and me against the world’. The promo’s for this season have really given me hope for a kick-ass season. I do expect there will some initial working through of a few things. I am ok with that as long as their isn’t a lot of blame and finger pointing as to who did what. Enough of that. I hope they can give Cas and Crowly some meaty stuff this year. No road trips for Cas. No whiney Crowley. Please make Rowena a more appealing character to me. The end of last season was a start. Alright bring it on season 11 and don’t disappoint us!!
Hi Leah, and thank you. I haven’t written anything since last December, partly because of my schedule but also because I was very discouraged with season 10. I just felt like I didn’t have anything positive to say, especially regarding the brothers’ relationship. Like you said, at times they were hardly recognizable. I’m very excited for this season, however, it looks like it will be awesome, so I hope it doesn’t disappoint! Thanks for reading!
This is just a after thought, I do see some similarities between supernatural and the X-Files, and I have for some time but only different between the two is the writer. Chris Carter made the X-Files, and at times Chris Carter got under my skin with his story lines. I know that the X-Files is coming back some time after the first do the year, I have to give the X-Files some thought as if I am going to watch it I do enjoy and like Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny. But it looks like Chris Carter is up to the same tricks, and for ten years had me in knots. I have to really think about this.