Family Business
Supernatural, a TV series spanning fifteen seasons, emerges as an icon in pop culture. Created by Eric Kripke, the story revolves around the Winchester brothers, Sam and Dean, supernatural creature hunters exploring the darkest corners of the unknown. The plot, initially focused on standalone supernatural cases, evolves into an epic narrative embracing complex mythologies, charismatic characters, and a profound exploration of the concepts of destiny and free will.
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Discover now 20 curiosities about this legendary series!
1. The Long Journey of the Winchester Brothers
The Winchester brothers, Sam and Dean, faced numerous supernatural battles throughout Supernatural's seasons. A fascinating fact is that initially, the creators planned to conclude Sam's journey at the end of the third season. However, the warm response from fans changed that fate, allowing the series to continue exploring the challenges and dangers faced by the brothers, thus consolidating the enduring emotional connection between the characters and their audience.
The characters' evolution over the seasons reflects not only the writers' choices but also the active and passionate response from the fan base. The transformation from an initial plan to preserve both brothers underscores the importance of interaction between creators and audience, shaping the narrative in unexpected and exciting ways.
2. Constant References to the Real World
The Impala 67, known as "Baby," is not just a means of transportation in the series but also an icon beloved by fans. Its license plates, KAZ 2Y5, reveal a hidden homage to the series creator, Eric Kripke, his two sons, and the year 2005 when Supernatural premiered. This meticulous attention to detail not only adds a personal touch to the series but also highlights how seemingly simple elements can carry profound meanings, creating a unique connection between fiction and reality.
The Impala transcends its role as a simple vehicle, becoming a symbol of the Winchester brothers' journey. Being immune to damage caused by supernatural forces, the car personifies the protagonists' constant resistance against the forces of evil. This fusion of practical elements and symbolism gives the Impala a unique importance in the series' mythology, captivating fans and solidifying its position as a lasting icon.
3. The Winchester Book
Supernatural introduced an intriguing twist with the main characters discovering a series of books called "Supernatural." These books, containing the stories of the Winchester brothers' lives, add a layer of metalinguistics to the narrative. Fiction within fiction provides an insightful look into how the protagonists' experiences are interpreted and reinterpreted, creating a unique dynamic between the characters and the story they inhabit.
The presence of these books also highlights the fans' influence on the plot. By having their stories recorded in a fictional book series, Sam and Dean become not only monster hunters but also mythical figures within the Supernatural universe. This reflection on the nature of stories and their connection to reality contributes to the thematic richness of the series.
4. Fans in the Series
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In a particular episode, Supernatural takes the characters to a fan convention of the series within the series itself. This self-referential and humorous approach highlights the creators' awareness of the fervent fan base the series accumulated over the years. The interaction between the series characters and their counterparts at the convention offers comedic moments, while fans are uniquely honored, solidifying the special connection between the production and its admirers.
This episode also serves as an affectionate acknowledgment of the Supernatural fan community. By showcasing characters encountering imitations of themselves and participating in debates about their own fictional lives, the series celebrates the passion and dedication of fans, providing a unique experience that goes beyond the screen.
5. The Series Was Supposed to End in the Fifth Season
Kripke initially wanted to make only 3 seasons but ended up extending it to 5 seasons. He intended to conclude the series at its peak, but The CW didn't like the idea. Consequently, Kripke stepped down as Showrunner and went on to work on other projects, leaving writer Sera Gamble in his place.
6. Music as an Integral Part
The Supernatural soundtrack is more than just musical accompaniment; it is an intrinsic part of the series' identity. Eric Kripke, the creator, not only selected songs that fit perfectly into scenes but also maintained a specific playlist for each episode. This careful selection not only enhanced the atmosphere of each scene, but also established a deeper emotional connection with viewers, providing a unique and memorable audiovisual experience.
The musical diversity in the series, ranging from classic rock to lesser-known songs, reflects the care in creating a soundtrack that encapsulates the variety of emotions and situations faced by the characters. The use of music in Supernatural goes beyond mere functionality, becoming a powerful narrative tool that contributes to the richness of the viewer's experience.
7. Dean and His Food References
Dean Winchester's passion for fast food may seem like a trivial characteristic at first glance, but this deliberate choice by the writers plays a significant role in character construction. Dean's habit of resorting to fast meals serves as a way to humanize the hardened hunter. Amid battles with supernatural creatures and cosmic challenges, his food preferences provide moments of levity and identification for viewers.
8. The Witch Hunt Myth
Supernatural has the habit of incorporating real myths and legends into its supernatural narratives. An intriguing example is the episode "Malleus Maleficarum," based on real events of witch trials in Europe. This exploration of historical events adds a layer of authenticity to the series as characters deal with the unknown and face threats rooted deep in real-world history.
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Supernatural's approach to mythology and folklore is an engaging way to connect the supernatural with recognizable elements. By revisiting stories like the witch hunts, the series explores not only the horror of the unknown but also the darkness that permeated specific historical periods, adding complexity and nuance to the plot.
9. Bobby Singer: From Recurring Character to Fan Favorite
Bobby Singer, portrayed by the talented Jim Beaver, started as a secondary character but quickly became a fan favorite and an essential member of the
Winchester "family." The decision to extend Bobby's role was influenced by the remarkable chemistry between the cast and Beaver's charisma, adding a unique dynamic to the series.
The connection between the brothers and Bobby, marked by moments of humor, camaraderie, and tragedy, solidifies the character as a fundamental piece of Supernatural.
10. The Journey's End
Supernatural reached its peak, and after fifteen seasons, the Winchesters had their final encounter with the supernatural. The series finale not only concluded an epic narrative, but also paid homage to the characters' journey and the impact the series had on popular culture. The final episode was a mix of emotions, providing emotional closure for fans who followed the brothers' adventures over the years.
The choice to keep the ending realistic and focused on human relationships underscores Supernatural's central message: even in a universe full of supernatural creatures, true strength lies in connections between people. Supernatural's legacy transcends the genre and continues to resonate in fans' memories, solidifying its place as one of the most impactful TV series.
11. Production Challenges
Supernatural's production faced numerous challenges over its fifteen seasons. From budget constraints to the need to create impressive special effects with limited resources, the production team demonstrated exceptional skill in overcoming obstacles. The dedication to delivering visually impactful and narrative engaging episodes, even in the face of limitations, is a testament to the commitment that sustained the series over the years.
These challenges also influenced creative choices, leading to innovative solutions that contributed to Supernatural's unique style. Overcoming production obstacles not only enhanced the technical quality of the series but also added a layer of resilience that resonates with the characters' experiences in the plot.
12. The Origin of "Baby"
The Impala 67, affectionately known as "Baby," was not randomly chosen as the Winchester brothers' vehicle. Initially, Erik Kripke intended to give the two brothers a Mustang 65, but the Impala 67 was chosen because its trunk had enough capacity to fit a body.
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13. Dean and His Love for Horror Movies
Dean Winchester's peculiar taste for horror movies is more than just a personal preference; it is an extension of the actor who portrays him, Jensen Ackles. Ackles is known for his love of the genre, and the writers incorporated this passion into the character's personality. This decision not only provides moments of humor, as Dean often behaves as if he were in a horror movie, but also adds a layer of authenticity, bringing the fiction closer to the personality of the actor behind the role.
14. Stephen King's Influence
Stephen King's work left an indelible mark on Supernatural. The writers did not hesitate to incorporate elements and references to the renowned horror author's works. Episodes like "Christine," clearly inspired by King's novel of the same name, are smart tributes intertwined with Supernatural's unique mythology. King's influence goes beyond mere references, permeating the series' atmosphere and tone, capturing the essence of the horror resonating in the pages of the author's books.
15. Real Numbers
In the series, the cellphone numbers that appear were real. If by chance you called 866-907-3235, you would hear Jensen Ackles read the message:
"This is Dean Winchester. If this is an emergency, please leave a message. If you're calling about 11-2-83, give me your coordinates."
The date referred to the day the boys' mother died.
16. Misha Collins in Star Wars
Misha Collins, the actor behind Castiel, even auditioned to be Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones. Due to passing through a location with a river and getting dirty at the Skywalker Ranch before the interview, he was not successful in getting the role.
17. Meta and Self-Referential Episodes
Supernatural is known for its meta episodes, where characters acknowledge their existence as characters in a TV series. These self-critical episodes offer a playful look at the nature of television fiction. The famous episode "The French Mistake," in which Sam and Dean are transported to our world, exemplifies this unique and metafictional approach. This fourth-wall break not only provides hilarious moments but also gives fans a fun perspective on the behind-the-scenes of production.
18. Winchester House
Initially, the last name of the two main brothers was supposed to be Harrison. However, Kripke decided to change their last name and pay homage to the famous mansion that also inspired the film's story.
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19. Led Zeppelin
All four members of the band Led Zeppelin have been used as fake names in the Winchesters' identities. In the eighth season, Sam and Dean use the last name Bonham (John Bonham) and Jones (John Paul Jones). They also used the names Plant (Robert Plant) and Page (Jimmy Page) in another season.
20. Absurd Coincidence
Sam's birthday is on May 2, 1983. In 2007, Eric Kripke had his first child with his wife, and to everyone's surprise, the boy was born on May 2!
Finishing
Did you know all these curiosities? Comment on the ones that surprised you the most, any that were missing from this top 20, and also check out our article with more Top 10 Curiosities About Invincible!
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