I sent a letter to the Supernatural writers
Dear Sera Gamble and Supernatural writers,
I am a 28 year-old law student and a rabid Supernatural fan-girl.
I appreciate what you’re doing this season - taking away everything that Sam and Dean have ever relied on - I find it intriguing and compelling. There’s an underlying, brooding darkness this season that makes the brothers’ emotional journey feel very vital and real. I’m enjoying it so far.
The thing is, that there’s this gaping Castiel-shaped hole in my heart, and it’s slowly killing me. I’m glad he’s coming back to the show, because that means that I’ll survive, and recover, and hopefully go on to live a long and prosperous life. But there’s a lot of suspicion in the fandom that at the end of his three-episode arc, Castiel will be killed off again. I don’t think I could make it through it if that happened.
Hyperbole aside, Castiel is such a great character, with all his depth and complexity, and it’s just a pleasure to watch Misha Collins play him. I understand how having a super-powered being on-hand presents a challenge to the story, and to maintaining a sense of danger and urgency. Also, the show isn’t about heavenly politics, so I can understand bringing that storyline to a close. I initially thought that the ultimate outcome of Castiel’s stint as god and death would be that he’d eventually be brought back, only with his powers diminished and permanently shut out of heaven. So that Castiel could continue to be a regular character on the show, but without having to deal with all the angel baggage.
I still hope that’s the case. Castiel is an epic character, his story cannot be over so soon. Really, he could carry his own spin-off. But even as a secondary character within the framework of Supernatural, he still has so far to go. I want to see him learn how to be a member of a family, to learn how to make the right choices. His continued journey would be a way to reflect Sam and Dean’s development, as well as being relevant to the over-arching themes of the series, especially the theme of family. Of course Sam and Dean anchor the show. But to quote Bobby, “Family don’t end with blood.” Found-family can be just as important, and for some people it’s all they have. I believe that it’s worthwhile to have different models of relationships represented and valued on the show.
I wish I knew what you were planning, so I could prepare my poor fan-girl heart for what’s coming up. I’m sure it will be gut wrenching and soul shattering. Just please, please, please keep Castiel and Misha on the show. Please. And keep up the good work.
