You know, in the COUNTLESS articles I’ve written on this site (and elle2 as well), there hasn’t been anything that has paid a decent homage to the strong iron anchor in the Winchester’s lives. The one that holds everything together despite him being stretched so thin that it’s a miracle he never lets go. He’s a fighter, a mentor, a survivor, a subject matter expert, and he does amazing things when he has the weekend off. 

 

Let’s face it, as much as we love Bobby, he’s a slob. He has a house the size of a cathedral, but it’s littered with piles of books, papers, artifacts, and big bedrooms upstairs that don’t hold beds for his guests. His backyard is a classic car graveyard and even his dependable Chevelle, a true American classic, is a multi-colored junker. Somehow though, his lack of attention in his personal life doesn’t apply to his hunting. We accept his overlooking of those trivial things so he can focus on the bigger picture. You know, saving the world while he looks out for a pair of heroic brothers that never got that kind of devotion from their father.   

 

The hunting life, just like with other hunters, found Bobby through tragedy. A demon possessed his wife and he killed her without knowing what was really wrong. From that point forward, he dug into the life, learning all he could through research and understanding lore. A simple junk dealer in South Dakota became the librarian of the netherworld and an invaluable resource to those out there in the wilderness with no clue what they’re up against. Oh, but with that knowledge also came guts, for showing fear and hesitation won’t assure long term survival. No, he’s not growing old gracefully, but he is growing old.  

 

He cares more about Dean and Sam that anyone ever has. “Idgit” in his language is deep concern and he is there when both Sam and Dean die, forced to endure that pain of losing them. He turns to alcohol when Dean dies when he's left alone by a devastated Sam. Dean’s new chance becomes Bobby’s as well, and along with sobriety comes a new found responsibility to save the world. He doesn’t react to the presence of angels with disbelief and awe. He takes it like he does with everything else, with acceptance and the flexibility to change with the rules. 

 

He’s always respected the brothers enough to make their own decisions though, no matter whether he agrees with them or not. Sure, there are times he gives them the what for, like when they try to leave him behind in “No Rest For The Wicked” or when he tries to get Dean to show a little mercy to Sam in “When The Levee Breaks,” but he knows not to push too hard when their minds are made up. He's all to familiar with the stubbornness of a Winchester. 

 

Supporting the heroes is often more heroic, for the supporter has to stick with these conflicted beings and all their mistakes through thick and thin, covering their backs and rescuing them from themselves at times. Bobby especially has a heavy task, for he also has to step in when each brother doesn’t see eye to eye and do all he can to guide them toward even ground. He can only do so much though and is there for the fallout as well. He never gives up, and that right there is the best definition possible of the unsung hero. 


 

 

Bobby: You stupid ass! What did you do? What did you do?! [He pushes DEAN.] You made a deal...For Sam, didn't you? How long did they give you?

Dean: Bobby.

Bobby: How long?!

Dean: One year.

Bobby: Damn it, Dean.

Dean: Which is why we gotta find this yellow-eyed son of a bitch. That's why I'm gonna kill him myself. I got nothing to lose now, right?

Bobby: [He grabs DEAN by the collar] I could throttle you!

Dean: And send me downstairs ahead of schedule?

Bobby: [He lets go of DEAN] What is it with you Winchesters, huh? You, your dad. You're both just itching to throw yourselfs down the pit.

Dean: That's my point. Dad brought me back, Bobby. I'm not even supposed to be here. At least this way, something good could come out of it, you know? It's like my life could mean something.

Bobby: What? And it didn't before?! Have you got that low of an opinion of yourself? Are you that screwed in the head?! [He grabs Dean again]

Dean: [Choking up] I couldn't let him die, Bobby. I couldn't. He's my brother.

Bobby: How's your brother gonna feel when he knows your going to hell? How'd you feel when you knew your dad went for you?

Dean: You can't tell him. You can take a shot at me. Whatever you got to do, but please don't tell him.
[Bobby begins to cry, grabbing Dean's chin.]

 

“Fat, drunk and stupid is no way to go through life, son.”

 

Dean:  Thank you.

 

Bobby:  Do I look like a ditchable prom-date to you?
Sam:  No Bobby. Of course not.
Dean:  This is about me... and Sam. Ok? This isn't your fight.
Bobby:  The hell it isn't! Family don't end with blood, boy. Besides, you need me.
Dean:  Bobby.
Bobby:  You're playing wounded. Tell me, how many hallucinations have you had so far?
Dean:  How'd you know?
Bobby:  Because that's what happens when you've got hellhounds on your butt. And because I'm smart.

 

 

“If you're going to shoot, shoot! Don't talk!”

 

Dean:  How long's this going to go on?
Bobby:  Hang on, let me look it up in my demon detox manual. Oh wait. No-one ever wrote one. No telling how long it will take. Or even if Sam will survive this.

 

“You stupid, stupid, son of a bitch. Well boo-hooo I am so sorry your feelings are hurt – Princess. Are you under the impression that families are supposed to make you feel good? Make you an apple pie maybe? They're supposed to make you miserable! That's why they're family.”

 

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