Women and Supernatural: Sex or Subtext?
Saturday, 09 January 2010 19:00 | Last Updated on Saturday, 09 January 2010 19:31 | Written by elle2 | 
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Many women have crossed the landscape of Supernatural. They cover a variety of types: maternal – Mary, Ellen, Missouri; some are lovers, Jessica, Cassie; some had potential for love/lover status Layla, Sarah, Madison, Lindsey, Jo; some were manipulative, Meg, Ruby, Bela; some were ‘in the right place at the right time’, Dr. Cara, Anna; andthere are the many damsels in distress. For purposes of this article the ‘generic’ damsels in distress won’t be a focus, however, they might get a mention…maybe.
Many fans get overwrought when a woman character shows any interest in ‘the boys’, certain it seems that the CW and/or Eric Kripke are ruining the show by introducing ‘love interests’ or possible ‘love interests’ into the mix. I’ll call those fans purists, the ones who only want Sam and Dean, two brothers fighting evil, killing evil, saving people and hunting with only each other to rely on. I believe those fans are of the opinion that Sam should only have eyes for Jessica and that Dean should forever be devoted to mom and that no one, no one should force the boys to be with women as it messes with the core of the show; two brothers, driving the back roads, fighting evil.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with anyone who holds such an opinion, the purpose of this article is not to bash or berate or otherwise offend anyone’s sensibilities. If you hold that opinion, that’s awesome. It’s your opinion and by definition it is neither right nor wrong, it’s simply yours.
The purpose of this article is to explore what I think women; especially women that the boys sleep with -- although others will get some discussion -- bring to the characters of Sam and Dean. I believe the writers have been especially brilliant in using sex to show us another layer of the boys, you have to look for it, you have to analyze it and you have to ponder it at times but hey…it’s winter Hellatus, what else you got to do?
Many fans get overwrought when a woman character shows any interest in ‘the boys’, certain it seems that the CW and/or Eric Kripke are ruining the show by introducing ‘love interests’ or possible ‘love interests’ into the mix. I’ll call those fans purists, the ones who only want Sam and Dean, two brothers fighting evil, killing evil, saving people and hunting with only each other to rely on. I believe those fans are of the opinion that Sam should only have eyes for Jessica and that Dean should forever be devoted to mom and that no one, no one should force the boys to be with women as it messes with the core of the show; two brothers, driving the back roads, fighting evil.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with anyone who holds such an opinion, the purpose of this article is not to bash or berate or otherwise offend anyone’s sensibilities. If you hold that opinion, that’s awesome. It’s your opinion and by definition it is neither right nor wrong, it’s simply yours.
The purpose of this article is to explore what I think women; especially women that the boys sleep with -- although others will get some discussion -- bring to the characters of Sam and Dean. I believe the writers have been especially brilliant in using sex to show us another layer of the boys, you have to look for it, you have to analyze it and you have to ponder it at times but hey…it’s winter Hellatus, what else you got to do?
Now, on the other end of the fan spectrum from the purists (my word) are the confused (again, totally my word and sure to bring some ire down upon me…I’ll take it.) These are the fans who write Ausiello and Kirsten and anyone else out there with a possible inside scoop into the show and ask when Sam and Dean are each going to find a nice girl, settle down and start making babies. I call them confused because I don’t think they know what show they’re watching. Now, if they do know what show they’re watching, I then wonder at their logic, I mean, why mess with the brilliance that is Supernatural by introducing something that has no place in the show…and frankly I wouldn’t want to see Hollywood ever write it, no matter how good the writers are, ‘cause I just don’t think Hollywood has a clue how to write it…and for goodness sakes, we know the CW wouldn’t have a clue how to show it.
There are a whole lot of people that fall along the lines between the purists and the confused and while I hope everyone reads and gets some enjoyment – or at least is able to get through 15 minutes or so of winter hellatus – out of this article, the ones I most focus this towards are the purists…it is for them and because of them I have written this. It is because of their constant fear that the show is ruined because *gasp* Sam or Dean is having some physicality with someone, or perhaps someone is flirting with them (Lindsey is the latest to fall victim here) Any women, lovers or potential lovers especially, has only ever furthered the characters and I for one say, if Kripke and Co. treat any future women in the lover or potential lover category the way they’ve treated those in the past, then I’m all for it. However many more layers and however much more growth you want to reveal in Sam and Dean works for me.
“It’s probably the most honest I’ve ever been with a woman, ever.”
Season 1 Dean is fairly straightforward, clearly a womanizer, brazenly willing to suggest a carnal act at the conclusion of a harrowing experience (Wendigo) as well as leering at the lovely Layla (“Bet she can work in some mysterious ways.” Faith), yet there is a deeper layer that is offered when we meet Cassie (Route 666). Dean fell in love with Cassie and told the truth about hunting.
Cassie (like most logical thinking women) thought him nuts and that he wanted to break up with her, so she shrewdly broke up with him, crushing his vulnerable heart in the process. Sex with Cassie was cathartic to both of them, it affirmed their feelings from before, allowed them a chance to be vulnerable (physically and emotionally) and showed us that tender, honest, no-lies-from-me, Dean that we all suspected existed beneath that womanizer façade. All this in Season 1.
Much of Dean’s interactions with women remained on the surface and along the lines of a womanizer throughout Season 1, there’s the waitress in DITW, as well as Andrea; his first interaction with Layla (Faith), Shapeshifter/Dean ‘channels Dean’ and states that “He’d bang her if given the chance, (Skin), he tries to hit on Meg and is offended and amazed when she rebuffs him (sure sign of demonic possession) (Shadow).
Dean knows what his life is and knows that deep relationships are impossible, and if he did for one fleeting moment think differently, Cassie disabused him of that notion, both in the past when she dumped him and in the more recent encounter when she said she was realistic and didn’t see much hope for them. Dean knows that superficial is all he’s got or as his doppelganger in Skin said… “I know I’m a freak”; Dean knows who he is and what the realities are of the hunting life.
“Wrong place, wrong time.”
Season 2 peels back another layer, albeit slightly; when a deeply grieving Dean meets Jo Harvelle. Despite her obvious attraction and likely willingness he stops himself in the middle of hitting on her and pulls back. This is where a depth to Dean is revealed if only but for a moment. Some may say he’s purely about a roll in the hay, love ‘em and leave ‘em, find a willing partner, have fun and go on your way; but he’s not. Jo was willing and they could have easily enjoyed each other’s company. But Dean makes it clear that he’s just not ready, there’s too much else going on and he just can’t bring himself to enjoy the physical pleasures of a willing lover. This is a deeper side, a pure gigolo would not likely have such restraints (admittedly I’m generalizing.)
That’s not to say that Dean didn’t move on with his grief and reach a point of enjoying females but aside from ogling girlie magazines and the occasional stare here and there Dean didn’t allow himself any pleasure with women (at least that we’re aware) until Hollywood Babylon where he found another willing and just as superficial individual that treated sex as something to have fun with and nothing more. Perhaps it was fitting that this happened after Sam’s tragic time with Madison. Perhaps Dean, in realizing how deeply affected Sam was after Madison, allowed himself the pleasures of a woman again as a way of affirming life (could be I’m just really stretching here too).
Notice that very shortly thereafter he’s transported to an alter-reality, dream-state if you will in WIAWSNB. There he finds himself in a fairly committed relationship. Carmen has clearly moved in with him, not only evidenced by the closet full of clothes but the mail delivery. He also opens up to her about his pain over not being close to Sam and even tells her that he knows why she’s ‘the one.’ All this in a dream state where Dean wished mom didn’t die. There is a secret longing inside Dean for a normal life, even if he can’t bring himself to admit it in the conscious state, not yet.
“The bendiest weekend of my life.”
Enter Lisa Braedon in Season 3, a past lover, someone who was most definitely a willing and transient partner in Dean’s life. Now, eight years later he looks her up and imagine his shock, dismay, hope and then regret as he realizes she’s changed, has a son … and it isn’t his. This is a long way from the Dean of DITW who can’t find his way to a good pick up line (“Kids are great.”) Now he’s chatting with a mini-Dean, giving the little guy some advice on how to handle bullies, saving his life (and seeing a bit of himself in Ben) and in the end realizes that he would like what’s in front of him but also recognizes the reality (again) of his life (“…this house and a kid…it’s not my life, never will be.”)
Clearly Lisa remains on Dean’s mind, and the reality of his life weighs heavy as we see in DALDOM. Lisa makes a brief cameo appearance but we see that the longing for normalcy, a family and a permanence remains in Dean. It’s not in his conscious state but clearly it remains a part of him that, similar to WIAWSNB, is tapped when his subconscious (or dream state) is reached.
There are a whole lot of people that fall along the lines between the purists and the confused and while I hope everyone reads and gets some enjoyment – or at least is able to get through 15 minutes or so of winter hellatus – out of this article, the ones I most focus this towards are the purists…it is for them and because of them I have written this. It is because of their constant fear that the show is ruined because *gasp* Sam or Dean is having some physicality with someone, or perhaps someone is flirting with them (Lindsey is the latest to fall victim here) Any women, lovers or potential lovers especially, has only ever furthered the characters and I for one say, if Kripke and Co. treat any future women in the lover or potential lover category the way they’ve treated those in the past, then I’m all for it. However many more layers and however much more growth you want to reveal in Sam and Dean works for me.
“It’s probably the most honest I’ve ever been with a woman, ever.”
Season 1 Dean is fairly straightforward, clearly a womanizer, brazenly willing to suggest a carnal act at the conclusion of a harrowing experience (Wendigo) as well as leering at the lovely Layla (“Bet she can work in some mysterious ways.” Faith), yet there is a deeper layer that is offered when we meet Cassie (Route 666). Dean fell in love with Cassie and told the truth about hunting.
Cassie (like most logical thinking women) thought him nuts and that he wanted to break up with her, so she shrewdly broke up with him, crushing his vulnerable heart in the process. Sex with Cassie was cathartic to both of them, it affirmed their feelings from before, allowed them a chance to be vulnerable (physically and emotionally) and showed us that tender, honest, no-lies-from-me, Dean that we all suspected existed beneath that womanizer façade. All this in Season 1.
Much of Dean’s interactions with women remained on the surface and along the lines of a womanizer throughout Season 1, there’s the waitress in DITW, as well as Andrea; his first interaction with Layla (Faith), Shapeshifter/Dean ‘channels Dean’ and states that “He’d bang her if given the chance, (Skin), he tries to hit on Meg and is offended and amazed when she rebuffs him (sure sign of demonic possession) (Shadow).
Dean knows what his life is and knows that deep relationships are impossible, and if he did for one fleeting moment think differently, Cassie disabused him of that notion, both in the past when she dumped him and in the more recent encounter when she said she was realistic and didn’t see much hope for them. Dean knows that superficial is all he’s got or as his doppelganger in Skin said… “I know I’m a freak”; Dean knows who he is and what the realities are of the hunting life.
“Wrong place, wrong time.”
Season 2 peels back another layer, albeit slightly; when a deeply grieving Dean meets Jo Harvelle. Despite her obvious attraction and likely willingness he stops himself in the middle of hitting on her and pulls back. This is where a depth to Dean is revealed if only but for a moment. Some may say he’s purely about a roll in the hay, love ‘em and leave ‘em, find a willing partner, have fun and go on your way; but he’s not. Jo was willing and they could have easily enjoyed each other’s company. But Dean makes it clear that he’s just not ready, there’s too much else going on and he just can’t bring himself to enjoy the physical pleasures of a willing lover. This is a deeper side, a pure gigolo would not likely have such restraints (admittedly I’m generalizing.)
That’s not to say that Dean didn’t move on with his grief and reach a point of enjoying females but aside from ogling girlie magazines and the occasional stare here and there Dean didn’t allow himself any pleasure with women (at least that we’re aware) until Hollywood Babylon where he found another willing and just as superficial individual that treated sex as something to have fun with and nothing more. Perhaps it was fitting that this happened after Sam’s tragic time with Madison. Perhaps Dean, in realizing how deeply affected Sam was after Madison, allowed himself the pleasures of a woman again as a way of affirming life (could be I’m just really stretching here too).
Notice that very shortly thereafter he’s transported to an alter-reality, dream-state if you will in WIAWSNB. There he finds himself in a fairly committed relationship. Carmen has clearly moved in with him, not only evidenced by the closet full of clothes but the mail delivery. He also opens up to her about his pain over not being close to Sam and even tells her that he knows why she’s ‘the one.’ All this in a dream state where Dean wished mom didn’t die. There is a secret longing inside Dean for a normal life, even if he can’t bring himself to admit it in the conscious state, not yet.
“The bendiest weekend of my life.”
Enter Lisa Braedon in Season 3, a past lover, someone who was most definitely a willing and transient partner in Dean’s life. Now, eight years later he looks her up and imagine his shock, dismay, hope and then regret as he realizes she’s changed, has a son … and it isn’t his. This is a long way from the Dean of DITW who can’t find his way to a good pick up line (“Kids are great.”) Now he’s chatting with a mini-Dean, giving the little guy some advice on how to handle bullies, saving his life (and seeing a bit of himself in Ben) and in the end realizes that he would like what’s in front of him but also recognizes the reality (again) of his life (“…this house and a kid…it’s not my life, never will be.”)
Clearly Lisa remains on Dean’s mind, and the reality of his life weighs heavy as we see in DALDOM. Lisa makes a brief cameo appearance but we see that the longing for normalcy, a family and a permanence remains in Dean. It’s not in his conscious state but clearly it remains a part of him that, similar to WIAWSNB, is tapped when his subconscious (or dream state) is reached.
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Comments
Let’s face it – these are two young, incredibly handsome men. I can’t imagine them living like monks (and I believe there is not a hunter’s guidebook on How to Live as a Supernatural Celibate). Any definition for me here? I guess I’m just one of those (well, somewhat) normal, sexually active young women who love to watch the show, and don’t mind the occasional love scene.
As they are constantly on the road it’s not easy for them to find comfort or the warmth of another person, and mostly they give it to one another and the people closest to them, Bobby in particular. You know, those typical ‘I squeeze your shoulder in a special way’ male kind of hugs (and, just in case, I’m not referring to Wincest here, of course, quote Dean: ‘that’s just sick’).
With the opposite sex it’s a totally different thing, and I found it quite intriguing to see the differences - Dean, the HanSolo-esque character that was introduced as a womanizer, is incredibly tender and gentle, albeit passionate, while Sam, the shy, puppy dog-eyed scholar, likes it rough and fiery. Only with the occasional/demon sex, though. I was completely taken aback by the tenderness Sam showed with Lucifer’s illusion-Jessica, which (to my mind) was even sexier than anything else we’ve seen him do in bed. That scene in FreeToBeYouAndMe moved me to tears.
When we see the brothers with women you often sense that subcutaneous longing for a home (Sam found one with Jess for a short while, Dean was dreaming of it with Lisa), the kind of security only a partner can provide.
I believe both are tired of this fight. As long as it had been just monsters and demons, I guess they still liked their job to some extent (and Dean also had more fun doing it than Sam), but with the stakes that high and the experiences forced upon them, they are ‘fighting the good fight’ because they have to. They won’t quit. They are men of integrity and honour and they don’t want to abandon this world and all the people about to die. Sometimes, I think, they might wish to not be that kind of men.
Deep down, I guess they would give anything to be at peace for a while. But, I also guess, they know and fear that nothing can give them that, not after all the tragedies they encountered first hand.
But I fear finding peace with a female companion will not come to pass, as the road their lives have taken so far, does not have much room for a meaningful relationship. There’s always the danger, the moving on, and they need to concentrate on their task, right now, stop the devil. Sometimes I think, it would only work out, if the woman was a huntress herself. (Are there really people out there who expect Sam and Dean to have babies? Within this show? Gosh, I’m glad I’m not visiting those websites).
I agree with you that those people who react in so radical a manner, as you touched on in your article, probably watch a different show. Or, they can’t differentiate between reality and fictional story. Or they are the same who were known to bash characters and actors alike. Don’t know. My analytical mind is not at its best today, forgive me.
You tackled a difficult subject here. I’m curious to read what others are going to say. Thanks for this, Elle2.
Best always, Jas
You have analyzed Dean and his women the way I have imagined he was deep down inside. He is such a bad ass character and yet so gentle and kind and caring to his female partners. I really loved Anna in "Heaven and Hell" for her kindness and understanding towards him. I felt that was something that he desperately needed at that time and she delivered it beautifully.
I truly have enjoyed Dean's delightful adventures with his female lovers, friends, one night stands and casual flirts. I love the guy and love it when he has his few and far between encounters with the fair sex and experiences happiness for a short time.
As far as Sam is concerned, I admire Sarah Blake and feel that she has been the best one for him. I actually like her better than Jessica, but that's just me. She is gorgeous, smart, brave and knows exactly what Sam is about and likes him in spite of it all. Not her to go running off after finding out his lifestyle. I could wish for him to revisit Sarah perhaps in the sixth season. I agree with Dean when he said "Marry that girl!".
No, marriage and babies have no place in this show as it is. Perhaps sometime in the far future after the show has ended, and the fan fiction can make that happen.
Hope we can see more happy encounters with women who can interact with the boys. Haven't had too much happy happy since the first part of season 3. (The Doubemint Twins). Maybe in season 6.
Still upset that a potential future happiness with a fellow hunter will never happen now. I mean with Jo Harvelle. I would have liked to see a little development in that direction. Oh well! Sniff!
I like Sarah for Sam, much better than Jessica. Sarah knew Sam’s job and accepted I, she even helped! She also seemed very attune to Sam’s personality and issues…at least he opened up with her..and yes…., Dean definitely approved!
Dean so far hasn’t been that lucky, but he can open up, like he did with Cassie…she just wasn’t the right one for him. Maybe after the end of the myth arc, he will find someone. At least someone he can visit once in a while.
I like your analysis very much, and found it illuminating. Thanks
I'm glad you brought up Dean's not-at-all-well-concealed-in-spite-of-all-the-porn soft center, it's one of the things that makes the character so likeable! ( The other reasons are available in a bound set of 25 volumes from a fan site near you ...
Thank you for you fantastic comments and further analyses.
This was a tough article to write mostly because I had so many ideas and then once I got started it was hard to rein them in and get them organized; it's taken a long time.
I agree, Faellie, that the idea of trying to push or pull the story in one direction or the other simply destroys the pure joy of being surprised each week. I've learned to enjoy the ride and clap my hands like an excited toddler at the unveiling of 'what's next.' Call me childlike, I'm fine with that; the joy of a child is a sight to behold.
Jas, I appreciate your further analysis especially your points about Sam and 'Jessica' in FTBYAM. Those scenes added so much depth to their relationship that The Pilot just did not have time to develop other than her encouragement of Sam with his LSAT's and his 'future on a plate interview' so it was excellent that the writers chose to go back there and give us something further, even if it was in the guise of Lucifer; Sam's thoughts and emotions were real and very important.
In my opinion the majority of the fans are neither the purists or the confused but are simply fans, excited at each new episode, happy to enjoy the show and along for the ride -- but what fun article would that be to write? Seriously (seriously?) the impulse to write this likely surfaced in some subconscious way after IKWYDLS but got stronger and clearer as time progressed. I had attemtpted to write this over the summer hellatus but couldn't find the words...winter hellatus found them for me.
Bevie, I did like Jo, especially at the end (still sobbing!) and will be very interested to see how that affects Dean in the future.
Suze, you like Faellie and so many others are in the category of 'childlike enjoyment' of SPN -- Hooray!!! (even w/o the zombie 'gators.) Dean does have a soft side and yes, the 25 volume set of fanfiction (LOL) does show off those many other facets quite excellently.
Thank you all for your thoughts, Jas, I too am enjoying the thoughts of others!
I have been wondering about what kind of a woman it would have to be, to have an actual relationship with them. To actually love them (I'm talking here about the profile of that woman, not ONE woman for BOTH of them. But you knew that, right? ;-)). Sam and Dean are constantly on the road, they have a life-threatening job, enemies behind every corner and are deeply traumatised. Not really dream-men, are they? But preciseley because of their sucky lives I find myself wanting a loving and caring woman by their side (call me sentimental, what can I say, I am :-)). So, what would that woman have to be like?
I'll start from myself: after watching the movie "Into the wild" I asked myself whether I would give the (real) main character Chris a ride, or invite him into my house, or go have a coffee with him. Chris was a peculiar person, different, odd ... well, strange. Since I knew his story I knew he was good and would have loved to meet him. But what if he was a total stranger I didn't know anything about, just met him on the road? I guess, I would have thought twice.
Now, what if I met Sam and Dean on the road, in a roadside cafe, a gas station, a motel? Not knowing anything about them, but finding out later, I'd most probably react like Jamie. But if I knew everything about them from the beginning, I'd most surely run. Far away from them. Fighting the devil himself, 'destined' to be vessels for supernatural creatures, both having been dead and resurrected, Dean having been to hell and back, and almost all their friends ending up killed, ... hello, honestly, who wants to have such characters in one's life? Well, I'd settle for an online friendship with them, helping them as much as possible with research
So, what would the women by their sides have to be like? I believe, first of all, it would have to be someone they had known for a long time, I'm thinking about a childhood friend (sounds unbelievable? Well, anything is possible, right?), and definitely someone they share good memories with (sounds unbelievable? Well, just imagine), but also someone who knows what's going on with them right now. She's smart, brave, loyal and cares deeply for them. I wouldn't make her a huntress, but give her some well paid freelance job, so she can be on the road with them (that's the practical woman in me ;-)). She knows how to fight and talk herself out of any situation. She knows how to deal with the guy's trauma, providing comfort and security. She's an optimistic person, despite everything, believes that God will come back and fix things. Or will, at least, make her guy believe she does believe this. Sometimes it's enough that the one you love bears hope, to be hopeful yourself. Dean's girl would also have to be pretty laid back and have a great sense of humour to deal with his flirty personality, right? Trust is a big issue, and this is why I think a long term friend from the past would be best. .... I just realized, I described super-woman, hmmmm, .... :roll:: does this mean the perfect female companion for Sam and Dean doesn't exist???
I'd love to see what you guys come up with. What do you think the perfect woman for a Winchester brother would have to be like? Maybe someone write an article about this?
Cheers from snowy, freezing Germany!
Lara
Sam seems to be the more straight laced one until he gets into bed. I agree with Jas that it was nice to see that more intatmate moment between Sam and Jess and that small moment revealed so much about their relationship. I always saw Sam as a more romantic sort that he has this dream in his head about what he wants from his life and that he'd yearned for it so badly that he was unwilling to do anything to risk that and that included not being honest about his family and his past to the woman he loved. I imagine he gave her half truths, he moved around as a child because of his fathers job, disagreed with Dad about going to college because his dad thought he should stick with his family etc etc thinking that he was giving her most of the truth while still protecting her and his dream. This is very much like what his mother did keeping a part of her past hidden from the person she loved in an effort to protect them and the life they built but in both cases keeping that part of them hidden ended in tragedy. I think that Sam also believes that he has to keep the dark side of himself and his life hidden because he himself is ashamed of it and thinks (wrongly as Sarah proved) that if someone knew about it that they would turn him away because he would (and does). I agree with Dean I really liked Sarah too, strong smart and practicle she takes everything in her stride and shows Sam that someone knowing everything doesn't always have to end badly.
I class myself as a 'go with the flow' person and I let kripke and co tell me their story. Sure I haven't liked some of the hook-ups/relationships but mostly because I felt that the chemistry between the actors wasn't right, or there at all, but then that's the same with any character. I don't object to the boys having relationships, as elle2 points out in this excellent article their lives are so transient that to have an actual relationship is practically impossible because they aren't around long enough to have the time to get to know someone well enough for that to happen. Which is, unfortunatly for them, a hazard of the job and for the moment they have far more pressing things like the devil and the apocolypse to handle without the pressures of a long distance relationship on their hands.
Sorry this is rather long! Thanks for listening to my rambling and again loved the article!
There is one point specifically where I slightly disagree. I merely see it differently, I guess, so I'm in no way implying that you're wrong. Just that I didn't see it that way. And that's Dean's initial relationship with Jo. I am, and probably always will be, of the firm conviction that Dean backed down from hitting on Jo for two -- to me at least -- obvious reasons. She saw right through it, even called him on it. And, like it or not, I think Dean actually meant it when he said yes to being afraid of Ellen.
I don't know if I'm reading this wrong, but I get the impression that you don't think Sam ever actually loved Jessica. I may have read it wrong. Personally I do think he loved her and that she represented everything he never had. A stable home, someone who was actually able to tell him how she felt about him without making a big joke out of it or barking orders at him. Why he chose not to tell her where he came from? In part fear of how she would take it, I guess, as well as the family motto. We do what we do and we shut up about it. This is so ingrained in both Dean and Sam that talking about it must really cost them a lot. They've since learned that they need to talk about it, that opening up doesn't always mean bad things will happen.
All in all, I really enjoyed your article. I don't know which category I fall into. I don't mind the love interests at all, I would like to see them settle down, but I know it won't happen unless something really drastic happens ... like the end of Armageddon and the absence of all things evil?
Oh well. A girl can dream, can't she? :mrgreen: Loved it.
Wonderful additional thoughts, all.
Freebird, wow, what a description, I think that's two superwomen (there out there right? Perhaps if there's a season 7 hah!!)
Bethany, I do believe very much that Sam is the more romantic of the two -- at least outwardly -- Dean has a romantic side (DALDOM) but it's not something he thinks about whereas Sam definitely had to have had something otherwise he and Jess wouldn't have gotten as far as they did.
Cathy, I do think that Sam loved Jessica very much (as very evident most recently in Free to be ...) I think it's more that he didn't trust that part of himself, the hunter aspect to share it with her, but he did love her very much.
You bring up an excellent point that Dean not only respected, but feared (which in a way is actually more respect in this context) Ellen. Good point.
Thanks for all the comments.
So many good thoughts, and I couldn't agree more with you! I too like the show how it is (with the occasional women), I enjoy the ride every week and hope that the Kripke & Co. never change it, or if/when the show ends they would hint it.
And Bevie, there's already fanfic with babies, most of it not really worth it to read but I like Ridley James "Legacy" that is actually very good ('specially because the babies are teenagers and know all about the supernatural world), but that's just my opinion.
Thank-you for article, I really enjoyed it.
It got me thinking about the downside to Sam and Deans relationships in the supernatural world.
Living the hunting life style, forever on the road, fighting against supernatural entities, they shouldn’t have a serious relationship.
Just look at the damage the Demon’s alone have caused.
Mary, both her parents, Ellen and Jo, all of them lost their lives, despite their knowledge and expertise, it still wasn’t enough to save them.
John selling his soul in order to save Dean.
And Jessica because of her relationship with Sam “..was dead the moment she said hello”.
With what both Sam and Dean have gone through and what they have lost, how could it not effect or change their view on relationships?
For me Dean opening himself up to Cassie and having his heart broken, made him realize that it was safer and easier to stick with One-night stands, this way he couldn’t get hurt again. Just think if things had developed between Dean and Jo, how much more painful and devastating would this be to him now.
As for Sam, I think after losing Jessica and having to kill Madison it kind of made sense being with Ruby. He wasn’t endangering anyone. There wouldn’t be any Jessica repeats. Although his relationship with Ruby was safe it also made him feel repulsed and ashamed. This is why I think he went along with his encounter with Dr Cara. I think it made him feel human, that he was still part of the human race.
I would love for both Sam and Dean to find someone to settle down with. They really deserve to be able to have somewhat of a normal life. However I think it would only work if and when they call it quits to the hunting life.
Thanks for the comments. I'm glad you enjoyed the article.
I agree, if Kripke wants to hint at something in the future (as the show ends...whenever that may be) that works for me as hints don't fully give the picture.
Karen, interesting thoughts on the how and why of Sam with Ruby and then with Dr. Cara...good analysis!
Thank you.
Yeah, too weird. I remember a few months back - or several months back - reading a Kristen de Santos spoiler where the question was akin to "I really want Sam and Dean going to get girls and start having babies, any change that's going to happen?" I think the response was something along the lines that anything was possible and that Anna was to return but not to get hopes up too high (I think that was quite a while ago prior to When The Levee Breaks first aired)
Like I said in some of my comments, this idea has been percolating for a long, long time and I filed that nugget away to incorporate into the article -- thus the 'confused' were formed.
Good times.
I do think the early Jo was searching for something, her place, a life of her own outside of her mom's saloon. We know she didn't want to go back to school (I was a freak with a knife collection.) And unfortunately for her she was surrounded with hunting, and a desire to honor her father -- hmm, something in common with both Winchesters as time progressed. She caught on to Dean's come on quick enough in ELAC (not that it was hard) and it showed that she had respect for herself and wasn't willing to just be anyone and everyone's one-night stand.
I'm in full agreement with you on the many layers of the show, monsters and demons (as Kripke has long stated) are merely the backdrop, window dressing if you will, the real story is in the characters; and it's rich, compelling, complex and growing.
Thanks for reading
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