The Top 11 Supernatural Characters I’d Love To See Back
9. Ed Zeddmore and Harry Spengler (A.J. Buckley and Travis Wester) – Appeared in: “Hell House,” “Ghostfacers!” and “It’s a Terrible Life.”
Okay, so, I know “Ghostfacers!” was an episode people either loved or loathed, with more emphasis towards the latter, but I’m totally in the former category. I loved that we got to see the boys swear up a blue streak, because regardless of that we hadn’t seen them swear beyond the FCC guidelines (damn you, network censors!), come on. Was anyone really of the mind that Sam and Dean didn’t drop the F-bomb now and again? Yeah, that’s what I thought.
I also loved the interactions between Ed and Harry—they reminded me of a watered down Sam and Dean, actually. Very watered down, but still. And I loved their recurrence in “It’s a Terrible Life,” wherein they legitimately were necessities for the boys to live. Well, kinda. Technically it was Sam and Dean who indirectly helped themselves, but that conundrum is a little headache-inducing for me. Plus, I adore A.J. and Travis as well—from everything I’ve seen of them at cons and in interviews and such, they’re both hilarious and down-to-earth—so win-win.
10. Young John and Mary (played by Matt Cohen and Amy Gumenick) – Appeared in: “In the Beginning” and “The Song Remains the Same.”
These two are arguably the ones most probable to make a resurgence, especially with the news that [spoiler: Grandpa Campbell] is doing so, and I just have to say that I’d be psyched to see them. I thought the reveal that Mary was a hunter was absolutely fantastic, and that moreover, John was a sweet, thoughtful civilian. Of course, that all went to Hell in a handbasket once John found out about what goes on in the dark and switched to the train heading towards the John Winchester we know best, but then, at least Michael did remedy the whole thing, right?
Anyway, again, I’m figuring they’d just appear in a flashback, or maybe in another time travel episode, but I’d still thoroughly enjoy them gracing my screen once more.
11. Lenore (played by Amber Benson) – Appeared in: “Bloodlust.”
The good-vampires storyline is one I feel would’ve been interesting to revisit. In every vampire episode we’ve had besides that one, even “Fresh Blood,” which aired a season later, they were portrayed as evil supernatural creatures, and rightfully so. But then we get “Bloodlust,” and it presents a moral quandary not just in the matter of killing vampires, but for Dean, in killing anything supernatural. As he said right before that iconic sunburst shot, “What if we killed things that didn’t deserve killing? […] The way Dad raised us, to hate those things, and man I hate ’em, I do.” While in subsequent episodes there was still moral waffling, it was pretty much the same as before “Bloodlust,” and I kinda wish the episode had been touched on again. I doubt Sam and Dean would want to seek out or accept help from vampires, even from Lenore’s clan, but I think it’d be neat to have them come back; have Lenore come back, at least.
Honorable Mentions
1. Evil!Sam (yes, it counts) – Appeared in: “Asylum,” “Born Under a Bad Sign,” “The End,” and “Swan Song.”
My personal theory for why the light burned out in “Swan Song” is just that—the light burned out. It’d be so Kripke to watch as the fandom spazzed out over Hellatus, postulating that Sam’s evil, he’s not evil, everything in between, when reality, the Cicero public officials simply hadn’t replaced that lightbulb in a while.
All right, so odds are that isn’t the answer, because clearly there needs to be even more angst in the show, so Sam’s probably going to still have a lot of demon blood left in him which is why the light burned out; or, another theory I’ve heard is that Sam’s a spirit, but I’m not sure that holds a lot of water either. Then there’s the Sam’s-an-angel one which would be cool but very improbable.
Honestly, I don’t care whether it’s Samifer, whether it’s possession (however impossible that may be, given the boys’ tattoos), whether it’s a hallucination, I’m not that picky. I just love love LOVE when Jared plays evil—and he has repeatedly said he does, too—and I’d be over the moon to see him do so again. Mind you, I don’t want Sam to be permanently evil, but…maybe just a quick cameo à la “The End”?
2. Jesse Turner (played by Gattlin Griffith) – Appeared in: “I Believe the Children Are Our Future.”
I dare you to find me a cuter Antichrist—or kid for that matter. I DARE you.
In all seriousness, I am wondering what happened to this little dude, myself. He’s probably hanging out in Australia doing…something, and honestly he’s kind of useless at this point, because the Apocalypse is already stopped, but I’d at least like a mention of him. I’m not entirely sure why they even introduced Jesse in the first place, since if you delete that episode, everything falls into place just fine, but because the episode is there, a callback to it would be great.
Feel free to counter my thoughts, or add your own; I’m curious as to what other people think on this topic.
P.S. I didn’t put Lisa on the list for a reason. SPOILER (highlight to read), Jensen said she’s coming back for three-ish episodes in season six, so it’s already a guarantee. Otherwise, she’d totally be on here.
Screencaps from seasons one through three are mine; seasons four and five are from toxic_caps.
Just to mention, the spoiler in No.10 hasn’t been whited out yet.
(That could so be a political comment on my future employment prospects.)
I forgot how much I loved Sarah until she was brought up again. I actually really liked her, and I hope she comes back.
I also want Andy back, and Adam. I loved real Adam, not ghoul Adam so much, but real Adam.
Yes to all of the above and if we’re allowing dead people ( a la Hendriksen ) I’d chuck in Ash ( what a surprise! ) and Ron the Mandroid fancier as well …
Faellie – Yeah, I know. I asked Alice to white it out; in my original LJ post it was, but apparently it didn’t transfer.
Suze – Ooh, yeah, I’d love to see Ronald back, too! He was awesome.
Laurel,
First off, I adore your name!!!!
Secondly, thanks for this awesome list. I love Sarah and agree, never heard a bad word said about her. Like Jaime she seemed to be a great pairing for Sam as Jaime was for Dean. Perhaps the two ladies could team up and do some demon/vampire/shapeshifter et al hunting.
I agree with your whited out post on who didn’t make the list here as I love her and am glad for your sentiments as well.
Jake Abel was excellent in all four incarnations he brought to the screen and I enjoyed all of them but the real Adam is my favorite, a perfect blend of anger, independence…or as Sam said, With that attitude you’d fit right in around here…he so did.
Ash, Ash, Ash, I definitely hope he returns and while some don’t enjoy the retreading of past characters I would truly enjoy it if a way could be found to bring back Nicki Aycox as Meg…maybe, maybe, maybe.
The ones that are returning according to the spoilers have me very excited…ten more weeks, yikes, must. stop. counting. the. days.
Thanks for this fun list and never be afraid to be different, 11 faves or 12 or 21, with fun writing and lots of love it’s a great read.
Some pretty yummy pics of Sam in there! 😀
Yes, I’d like to see Sarah back too. I liked her for Sam…so did Dean. 🙂
Great list, Laurel!
I’d love to see back:
hahaha Sam’s hair
-Adrianne Palicki
-of course Jeffrey Dean Morgan
-Meg
-Richard Speight aka the Trickster, Lucky and the archangel Gabriel
-and the demon Cassie from 3.04 Sin City
and you know? the girl on 5.04 The End, The girl that played Risa.
elle2 – Why thank you! That’s very nice of you. Haha, a Sarah and Jamie hunting team would be all sorts of awesome! Adam did indeed fit into the Winchester family, whether he wanted to or not (emphasis on the latter), and I think if he hadn’t been taken over by Michael, Sam and Dean would’ve grown on him.
Nicki was amazing; much as I thought Rachel did a fine job, there’s still something about Nicki that embodies Meg’s true form. Though Jared did, in my opinion, the closest to Nicki’s performance.
Sablegreen – Couldn’t resist! Sam/Jared is just so…well, you know. 😉 And you’re totally right: Dean *did* tell Sam to marry her, after all.
anielle – Ah, yeah, I should’ve. I can’t believe I forgot those appearances! I’m such a bad fan. Gordon would be interesting to bring back, and I too hope CHuck isn’t gone for good.
Perfect List. And thank you for including the bit about Season 1 Sam Hair. I miss it terribly. From what I hear, Jared doesn’t care for the long hair either.
I agree on almost everything, except having Adam back. I’d like him back for just one episode, so we can find out what happened after Michael and Lucifer fell into the pit.
Totally agree on your list. I love that you added the Sam hair in there.
One charakter I would like to return is Ellen. I loved it how the boys treated her with respect (and sometimes even fear). And how she treated the boys, not like she wanted to be their mother, but still with motherly love.
Your list is great!
Especially I love Sarah Blake (but NOT to be killed off). She was perfect for Sam.
Andy I adored and was sick when he was killed. Such a sweet personality. He was so content with his state in life and “had everything he needed”. What a sweetie!
I want to find out that Adam is back with his mom. Loved how he was so perfect a fit for a Winchester.
I’d love to see Missouri back but am so scared if they do that they will kill her off too! I’d rather never see her again than have that happen. (Why does Sera love to kill everybody?) 🙁
I too was hoping Henrickson could become a hunter and interact with the boys from time to time. Disappointed that he is a goner.
Really really missing Ellen, Jo and Ash. Love all three of them.
Trickster just has to be back. He’s just the best! Let God reward him for his loyalty and revive him like Cas.
Loved Sam’s hair in season 1. When it is away from his forehead he seems a much more hardened character and I like his personality in season 1, 2 and 3 the best.
Colin Ford is just amazing!
Jamie was adorable and a sensible and brave lady and had the good taste to connect with a re-hymenated Dean. Lucky Jamie!! 😉
Love the Ghostfacers and trust they will be back at some time. Hell House is one of my favourite episodes.
I’d love to see more of Chuck also in any one of his personas. God/prophet/author/shmuck/loser
Loved Ron too but I’m afraid he’s really gone for good. He was almost as good a hunter as the Winchesters. A great researcher. He could have been a big help to them if he had survived. Too bad Ronnie Resnick! Rest in peace.
As for the street light bursting when Sam appeared outside of Lisa’s house, I read another theory which I approve of, and that is that Cas brought Sam there and that is why the light shattered. Always happens when angels first appear. I do not want him to be back with more dark powers or anything. I just want human Sammy back!
Love lists like this. More lists please.
tessa and carmen
Always thought Sarah was the best female character they could have developed. Besides liking the actress, I liked the character’s venturesomeness and adaptability. The writers seemed to want to introduce full blown female hunters or demons who always made Sam and Dean appear dumb. Sarah was perfect as someone who could have grown into being a hunter–and it would have been fun to watch her do so and sharpen her skills to equal the guys–beside bringing a woman’s perspective to the job. And, it would be nice to have someone around who really likes Sam.
GORDON!! 😯 How did I forget Gordon! Serious mental slippage going on here … He must return. Dead/undead/ half-dead/ bit poorly … Don’t care, most excellent weasly psyco chap and much missed with his big cheesy grin and murderous ways … 😀
Hi Laurel
Great list. Would have to agree with the majority of them.
I too would love to see Sarah and Missouri again, providing they are not killed off.
And would like to know what happened with Adam and Jesse (antichrist).
Sorry to say I’m not much of a fan of the Ghostfacers so I don’t have them on my list (runs for cover).
Lovely article, Laurel, thank you – I will sign any petition to bring Sarah back, and he young Winchester parents, Lenore and- the kind of hair Jared wore at the L.A. and Rome convention… yes, he hardly ever looked more handsome.
And, I would love the return of some urban legends or some new ones (the creature from the black lagoon ;-))
Thanks for this, dear, cheers, Jas
thank you i was also a fan of season 1/early season 2 sam hair and i have often though it bizarre that his hair is better in real life probably because it isn’t slatered in product and straightened within an inch of it’s life.
I love the ghostfacers and i hope they return, they’re such the anti sam and dean!
The person i’d really love to see back is Ellen, i loved Ellen she was one of my favourite characters and i was so happy to see her again in season 5.
Also Missouri,i f i had to pick anyone to return it would be her. I would love to see her come back and she’s not even dead so she could quite easily cross paths with the boys.
I know it’s very unlikely but John winchester could you imagine after all that’s happened what it would be like for the boys (and possibly adam) to meet their father again, how would they all react (and bobby too for that matter) that would just be an amazing episode.