Supernatural’s Top 10 Characters Who Unexpectedly Stole Our Hearts

It’s happened to all of us at one time or another. While watching an otherwise suspenseful or scary episode of Supernatural, our attention is abruptly shifted to a shiny, cuddly or sweet distraction in the story. Our reactions can vary from an envious “Wow! Look at that!” to an unabashed “Awwww”, but from that moment on, the character or thing that stole the scene has also stolen our hearts (metaphorically, not literally. Thought I should clarify that since we’re talking about Supernatural.). Instantly, Supernatural has introduced us to what will forevermore be a classic icon of the show, and one more reason why we’ll forever love watching Sam and Dean’s lives unfold.

We all have our favorite talismans in the show that magically make us feel better whenever we see them, so it will be interesting to learn if my go-to pick-me-ups trigger the same energizing or reassuring connection from any of you. So, as a feel-good gift from Supernatural to you, here are its Top 10 characters who unexpectedly stole my heart, in order of appearance.

Baby

It’s a car. Okay, it’s a classic, muscle car that’s in pristine condition, but it’s also Home and Family. It’s makes us feel safe whenever it’s around. Maybe it’s the sound of that powerful engine. Maybe its the size of family sedans before gas mileage become a design criteria. But it’s a welcome site, squeaky doors and all. 

Layla

From 1.12 “Faith”, Layla’s serenity is calming. Her unshakeable faith in God and her peaceful acceptable that everything happens for a reason centers and grounds me in what’s really important in life. 

I’m Ok. Really. I guess if you’re gunna have faith…you can’t just have it when the miracles happen. You have to have it when they don’t. God works in mysterious ways.

She’s an inspiration. Played by Julie Benz, created by Raelle Tucker and Sera Gamble.

Young Sam and Young Dean

 

Most fans have a soft spot for young Sam and Dean. First seen in 1.18 “Something Wicked”, these young kids gave us insight into how our boys learned to put each other before everything else, and became the good men and fierce fighters who saved the world. Since children change and grow so quickly, many different actors played Sam and Dean’s younger selves. Dean was played by the most child actors, portrayed by 7 different boys in 15 years. Ridge Canipe was this version of Dean, in seasons 1 and 3 (above and below pics). His is the image I think of when I remember young Dean. 

    

3.08 “A Very Supernatural Christmas” introduced Colin Ford as young Sam. Colin is probably my favorite Sam, playing him in 6 episodes.

Colin Ford as young Sam shooting off fireworks in 5.16 “Dark Side of the Moon”

Sam was portrayed by a total of 6 different young actors, including a memorable performance by Dylan Kingwell in 11.08 “Just My Imagination”. Alice and I interviewed Dylan after his episode. He was a bright, poised, sweet young man who deepened our love for Sam.

11.08 Dylan Kingwell

Coincidentally, Dylan’s on-screen brother was another Dylan, Dylan Everett. Mr. Everett played young Dean the most, appearing in 9.07 “Bad Boys”, 10.12 “About a Boy” and 11.08 “Just My Imagination”.

These kids are so disarming, with Dean’s vulnerability and Sam’s Luke Skywalker longing for a different future, they get the soft glow from me every time. 

Teddy, the Suicidal Bear

You caught me. I have a soft spot for stuffed animals, and Teddy is just so pitiful, he’s cute. I might love any 6 foot tall teddy bear, but this guy’s big, sad eyes win me over every time.  

4.08 “Wishful Thinking”

He may not be very cheery, but he’s the highlight of the episode for me. Created by Ben Edlund and Lou Bollo.

Cupid

Lex Medlina as Cupid in 5.14 “My Bloody Valentine”

Admit it. You laughed the moment you saw his picture! Cupid was such an innocent cherub. His naked exuberance made everyone uncomfortable, including Castiel,

and Dean,

but it’s comedic effect is pure gold! Come on! Who wouldn’t love someone whose mission is love! Another Ben Edlund masterpiece. 

Bones (Sam’s Dog)

I think I like Bones so much because he and Sam were just so happy to see each other in 5.16 “Dark Side of the Moon”. A welcome from a wagging tail with kisses brightens any day, no matter how hopeless the situation.

    

Just look at their friendship. That kind of bond of mutual love and support is contagious. 

   

Sully

One of my favorite go-to comfort episodes is 11.08 “Just My Imagination”. I didn’t have an imaginary friend when I was a child, but even if I did, I doubt it would have been a Zanna whose sole purpose was to make children feel secure and loved.  I’m immeasurably happy that Sam had such a friend, though. The way that Sully sits and listens to Sam warms my heart.

We all need a non-judgmental friend sometimes, but Sully is so understanding and compassionate, vulnerable yet wise, he’s the angel on Sam’s shoulder reassuring him in his weakest moments. 

Sully: Come on, you’re a hero. Sam, you saved the world. I keep track of my kids, and you did really good, Sam.

Sam’s burdens are greater than most, so it’s such a relief to see him be able to share his deepest fears with someone. Watching Sully share the weight on Sam’s shoulders for even the briefest time eases the heartbreak I often feel for Sam. 

  

But the line that brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it is the reassurance I need more time than I care to admit aloud: 

Sam: Ever think maybe you’re a hero to me? Sully, one thing I’ve learned, heroes aren’t perfect.
Sully: Sometimes they’re scared, but that just means the thing they’re facing, it’s super important, and nobody else is gonna go for it because nobody else has got the balls.

This masterpiece of human compassion was written by Jenny Klein. Sully was exquisitely brought to life by Nate Torrence.

13.16 Scooby Doo and Shaggy Too

Nothing is more comforting than a childhood cartoon… except maybe the brilliant combination of a childhood favorite with our iconic adult heroes. 

This entire episode stole my heart, but especially the incomparable buddy team of Shaggy and Scooby.

They are so unassuming and wholistic in their approach to life – stay fed, stay safe, stay together. Simple – from a time when life was simple.

Saturday morning cartoons and laughter were the norm.

This gem of an episode will forever be one of the most successfully executed television experiments in entertainment – and a classic in delivering comforting characters. Written by the Scooby writing team of James Krieg and the up-and-coming, now very successful in his own right, Jeremy Adams.

Miracle

Miracle’s jubilant entrance in 15.19 “Inherit the Earth”

   

Just look at how much Dean loves this dog! How can anyone look at them together and not melt? After 15 years of watching Dean be gruff and lonely, seeing him so unguarded is disarming. 

I have often wondered why Miracle was introduced into the boys’ lives for their very last days together. It had been a running gag and rule that dogs weren’t allowed in Baby. Then everything changed when Dean found Miracle. On my cynical days, I think Miracle was added to the story so that the sucker punch of Dean’s death would catch us off guard even more. We were pulled into Dean’s happiness as he accepted at least one more comfort in his life. Since Dean could show his vulnerability to Miracle, we empathetically also let down our guard, which deepened our shock and grief even more when we lost Dean. Sneak attack, if you will.   

On my less cynical days, I wonder if Miracle was introduced for Sam, more than for Dean. As Bones was the dog that shared Sam’s youthful freedom for a short time, Miracle was the dog that shared Sam’s unbearable grief. 

But I don’t want to end this reflection of Supernatural‘s heart warming gifts to us on such a sad note, so here’s Miracle’s loving face to make you smile again. 

Miracle’s loving understanding in 15.20 “Carry On”

He’s just so cute. 

So there are ten of Supernatural‘s unexpected golden nuggets that appeared just long enough to steal my heart. What surprises tug at your heart strings? Please share in the comments below!

Brighten your days with more Top 10 or Lighter Side articles on Supernatural! Pick your favs from The WFB Category Page! 
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