Nine things that need to happen before Supernatural ends

“Jus In Bello”– Pictured (L-R) Jared Padalecki as Sam and Jensen Ackles as Dean in SUPERNATURAL on The CW. Sergei Bachlakov/The CW©2007 The CW Network, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

1. A satisfying, well-developed build-up and climax 

In the earlier seasons, Supernatural’s winning formula involved making clear what our characters needed to achieve and what villain they needed to defeat. Along the way, there would be plenty of tear-jerking or hilarious dialogue, heroics and comedic standalone episodes. The show included shocking twists, but it didn’t veer recklessly from subplot to subplot just because. Supernatural returning to this formula — a plot that’s complex but easy to understand — would be better than heaven itself.

Seasons 1 and 2, for example, were about Sam and Dean finding their dad and ultimately joining the hunt for Azazel (Fredric Lehne), the yellow-eyed demon who killed their mother. These seasons introduced us to a world full of monsters and to the Winchester brothers, who have an unbreakable bond, a knack for self-sacrifice, and a love of flannel.

In contrast, season 15 opened with three episodes about hunting escaped souls from hell, who held committees amongst themselves. As the season’s progressed, it’s become clear that God is pitting the brothers against each other as part of his grand, final plan. It’s always been Sam and Dean against the world, and I’d rather walk over hot coals than see them fighting each other. That said, they’ve experienced severe relationship rifts before, but the two of them on opposing sides to save the world will be the biggest test they’ve ever had to face. I hope the story will evolve in what feels like a natural, unforced, unrushed way and not be discarded mid-season.