When rewatchingSupernatural, it’s impossible to ignore that the heart and soul of the TV show is the relationship between Sam and Dean. Played by Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles, the Winchesters were compelling to watch because they would do anything for each other. However, the actors have acknowledged that there were some questionable character choices inSupernatural, especially when it came to Sam.
There were manyversions of Sam Winchester inSupernatural, as the character was possessed, lived in a parallel reality, or experienced some kind of fantastical intervention many times. However, there were certain parts of Sam that stayed consistent no matter what, making it confusing when the writers and creators of the series took big swings, altering the way the audience viewed the character.
Even Jared Padalecki Thinks Sam’s Supernatural Season 8 Storyline Was Perplexing
Every season ofSupernaturalsaw the characters grapple with intense changes and upheaval, with Sam and Dean occasionally going their separate ways. However, Sam’s arc in the early episodes of season 8 doesn’t align with his character, especially compared to the rest of the show. When discussing Sam’sSupernaturalseason 8 arc withScreenRantat a FAN EXPO Boston panel, Padalecki said:
Amelia. I don’t think he would’ve gotten into a romantic relationship after his brother… over a dog, yeah.
After Dean is sent to Purgatory with Cas at the end of season 7, the series jumps forward in time in the season 8 premiere, “We Need to Talk About Kevin,” and it’s surprising to see what Sam’s been up to. Instead of searching for his brother and finding a way to free him from purgatory, he moved on with his life, falling in love with Amelia (Liane Balaban).
The Supernatural Star Is Right: Sam Would Have Searched Harder For His Brother
It makes sense that Padalecki would question this character choice for Sam to this day, as it came out of nowhere and goes against some ofSupernatural’s core tenets. The fact thatSam essentially forgets about Deanand decides to go back to the life he always wanted is a blow to the brothers' relationship and sparks long-term issues between them throughout season 8.
While this does create some interesting conflict and shines a light on how the power dynamic between the Winchesters shifts throughout the show, this was a step in the wrong direction for Sam’s character development. Additionally,Supernatural’s best episodeshighlight the deep and enduring bond between Sam and Dean, and putting them at odds is always controversial, even when the audience knows they’ll ultimately make up.
Sam’s Season 8 Story Tries & Fails To Repeat An Already Controversial Twist
It could be argued that Sam’s decision to move on and heal from Dean’s death by settling down was supposed to mirror Dean’s behavior in the wake of season 5. After the events of “Swan Song,” Dean seeks out Lisa (Cindy Sampson) and lives with her and her son for a year, believing Sam is gone. While this was also somewhat out of character for Dean, it made more sense than Sam’s behavior in season 8.
In season 6, Dean felt justified in moving on because Sam sacrificed himself for Dean and the rest of the world, because there was no other choice. The context of Dean getting trapped in Purgatory isn’t the same as Sam’s supposed death in season 5, making it impossible to draw a one-to-one comparison between these two romantic relationships that drive a wedge between the brothers.
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Inconsistent Character Writing Is Just One Problem With Supernatural Season 8
Unfortunately, it isn’t just the Sam-Amelia romance that raises a few eyebrows throughout the season. Few of theSupernaturalepisodes that are considered masterpiecesare in season 8, as this installment is widely regarded as something of a low point for the show. Sam is far from the only character whose actions and motivations don’t align with his arc in the series.
There were many ups and downs in the years following the season 5 finale, asSupernaturalwas going through a soft reboot and rediscovering what kind of show it wanted to be. If audiences can make it through the first half ofSupernaturalseason 8, there’s a lot more excitement and brotherly bonding to be found in the later years of the series.
