Years after the conclusion of Supernatural, the dedicated fandom is still heavily involved in the series, whether that means periodic rewatches or consistent discussion with other viewers. Many fans agree on some of the best aspects of the show, and many even agree on the worst aspects, including the extremely unpopular conclusion in Season 15. However, there are certain things within the long-running series that are still discussed and argued about today, including the controversial Season 7.
There was a lot to digest in this addition to Supernatural. Between the conclusion of Castiel’s “God” complex arc and the emergence of the Leviathans, there are a couple of things most viewers did not care for. On the other hand, this season has several popular “Monster of the Week” episodes and introduced iconic side characters. The overarching plot of Season 7 is not looked upon favorably, but there are other details about it that fans adore. Due to these complexities, much of the fandom is still divided. While some love the season because of the humor and characterization, others can’t overlook the unlikable milestones that forever influenced Sam and Dean Winchester’s storyline.
The Death of Bobby Singer Devastated Fans
- Bobby Singer was introduced in Season 1, Episode 22, “Devil’s Trap.”
- Bobby died in Season 7, Episode 10, “Death’s Door.”
Following the death of John Winchester, Bobby became a surrogate father for Sam and Dean. As the brothers began to rely on him more as an ally and mentor, Bobby quickly became one of the best characters in Supernatural. The trio had gone up against various villains, including Lucifer and the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, and lived to see another day. However, in Season 7, Bobby is shot in the head by Dick Roman, the leader of the Leviathan host. Despite his efforts while in a coma to evade a reaper, he succumbs to his injury shortly after. He remains as a ghost in Season 7, which was more of a tease for fans since they knew he would eventually have to move on to the afterlife.
Season 7 was filled with many filler episodes in between the Leviathan arc, and these “Monster of the Week” sequences maintained the interest of viewers through the unique storytelling and good dose of humor. However, one of the first controversial moments in this season was the demise of Bobby Singer. While there had been other devastating deaths in previous seasons, Bobby was a fan-favorite character who became a member of the Winchester family like no other. For some viewers, losing his presence in the series made Season 7 of Supernatural one of the worst overall.
The Introduction of Beloved Side Characters Thrilled Supernatural Viewers
- Charlie Bradbury is introduced in Season 7, Episode 20, “The Girl With the Dungeons and Dragons Tattoo.”
- Kevin Tran was introduced in Season 7, Episode 21, “Reading is Fundamental.”
In contrast to losing Bobby, many viewers loved Season 7 because it introduced some of the most likable side characters. Though the demise of these characters is some of the most heartbreaking scenes in Supernatural, their introductions in this season are iconic. Charlie Bradbury was such a beloved character that many fans admitted to turning away from the show when she died in Season 10. In Season 7, this badass woman is an intelligent hacker that aids the Winchesters in taking down Dick Roman and the Leviathan. This villain arc was unpopular, but Charlie’s quirky and adorable entrance immediately thrilled viewers.
Likewise, Kevin Tran had an epic, action-packed first episode on Supernatural. He begins as an advanced-placement student obsessed with getting into a top college and quickly falls into the darkness of the underworld when he learns he’s a prophet with the ability to decode the Demon Tablet. Young Kevin is endearing, terrified of the world of angels and demons while also willingly using his intelligence to aid Sam and Dean in translating the Word of God. Kevin and Charlie’s characters are a main reason the fandom is split between loving and hating Season 7 of Supernatural. These lovable additions to the Winchesters’ found family nearly made up for the negative aspects of the season.
Castiel’s Downward Spiral Began an Unpopular Character Arc
- Castiel was introduced in Season 4, Episode 1, “Lazarus Rising.”
- At the beginning of Season 7, Castiel dies when the Leviathan escapes his body. However, he returns later in the season.
Castiel is one of the most popular characters in the series, but he is far from the best story arcs in Supernatural. Fans loved the nuances of the character, especially when he is struggling to remain loyal to angels while still caring for the well-being of humans like Sam and Dean. However, his arc had an unpopular downward spiral, which began in Season 6 and was highlighted in Season 7. After taking on his “God” persona in Season 6, Castiel accidentally unleashes Leviathans into the world. Upon his return, he cures Sam of his Lucifer hallucinations, which in turn causes Castiel to be hospitalized due to the same delusions.
His characterization is complicated in Season 7. Castiel is unable to deal with the destruction he has caused on Earth and, after gaining control of his psyche, refuses to aid the Winchesters in taking down the Leviathan. This was frustrating for viewers, who largely agreed with Dean that it was Castiel’s responsibility to deal with this threat. However, in contrast, his goofy personality, such as his new-found interest in board games and bugs, is the high point of humor in Season 7. This split the fandom, with many hating Castiel’s characterization in this season and others loving his more “human” persona.
The Leviathans Were an Annoying Supernatural Villain
- In Supernatural, Leviathan are monsters that were created before humanity.
- Before Castiel unleashed them on Earth, they were trapped in Purgatory.
There are certain villains in Supernatural that most fans despise, such as Azazel, AKA The Yellow-Eyed Demon, and the angel Zachariah. Other villains, such as Lucifer and Crowley, were beloved by viewers despite their heinous deeds. This complexity within the villain arcs makes Supernatural one of the most immersive fantasy worlds in TV history. However, other villains were despised because of their entire inclusion in the series, such as the Leviathan. From their introduction, which led to the temporary demise of Castiel, fans were not thrilled with this big-bad.
The ridiculousness of the Leviathan arc continued to frustrate viewers. The creatures used powerful human personas, such as Dick Roman, to poison the human population with a modified high-fructose corn syrup, which felt like some subtle and unnecessary social commentary. On top of that, Borax being the substance that caused them harm seemed entirely random and far-fetched. In comparison to enemies like Satan and Death itself, the Leviathans were particularly odd but without the added dose of humor to make them at least entertaining.
Despite the controversies surrounding Season 7, it isn’t ranked as one of the worst Supernatural seasons. Fans either loved or hated this season, similarly to controversial seasons like the prior installment. Seasons such as Season 8 and Season 14 are widely considered far more unlikable compared to this mid-series arc. There’s a lot to dislike about Season 7, especially the demise of Bobby and the horrible villain storyline. On the other hand, this season was heavy-handed on the humor that enticed much of the fandom. Considering the entrance of iconic side characters like Kevin and Charlie, there seems to be just as much to love from this season as to hate. The nuances of Supernatural’s seventh season are still a debate among fans, making it one of the biggest disagreements among the audience.
Source: cbr.com