Unleash Your Inner Supernatural Fanatic: The Ultimate Must-Watch Episodes That Rejuvenate the Series

Summary

Supernatural had several episode ideas that never made it to the screen, including a "wish fish" concept and a Jumanji-style episode.

The show's creators contemplated featuring an episode centered around Sam and Dean engaging in the mundane task of laundry, offering a glimpse into their previous exploits.

Ideas for an episode involving a train heist and another one inspired by crime comedy were also in the works, but they never materialized.

Supernatural, the long-running horror-drama, has delved into almost every possible storyline in its 15 seasons. However, there are a handful of intriguing and uniquely fitting ideas that were never brought to life, despite being considered by the show's creator, producers, and stars. Throughout the series, Dean and Sam Winchester have encountered magic, cursed items, hybrid creatures, and even explored the lives of their real-life actors. With such an extensive catalogue of episodes, it's understandable that certain concepts didn't align with the overarching narrative or tone of the seasons.

10 Wish Fish Episode

The idea of a "wish fish" may seem peculiar, but considering the show's existing portrayal of imaginary friends in romantic relationships, it's not entirely implausible. This concept was first brought up at the 2008 San Diego Comic-Con by the show's creator, Eric Kripke, who revealed writer Ben Edlund's concept of a "handheld fish that can make wishes come true" (via BabyBlueSteel).

Although Supernatural fans did not have the opportunity to see a magical fish, a similar premise was explored in season 4, episode 8, titled "Wishful Thinking." Presumably inspired by Edlund's fascination with the idea, this episode follows Sam and Dean as they venture into a town where wishes granted by a mystical coin in a restaurant fountain turn out to have unintended consequences. For instance, a little girl's toy bear comes to life but suffers from severe depression.

9 “Fluff ‘N Fold” Episode

The idea behind this episode, named and imagined by Robbie Thompson, a show writer, focused on Sam and Dean doing laundry while arguing about who should watch the dryer. Thompson shared this unused idea at a speaking event at DePaul University in 2015, as reported by Fangasm. Focusing on mundane tasks was a lot less common in Supernatural and could've been an opening for the writers to show the brothers' dynamic in a refreshing, ordinary way.

Thompson's quiet, everyday scene would have allowed narrative movement through flashbacks for both brothers. These flashbacks would've dived into what Sam and Dean did during the older brother's time in Purgatory. For Sam, it would've been frantic searching for Dean before ultimately running over the dog in season 8, episode 1. For Dean, it would show how his last five bullets were used in Purgatory.

Revised:

Robbie Thompson, a show writer, conceived an episode idea called "Laundry Troubles" in which Sam and Dean engage in a heated argument while doing laundry. This unused concept was shared by Thompson at a speaking event in DePaul University in 2015, as reported by Fangasm. This storyline, focusing on mundane activities, was a departure from the usual tone of Supernatural and could have provided a fresh perspective on the brothers' relationship.

Thompson's portrayal of a quiet, everyday scene would have offered the opportunity for narrative progression through flashbacks for both Sam and Dean. These flashbacks would delve into their experiences during Dean's time in Purgatory. Sam's flashback would involve his frantic search for Dean, culminating in a tragic incident where he accidentally runs over a dog in season 8, episode 1. Meanwhile, Dean's flashback would unveil the events surrounding the usage of his last five bullets in Purgatory.

8 Jumanji-Style Episode

An episode featuring Sam and Dean trapped in a game had limitless potential, but Supernatural's executive producer and director, Robert Singer, admitted that they couldn't bring the concept to life. In fact, it was the only script in the show's 11-year history that was ultimately abandoned due to its difficulty and inability to capture the vision. Despite this setback, season 11 of Supernatural offered a plethora of unique episodes like "Just My Imagination" and "Beyond The Mat." Additionally, it may have been a blessing in disguise that a Jumanji-style episode didn't materialize, considering the jam-packed nature of the season. With storylines focusing on Amara's growth, Chuck's reveal as God, Castiel being possessed by Lucifer, the introduction of Eileen, Team Free Will's plan to defeat Amara, and the long-awaited reunion between Amara and Chuck, there was already a lot happening in season 11.

7 The Midnight Train Episode

In a 2017 interview with TVLine, executive producer and writer Andrew Dabb expressed his excitement about an upcoming episode titled "Stakes on a Train." This episode would have featured a thrilling train heist involving vampires. However, this concept was ultimately replaced by the episode "Breakdown," which revolves around Donna's niece, Wendy, being abducted by an individual who sold human body parts to monsters online.

The initial idea for "Stakes on a Train" would have offered a starkly different tone compared to its replacement. It would have provided audiences with gripping and fast-paced scenes as the characters moved from train car to train car, engaging in meticulously choreographed fights within the confined spaces. Additionally, this unique setting would have added an unprecedented element to the show, providing Sam and Dean with a fresh environment to navigate. Although viewers will not have the opportunity to witness a supernatural adaptation of a bullet train, the concept was still an entertaining one.

6 Naked Supernatural Episode

Despite its provocative title, "Naked Supernatural" has no relation to nudity. Instead, it would have been a Supernatural-themed version of the comedic crime film, The Naked Gun. Supernatural, known for its silly and funny moments throughout its 15 seasons, shares similarities with the crass and humorous style of The Naked Gun. The concept for "Naked Supernatural" was conceived by Ackles, Padalecki, and Richard Speight Jr., who not only portrays Gabriel on the show but also directs multiple episodes. The idea was discussed in a text conversation between them.

In a Variety interview, Ackles revealed that their vision for the episode was to incorporate every kind of absurd joke they could imagine. Padalecki expressed his amusement, stating that he would love to return in the future to bring the concept to life, as it genuinely made him burst into laughter while reading it. Unfortunately, due to the show's final season, there was insufficient time to explore the idea further.

5 Nukekubi Japanese Supernatural Being Episode

4 Superman Curse/Smallville Crossover

Supernatural is no stranger to monsters and beings from different regions. For instance, there have been episodes featuring the banshee from Irish folklore and Osiris, the Egyptian god of the Underworld. Eric Charmelo, a former writer for the show, once mentioned in a tweet that he and his creative partner Nicole Snyder had plans to explore the nukekubi, a creature from Japanese mythology. This intriguing creature is known for detaching its head, which then flies around at night while emitting terrifying shrieks. Such an episode would have provided all the elements that make a classic Sam and Dean hunt: folklore, fear, and hauntingly dark settings. Additionally, it would have introduced yet another creature to the long list of supernatural beings the Winchester brothers have encountered and defeated.

In an interview with EW, Jackson Stewart, a former production assistant and co-writer for the "Frontierland" episode of Supernatural, shared an unrealized concept involving a crossover between Smallville and Supernatural. The plot revolved around a curse that targeted actors who portrayed Superman, and Sam and Dean would discover that Tom Welling from Smallville was the next victim. The possibility of Jensen Ackles, who had previously appeared as Jason Teague in Smallville, interacting with characters from his past role added an intriguing meta element to the episode. Although this crossover didn't come to fruition, Welling later played the role of Sam and Dean's grandfather on The Winchesters television series.

3 A Cat’s POV Episode

Ben Edlund's imagination doesn't cease to surprise, extending beyond his "wish fish" concept. In an interview with Buddy TV, Edlund revealed his intriguing concept of presenting the episode's monster from a feline vantage point, making the monster visible only to the cat. Acknowledging the lack of significance in the cat's role, he confessed, "You never go back to the cat. And that’s why I need someone to stop me." While it would have been an unprecedented experience to witness an episode through an animal's perspective, viewers came close in season 11, episode 4, "Baby," as it depicted events from the viewpoint of Dean's Impala.

2 Original “Route 666” Episode

Originally, episode 13 of season 1, titled "Route 666," had a different concept. Instead of a haunted truck killing people, the plan was to create a thrilling 42-minute car chase involving this truck. However, due to logistical and budgetary limitations, this idea was abandoned midway through production. Show creator Kripke enlisted the help of writers Brad Buckner and Eugenie Ross-Leming to quickly develop a new script, completing it within just one week. Ross-Leming shared this information during the 2019 San Diego Comic-Con (via Hypable.com).

1 Original “Lebanon” Episode

Despite not showcasing the iconic Impala engaging in an exhilarating pursuit with a possessed truck throughout an entire episode, this filler installment diligently paid homage to the initial concept. In one scene, Dean skillfully eluded the relentless truck on an open road while additional vehicles fruitlessly attempted to escape its clutches

In Supernatural season 14, episode 13, titled "Lebanon," Sam and Dean come across several occult and magical artifacts, one of which is a pearl that grants its holder their deepest desires. This results in an emotionally complex episode where Sam, Dean, and Mary have a brief reunion with their father, John. Interestingly, it was initially planned for the entire episode to be shown from the perspective of the citizens of Lebanon, as revealed at the 2018 San Diego Comic-Con (via TVLine). While the focus on the Winchester family lends a poignant touch to the episode, it's fascinating to consider how this alternative approach could have provided a separate and intriguing storyline.

As the Winchester brothers have been living in the bunker located in Lebanon, Kansas for an extended period of time, this particular episode of Supernatural shifts its attention solely towards the opinions and perspectives of the local citizens regarding Sam and Dean. The final version of the episode briefly touches upon this aspect, featuring Eliot, a teenager who firmly believes in Sam and Dean's profession of hunting down and eliminating monsters.