That One Supernatural Episode That Altered The Course Of The Show For Good

The iconic 15-year TV series is celebrated for its monster-hunting Winchester brothers and their relentless battle against the supernatural. While the show had its fair share of epic arcs and heart-pounding moments, one finale in particular pushed the limits of the series.

With the stakes higher than ever, All Hell Breaks Loose, the two-part Season 2 finale, was a game-changing event that left a lasting impact on Supernatural's trajectory. In this pivotal episode, Sam finds himself in the middle of a deadly competition orchestrated by the Yellow-Eyed Demon Azazel. With the ultimate prize being life itself, the younger Winchester is pitted against other hunters with psychic abilities.

Part 1 of the Season 2 finale begins with Sam's abduction, which takes him to a ghost town called Cold Oak in South Dakota. There he finds himself among other special children with unique abilities, including main characters Ava Wilson and Jake Talley. As they navigate the eerie town, they encounter a shocking revelation: Ava's plan is to kill Sam and take her place at the demon's side.

The first part ends with Sam fighting Jake, but ultimately being killed by him. Part 2 shows Dean resurrecting Sam through a deal that gives Dean only a year to live. The brothers, with Bobby and Ellen Harvelle at their side, arrive too late to stop Jake from opening a Devil's Gate to Hell, and though they succeed, they face Azazel.

With the help of their father's spirit, they kill the demon with the Colt and then set out to face the consequences of releasing evil spirits.

This two-parter is notable for its strong emphasis on its main characters, and while Part 1 focuses primarily on Sam's story, showcasing his leadership skills as he guides the survivors and teaches them how to hunt, Part 2 better highlights Dean and his struggles and fears.

Dean has always lived under the shadow of his father's orders, and after John dies, he takes on the responsibility of protecting Sam, even if it means having to kill him if he turns evil. However, this burden becomes too much for Dean to bear, and he resorts to following in his father's footsteps because he doesn't know who he is without his father.

Throughout the series, Dean eventually finds his identity, but he is never as confident on his own as he is with Sam by his side. And that's how Supernatural undergoes a significant shift starting with the Season 2 finale, focusing more on Dean's character development and making him the series' driving force for the next 13 seasons.

All Hell Breaks Loose is not ranked among the top 10 episodes of the show for nothing and is in fact its defining moment. Deftly balancing Sam and Dean's stories while delving deeper into the show's rich mythology, the two-part episode provides emotional closure as Sam and Dean say goodbye to their father and sets the new tone for the brothers' dynamic.