There's a Way Supernatural Season 16 Can Work Without Ending Retcon

Summary

• The conclusion of season 15 (and what should have been the entire show) was controversial.
• Even a poor ending can be ruined by a retcon.
• Some of the show's most popular episodes were set in alternate dimensions.
• Comic episodes are not essential in an alternate dimension.

Season 16 of Supernatural has not yet been confirmed. But the mere mention of it has got fans talking about how it might work and whether it would necessitate an ending retcon. But that needn't be the case. There is a way to rescue the show without retconning the ending.

There's No Going Back

In many ways, it seems strange to say that the deaths at the end of season 15 can't be reversed. After all, didn't both Sam and Dean come back to life numerous times throughout the 327 previous episodes?

But that's the whole point. Once we knew the brothers could come back to life, we accepted that as part of the show. When they died in the finale, things felt more final. The showrunners went to some lengths to show viewers that this really was the end. And it worked.

It may not have been the best ending in the history of TV, but it worked in a narrative sense. This time, going back and changing things will be a step too far even for Supernatural.

But that doesn't mean season 16 can't work.

Some of the Most Popular Episodes Took Place in Alternate Dimensions

One of the benefits of writing fantasy is that almost anything goes. So, when the writers took us to alternate dimensions for episodes such as 'Changing Channels' and 'The French Mistake', fans went with it.

And let's not forget 'ScoobyNatural', the episode that saw Sam, Dean and Castiel appear in the animated world of Scooby Doo.

All of these had two things in common: they were set in an alternate dimension, and they were comedy episodes. These weren't the only ones. But the key point here is that there were successful episodes set in alternate dimensions.

This means an option for the showrunners and gives them an easy way to return to the show without affecting its existing ending. An alternate reality in which those deaths didn't take place not only offers a chance to appease fans. It also makes sense in the context of the show.

Comedy Not Required

While the alternate dimension episodes have been largely full of lighter moments, this is not a prerequisite. Indeed, it could be argued that to offer a sitcom or spook version of the show to end it would be potentially more damaging than before.

At least the current excuse that the pandemic resulted in a rushed ending is plausible. It would make sense to give a nod to the comedy elements that fans attribute to the alternate dimensions. In fact, this would draw everything together.

But at its heart, Supernatural season 16 must remain authentic. Too much of the comedy side of things and it would run the risk of turning into one of those shows that sell out and rely entirely on guest stars to retain viewing figures.

A Retcon Won't Work

Season 15 was about finishing the story. Retconning the show would require too much unpacking and would be damaging for the brand. No doubt there will be some fans who believe it's best just left alone.

But there is both appetite and potential for some sort of tidying up of the show as a whole. That potential lies in learning from what worked well in the past. Combining an alternate dimension with the Supernatural we all know and love is the way forward.