Why Supernatural Betrayed Its Once Iconic Artefact
Over the course of 15 seasons, Supernatural has remained consistent with only one thing – if you die, it doesn't have to be permanent.
The rest of the show's traditions have changed course over time, and Dean's amulet is no exception. The once integral part of the show gets tossed away and seems to be forgotten in the later seasons.
Is it a symbol of some hard truth, or did the writers just have no use for it anymore?
If you don't remember, Dean used to have a piece of golden jewelry that meant a great deal to him. The reason? In season 3, we find out that Sammy gave it to him when he was eight.
Originally, it was supposed to be a Christmas present for John, but when he failed to show up, Sam gifted it to his brother Dean.
The amulet's origin dates back to Bobby and is later revealed to have powers – it glows whenever the big guy is around.
How did Bobby get his hands on such a godly object? It remains unknown.
Since then, Dean has held the amulet close to his heart, as it basically represents his and Sam's brotherly bond (even when Dean dies, Sam keeps the necklace and returns it to him after his resurrection!).
The amulet is already emotionally important enough, but it takes on even more significance in season 5 when Castiel tells the boys that the necklace can be a tool to find God.
Later in the season, the brothers return from Heaven, and Cass gives the amulet back to Dean, saying that it is "worthless."
Upset about the fact that Sammy's happiest moments are all without him present, Dean angrily throws the necklace away in a garbage can.
At the time, it may have seemed like Dean was acting on his emotions.
In fact, in the later seasons, Dean mentions that he no longer needs the amulet or any other object to represent his and Sam's relationship – it is strong enough on its own now. Isn't that a much nicer sentiment?
The amulet (and the replica of it) are seen and mentioned later in the series (in seasons 10, 11, and 14). Even in the Pilot episode of The Winchesters, the amulet is hanging off the Impala's mirror.
Such a great detail!
Anyway, Dean's necklace has had a long ride on Supernatural, but the meaning attached to it and, ironically, the meaning attached to throwing it away have never really been disregarded or drastically changed on the show.
Kudos to the writers for including it all throughout!