I’ve been catching up on Supernatural lately and as I’ve been watching, I started to reflect on the entire series. It is quite long, after all and it has gone through so many stories, characters, and arcs. As I was watching season 14, I was thinking, “man, remember back when it was just a monster of the week and the fate of the world didn’t rest of their shoulders all the time? ...also, they were happy sometimes?” Whatever happened to the prank wars or just laughing every once in a while? Sheesh. Everything has been so grim lately.
Anyways, that’s not the point. I was reflecting on this stuff and remembered all the characters that we’ve cycled through. A few have stuck around, but seeing as it’s Supernatural, most have died. (Heck, Sam and Dean have died more times than I can count.) So, this post is partly to remember characters from the past, but it’s not just that. I want to remember the characters with some of the greatest entrances/introductions on the show.
I’ll be judging this based on not just the epic-ness of the intro, but on how well it gives us a sense of who this character is in a matter of minutes/seconds. I mean, just by looking at them, you immediately are like, “yes, I know exactly who this person is.” The music, the lighting, how other characters react, the effects, the costumes, etc. will all play a factor.
Here we go. Top 10 best Supernatural character intros:
10) Chuck
I AM, in fact speaking of when the Winchesters show up on his doorstep in “The Monster at the End of This Book.” Just looking at him, you automatically get a sense of his character. I mean, he answers the door in his underwear and bathrobe. Haha! The introduction itself is nothing very special which is why it’s at the bottom of the list-- it’s just a guy answering a door and then begins stuttering and sniveling when they force their way in. However, the fact that his character is so funny and unique and simply looking at him tells you everything is why he makes the list at all. He’s a sniveling, awkward, washed-up writer who is boarded up in his house, writing terrible books that nobody reads. Love him!
9) Azazel
As a demon and the big bad of the first couple seasons of the show, his introduction had the potential to be so much more epic and fantastic. However, it was still pretty chilling. He plays Trojan Horse for his first introduction and suddenly reveals himself as the brother’s father and taunts them into killing their own blood in order to finally kill him. The reveal is pretty shocking and intense as Sam in particular tries to decide whether or not to finally kill the demon who has caused them so much pain. However, it is still pretty low on the list because the introduction doesn’t do the character a lot of justice. All the build-up for him-- talking about how evil and horrific this guy is-- was more satisfying than the scene where we finally meet him for the first time. I will say that some of his later scenes where he shows up again are much more terrifying than this first one.
8) Dean (and Sam)
So technically this is Dean’s introduction since Sam is introduced at a college Halloween party in an earlier scene. However, you could sort of put them together since once Dean is introduced, Sam’s true colors are suddenly revealed and you see his skills in combat and who he really is under his little college persona. But I digress. As the main characters, you better make sure that they are likable and interesting right away. Another reason I singled out Dean from Sam in this scene is because Dean makes more of an impression on me right away. Sam’s character is more of a slow burn throughout the episode as the more sensitive and educated brother. But in this scene, you automatically know that Dean is a smart aleck goofball who likes women, but is also a tough guy and a great fighter.
7) Crowley
Who doesn’t love Crowley? Of all the antagonists, I think most can agree that Crowley is the best. We love to hate him (or hate to love him?) There was some build-up to his first appearance. It was obvious that he had some respect in the demon world. He starts out as “King of the Crossroads” and his first appearance shows him doing just that; simply making a deal at the crossroads. His intro isn’t anything particularly special or spectacular, but as soon as he shows up, you immediately get a sense of his character. He drips with charisma and calm; like as soon as he shows up, he owns the room and he owns you. It’s 100% apparent that he’s going to be an interesting character from the get-go.
6) Rowena
I really appreciate scenes with no dialogue when they’re done right. They can have such a powerful impact. Rowena’s first intro does just that. There’s no speaking, just some classical music playing as she sits in an armchair, reading. But then, she is suddenly interrupted by a drop of blood falling on her arm which she casually wipes away. We then see that there are several bloody corpses pinned to the ceiling which she smirks at and then goes on reading her book. Holy cow! You immediately know that this is a woman not to be trifled with. Crazy powerful and completely unbothered by death and mayhem.
5) God (aka Chuck pt.2)
Yes, I had to separate the two because even though they're the same person, they're basically two separate entities.
Everyone knew that Chuck was God, but it was not confirmed by the writers for the longest time. When he finally revealed himself, it was everything and did not disappoint. There was sort of a slow build up to it in the episode even though it happened almost right away (it's sort of hard to explain). Chuck (as the prophet) hadn’t shown up in a long time, in fact he was presumed dead since other prophets had shown up since him. But when he suddenly appeared in a random bar of “the big man’s” making with Metatron, the tension really began to build. When he finally handed Metatron the visual aid sunglasses so that he could reveal his true form, it was extremely satisfying. The reason I love it so much is because it makes so much sense. God had been a major presence through the entire show-- some characters doubting his existence, some believing he was dead or gone for good-- but he was always there, watching and stepping in occasionally. It made total sense that he was hiding in plain sight all along. And the reveal, whether you saw it coming or not, was extremely satisfying.
4) Asmodeus
To be frank, I wasn’t a huge fan of his character overall and I really did not like how he went out (I felt it was very anti-climatic even though it was supposed to feel all big and satisfying). However, I will say that I did absolutely love his entrance. With Hell on the verge of falling apart without a leader, he suddenly struts in out of nowhere, clad in a completely white suit, a huge scar across his face, and Southern accent intact. As soon as he’s in the throne room, he immediately goes on about changing things for the better and disintegrates half the demons there just because he feels they’re unnecessary. A bold move, I must say. Of course we’ve seen people of power disintegrating demons before, but there’s something about this moment that stands out to me.
I believe at one point, Dean calls him Colonel Sanders and I feel that is an accurate comparison... just an evil version. He’s such a unique character (that didn't live up to his potential).
3) Charlie
Oh Charlie. One of the best characters. Her intro is so unique in the respect that it’s not chilling or epic. It’s just her arriving at work with her headphones on and then suddenly breaking out into dance while alone on the elevator. The song she’s listening to says everything about her too: “Walking on Sunshine.” She’s such an upbeat, quirky person who likes to have fun, but she doesn’t take anyone’s crap either. In a matter of seconds, you immediately know who she is and what she’s about.
2) Death
Easily one of the most chilling introductions on the show. I had a difficult time trying to decide if this should be first. The song is what really sells this one, playing “Oh Death” as he slowly strolls down the sidewalk with his cane and Horseman ring. Then when the guy bumps into him and callously blames him and tells him to watch where he’s going, suddenly drops down dead. Ooh! So good! Death is amazing! I love the camera work and editing too as it works in time with the music. The slow motion and occasional speed-ups work in perfect harmony with the tone of the scene. *applauds*
1) Castiel
Well... it had to be this one, didn’t it? In the end, Castiel’s intro just is the best thing ever. Not only is it the introduction to one of the best characters, but it introduces angels who become major players for the rest of the show. The build up is simply amazing. I stand by my assertion that “Lazarus Rising” is one of the best Supernatural episodes by far just because of how everything plays out, ultimately leading to the revelation of angels in existence and Castiel’s grand entrance. Whether you’re aware of angels beforehand or not, the reveal is just plain epic. How he walks in, completely immune to every trap set out for him, busting out all the lights, and then even the knife that’s supposed to kill anything has no effect on him. It’s like, “who the heck is this guy!?” And then, the ultimate clincher is when he reveals who he is and his wings appear behind him with a clash of thunder and lightning. Wowy wow wow!
