by The Collected Mutineer

The day has come. We knew it would, eventually. Despite the Winchesters constantly cheating death, the show itself must reach the end of its days. Supernatural leading men Jensen Ackles, Jared Padalecki, and Misha Collins broke the news to the cast, crew, and fans today that the upcoming 15th season will be the show’s last.

There’s not a lot to say that Twitter and various news outlets haven’t already said. We all know that SPN is the longest-running sci-fi/fantasy live-action series in American television history. We all know that the show’s stars and supporting cast have been incredible advocates of causes and charities, rallying their fans to make a difference in the world. All I can bring to the table is my own SPN experience.

I wasn’t allowed to view the SPN pilot back in 2005. I was 16 years old and my mother was still very careful about what she let me watch. I was desperate to see what this new show was about (I was in love with JarPad, courtesy of Gilmore Girls), but my mom said no. She didn’t want me watching anything that had to do with the supernatural, and given the name of the show…well, there wasn’t really much arguing I could do.

Surprisingly, I never snuck an episode on the sly. It wasn’t until I was in graduate school, several years later, that the Collectress urged me to give the show a try. I wasn’t sure at first, because I was already keeping up with so many shows on top of school…but then I thought of 16-year-old Mutineer and how badly she had wanted to see it. So I gave it a shot, and I am so glad I did.

In watching Supernatural, I became part of a group that understood that sometimes the closest people to you aren’t family by blood. I entered a world where people weren’t afraid to do silly things in order to have fun and do good (GISHWHES, I love you). I engaged in a community that a lot of the time was angry at the show because they loved it so much and desperately wanted it to be the best version of itself that it could possibly be. I realized that it’s okay to take issue with things and people you admire. I recognized that vulnerability isn’t necessarily a weakness. And I understood now more than ever that I need women like Mary, Jo, Ellen, Charlie, Jody, Claire, Donna, Rowena, Eileen, and more on my screens every week because it’s goddamn time for it.

Though there are tears on my cheeks as I write this (dudes, I ain’t kidding), I’m trying my hardest not to be sad. It’s time to say goodbye. After all, we know how this goes. We joined the hunt. Now the hunt must end. Season 15, I’m looking at you. I’m ready. Let’s do this.

Carry on my wayward son / There’ll be peace when you are done / Lay your weary head to rest / Don’t you cry no more.