Supernatural Series Finale Review: Carry On (Season 15 Episode 20)
“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.”
Supernatural Season 15 Episode 20, “Carry On,” represents the final journey for Sam and Dean Winchester. It’s truly representative of the show’s unofficial theme, Kansas’ “Carry On My Wayward Son.” There’s peace, and laying weary heads to rest.
But there is also plenty of crying.
With the major story arc involving God, his sons, and Jack, wrapped, “Carry On” turns its attention to where the show started — the brothers Winchester.
At its core, “Carry On” represents the Winchester version of a happy ending. Dean goes out fighting, and Sam gets the chance to live a quiet, normal life. This is really the only ending where the brothers will truly be at “peace” when they are done.
Because even with Jack as God and a revamped Heaven, “Carry On” proves that monsters will still exist and the Winchesters would keep working until the end of time. So Dean’s death, while extremely tragic, makes peace possible for both brothers at once.
Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki give fantastic performances that absolutely cannot be overstated. They’ve always been talented, but their cathartic, powerful scenes throughout “Carry On” really give Supernatural some emotional heft that cannot be ignored. Lots of tears were shed as Dean left this mortal coil, due in no small part to the performances given by Ackles and Padalecki.
Supernatural is usually known for its recurring, fan-favorite guest stars, so perhaps the most surprising choice is to use a few no-name guests and no one else (well, save for Jim Beaver).
Some of this is may be a “filmed during a pandemic” side effect, but it really works for what “Carry On,” and the show, seem to be doing. For instance – Castiel’s arc wrapped two episodes prior, and Jack’s after that. So an appearance by either of them would’ve been nice, but isn’t really necessary for the story.
It’s also essential that Dean die for the boys to be at peace. With Jack and Cas lurking, a resurrection or healing could have happened, but this way no one was around even to raise them from perdition. What’s cool about the two of them is that their presence is felt in heaven — the same way you come to feel the presence of John and Mary without seeing them.
“Carry On” is littered with tons of homages to early in the show. An early vampire case, John’s journal, and even Bobby sitting outside of Heaven’s version of Harvelle’s roadhouse — all of these things tie a nifty bow around 15 seasons of saving people and hunting things.
Bobby Singer: It ain’t just Heaven, Dean. It’s the Heaven you deserve.
“Now your life’s no longer empty. Surely heaven waits for you,” further connects “Carry On” to its song namesake, and wraps the series in a powerful way. It’s hard to please fans with finales, but “Carry On” does the job better than most.
A few stray thoughts:
- I’m taking bets: Does Sam abandon hunting completely, or is his son (Dean II) having that tattoo a signal that his legacy lives on?
- Either way, Sam’s hair is beautiful even as an old man.
- “Always keep fighting” is a great little throw in to Dean’s powerful monologue.
- Reviewing Supernatural these past few years has been a great pleasure. I’ve enjoyed connecting with the fans and writing about this truly powerful show. Cheers!
What did you think of this episode of Supernatural? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Supernatural will be streaming on Netflix in its entirety on November 27th, 2020.
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Nick Hogan
Nick Hogan is an experienced podcaster and writer (particularly on media topics), who loves discussion and analysis of TV and is always looking for new shows to watch. He is also a parent who loves buffalo wings, blowing raspberries, and his beloved Cincinnati Reds.
9 comments
great review!! i agree
Thank you for writing this! I am so satisfied with how everything ended and cried so much. Jared & Jensen’s performances were phenomenal.
Great article. I’m glad you could see how good the episode was.
Ended just right! Gonna miss the boys! ❤️❤️😭😭😭
I wish I could agree with you. As is the only point we agree on is Jensen Ackles’ performance; brilliant. But Castiel’s arc can’t be complete because Dean never acknowledged the sacrifice (meaningfully) even if it wasn’t reciprocated, Dean would never have been that Blaise about losing his friend. And Sam appeared to be toxicly codependent on Dean by the choice to use a blurry face “uterus” to provide a surrogate Dean for Sam to continue his obsession with. Not even a photo of his wife on the family wall. It was like a shrine to the whole “this dysfunctional family only ends in blood” theme. And I’m really calling you out on Sam’s wig! It was an embarrassment to the costume department!
You’re entitled to your opinion for sure! But I came here to say that the comment about Sam’s wig was intended to be facetious — I agree with you on that one!
Glad someone enjoyed it. As a fan who has watched all 15 seasons, I’m sorry to say the finale left me cold, disappointed and even kind of angry.
It’s odd that people keep thinking that all story lines are all wrapped up, when we have no idea what went on with the Empty, and with Billie. Who’s the next Death now? Are all the demons and angels now awake in the Empty? Did Sam just abandon the bunker? What happened with the hunter network?
Eileen was dropped from the story like a dead fish. Cas was not mourned, whereas previous seasons showed Dean in deep depression after losing him. None of Dean’s numerous hunter friends attended Dean’s funeral.
And family ended in blood, underneath a shrine of photos featuring barely anyone aside Sam’s brother, mother, abusive father and a few blurry people that might be his kid(s). (Who seemed to change ethnicity en route from a toddler to an adult, btw.)
What a beautiful send-off, indeed… I was ready to make a few excuses because of Covid, but, sadly, there are many glaring issues with the finale that cannot be blamed on even the strictest pandemic restrictions.
Truly a bittersweet ending to a great show that lasted the longest of any TV show in history. Honestly was not excited with the premise of taking on God as the final season but enjoyed the last episode, the shows finale immensely. Very rarely do finales to TV shows ever reach the level people expect. I can honestly say this was probably the best one I’ve ever seen closed many of the doors , didn’t you wishing there was more. Thought it was great how the cast said goodbye to their fans. From me to the cast of supernatural you will be missed. God bless you all , hope your future ventures go as successfully as this one did. All the Best !
I enjoyed it
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