The Winchesters Season 1 Episode 13 Review: Hey, That’s No Way to Say Goodbye

The Winchesters goes out with a whimper and not much of a bang on the latest episode. The Winchesters Season 1 Episode 13, “Hey, That’s No Way to Say Goodbye” marks the season, or series, finale of this CW show. The finale episode answers many questions but is very unsteady in execution.

Dean plays a big part on the episode and brings some other unfamiliar faces to the party, but even he can’t save this lackluster final note. Nevertheless, he does give the show its most exciting development. However, it likely closes the chapter to future appearances by him.

Consequently, this may make some Supernatural fans no longer interested in this series. The elimination of Dean from the equation and starting the Supernatural multiverse may, however, give the show endless possibilities.

It can find its own identity separate from the flagship series. The Winchesters no longer needs to try to play by the rules of the original show.

This actually makes the potential new season more interesting. But, I am not sure it does enough on this episode to save itself from cancellation.

First, the big battle against the Akrida feels like an afterthought. It doesn’t have high stakes. Additionally, they defeat the powerful Akrida queen, Joan, pretty easily — at least in comparison to other shows with big finale battles to save humanity.

She has big plans but not a big personality or charisma, or even that fascinating of a monster origin story. Quite frankly, she may be one of the least scary or entertaining main villains I’ve seen in a while. Most likely, she doesn’t interest or scare us because the show treats her like a villain of the week instead of the main boss.

In hindsight, Joan would work better as a major villain if The Winchesters introduced us to her sooner. John, Mary, and the crew could discover her later, but we need to know her better to fear her more.

Additionally, we need to meet her sooner just to care either way if she fails or succeeds.

Everything with the Akrida ends up feeling like a time waster just to prolong the meat of the episode: the Dean and multiverse reveal. Dean’s multiverse hopping makes the possibility of seeing a different conclusion for John, Mary, Dean, and Sam more likely.

However, does it even matter?

This revelation kind of takes the story away from its origin. This means that fans aren’t watching younger versions of their favorite characters, but new characters entirely.

This may be a dealbreaker for some Supernatural fans who want a true prequel, but others may just like the potential of a series in this universe.

Either way, The Winchesters needs to do a lot in a potential Season 2 to gain or maintain fans. Though the show basically resets with John and Mary starting a new life together, it still needs to really start over in Season 2.

The entire first season feels like a show still not sure of its identity or purpose. It never quite finds it during the first season. This reset allows it to finally find its voice.

Unfortunately, the season finale feels like a series finale. This is a good decision to leave the fans at peace with whatever happens next. Also, it opens the door to continue on a path that changes the show completely in a new season.

Overall, The Winchesters Season 1 finale kind of captures the lack of direction with this first season, but it gives fans hope with an interesting — yet predictable — twist that could lead to a more fascinating path forward.

Stray Thoughts

• Mary and John leaving Carlos and Latika behind makes me wonder if they’ll be written off if The Winchesters Season 2 happens. I hope not.
• The best thing about this episode is the speeches. I completely understand and sympathize with Joan’s speech against humanity.
• I also enjoy John’s running towards hope speech. Big episode for speeches.
• I’m glad Ada didn’t die. I didn’t want another witch character constantly sacrificing herself.
• Drake Rodger and Jensen Ackles have a very similar look on “Hey, That’s No Way to Say Goodbye,” which makes it very believable that they’re related.
• Mary driving Dean’s car to kill the Akrida queen isn’t as badass and cool as I hoped. Just feels a little strange. 

What did you think of this episode of The Winchesters? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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