Last week, the internet buzzed about a television series finale, not for plot twists alone, but for the celestial send-off given to a four-wheeled character. “Supernatural,” the long-running show that began in 2005, concluded its saga, and with it, sent its iconic 1967 Chevy Impala hardtop, soaring into heaven. This wasn’t just a car; it was a character, deeply embedded in the show’s DNA and fan culture. To understand the magnitude of this event, especially for fans, we need to delve into the world of “Supernatural,” its passionate online community, and the concept of Destiel, all while appreciating the remarkable “Car From Supernatural” at its heart.
“On April 21st, 1967, the hundred millionth GM vehicle rolled off the line in Janesville. Three days later, another car rolled off that same line. No one gave two craps about her, but they should’ve. Because this 1967 Chevrolet Impala would turn out to be the most important car… no, the most important object in pretty much the whole universe.” This quote, directly from the show, encapsulates the Impala’s significance. While in “Supernatural” lore, it’s mentioned to have a 327 engine, the reality is even more impressive. The hero car, as reported by driving.ca, boasts a powerful 502 big block engine and Hotchkiss performance suspension. Its sound, described as “a bowling ball stuck in an industrial dryer,” adds to its imposing presence. This powerful machine wasn’t just for show; it was a vital part of the demon-hunting duo’s arsenal.
In the narrative, this ’67 Impala belongs to Dean Winchester, the elder of the demon-hunting brothers. Dean and his brother Sam (though Sam takes a backseat in this particular aspect of the story) travel across America in this classic car, their trunk loaded with weapons to combat supernatural evils. From the very first episode, the Impala has been more than transportation; it’s a symbol of their journey, their resilience, and a tangible link to their family history. Fans have wholeheartedly embraced the car as a central figure in the series.
Image of a Tumblr post highlighting the recognizability of the Supernatural car, a ’67 Chevy Impala.
The Impala’s appeal extends beyond just car enthusiasts. It has successfully drawn in viewers who may not typically be interested in classic cars, broadening appreciation for automotive icons. However, the show’s finale revealed a decision that sparked debate among fans, particularly concerning the car’s symbolic role versus character development. In the final episode (spoiler alert!), when Dean Winchester meets his end during a vampire hunt – yes, even after defeating God, as per the show’s wiki – he ascends to heaven. There, amidst reunions with beloved characters, is his cherished Impala. While the car’s presence in heaven might seem fitting within the show’s often unconventional narrative, it was what was missing that truly resonated with a segment of the fanbase, particularly those invested in the Destiel storyline.
“Supernatural’s” longevity is partly attributed to its dedicated fanbase, who remained engaged even after mainstream viewership waned. Several factors contributed to this devoted community, including the show’s episodic format, the charisma of the lead actors, and undeniably, the allure of the cool car. This fanbase thrived online, especially on platforms like Tumblr, becoming a cornerstone of the “SuperWhoLock” phenomenon.
SuperWhoLock, a term coined in 2011, represented the convergence of fandoms for “Supernatural,” “Doctor Who,” and “Sherlock” on Tumblr. These interconnected fandoms generated a massive wave of fan-created content, including memes, comics, images, and gifs. Amanda Brennan from Tumblr noted the inescapable presence of SuperWhoLock content during the early 2010s.
Fan fiction, non-canonical stories penned by fans, became a significant aspect of this online community. These stories often explored romantic relationships that fans desired to see within the shows, or expand upon existing hints.
Image from Supernatural, possibly depicting Dean Winchester and Castiel, relevant to the Destiel discussion.
Within “Supernatural,” the most prominent fan-desired romantic pairing was “Destiel,” the relationship between Dean Winchester and the angel Castiel. This desire for LGBT representation in media fueled the popularity of Destiel fan fiction, making it one of the top romantic pairings on Tumblr. This movement reflected a broader cultural shift, where audiences, particularly from the LGBT community, sought to see their experiences mirrored in the stories they consumed. Fan fiction provided an avenue to create this representation where mainstream media often fell short.
As the “Supernatural” fandom evolved and sustained the show, the series itself began to engage with fan interpretations, albeit sometimes controversially. Misha Collins, who portrayed Castiel, embraced fan engagement. Interestingly, Castiel’s character, initially intended for a brief three-episode arc, became central due to enthusiastic fan reception. However, accusations of “queerbaiting” arose, suggesting the show hinted at a Dean/Castiel romance without intending to make it explicitly canonical. This created a sense of frustration for fans invested in this relationship.
In the final episode, “Supernatural” addressed the Destiel dynamic more directly. Castiel declared his romantic love for Dean, making it canon within the show’s universe, albeit in a bittersweet manner. Immediately after this declaration, Castiel is sacrificed and sent to “The Empty,” a cosmic void often interpreted by fans as a form of super hell. While Castiel’s eventual off-screen ascension to heaven mitigates some of the negativity, the immediate consequence of his confession played into harmful tropes surrounding LGBT representation in media.
Image possibly depicting Dean Winchester in heaven with the Impala, highlighting the finale’s focus on the car.
Critics argue that “Supernatural,” in its finale, attempted to straddle a difficult line. By acknowledging a gay relationship, the show seemingly aimed to cater to its diverse audience. However, the immediate tragic fate of Castiel reinforced problematic narratives where LGBT characters are punished or killed for expressing their identities. This created a stark contrast with the treatment of the Impala. While Castiel’s storyline concluded with ambiguity and off-screen resolution, the Impala received a definitive, on-screen “happily ever after” in heaven with Dean. This disparity fueled fan disappointment, highlighting a perceived imbalance in the show’s priorities – celebrating a car while sidestepping meaningful representation for a significant portion of its audience. The “car from supernatural,” while undeniably iconic, became a focal point in a larger conversation about representation and narrative choices in the show’s conclusion.
