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#FlashbackFriday: Why Charlie’s death was the worst thing Supernatural could do

By Alexandria Ingham

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Photo Credit: Supernatural/The CW Image Acquired from CW TV PR

We know Supernatural has a habit of killing characters. That wasn’t a problem until it came to Charlie’s death in Season 10.

Just before Dean lost the Mark of Cain in Supernatural Season 10, the Winchesters needed their hands on the Book of the Damned. Charlie decided to help the Winchesters and it would prove to be the last thing she ever did. Fans cried after Charlie’s last episode. Despite all the deaths that came before her, this one was the worst for the show.

How could one death be such a major mistake? Well, it wasn’t quite the death itself—we didn’t even see the death on screen and that was a crying shame. It was the reason for the death.

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A death to offer a catalyst for the main characters

While other deaths have been a catalyst for the emotions of the Winchesters in the past, the death of Charlie only served that in Supernatural Season 10. It wasn’t like Charlie was making a major sacrifice or that it was needed to help create more tension between the Winchester brothers.

When Bobby died in Season 7, we had an idea that it was coming. Bobby’s life had been put in danger on more than one occasion, and we knew that going up against Dick Roman was a major risk. Ellen and Jo’s death was one of sacrifice. They gave the Winchesters the time they needed to get to Lucifer after Meg set off the Hellhounds after them (plus, Jo was already dying at the time). Even Kevin’s death had a bigger storyline involved. Metatron wanted him gone for a bigger purpose.

Charlie’s death didn’t have that big storyline surrounding it. The Steins wanted the Book of the Damned and she was in their way. An injury that left us questioning her fate would have been enough to create the same tension and sense of danger the episode had.

It also continued the trend of women not being safe on the show. Ellen, Jo, Mary, Pamela, Meg, and many other women have faced Death because of their connection to the Winchesters. I had hoped that things would change when it came to Charlie. After all, she was a character that gave LGBT fans hope and someone to look up to.

It showed us only the Winchesters really matter

While the Winchesters have been the main characters from the very beginning, other characters have won the hearts of fans. Charlie was one of them. As the regular guest stars were killed offer, we were willing to look at the bigger picture. That was until Charlie’s death.

Photo Credit: Supernatural/The CW Image Acquired from CW TV PR

Because it only happened to create tension, it was clear that the writers were always going to put anything for the Winchesters first. Other characters were all dispensable, as long as there was a reason for the Winchesters to fight, argue, and look like they were willing to just walk away from each other.

It took a long time for me to get over Charlie’s death because of that. I started watching episodes with Jody and Claire nervously, wondering if they were going to die. Episodes with other characters didn’t mean as much, as they could kick the bucket at any moment. I’m still wary of liking new characters, because the Winchesters will always come first. If a death creates drama for them then that drama is going to happen. It’s taken some of the enjoyment for the show away.

Charlie’s death was the biggest mistake throughout all the years of Supernatural. The writers got rid of a beautiful and strong character for virtually no reason at all. She is the one character that I hope against all odds returns now that there’s this Rift World.

Next: Why Charlie is our #WCW

Do you agree? Which character death was the biggest mistake the show has made for you? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Supernatural Season 13 premieres on Oct. 12 at 8/7c on The CW.

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