The Road So Far: Three Must-See Episodes of Supernatural

As it approaches it’s eleventh season, Supernatural has surpassed 200 episodes, a daunting marathon for any viewers just joining the Winchesters on the road. While I would definitely recommend watching from the beginning, there are several episodes that I think can be watched as standalones and yet still capture the dry humor and brotherly affection we’ve come love without the viewer knowing all the intricate backstories. These are three of those episodes, in no particular order. I’ve tried to keep spoilers out, but beware!

Fan Fiction (Season 10, Episode 5)

The fifth episode of the most recent season of Supernatural, and the 200th episode of the show overall, I would definitely consider Fan Fiction to be a must-see episode. As Sam and Dean investigate the disappearance of a teacher, they are stunned to find that the school is putting on a musical version of their life. This is definitely the most humorous of the episodes I’ve listed here. From Dean freaking out about the existence “Destiel” within the musical production to the appearance of Chuck at the end, this episode is teeming with humor and familiar faces. If that’s not enough to persuade you to watch this episode, the students in the musical singing Carry On Wayward Son should be.

While I’ve listed this episode as a standalone, there is definitely some background information necessary in order to completely understand all of the jokes made. If anything, I would suggest watching seasons one through four before watching this episode.

Mystery Spot (Season 3, Episode 11)

Caught in a Groundhog Day-like time loop, Sam is forced to repeatedly relive the same Tuesday and watch Dean die in a new way each day. This episode is equal parts feelsy and hilarious. The ways in which Dean die range from plausible to downright crazy. Choking on a taco, slipping in the shower, falling piano…the writers didn’t hold back when imagining the death of everyone’s favorite Winchester. I think I like this one so much because it has a happy ending, something that we don’t often see in Supernatural, while at the same time we see Sam out of his element a little as he’s forced to find whatever’s causing his brother to die mostly on his own.

Sam, Interrupted (Season 5, Episode 11)

In order to investigate a monster that's killing patients, Sam and Dean get themselves admitted to a mental hospital. This episode actually freaked me out a little at first (a steady three-point-five on my scare-o-meter) and, while I had my suspicions at first, the monster was not what I thought it was. However, this episode did contain the humor I love from the Winchester brothers. Keep in mind that the boys were admitting themselves to a mental hospital. They didn’t need to say much to do so. Drop a few hints about starting the apocalypse, being high off of demon blood, etc. and they’re good to go. Add in a crazy ex-Hunter and an exam happy nurse and you’ve got the makings of an excellent episode of Supernatural. 

What episodes would you consider to be must-see? Disagree with whether or not these should be considered standalone? Let’s talk family business.