Supernatural Season 13 desperately needs a big bad

Supernatural Season 13 is strong, but there are some major changes that need to happen

While Supernatural Season 13 is strong, it’s not perfect. There are still elements from the early years that are missing. One of those is the use of a big bad.

So far, there are two contenders: Asmodeus and Apocalypse Michael. Both would be good options, but only one can really be the being on top. Whichever one it is, Supernatural needs to decide now.

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Not enough time devoted to either yet

Having a clear big bad means more time to develop the characters. Fans are nine episodes into the season and very little is known about either character. The most intriguing so far is Apocalypse Michael. He’s strong, powerful, and had a badass entrance.

Asmodeus has been all words and no action. The one time that he could have shown off his skills, he overpowered everyone with a flick of his hands. To be honest, it was a one-sided battle since Lucifer’s grace had been partially drained. At least Apocalypse Michael has shown he can fight and beat Lucifer on an equal footing.

More time is needed for both of these characters. That can help cement either of them as the big bad; creating apprehension and fear.

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Not thoughts from the Winchesters about them

By this point, the Winchesters have usually acknowledged their main foe of the season. Even in the first season the Winchesters knew finding John and fighting the “thing” that killed Mary were their goals. Season 13 has involved the Winchesters deciding whether Jack is good or bad, losing him and then getting him back again…only to lose him again!

There’s been more focus on Dean’s inner development and a hint at Sam’s inner development, but absolutely nothing for the overall storyline. They don’t even realize that Asmodeus or Apocalypse Michael are the ones to fear or the ones they’ll face later. It’s understandable with Apocalypse Michael, but surely they should know about Asmodeus as a major threat by now.

No clear direction

Without the focus on the big bad, there’s no clear direction for the Winchesters or the storyline. The next two episodes are setting up the Wayward Sisters spin-off, which the winter finale did too. There’s been this focus on creating an intriguing storyline for the spin-off that the showrunners seem to have forgotten about Supernatural as a whole.

When the focus isn’t on the spinoff, it’s mostly been on Jack. Unless the show is going to throw fans for a major loop, it’s been pretty clear that Jack isn’t the one to fear. He’s decided that he can be and he wants to be good. It’s time to move on from Jack as a threat and focus more on the actual threats in the series, developing them into something the Winchesters will have trouble going up again.

Without the big bad, there’s very little pushing the story forward. There’s little focus to give fans something to hope for in the season finale.

Next: Supernatural Season 13 midseason ratings report

Do you think a big bad needs to finally be developed for the season? What would you like to see? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Supernatural Season 13 returns on Jan. 18 at 8/7c on The CW.