Supernatural Season 14: Should Gabriel return from the Empty?

Gabriel got a one-way ticket to the Empty in Supernatural Season 13 after only just being ‘raised from the dead.’ Should that really be a return ticket?

Gabriel made a surprising return in Supernatural Season 13. After years of believing that he was dead, it turned out that he’d been Asmodeus’ prisoner for the last seven years. It was all thanks to the real Loki, who was angry that Gabriel had gotten into his family’s war. Eventually, Gabriel decided it was time to become a better archangel and help protect the universe. And just as that happened, he was killed off.

Of course, fans were angry and distraught. They’d just got Gabriel back and the writers killed him off. It wasn’t even much of a redemption arc and the death was completely pointless (very much like a lot of deaths on the show if I’m honest). There was something permanent and real about this one with the way the camera focused on Gabriel’s eyes before panning out to show the wings.

However, should it be permanent? We know that Gabriel is going to head to the Empty. Since Castiel has already made it back then Gabriel could too. All he’d need is someone (like Jack) to wake him up first.

Supernatural — Photo: Robert Falconer/The CW — Acquired via CW TV PR /

But it’s time that dead meant dead

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My argument against Gabriel coming back is largely similar to my argument against Lucifer returning in Supernatural Season 14. It’s time for the dead to stay dead. Death has so little meaning in the series now. When Castiel was killed in the Season 12 finale, I just didn’t feel like worried or shocked. The only time death feels permanent is if the actors point out that they’re not returning to the show, which is the only reason Crowley’s death in the 12th season held any weight.

It shouldn’t take something like that for death to feel permanent. Sure in a season with monsters, ghosts, and the supernatural, death doesn’t have to mean permanent death. However, I’d argue that the returning characters should be kept to a minimum.

Maybe, just maybe, I’d accept a character returning if they were used effectively afterward. Supernatural Season 13 had the perfect way of bringing characters back–they brought alternate versions of those characters to the series. However, they’ve just not been used. I was disappointed in the way that Apocalypse Kevin was utilized; seen for only two episodes. I haven’t been overly impressed with the way Apocalypse Charlie has been used, although there is time for that. Apocalypse Bobby was only really the one given a chance to grow and do something.

So, with all that in mind, my preference would be that Gabriel doesn’t return in Supernatural Season 14. As much as I love Richard Speight Jr., I’m not changing my mind that it’s time for death to actually mean something again on the series.

Next: 3 ways Lucifer could return to Supernatural Season 14 that wouldn't be too bad

Would you like to see Gabriel return? Should death start meaning something on Supernatural Season 14? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Supernatural returns on Oct. 11 at 8/7c on The CW. Like SPN Hunters on Facebook for more updates.

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