25 Days of Sam-mas Day #11: The transformation of Sam and Castiel’s bond

Over the years, the bond between Castiel and Sam Winchester has changed considerably. For Day #11 of 25 Days of Sam-mas, it’s time to look at that bond over the last decade of Supernatural.

When Castiel was first introduced in Supernatural, he had an instant bond with Dean Winchester. In fact, he made it clear that he didn’t like the part of Sam that was tainted. He even called Sam an abomination but things have changed considerably over the last decade and it’s time to look at that transformation on Day 11 of our 25 Days of Sam-mas.

For those who are Destiel fans, this in no way takes away that bond. Castiel and Dean will, in my opinion, always share some special bond that Castiel and Sam never can. After all, Castiel was the one who gripped Dean tight and raised him from perdition. However, over recent years, Sam and Castiel have a bond that Cass and Dean never could have.

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Whether it’s been because of the Mark of Cain, Deanmon, or Michael!Dean, Castiel and Sam have routinely worked together to get Dean back. They’ve been the grounded voices that Dean had consistently needed; the ones willing to go to great lengths to bring him back into the fold.

I see it more recently because I’m watching Supernatural Season 4 again right now. I’ve had the chance to see the relationship start out while watching the bond as it’s formed in Season 14. There are changes in the way Castiel and Sam look at each other and the way they will call upon each other.

If you asked Castiel to lay his life on the line for Sam (or even vice versa) in the fourth season, they wouldn’t have done. They would have laughed you out of the room. Now they wouldn’t think twice. They are like brothers and it’s hard to see that ever changing.

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Why has the bond developed so much?

Ask anyone when Castiel was first introduced and they’d admit that it was hard to see Castiel and Sam fighting side by side. There was that disdain for Sam and his demon blood addiction. He was tainted by Yellow-Eyes’ demon blood.

Because of that, Sam wasn’t exactly going to be friendly. Could you blame him?

As Castiel started to rebel, he learned more about himself and about who Sam is. The more the two spent time with each other, the more they realized that they are alike in a way. It’s more than just having Dean in their lives. They care about the people they’re saving instead of just about the monsters they’re getting rid of.

They’ve fought by each other’s sides and formed a trust that can only be gained when you fought and (in some cases) died beside each other. What was once a dislike has become a love and respect. Castiel will turn to Sam for advice, while Sam will call on Cass when he needs an angel.

Both have run ideas by each other. They’ve gone on missions for one another without question.

It’s at the point now that Sam walked into a known trap to save Castiel. He wouldn’t have done that back in the fourth season, especially if he learned Castiel got himself in a mess. Supernatural Season 14 saw Sam get himself a step ahead of the aspiring King of Hell, creating a plan that would make it look like he’d failed to make sure he saved Castiel.

This is a bond that runs deep with blood.

What do you think of the transformation of Sam and Castiel’s bond? Can you remember what it was like in the beginning? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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