Wtf: Bobby Singer...Batman (spoilers for a few months old episode)

[black_sluggard]

I've said in a previous post that I have a tendency to lay my bet on a dark horse and normally I lose. My favorites are not normally anyone else's favorites, and in terms of plot they are often rather "expendable".

Having missed it the first time it aired, tonight I finally got to watch the episode of Supernatural where Bobby died.

(You know, the time it stuck...)

While I'm usually pretty bitter about losing characters I love, oddly I didn't feel the same way about Bobby's death. Which was a little strange, since Bobby Singer is probably one of my very favorite characters not just on the show but in anything ever. But I think I know now why I don't.

Significance.

Not only did Bobby have a very long run on a show that thrives on killing off its supporting characters, not only did he rise from that role to one of greater significance during the later seasons, his send off was... Respectful. He was taken out in the midst of being a badass, he managed to accomplish something before he died, he was taken out by the current arch-villain (even if I think the Leviathans are kind of fail...)

And the episode that followed focusing on his death was actually quite beautiful.

It did a great job of acknowledging past canon about the character, including minor characters significant to his background. It highlighted his significance in the lives and history of the show's main heroes. I loved the portrait it painted of who he is, why he is who he is, and what it all really means to the overall mythology of the series. Even the Reaper gave him props in his condescending way. And they've hinted pretty heavily that his influence isn't quite over yet...

Still, I'll miss the character terribly.

Bobby was like...the ultimate badass old guy. He was just...improbably awesome. He was like Batman. He was always crazy prepared and super observant. Even demons with centuries of experience had a hard time getting one over on him. He managed to bluff or maneuver his way out of situations the Winchesters couldn't hope to fight their way out of, and when drama reared its ugly head he took no shit, and never hesitated to say what was needed and be the one to pull their heads out of their asses.

(Hell, he's probably performed enough "miracles" to be canonized. Chuck? Are you listening?)

He was solid and dependable, straightforward, yet complex. And on a network frequently dominated by flashiness and youth, the grouchy old cuss was pretty damned unique. I think he's going to continue to be one of my stand-out favorites for a very long time.

Comments

[adja999.livejournal.com]

Indeed. I really miss Bobby, but they're in a war, and it wouldn't be logical if there was no casualties. And, hey, for once, it wasn't a woman that died!

They did send him off with respect and didn't skip over the influence he's had on the boys and the storyline. I really hope they won't 'replace' him with the new weird guy and the sherrif either. They've pulled it off so far.

You know what else I like? Dean's nemisis is called Dick.
Nothing new, though. Just saying. :P

Something that makes me feel quite okay with it too, is that, well... I honestly didn't think he'd survive the big Lucifer/Michael showdown (the idea was that Dean and Sam were increasingly alone and desperate. Dean took it SO hard). But... he finally gets his rest now. And boy, does he deserve it.
Maybe even the boys agree. Bobby's probably kicking it with Ash and Ellen now. And Jo. And his family.
So they're in pain, yes. They've lost their surogate dad and mentor and command central... but they know he's likely okay now.

I'd like to have an explenation about Chuck. I have my theory. Prophets are vessels for God, but, once 'used' they either disapear or you know, get beamed to heaven.
However... the gospel isn't over, so... who's writting it now?

Shall we? :P