For most of its fifteen seasons, the CW's Supernatural only focused on Sam and Dean Winchester. Yet, none of that would have been possible without the help of a range of supporting characters. Some immediately became fan-favorites, while others were completely shunned by the audience.
As the show is coming to an end, it is worth looking at some of these supporting characters and their impact on the show. Therefore, here is a list of five Supernatural characters that needed to be better explored over the course of the series and five who took up too much screen time.
Underused: Donna
Donna was perhaps one of the most unique characters on the show. Her natural bubbly and energetic nature made her a fun bright spot in an otherwise dark and morose show. First appearing as a victim in season nine, she later became a pretty decent hunter.
However, fans rarely got to see her, even though she was mentioned a lot. As a cop who knows about the supernatural, Donna could have been of significant use to the brothers and the broader hunting community. Unfortunately, Donna never really got the development she deserved and hopefully, fans will see more of her in the final season.
Saw Too Much Of: Naomi
Naomi was first revealed in season eight as the angel who was responsible for re-educating disobedient angels. She brainwashed Castiel so that he would spy on the Winchesters and nearly got him to kill Dean.
This immediately made her unlikable to fans and for a long time, she became a dark never-ending cloud that lingered over the Winchesters and Castiel. Therefore, it is easy to see why fans quickly became bored with her. Unfortunately, Supernatural has a tendency of reusing characters and she returned in season thirteen.
Underused: Eileen
The intelligent, funny, and highly skilled hunter Eileen quickly became a fan-favorite. After having lost her parents and hearing to a Banshee as a child, she became a hunter in order to avenge their deaths.
Sadly, she never got a lot of screen time and was unceremoniously killed in season twelve. In a surprise twist, she recently returned but was sidelined after it was revealed that she was part of Chuck's plans. Eileen had the potential to become one of the Winchesters' greatest allies and combined with her and Sam's growing relationship, fans are eager to see more.
Saw Too Much Of: Apocalypse World Michael
Fans thought that they had seen the last of the archangel Michael in season five. That was until they were introduced to the Apocalypse World Michael, and sadly, many fans preferred the first one.
The new Michael was a lot more cruel and sadistic while at the same time never becoming as epic of a villain. Even when he possessed Dean, his plans of working with the Werewolves to destroy humanity seemed weak in comparison to the other elaborate world-ending events. Therefore, he just never felt like an intriguing villain to watch.
Underused: The Original Death
As one of the Horseman of the Apocalypse, Death was one of the most mysterious characters on the show. First appearing in season four, he became an ally of the Winchesters. Death was immensely powerful and could have been potentially older than God himself.
Yet, fans never got to see his full potential, powers, and knowledge before he was killed by Dean. Although Billie became the new Death, she lacked his peculiar and terrifying demeanor.
Saw Too Much Of: Mary Winchester
The death of Mary Winchester was the catalyst for Sam and Dean becoming hunters. Therefore, fans were surprised, if not a little confused, by her return at the end of season eleven. Sadly, her connection with her new world and her sons always felt a little forced and uncomfortable.
More importantly, she never really got to fully grow as a character as most of her developments were written in relation to Sam and Dean. Unfortunately, the writers took a potentially good character and gave her drab and tedious storylines, which made her tiresome to watch.
Underused: Charlie
If there is one character that deserved better from the Supernatural writers, it was the enigmatic Charlie. Nerdy, insanely clever and vicious when needed, she should have had a much bigger role in the show. Her tech wizardry and fighting skills would have made her an amazing hunter.
Unfortunately, like many of the female characters in the show, she was killed off to further the Winchesters' storylines. Although fans got to see the Apocalypse World Charlie, she felt more like a cheap imitation of the Charlie fans had grown to love.
Saw Too Much Of: Lucifer
There was a time when Lucifer was one of the most interesting characters on the show. As the main antagonist for the first part of the series, he was a fantastic "big bad." Unfortunately, his later storylines on the show left much to be desired.
His later portrayals felt cartoonish and unnecessary, like when he possessed the body of a rock star or tried to corrupt Jack. More importantly, his consistent reiterations as an antagonist started to become stale and fans were left hoping for a more compelling villain.
Underused: Gabriel
It is surprising to realize that before he returned in season thirteen, the mischievous archangel Gabriel only had four episodes to his name. Yet, he was one of the most beloved and memorable characters of the entire show. Therefore, fans were excited to seem him return, even as a prisoner of Asmodeus.
Unfortunately, not long after his reappearance, he was killed by the alternate Michael in the Apocalypse World. Throughout the show, Gabriel could have assisted the Winchesters through their most challenging times while also providing the show with much needed comedic relief.
Saw Too Much Of: Metatron
Metatron was one of the most disliked villains of the show. Pretentious, petty, and a little creepy, Metatron, did a range of terrible things that included casting the angels out of heaven and killing Dean.
Normally, compelling villains have a certain appeal to them. They either have engrossing backstories, incredible power, or some redeeming qualities. Yet, Metatron had none of those things. To many fans, watching Metatron felt like agony and were therefore delighted to finally see him go.