At least one silver lining from the coronavirus shutdown of production on Supernatural will be an improvement of the final episodes - that's how one star of the show is interpreting it, anyway. Like virtually every television show currently in production, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought a halt to the filming and production of Supernatural. The interest surrounding the return of the CW show is increasing, though, as it was building towards a series finale a decade and a half in the making.
When the show ceased production in March, it was tantalizingly close to the end. There are still several episodes left to air - seven in total - but there were only two left to make when social distancing and safety measures brought on a suspension. Since then, fans have been waiting with bated breath to hear when Supernatural season 15 will return to air its next batch of episodes, while the cast and crew have also been waiting to return to work and give those fans what they deserve after 15 legendary seasons.
Jensen Ackles thinks there is a blessing in disguise at work. In comments made to EW, Ackles admitted that while the situation is frustrating, this is also a time for the creative forces behind the show to "recharge." In addition to being able to enjoy and savor the production of the final episodes in a unique way when the show goes back to work, Ackles thinks "having this break might service the last few episodes better." He said:
Obviously, it’s a horribly unfortunate situation we’re in, but the silver lining is that it gives us an opportunity to recharge. We had just finished episode 18, we shot one day of episode 19, and I was reading these two monster scripts thinking, ‘It’s like we’re at the end of a marathon and they want us to sprint for the last two miles.’ I feel like this almost gives us an opportunity to refocus and go into the last two episodes and hit them with everything we got. I think having this break might service the last few episodes better.
EW had an opportunity to check in with the three main cast members of Supernatural, as well as co-showrunner Robert Singer. They all largely shared in the sentiment that the production halt will take a deep emotional toll on them, as it's dragging out their need to say goodbyes to one another. But they also all appear united in the desire to bring fans of the show the best conclusion possible.
Many shows across the television landscape chose to bring their current seasons to an abrupt close, rather than return to production after the pandemic subsides. The folks behind Supernatural didn't see that as an option, though, with the need to provide a satisfying end to the Winchesters' journey the primary objective of the season. The idea of having more time to work on the finale has previously been thought of being a good thing. Another break after the midseason pause wasn't expected, but Ackles is one of many who think it will ultimately help end Supernatural on the right note.
Source: EW