Supernatural 'Do You Believe in Miracles' Review: Season 9 Finale Leaves Major Cliffhanger

Supernatural has gone through some rough patches in its lengthy run, and some of those patches have lasted nearly entire seasons. (I'm looking at you, Season 7.) But no matter how uneven the season, the show has always excelled with its finales. The final episodes of each season leave intriguing cliffhangers and keep the devoted fan base counting the days until the show returns with its next premiere.

Thankfully, the Season 9 finale continued this trend with a potentially game-changing ending.

The battle between Team Free Will and Metatron came to a conclusion in this episode, but the war was not without casualties. As expected, Dean took the First Blade in his hand and tracked down Metatron, who was convincing people of the existence of miracles as a homeless man named "Marv" who heals the sick and raises the dead.

Dean had some juice from the blade, but Metatron is an angel hopped up on the Word of God, so he quickly smacked down the elder Winchester. And just when it seemed like a bloodied Dean would make his move, Metatron stabbed him directly in the chest. Sam arrived too late and moments later, Dean died.

I must admit I was genuinely shocked by this, but that feeling quickly turned to one of skepticism. "This is Supernatural. Death means nothing on this show. Dean will pop back up by the end of the episode."

And I was right, except I was oh so wrong. Sam tried to summon Crowley, and the King of Hell popped up in the Men of Letters bunker at Dean's bedside. He placed the First Blade in his hand, laid it over his chest and told Dean to give in to it.

And then Dean's pure black eyes opened.

If Dean Winchester is now a demon or even a not-totally-human, I am exponentially more interested in this show for Season 10. Jared Padalecki has had a chance to portray so many different versions of his character, but Jensen Ackles has pretty much played the same version of Dean from day one. If he gets a chance to stretch his range next season, then this is a great move not just for the story, but for the actors.

Elsewhere, Castiel and Gadreel got into Heaven to try and smash the angel tablet but Metatron's forces imprisoned them. Luckily, a few sympathizers busted them out and helped Castiel get to the tablet. Metatron recaptured him, but Cas tricked him into revealing his whole devious plot to the angels and Metatron's world more or less crumbled around him.

Sam and Dean also got to work through their season-long conflict, though it did feel a bit rushed given the importance placed on it throughout the season and everything else happening during the hour. However, the two got to have a genuinely touching moment as Sam carried a dying Dean, who told his younger brother he was proud of everything they had accomplished before he drew his last breath.

Season 9 by and large continued the renaissance the show has experienced since Jeremy Carver took over in Season 8, and the finale offered closure on the Metatron arc while rocking the foundation of the show as far as Dean is concerned.

Notes from Dad's Journal:

-       Seriously, I can't tell you how excited I am by the possibility that Dean is now a demon.

-       Dean reminded Sam that he said he would not save his older brother if he wanted to die, and Sam said he changed his mind. Dean's reply of "ain't that a bitch" was classic Dean.

-       It's always comforting to hear the unofficial theme song  "Carry on Wayward Son" at the beginning of a Supernatural finale.

-       I can't believe I didn't think of this until now, but why do all angels carry their blades up their sleeves? They pull those things in and out like Wolverine's claws.

-       R.I.P. Gadreel. You were this year's Recurring Guest Star That Was Bound to Die in the Season Finale.

-       Dean decided to blame Metatron for everything that sucks about his life. And you know what? I'm with him.

What did you think of the Season 9 finale, Supernatural fans? Let us know in the comments below.