Fans of Supernatural refer to the first five seasons of the show as the “Golden Era.” Why? One reason could be because there were more interesting monsters being introduced every season that viewers looked forward to seeing again in following seasons.

Previously, the final problem would be carried over from the previous season, with closure on the matter every other season. The first episodes involve the introductions, which were followed up by episodes that were either lighthearted and funny or involved the collecting of more clues to solve the final problem. Monsters like shape shifters, vampires, a wendigo, witches, rougarous and vengeful spirits were ones to provide some relief from the focus of the final problem (even if they were somehow involved). This pattern was discontinued after the fifth season, with the writers opting for a heavier focus on the final matter.

These follow ups have included season 1’s “Provenance,” season 4’s “Monster Movie” and “The Monster at the End of This Book” as well as season 5’s “Changing Channels” and “The Real Ghostbusters.” Each of those episodes had provided a break from the conflict with the season’s main antagonists.

For Supernatural seasons 6 and 7, the emphasis on Purgatory had continuously escalated until Dean and Castiel were sent there after killing Dick Roman in the season 7 finale. It was always about killing Eve and Dick, defeating Leviathans and sending monsters to Purgatory.

In Supernatural season 8, the only real breaks from the final problem were the two episodes with the Men of Letters arc and the episodes with Charlie Bradbury. The Men of Letters arc was entertaining because it introduced more information on the Winchester family history. In addition, the Men of Letter bunker was introduced, and it is now my favorite Supernatural location. Charlie Bradbury provided the comic relief in a show that’s mood darkens with every season.

If Supernatural were to go back to the format that involved the introducing of new monsters and humorous episodes filling the ‘mid season arc,’ the show would be more enjoyable overall due to the comedy that would be there to alleviate the pressure of the final problem on the characters. In addition it would provide a portion of the season with a more light-hearted feel and less of an “all or nothing” situation.

Do you think Supernatural should change its season format?