Was Dean's role diminished in Supernatural?
I am an avid hater of Dean vs. Sam debates but posted this on a website in response to a discussion. The discussion was for people to vent their frustrations with Dean's character development. Quite frankly, I don't have any and I don't understand anyone's incessant need to bitch and moan about a show they profess to love. Anyway, here's what I said:
So, I hope it's okay to comment on this article if we weren't frustrated with Dean's character developement. I don't understand how anyone can think Dean's role was diminished just because he didn't have a grand destiny. According to the angels, both brothers had a destiny which they chose to thumb their nose at, proving that there is no such thing as destiny. We all have free will. And even though Sam did end up being Lucifer's meat suit, it was a choice they all made, it was the best solution to their problem, they didn't give in and do it just because everyone seemed to think they should.
I don't believe for one minute Sam no longer wanted his brother to be his protector as much as he just wanted to be able to do the same for his brother. Dean has sacficed everything his whole life for his family. Why shouldn't Sam be able to make a sacrifice for his brother? And Dean needed to let Sam grow up. I understand his need to be a big brother and protector but his constant doubt of Sam's ability to make any kind of decision is what drove Sam toward Ruby. And yes, big brother was usually right but little brothers have to make mistakes and learn from them. Same as children. I'm a mother and I've learned this the hard way. They will never be able to make decisions if you don't let them. Sam just wanted to be trusted by his brother.
If Dean had given in and said yes to Micheal in Point of No Return, then I would have been extremely disappointed because at the point Dean was going to say yes, he wasn't doing it because he had calculated the odds and it was the only option they had, he was doing it because he had lost all hope in everything and he thought he might as well give in because what did he really have to lose? And Dean has never done that. He has always been the one to run from a fight if they didn't have a smart plan. And the reason he didn't say yes? Because he didn't want to let his little brother down. He was still being the big brother/protector.
Also, if Dean hadn't shown up at the cemetery when the showdown was going on, I would have been disappointed. Sam would have never been able to overcome Lucifer if it hadn't been for his brother's presence, the memories they had shared and the home they had made together (with the Impala). To me, that is just as an important role as being the one who jumped into the pit. Without Dean, Sam would have never found the strength to do what he did. Together they saved the world. They are both heroes in different ways and I don't understand those who can't see it.
I love this show probably more than anyone should love a show and I love both boys equally. In the end, they were there for each other and that's what matters. Like Chuck said "They made their own choice. They chose family, and well, isn't that kinda the whole point?" And I honestly don't want to argue with anyone. I just wanted to say how I feel. :)
