my theory on how 8x12 came to be

[trystan830]

if you haven't seen up to and including Supernatural 8x12 (As Time Goes By), do not read any further

Comments

[bodgei]

Also who is to say the "old man" was John's bio-dad? People do have lives after a spouse dies (or disapeares or whatever)

[trystan830]

exactly. he could be a step-dad.

and i've edited the post, too.

[jendeana]

This works for me....
I could see John devastated over his father seemingly abandoning him eventually bonding with a stepfather and not only considering him his old man but wanting to follow in his footsteps and become a mechanic .
I could also see at some point him telling them his heartbreak over his father to drive a lesson home .

[trystan830]

yep, exactly.

however, there doesn't appear to be anywhere in canon when John tells Dean and Sam about his own father.....or a step-father either. it's pretty much a grey area.