When Castiel arrived in Supernatural season 4, he formed a special bond with Dean that lasted until the end and far exceeded his feelings for Sam.
One of the most significant relationships to appear on Supernatural is the connection between Dean Winchester and Castiel, which was so special that, at times, it excluded Sam Winchester entirely from the picture. Supernatural is a paranormal mystery series with 15 seasons and a spin-off series produced by the CW. Following brothers Sam and Dean Winchester, the show introduces an endless array of monsters and villains that the Winchesters must fight in order to save themselves and the world.
In Supernatural season 4, a new character was introduced: Castiel. Although the angel was only supposed to appear on the show for a few episodes, he ended up remaining in the series for 12 seasons. During his time on Supernatural, Castiel had many distinctive features from his classic trench coat and blue tie to his naivety about humanity, but most of all, Castiel was known to have a soft spot for Dean Winchester. Though he was close with both of the Winchesters, Castiel and Dean’s relationship grew season by season into an intimate and important connection.
Dean Was Castiel’s Supernatural Mission
The most obvious reason why Castiel would gravitate more towards Dean than Sam is because the elder Winchester brother was his mission and his reason for coming to Earth. In the Supernatural season 3 finale, Dean dies and goes to Hell, presumably for good. However, Supernatural season 4 begins with Dean’s resurrection and when the brothers look into who got him out, they meet the angel Castiel. Cas reveals that he rescued Dean on God’s orders and that God has work for Dean to do on Earth.
Castiel enters the Winchesters’ orbit because God makes it his mission to save Dean Winchester. Though he likely could have left the brothers soon after saving Dean, he remains on the show until the very end as their protector and friend. Although Cas successfully saved Dean in season 4, it seems as though he remains on Earth to keep an eye on him, as if his mission isn’t quite complete unless he knows that Dean is safe. In this way, Castiel has a special bond with Dean because of his actions to save him and his dedication to protecting him throughout the rest of the series.
Dean Winchester Needed A Guardian Angel More Than Sam
Anot her significant reason why Castiel would bond more with Dean is that he needs divine support more than Sam does. Though Dean is strong and capable, he struggles emotionally with his past and his hunting experiences. Especially after going to Hell, Dean needs a guardian angel much more than Sam does, and this remains true throughout the series because of Sam’s independent streak. It is likely that Castiel senses the humanity and struggle within Dean and is pulled toward it. In this way, Castiel is not just Dean’s protector but his source of faith and his support system when Dean finds it difficult to live his life.
Dean and Castiel’s connection throughout Supernatural is undeniable and this is likely why the showrunners kept the angel in the series for so long. Castiel and Dean’s relationship stands out because it defies the laws of heaven yet is rooted in basic human emotions and both men trying to understand each other. Although Castiel doesn’t show Sam the same attention as Dean, he still cares for both brothers and develops interesting relationships with them. However, Castiel’s bond with Dean will certainly live on as one of the best Supernatural pairings of all time.
