Sam and Dean. Best sibling relationship on TV?

[meimei42]

If you ask me, I would have to say yes, Sam and Dean probably have the best sibling relationship on TV. Maybe not the most normal, but certainly the best in my opinion.

Not that there aren't some great sibling duos out there (Stanley and Bonnie on Jericho, Nathan and Peter on Heroes, Michael and Linc on Prison Break) but I think as far as selling me the idea that these two are brother and are there for each other no matter what, I'm completely sold.

Lots of characters have their emotional problems, but Sam and Dean grew up in a world where they really only had each other to count on. Their father was emotionally absent at best making Dean, in my opinion, a shadow parent to Sam and even to an extent to his father.

Now, years and years after an event that altered the course of their lives, Sam and Dean still only have each other to count on and never before have you seen two character lean on each other as much as Sam and Dean do.

Yeah because I've been following you around my entire life! I mean I've been looking up to you since I was four, Dean. Studying you, trying to be just like my big brother. So yeah, I know you. Better that anyone else in the entire world. And this.. Is exactly how you act when you're terrified.

These two characters know exactly how to tug at my heart strings and it isn't always about big dramatic flares, just the emotional bond between the two of them is so perfectly crafted. They get on each others nerves, they fight, they test each other, but if something every happened to one of them, you know the other would be standing right there with them. I know that for me and my siblings, as much as I love them, I don't have that kind of bond with them. And perhaps it was just the way they were raised (we see in WIAWSNB Sam and Dean are hardly friendly in the alternate future) but it goes beyond just depending on each other. They're each other's life lines and it blows me away week after week when these two actors have some of the most amazing, brotherly scenes I've ever seen on television.

Alright, everyone sound off. What do you think?

[adiafaith]

Oh, the thread I've been waiting for!

I'd definitely say that Sam and Dean are the best depiction of two brothers who genuinely love one another on TV right now. Their relationship is one that I feel like I've never seen before. It's emotional, caring, protective, humorous, unconditional and just flat out beautiful. And as much as I love the PB brothers (or should I say loved?), the Petrelli brothers from Heroes, and even the two Scott brothers from OTH (and the evolution that took place with them), all of those relationships truly pale in comparison to the Winchester boys.

I was watching the pilot episode again yesterday and I noticed that as well as things seemed to be going for Sam (with school, with his girlfriend), there seemed to be something missing. Then Dean showed up and though he'd been out hunting on his own and able to be by himself, there seemed to be something missing in him too. As soon as they got into that car together though, it was like so clear that what was missing was each other. They really and truly need each other. They're all each other has and are willing to go to any length to protect one another. In many ways, they'd be slightly lost without each other or at least empty on the inside.

What I also love about them is that they're so in tune with each other. They know each other's quirks, what makes each other tick...just like the example you gave when Sam confronted Dean about being terrified. Dean didn't have to say it, Sam just knew. Similar to the moments when Sam knew Dean wasn't dealing with their dad's death and Dean knew Sam was still hurting inside about Jessica. They don't always have these moments where they're telling each other they're scared or hurting because, imo, they don't have to. They know each other so well and can feel what the other is feeling.

And I agree that it really isn't about these huge, swelling dramatic moments. I mean, yes I cried when Dean was wailing on his car with the crowbar and when Sam was begging the Trickster to bring his brother back and when Dean broke down not knowing what to do about Sam's death. But the moments that really do me in are the quieter moments, where it's just a small gesture or expression. Like at the end of the Christmas episode...they didn't have to do the whole emo "I love you, Sam" "I love you, Dean" thing....when they sat quietly watching TV and Sam glanced over at his brother, you could tell just from that how much he loved Dean. How much he looked up to him and how special it was to be able to share that moment with him. There are so many moments like that that just have me reaching for fistfuls of Kleenex.

They get on each others nerves, they fight, they test each other, but if something every happened to one of them, you know the other would be standing right there with them....

So perfectly said. They most certainly do fight and rib each other but the bond that they have is never destroyed from it because, at the end of the day, there's nothing these two wouldn't do for each other.

And as problematic and, unhealthy in an emotional way, their upbringing was, I truly believe these two heal each other. I've said this before...what has happened to them as kids and the way their father raised them did damage...but together they help each other heal. I don't see Dean getting over their father's death without Sam much in the same way I don't see Sam moving on from losing Jessica without Dean. I truly believe if they could take each other's pain they would...Dean even said this when he told Sam he wished Sam could have that innocence of not knowing what was truly out there in the world.

I gotta say, much credit should go to Jared and Jensen 'cause it's not easy to portray a relationship like this and it not come off as forced or cheesy. But they do it and make it work.

[lila]

I don't have as much to say on this issue as you two and since you brought up most of the points I would have mentioned already (extremely deep bond, being there for each other no matter what resp. feeling lost without the other) I'll just say it's definitely one of the best and extremely well portrayed.

[meimei42]

Originally Posted by adiafaith

Oh, the thread I've been waiting for!

I'd definitely say that Sam and Dean are the best depiction of two brothers who genuinely love one another on TV right now. Their relationship is one that I feel like I've never seen before. It's emotional, caring, protective, humorous, unconditional and just flat out beautiful. And as much as I love the PB brothers (or should I say loved?), the Petrelli brothers from Heroes, and even the two Scott brothers from OTH (and the evolution that took place with them), all of those relationships truly pale in comparison to the Winchester boys.

The Winchester bond is certainly very special and I agree, its not something I see or have seen on TV. How Sam and Dean interact with one another blows me away. They could look at each other and you know exactly what they're thinking and they don't have to say anything.

Originally Posted by adiafaith

I was watching the pilot episode again yesterday and I noticed that as well as things seemed to be going for Sam (with school, with his girlfriend), there seemed to be something missing. Then Dean showed up and though he'd been out hunting on his own and able to be by himself, there seemed to be something missing in him too. As soon as they got into that car together though, it was like so clear that what was missing was each other. They really and truly need each other. They're all each other has and are willing to go to any length to protect one another. In many ways, they'd be slightly lost without each other or at least empty on the inside.

I think for as perfect as Sam's life was, there was something missing in it. Sam knew that Dean could find their father on his own, if Sam truly wanted to cut himself off from his family he could have slammed the door right then and there. But he didn't. He agreed to go with Dean, for whatever reason. And its almost like two pieces of the puzzle finally fitting together because it was almost immediate the bond the two had. It was like everything just fell into place and this was how it was supposed to be.

Originally Posted by adiafaith

What I also love about them is that they're so in tune with each other. They know each other's quirks, what makes each other tick...just like the example you gave when Sam confronted Dean about being terrified. Dean didn't have to say it, Sam just knew. Similar to the moments when Sam knew Dean wasn't dealing with their dad's death and Dean knew Sam was still hurting inside about Jessica. They don't always have these moments where they're telling each other they're scared or hurting because, imo, they don't have to. They know each other so well and can feel what the other is feeling.

They read each other very well and I think I chalk that up to close quarters in a way. They had a very nomadic life from what I can gather. They didn't have any roots except one another and so when you're constantly that close to someone, even after not seeing them for years, you still have the ability to realize when something is up.

I love how the brothers push each other to try and get them to open up. They don't give up, they don't let go or just say to hell with it. They push and push until the other breaks and when they do break, I think I break a little with it because you just see them loose it and after such a huge build up its heartbreaking.

Thats one thing I love about Supernatural. They're willing to drag out some of the emotional stuff. Dean isn't emo and then okay by the end of the episode. He holding onto this emotion and Sam is pushing and Dean pushes back and then Sam pushes again and again Dean pushes back and suddenly you're in episode eight and its an explotion of emotion that because it was built up so much, is perfect in its execution.

And even then the issues aren't over and done with. Oh Supernatural, I love you.

Originally Posted by adiafaith

And I agree that it really isn't about these huge, swelling dramatic moments. I mean, yes I cried when Dean was wailing on his car with the crowbar and when Sam was begging the Trickster to bring his brother back and when Dean broke down not knowing what to do about Sam's death. But the moments that really do me in are the quieter moments, where it's just a small gesture or expression. Like at the end of the Christmas episode...they didn't have to do the whole emo "I love you, Sam" "I love you, Dean" thing....when they sat quietly watching TV and Sam glanced over at his brother, you could tell just from that how much he loved Dean. How much he looked up to him and how special it was to be able to share that moment with him. There are so many moments like that that just have me reaching for fistfuls of Kleenex.

Yeah those are wonderful. Like in Dream a Little Dream, when Dean tells Sam he doesn't want to die. Its not him balling his eyes out or freaking out. Its just a simple, I don't want to die and you can see so much more behind that. He's asking his brother for help but still terrified because he's pretty sure its hopeless and you just feel for him. He doesn't have to be quivering in fear to know he is terrified out of his mind to go to hell. And it was just in that quick, minute long (maybe) conversation you get all that. You see Dean finally letting go and admitting to being scared.

Originally Posted by adiafaith

So perfectly said. They most certainly do fight and rib each other but the bond that they have is never destroyed from it because, at the end of the day, there's nothing these two wouldn't do for each other.

OMG, in Mystery Spot where you see the breakdown of Sam--its just nut. I would have loved to see them break the episode out into two episodes. Episode one ending where Dean died on Wednesday and then all of the second episode dedicated to Sam's breaking down because it was just done too quickly and some of the stuff you saw and realized was happening was scary. It was like looking into a Crystal Ball and seeing what Sam's life was going to be like if Dean actually does go to hell.

Originally Posted by adiafaith

And as problematic and, unhealthy in an emotional way, their upbringing was, I truly believe these two heal each other. I've said this before...what has happened to them as kids and the way their father raised them did damage...but together they help each other heal. I don't see Dean getting over their father's death without Sam much in the same way I don't see Sam moving on from losing Jessica without Dean.

I have to comment here because I think you hit the nail on the head here. If Dad had died when Dean and Sam were astranged, I don't know how Dean would get through it. His whole identity was wrapped up in his father and without Sam to pull him out, I can't even begin to fathom where Dean would be. Dean seems like a very dependent kind of person. Not necessarily in the way of needing someone to take care of, but needing someone he can take care of or latch onto.

Sam is the opposite. He's an independent person, but I think if he had lost Jessica, the way he had, and he didn't have the connection to his brother, I imagine a dark spiral downwards would happen to Sam in the same way its happened to his father. The both of them have so much potential to get obsessive about things that I imagine it would have been dangerous for Sam to have not had Dean there with him. Maybe Sam would have never left that room if Dean hadn't pulled him out. I don't really know.

Originally Posted by adiafaith

I truly believe if they could take each other's pain they would...Dean even said this when he told Sam he wished Sam could have that innocence of not knowing what was truly out there in the world.

I agree. I think Dean is maybe more vocal about his need to protect his brother, but in this last season, you see Sam sharing the same feelings as Dean did last season. This need and this fear to save his brother while his brother is convinced that this is the end for him and is ready to give up. I think I like seeing that Sam is just as willing to give everything for his brother as Dean has been because up until this point, it has very much been Dean needing and wanting to give up everything for Sam.

Sam says something I think its at the end of AHBL2 where he basically tells Dean that while Dean may be looking after him, he's looking after Dean and he's going to save him. I loved that change.

Originally Posted by adiafaith

I gotta say, much credit should go to Jared and Jensen 'cause it's not easy to portray a relationship like this and it not come off as forced or cheesy. But they do it and make it work.

They amaze me sometimes. I mean Supernatural is this cheesy little horror genre show, except its so much more than that. Its more than ghosts and hot guys, its a family drama that has the greatest ability to break your heart. Jared and Jensen somehow pull off this amazing chemistry on screen that you just don't see every day. They ARE brothers when you watch them on screen. Its undeniable.

[adiafaith]

I think for as perfect as Sam's life was, there was something missing in it. Sam knew that Dean could find their father on his own, if Sam truly wanted to cut himself off from his family he could have slammed the door right then and there. But he didn't. He agreed to go with Dean, for whatever reason. And its almost like two pieces of the puzzle finally fitting together because it was almost immediate the bond the two had. It was like everything just fell into place and this was how it was supposed to be.

Yeah Sam was definitely empty in a lot of ways and if his life was ideal, he would've told Dean no. I think it's also so interesting that as much as Sam claimed to love Jessica and was happy in his life that he never totally revealed who he was to her. Like he always made it seem like he was running towards something, running towards this future when actually he was running from his past and from who he really is. It makes me wonder what life would've been like for them if they had gotten married and had kids.

Also one thing I loved about that first ep was we saw right away how they, despite being separated for some time, immediately resumed this bond they had. It's very telling of how close their relationship was when they were younger.

I love how the brothers push each other to try and get them to open up. They don't give up, they don't let go or just say to hell with it. They push and push until the other breaks and when they do break, I think I break a little with it because you just see them loose it and after such a huge build up its heartbreaking.

Especially brothers because, let's face it, men don't tend to open up a lot when it comes to emotional things. And also because you know that they're doing it, pushing each other, mainly because they have each other's best interests in mind. It's one of those things I love about them...they'd never do anything to each other to intentionally hurt the other. And I totally break but I'm emo so it can be expected.

Thats one thing I love about Supernatural. They're willing to drag out some of the emotional stuff. Dean isn't emo and then okay by the end of the episode. He holding onto this emotion and Sam is pushing and Dean pushes back and then Sam pushes again and again Dean pushes back and suddenly you're in episode eight and its an explotion of emotion that because it was built up so much, is perfect in its execution. And even then the issues aren't over and done with. Oh Supernatural, I love you.

I know, they do this really well! I get so sick of shows where they have this emo moment and it's resolved and on to the next thing and with these SN boys, that would absolutely never work so I'm happy to see they never do it that way. Sam and Dean are so messed up emotionally that a breakdown in one ep isn't gonna take 20+ years of pain away. And it isn't a breakthrough moment either because it takes more than one time opening up to change a person (hello, years of therapy and a person can still screwed up, lol). But it's a start, you know. It's a much needed experience that has to happen from time to time for these characters. And I also dig that we see them pushing back because if Dean could just say, "hey Sam talk to me about what you're feeling about Jessica" and Sam just spilled his guts, then it would never explain why these two so desperately need each other. If they could open up with ease, they'd be pretty well-rounded. And well-rounded is so far from who they are.

Like in Dream a Little Dream, when Dean tells Sam he doesn't want to die. Its not him balling his eyes out or freaking out. Its just a simple, I don't want to die and you can see so much more behind that. He's asking his brother for help but still terrified because he's pretty sure its hopeless and you just feel for him. He doesn't have to be quivering in fear to know he is terrified out of his mind to go to hell. And it was just in that quick, minute long (maybe) conversation you get all that. You see Dean finally letting go and admitting to being scared.

That scene got me too, especially because Dean didn't look at his brother when he was saying that. It was so subtle, you know, 'cause Sam already knew he was scared but it was almost like Dean couldn't look directly at Sam when saying it because the fear would be in his eyes. Kinda had me all emo when I saw that.
Or in Bedtime Stories, when they're questioning that man and the guy talks about his brothers being killed and asks Sam how he'd feel...the look on Sam's face when he said he couldn't imagine anything worse and then the glance from Dean...breaks me down every time. Or in Fresh Blood. When Dean's acting all bad a** and is gonna go after Gordon on his own, to hear Sam ask Dean to just be his brother, just because.....it was heartbreaking 'cause it was like Sam was acknowledging that he knew Dean had been his protector and the one looking after him all those years and that he'd spent his lifetime looking up to him, but in that moment, he didn't want a protector or father figure, he just wanted a brother...tears galore for me.

OMG, in Mystery Spot where you see the breakdown of Sam--its just nut. I would have loved to see them break the episode out into two episodes. Episode one ending where Dean died on Wednesday and then all of the second episode dedicated to Sam's breaking down because it was just done too quickly and some of the stuff you saw and realized was happening was scary. It was like looking into a Crystal Ball and seeing what Sam's life was going to be like if Dean actually does go to hell.

I think they could've broke the ep up too. When I first watched it, I was just cracking up over Dean, like I was totally in that laughing mode. And then Dean died for real and seeing Sam alone....I spent like the last 10-15 minutes of that ep in like this omg wtf silence and it was an abrupt switch for me. At first I was still trying to wrap my head around the fact that Dean was actually dead and not coming back. Then it was like, whoa, Sam's so not the same and then it was over. But I think if we'd seen a whole ep of Sam alone and hunting on his own that it would've wrecked a lot of people emotionally. I know I would've been a mess. Maybe they did it like that to just let us get a glimpse of what life will be like if they do go ahead and kill Dean (I'm hoping so, 'cause what Jared did in those scenes was so freakin' amazing). I mean, it was definitely scary because we've never seen him like that before...I was more terrified of him like that than I was of him when he was demon possessed! And it was painful to watch him because he'd sort of just become this shell of a person.

I have to comment here because I think you hit the nail on the head here. If Dad had died when Dean and Sam were astranged, I don't know how Dean would get through it. His whole identity was wrapped up in his father and without Sam to pull him out, I can't even begin to fathom where Dean would be. Dean seems like a very dependent kind of person. Not necessarily in the way of needing someone to take care of, but needing someone he can take care of or latch onto.

Ok, I've been writing essay length responses to mad posts all day so I'm not sure if I wrote it in this one yet or in the John:loving father, obsessed jerk one but I so see Dean turning into someone like Gordon had Sam not been around after their dad died. Like he would've still been hunting but there would've been this intense rage inside of him and I could so see him taking it out on all that he killed. Plus, he would've been totally reckless and out of control. I think we kinda saw a little glimpse of that in the way he was going after the father in CSPWDT and the way he was curt with the husband in Crossroad Blues. But I definitely could see him as another Gordon, not questioning things but killing just because it's supernatural and that's his job. Even the way he sawed off that vamps head in Bloodlust was scary 'cause he seemed to get so lost in this gory kill.

Sam is the opposite. He's an independent person, but I think if he had lost Jessica, the way he had, and he didn't have the connection to his brother, I imagine a dark spiral downwards would happen to Sam in the same way its happened to his father. The both of them have so much potential to get obsessive about things that I imagine it would have been dangerous for Sam to have not had Dean there with him. Maybe Sam would have never left that room if Dean hadn't pulled him out. I don't really know.

I don't think he would've sat around in his room. I think he would've went off to get the demon that got Jess but he would've been so obsessed about it that I could see him being a little reckless as well. Not thinking things out rationally, taking it so personal...a lot like John.

Without each other though, they both would've been a wreck. Both of them have this dark side they go to, but Sam knows Dean's and Dean knows Sam's and they can bring each other out of it. But apart...I don't see either one of them crawling out of that dark place on their own.

I think Dean is maybe more vocal about his need to protect his brother, but in this last season, you see Sam sharing the same feelings as Dean did last season. This need and this fear to save his brother while his brother is convinced that this is the end for him and is ready to give up. I think I like seeing that Sam is just as willing to give everything for his brother as Dean has been because up until this point, it has very much been Dean needing and wanting to give up everything for Sam.
Sam says something I think its at the end of AHBL2 where he basically tells Dean that while Dean may be looking after him, he's looking after Dean and he's going to save him. I loved that change.

Oh, that scene just melted my little icicle heart 'cause I knew Sam would do anything for Dean but to hear him say it and see Dean's reaction to it...it was so touching. And I actually always complained in season 1 and season 2 about why Dean was always the one rescuing Sam (or at least most of the time) but now it feels like it should've been that way to lead into this storyline. Because I do feel like Sam will be able to find a way to rescue his brother (even if it means going into hell) and that's gonna be huge for the both of them on such an emotional level. This is something that's been building up.

Also, I just think that Dean's so much more vocal about protecting Sam because Dean's identity revolves around being Sam's protector. That's not the case for Sam. He loves his brother and would do anything for his brother and is grateful to Dean for always being there for him, looking after him and protecting him. And it's those reasons, imo, why he will go to any lengths to save his brother. And not to say that Dean doesn't have those same feelings because he does...but his is rooted so much more in that being who he is in life: Sam's protector.

They amaze me sometimes. I mean Supernatural is this cheesy little horror genre show, except its so much more than that. Its more than ghosts and hot guys, its a family drama that has the greatest ability to break your heart. Jared and Jensen somehow pull off this amazing chemistry on screen that you just don't see every day. They ARE brothers when you watch them on screen. Its undeniable.

Heh, when my friends that don't watch this show and ask me if it's about ghosts, I'm like, no it's about two brothers. That, to me, is really what it's about. The relationship between these two brothers and the way they deal with battling evil. Because the ghosts aren't the main story...the hunts change from episode to episode and sometimes the hunt is just a backdrop to their family drama like in ELAC and Tall Tales. And it's not about avenging their mother's death, 'cause they already did that in season 2 and we're in season 3 still going strong. Nope, to me, it's about the boys. And maybe the fact that they're best friends in real life has something to do with it, but I really do think they do a great job, acting wise in making their relationship believable.

[Tazabelle]

I'm not as deep as you guys so I won't embarrass myself. I defo agree they have a great relationship. It's so bittersweet to watch. I get the feeling they really care for each other and would never let anything stand between them. Plus, they are so different so that makes it all the more effective.

[smileyone]

I think they could've broke the ep up too. When I first watched it, I was just cracking up over Dean, like I was totally in that laughing mode. And then Dean died for real and seeing Sam alone....I spent like the last 10-15 minutes of that ep in like this omg wtf silence and it was an abrupt switch for me. At first I was still trying to wrap my head around the fact that Dean was actually dead and not coming back. Then it was like, whoa, Sam's so not the same and then it was over. But I think if we'd seen a whole ep of Sam alone and hunting on his own that it would've wrecked a lot of people emotionally. I know I would've been a mess. Maybe they did it like that to just let us get a glimpse of what life will be like if they do go ahead and kill Dean (I'm hoping so, 'cause what Jared did in those scenes was so freakin' amazing). I mean, it was definitely scary because we've never seen him like that before...I was more terrified of him like that than I was of him when he was demon possessed! And it was painful to watch him because he'd sort of just become this shell of a person.

As much as I totally agree with you all about the unique sibling bond that is Dean & Sam... I feel I have to disagree with you on the whole Mystery Spot ep.... For me ... The whole Dean is dead... Sam is struggling to survive without him thing was covered extremely well in those few short minutes.... I don't feel we needed to see a whole second parter ep to labour this point! Jared, much to his credit... worked the scene extremely well! Of course it was painful to watch... anything involving pain to either of those two boys just breaks my heart.... Both of them work the whole sibling close bond so well...

Also, I just think that Dean's so much more vocal about protecting Sam because Dean's identity revolves around being Sam's protector. That's not the case for Sam. He loves his brother and would do anything for his brother and is grateful to Dean for always being there for him, looking after him and protecting him. And it's those reasons, imo, why he will go to any lengths to save his brother. And not to say that Dean doesn't have those same feelings because he does...but his is rooted so much more in that being who he is in life: Sam's protector.

Yep... well said... I'd agree with this point!!!

I'm not as deep as you guys so I won't embarrass myself. I defo agree they have a great relationship. It's so bittersweet to watch. I get the feeling they really care for each other and would never let anything stand between them. Plus, they are so different so that makes it all the more effective.

That makes as much sense as anything the rest of us have posted... Well said!!!
Welcome to the forums BTW....

[Nanika]

wow girls....you really have A LOT to say LOL!
All I gotta say is: The one, the only, the absolute unique - Winchester bond! There is nothing like it! Never was, never will be! Amen!

[Tazabelle]

^^ I second that! Go Team Winchester!

[smileyone]

Oh folks... I've just had a really horrible but entirely logical thought.....

Seeing that Sam buried Dean... for real... No trickster about etc... and for a whole four months of Sam being on his own, making all the decisions, killing demons etc... his way without any help from big brother Dean....

What if.... Sam's nose is put severely out of joint when Dean gets back? We fans can safely assume he will go back to join Sam to fight more demons. What if Dean automatically slots back into 'I'm the big brother I make the decisions mode'? How is Sam going take all this???
Both of them are gonna have a mountain of secrets they have both kept from each other... Dean is sure to come back all fired up... all changed... Sam will surely have grown up or matured more...

It's bound to happen.... I can't see a scenario like this not happening....
Oh God.... We are gonna have a few sibling rows.....

Anyone with any thoughts on this???