S2.E20

What Is and What Should Never Be

Episode aired May 3, 2007
TV-14
50m

IMDb RATING

YOUR RATING

Dean is attacked by a Djinn and finds himself in a new reality where his mother is still alive but another dead woman keeps appearing to him.Dean is attacked by a Djinn and finds himself in a new reality where his mother is still alive but another dead woman keeps appearing to him.Dean is attacked by a Djinn and finds himself in a new reality where his mother is still alive but another dead woman keeps appearing to him.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

9.3/10

8.2K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Trivia
The photos of Sam and Dean in Mary's home are real photos of younger Jared and Jensen.

Goofs
When Dean starts to mow the lawn of his mother's house, the mower is raised high enough over the grass that it's obvious it has no mower blade.

Quotes
Dean Winchester: Bitch.
Sam Winchester: What're you calling me a bitch for?
Dean Winchester: You're supposed to say "jerk".
Sam Winchester: What?
Dean Winchester: Never mind.

Connections
Featured in MsMojo: Top 10 Supernatural Episodes (2016)

Soundtracks
Saturday Night Special
Written by Edward King and Ronnie Van Zant
Performed by Lynyrd Skynyrd

User reviews13

Review

Featured review

9/10

Outstanding

At first glance, this episode is wonderful. Funny, achingly sad, and adorable all at once. But look a little deeper and you'll find that What Is and What Should Never Be shows a level of sophistication, acting, series and character continuity, and polish, that will blow you away.

Jensen Ackles knocked this one out of the park. Though he always does an exceptional job, he really took it up a notch this time. Never an off moment in the whole show. I have heard him referred to as a subtle actor before, and I think that comes through in this episode. The facial expressions, the gestures and movements are all spot on. You don't have to wonder how his character is feeling; it's written right there on his face, and in his eyes, for all to see. He's heartbreakingly sincere. Spectacular. Jared Padalecki also did an excellent job in this one.

A definite must see for newcomers and regulars alike.