I’m writing this for Rowena Appreciation Week, and today is Favorite Episode. Even though I love every episode Rowena is in(except the ones where she, y’know, died), my favorite episode with her has to be Funeralia. Here’s where we see true growth and development; this is where the woman and mother Rowena MacLeod is separate from the powerful witch Rowena.
Hearing of Crowley’s death in Various and Sundry Villains changed something in Rowena, but perhaps it was always there all along: a mother who really did love her son, but was afraid to show it. Being rejected by Fergus’ father damaged her and damaged her relationship with little Fergus. She realized that her abandonment of her son may have set him down the path to becoming a demon, and with her powers newly unleashed, decided to get Death’s attention.
Just…shit, just seeing how far Rowena has come since season 10 is heartening. We’ve been allowed to see just how complex a character Rowena MacLeod really is, and I love it. I’ve watched Funeralia several times since it first aired, and it never fails to make me cry when Rowena faces Death and breaks down. It’s a far cry from the ruthless, wicked witch we saw in season 10.
Yes, I loved seeing a powered-up Rowena(even if she used those powers to wreak havoc), but I loved seeing her being emotional more. And that includes the strange bond she’s formed with Sam Winchester. They both suffered trauma at the hands of Lucifer, but now, we find out their destinies are even more intertwined. Rowena’s permanent death will come from Sam, something that neither one of them want to contemplate–and neither do I, truthfully. I hope that won’t happen, but this being Supernatural…well, you just never know.
All in all, Funeralia is my favorite Rowena episode.
Rowena Appreciation Week, Day One: Favorite Episode