Season 7 of "Supernatural" left some fans with a trench-coat-sized hole in their hearts thanks to Castiel's extended absence. He returns for Season 8, but the Winchester world is dramatically different. Check out this refresher and get ready for the premiere on Oct. 3.
"Supernatural" Season 7 recap
Castiel became a scary god and accidentally released the Leviathan. The black goo possessed people, including business titan Dick Roman. Armed with borax, Sam, Dean, and Bobby tried to fight Dick and his cronies. They underestimated the enemy, and Bobby took a bullet to the head.
Sam suffered from hallucinations until Castiel -- now a recovering amnesiac -- took his memories of torture. A damaged Castiel stayed at the mental institution with Meg.
Ghost Bobby discovered the Leviathan's plan to use SucroCorp as a front to cultivate humanity as their food source. After Bobby's humanity waned, the Winchesters freed him by burning his flask.
Castiel rebounded in time to help Dean kill Dick. They stabbed him with a righteous bone and landed in Purgatory. Castiel vanished, leaving Dean surrounded by unseen creatures. Sam stayed at SucroCorp with a power-hungry Crowley and Kevin the unlikely prophet.
"Supernatural" Season 8 spoilers
Comic-Con 2012 coverage included major spoilers. Season 8 skips ahead, and Dean returns from Purgatory with a new buddy. Meanwhile, lone Sammy takes a break from hunting and finds a new love interest. Castiel definitely returns, but Bobby/ghost Bobby want to keep fans guessing.
Executive producer Jeremy Carver boasts a clear direction for the show: "I think we're really building some foundations for a storyline that can carry us for at least a few more years. There's a note card in my office [that says] the end of Season 10."
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