Supernatural has such a vast history with its 15 seasons, that it is no surprise that the fantasy TV show has many different ties to other media and has influenced popular culture. One such way the show connects itself to the wider industry is that members of Supernatural’s cast have appeared in other major movies and TV shows, often providing ample opportunities for meta references. For example, Mitch Pileggi, who plays Samuel Campbell on Supernatural, had previously appeared in The X-Files as Assistant Director Walter Skinner. However, in the case of Pileggi, there are actually multiple connections between his two roles.
Samuel Campbell was a supporting character in Supernatural, with Mitch Pileggi appearing in seven episodes of the show from season 4 to season 6. As one of the heads of Supernatural’s family tree, Samuel Campbell played an important role in the show in establishing Sam and Dean’s backstory and familial history. In The X-Files, Mitch Pileggi played the recurring character Walter Skinner, Agents Mulder and Scully’s boss, in the first eight seasons, before being promoted to a main character from season 9 onwards. Yet, despite Skinner and Samuel being two separate characters, the two share a few interesting similarities.
Mitch Pileggi’s Supernatural & The X-Files Characters Share Many Similarities
Samuel Campbell And Walter Skinner Had The Same Traits
Samuel Campbell was a hunter and Sam and Dean Winchester’s grandfather in Supernatural. As the head of the Campbell family, he had a duty to protect his loved ones and their legacy as hunters. However, Samuel was always a reluctant ally to Sam and Dean, especially in season 4’s “In The Beginning,” due to his rigid personality. As a result, Samuel Campbell often butted heads with Sam and Dean, who conflicted with his gruff, no-nonsense nature and complex morality. Yet, ultimately, Samuel taught the Winchester brothers a lot and aided them in his own way throughout his time on Supernatural.
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Walter Skinner is also an authority figure with a protective nature. As Mulder and Scully’s boss in The X-Files, Skinner has a duty to lead them and shield them from external threats and bureaucratic obstacles. Yet, much like Samuel, he is a reluctant ally, as shown when Skinner dismisses Mulder’s beliefs in extraterrestrials. Skinner and Samuel’s personalities show a blend of skepticism and support, making them complex characters, and they are both willing to make sacrifices for the things they care about. Unfortunately, Samuel’s dedication to Mary makes him a darker character in Supernatural, as he willingly sacrifices Dean.
The X-Files Had The Biggest Influence On Supernatural’s Creation
“In One Sentence, This Is X-Files Meets Route 66”
It is not hard to see how The X-Files inspired Supernatural, especially in season 1, when the show followed a “monster of the week” formula that was reminiscent of TV shows like The X-Files. Supernatural even references The X-Files in its pilot episode, as Sam and Dean introduce themselves to police officers at the scene of a murder using the names “Agent Mulder and Scully.” In 2019, creator Eric Kripke shared the original pitch for Supernatural on X (formerly Twitter) for the 300th episode celebration, stating “In one sentence, this is X-FILES meets ROUTE 66.” Check out the post below:
There are plenty of other connections between Supernatural and popular culture because of the show’s inherent meta qualities, but The X-Files’ connection to Supernatural is no doubt one of the most important due to its impact. The X-Files essentially defined the show from the beginning, with the original plan for Supernatural to showcase a horror movie per week. Therefore, when Mitch Pileggi made his first appearance on Supernatural as Samuel Campbell in season 4, in a role that mimicked his previous fan-favorite character on The X-Files, it offered a double connection which almost brought the show full circle.
Created by Eric Kripke, Supernatural is a fantasy/drama series that premiered in 2005. The series follows the adventures of Dean and Sam Winchester – two men wronged by supernatural beings as children who now spend their days investigating and hunting demons, ghosts, and monsters across the United States.
- Release Date
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September 13, 2005
- Seasons
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15
- Showrunner
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Eric Kripke
