The season 12 premiere of the CW’s “Supernatural” was not the strong and intense kick-off that was expected from the suspenseful series, nor did it completely give satisfactory answers to the lingering questions from the fiery finale of season 11. However, the softer side of the series was portrayed while staying true to its thrilling roots, thus promising a unique season.

Narrowly escaping death seems to be a developed talent for protagonists Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean Winchester (Jensen Ackles) since the beginning of the show. So much so, in fact, that the “coming-back-from-the-dead” plot line became routine and predictable. Though in the last episode, we were all thrown for a loop when none other than the boys’ late mother, Mary Winchester (Samantha Smith), abandoned the grave.

Unlike previous action-packed season premieres that immediately introduced another dark force for Sam and Dean Winchester to spend the rest of the season fighting heroically, this one involved more heartfelt moments and fewer monster showdowns.

The return of Mary Winchester brought attention to the gentler, boyish side of Dean Winchester’s personality. It also further emphasized, as “Supernatural” often does, the inescapability of being a hunter, as after 33 years Mary Winchester is once again thrown into the life of clutching her firearms and hunting down the wicked things that go “bump” in the night. Once a hunter, always a hunter is portrayed as a sad and inevitable truth throughout the series.

The storylines involving other characters such as Crowley, the posh demon with a superiority complex, were vague and repetitive, even in the very few scenes that the subplot was showcased. Various other storylines were left completely unaddressed in the premiere, and were mentioned very briefly in the latest episode.

However, a redeeming aspect of the new season is the mystery surrounding the British chapter house of the Winchester’s legacy, the Men of Letters, and if their intentions are noble or nefarious. Sam Winchester’s brutal kidnapping made it crystal clear that no matter what their agenda is, they mean business. The brief backstory that was provided in the previous season finale ignited curiosity amongst viewers and continued to do so in the latest episodes.

The premiere had the capability of more exciting encounters, but its purpose seemed to serve as a rather mundane transition episode after the high stakes of season 11. The backstory and small uncoverings of what the future holds for the Winchesters were vague and left many questions unanswered, but there is still hope remaining that season 12 can pick up with the next few episodes.