10 Best Time-Loop Sci-Fi TV Episodes
2. Supernatural - “Mystery Spot”
“Mystery Spot” is widely considered to be one of the best episodes of Supernatural, and it just so happens to be a time loop episode. The episode is more than that, as it's an obvious homage to Groundhog Day, which is the best example of the sci-fi subgenre of time loops.
The episode opens with Sam waking to Asia's "Heat of the Moment." The two brothers head out to investigate a case involving a man's disappearance at a nearby mystery spot attraction. When they break into the business later that evening, Dean is shot dead by the owner.
Once again, Sam awakens to "Heat of the Moment" when he finds Dean is alive. The episode continues through numerous loops, which all see Dean killed in various ways, including a dog, a car accident, and tacos. It takes some time, but Sam realizes that The Trickster (Gabriel) is responsible for the loop.
The episode shoots to six months in the future — Dean is still dead, and Sam is on the hunt for The Trickster. When he finally finds him, The Trickster explains that the loop was designed to reveal that Dean was Sam's true weakness. He begs the demon to return his brother, and Sam awakens to "Heat of the Moment" one last time...