A recurring question by both Supernatural fans and critics asks whether or not the show tends to have misogynistic tendencies.

Misha Collins, who portrays the shows' recently fallen angel Castiel, fielded such a question by a fan at the Salute to Supernatural in Whippany, N.J. in early May.

What Collins concluded is that, at times, the CW show can be "gratuitously misogynist."

"It seems like there are certainly small ways in which the show is sort of gratuitously misogynistic when it doesn't mean to be," Collins said. "It kind of makes me cringe sometimes."

"I'm frankly surprised by the show," Collins said while also backtracking to try not to offend any of the people who help to create the show. "There are stupid things in the show that they shouldn't do. Why do they have to say "b----" and kill all the women?"

The crowd cheers for this statement. Although all those who flocked to the panel are fans of the program, many wish to see a few changes in the way female characters are handled.

If you are an actress and you are cast Supernatural, you can generally assume your part will not last too long. Even if you do have a recurring appearance, such as the demon Ruby (Genevieve Padalecki and Katie Cassidy), Dean's love interest Lisa Braeden (Cindy Sampson) or fellow hunters Ellen (Samantha Ferris) and Jo (Alona Tal), you can expect to die or be written out.

Fan's were particularly bothered by the way in which Meg (Rachel Miner and Nicki Aycox) was summarily executed during "Goodbye Stranger" after having survived all eight current seasons.

However, there is one female character that currently seems to be holding her own. Charlie Bradbury (Felicia Day), first introduced in season 7 is still living following her last appearance in season 8's "Pac-Man Fever."

Collins points out that this is because Charlie is uninterested in men and posses no threat to the Winchester boy's close-knit relationship.

And that is what a lot of Supernatural is based on, the bond and struggle of Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean Winchester (Jensen Ackles). People who come between them, most notably women, are seen as a "threat" both by the show and by fans, and are quickly disposed of after they have served their main purpose.

Whether this brother dynamic can be accomplished in a less misogynistic manner is for the writer's of Supernatural to decide.

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