5 Times Bobby Was An Overrated Character (& 5 He Was Underrated)

Loved by fans, Bobby was still often underrated, but there were a few times he was also overrated.

By now, it's obvious that Supernatural has tons of beloved characters, and no one is as loved by both the characters and fans as Bobby Singer. Although Bobby doesn't make an entrance until the end of Season 1, it seems like he has always been a part of the Winchester's world and lives. He didn't always get along with John (which is actually the reason why he was barely in the first season), but he loved Sam and Dean unconditionally.

In a world where they couldn't count on many people, they could always count on Bobby. When Bobby was killed, it seemed like it was too soon for this fan favorite. Occasionally, the character would return for an episode through a ghostly apparition or an alternate reality, but Bobby-sightings grew scarce again. Even though Bobby was loved by fans, he was also often underrated, and there were a few times he was overrated.

10 OVERRATED: His Time As A Ghost

Bobby chose to turn down his heaven in order to stay with the Winchesters. Sometimes, Bobby was helpful. He could meet other ghosts and help the boys with their cases. Also, he could still lead them to the right research. For a while, it seemed like he could still be a part of the hunting world.

However, Bobby didn't age well as a ghost. In a short amount of time, he was starting to become one of the crazed ghosts that the boys hunted. Meanwhile, others like Kevin and Mary were able to remain ghosts for a longer period of time and hang onto their strength and identity.

9 UNDERRATED: He's Surprisingly Multilingual

Occasionally, the Winchesters and other hunters encounter information written in a foreign language about supernatural beings. It comes across as a block/wall that they can't get through. Luckily, Bobby reads and speaks many languages. What's even more impressive is that the appears to be self-taught.

Sam has expressed surprise with Bobby's ability with languages. Generally, Bobby just shrugs it off as something he does as a hobby, but it's still pretty remarkable.

8 OVERRATED: Apocalypse-World Bobby Sucks

When the Winchesters get thrown into the Apocalypse world, they meet that world's version of Bobby. Immediately, they feel warmth towards him, but he's not their Bobby. Apocalypse-World or Alternate-World Bobby is a capable leader, but he lacks that special heart that made the real Bobby so endearing. This version did have his own son, and he didn't seem to have a strong connection with him. In contrast, our Bobby has a very connection with Sam and Dean, who are like sons to him.

This version of Bobby was probably just a way to bring back a little Bobby into this world, but he fell flat. Seeing this version, just made fans miss the original Bobby even more.

7 UNDERRATED: He Kept the Hunter Network Supported

When hunters go on cases and pose as FBI agents and other professions, often times they are asked for evidence or a confirmational call from their supervisor. Bobby fulfills this role using many phones and aliases, which he uses to keep them all straight. Additionally, hunters often call him for advice about how to handle challenging cases. Fans see this the most with Dean and Sam, but there have been times Garth has called as well as Rufus.

When Bobby dies, the whole hunter community suffers. They miss the man, but they also miss the support. Strangely, Garth takes over and does a good job as well.

6 OVERRATED: His Lack of Adaptability & Adjustment

While he did keep the hunter network supported, Bobby wasn't as current on technology. In this case, Garth is able to take tech support to the next level. Bobby also has a hard time adapting and adjusting to life challenges. When he's in hell and then when he's in heaven, he seems bored and misses Earth.

When he loses the ability to use his legs, he is willing to make a deal with Crowley in order to get them back. Life has thrown challenges at Bobby, and he has a hard time adapting and adjusting to them. Not to say that he can't; it just takes him a lot longer than most.

5 UNDERRATED: His Sense Of Humor in the Face of Danger

Bobby faces some scary monsters and challenges, and through it all, he's able to hold onto his humor. While John was mostly serious, Bobby seemed to understand that a way to deal with the danger was to never lose his sense of humor.

He is a gruff guy with a heart of gold, but he's funny. A dash of humor makes the hard-knocks of life go down just a little easier.

4 OVERRATED: He Doesn't Care For Local Connections

For someone who keeps a network of hunters supported and functioning, Bobby seems to know little about his hometown. On top of that, he seems to support them very little as well. He's known as the town drunk, and he doesn't really have much of a community locally. This eventually changes with Jody, but it takes time and tragedy.

Bobby is good at maintaining community with most; he just doesn't seem to be able to do it locally.

3 UNDERRATED: He Was The Brothers' Father Figure

Bobby is widely recognized as a father figure to the Winchester brothers, at times seen as a better father than John. He is always there for Sam and Dean, and he loves him. After all, he rejects heaven in order to be there for them. He praises them, but he also calls them out when they need it. This a father who constantly supports them with unconditional love.

Praise has been reaped on Bobby, but no amount of praise would be enough to acknowledge how great of a father figure he is to the boys. It could be because of Bobby that Sam and Dean have the capacity to be loving "parents" to Jack.

2 OVERRATED: His Unconvincing Undercover Ability

While Bobby is great when he's a voice on the other end of the line, he's less convincing when he's in person. Fans don't see him don this role as much as the Winchester brothers, but there are times that he goes undercover with Rufus. People must be pretty gullible to believe him when he's undercover.

Maybe, he was better once-upon-a-time, but those roles are better left to Sam and Dean. Even Garth pulls off undercover-skills more convincingly than Bobby.

1 UNDERRATED: His Intelligence

Just like with Ash, some make underestimate Bobby's intelligence. Bobby is one of the most intelligent characters in the show. His intelligence is visible in three distinct areas: 1) Quick-creative approaches in the face of danger; 2) Research capabilities; 3) An ability to teach and share his knowledge to other hunters. There are great examples of these three distinct areas.

When Sam is possessed by Meg, Bobby thinks on his feet. He gives "Sam" a beer to drink but puts holy water in it. This alerts him to danger, preparing him for what's next. Other hunters constantly call on Bobby for research. If he doesn't know it, he will find it out. Bobby actually taught Sam about the devil's trap, which led Sam to use it in the Impala's trunk, protecting their weapons from demons. Bobby shares his knowledge, which helps other hunters survive. It's no wonder why the boys love him so much.

NEXT: Supernatural 10 Things That Make No Sense About The Impala

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