‘Supernatural’ season 9 exclusive: Lindsey Mckeon on Tessa the Reaper’s return

Tomorrow night, “Supernatural” returns with the awesomely-named “Stairway to Heaven,” so why not prepare for it with a quick exclusive from someone slated to make her big return to the show in the episode? It’s been a couple of seasons since we’ve seen Lindsey Mckeon as Tessa the Reaper, but she will have quite the role to play in this one as Dean continues to go through some struggles that could involve her in some surprising ways.

To help preview this penultimate hour of season 9, we spoke with Mckeon briefly about what her character will be up to Tuesday night, and also if she would love to be a bigger part of the show if the opportunity arises.

CarterMatt – Tessa’s back! When you first got the call to return, were you clued in right away to what your story would be?

Lindsey Mckeon – Yay!  It’s always a surprise to me, and the fans, when Tessa returns.  This time I didn’t have any knowledge of why she was coming back or what she would be getting into, I just knew it would be for a reason that I would be excited about.

Is there anything you can say to tease Tessa’s return? It’s always interesting when she shows up; we’re always happy to see her, but a reaper’s return cannot be great news to someone like Sam or Dean.

There is more dueling of wills between Tessa and Dean, along with the experience that both characters are dabbling on the darker side of life’s challenges.  Both characters have a respect and liking for one another and are well matched but consistently find themselves working for different teams.

After a handful of appearances now, what’s the comfort level around set and with the cast and crew? Is it fun to go back and catch up with old friends every couple of years?

It’s always fun to be back on Supernatural with the Jared and Jenson.  They’re such sweet guys and it’s wonderful to see how everyone has grown over the years.  The set always has a comfortable, easy going vibe, all of production and the crew remember me and are lighthearted, playful company to be around.

Would you love to see more of this character, potentially as a recurring role? It could be cool to see more of what a reaper does on a regular basis.

Definitely.  Tessa has always been one of my favorite characters to play.  I feel like she has a lot of strength and wisdom to teach.  Along with a kind, no-nonsense ability to take people to the other realms they’re often afraid to experience.  She has much much more to share.

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Excited about this episode? You can watch a sneak peek for it here, and we will be around with more about it tomorrow night. Also, you can sign up today to get some further TV updates via our CarterMatt Newsletter.

Photo: The CW