<P> Due to the father - son dynamics of the hunting world depicted in the series' first season with the Winchesters, the writers decided to explore a mother - daughter relationship, resulting in the introduction of Ellen and her daughter Jo . The name originated from the writers' decision to base her on the "tough yet emotionally - vulnerable" characters portrayed by actress Ellen Barkin . Ellen was meant to have a "true and honest platonic friendship" with John Winchester, and her backstory of her husband having been killed due to John's mistake was added to the storyline to explain why John never mentioned the Roadhouse to his sons . Ferris auditioned for the role, and feels that she was exactly what they had been looking for . She commented, "I have a certain kind of personality that works specifically with a role, and Ellen is just me on television . They were looking for a tough, strong, yet a little maternal actor, and I struck a chord ." Series creator Eric Kripke agrees, feeling that Ferris "really brought the character to life", being "nuanced and complex and tough, yet beautiful and feminine". </P> <P> The writers intended for the character to make only two guest appearances in the third season, which left Ferris "a bit surprised and (disappointed)" at Ellen's lack of involvement . However, her initial return was scrapped due to the 2007--2008 Writers Guild of America strike, and the actress declined a guest appearance in the finale because the lackluster offer "could cost (her) money and work". The opportunity to return for the fifth season surprised her due to the large time span since her previous appearance . Though she expected her character to eventually die, a devastated Ferris was surprised at how quickly it occurred . However, after speaking to director Phil Sgriccia--he told her that Ellen was the "perfect fodder" for the "kick" that the series needed, and would "go out in a blaze of glory"--the actress came to realize that the character's death made sense . Ellen's last words to Dean--"Kick it in the ass ."--was an improvised homage to the late Supernatural executive producer and director Kim Manners, who had died the year before and would often recite the phrase before filming a scene . </P> <P> Wanting to "have a surprise in (the new reality)" of the sixth season episode "My Heart Will Go On", the writers considered bringing back various deceased characters . Executive Producer Robert Singer explained that they ultimately decided upon Ellen because "she's a fan favorite" and "in a perfect world, she probably would be a good mate for Bobby". </P> <P> Critical reception to Ellen has been positive . In their initial appearance, Bryan Enk of UGO felt that the new hunters of the Roadhouse had potential to be the Supernatural equivalent of Buffy the Vampire Slayers's Scooby Gang, comparing Ellen to Buffy's Giles, as she is "the elder who can help guide the boys from a home base and serve as an emotional link to their father, a parental figure without all the melodramatic baggage of the actual father from the first season". Maureen Ryan of Chicago Tribune was "annoyed" at the destruction of the Roadhouse in the second season finale, as she "really loved Ellen". Diana Steenbergen of IGN also favored Ellen from the beginning, believing her to be "a great addition to the show". She deemed Ellen "tough and direct, and also female, something the boys don't have a lot of in their lives right now". </P>

How did jo and ellen come back in season 6