Supernatural isn't just about the Winchester boys. Bobby Singer has become a fixture on the show, mentoring Sam and Dean through the rigors of demon-hunting and becoming a father figure in John Winchester's absence. We spoke with actor Jim Beaver about what's coming up for the show.

Supernatural is back tonight, and you're a huge part of the episode.
Jim Beaver: Well, I think it's fairly obvious from the trailers that some people who used to be dead aren't anymore. One of those is Bobby's wife, who, a couple of seasons ago, we know he was forced to kill when she was possessed. Now she's back, and that presents Bobby and the boys with both some adventuresome problems and some emotional ones.

And from what I understand, the dead aren't initially coming back with any ill intent.
It's a really interesting spin on zombies. I'm not a big connoisseur of zombie stories, but this one is different from any take I've ever seen on the topic. I think it's been really smartly done, because by bringing back these characters as the people they were, rather than stalking beasts, it's brought up a really rich emotional dynamic to the story. People aren't just operating out of fear in this episode. They're also operating out of love and longing, and the repercussions of loss. I think it's going to be a pretty powerful episode.

You have a book out about the loss of your wife. I imagine this episode must have been a very personal endeavor for you.
It was. In some ways it was the most difficult acting job I've ever had. But it was also a really rich experience. I'm a firm believer in trying to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear, and I had a pretty big sow's ear. It's nice that the show gave me an opportunity to express and re-channel some personal feelings. I know a lot of the crew was saying, "This must be so hard." And it was, but I also found it very rewarding. In a sense it was a chance for me to honor my feelings for my wife by reconstructing them on-screen. Not many people get a chance to do something like that. I was pleased. It was hard, there wasn't anything easy about it, but it meant a lot to me.