It has been announced that Supernatural fan favorite, Jim Beaver will be returning as Bobby Singer for an episode this season.

With Sam and Dean facing the dangers from The Darkness, an appearance by Bobby couldn’t come too soon.  As the Winchesters’ surrogate father, Bobby was a guiding force in Sam and Dean’s lives and helped to get them out of more scrapes with his knowledge of hunting.  He was the first person they called when they needed information on whatever supernatural threat they found themselves up against.

Unfortunately, Bobby met his demise when he was shot in the head by Leviathan leader Dick Roman in the Season 7 episode “How To Win Friends And Influences (ironically, this episode aired today on TNT).

Actor Jim Beaver has appeared a several episodes of Supernatural since after Bobby’s death.  Most recently in the Season 10 episode “Inside Man”.

It has been revealed that Bobby’s return will be in Episode 16 and in connection to a case Sam and Dean are currently working on, an old case Bobby worked with old partner Rufus Turner (Steven Williams).  Bobby’s appearance will be in flashbacks along with Williams’ Rufus, who was killed off in the Season 6 episode “And Then There Were None.”

Supernatural aires Wednesdays at 9/8c on The CW.