When Supernatural returns for its twelfth season this October, the Winchester dynamic will see some changes. For years the boys’ family unit consisted of just the two of them. Their father John Winchester died in Season 2 and their surrogate father Bobby Singer succumbed in Season 7 at the hands of Leviathan leader Dick Roman.

The Supernatural cast, along with Executive Producers Robert Singer and Andrew Dabb, took part in a panel discussion about the show at last weekend’s San Diego Comic Con. The cast also participated in various press interviews. Supernatural fans learned that Sam and Dean’s mother, Mary (actress Samantha Smith) will figure into some of the plots in the new season. Last season, Mary returned from the dead, a thank you parting gift to Dean courtesy of Amara.

Supernatural fans know that Mary’s family, the Campbells, were hunters. Jared Padalecki (Sam Winchester) told the press during one Comic Con interview that it doesn’t appear that Mary will be sitting around the bunker keeping the home fires burning. It’s more than likely that momma Winchester will be joining her sons with some hunts. Sam and Dean better make room for her in the Impala.

The Winchester trio hunting together opens up a slew of exciting possibilities. Will they gel or is the scenario fraught with underlying tension? Only the Supernatural writers know at this point.

Supernatural Season 12 returns to The CW on Thursday, October 13.