User blog comment:Touchinos/“Our Father, Who Aren’t in Heaven” Discussion/@comment-204.68.152.45-20191213195821/@comment-108.36.76.116-20191214223014

I don't think Eileen is there as a replacement for Dean. I think she is there to be an example of what is at stake. She is there to show what Sam is (and might be) capable of doing. The relationship shows us something about Sam, and if something happens to her, might drive or expain the actions Sam will take as a result.