Supernatural's Mary Winchester is in for the surprise of a lifetime. Well, two lifetimes, really.

Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean's (Jensen Ackles) mother exited the story over 30 years ago, burning up her sons' chances for a normal childhood in process. The Winchester boys grew up seeking vengeance for the life they never knew, and even once the yellow-eyed demon was in the ground, their life as hunters went on. Thanks to Amara (Emily Swallow), however, the broken family might have finally received a reward for all their suffering - Mary (Samantha Smith) is back, and she's no illusion.

Unfortunately, Mary will be hit with a bit of a learning curve.

"I don't think she knows where she is, what's happening, why am I here? I was on fire a minute ago, what is going on?" Smith told EnStars at San Diego Comic-Con. "And in much the same way that I don't Dean is positive she is who she looks like she is, she may not A) know who he is at all or [B)] if he really is who he says he is. I think as a hunter your first instinct is doubt, always."

Although Mary will quickly embrace her old life - hunting will serve to give her a foothold in this brave new world - her knowledge of the last three decades will be a bit shaky. In fact, there some debate as to whether or not she remembers heaven at all.

"I think it's both, but I can't explain that exactly," Smith teased coyly. "Is that vague enough for you?"

Are you ready to see the Winchesters reunited with their long-lost mother? Find out more when Supernatural returns to The CW on Oct. 13 at 9 p.m. ET. Click the video below to see a preview for season 12.

Tags: supernatural television the cw