Hunting Demons and Other Evils of the Supernatural

Have you ever watched a TV series and wonder, why! Why haven’t you been watching this particular series sooner? For me, that is the American horror drama series, Supernatural.

Thanks to its vast popularity since its 2005 debut, I’ve inevitably heard of Supernatural and yet I have never watched a single episode. Until now, thanks to a close friend’s recommendation.

*Contains mild spoilers

Supernatural focuses on Dean (Jensen Ackles) and Sam Winchester (Jared Padalecki), two brothers with the most dark and unfortunate past.

Their mission: to hunt the supernatural and demons including the yellow eyed demon, Azazel, that killed their mother all while searching for their missing father.

Raised and taught by their father, John Winchester (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) to hunt down these sinister forces, it’s the only life the Winchester brothers have ever known.

During the prime of childhood, both brothers had no choice but to become hunters. Dean at an early age was raised and expected to be a protector to his younger brother Sam, protecting him from any supernatural beings that only have the worst of intentions.

In the meantime, Sam has to deal with unsettling premonitions of people dying ranging from mere strangers to those that he is close to as well as other psychic abilities including telekinesis.

Jensen Ackles was originally going to play the role of Sam Winchester. However, after reading the script, he was instantly drawn to Dean Winchester’s character.

The supernatural beings they face off against range from not just demons but those out of folklore and urban legends. Throughout the series, Dean and Sam Winchester along with allies they meet along the way, including Bobby Singer, a long time friend of the Winchesters, have fought and killed numerous creatures from vampires, ghosts, shapeshifters, werewolves, and other monsters from urban legends. Some urban legends you might be familiar with such as bloody Mary, the hook man, and the lady in white all of which are the "villain of the day" in the first season's episodes.

I’ve been looking forward to each episode as I wonder what urban legend if any will be the focus this time.

The very premise that this series deals with the supernatural (hence the title) as well as some familiar urban legends and folklore is what drew me into the series in the first place. The recommendation from a friend and that they would watch along was the catalyst that finally got me to watch this series.

Character Bobby Singer was initially to make a one-time appearance in the show.

While this series is heavily focused on supernatural elements and urban legends and folklore, we cannot forget that this series would very likely not stand as well as it does if it were not for the dynamics between Dean and Sam.

Their contrasting personalities and how they react to the supernatural and the whole aspect of being hunters is what balances each other out.

Dean lives life on the edge and has an abundance of confidence within him. He does not question following in his father’s footsteps to become a hunter while Sam is noticeably more hesitant initially questioning his life path to hunt and kill the supernatural. It will take another death mentioned in season 1 as the final catalyst for Sam to continue hunting and therefore seek to avenge.

I’ve been back and forth debating who my favorite character is between the Winchester brothers. If I’m honest, I would have to go with Sam. I’ve been drawn more to his character as I find him more relatable personality wise.

Supernatural was expected to last until season 5.

Supernatural is filled with twists and turns leaving one at the edge of their seat from one season to the next. Along with Sam and Dean, you come to realize that some characters aren’t really what they seem and sometimes, who the real villain is might surprise you.

Supernatural debuted on September 13, 2005 and has been running for 15 seasons. It has been nominated for numerous awards and nominations including:

The 2006 Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films nominee for Best Network television series. It has been nominated time and again as Best Network television series in 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, and 2013.

The 2011 IGN Summer Movie Awards nominee for TV Sci-fi / horror series.

The 2021 winner of the Critics Choice Super Awards for Best Actor in a Horror Series — Jensen Ackles. The nominee? None other than Jared Padalecki.

If you favor paranormal horror, dark fantasy, science fiction, or thriller, I highly recommend watching Supernatural if you so haven’t already.