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A touch of the supernatural

Some shows to watch if you love the unexplained

By Natalia Perez WahlbergPublished 3 years ago 7 min read
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A touch of the supernatural
Photo by Rhett Wesley on Unsplash

Not so long ago, there was a challenge to talk about “If this, then that”, where the community in Vocal would talk about a show or a movie and then recommend similar ones. I submitted two entries, but there was a third one I wanted to add but I didn’t manage to do so before the deadline. However, I was left with the itch to write it anyway and share it with you, my dear readers.

The topic is supernatural shows. I have always loved movies, shows, and books that touch on the magical, the supernatural, and the unexplainable. From aliens to witches, to dragons, to magic, and everything in between. I just love the genre!

If you are anything like me, you might know some of these shows, if not, I hope that perhaps you might be curious to discover them and enjoy them the way I have.

Where to start? I guess I’d have to go with The X-Files. I believe it was probably my first encounter with a show about the supernatural and unexplained. I’m sure you are familiar with it and most likely you have watched an episode here and there (if not the whole series).

Running for nine seasons straight from 1993–2002, it was a very solid series with episodes that covered everything from alien abductions to creatures capable of unexplainable acts, and the power of technology. Our protagonists, Mulder (David Duchovny) and Scully (Gillian Anderson) work in the X-Files department of the FBI, which is where all the cases that cannot be explained by scientific and “rational” theories end up. Scully is a cynic and non-believer and was inserted in the X-Files to keep an eye on Mulder, who is the heart of the department. However, Scully is a young agent with integrity and principles and ends up growing quite close to Mulder. Their boss, Skinner (Mitch Pileggi), is fair and loyal and someone they can count on to have their backs. Of course, we have the antagonist, The Smoking Man (William B. Davis). Though each episode works independently, each season connects to one another, resolving questions that are raised throughout the show’s lifespan. The reboot (two seasons that were released in 2016 and 2018 respectively) tackles new problems and continues with mysteries from the past.

Also, let's not forget the two movies that were released in theatres ten years apart, the first one that came out in 1998 and followed the series, and a stand-alone movie that was in theaters in 2008.

As a side note, I’m happy they cast Gillian Anderson for the role of Scully because I’m sure that it was what launched her career as an actor. She has been an amazing contribution to the art with many great roles that she has played terrifically, and I have enjoyed watching her in everything that she does.

If you loved the X-Files, there are many shows that have sprouted since, dealing with the unknown, magic, supernatural, etc., that you can watch to scratch your itch of the supernatural.

Later (much later) I got into Supernatural, which tells the story of two brothers who go chasing monsters and demons to keep the world a safer place. Dean (Jensen Ackles) and Sam (Jared Padalecki) Winchester are constantly on the road after their father disappeared (Dean used to work with him, but Sam was leading a normal life) and work with other “hunters” (hunting monsters and demons like themselves), defeating werewolves, witches, ghosts, vampires, and an array of other creatures and monsters that pester and threaten humans.

The show takes a more biblical approach, as it deals with angels, archangels, the good and the bad, and the salvation of the soul, but it doesn’t get religious to the point that those who aren’t theologically inclined will feel alienated. It does a good job at creating likable characters, with depth and backstories that the viewer might relate to. I got to say, though, my favorite character was Castiel (Misha Collins).

I believe the show was also successful (it ran for fifteen seasons) because the chemistry between the actors worked. It had the right ingredients for both male and female audiences: tough guys, cool car (Dean drives a 1967 Chevy Impala in mint condition throughout the series), fights, gore, good-looking protagonists, romance and heartbreak, family values, and family bonds, etc.

From Supernatural I’d like to go to Lucifer. I have to say that that show was a pleasant surprise. I started watching it when it belonged to FOX and I'm currently waiting for the second part of season 5 on Netflix (COVID has delayed a lot of productions and filming). This, again, is a show about demons and angels, based on characters from the comic The Sandman by Neil Gaiman. The idea is that Lucifer abandons Hell to run a nightclub in Los Angeles, where he becomes a consultant for the L.A.P.D. The reason this show works is that it’s comedic and it also adds drama to its plot, with twists and complicated relationships. However, its strongest link is Tom Ellis, who plays Lucifer Morningstar. He’s perfect for the role: charming, handsome, attractive, witty, elegant, and slightly ambiguous. He also does a great job at being vulnerable when the role requires it.

From there I’d like to take you to a more retro show, where there are no more angels or demons, but monsters. I am talking, about Stranger Things, of course. I really loved the first season, lost a bit of interest after season two. It takes place in the '80s, the first season almost feels like an open love letter to Stephen King. There are many, MANY, references to King’s work, and they do a great job at creating a perfect atmosphere reminiscent of that decade. The fact that the story revolves around prepubescent kids is evocative of many of King’s books.

The story starts when one of the kids disappears into the Upside-Down, and his mom and friends are trying to figure out what happened to him, encountering a mystery and things that they could never have imagined. On the other hand, Eleven is a girl who’s been found wandering, somewhat lost. She’s an enigma, and Sheriff Jim Hopper is determined to find out where she comes from.

Moving from Stranger Things to The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, that takes us from children protagonists to adolescents coming to age. I have to say this show was also a pleasant surprise. Starring Kiernan Shipka as Sabrina (you might otherwise know her from Mad Men, as Don Draper’s daughter Sally Draper), the show is divided into four parts (it has now ended, 2020 being the series finale) and revolves around Sabrina who is a witch and lives with her two aunts, her cousin, and her familiar —the cat Salem. Unlike the earlier version from the '90s, The Chilling Adventures is a darker version with most of the same characters, with gruesome battles, fights for the power of the underworld and to keep peace in the human realm, manipulation, and deceit.

It’s well developed, the acting is consistent and the storyline throughout the series is strong. I was a bit taken aback by how dark it was, but that was actually what drew me to it and kept me interested. It’s not cartoonist, unlike its predecessor, which makes it more of a drama than a comedy (again, nothing like the show from the '90s). There’s teenage romance, coming of age, and a lot of fighting between good and evil.

To end this “article’, I’d like to make a special mention of the Twilight Zone, which is a classic in sci-fi, the supernatural, and the unexplained. I’ve only watched a few episodes, as I only learned of it when I moved to Canada. Of those I’ve seen, one of my favorite ones is with a very young Robert Redford, from 1962, Nothing in the Dark. I’d love to tell you what it’s about, but I rather you check it out for yourself and just enjoy it without any preconceptions.

With that, dear reader, I leave you to wander the world of the supernatural. Thank you for reading!

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If you enjoyed this article and would love to hear more such reviews, I’d love your support in enabling this writing habit of mine by contributing with a small tip. Thank you!

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About the Creator

Natalia Perez Wahlberg

Illustrator, entrepreneur and writer since I can remember.

Love a good book and can talk endlessly about books and literature.

Creator, artist, motion graphics.

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