Hook Man

The show would eventually make much better use of theological themes than this is episode. It is not so much bad-it is an effective 80's style slasher-as underdeveloped. The ideas around religious zealotry and hypocrisy are mentioned and used to further the plot but not enough time is given to flesh them out. The college setting is also wasted as Sam doesn't spend enough time being wistful about the life he ends up missing.

I must say that the joke/trope of the boys getting thrown across the room only to drop their weapon is really, really used here way too much. In retrospect it is quite funny in this episode.

I don't quite remember when it was aired, but I remember it being a thriller including an unmarked grave and a bloody death. But then again most episodes of Supernatural were good. In one part a roommate or someone was murdered and written in blood on the wall were the same words you hear in the urban legend. "Aren't you glad you didn't turn on the light?. Apparently it was written in a hook and looked like it had been. But it was a good episode. Watch with popcorn and a good toy to hug.

Also if you watch with your children some parts they may find scary or disturbing.

But without ruining to much I REALLY recommend watching it. You can buy the DVD set from K-Mart and probably rent it from video easy.

"Hook Man," the seventh episode of Supernatural's first season, created by Eric Kripke and directed by David Jackson, presents a chilling exploration of urban legends through the lens of horror. This episode effectively combines supernatural elements with character development, particularly highlighting the dynamics between Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean Winchester (Jensen Ackles) as they confront a terrifying entity rooted in folklore.

The episode opens with a gripping scene that sets the tone for the horror to come. Laurie Sorenson, a college student, experiences a terrifying encounter with the Hook Man-a vengeful spirit who targets those he deems immoral. The tension escalates when Laurie's boyfriend, Rich, investigates strange noises outside their parked car and disappears, only to be discovered later hanging gruesomely from a tree. This shocking introduction draws viewers into the narrative, establishing the Hook Man as a formidable threat.

As Sam and Dean arrive to investigate the mysterious deaths linked to the Hook Man legend, they uncover a chilling connection to Laurie's father, a preacher who believes in punishing sinners. The brothers delve deeper into the lore surrounding the Hook Man, discovering that he was once a preacher himself who exacted revenge on those he considered immoral. This backstory adds layers to the narrative, intertwining personal beliefs with supernatural consequences.

David Jackson's direction effectively balances suspense and character-driven moments throughout "Hook Man." The cinematography captures both the eerie atmosphere of the college setting and the emotional weight of the characters' experiences. Notable scenes include Laurie reading a chilling message on her wall-"Aren't you glad you didn't turn on the light?"-which heightens the sense of dread and showcases clever writing that plays on common horror tropes.

Jensen Ackles delivers a standout performance as Dean, showcasing his trademark sarcasm while also revealing vulnerability as he navigates his protective instincts towards Sam and Laurie. Jared Padalecki effectively portrays Sam's determination to solve the mystery while grappling with his own feelings of guilt and responsibility. The chemistry between the brothers remains strong, adding depth to their relationship amidst the chaos.

Thematically, "Hook Man" explores issues of morality and judgment, reflecting on how personal beliefs can manifest in dangerous ways. The episode raises questions about guilt and retribution, particularly through Laurie's relationship with her father and her struggle to reconcile her own feelings about morality. This exploration of moral complexity elevates what could have been a straightforward horror story into something more thought-provoking.

"Hook Man" serves as an engaging installment in Supernatural, successfully blending horror elements with character development and thematic depth. While some critics have noted that it may not be as memorable as other episodes within the series due to its reliance on familiar horror tropes, it remains an entertaining watch that showcases the show's ability to intertwine folklore with contemporary issues. The episode stands as a testament to Supernatural's capacity for storytelling that resonates beyond mere scares, inviting viewers to reflect on their own beliefs about morality and justice.

One of the better lores and mysteries in supernatural.

This is my biggest guilty pleasure episode of the whole show. I'm not going to defend the episode as good because it's certainly not. But there is some good stuff in the episode. For instance the episode is very well made and has really good production value. And the idea of bringing in The Hookman is a good idea. But unfortunately they don't do anything knew with the legend. They repeat all of the legends about The Hookman. The main reason why I gave the episode a passing grade is because of nostalgia and if you just want to have fun. And if that's all you want then you'll probably have a good time watching the episode like I do.