The Benders

It was inevitable that the show would eventually explore the cult murderous family that makes up a lot of the horror genre. This episode fits in with dozens of other "dangerous game" stories and nothing sets it apart. Of note, the Benders' characterization is utterly banal and predictable. Of course they hunt because it is fun. This is wasted potential.

Dean and Sam go to Hibbing, Minnesota, to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a local. Once there, they realize that there are many missing persons in the place. When Sam vanishes in a parking area, Dean asks for help to Officer Kathleen (Jessica Steen), whose brother also disappear a couple of years ago. Dean and the sheriff disclose that Sam was abducted by a family of deranged hillbillies that hunt human beings.

"The Bender" is the scariest episode of this series up to this moment. In this tense story, the Winchester brothers do not face demons, ghost or fiends, but sick human beings worse than their usual enemies. I liked the open scene when Kathleen kills the father of the Benders; it is not explicit, and each viewer is allowed to have his or her own interpretation. In my point of view, justice worked through the hands of the female sheriff. My vote is ten.

Title (Brazil): "A Família Bender" ("The Bender Family")

The Benders is a key element to the series, simply because it reminded the audience how frightening humans can be and how similar they are to the daily monsters shown in the series.

The episode has some very terrifying villains, and it has the direction and cinematography look to that of a real crime/thriller film. It is punchy and not afraid to show the real nature of what people like this can do, and in that respect it reminded me of Rob Zombie's brilliant The Devil's Rejects. Anywways, one of the season's best and sure to please all of Supernatural's fans, even when, there is nothing supernatural about the situation.

Good episode for the simple fact there are no monsters in this one. Well,actually there are but they are human ones, which makes this one of the most scary in the series.

Vampires, zombies, demons and other assorted types of their ilk may make for interesting viewing, but we know in our heart of hearts that they are not lurking around the corner for us. Whereas with human killers, that is not the case. The brothers enter a missing people scenario thinking it the work of the type of creatures they hunt. Only to find it is all too human and with the aid of a almost friendly female sheriff, they discover the depths of evil that people can sink to.

A good 'Deliverance' type plot on dry land and a satisfying conclusion make this an excellent addition to the ongoing series.

"The Benders," the fifteenth episode of Supernatural's first season, created by Eric Kripke and directed by Peter Ellis, is a gripping installment that diverges from the show's typical supernatural narrative by focusing on human monsters. This episode is notable for its exploration of themes such as family dynamics, morality, and the terror that can be inflicted by ordinary people.

The episode begins with a chilling scene where Sam (Jared Padalecki) disappears while investigating a series of disappearances in Hibbing, Minnesota. Dean (Jensen Ackles) frantically searches for his brother and teams up with Kathleen Hudak, a local deputy whose brother also vanished years ago. They soon discover that the kidnappings are linked to a family of serial killers known as the Benders, who capture and hunt their victims for sport. The Benders' actions serve as a stark reminder of the horrors that humans can inflict on each other, often surpassing the terror of supernatural entities.

Peter Ellis' direction effectively captures the tension and suspense throughout the episode. The cinematography enhances the atmosphere, often using close-ups and dark settings to create a sense of claustrophobia and fear. Notable scenes include Dean's interrogation by the Benders, where his wit and sarcasm are on full display despite being in a dire situation. The pacing is well-executed, allowing for both suspenseful moments and emotional character development.

Jensen Ackles delivers a compelling performance as Dean, showcasing his desperation and determination to find Sam. Jared Padalecki effectively portrays Sam's calm and resourceful nature as he tries to survive his captivity. The guest cast, particularly Kathleen Hudak, adds depth to the narrative. Her character's backstory and emotional connection to the case make her a believable and empathetic figure, and her actions at the end of the episode serve as a form of justice for the victims.

Thematically, "The Benders" explores issues of human nature and the capacity for cruelty. The episode raises questions about what drives individuals to commit such heinous acts and how society can sometimes overlook or enable these behaviors. The Benders' family dynamics serve as a twisted mirror to the Winchester brothers' own family bonds, highlighting the contrast between love and support versus manipulation and violence.

"The Benders" stands out as a chilling episode of Supernatural that effectively shifts the focus from supernatural threats to human monsters. Its ability to evoke fear and tension through the portrayal of real-world horrors makes it a memorable installment in the series.