Pilot

It's kind of hard to judge this episode because it's the first episode of the show. Obviously there are better episodes later in show. If you love Supernatural you need to thank this episode for starting it all. This episode is pretty small scale in comparison to other episodes but it actually works in the episode's favor. You don't need the first episode to be huge in scale but you need it to good and effective and that's what we got. For a pretty small and simple plot it's iconic. The relationship between the brothers is the best part and even though this is the first episode Jared and Jensen's chemistry is so good it's no wonder they made a whole show with these guys. In the end it's a very simple episode but it sets every thing up so well that I can't help but love and appreciate it.

If only I knew the absolute carnage and betrayal I would feel while watching this show from start to finish. I will never get to experience all of the emotions I did while watching this series and I'm glad that it's a special experience only for Supernatural. No other show had broken me, picked up the pieces, glued them together and then smashed them over my head before.

Yet I absolutely love it, this show was apart of my adolescence and it is still apart of me to this day. I remember being absolutely terrified of their older episodes and scared for the characters future in later ones. Just one word about Supernatural will bring me to my knees in the middle of Walmart. But this show will be forever apart of me, the good and the bad it has shaped me to be the person I am today. It is the type of show I will never forget. Thank you and goodnight.

Pilots generally try to do a few things: they introduce audiences to a new world; they establish the tone, pace & stakes, they build-out characters and character-dynamics, and they try to hook a viewer into coming back. Supernatural is successful on every count.

The directing and cinematography of this pilot stand out from the get-go. The first 3 seasons are shot on 35mm film, which really adds to the dark, gritty, horror-esq vibe of the show. And the pilot encapsulates good cinematography. You can tell shots are well thought-out in a way that contributes to the story and the narrative tone. The scene framing was aesthetically interesting to look at, but in a way which helped draw you into what was happening (instead of distracting you from the story at hand).

The acting is good, but does leave room for improvement. This isn't a critique on Jensen or Jared's talent, but they're still feeling out their characters at this point-haven't quite settled into their roles, and the trust that's built up between between actors which can (and will) take scenes to the next level isn't there yet. The bridge scene argument where Dean lunges at Sam in anger feels a bit contrived, for instance. But that said, they overall do nice job.

For a pilot, the writing is pretty decent and very smart. Starting a story is hard. They work a lot of exposition and backstory into 40 minutes, in ways that loop back into the plot. For ex: they address 'how do they pay for hunting?' pretty quickly, but then it comes back around in a way that helps advance the search for their father. From a writing standpoint, there's a nice parallelism in what happens to Mary Winchester at the start of the episode & what happens to Jess at the end of it.

The episode ends by coming full-circle, allowing for the real story to begin. You leave with a sense of who Sam and Dean are as people, with a sense of their complicated relationship with each other and their father, and with a sense of mystery to bring you back. Which-as far as pilot episodes go-is the ultimate success.

Overall a strong pilot, and a compelling introduction into the world that will take over millions of viewer's hearts for the next 15 years.

-Violet Vance.

"Supernatural" S1 E1, the pilot episode, delivers a compelling and eerie start to a series that would go on to become a cultural phenomenon. This episode is a strong and engaging introduction that masterfully sets up the core premise and the compelling dynamic between its two central characters, Sam and Dean Winchester.

The premiere wastes no time in establishing the show's unique blend of horror, mystery, and family drama. We are immediately drawn into the tragic and supernatural history of the Winchester family and the disappearance of their father, which serves as the main hook for the season. The brothers' reunion, driven by a shared mission to find their father, is handled with a genuine mix of brotherly banter and underlying tension.

The monster-of-the-week case, involving the urban legend of the "Woman in White," is well-executed and provides a perfect example of the show's chilling and suspenseful tone. It effectively combines a classic horror story with the show's distinct style.

Both Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles deliver strong, charismatic performances right from the start, embodying the distinct personalities of Sam and Dean. Their chemistry is palpable and immediately establishes the brotherly bond that is the heart of the series.

Overall, "Supernatural" S1 E1 is an excellent premiere that successfully introduces a compelling mythology, a thrilling blend of genres, and two charismatic leads. It's a must-watch episode that promises a long and captivating journey ahead.

I love supernatural 1-5, stopped watching it at 9, it loses its charm a bit but well saw the newish scooby doo episode and with the series ending i thought why not just watch the whole thing. Babyfaced Dean and Sam try to find their dad, have some brotherly squabbles, Sam seems like the center of the show whereas Dean seems like the goofy sarcastic confident guy who is there for laughs and giggles, he really has the best one-liners. We get backstory of their family, a bit cramped up but ok its the pilot they gotta introduce stuff fast. The ghost is average but well its hard to make a truly frightening horror tv show, spn shines in its bond and comedy. The ghost starts off promising though the end is ehh. Its enjoyable and makes the time pass and you have a mystery you are invested in, the premise also sets up our characters well with the little info we get. The start of a legendary show.