Those still pining for the loss of Buffy, Angel and the glory days of The X-Files could do a lot worse than embracing this stylish horror saga to satiate their cravings. Playing like a straight-laced Buffy, Supernatural tells the tragic story of the Winchester family, a father and his two sons dedicated to tracking and hunting the forces of darkness that killed their mother. Trained as skilled warriors, Sam and Dean track their missing father and slay all manner of ghosts and goblins along the way.
While the idea of two good looking young brothers dissecting their fractured relationship and familial guilt while driving cross country in search of an unseen father figure might seem a little bit teen soap opera here, some industry veterans, notably X-Files’ Kim Manners, ensure that this is some decently adult fare. Though there is nothing particularly groundbreaking here – sparks of ironic humor that could be from the Whedonverse, exposition-laced driving sequences that hark back to the travels of Mulder and Scully – it shows surprising verve and a deceptive amount of darkness.
Yes, this first season can be a little bit monster-of-the-week, and while there is certainly not much fresh about demonic scarecrows, haunted asylums, and possessed, homicidal infants, some savvy direction, the ability to spot a good scare, and some seriously pointed scripting ensure that it’s rarely less than entertaining and never in the least bit hokey. Anchoring this Midwest horror road show are co-leads Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles who spark well off each other as the brothers Winchester, following a trail of bread-crumbs and demonic happenings in search of their father and the killer demon he was hunting.
Steering clear of big cities and identifiable landmarks the show succeeds in pulling you into a netherworld of small town folklore and urban legends that makes a refreshing change of pace from domestic terrorism plots and paranoia of so much post-9/11 television. Aided only by the token stock townsfolk caught in the middle each week the pair are charged with the unenviable task of lending dramatic weight to this flight of fancy. Possessing a disarming amount of charisma and above average thesping ability (notably Ackles as the headstrong elder brother, Dean), they are strong on the job and quickly grow into characters you really invest yourself in and root for.
One thing the cast of Buffy, Charmed and every other magic/ghost young adult series had as a crutch was the option to play it tongue-in-cheek, which these boys are never afforded - at least not at this stage in the series. This show was unique amongst its dark arts brethren in that, in it's early stages, it's really not interested in jokes so much as scaring the crap out of you and in that it succeeds admirably. Those waiting on the side of the road for the next arrival of the Whedon express would do well to hitch a ride on this in the meantime. It’s likely just what they’re looking for.
Blu-ray Bonus Features
Exclusive to this Blu-ray release is an all new interactive map featurette, detailing the numerous urban legends and American myths that built the early seasons of Supernatural. Also exclusive is the Paley Festival panel discussion with the cast and creators. Included are extras lifted from the DVD release, which include commentary tracks on both the Pilot and Phantom Traveler episodes. Two featurettes: "Day in the Life of Jared and Jensen" and "Supernatural: Tales From the Edge of Darkness" are included, along with a gag reel.
"Supernatural: The Complete First Season" is on sale June 15, 2010 and is not rated. Television. Directed by Charles Beeson, Kim Manners, Philip Sgriccia, Robert Singer. Written by Eric Kripke, Sera Gamble, Ben Edlund. Starring Jared Padalecki, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Jensen Ackles, Nicki Aycox, Samantha Smith.
