Supernatural - 1.04 - Phantom Traveler - Short Take

Brief synopsis (including the ending): When a former client calls Dean, the Winchesters head to investigate a plane crash in Pennsylvania. EVP on the cockpit voice recorder and sulfur on the plane indicate demon involvement. These demons are now after the 7 crash survivors. To protect Amanda, the flight attendant, the brothers board the plane, much to Dean's consternation since he's afraid to fly. Using an EMF reader, they realize the co-pilot is possessed and with Amanda's help, lure him to the back to perform an exorcism. After a struggle, Sam finishes the exorcism and the plane safely lands. Jerry tells them John left Dean's new cell phone number on his phone. Sam gets upset when he realizes John is avoiding them.

Favorite scene: On the plane when Sam tries to calm Dean down and Dean gets snarky.

It's in the details:

First appearance of black smoke and the black-eyed demons

The camera man slow pans a sleeping Dean

Dean says he's not scared but Sam pulls a knife out from under Dean's pillow and calls it on him.

Back story on what John and Dean did while Sam was at college. Love the random guy commenting on the Poltergeist movie. Always makes me laugh for some reason.

Dean's smirk when Jerry says John and Dean saved his life. Sam's surprise when Jerry says John talked about him.

Dean checking out the girl at the Copy Jack.

Sam plays the patient investigator while Dean pushes. They silently agree that Sam will take over the interview.

George's wife answers "acid reflux" when asked if anything was strange about him. Love the brothers' reaction.

The brothers impersonate Homeland Security.

Dean created an EMF out of an old Walkman. He wipes sulfur on Sam's jacket.

Jumping over the fence to escape Homeland Security.

When getting Amanda to not fly doesn't work, Sam says they have to board the flight. Dean's reaction is priceless.

Sam's reaction to Dean freaking out.

Amanda's whole "not giving into fear" speech rocks.

Sam soft talks Dean to get him to calm down. Dean's yoga breathing afterwards.

Dean's reaction to the woman with the tattoos and piercings.

The power of the "please trust us" puppy dog eyes convinces a flight attendant to lure the co-pilot out of the cockpit post-9/11 and watch as they pour something on him that causes his skin to burn.

Tie in to the pilot when the demon says he knew about Jessica

Sam completing the exorcism even though the plane was going down.

Jerry tells Dean that he got his cell phone number from John's voice message.

Sam's reaction to hearing John's message. Aw, I felt so bad for him.

The Impala peeling out and roaring down the highway.


Top 5 lines:

5. Dean: "Does that look like a creature's lair to you?"
4. Sam: "Just try to relax." Dean: "Just try to shut up."
3. Dean: "Yeah, a middle aged dentist with an ulcer is not exactly evil personified."
2. Dean: "Man, I look like one of the Blues Brothers." Sam: "No you don't. You look more like a seventh grader at his first dance."
1. Dean: "Dude, stow the touchy-feely self-help yoga cr**. It's not helping."


Other Lines:

Sam: "Morning sunshine." Dean: "What time is it?" Sam: "Oh it's about 5:45." Dean: "In the morning." Sam: "Yep." Dean: "Where does the day go?"
Dean: "Liar. See I was up at 3 and you were watching the George Foreman infomercial." Sam: "Hey, what can I say? It's riveting TV."
Sam: "Yeah, but it's not just her. It's everything. I just forgot you know. This job, it gets to you."
Dean: "That's not fear. That's precaution."
Random Guy: "Poltergeist? Man, I love that movie."
Sam: "Homeland Security. That's pretty illegal even for us."
Sam: "This man did he seem to appear and disappear rapidly. It would look something like a mirage." Jaffee: "What? Are you nuts? He was a passenger. He was sitting right on front of me."
Dean: "Wow, these monkey suits do come in handy."
Jerry: "If you fellows will excuse me, I have an idiot to fire."
Dean: "Yeah but this goes way beyond floating over a bed and barfing pea soup."
Dean: "C'mon…Really?...Man."
Sam: "You're humming Metallica." Dean: "It calms me down."
Dean: "Alright, well she's got to be the most well-adjusted person on the planet….there's no demon in her. There's no demon getting in her.
Sam: "Maybe we missed somebody." Dean: "Maybe the thing's just not on the plane." Sam: "You believe that?" Dean: "Well I will if you will."
Sam: "She's not going to believe this." Dean: "12 minutes dude."
Dean: "Alright this is going to sound nuts but we just don't have time for the whole the truth is out there speech."
Sam: "Dean, it knew about Jessica."

Episode Score = 3 (knocked down 1 notch because the plot is so unbelievable)

Scorecard - Here's how the rankings break down in my scorecard.

1 = One of the best episodes in all of Supernatural, or in all of TV for that matter.
2 = A great episode when judged against other Supernatural episodes.
3 = A good Supernatural episode, which means it's better than almost anything else on TV
4 = A poor episode when judged against other SPN episodes, meaning still better than most TV.
5 = A bad episode, meaning only better than some TV.

Screencaps by Home of the Nutty and Screencap Paradise

My blog
SPN Asylum
SpoilerTV

Supernatural - 1.03 - Dead in the Water - Short Take

Note - This episode has a special place in my heart since it kick started my Supernatural obsession.

Brief synopsis (including the ending): After reading about Sophie Carlton's death in the obits, Dean drags a reluctant Sam to Lake Manitoc, Wisconsin. They meet Sheriff Jake, his daughter Andrea and her son Lucas. Lucas hasn't spoken since he saw his father drown in the lake, but he has started drawing the same pictures repeatedly. When Sophie's brother Will drowns in the sink, Lucas' drawing helps them discover that Jake and Bill Carlton accidentally killed their classmate Peter Sweeney when they were 12. Now Ghost Peter is determined to kill everyone they love. Peter kills Bill and Jake practically runs the Winchesters out of town but Dean goes back because Lucas is still scared. Sam saves Andrea and Lucas points to where Peter's bike is buried on Jake's property. While Jake debates shooting the Winchesters Peter lures Lucas to the lake to pull him in. Jake sacrifices himself as the brothers jump in. Dean rescues Lucas but can't shake Jake's death. Andrea thanks them for saving Lucas who finally talks.




Favorite scene: Tie - 1. Vulnerable Dean sharing his mother's death with Lucas. 2. Dean emerging from the water with Lucas. I love the build up where Andrea is screaming as music swells. Beautifully planned and shot.




It's in the details:

Dean chewing on a pen and his reaction when Sammy stops his flirtation with Waitress Wendy.

Agents Ford and Hamill from US Wildlife

Sam uses his empathy voice when talking to Will Carlton.

Everything about Sheriff Jake - one of my favorite one-shot characters

The brothers pretending they knew about the lake draining but the sheriff realizing they aren't who they say they are

Andrea not falling for Dean's cheesy pick-up line and Dean trying to think of 3 kids he knows.

Sniff testing the laundry

Every single scene with Dean and Lucas - makes the whole episode

Dean stumbling when talking about Mary's death and his voice catching when he points to his mom in his picture.

Lucas handing Dean his picture and Andrea's and Sam's reaction to that

Sam's surprise when Dean talks about how he reacted as a kid to their mom's death and trying to talk it in the car

Lucas going to Dean when he's scared and Jake's reaction to it

Sam audibly closing his mouth when Sheriff Jake says they are not federal agents

Dean risking jail to make sure Lucas is okay

Sam being gentle with Andrea when she's freaking out

When I first saw the digging scene I could have sworn they were going to find Peter's body. Nice fake out.

Andrea and Jake confrontation over Peter - best scene between two one-shot guest stars.

Peter becomes Supernatural's third creepy kid after Mary's ghost kids in the pilot. A tradition is born.

Dean's flustered reaction when Andrea kisses him and Sam laughing about it.


Top 5 lines:

5. Sam: "Kids are the best? You don't even like kids." Dean: "I love kids." Sam: "Name 3 children that you even know."
4. Dean: "You know Sam, we are allowed to have fun once in awhile. That's fun."
3. Sam: "So, I think it's safe to say we can rule out Nessie."
2. Andrea: "It must be hard with your sense of direction, never being able to find your way to a decent pick-up line."
1. Dean: "You're scared. It's okay. I understand. See when I was your age I saw something real bad happen to my mom and I was scared too. I didn’t feel like talking just like you. But see, my mom, I know she wanted me to be brave. I think about that every day and I do my best to be brave. And maybe your dad wants you to be brave too."

Other Lines:

Dean: "We will find Dad but until then we are going to kill every bad thing between here and there. Okay?"
Jake: "In another six months, there won't be much of a lake. There won't be much of a town either. But as Federal Wildlife, you already knew that."
Andrea: "You want me to walk you 2 blocks?"
Dean: "No wonder that kid was so freaked out. Watching one of your parents die isn't something you just get over."
Andrea: "Tell your friend this whole Jerry Maguire thing is not going to work on me."
Dean: "So crayons is more your thing. That's cool. Chicks dig artists."
Dean: "Kids are strong. You'd be surprised what they can deal with."
Dean: "Ooh, college boy. Thinks he's so smart."
Dean: "Oh god, we're not going to have to hug or anything are we?"
Jake: "Enough. Please. The only reason you're breathing free air is one of Bill's neighbors saw him steering out that boat just before you did. So we have a couple of options here. I can arrest you for impersonating government officials and hold you as material witnesses to Bill Carlton's disappearance OR we can chalk this all up to a bad day. You get into your car, you put this town in your rear view mirror, and you don't EVER darken my doorstep again."
Sam: "Door #2 sounds good." Jake: "That's the one I'd pick."
Sam: "Who are you and what have you done with my brother?"
Dean: "You can't bury the truth Jake. Nothing stays buried."
Sam: "Look we're not going to save everybody."
Lucas: "Zeppelin Rules!"


Episode Score = 2

Scorecard - Here's how the rankings break down in my scorecard.

1 = One of the best episodes in all of Supernatural, or in all of TV for that matter.
2 = A great episode when judged against other Supernatural episodes.
3 = A good Supernatural episode, which means it's better than almost anything else on TV
4 = A poor episode when judged against other SPN episodes, meaning still better than most TV.
5 = A bad episode, meaning only better than some TV.

Screencaps by Home of the Nutty and Screencap Paradise

My blog
SPN Asylum
SpoilerTV

Supernatural - 1.02 - Wendigo - Short Take

Brief synopsis (including the ending):

After a week of unsuccessfully searching for Jessica's killer, Dean and Sam leave Stanford for Blackwater Ridge in Colorado, where John's coordinates lead. Campers are missing, including Tommy, brother of Hailey and Ben Collins. They team up with Hailey, Ben, and a guide named Roy. Sam realizes they are hunting a wendigo, a monster man who turns to cannibalism to survive a harsh winter and can only be killed by fire. Roy gets cocky, which means he gets dead, and the wendigo captures Dean and Hailey. Sam and Ben follow the trail of M & Ms Dean leaves behind to the wendigo's lair, where they find Dean, Hailey, and Tommy. Dean tells Sam to get the family out while he plays bait. The wendigo traps Sam and the Collins family, but Dean kills it with a flare gun. At the ambulance, Hailey thanks Dean and kisses him on the cheek. Sam and Dean decide they hate camping; Sam chooses to drive.

Favorite scene: Dean and Sam talk by the campfire. The whole purpose of the show is defined by one conversation.

It's in the details:

The first time I saw this episode, I completely jumped when the hand came out of the grave.

Dean offers to let Sam drive after he awakens from a nightmare. Great brother moment.

Dean's complete faith that John will have the answers they need.

Sam gulps when the ranger calls them on their alias.

Hailey asks for id before letting them into the house because she's actually a smart PiP.

Hailey admires the Impala. Seriously, who wouldn't?

Dean identifies with Hailey's family situation throughout the episode .

Teen goth girl stickers on the laptop.

Dean's expression right before he says "Nothing" and tosses the bag at Sam.

When Hailey stops Dean to confront him, Sam and Dean have a silent head nod conversation. Sam doesn't move on until Dean nods that he can handle it. Great, subtle brother moment. BEST LITTLE MOMENT OF ALL!

Dean's provisions.

Dean kneels down by Hailey to give her hope.

Sam figures out a wendigo lured them away from the camp.

Sam's small smile in the campfire scene.

Hailey reassuring Ben that it will be okay.

Ben finds the M & M trail

Dean twirls the flare guns

Dean winks at Hailey before going off as bait.

Sam steps in front of the Collins family as the wendigo gets closer.

Dean's shock when Hailey kisses him on the cheek.

Top 5 lines:

5. Dean: "Nobody likes a skeptic Roy."

4. Dean: "This book, this is Dad's single most valuable possession. Everything he knows about every evil thing is in here and he's passed it on to us. I think he wants us to pick up where he left off. You know, saving people, hunting things - the family business."
3. Dean: "Oh sweetheart, I don't do shorts."
2. Dean: "It's trying to draw us out. Just stay cool. Stay put." Roy: "Inside the magic circle."
1. Dean: "Chow time you freaky b***. Yeah, that's right. Bring it on baby. I taste good."

Other Lines:

Brad (Sore Loser Guy): "Dude you're cheating." Gary (Dead Glee Guy): "No, you just suck."
Dean: "Recycle man."
Dean: "I don't know….maybe we should know what we are walking into before we actually walk into it."
Sam: "So it's probably something else. Something corporeal." Dean: "Corporeal? Excuse me professor."
Dean: "Whatever we're talking about, we're talking about a creature and it's corporeal, which means we can kill it."
Dean: Yeah, what are we going to tell her? She can't go out in the woods because of a big scary monster."
Hailey: "And you're hiking out in biker boots and jeans?' Dean: "Oh sweetheart, I don't do shorts."
Dean: "Tell me, did Bambi or Yogi ever hunt you back?"
Dean: "Besides, it's probably the most honest I've ever been with a woman. Ever."
Dean: "What do you mean I didn't pack provisions?"
Dean: "You want to tell me what's going on in that freaky head of yours." Sam: "Dean…" Dean: "No, you're not fine. You're like a powder keg, man. It's not like you. I'm supposed to be the belligerent one remember?"
Sam: "I've got to find dad. I've got to find Jessica's killer. It's the only thing I can think about."
Dean: "Ok, alright, Sam we'll find them, I promise. Listen to me, you've got to prepare yourself. I mean this search could take awhile. And all that anger, you can't keep it burning over the long haul. It's going to kill you. You've got to have patience man."

Dean: "For one, them. I mean I figure our family is so screwed to hell maybe we can help some others. Makes things a little bit more bearable. And I'll tell you what else helps, killing as many evil sons of b** as I possibly can."
Sam: "So we've got half a chance in the daylight and I for one, want to kill this evil son of a b**."
Sam: "It's better than bread crumbs."
Dean: "Looks like someone's home for supper."
Dean: "Hey, you want some white meat b**. I'm right here."
Hailey: "Must you cheapen the moment?" Dean: "Yeah."
Dean: "Man I hate camping."

Episode Score = 3

Scorecard - Here's how the rankings break down in my scorecard.

1 = One of the best episodes in all of Supernatural, or in all of TV for that matter.
2 = A great episode when judged against other Supernatural episodes.
3 = A good Supernatural episode, which means it's better than almost anything else on TV
4 = A poor episode when judged against other SPN episodes, meaning still better than most TV.
5 = A bad episode, meaning only better than some TV.

Screencaps by Home of the Nutty and Screencap Paradise

My blog
SPN Asylum
SpoilerTV