Sam and Dean come from the very definition of a crazy dysfunctional family. When their mom died mysteriously their dad launched a mission to kill her killer (a demon) and dragged his young children along. Many times it’s clear that he cared far more about his mission than his kids, nearly abandoning them for weeks at a time in hotel rooms and teaching them the truth about all the things that go bump in the night.
Now as young adults Sam had tried to make a break from “the family business” but Dean drags him back in when their father vanishes on hunt. While Sam has little desire to be a monster hunter, and feels little more than resentment and anger at their dad Dean was the only family member there for him for most of his life.
And that’s the start of the paranormal bromance tour de force that is Supernatural.
Season one manages to both be episodic, with a monster per week format, while also trickling in tidbits about the overarching plot, namely the truth behind the demon who seems to be hunting their family. Largely, though the season is loaded with lots of creepiness for horror lovers and a surprisingly soulful level of angst. Sam and Dean work so damn well together.
There’s a shared trauma survivor vibe paired with a clear loyalty to each other, even if they disagree, a lot. Sam does love his brother, but sees the way they were raised for its very, very unhealthy ways. Dean sees family as important above all else and constantly pushes Sam to embrace what they’re good at, the very life that Sam hates. But they are very good at it. And, because this is a good story, Sam is trapped into monster hunting whether he wants it or not. (And boy does he fight it.)
In the tradition of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the writers are also not too proud to make fun of themselves for their propensity for drama and angst.
The season one pack features 22 episodes and ll the normal bells and whistles. It’s definitely worth the watch for horror and paranormal fans.