Wendigo

Although I call myself a fan, this is an episode that shows all the weaknesses of Supernatural. And some of the things I love about it.

Let's start with the bad: First of all, the story is shamelessly stolen from an X-Files-Episode ('Detour', Season 5). Check it yourself if you don't believe me. It's something the writers here often do, and it really pisses me off. They take bits and pieces of other movies or TV shows, and present them as if they were something new. They do it in a very lousy way, too. Don't get me wrong, it's not the main plot I'm talking about.

What I don't like as well, is the fact, that wherever they get, it's always a 'pretty' young woman they end up with (well, I'm in the middle of season 1, so maybe that changes). Come on, this is so inkhorn. The characters could need a lot more depth, and it wouldn't hurt if they were looking a bit more like average people. It would give the show a lot more credibility (an yes, even if it's a horror/mystery-show there's such a thing as credibility).

Now to the things I like: I love the earnest moments between Sam and Dean. It's in those conversations when the show really starts to shine. It's when you learn about their characters, when you get to know them and the way each of them thinks. I like the alludes to their past, tiny hints that show you how they have become the men they are.

It's heart rending to see them in those moments, forlorn, when they are nothing more than two boys, searching desperately for their father.

The dialogue is written very well, and the actors put it into practise probably the best way possible. It's enough to make up for all the flaws of the show.

The Wendigo itself (himself?) is a fun monster. Something of a cross between werewolf and a crazed hermit the show puts the concept to good use here. This feature coupled with the pivotal for the show "family business" scene save this episode from being a complete wash. At its core Supernatural is a two character procedural, especially for the first couple of years (preseason 4). The guest stars are pretty much plot devices and they should be kept to a minimal. This show has a couple of extra characters that are not really needed, i.e. the guide or the younger brother. It is distracting and introduces needless beats into the story.

Watching this again I am again surprised just how visually striking the show was for a little awhile. The photography is very moody. It is very genre.

Not a good good episode but still quite good. For season 1.

Episode two of "Supernatural" and the ice have definitely been broken. There were the pilot – understandably - focused on the introduction of the two main character and didn't really dig into the mystery of the Lady in White, episode two fully centers on the brothers' battle against yet another type of supernatural evil; the Wendigo. The instructions in their father's journal lead Sam and Dean to Lost Creek, Colorado, where several people went missing over the past few weeks after hiking in the gigantic Blackwater forest. The authorities presume there's a wild grizzly bear on the loose, yet no bodies have yet been discovered and there appears to be an awkward history of missing person cases that repeats itself every 23 years. Sam and Dean team up with a beautiful girl who's looking for her vanished brother and together they face the horror of the Wendigo. What I love so much about this TV-series is how the script gives insightful descriptions of the types of evil the brothers deal with. Being a horror fan, I already encountered the term "Wendigo" in several movies, yet only in "Supernatural" they carefully explain it's an ancient Indian warrior that gained immortality and super strength through eating human flesh. "Wendigo" is a terrific episode! The atmosphere is very reminiscent to those typically old-fashioned backwoods-slashers of the early 80's, like "Just Before Dawn", "The Final Terror" and "Midnight". The Blackwater woods are sublimely portrayed as the inescapable territory of a monstrous predator and especially the underground liar – where the Wendigo saves his victims – looks genuinely uncanny. This episode features plenty of exciting action scenes and the usual amount of witty dialogs. Perhaps it's still too soon to compare this series with other thriller-highlights on television but, so far, I like it a whole lot better than "The X-Files" or "Millennium". The show also mildly reminds me of the prematurely canceled occult series "Brimstone".

"Wendigo," the second episode of Supernatural's first season, created by Eric Kripke and directed by David Nutter, is a gripping installment that delves into the darker aspects of folklore while maintaining the show's core themes of family and survival. This episode effectively builds upon the foundation established in the pilot, introducing viewers to a terrifying creature from Native American legend.

The narrative begins with a chilling scene in which two campers are stalked and killed by an unseen force in Blackwater Ridge. Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean Winchester (Jensen Ackles) arrive on the scene to investigate these mysterious disappearances. They soon discover that they are dealing with a wendigo-a cannibalistic spirit born from human greed-and must navigate treacherous woods filled with danger at every turn. The brothers team up with local residents Hailey and Ben to uncover more about this supernatural entity.

David Nutter's direction skillfully captures both tension and vulnerability as characters face off against an unseen enemy. The cinematography enhances this sense of unease, using shadows effectively to conceal much of the monster until its final reveal, allowing viewers' imaginations to fill in what they don't see. This technique not only heightens fear but also pays homage to classic horror tropes where less is often more.

Jensen Ackles shines as Dean Winchester, showcasing his character's bravery and loyalty as he puts himself at risk to protect others. Jared Padalecki delivers a nuanced performance as Sam, capturing his frustration yet determination throughout their perilous journey. The supporting cast adds depth to the narrative; Cory Monteith makes an early appearance before his rise on Glee, highlighting how even minor roles contribute significantly.

Thematically, "Wendigo" explores themes of sacrifice and responsibility-Dean accepts his role as protector despite personal risks-while also touching on cultural sensitivity through its portrayal of Native American folklore. However, some critics argue that it relies too heavily on familiar horror tropes without adding significant innovation beyond those found in similar stories.

"Wendigo" stands out for its ability to blend suspenseful storytelling with emotional character development within Supernatural. While it may not break new ground within horror narratives overall due to its reliance on familiar tropes like being stranded in woods stalked by monsters, it remains compelling viewing thanks largely due strong performances from Ackles & Padalecki alongside effective atmospheric direction provided here once again beautifully done indeed truly remarkable achievement considering how difficult task must have been pulling something like together especially given constraints faced during production process back then nonetheless still holds up remarkably well today even after all these years since originally aired proving once again why remains such timeless classic among fans worldwide alike still widely popular today.