Provenance

Dean and Sam read on the newspaper about a young couple slashed in New York and they decide to investigate. They disclose that the victims have just bought an antique painting of 1910 in a beneficent auction and when they check its provenance, they find that three other families that owned the painting had been killed in the past. Further, the head of the family had murdered his wife, sons and stepdaughter with a razor blade. When the painting is sold to a local and she is also murdered, Sam and Dean with the support of the daughter of the auctioneer, Sarah Blake, disclose the truth about the killer.

"Provenance" is another great episode of Supernatural. The creepy and gore story finally shows a romance of Sam with a girl, and the killer is really scary. My vote is ten.

Title (Brazil): "Procedência" ("Provenance")

"Provenance," the nineteenth episode of Supernatural's first season, created by Erik Kripke and directed by Philip Sgriccia, is a compelling exploration of the supernatural intertwined with themes of love, loss, and the consequences of the past. This episode stands out for its unique premise involving a haunted painting that serves as a conduit for malevolent spirits, while also delving into the emotional dynamics between Sam (Jared Padalecki) and Dean Winchester (Jensen Ackles).

The narrative begins with a chilling prologue featuring a couple who are brutally murdered in their home after acquiring a mysterious painting. The story then shifts to Sam and Dean, who arrive in New Paltz, New York, to investigate the recent deaths linked to the painting. They enlist the help of Sarah Blake (played by Taylor Cole), the daughter of an auction house owner, who provides insight into the painting's provenance. As they dig deeper, they uncover a dark history involving the Merchant family and their tragic past, which is intricately tied to the supernatural occurrences surrounding the painting.

Philip Sgriccia's direction effectively captures both the eerie atmosphere of the haunted painting and the emotional stakes involved in Sam's budding relationship with Sarah. The cinematography enhances suspenseful moments, particularly during scenes where the brothers confront the ghostly manifestations tied to the artwork. Notable scenes include Sam's realization that the painting is cursed and his determination to protect Sarah from its malevolent influence. The pacing is well-balanced, allowing for moments of tension while also providing character development that enriches the narrative.

Jensen Ackles delivers a strong performance as Dean, showcasing his protective instincts towards Sam while also displaying his characteristic humor. Jared Padalecki shines as Sam, portraying his internal struggle as he grapples with his feelings for Sarah and his fear of putting her in danger. The chemistry between Sam and Sarah is palpable, adding depth to their interactions as they navigate their growing connection amidst supernatural threats. The guest cast also contributes positively; Sarah's character adds a layer of complexity as she deals with her own family's legacy.

Thematically, "Provenance" explores issues of legacy and how the past can haunt individuals in unexpected ways. The episode raises questions about how inherited trauma can manifest through objects and relationships, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's history to break free from its grasp. The haunted painting serves as a metaphor for unresolved family issues and the impact they can have on future generations. Additionally, Dean's encouragement for Sam to pursue a romantic relationship with Sarah highlights themes of love and connection amid chaos.

"Provenance" stands out as a memorable episode within Supernatural, effectively combining horror elements with meaningful character development and thematic depth. Its exploration of love, loss, and familial legacies resonates throughout the narrative, inviting viewers to reflect on their own experiences with history and relationships. By intertwining supernatural horror with real-world emotional struggles, "Provenance" enriches the series' ongoing exploration of human nature and connection, making it a compelling watch that lingers long after viewing.

Was there anything authentic on that actress who played "Sara" (the antiques guy's daughter)? The acting certainly wasn't - but the fake teeth, the nose job (michael jackson's plastic surgeon must have worked on it) and the ridiculously heavy makeup (although she probably didn't decide that), gobs of lipgloss over those fake teeth - it was such a fascinatingly inane sight that it was almost impossible to follow the storyline.

Btw, Supernatural actually would be a fun show to watch if the casting were a little more realistic. All those anorexic babes in backwood popsicle stands in Wisconsin and Illinois...

I know it's getting fairly monotonous to read in nearly every single review of each and every single "Supernatural" episode, but … THIS is one of best episodes of the entire first season! Actually, practically every new episode I see promptly becomes a new favorite. It honestly is a fantastic show and truly a remembrance for anyone who ever showed an interest in the genre of horror. "Provenance" is another good-old fashioned spooky and inventive tale of the supernatural, with a solid basic premise (that sounded really familiar but I couldn't place it) and a handful of genuinely unsettling sequences. Sam and Dean are lured to New York when they read a bizarre article about a couple being murdered inside their house with all the doors and windows locked. Turns out the couple just bought a creepy old painting of an Amish family at an auction and put it on their chimney. The brothers, with the help of the beautiful auction gallery owner's daughter who is Sam's first potential love interest in a long time, discover that – according to the old newspapers and folklore legends - the family's father brutally slaughtered his whole family in the year 1910. Presumably his malignant spirit is still trapped in the painting and continuing to slay. "Provenance" is an original, well-plotted, exciting and masterfully compelling installment in the series. The painting is particularly sinister and several more pieces scenery and locations, like the morgue and the old lady's house, are very "horrolicious". Meanwhile, the characters of Sam and Dean continue to develop further as well. In nearly each episode, there's a new reference towards their childhood and/or a little trivia fact regarding their personalities, reminding the fans that the show also still builds up towards a big season climax. The short but obviously sincere romance between Sam and the stunningly beautiful Sarah was a very enchanting change of tone in the series, and Dean … Well, Dean just gets wittier and cooler with each episode. "Provenance" offers a reasonably inspired and surprising twist near the end, as well as a few bloody moments and a very scary type of evil. It just bothers me that I can't seem to place where I've seen the Amish family murder plot in the 1910's before … I'm thinking either Wes Craven's "Deadly Blessing", the underrated Aussie chiller "Frenchman's Farm" or yet something entirely different

The Sam and Sarah romance is utterly forced and more to the point feels much more like a plot point than a organic relationship. I feel like not enough time passed for Sam to be over Jess. Apart from the murderous painting is lame. It feels like a slap together collection of stale horror tropes. This episode feels very much like filler.