The pilot introduces us to Sam and Dean Winchester, two boys raised on the fringes of society by their ghost-hunting father. The Winchesters began fighting spirits after their mother disappeared into demonic flame. The viewer watches as Sam, who took a hiatus from hunting ghosts to attend law school, is pulled back into the family business by Dean after their father disappears. Thus begins an exciting retelling of the White Lady haunting.
The show has great special effects, decent acting, and strong plot. However, what really makes Supernatural shine it its fresh take on well-known ghost stories and American myths. In addition to the pilot’s spin of the White Lady ghost story, the show contains elements of Medea, Windigo, water spirits, phantom travelers, and Bloody Mary. Supernatural also incorporates several icons of Americana into each episode. For example, I love that Sam and Dean have a black ‘67 Impala that they drive almost exclusively on lonely, two-lane highways. When they exit their car, it is to investigate a haunted house, sleep in a flea-infested Norman Bates motel, or eat in a diner.
Additionally, Supernatural is legitimately frightening and is a pleasant alternative to slick, paranormal soap operas like True Blood. It fulfills a hunger for TV horror that has not been sated since The X-Files. The show is in its seventh season on the CW network but you can catch it anytime on Netflix. Put the kids to bed, turn off the lights, and enjoy at your own risk.