In the latest edition of our 31 Days of Horror, as the Supernatural Convention gears up for its Toronto stop this weekend, Jason Shayer lists his favourite 10 episodes of Supernatural.
When I first thought of going back and compiling a list of my favourite 10 Supernatural episodes, I hadn’t really thought through the idea of sorting through 172 episodes! I knew that Supernatural had just wrapped up its 8th season, but I never did the math with 23-24 episodes a season. I had a hell of a time picking just 10, so I picked 11. In order of air date, here are some of my favourite episodes of Supernatural:
Supernatural Season 1, Episode 01 – The Pilot (Jan. 22, 2006)
This episode is where it all started and while it may be a bit dated and stiff, there’s so many fun things about it that you can’t help but love it. From the brotherly conflict to the hunt for their father to the vintage Chevy Impala, it’s all there, just in a rougher form, but you can see the seeds of what will become a beloved series.
Supernatural Season 1, Episode 05 – Bloody Mary (Feb. 19 2006)
The show tried to push beyond the “monster of the week” label by having Sam and Dean take on the classic urban legend of Bloody Mary. While I enjoyed the Wendigo episode from earlier in this season, this episode still stands as one of the more creepy and genuinely scary ones.
Supernatural Season 3, Episode 11 – Mystery Spot (Feb. 14 2008)
It’s difficult to not to fall in love with a Supernatural episode that opens with Asia’s “Heat of the Moment”. Sam is trapped in repeating loop, being forced to relive the same day again and again with Dean helpless watching (Yes, it’s kind of Groundhog Day meets Supernatural.) I also have a weak spot for Richard Speight’s wonderful Trickster character.
Supernatual Season 4, Episode 01 – Lazarus Rising (Sep. 18, 2008)
This episode was one hell of a way to kick off Season 4. After ending Season 3 with Dean being dragged to hell, Dean dramatically returns in Season 4 along with a mysterious benefactor named Castiel. We learn that Castiel is an angel who needs the Winchesters’ help as the battle between Heaven and Hell escalates. Castiel quickly becomes one of the show’s fan-favourite supporting cast members.
Supernatural Season 4, Episode 22 – Lucifer Rising (May 14 2009)
While the cliffhanger of season 3 was incredible, the Season 4 finale was everything that and so much more with Sam and Dean racing to stop Lilith from summoning the devil. They fail. ‘Nuff said.
Supernatural Season 5, Episode 09 – The Real Ghostbusters (Nov. 12 2009)
Sam and Dean attend a Supernatural convention! Need I say more? Okay, a bit more. While it’s hilarious to see Sam and Dean react to the hordes of fans dressed as the show’s characters, not everything at this convention is fake and the stakes change dramatically when real ghosts show up.
Supernatural Season 5, Episode 22 – Swan Song (May 13 2010)
“Swan Song” was culmination of 5 seasons of great storytelling. This season finale in my opinion would have been a satisfying finale to the entire series. This episode reminds us that for the heroes to win, terrible sacrifices are required. I recall really dreading how the series would continue after such a great season finish. Fortunately, Kripke didn’t disappoint us.
Supernatural Season 6, Episode 04 – Weekend at Bobby’s (Oct. 15 2010)
This episode focuses on Bobby Singer who normally takes a back seat to Sam and Dean. The story is cleverly balanced with humor, horror, an awkward romance, and memorable character moments that build a lot of depth and give you several laugh-out-loud moments. This episode was directed by Jensen “Dean” Ackles.
Supernatural Season 6 Episode 15 – The French Mistake (Feb. 25, 2011)
“The French Mistake” stands as one of the best off-beat episodes of the entire series. Sam and Dean are hidden away in an alternate dimension to keep them safe, but this alternate dimension turns out to be our world. It’s really quite entertaining to watch the boys react to their real world actor counterparts and their celebrity lifestyle.
Supernatural Season 8, Episode 12 – As Time Goes By (Jan. 30 2013)
Just when I thought Season 8 was loosing a bit of steam, episode 12 proved to be a welcome breath of fresh air. Henry Winchester travels to the future and teams up with his grandsons, Sam and Dean, as they try to deal with a knight of Hell known Abaddon. What makes this episode so memorable is that it hints at a greater purpose for these monster hunters in the form of a secret society called the Men of Letters.
Supernatural Season 8, Episode 13 – Everybody Hates Hitler (Feb. 6 2013)
While the main story itself is worthy enough with Sam and Dean teaming up with a Golem to defeat Nazi necromancers, the coolest part of this episode and of this season was that Sam and Dean discovered the Bunker. The Bunker is the secret headquarters of the Men of Letters and to paraphrase Dean, it’s like the Supernatural Bat Cave!
Well, what are you waiting for, you’ve got at least 10 hours of entertainment to catch up on before Season 9 starts! Carry on my wayward sons!
my husband loves this show and we both liked your review.