“Lost,” the most successful sci-fi series since “The Twilight Zone” (perhaps even the most successful sci-fi series ever), has emboldened the networks to greenlight an unprecedented number of genre series, everything from ABC’s “Invasion,” and “The Night Stalker” to CBS’ “Threshold” and “The Ghost Whisperer” to NBC’s “Surface.”
The first to emerge is The WB’s “Supernatural,” an hourlong created by writer Eric Kripke (“Boogieman,” The WB’s “Tarzan”) about two brothers who take a cross-country road trip to solve their mother’s 20-year-old murder. It stars Jensen Ackles (“Dark Angel,” “Smallville”) and Jared Padalecki (“Gilmore Girls,” “House of Wax”).
I like the two lead actors, and director David Nutter brings some swell and shocking visuals to the pilot, but the characters often behave very differently than I would given the same circumstances, and the banter careens between unconvincing and wince-inducing.
But what matters Herc’s opinion? Variety says:
… perfectly serviceable if not particularly inspired … Still, Ackles in particular brings an easygoing charm and engaging wise-ass personality to the absurd notion of traveling the country with a trunk full of wooden stakes and holy water. …
The Hollywood Reporter says:
… It has been described as a cross between "Route 66" and "The X-Files." As descriptions go, that's not bad, but "Supernatural" is too complex and robust to be so easily categorized. It is as close as TV has come to importing the kind of horror associated with theatricals, but it combines those spine-tingling moments with camaraderie and mystery. Plus, it explores some intriguing and popular ghostly legends. … David Nutter, a veteran "X-Files" director and the go-to helmsman for many WB pilots ("Jack & Bobby," "Tarzan," "Smallville," "Roswell"), directed the pilot and dotted it with several edge-of-your-seat moments. Equally important, he blended these moments with other strong dramatic elements, including the reconciliation of the brothers and their constant struggles to investigate the paranormal while avoiding suspicious but invariably dull-witted local authorities. Maintaining that pace and tone, as well as some glorious special effects, will be a challenge every bit as great as defeating the weekly demonic forces.
TV Guide says:
… The “boo” moments are awesome. Like any shameless horror movie, Supernatural can be derivative, but like any enduring campfire yarn, it can be deliciously spine-tingling as well. …
USA Today gives it three stars (out of four) and says:
… It wants nothing more than to frighten you — and tonight, it does. … Multiple things go bump in the night as the plot works its way to an ending that lives up to Dean's "no chick-flick moments." Because this is a series, you also know the estranged brothers are going to rebond along the way, which they do without undue sentiment. Now and then, the show also pauses for comic relief — clumsily at times, because Ackles' comic touch is not yet as skillful as it needs to be. Too often when he's trying to be humorously annoying, he's simply annoying. …
The Washington Post says:
… does deliver genuine shocks and jolts, enough so that one might reasonably call it electrifying. Or maybe electrocuting -- an inarguably less enjoyable sensation. … There isn't much in "Supernatural" to engage viewers older than Sam and Dean, but it's certainly not the worst of the new troop of spookers. Dean may be an obnoxious boor, but he does get some of the better lines, as when Sam scoffingly remembers Dad long ago telling him not to be afraid of the dark. "Don't be afraid of the dark?" says Dean, who's now doing the scoffing. "Are you kidding me? Of course you should be afraid of the dark!"
The Newsday says:
…Spontaneous combustion, anyone? Gorgeous ghosts who put the pedal to the metal in sports cars? A trunk full of weapons and a wanderlust to kick some paranormal posterior? Have we got the show for you. "Supernatural" knows what it wants, and goes out and kills it. … Many plot points are preposterous. But then this is a show that only uses them to advance toward its next violent vision or moody view of our angsty stars. Did I mention they were hot? That's what counts, along with the pilot's zestful presentation of its far-out contrivances. You could do a lot worse among this fall's flock of fantasy shows that "Lost" wrought.
Herc’s rating for “Supernatural” 1.1?
**
The Hercules T. Strong Rating System:
***** better than we deserve
**** better than most motion pictures
*** actually worth your valuable time
** as horrible as most stuff on TV
* makes you quietly pray for bulletins
9 p.m. Tuesday. The WB.
for just $129.99!! That’s like all 144 hours for – what? – 90 cents per hour!! A better Christmukkah gift is unimaginable!!!
