Supernatural "Provenance" #1.19 (2006) (TV)

"Well, this isn't exactly the first grave we've dug.", 26 June 2009

MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD --- I recently finished watching the first season of Supernatural and, overall, I'm impressed. There are been a few things that have bugged me and some episodes that didn't necessarily work, but those instances have been rare. This particular episode, known as "Provenance", is a particular favorite of mine. In this one-off episode, Sam and Dean investigate a series of deaths that appear to be related to an unusual painting. It seems that each time someone takes ownership of the painting, they have their throats slit in the night. The painting depicts a family from roughly around the turn of the century. The story goes that the Father in the painting was a barber who went mad and killed himself and his family with a straight razor. But as Sam and Den eventually discover, it's not the Father who's come back for murder – it's the adopted daughter. And for me, that's what makes this episode so especially creepy – there aren't many images that frighten me like a murderous little girl, complete with frilly dress, welding a razor in one hand and dragging a doll behind her in the other. Spooky! It's a smartly written little story filled with wonderful atmosphere. The special effects, the cinematography (especially when the little girl makes her presence known), and the lighting are all as good as you'll find in any big budget movie. "Provenance" is a very entertaining, leave-the-lights-on-when-you-go-to-bed kind of episode.

9/10