This is the first episode of the series that focuses on demon possessions. Demons will come to play a larger role as the show rolls along and it's interesting to go back and watch this episode again after seeing some season three episodes. Demons are the Winchesters arch-enemies, yet they also share a real connection with them. Honestly, this isn't my favorite episode, but it has some cute parts. Plus, this is the episode where we learn that John is alive. All in all, "Phantom Traveler" is worth a look if your watching on DVD.
This episode revolves around a demon causing plane crashes. An old friend of John's calls Dean and asks the boys to investigate a mysterious airplane accident. A passenger on a flight somehow opened the plane door and depressurized the cabin mid-flight. John's friend suspects something supernatural is going on. Dean is also worried about Sam, who isn't sleeping due to his nightmares about Jessica's death. Sam is still fixated on finding John, but he is surprised and sort of touched that John told people that he was proud of Sam's accomplishments at Stanford.
The boys discover that a demon is possessing people and causing planes to crash. When seven people survive the latest accident, the demon begins picking them off, one by one. Sam & Dean soon find themselves on a plane, trying to spot the passenger who is possessed. Unfortunately, Dean is petrified of flying and the demon is one of the guys flying the plane. The brothers have soon exorcised the demon and saved the plane. But when they get back on the ground, John's old friend reveals that he called them because of a message on John's cell phone. They call their dad's number again and find that John's changed the message, saying that he's out of touch, but if anyone has an emergency and needs help, they should call Dean. The boys are relieved that John's safe, but also hurt. Sam, especially, is angry that John is apparently missing by choice and deliberately avoiding them.
There are some good parts to this episode. First of all, Sam & Dean look real cute in their Homeland Security disguises. I like Dean's annoyance at having to wear a tie, even if it is for the greater good. And his homemade EMF gadget, (which he cobbled together from his old Walkman parts) is adorable. He's so proud of it. And -Hey- it WAS pretty clever of him to build it. Dean's smarter than he gets credit for. I also like Sam trying to question the plane crash victim in the mental hospital. Sam is finding his strengths in the brothers partnership off-set Dean's weaknesses. Dean might have problems keeping his patience when people take too long to tell him what he has to know about the monster they're facing, but Sam has that earnest expression that people just buy into, too. They make a good team.
I think this episode is about facing fears, rather than hiding from them. The demon possesses people who are afraid to fly. Their weakness lets him in. And in order to avoid being possessed they have to face their panic and keep it under control. Meanwhile, Sam is staying awake at night rather than face his memories about Jessica. The demon strikes out at him with the news that Jessica died screaming and is still suffering, taking advantage of Sam's fear. Sam has to get past his nightmares and guilt is he is going to survive. And Dean smugly explains that he isn't afraid of anything, but it turns out that he's terrified of planes. He wants to drive himself from place to place. For Dean it seems to be an issue of control. More than just the airplane itself, he's scared of letting someone else take the controls. Scared of what might happen if he isn't holding things together. Scared that they'll never find John or that he might lose Sam. Scared that he'll be alone. Dean has to face his fears and work with Sam as a equal partner. So, he must get on the plane and trust Sam if they're going to defeat the demon.
On the down side, I think that the show is still trying to work out how demons work in this episode. The exorcism needs two steps, when later it only needs one. The "Christos" thing hasn't really come up again. The victims of possession here don't seem to remember it afterwards, but in later episodes they often retain parts of the experience. And the holy water seems to burn the bodies themselves in this episode, where later it only effects the demon inside the body. Also, I can't believe that flight attendant just let Sam & Dean bind and gag the pilot-guy. You'd think she'd be a little less trusting.
My favorite part of the episode: Sam trying to talk Dean into getting on the plane. Dean's reluctance and frustration and embarrassment are just hilarious. He's not willing to let Sam get on the plane alone or to just allow it to crash, but -Wow- he REALLY doesn't want to buy a ticket and get on board, either.
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