Get ready to take flight with Gank That Drank as we dive into Supernatural‘s Season 1, Episode 4: “Phantom Traveler”! Join hosts Krissy Lenz and Nate McWhortor as they unpack this early gem that laid the groundwork for the entire series. Buckle up for a thrilling ride through demon possessions, plane crashes, and the Winchester brothers’ first encounter with the supernatural at 30,000 feet!
This episode serves as a roadmap for the entire show, introducing key elements that would become Supernatural staples. From the boys’ first fake Homeland Security badges to Dean’s iconic fear of flying, “Phantom Traveler” sets the stage for many recurring themes. The hosts discuss how this episode, nearly 19 years old, feels both nostalgic and pivotal in establishing the show’s mythology.
Krissy and Nate break down the episode’s significance in introducing demons to the Supernatural universe. They highlight how Sam and Dean’s lack of knowledge about demons at this point makes for an intriguing and sometimes humorous viewing experience. The hosts also dive into the episode’s use of EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomenon) and EMF (Electromagnetic Frequency) detection, elements that would become staples in the Winchesters’ hunting toolkit.
The show notes wrap up with a detailed breakdown of the drinking game rules for this episode, including demon smoke appearances, black eyes sightings, and mentions of the brothers’ father. Krissy and Nate compare their drink tallies, offering listeners a fun way to engage with the rewatch.
Other topics covered in this episode include:
- The introduction of sulfur as a sign of demonic presence
- Dean’s makeshift EMF detector crafted from a Walkman
- The boys’ first time buying suits for a case
- The episode’s biblical references, including the significance of the number 40
- Early character development for Sam and Dean, including their distinctively higher-pitched voices
- The one-time use of “Christo” to identify demons
- Jerry’s character and his connection to John Winchester
- The episode’s cliffhanger ending with John’s voicemail
Tune in to Gank That Drank for a nostalgic trip down Supernatural memory lane, complete with drinking game rules that’ll have you raising a glass to the Winchesters’ early adventures. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the series, this podcast offers a fresh, entertaining perspective on the episode that helped shape Supernatural into the beloved show it became. Don’t miss out on this deep dive into “Phantom Traveler” – it’s a flight you won’t want to miss!
