*Supernatural* quickly captivated audiences with its blend of classic monster-of-the-week adventures and a sprawling, overarching narrative that kept viewers hooked. While each episode brought new creatures and challenges for Sam and Dean Winchester, the first season skillfully wove in threads of a larger, more sinister plot. A critical piece of this puzzle is a seemingly simple act: when Meg makes a call. This moment is more than just a plot point; it is a defining scene that foreshadows the true nature of the demonic threat the Winchesters are facing. It reveals a level of organization and planning far beyond the localized monster hunts they initially believed they were undertaking, and ultimately sets the stage for the escalating conflict that defines the series.
Early Days Hunting Things, Saving People: Season One’s Landscape
To understand the impact of the moment when Meg makes a call in *Supernatural* season one, it is essential to revisit the show’s initial episodes. We are introduced to Sam and Dean, brothers bound by tragedy and a shared mission: to hunt down supernatural creatures and avenge their mother’s death. The early episodes largely followed a formula – a mysterious death or incident, an investigation by the Winchesters, and a confrontation with a monster or malevolent spirit. The Winchesters would encounter everything from vengeful spirits to shapeshifters, learning to apply John’s teachings along the way.
Amidst these individual cases, a through line emerged: the hunt for the yellow-eyed demon, Azazel, who killed Mary Winchester and Jess, Sam’s girlfriend. This personal vendetta fueled their journey and drove them to understand the demonic realm. Into this mix came Meg Masters, a seemingly ordinary hitchhiker the brothers crossed paths with multiple times. Initially, Meg appeared to be just another traveler, maybe even a potential ally. However, *Supernatural* season one throws us a curveball with the scene where Meg makes a call. At this point, most viewers likely perceived demons as isolated entities, more akin to powerful spirits wreaking havoc on a local scale. Meg’s seemingly innocuous action was to change that perception forever.
The Defining Scene: When Meg Makes a Call Echoes Through the Series
The precise moment when Meg makes a call occurs in the episode “Scarecrow.” Sam and Dean are already at odds, having argued about their differing paths and responsibilities. Dean wants to focus on their father’s orders to hunt a specific demon, while Sam feels compelled to follow a more urgent calling. During this period of tension, Meg, in a seemingly random moment, is alone at a payphone. The setting itself is telling: a stark, desolate location, emphasizing the clandestine nature of her activities. We don’t hear the full conversation. We hear her reporting back, a tone of deference in her voice, giving updates on Sam and Dean’s progress. Her words aren’t overtly revealing, but the subtle implications are chilling. She is clearly communicating with a superior, someone within a structured network.
Analyzing the implications of Meg making a call is crucial to understanding the larger story arc. This scene strongly suggests the existence of a hierarchical structure within the demonic ranks. It isn’t simply a collection of rogue demons acting independently; there is coordination, communication, and a chain of command. This also implies a plan, a larger strategy unfolding behind the scenes, something more intricate than just causing chaos. The Winchesters were hunting monsters, but they were also unknowingly stepping into a game far bigger than they imagined. This call plants the seed that the brothers might be manipulated, used as pawns in a much larger scheme. The quiet intensity of the scene, combined with the mystery surrounding Meg’s conversation, sent a shiver down the spines of *Supernatural* fans, solidifying its impact. This single action, when Meg makes a call, changed the entire scope of the show.
Foreshadowing The Apocalyptic Threat
The scene when Meg makes a call is a masterclass in foreshadowing. It cleverly hints at plot developments that unfold in later seasons. This call serves as an early indicator that there are powerful demons orchestrating events, far beyond Azazel. It foreshadows the introduction of figures like Lilith, a demon who is far more powerful and influential than anything the Winchesters had encountered to that point. The demonic network implied by Meg’s communication lays the groundwork for the later revelation of the special children – Sam and others – and Azazel’s twisted plans for them. The call is the beginning of the story of the apocalypse which takes over seasons four and five.
The knowledge that demons are organized, strategic, and manipulative significantly increases the overall narrative tension of the season. The Winchesters can no longer approach hunts with the same level of confidence. They must constantly question the motives of those around them, knowing that anyone could be a demon in disguise or a pawn in a larger game. This introduces a new level of paranoia and suspicion to the narrative, making even seemingly mundane interactions fraught with potential danger. When Meg makes a call, she is not just talking on the phone; she’s setting up the dominoes for what’s to come.
Deception, Hidden Agendas: Meg’s Many Layered Mask
Meg’s character is built on a foundation of deception. Initially, she appears to be a sympathetic figure, perhaps even a potential ally. She even helps the Winchesters in some instances, blurring the lines of good and evil. This carefully crafted facade allows her to manipulate those around her, making her all the more dangerous. When we see Meg make a call, it shatters that illusion and reveals her true allegiance.
The contrast between her normal appearance and her demonic nature is striking. She blends seamlessly into human society, using her charm and cunning to deceive those who underestimate her. We wonder about her motivations within the demonic hierarchy at this point in the story. Is she simply following orders, or does she have her own ambitions and desires? How far would she go to achieve her goals? The character of Meg, and her actions when Meg makes a call, become a key point for fans.
Impact on Sam and Dean: A New World of Trouble
Meg’s actions, including the moment when Meg makes a call, profoundly impact Sam and Dean. The call increases their suspicions and forces them to become more cautious in their interactions with strangers. It reinforces their determination to stop the yellow-eyed demon but also makes them realize the true scope of what they are fighting. It’s no longer just a personal vendetta; it’s a battle against a well-organized and powerful enemy.
The call also creates trust issues between Sam and Dean, and increases their doubts about the people they encounter. They must constantly second-guess the motives of those around them, knowing that anyone could be working for the demons. This paranoia adds to the emotional toll of their already dangerous lives. They start to feel the weight of the task they’ve taken on. When Meg makes a call, it’s a call to arms for the demon army.
The Lasting Legacy of Supernatural: A Call to Action
The scene where Meg makes a call is a representation of the show’s broader themes: the constant battle between good and evil, the importance of family and loyalty, and the struggle against overwhelming odds. The show is about more than hunting monsters; it’s about fighting for what’s right in a world that is often unfair and unforgiving.
This moment contributes to the show’s enduring appeal and its long-term narrative arcs. It reminds us that even seemingly small actions can have significant consequences, and that the decisions we make can shape the course of our lives and the lives of those around us. It’s the small details and foreshadowing that make the entire story work.
The series quickly found success as a genre-bending show. *Supernatural* blended elements of horror, drama, and even humor, creating a unique and engaging viewing experience. The show’s popularity quickly grew, and it developed a dedicated fanbase that continues to support it to this day. The early seasons are some of the most beloved in the *Supernatural* pantheon. They help establish the tone and the long-lasting motifs for seasons to come. The worldbuilding and mythology grew with each new adventure that the brothers encountered.
Concluding Notes: The Ripple Effect
Meg’s phone call in the episode “Scarecrow” stands as a pivotal moment in *Supernatural* Season One. It is a seemingly small act with enormous ramifications, forever changing the course of the Winchesters’ journey and shaping the landscape of the series. It is a scene that encapsulates the show’s blend of suspense, intrigue, and carefully crafted mythology. When Meg makes a call, she signals something bigger and something truly menacing.
It is impossible to overstate the significance of Meg’s phone call and its rippling effect through the rest of *Supernatural*. It serves as a reminder that the Winchesters’ fight against the supernatural is far from simple. In fact, when Meg makes a call, it’s to say that what they face is a war. The call solidifies the brothers facing something far more formidable and organized than a few rogue spirits. It underscores the true depth of the demonic threat and sets the stage for the epic battles to come, ultimately marking a turning point in their journey and for the show’s direction itself.
