Introduction
The early seasons of *Supernatural* hold a unique allure. They are a masterclass in building suspense, introducing complex mythology, and crafting compelling characters. Among these characters, few are as immediately impactful and chilling as Meg Masters, the demon who quickly establishes herself as a significant threat to Sam and Dean Winchester. While Meg is a recurring antagonist throughout the series, her actions in season one offer a particularly intriguing insight into the overarching narrative and the diabolical schemes brewing beneath the surface. One specific moment, almost deceptively simple, resonates with profound implications: Meg’s first phone call. This seemingly ordinary act of communication is, in fact, a pivotal scene that foreshadows Azazel’s intricate plan, solidifies Meg’s position as a cunning adversary, and highlights the calculated methods employed by the demonic forces.
Context of the Call
The phone call unfolds primarily in the episodes “Scarecrow” and “Shadow.” During this period, the Winchesters are grappling with a series of increasingly disturbing events. Sam, still haunted by visions and the recent death of his girlfriend Jessica, feels an urgency to delve deeper into the supernatural. Dean, ever the pragmatic older brother, attempts to maintain a sense of normalcy while battling his own inner demons and a growing awareness of a looming threat. Meg enters their lives as a seemingly normal college student, subtly manipulating situations and subtly influencing events to benefit her diabolical agenda. Her presence is a constant source of unease, as her behavior consistently feels ‘off,’ a clever foreshadowing of her true nature. The setting surrounding the phone call is equally important. She usually calls from a remote phone booth or an isolated location, emphasizing the secrecy of the conversation and the clandestine nature of her mission. These locations, often dimly lit and sparsely populated, heighten the sense of dread and underscore the sinister undertones of the exchange.
Analysis of the Call’s Content (Inferred)
The beauty of this early scene lies in what it *doesn’t* explicitly reveal. While we don’t hear the other end of the conversation, Meg’s side of the dialogue and her demeanor during the call offer crucial clues about the information being relayed and the authority to whom she’s reporting. It becomes implicitly clear that she’s communicating with a superior, someone holding considerable power and orchestrating the events unfolding around the Winchesters. We can infer several key details about the content of the call. Firstly, Meg is almost certainly providing updates on the Winchesters’ progress. She is tracking their movements, analyzing their strategies, and relaying information about their hunts. This suggests that Azazel is carefully monitoring Sam and Dean, either out of simple curiosity or because of their potential significance in his larger plan. Secondly, it seems plausible that Meg is requesting instructions from Azazel. Her questions, although not overtly stated, imply that she is seeking guidance on how to proceed with her tasks and how to best manipulate the situation to her advantage. This establishes Azazel as the puppet master, pulling the strings behind the scenes and delegating tasks to his demonic minions. Finally, it is highly likely that Meg is reporting on the other demons she has controlled or is planning to utilize. This highlights the hierarchical nature of the demonic world and Meg’s role as a mid-level operative responsible for managing lower-level entities.
Significance of the Call
Revealing Azazel’s Plan (Early Hints)
The significance of Meg’s initial phone call extends far beyond a simple plot device. It serves as an early, albeit subtle, glimpse into the grand scheme orchestrated by Azazel, the Yellow-Eyed Demon. Though the Winchesters are initially unaware of the depth of the conspiracy, the phone call foreshadows the existence of a larger, more organized demonic plan than they initially anticipated. It suggests that the seemingly isolated incidents they are investigating are, in fact, interconnected pieces of a much larger puzzle. The phone call also provides an early hint about the “special children” storyline, which becomes a central focus in subsequent seasons. The fact that Meg is tracking Sam’s progress and reporting back to Azazel suggests that Sam’s unique abilities are of particular interest to the demon. This subtly plants the seed of suspicion in the audience’s mind, hinting at Sam’s importance in Azazel’s grand design. Furthermore, the phone call directly impacts the Winchesters’ understanding of the threat they face. It reveals that they are not simply battling individual demons but are confronting a well-organized and highly strategic force. This realization forces them to re-evaluate their approach and to consider the possibility that they are pawns in a larger game.
Establishing Meg as a Threat
Beyond its impact on the overarching storyline, Meg’s communication significantly contributes to establishing her as a compelling and formidable antagonist. The call demonstrates her power and her direct connection to a powerful figure, instantly elevating her from a minor nuisance to a serious threat. The audience quickly understands that Meg is not merely a rogue demon acting on her own volition; she is a representative of a much larger and more dangerous force. The phone call also highlights Meg’s ruthlessness and her unwavering commitment to serving Azazel. She exhibits no remorse or hesitation in carrying out his orders, further solidifying her position as a heartless and calculating villain. This ruthlessness is a crucial element of her character, making her a consistently unpredictable and dangerous opponent for the Winchesters. Moreover, Meg’s calculated and manipulative demeanor during the call underscores her effectiveness as a demon. She is not simply a brute force; she is a master of deception and manipulation, capable of subtly influencing events and exploiting human weaknesses to achieve her goals. This makes her a far more dangerous adversary than a simple monster, as she can undermine the Winchesters’ efforts from within.
Demonstrating Demonic Communication/Hierarchy
The phone call also subtly reveals the structure and dynamics of the demonic hierarchy. It shows us that demons are not simply chaotic entities operating independently. Instead, they follow a clear chain of command and communicate with each other to coordinate their efforts. This aspect of the demonic world adds another layer of complexity to the narrative, suggesting that the Winchesters are not simply fighting individual monsters, but confronting a highly organized and strategically sophisticated force. The phone call also highlights the disturbing use of human hosts as vessels for communication. Meg, being a demon, requires a human body to interact with the physical world. This underscores the parasitic nature of demonic possession and the devastating consequences it can have on innocent individuals. The fact that Meg is using a human body to communicate with Azazel further emphasizes the dehumanizing aspect of demonic influence and the moral compromises that the Winchesters must often confront.
Foreshadowing Later Events
Finally, and perhaps most subtly, Meg’s initial communication subtly foreshadows later events in the season and throughout the series. While the details of the conversation remain obscured, the call introduces themes and storylines that will become increasingly prominent as the narrative unfolds. The rise of Azazel as the primary antagonist, the growing importance of the Colt as a weapon against demons, and the ongoing struggle for control over Sam’s destiny are all subtly hinted at in this seemingly insignificant moment. The call acts as an early thread in a complex tapestry, connecting seemingly disparate events and foreshadowing the epic battles that lie ahead.
Meg’s Character and Motivation
Ultimately, the phone call provides insight into Meg’s character. It reveals her as a cunning, ambitious, and unwavering servant of Azazel. Her loyalty to the Yellow-Eyed Demon appears absolute, and her desire for power and influence within the demonic hierarchy is evident. The call serves as a window into her motivations and her willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve her goals. This initial glimpse into Meg’s character contributes to her overall arc in the series. It establishes her as a complex and multifaceted villain, capable of both charm and brutality. Her relationship with the Winchesters evolves over time, but her initial phone call sets the stage for the ongoing conflict and establishes her as a significant and enduring presence in their lives.
Thematic Resonance
The communication used by Meg within the show is a prime example of the series’ thematic exploration of deception, and misinformation. Demons are masters of manipulation, and the call highlights their ability to use communication to spread lies, sow discord, and undermine trust. This theme is particularly relevant in a world where the Winchesters are constantly battling forces that seek to deceive and mislead them. In its basic nature, the call reinforces the series long battle of good versus evil and the constant struggle the Winchesters are in. It puts into perspective the challenge that the brothers face with such a powerful enemy. The Winchesters and their sacrifices are constantly in the face of adversity and Meg’s call only highlights this adversity more. How far are the Winchesters willing to go for the greater good? Meg’s communication only adds more to the discussion.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the phone call made by Meg Masters in *Supernatural* season one is far more than a simple plot device; it is a pivotal moment that resonates with profound significance. It provides an early glimpse into Azazel’s intricate plan, establishes Meg as a cunning and formidable adversary, and highlights the calculated methods employed by the demonic forces. The scene serves as a testament to the show’s masterful storytelling, revealing layers of meaning beneath the surface and foreshadowing the epic battles that lie ahead. By analyzing Meg’s communication, we gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the Winchesters and the complex mythology that defines the *Supernatural* universe. The call is a subtle reminder that even the smallest actions can have far-reaching consequences and that the forces of evil are always lurking, waiting for an opportunity to strike. How much control to demons really have and what will happen if the Winchesters can’t stop them? It is one of the many reasons why *Supernatural* continues to captivate audiences long after its initial run.
