Ever since its premiere in 2005, the series Supernatural has garnered numerous prestigious award nominations and wins, such as multiple People’s Choice Awards, Leo Awards, Critics’ Choice Super Awards, and even Hugo Awards. Over the course of 15 seasons and 327 episodes, Supernatural has provided its audience with adventure, heartbreak, hope, continuous amusement, and both stirring and spine-tingling musical scores. This recognition earned it three separate Emmy nominations in the categories of Outstanding Music Composition for a Series (Original Dramatic Score) and Outstanding Sound Editing. However, the episodes that received these nominations might come as a surprise to some.
Rather than common choices such as “Swan Song,” “Changing Channels,” and “Mystery Spot,” it was the “Pilot” and “Jus in Bello,” specifically the 12th episode of Season 3, that garnered nominations for the highly esteemed Primetime Emmy Award.
The “Pilot” and “Jus in Bello”: What Sets Them Apart
Initially, when “The Pilot” premiered on September 13th, 2005, viewers weren’t anticipating much, but were left astonished by a gripping narrative about two brothers on a quest to find their missing father. The story unfolds 22 years back, as a young boy named Dean says goodnight to his infant brother Sam. As the family retires for the night, Mary, the mother, hears unusual noises from Sam’s room. She swiftly discovers an intruder looming over Sam’s crib. Before others notice the danger, she has been seized by a malevolent intruder. Upon John, the father, discovering her, she is suspended to the ceiling with her abdomen slashed open. Moments later, she ignites in flames, and John manages to rescue his two sons just before the room catches fire.
Approximately two decades after, on a spooky Halloween night, a spirited 26-year-old named Dean seeks out Sam for assistance in locating their missing father. In this momentous encounter, Dean utters the line that would become legendary: “Dad’s off on a hunting trip and he hasn’t been home for a while.” With those simple words, Dean lures Sam back into the world of “hunting.” The ensuing episode portrays the brothers as they follow trails left behind by vanishing men and a woman in white. It is during this storyline that viewers are initially exposed to Supernatural‘s recurring monster-of-the-week format, which was a staple of many early episodes before the series delved into its more intricate, ongoing narrative.
In the first episode, there’s a lot of backstory being shared, giving viewers a deep understanding of the Winchester brothers’ past. The history and background details might seem overwhelming initially, but Jensen Ackles as Dean and Jared Padalecki as Sam keep things engaging. Their characters, despite their differences, are captivating, reflecting their unique upbringing. For instance, while Dean is a devoted follower of his father’s footsteps, always ready to confront supernatural threats, Sam has forgotten his mother and yearns for a normal life free from the chaos. Yet, their bond, which becomes crucial to the storyline, is evident right from the start. This connection will play a significant role in shaping the narrative and determining the destiny of their universe.
Title “Jus in Bello” sets this episode apart from others, as it symbolizes justice during conflict – a topic delved into by just war theory. The narrative revolves around ethical dilemmas and life-altering choices made in wartime situations. The title seems particularly fitting given that the brothers’ choice to spare one woman results in numerous casualties. The episode unfolds when Dean and Sam, wanted for murder, are arrested by FBI Agent Henrickson, who has appeared in previous episodes. They are jailed at a police station besieged by demons. As events progress, Agent Henrickson realizes there’s more to the situation than initially thought and seeks the Winchester brothers’ help to combat the evil forces encircling them.
In a twist of events, Ruby – who can be both a demon and an ally – approaches them with a chilling demand: they must offer up a virgin to resolve their issues. Dean firmly rejects this proposition and decides to safeguard Nancy, their virgin assistant, instead, engaging in direct combat with the demons. Though they appear victorious, their triumph is short-lived as Lilith, the resurrected leader of the demons, later appears at the station and slaughters every remaining survivor. This tragic outcome once again stirs doubts about the brothers’ choice to spare one human life rather than taking it to save many others. In the heat of war, is it morally justifiable to murder an innocent who willingly offers herself up for the greater good? What constitutes justice during such tumultuous times?
These episodes significantly contribute to the storyline and are skillfully presented. What makes them stand out, however, is undeniably the music. After all, the eerie, stirring, and melancholic scores of Supernatural have always been among the show’s most captivating aspects. In some instances, the music assumes a role in the narrative that rivals the writing, which is evident in these two episodes. Consequently, it comes as no surprise that they earned nominations for not just one but three Emmys for their soundtracks.
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2025-06-14 18:41