When I find something that I’m interested in, I contribute much of my time to learning about it. I analyze its entirety until I’m an expert. My obsessions typically don’t last longer than a few months, as I quickly engrain it in my life and make the effort to scrutinize every last detail. This has not been the case with my long-lived captivation, Supernatural.

For nearly a year now I have been in an exclusive relationship with the plot, characters, and history of this TV show. My mind draws ties and connections effortlessly, but the structure and design of its storyline is so complexly layered that often I will have to watch an episode twice or more to understand it thoroughly. Eric Kripke, the creator and writer of Supernatural, is nothing short of a plot prodigy, a foreshadowing genius, and a detail-oriented expert.

Kripke’s creative style and unattainable direction will destroy any sane person’s perception of reality. Everyone has a second motive, love lies, family does not end in blood, and we are all immune to the world’s so called “destiny” as long as we create our own.

Unlike any other TV show on air, Kripke uses a dramatic ethos conjointly with a consistent emotional torment to propel the story forward. While anyone in their right mind wouldn’t dream of having the lives and problems his characters are faced with, Kripke can portray it in such a way that the slight benefits shine through and heighten the deep, dark, and twisted negatives.

One thing that Supernatural is known for in the television world is its exceptional casting. Regardless of the fact that the relatives and aged versions of each character are genetically possible and physically accurate, the cast assimilates every emotion and hardship experienced by their characters perfectly into their acting.

The rugged alcoholic and self-deprecating supernatural hunter Dean Winchester is played by former Days of Our Lives and Ten-Inch Hero cast member Jensen Ackles. Ackles characterizes Dean in a self-martyring, “no chick-flick moments” type of way, veraciously presented after a lifetime of distress and loss. His expression and voice intonation flawlessly depict Dean’s role as the protective and impulsive older brother.

Jared Padalecki, previously starring in Gilmore Girls and Friday the 13th, plays the younger Winchester brother and supernatural hunter, Sam. Sam’s compassionate, practical character is expressed through Padalecki’s intense jaw clenches and body language. Padalecki brings depth to his part through his emotional baggage-weighted mien and reactive movement that connects to every thought.

Dean’s ‘shoot first and ask questions later’ demeanor contrasts greatly with Sam’s conscientious, pragmatic way of thinking. The boys hash it out over the open road, with many casualties and endless hardships ahead of them, expertly constructed by Kripke, of course.

Kripke uses foreshadowing to his distinct advantage, sometimes stringing the storyline and hints together seven or eight seasons in advance. A snide remark or heavy rebuttal might acknowledge an entire outline for another season. The connections and ties are so interwoven, it’s unbelievably indistinguishable, like the crocheted knot of a craft genius.

Having just celebrated their tenth year on air and released their 224th episode, Supernatural is still as popular as it was years ago, if not more. After binge-watching the series at least four 45-minute episodes per day for four weeks, I had finished every episode on Netflix. Like a peasant, I anticipated season ten to be released. I used my few months of cableless time to learn everything I could about the show. Casting background, interviews and panels, statistical analytics, soundtracks, character diagnostics, idiosyncrasies, interpersonal relationships, alternate universes, character inspirations, underlying subtext, biblical parallels, crossover references, anything and everything that anyone would ever possibly want to comprehend about one particular subject.

Finally, after months of waiting, season ten was released on Netflix.

My family and I watched the entirety of the 23 episodes in three days. After growing agitated over the fact that we wouldn’t be able to see the next season for another year and hiatus later, my mother ordered cable for the first time in five years.

Now, every Wednesday night, my family and I band together in front of the television to witness our boys fight the good fight and convey to us this intricate delicacy. They drool over the attractive characters, and me, well I analyze.

…And maybe just drool a little bit, too.