Ep 9. Malleus Maleficarum

In the ninth episode of Supernatural's third season, titled "Malleus Maleficarum," Sam and Dean investigate a series of murders in which the victims are all young women who were accused of witchcraft. The brothers team up with a group of modern-day witch hunters called the "Malleus Maleficarum" in order to identify and stop the killer.

As they delve deeper into the case, Sam and Dean encounter a number of obstacles. For one thing, the Malleus Maleficarum is a highly secretive organization that is fiercely protective of its methods and beliefs. The brothers also find themselves running afoul of local law enforcement, who are suspicious of their presence in the town.

Despite these challenges, Sam and Dean are determined to get to the bottom of the case. They use their expertise in witchcraft to uncover clues and track down leads, and they soon find themselves on the trail of the killer. Along the way, they also confront their own beliefs about witchcraft and the supernatural, as well as the issues of misogyny and persecution that are at the heart of the case.

As the episode progresses, tensions between the Malleus Maleficarum and Sam and Dean escalate. The brothers are suspicious of the group's methods, which include torturing suspected witches in order to extract information. They also clash with the group's leader, who is furious that they have brought a "crusade" against witches to his town.

Despite these conflicts, Sam and Dean eventually uncover the identity of the killer and come face to face with him in a dramatic showdown. Along the way, they learn more about the true nature of witchcraft and the dangers of blindly following one's beliefs.

Overall, "Malleus Maleficarum" is a tense and engaging episode that delves deeply into the themes of belief, persecution, and the supernatural that are at the heart of the show. With its gripping plot, well-drawn characters, and expertly crafted suspense, it's a must-watch for fans of the series.