Trickster Review: Episode 2 (Season 1 Episode 2)
Trickster Season 1 Episode 2 pulls back the curtain a little more with some major reveals that make for a fantastic second outing.
After a solid introduction to the main characters on Trickster Season 1 Episode 1, which only gives viewers small peeks into the show’s larger mythology, “Episode 2” allays any fears that the series might move too slowly.
Building on its first episode, “Episode 2” gives the series additional richness and intrigue that elevate an already strong start. Major plot developments expand the show’s supernatural story in unexpected ways. It also explores Jared’s relationships with characters other than his mother.
Maggie
Going into “Episode 2,” the assumption about Maggie is that she knows more than she’s saying and has some connection with the supernatural, but that she is primarily a mother struggling to keep it together and protect her son.
“Episode 1” gives no indication that we shouldn’t trust her.
By the end of “Episode 2,” that’s not so clear, as new information about her past makes us question who she actually is. She even feels menacing as she stands over Jared’s bed and tells him never to leave her.
It’s a stark change but done effectively as each new revelation about Maggie shows her to be more duplicitous and more in control than she originally seems.
I particularly love how they reveal that Maggie has powers of her own by showing more details from the flashback of Jared’s birth. On “Episode 1,” that flashback clearly frames Maggie as a victim and implies that she is somewhat powerless.
“Episode 2” shows us that same scene, but also shows what happens right before and right after what we see on “Episode 1.” This not only gives us new information about Maggie, but it also reminds us that reality isn’t always what it appears. We can’t trust what we think we know.
My instincts still tell me that Maggie is not a villain and that this effort to frame her as one is mostly misdirection. I can’t say I’m not questioning my instincts at least a little now, though.
Phil
From an emotional standpoint, the character most fleshed out on “Episode 2” is Jared’s apparently adoptive dad, Phil.
Phil isn’t simply the “taker” Maggie describes him as on “Episode 1.” We learn from Wade that he used to have his life together and was actually a source of stability when Jared was born. He is flawed and has had some bad luck, but he is doing his best to do right by his son.
It’s a much more sympathetic picture than we get on “Episode 1.”
Phil’s subtle feelings of inadequacy as he tries to measure up to Wade are heartbreaking. The scene of him giving his scooter to Jared is particularly poignant coming after Wade gives Jared a ride on his motorcycle.
It’s heartbreaking, but it’s also touching. As silly as it is to see Jared make deliveries on it, that scooter is something solid that Jared needs to get his job back and comes from a place of genuine love. It captures something important about Jared and Phil’s relationship.
Phil may not be his biological father, but he is the one who was there. It’s pretty hard not to actively root for him after this episode.
Young Love
“Episode 2” wastes no time developing the relationship between Jared and his new neighbor, Sarah, who we met last week. We even get a first kiss between the would-be couple.
Their scenes together are sweet and funny. Actors Joel Oulette and Anna Lambe have an easy chemistry and bring a light, playful energy to their interactions. It’s all quite charming and welcome contrast to most of the other scenes’ moodier tone.
This is a ship I’m ready to get on board with. I’m especially looking forward to seeing what role Sarah plays in the larger story and Jared’s journey. My guess is she will bridge the gap between the supernatural story and the gas pipeline plot point that they allude to on both episodes.
Plus, if that first kiss is anything to go by, there is already something a little magical about their connection.
World-Building
The most significant difference between “Episode 1” and “Episode 2” is how much more worldbuilding “Episode 2” does. In addition to everything we learn about Maggie, we also spend more time with Wade and find out he’s Jared’s biological father. This, of course, means Jared is also supernatural, which raises the personal stakes for him substantially.
It will be fun to watch Jared learn about the magical world surrounding him while he also discovers his own powers and linage within it.
Another intriguing development is the introduction of Georgina, Edna, and Albert. We don’t know much about these mysterious new players yet. All we know is they have a history with Wade and wear false skins. They seem to be important, though.
The trio also calls Wade, Wee’git. Wee’git is one of the names of the Raven Trickster in Haida folklore, making Wade a Trickster and connecting him to all the Ravens we’ve seen and heard throughout the first two episodes. Another exciting piece of Trickster‘s mystical puzzle.
“Episode 2” is an excellent hour of television. Between what we learn about Maggie and Wade, the increasingly complex relationships of both human and non-human characters, and the mystery surrounding Jared’s history, the pieces are starting to come together in some very cool ways. I’m excited to see what comes next.
What did you think of this episode of Trickster? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Trickster airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on The CW.
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Sarah Fields
Sarah is an obsessive geek who likes to get into the weeds and over think things. She is passionate about Sci-Fi and comics and is a giant classic film nerd. Sarah cares deeply about media representation and the power of telling diverse stories. When she's not writing or watching her favorite shows she spends her days working in the non-profit world trying to make life a little better for those that need some extra help.