Trickster Review: Episode 5 (Season 1 Episode 5 )

Wade shows his true colors on Trickster Season 1 Episode 5, setting the stage for a showdown between father and son on Trickster‘s sixth and final episode next week.

Betrayal

Wade has been a suspicious character since the opening scene of Trickster Season 1 Episode 1, which shows him taking Jared from his mother the day he was born.

Revelations about other characters and his general demeanor towards Jared didn’t lull me into trusting him, but it did make me question whether he would turn out to be a villain in the end or not.

At least until Trickster Season 1 Episode 4, when more flashbacks start to raise red flags, and parts of his story don’t add up.

Knowing Wade’s betrayal is coming, or even knowing Jared isn’t going to die doesn’t make it any less intense.

In fact, the sequence cutting back and forth between Wade leading Jared to the lake and Maggie rushing to save her son is one of the most effective and exciting sequences of the season.

Each cut increases the pace and builds anxiety. The stress continues to tighten until it suddenly releases when Maggie’s arrow hits Wade’s chest, and we can catch our breath. At least until Maggie takes aim at Jared a second later. 

Wade’s betrayal is also an emotionally devastating moment for Jared. Joel Oulette does a fantastic job conveying the different feelings that pass through Jared as he starts to comprehend what’s happening.

It’s a lot to wrap his head around, but now that Wade isn’t hiding his intentions, Jared isn’t going to have time to process any of it. The danger for Jared has never been more immediate, and an inevitable confrontation is coming whether Jared is ready or not.

Maggie

If there is one constant in all my reviews of Trickster, it’s my fascination with Maggie’s story and my love for what Crystle Lightning brings to the character. “Episode 5” is no exception. 

Maggie, and more specifically Lightning’s performance as Maggie, is easily the best part of the show. Without Maggie, the show would still be good, I have no doubt. 

But, Maggie elevates the show into something truly special. She is the emotional core. Her relationships with other characters are some of the show’s most complex and create space to explore different layers of those characters as well. 

“Episode 5” is a showcase of everything Maggie brings to the story and of Crystle Lightning’s craft in this role. 

From her first confrontation with Wade where danger radiates from her like a lion about to pounce to her complete breakdown after she knows Jared will survive, “Episode 5” is Lightning’s episode. 

And let’s talk about that breakdown at the end of the episode. It’s been coming since “Episode 1”. All season Maggie has been a tightly wound coil holding it together through self-medication and sheer force of will.

But, it was never sustainable. Seeing her finally let her guard down, finally allowing herself to feel the stress and trauma, is heartbreaking but important if she’s ever going to heal.

“Episode 5” gives Crystle Lightning multiple opportunities to shine, and she takes advantage of every one of them. 

Beautiful Visuals 

Another aspect of the series that’s been true all season but is particularly striking on “Episode 5” is how beautifully filmed it is.

I’ve discussed Trickster’s visual style before, including my review of “Episode 4” where I praised its use of color. Still, it’s worth taking a moment to appreciate the series’ stunning aesthetic.

The use of the natural landscape, light, blocking, and color all come together to create exquisitely composed shots.

I often find myself stopping to admire the visual artistry and elegance of different scenes and sequences, usually accompanied by an almost involuntary “wow” as I take in the images.

With only one episode of Trickster left, the stakes are high for Jared or his family.  Wade is coming for Jared and Jared will have to decide what he’s willing to do to survive.

Stray Thoughts

• If I have one complaint about “Episode 5” it’s that Jared’s fight with Sarah feels a little untrue and abrupt. Sarah’s reaction seems out of character at that moment.
• I am and always will be a sucker for short badass women with shotguns on my TV screen. Also, see my love of one Waverly Earp.
• The scene between Jared and Sophia when she drops him off at school is lovely. So lovely it has me a bit worried for her safety in the final episode.
• I wish they’d developed Jared and Crashpad’s relationship more during the season. It would have made the scene between them at school land a little harder if I had been more invested in their friendship.
• I’m curious to know more about that realm Jared passes into after temporarily dying and even more interested to know why it’s so bleak.

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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