Gerard Argent, the ruthless hunter whose legacy is intertwined with the supernatural events of Beacon Hills, ultimately succumbs to his illness in Season 6, Episode 18, titled “Genotype.” His death marks a significant turning point in the series, impacting several key characters and the overall narrative arc.
The Downfall: Gerard’s Struggle and Ultimate End
Gerard Argent is a character defined by his relentless pursuit of werewolves and other supernatural creatures. Throughout Teen Wolf, he served as a formidable antagonist, driven by a deep-seated hatred fueled by personal tragedy. His character arc is a complex tapestry of villainy, manipulation, and, in his later years, a begrudging evolution towards a more nuanced understanding of the world he so vehemently opposed. By Season 6, Gerard’s health is failing significantly. The effects of the lunar poisoning, which he suffered in earlier seasons as a result of Peter Hale’s intervention, begin to take their toll.
The Poison’s Lingering Effects
The lunar poisoning had severely weakened Gerard, leaving him dependent on medication and increasingly vulnerable. While he initially seemed to recover, the poison resurfaced, creating a constant struggle for survival. He used his extensive knowledge of the supernatural to mitigate the effects, but the underlying toxicity persisted, slowly eroding his health.
Gerard’s Final Act: A Costly Alliance
In a desperate attempt to cling to power and control, Gerard allies himself with the Anuk-Ite, a powerful and dangerous creature capable of turning people to stone with a single glance. This alliance, born out of fear and a desire to maintain influence, proves to be his undoing. While he provides valuable information and resources to the creature, his deteriorating health and growing reliance on manipulation ultimately render him expendable.
The Moment of Truth: “Genotype”
Episode 18, “Genotype,” showcases the culmination of Gerard’s long and arduous journey. He is visibly weakened, relying heavily on his cane and medication. His schemes are beginning to unravel, and his control over the situation is slipping away. Ultimately, the Anuk-Ite, no longer needing his services, betrays him. While the exact manner of his death isn’t explicitly shown on screen (the camera focuses on other characters reacting), it is heavily implied that the Anuk-Ite kills him, either directly or through neglect of his failing health, because he is no longer useful. His demise is a consequence of his choices, a reflection of the destructive path he carved for himself.
Impact and Legacy: The Aftermath of Gerard’s Death
Gerard’s death, though perhaps not mourned by many, has significant ramifications within the Teen Wolf universe.
The Argent Family’s Response
His passing impacts his daughter, Kate Argent, and granddaughter, Allison Argent (in the alternate timeline established in the series revival movie). Though Kate has long distanced herself from her father’s extreme views, his death still represents a loss of a connection, however fraught. The impact on Allison is more complex and explored in more detail in the Teen Wolf movie.
The Supernatural Community’s Relief
While Gerard presented himself as protecting humanity, his methods were often brutal and discriminatory. His death brings a sense of relief to the supernatural community of Beacon Hills, removing a significant threat from their midst. While other dangers remain, the absence of Gerard’s manipulative and strategically harmful influence allows for a more hopeful future.
End of an Era
Gerard’s death signifies the end of an era in Beacon Hills. He was a symbol of the old guard, the traditional hunter mentality that clashed with the more progressive and inclusive approach of Scott McCall and his pack. His departure paves the way for a new generation to navigate the complex relationship between humans and the supernatural, hopefully learning from the mistakes of the past.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions related to Gerard Argent’s death and his impact on the Teen Wolf series:
FAQ 1: What was the initial cause of Gerard’s health problems?
Gerard’s deteriorating health stemmed from lunar poisoning, a consequence of his encounter with Peter Hale in a previous season. While he initially recovered, the poison remained in his system, causing ongoing complications.
FAQ 2: Did Gerard ever show any remorse for his actions?
While Gerard remained largely unrepentant, there were moments where he exhibited a glimmer of understanding regarding the consequences of his choices and the impact they had on others, particularly his family. However, these moments were rare and often overshadowed by his pragmatism and desire for power.
FAQ 3: How did Gerard contribute to the Anuk-Ite’s rise to power?
Gerard possessed extensive knowledge of the supernatural, which he leveraged to assist the Anuk-Ite. He provided information about potential threats, weaknesses of opponents, and strategies for manipulating the population of Beacon Hills.
FAQ 4: Was Kate Argent aware of Gerard’s failing health before his death?
It’s not explicitly shown that Kate knew the full extent of her father’s declining health, but given her manipulative nature and her own involvement with the supernatural, it’s highly likely she was at least aware that he was weakening.
FAQ 5: Did Scott McCall and his pack play a role in Gerard’s death?
While Scott and his pack were fighting against the Anuk-Ite, their actions indirectly contributed to Gerard’s demise. By weakening the Anuk-Ite, they made Gerard a less valuable asset, leading to his abandonment. However, they weren’t directly responsible for his death.
FAQ 6: What kind of medication was Gerard taking to combat the lunar poisoning?
The specific nature of Gerard’s medication is never explicitly detailed in the series. It’s implied to be a concoction based on his understanding of supernatural toxins and their antidotes.
FAQ 7: How did Gerard’s death affect the other hunters in Beacon Hills?
Gerard’s death created a power vacuum within the hunter community of Beacon Hills. Without his leadership and influence, the hunters became more fragmented and less organized, creating opportunities for both positive and negative developments within the community.
FAQ 8: Was Gerard’s death permanent, or could he have potentially returned through supernatural means?
Within the established Teen Wolf canon up to the series revival movie, Gerard’s death appeared to be permanent. The series has a history of bringing characters back from the dead, but there has been no indication of his return. The reboot Teen Wolf Movie indicates a return of Gerard in a different timeline which raises the question on his permanent death status.
FAQ 9: Did Gerard die with any regrets?
It’s difficult to definitively say whether Gerard died with regrets. His final moments were focused on survival and maintaining control. He was a complex character driven by hatred, power, and a warped sense of justice, so his final thoughts likely reflected that complexity.
FAQ 10: How does Gerard’s death compare to the deaths of other antagonists in Teen Wolf?
Gerard’s death is unique because it’s a slow, drawn-out process resulting from his past actions. Other antagonists often meet violent ends in direct confrontations. Gerard’s demise is more of a consequence of his lifestyle and alliances.
FAQ 11: What is the significance of the episode title “Genotype” in relation to Gerard’s death?
The term “genotype” refers to the genetic constitution of an organism. In the context of the episode, it highlights the idea that Gerard’s character and actions were fundamentally rooted in his upbringing and beliefs, passed down through generations of hunters. His “genotype” ultimately led to his downfall.
FAQ 12: Did Gerard’s death ultimately improve the relationship between humans and werewolves in Beacon Hills?
While Gerard’s death removed a significant obstacle to peace, it didn’t magically solve the complex relationship between humans and werewolves. Prejudice and fear still existed. However, his absence did create an opportunity for progress, allowing for a more nuanced and collaborative approach to resolving conflicts.