The Trickster, a fan-favorite figure known for his mischievous nature and reality-bending powers, meets his ultimate end in Supernatural Season 5, Episode 16, “Dark Side of the Moon.” However, the circumstances surrounding his death and the revelation of his true identity add significant layers to the narrative, making this event far more complex than a simple character elimination.
Unmasking the Trickster: From Pranks to Providence
The Trickster, initially presented as a simple pagan god known for elaborate pranks targeting Dean Winchester, gradually evolved into a much more significant figure. His appearances were marked by humorous and often bizarre situations designed to teach Dean a lesson about his choices and the consequences they entailed. These antics ranged from groundhog-day scenarios to television-themed realities, all aimed at pushing Dean to confront his inner demons.
However, the seemingly lighthearted veneer masked a much deeper purpose. The recurring theme of sacrifice, duty, and brotherly love in the Trickster’s twisted games hinted at a more profound connection to the Winchesters and their ultimate destiny. This suspicion eventually blossomed into a shocking revelation.
The Revelation: The Trickster’s True Identity
The episode “Dark Side of the Moon” sees Sam and Dean hunted by vengeful hunters after their resurrection. While in Heaven, Sam is tormented by Ash, who reveals the Trickster’s true nature: he is, in fact, the archangel Gabriel, Lucifer’s brother. This revelation completely recontextualizes his previous actions. He wasn’t simply a mischievous god; he was an archangel strategically guiding the Winchesters towards a specific path.
Gabriel’s motivations were rooted in a desire to prevent the apocalypse. He believed that the only way to stop Lucifer was for Sam and Dean to choose their own destinies, not blindly follow a pre-ordained plan. His elaborate pranks and manipulated scenarios were, in essence, training exercises designed to prepare them for the ultimate confrontation.
The Sacrifice: Confronting Lucifer
Gabriel’s death in “Dark Side of the Moon” is not a direct result of his actions as the Trickster. Instead, it stems from his defiance of Lucifer. After being absent for an extended period, Gabriel attempts to reason with Lucifer and convince him to abandon his apocalyptic plans.
This confrontation takes place after Gabriel has revealed his true identity and motivations to Sam and Dean. He understands the immense power Lucifer possesses, yet he is willing to risk everything to save his brothers and humanity.
Tragically, his efforts are futile. Lucifer, unwilling to be swayed, impales Gabriel with an angel blade, marking the end of the Trickster/Gabriel. This act highlights the stark contrast between Lucifer’s unwavering dedication to his cause and Gabriel’s hope for redemption and reconciliation within his family.
The Aftermath: A Legacy of Guidance
While Gabriel’s death is undoubtedly a significant loss, his impact on the Winchesters is undeniable. His earlier “pranks” had inadvertently prepared them for the challenges ahead. They learned to think critically, question their assumptions, and rely on each other.
More importantly, Gabriel’s sacrifice inspired them to continue fighting, even in the face of overwhelming odds. His final act of defiance against Lucifer served as a powerful reminder that even in the darkest of times, hope and redemption are still possible.
The memory of the Trickster/Gabriel continues to resonate throughout the series, reminding viewers of the importance of free will, family, and the courage to stand up against injustice. His complex character and tragic fate solidify his position as one of Supernatural’s most memorable figures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Trickster’s Death
H3 Why did Gabriel hide his true identity as an archangel?
Gabriel hid his true identity primarily to avoid being involved in the celestial war between Michael and Lucifer. He was deeply saddened by his brothers’ conflict and believed that humanity was worth saving. As the Trickster, he could subtly influence events and guide the Winchesters without directly intervening in the battle. His pranks, as outlandish as they were, served as a form of training and guidance, preparing Sam and Dean for the apocalypse.
H3 What were Gabriel’s powers as the Trickster/Archangel?
As an archangel, Gabriel possessed immense power. His abilities included:
- Shapeshifting: He could alter his appearance at will.
- Teleportation: He could instantly travel to any location.
- Reality Warping: He could manipulate reality to create elaborate illusions and traps. This was his defining “Trickster” ability.
- Healing: Although rarely demonstrated, archangels possess healing abilities.
- Angel Blade Immunity: Angel blades typically cannot harm an archangel unless used by an archangel of higher rank (like Lucifer to Gabriel).
- Power over Time: As seen in “Mystery Spot,” he could manipulate time loops.
H3 Was Gabriel truly dead after Lucifer stabbed him?
While the show strongly implied Gabriel’s death at Lucifer’s hand, later seasons revealed ways for angels to survive seemingly fatal injuries, particularly with the use of grace or other divine intervention. There have been arguments and theories about Gabriel’s possible return, but his death remains a defining moment in the original story arc.
H3 Did Sam and Dean ever fully understand Gabriel’s intentions?
Initially, Sam and Dean were simply annoyed and frustrated by the Trickster’s antics. It wasn’t until Gabriel revealed his true identity and motivations that they began to understand the deeper purpose behind his actions. Even then, they might not have fully grasped the extent of his sacrifice and the true burden he carried.
H3 Why didn’t Gabriel directly help the Winchesters defeat Lucifer earlier?
Gabriel believed in the importance of free will and allowing Sam and Dean to choose their own destinies. Directly intervening would have undermined their agency and potentially led to a different, and possibly worse, outcome. He preferred to guide them subtly, preparing them for the final confrontation without forcing their hand. He thought their choices mattered more than a forced outcome.
H3 What was the significance of the “Mystery Spot” episode?
The “Mystery Spot” episode is crucial because it exemplifies Gabriel’s methods. He forced Dean to relive Sam’s death repeatedly, pushing him to confront his own mortality and the importance of his relationship with Sam. This experience served as a crucial lesson in appreciating the present and cherishing their bond.
H3 How did the other angels react to Gabriel’s defection?
Most angels likely viewed Gabriel as a traitor for abandoning his side in the celestial war. His decision to hide amongst humans and attempt to prevent the apocalypse through unconventional means would have been seen as a betrayal of his angelic duties.
H3 What made Lucifer kill Gabriel?
Lucifer killed Gabriel because Gabriel tried to appeal to Lucifer’s sense of family and reason, to get him to end the Apocalypse. Lucifer was too far gone; entrenched in his own desire to punish humanity and wage war on Heaven, and couldn’t understand or accept Gabriel’s plea. Lucifer saw Gabriel’s attempt at reconciliation as weakness.
H3 Did Gabriel have any relationships besides with his brothers?
While the show focuses on Gabriel’s relationship with his archangel brothers and the Winchesters, the comics and tie-in materials hint at potential relationships with other beings, including possible connections to pagan deities due to his Trickster persona. These relationships, however, are largely unexplored in the main series.
H3 What is the significance of the candy that Gabriel always ate?
Gabriel’s constant consumption of candy and sweets became a defining characteristic of his Trickster persona. It symbolized his playful and mischievous nature, masking the deeper sadness and responsibility he carried. It was a way to maintain his facade.
H3 Could Gabriel return in future Supernatural-related projects?
Given the nature of the Supernatural universe and the numerous resurrections that occur throughout the series, the possibility of Gabriel’s return in future projects cannot be completely ruled out. However, any potential return would likely require a compelling narrative justification and careful consideration of his previous storyline.
H3 How did fans react to the Trickster’s true identity and death?
The revelation of the Trickster’s true identity as Gabriel was met with widespread shock and excitement. Fans praised the plot twist for its cleverness and the way it recontextualized previous episodes. However, his death was a major disappointment for many viewers who had grown to love his quirky personality and complex motivations. Many wished he had lived to see the true impact of his subtle guidance.