Watch Trickster

Trickster is a Canadian television series produced by CBC which premiered in 2020. The show is based on the award-winning novel Son of a Trickster by Eden Robinson. The series follows the story of Jared, a sixteen-year-old Indigenous boy living in small-town British Columbia. Jared experiences odd occurrences in his otherwise normal life, including strange dreams and hallucinations that he can't explain. As the season progresses, Jared begins to realize that his life is far from ordinary, and that there are supernatural forces at work.

Jared is played by Joel Oulette, who does a fantastic job at portraying the complex and nuanced character. He is a smart and resourceful boy who tries his best to navigate the challenges that his life throws at him while trying to protect the people he loves. Jared's relationship with his mother, played by Crystle Lightning, is one of the highlights of the show. Their dynamic is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, as they try to find their way in the world amidst chaos and uncertainty.

One of the most impressive aspects of Trickster is its use of Indigenous mythology and cultural references. The show does an excellent job of weaving Indigenous storytelling and traditions into the narrative, creating a rich and vibrant world that is both original and authentic. Kalani Queypo's character, a Trickster figure named Virgil, is a prime example of this. He is a mysterious and enigmatic presence in Jared's life, who helps him navigate the supernatural world.

The show also explores important themes such as addiction, trauma, and identity. Jared's struggles with substance abuse and his family's history of addiction are central to the narrative, and the show handles this aspect of the story with sensitivity and grace. The broader theme of Indigenous identity is equally important, as the show portrays the complexities of modern Indigenous life and the struggles that Indigenous people face in reconciling their heritage with the world around them.

The cinematography is also worth mentioning. The show is visually stunning, with the beautiful British Columbia wilderness serving as a backdrop for much of the action. The use of color in the show is particularly striking, with vivid hues of blue and green contrasting with the more muted tones of the interiors.

Overall, Trickster is an excellent show that combines Indigenous storytelling with a compelling and well-executed supernatural narrative. The cast is superb, the themes are important, and the production values are top-notch. Fans of supernatural dramas like Supernatural and True Blood will find much to enjoy here, but the show's unique cultural perspective sets it apart from others in the genre. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a fresh and original take on the supernatural.

Trickster is a series that ran for 2 seasons (25 episodes) between October 7, 2020 and on CBC