I literally had no idea what this was about but 5 mins in and my interest was sparked! This is a supernatural based Indigenous native american drama with a very well done storyline and some great acting from Kalani and Crystal who can do crazy in an utterly believeable way! The young lead male brings alot of sincerity to his role and the wacky redneck boyfriend is spot on nailing that role..I love the native american theme, the setting which shows the struggle and poverty that exits there as well...the woods, the witchcraft and the trickster...I wont say what that is or means as I dont want to spoil anything...Needless to say its refreshing, the indiginous cast rocks and the story is both deepening and riveting to me...Definitely worth a watch if you like mystery and mysticism..
73 Reviews
Good Witches and Wizards Drama
jeanphillippes4 November 2020
So far it has been very entertaining. By restricting the world of the Raven's coven to Canadian Haisla tribal society it has had an unexpected bonus of eliminating all that vapid Activism that bores the pants off other TV drama audiences. The youth, Jared is a pretty affable young man, industrious and caring for those around him. Hollywood doubtless would have cast him as a self-obsessed rebel, but it just goes to show how far a little decency really can go.
Great acting in a Canadian mystery/action/drama TV show
flashlightreview6 November 2020
When I read the summary on Kodi I expected a different show. A worse one, actually. But I am very glad that I put this into my trakt watch list.
This show has so many unique and fascinating elements that it gets hard to wrap words around it.
Background
Coming from a US-American and European angle, I never knew anything about Canadian First Nations, their culture, what a "trickster" might be, or anything else. So there is a huge educational facet that comes into play and this alone makes the show very interesting. This concept is not something that "has been done before many times". The mystery/drama part of the show is a perfect fit for this concept.
Acting
For acting professionals I have never seen before they are doing an amazing job. Their chemistry, authenticity, passion and skills are in every single shot. Even the rural community lifestyle is captured in linguistic, body language and habitus patterns.
Plot/writing
The plot is paying attention to the details required to convey a complex message laced with the mystery & fantasy elements around it. While there are smaller side-plots covering teenage romance, family dysfunction, and high school - the bigger story lines are breathtaking.
This show is a unique one in various ways, but deserves the high ratings. Acting performance and character development are very high quality.
Unfortunately, the show has been cancelled after just one season.
This show has so many unique and fascinating elements that it gets hard to wrap words around it.
Background
Coming from a US-American and European angle, I never knew anything about Canadian First Nations, their culture, what a "trickster" might be, or anything else. So there is a huge educational facet that comes into play and this alone makes the show very interesting. This concept is not something that "has been done before many times". The mystery/drama part of the show is a perfect fit for this concept.
Acting
For acting professionals I have never seen before they are doing an amazing job. Their chemistry, authenticity, passion and skills are in every single shot. Even the rural community lifestyle is captured in linguistic, body language and habitus patterns.
Plot/writing
The plot is paying attention to the details required to convey a complex message laced with the mystery & fantasy elements around it. While there are smaller side-plots covering teenage romance, family dysfunction, and high school - the bigger story lines are breathtaking.
This show is a unique one in various ways, but deserves the high ratings. Acting performance and character development are very high quality.
Unfortunately, the show has been cancelled after just one season.
More good Canadian content....
LaxFan9415 October 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I love this series since it's filmed in Kitimat, BC. Any film or TV show made in BC is really one of a kind. This is a good drama with a good plot and everything. Of course, Crystle Lightning always makes a great addition to any TV program, film, etc. But I like the new kid there, he's a cool kid with a cool character as Jared. Joel Oulette is already making serious progress in Canadian TV and he's still just a kid. I like the fact that this series is all about mystery, suspense and drama. I'm really into those kinds of programs, especially Native programs that have those elements. This is one of the many programs with those elements. Anyway, I think this program deserves an 8 out of 10.
seems ok
felixnkubi10 October 2020
I see potential in this show, still trying to figure out what the hell is going on.
the show reminds me of DARK, that eerie atmosphere to it and whatnot. the cast seems great and the dialogue between the characters feel real.
I love to see how they will go with the supernatural Root. my review might change depending on how far the show goes, either way I highly recommend
Great series! Lead actor is unbelievably talented
plum-9937524 October 2020
I'm a huge fan of Eden Robinson's novels and was incredibly excited to see her work translated into the screen. Jared was such a rich character in the novel I was afraid that a tv show wouldn't quite get him right. Oulette turned out to be perfect for the role....conflicted without self pity, same charm and humour I expected to see in Jared. Great casting for Wade as well. I enjoy seeing these two characters interact.
Interesting plot
s-parsi20058 November 2020
I do not necessarily agree with some reviews violence drug etc almost exist in a majority of drama I personally never judge a drama by watching only first episode the atmosphere and filmography want to reflect horror and thrill which truly transferred it is not likely a happy ending drama but apparently is aiming on growth of a charachter from drug and crappy life to finding a purpose for his existence fighting for his fathers traditions. I always have been a fan of all native writings and mythology. Raven symbol reminded me of my readings of Castaneda.
Indigenous Representation that doesn't hijack well-written and acted drama. This is SMART watching!
cruzarts-739469 October 2020
Bravo to the TRICKSTER creators for bringing together modern, relatable, strong actors of Canadian First Nation heritage. I'm only one episode in, but this show has what so many similar "eerie" and "spooky" shows lack: a stealthy sense of humor.
One moment you're gasping and then something happens and you chuckle involuntarily. Not a big sitcom laff, but a really well-timed and welcome break in tension.
I don't recognize any of the actors and overall the characters they create are solid, dimensional and believable.
One moment you're gasping and then something happens and you chuckle involuntarily. Not a big sitcom laff, but a really well-timed and welcome break in tension.
I don't recognize any of the actors and overall the characters they create are solid, dimensional and believable.
Great show, ignore the ratings from mouth-breathers
sumtim3s00n5 November 2020
A show unfortunately it seems not promoted much and probabily not with a big budget but still draws you in and keeps you interested.
They keep building in each episode, touching upon folklore rarely focused on in other shows. I like how its developing and am looking forward to a new ep
each week. The cast is great, no subpar actors and in the general the whole production is on the level. I really hope it stays for a second season and gets a boost
in the size of the budget, I think they could make it even better if they make it wider and with more characters and storylines (parallel). Though true ,sometimes more
money ruins it. Only thing I would prefer to be different is the tempo of the story telling, could be a tad faster.
So give it a change, let it build like any good story does and if you like this genre, it will be worth it.
This is a slow burn
mitchell180530 December 2020
Total letdown
vpassenheim-425-96572310 March 2021
I really wanted to like this. Rarely is a fantasy/supernatural narrative overshadowed by a depressing loser narrative, but this one takes the cake. It's a shame, really. Almost every adult surrounding the main teenaged character, isn't just a loser, but really should be behind bars. It is so irrational and unrelatable. This show is a strange, uncaptivating melee of a lot of depressing narrative mixed in with a sprinkle of fantasy/the supernatural. I watched 4 episodes and I just kept hoping that any number of these people, but especially the parents, got arrested. Downer television.
Stranger Things meets Breaking Bad, but make it INDIGENOUS
CWNC10 October 2020
There aren't really any other shows out there quite like Trickster (despite my effort to get peoples attention with the headline).
I have a feeling it will be one of those shows that has a somewhat slow start, because the vast majority of Canadian shows do, but as more people discover it over the next year or so, I think CBC will have a hit on their hands.
The cast is probably the best part about it. I can't wait to see how each of them grow into their roles even more. Unfortunately, we have to wait 7 days at a time to find out, but it'll be worth it.
I have a feeling it will be one of those shows that has a somewhat slow start, because the vast majority of Canadian shows do, but as more people discover it over the next year or so, I think CBC will have a hit on their hands.
The cast is probably the best part about it. I can't wait to see how each of them grow into their roles even more. Unfortunately, we have to wait 7 days at a time to find out, but it'll be worth it.
cultural
SnoopyStyle19 March 2021
In a native Canadian community, high school kid Jared has a troubled life and makes money manufacturing and selling pills. His disturbed mother Maggie Martin owes her drug dealer a lot of money. His absent father Wade is trying to get back into his life. He befriends foster kid Sarah and fat gamer Crashpad. There is something supernatural and it has to do with his origins.
This is fascinating for its cultural elements. The basic supernatural premise is almost a superhero origin story with unique native twists. The actors are mostly solid. The story needs to push harder and go faster. I do like this world and the general tone. It lasted six episodes before getting cancelled under a cloud. Basically, Jared finally finds out his origin story at the end of it but he has only started his quest. I would have liked for him to get going earlier and discover his origins later.
This is fascinating for its cultural elements. The basic supernatural premise is almost a superhero origin story with unique native twists. The actors are mostly solid. The story needs to push harder and go faster. I do like this world and the general tone. It lasted six episodes before getting cancelled under a cloud. Basically, Jared finally finds out his origin story at the end of it but he has only started his quest. I would have liked for him to get going earlier and discover his origins later.
So much potential
lyf-7-80490322 July 2021
I wanted to like this more than I did. The concept is great, the cinematography is good, there are some wonderfully solid character moments, and it's nice to hear indigenous music throughout. I think the problem for me is that I read the books beforehand and the show diverges dramatically from the source material. Often times that can work in favour for a show as the mediums are very different. This is a rare case for me where I think the show could have done better by staying in some ways more true to the book - especially by possibly embracing less western styles of storytelling. Also, trying to please western audiences less.
ok
valentinionut13 January 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This show is weird. Good kinda weird. It doesent take it self seriously, wich is good for a genre like this one (what a ridiculous thing is ,,a discovery of witches,,!), has on ok cast and its dialog is ,,nervous,, alive.
A boy does and sells light drugs and is plagued by strange appearances. His deal is supporting both mom and dad. They are divorced and live like in a never ending party. They behave like teens all the time. His mom talks alone, his dad lives on a pension because a back injury. A scam. I dont know were it leads, i v seen 3 eps. But its an ok enterteining.
Edit after the end of ep 4. It went bad. Unravelled, it became a cliche and all the good weirdness transformed into a story: he s the tormented, the hidden marvel between a trickster - a crow - and a witch. That moment was ridiculous. It took a dramatic turn for the serious that is actually ridiculous. Stopped watching. ugh!
A boy does and sells light drugs and is plagued by strange appearances. His deal is supporting both mom and dad. They are divorced and live like in a never ending party. They behave like teens all the time. His mom talks alone, his dad lives on a pension because a back injury. A scam. I dont know were it leads, i v seen 3 eps. But its an ok enterteining.
Edit after the end of ep 4. It went bad. Unravelled, it became a cliche and all the good weirdness transformed into a story: he s the tormented, the hidden marvel between a trickster - a crow - and a witch. That moment was ridiculous. It took a dramatic turn for the serious that is actually ridiculous. Stopped watching. ugh!
Mostly good!
jasonroussel15 November 2020
Effective at suspense build up over the season. But the final episode and a half trips a little, comes off a little cringey on acting, dialogue, and believably. Overall a good show tho and looking forward to watching Season 2!
Real
iannikkibanks21 December 2020
A lot of room to grow
robnero27 January 2021
Soon to be more known actors, indigenous supernatural story line. Interesting first episodes. Humorous at times to lighten the odd happenings surrounding Ritchie and his mother. The acting so far, does feel a bit inexperienced. Some times the dialogue feels stilted, like a college play. I haven't quite caught the directors' style of story telling yet, though some shots feel more suited towards a music video, which is cool, but the rest of it falls into a bit of a "and here's what's happening in between the cool shots" flatline. The kids that we are following don't have much gravitas yet, though we are following them a lot. (That is more a director and script issue)
Teens, partying, mom, bad boyfriend, and hallucinations or insanity all come into play.
There is plenty of room to grow with it all. Actors, style, pacing mood, there's room. I'm anticipating watching this evolve into more. I have hope for all involved that it will be a success overall
FANTASTIC!!! RIVETING AND OUTSTANDING ACTORS!! FUN TO WATCH!!
firballblaze-696899 October 2020
First episode was great!! This one has major potential to maybe even be another huge hit like the Supernatural series. I just hope they don't dumb it down like mosterland. <<That series SUCKS!
Great to see Indigenous actors for a change! I wish they would have came out with 2 episodes or an entire series binge all at once, instead of one freakin episode :/
Can't wait to see more, just sucks that we have to wait a week to see another one.
Yelawolf the tv show
charnelx30 October 2020
Episodes seen 4 out of 6
Yelawolf the tv show. Ironically the music choices in the show were bad and often very unnecessary, its like a music label financed the show. The same is true for the soundtrack.
Joel Oulette seems like a better version of Jake Manley. He is good at conveying things with his body language, would even say perfect. spoken acting was mostly ok, the emotion often is not in his voice.
"INDIGENOUS" people in these reviews are screaming about how indigenous the story/setting are. indeed its "ambiguously" indigenous in the sense that its all very surface level and not tied to one specific tribe, but you can tell vision of which indigenous people were in the author's mind through demonstration of beliefs that in other indigenous groups of the continent are represented very differently or not at all. The setting is stuffed full of tired plot aspects, there is even a pipeline protest, so if you were hoping for a fresh view, this is not it.
Lore wise, I don't think you need to be a level 9000 nerd to know what is going on from the mystical standpoint unless it's your first work of this kind. At the same time if you don't know anything about on subject matter you are out of luck because the show won't explain much to you, so it's in that place where you should not go in if you know nothing or if you are hoping to learn new things.
The mystery of the story is in the dynamics between the characters and as far as that goes the supernatural nature of some of the characters has very little relevance to the story, they might as well be humans involved in the criminal word as far as the impact of their nature goes. Since everyone and their grandma seem to be on drugs in this story, making drugs hallucinogenic would cover the visuals you want.
Characters were mostly well acted and mostly enjoyable but also very archetypal, especially Crashpad and Sarah who seem like executives copied characters from popular works in hopes of gaining similar success, making failed or at best uninspired ports.
There is a character who is a "talented underachiever" and a drug dealer who after the first episode is perpetually out of drugs and despite hints that he might remedy that, he never does. There is a character introduced as a selfish user of people only to have that characterization vanishes after the first ep. Its like they want to say "this is the characterization" but not actual have that characterization or consequences. like pirates that don't do any pirate work, it "looks cool" in their bio but otherwise has very little relevance or impact.
Budget limitations. budget limitations are there but its not low budget as such. what budget is, is used smartly. Instead of using money bad effects or stunt action they use cut aways and practical effects. I can say that there are some notably bad jump cut transitions that give you a feeling like there are bridging scene that have been cut(or likely were never filmed). Cast also seems to be kept at bare minimum, with peripheral characters vanishing out of the story with little or no explanation, having had little or no impact on the story or characters in it.
Pacing was abysmal, from painfully slow to lighting fast and back. There are jumps in the first episode that made me think "well they are going fast but I guess they want to get to the point" but then in the second episode time is given to stuff that was already self evident or adds nothing.
This editing and pacing combines into questionable character motivations, where after one conversation you will have romance, animosity,etc with no real development or breathing room.
I would not call it "darkly humorous". ep 4 and still no "crescendos to an epic clash of magic, monsters and mayhem" I mean I have seen more epic clashes of magic, monsters and mayhem in street brawls and I dont mind that but lets be honest about what things are.
The show was mostly fine but in ep 4 all of its flaws seem to have been amplified and gathered together. All the good seems to have been drained, even the acting took a dive.
If I had to call it an X meets Y, I would say its pg 13 shameless meets hemlock grove but worse than those individual shows separately.
Yelawolf the tv show. Ironically the music choices in the show were bad and often very unnecessary, its like a music label financed the show. The same is true for the soundtrack.
Joel Oulette seems like a better version of Jake Manley. He is good at conveying things with his body language, would even say perfect. spoken acting was mostly ok, the emotion often is not in his voice.
"INDIGENOUS" people in these reviews are screaming about how indigenous the story/setting are. indeed its "ambiguously" indigenous in the sense that its all very surface level and not tied to one specific tribe, but you can tell vision of which indigenous people were in the author's mind through demonstration of beliefs that in other indigenous groups of the continent are represented very differently or not at all. The setting is stuffed full of tired plot aspects, there is even a pipeline protest, so if you were hoping for a fresh view, this is not it.
Lore wise, I don't think you need to be a level 9000 nerd to know what is going on from the mystical standpoint unless it's your first work of this kind. At the same time if you don't know anything about on subject matter you are out of luck because the show won't explain much to you, so it's in that place where you should not go in if you know nothing or if you are hoping to learn new things.
The mystery of the story is in the dynamics between the characters and as far as that goes the supernatural nature of some of the characters has very little relevance to the story, they might as well be humans involved in the criminal word as far as the impact of their nature goes. Since everyone and their grandma seem to be on drugs in this story, making drugs hallucinogenic would cover the visuals you want.
Characters were mostly well acted and mostly enjoyable but also very archetypal, especially Crashpad and Sarah who seem like executives copied characters from popular works in hopes of gaining similar success, making failed or at best uninspired ports.
There is a character who is a "talented underachiever" and a drug dealer who after the first episode is perpetually out of drugs and despite hints that he might remedy that, he never does. There is a character introduced as a selfish user of people only to have that characterization vanishes after the first ep. Its like they want to say "this is the characterization" but not actual have that characterization or consequences. like pirates that don't do any pirate work, it "looks cool" in their bio but otherwise has very little relevance or impact.
Budget limitations. budget limitations are there but its not low budget as such. what budget is, is used smartly. Instead of using money bad effects or stunt action they use cut aways and practical effects. I can say that there are some notably bad jump cut transitions that give you a feeling like there are bridging scene that have been cut(or likely were never filmed). Cast also seems to be kept at bare minimum, with peripheral characters vanishing out of the story with little or no explanation, having had little or no impact on the story or characters in it.
Pacing was abysmal, from painfully slow to lighting fast and back. There are jumps in the first episode that made me think "well they are going fast but I guess they want to get to the point" but then in the second episode time is given to stuff that was already self evident or adds nothing.
This editing and pacing combines into questionable character motivations, where after one conversation you will have romance, animosity,etc with no real development or breathing room.
I would not call it "darkly humorous". ep 4 and still no "crescendos to an epic clash of magic, monsters and mayhem" I mean I have seen more epic clashes of magic, monsters and mayhem in street brawls and I dont mind that but lets be honest about what things are.
The show was mostly fine but in ep 4 all of its flaws seem to have been amplified and gathered together. All the good seems to have been drained, even the acting took a dive.
If I had to call it an X meets Y, I would say its pg 13 shameless meets hemlock grove but worse than those individual shows separately.
Not authentic.
anniepoohfrancis16 October 2020
Really bad supporting actress mother and grandmother
para-8914612 November 2020
The plot of Trickster unique unfortunately the use of low quality actors for supporting roles muddies the entire show.The mother,grandmother were atrocious unable to be nothing more than an irritating distraction.Mother in attempt to portray a skid over acted and was not at the level of lead actors.Brought the entire show to her level way too many scenes were given to her.
I'm hooked
scifiactionfan24 October 2020
Great show with lots of potential
xquincyx-300-34821319 January 2021
Today I started watching the show. It got my attention but I thought it was a really really slow show. If they left out some parts where nothing happened for a while and did not cut off scenes like one minute he is in the woods and the next minute he is in his bed. Where I thought like yeah I want to see more here, the scene stopped. That is why I said it has potential. If they do that in the 2nd season if there will be one, my rating would go way higher. And to be honest, I skipped some pieces because they really felt like fillers. If you want to watch this show, don't be afraid to skip some scenes where you think its going slow. You are not gonna miss out. For now I give it a 6 because it is worth watching.
Typical Canadian show, marginal acting, low budget and almost interesting
Xavier_Stone1 November 2020
Some ok parts and it's possible to overlook all the misgivings in order to get to them. The usual B.C. film with beer, drugs and parties interspersed with dialogue that barely moves the story along. The lead teen actor is decent enough and hopefully this gets him a decent stepping stone to something better. However by having the teen lead take up so much screen time the target audience becomes 13-19 and severely limits any chance of increasing the popularity of the show.
I made it 2 episodes, it seems like the final 3 minutes is where to strange stuff happens which is cringey. Out of the numerous possibilities of having a mystery/thriller/drama set in a native north Canadian setting this is really weak. Remove the beer, drugs and parties and the scenes and dialogue are 10 lines/60 minutes.
I made it 2 episodes, it seems like the final 3 minutes is where to strange stuff happens which is cringey. Out of the numerous possibilities of having a mystery/thriller/drama set in a native north Canadian setting this is really weak. Remove the beer, drugs and parties and the scenes and dialogue are 10 lines/60 minutes.
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