Two of Supernatural‘s funniest episodes concentrate on the identical character, however his first look can be a hilarious addition to the CW sequence — and it merely would not get sufficient love. Supernatural is thought for injecting humor into its monster-of-the-week narratives and high-stakes storylines. And the sequence does a powerful job of it all through its 15-season run. A number of the present’s most hilarious adventures are those that depart from its common blueprint. In truth, Supernatural is at its best when breaking its formula.
And two of its most hilarious installments do precisely that, trapping Sam and Dean in related situations: “Thriller Spot” and “Altering Channels.” Whereas “Thriller Spot” sees the Winchester brothers falling right into a time loop — one which’s as devastating as it’s ridiculous — “Altering Channels” finds them leaping from tv present to tv present. Given the same setups, one may even argue that Supernatural‘s funniest episode was so great, the sequence did it twice. However there’s one other unimaginable installment that predates each of those, and it focuses on the identical character. It deserves the identical degree of consideration.
Gabriel Is At The Coronary heart Of Supernatural’s 2 Funniest Episodes
“Thriller Spot” & “Altering Channels” Are Each Fondly Remembered
The Trickster, who’s later revealed to be the archangel Gabriel, is current for a lot of of Supernatural’s best outings. The inclusion of Richard Speight Jr.’s character in an episode virtually ensures a enjoyable time, as he is chargeable for throwing Sam and Dean into probably the most absurd conditions. He lives as much as his nickname, deceiving the Winchesters and forcing them to navigate tough circumstances. He is the one who places them in a time loop throughout “Thriller Spot,” and he is additionally behind their tv debacle in “Altering Channels.”
Whereas later installments like “The French Mistake” and “Fan Fiction” are additionally comical, Gabriel’s outings stay the funniest additions to the sequence.
Even when Gabriel is not actually a trickster, he is aware of flip his victims into the butt of a joke. This can be tough for Sam and Dean, nevertheless it ensures that each Supernatural episode with him is a wild experience for followers. Whereas later installments like “The French Mistake” and “Fan Fiction” are additionally comical, Gabriel’s outings stay the funniest additions to the sequence. Certainly, it is tough to say whether or not “Thriller Spot” or “Altering Channels” brings extra laughs. However neither could be attainable with out an earlier installment: Gabriel’s first look, which additionally lands among the many present’s most comical chapters.
“Thriller Spot” & “Altering Channels” Deserve Love, However “Tall Tales” Is So Underrated
Gabriel’s First Look Pits Sam & Dean In opposition to Every Different
When the Trickster comes up, “Thriller Spot” and “Altering Channels” instantly spring to thoughts. Nonetheless, the character’s first look is in Supernatural season 2, episode 15, “Tall Tales.” And though “Tall Tales” is notably completely different from Gabriel’s later installments, it is nonetheless an underrated gem. The season 2 episode follows Sam and Dean as they give the impression of being right into a sequence of incidents unfolding at a university, every more unusual than the subsequent. As their investigation turns into extra complicated, they find yourself at one another’s throats — one thing Bobby Singer must mediate.

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Bobby involves the conclusion that they are coping with a trickster, and certainly, Gabriel is posing as a janitor all through the episode. Bobby’s intervention permits Sam and Dean to grasp what’s actually occurring on the campus, however not earlier than the brothers have some hilarious interactions with each other and the folks they arrive into contact with. “Tall Tales” could not take the identical form as “Thriller Spot” and “Altering Channels,” nevertheless it nonetheless thrives by taking part in up the absurdity. It is an incredible installment that must be extra common in hindsight.
Gabriel’s First Look Takes On A Totally different Method However Is Nonetheless Hilarious
He Does not Goal Sam & Dean As Immediately In “Tall Tales,” However He Nonetheless Creates Chaos
“Tall Tales” differs barely from Gabriel’s later installments, because it would not entice Sam and Dean in an alternate actuality of kinds, forcing them to discover a means out. Though “Thriller Spot” takes place of their world, the time loop takes them out of actuality in a way. And “Altering Channels” takes this to an excessive, putting them into TV reveals and commercials as characters. In each episodes, they solely escape their circumstances after going through the Trickster. He is immediately messing with them, whereas he is merely making an attempt to keep away from their detection in “Tall Tales.”
Even with out the setup of the Trickster’s two funniest episodes, “Tall Tales” manages to ship comedy in all the most effective methods.
Even with out the setup of the Trickster’s two funniest episodes, “Tall Tales” manages to ship comedy in all the most effective methods. The episode makes use of unreliable narration and the Winchesters’ rising frustrations with one another to elicit laughs, with Sam and Dean’s recollections turning into more and more ridiculous. It is not simply the truth that their investigation leads them to alien abductions and probing; it is that their recollections poke enjoyable at one another, exaggerating their worst qualities within the funniest methods.
That is much more entertaining as a result of they’re recounting their antics to Bobby, with every of the Winchesters interrupting the others’ recollections with their very own commentary. Seeing how their variations of occasions oppose one another makes for an attractive hour of tv. It is exactly the form of humor Supernatural thrives on, and it reveals how chaotic issues can develop into underneath the Trickster’s affect — even when Sam and Dean aren’t being immediately focused by him. In fact, “Tall Tales” ensures that they are going to be on the receiving finish of his ire, organising his later traps.
“Tall Tales” Laid The Groundwork For Supernatural’s Later Trickster Episodes
It Set Up The Trickster’s Later Appearances
“Tall Tales” deserves reward for being virtually as humorous as Supernatural‘s different Trickster episodes, however it additionally should be credited with setting the stage for them. This season 2 installment lays the groundwork for “Thriller Spot” and “Altering Channels,” exhibiting a few of the earliest examples of this form of humor. The sequence leans into this absurd comedy and meta commentary increasingly as time goes on, and such issues return to “Tall Tales.” It is one of many present’s early chapters that proves how profitable this storytelling might be.

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Moreover, “Tall Tales” units Gabriel up as a risk to the Winchesters, showcasing his potential to tug one over on them even earlier than his true nature is revealed. It is solely due to Bobby that they are in a position to come to their senses on this installment, so it is smart that they are so simply pulled into his schemes in later episodes. Gabriel’s antics get worse and worse over time, and season 2 explains what he has in opposition to the Winchesters. Supernatural steadily develops his character from this level on, and given how iconic he turns into, “Tall Tales” deserves way more recognition.