Supernatural Season 5, Episode 8 recap: It’s time to change the channel

Supernatural Season 5, Episode 8 brought us a tale that we didn’t realize we needed. Sam and Dean found themselves trapped in the world of TV, parodying so many other TV shows out there.

Supernatural Season 5, Episode 8 remains one of the funniest episodes of the series. It’s a perfect standalone episode, with a touch on the overall story at the very end. This was the moment Sam and Dean (and we) learned all about the Trickster’s real identity.

Yes, it’s “Changing Channels,” the episode that parodied some of the more popular shows on network TV. Whether you’re a fan of Grey’s Anatomy, Knightrider, or even CSI, there is something for you in this episode. Here’s a reminder of everything that went down.

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A Trickster returns

It doesn’t take long for the Winchesters to figure out that they’re facing a Trickster again. Of course, they don’t realize it’s the same Trickster (who turns out to be something more than that). While searching for the Trickster that caused the Incredible Hulk to kill a man, the Winchesters are led into a trap.

Soon enough, they find themselves trapped in the world of a Dean’s guilty-pleasure medical drama that is a clear parody of Grey’s Anatomy. Dean is the one to figure out what’s going on and who the Trickster is because Dr. Sexy wears cowboy boots.

Sure enough, it’s the same Trickster they’ve dealt with before. But this Trickster isn’t finished with them yet. He puts them in other TV shows and even ads. The Trickster makes it clear that they need to play their roles — and this is a lesson for the real world.

Getting out of the worlds

During a parody of CSI: Miami, the Winchesters believe they’ve found the Trickster in the world and stab him with a stake dipped in blood. It doesn’t pull them out of the world of TV, though. They end up in a parody of Knightrider, with Sam being the Impala.

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Dean decides to act on a hunt, setting up a ring of holy oil to trap the Trickster. Finally, they get out of TV world, but they also learn something bigger: the Trickster isn’t just a normal Trickster. They’d already worked out that he had to be something more powerful, but they end up learning that the Trickster is the archangel Gabriel.

Gabriel reveals the greater plan

Part of Gabriel’s story is revealed, as he explains he left Heaven to avoid his brothers fighting. He took up the disguise as the Trickster and he’s remained away from Heaven ever since.

Ever wondered why Sam and Dean were chosen as the vessels? Gabriel shares more about how Dean is the loyal son obeying an absent father, like Michael, while Sam is the rebellious younger brother, like Lucifer. They have always been destined to be the fire and oil of the apocalypse.

Since Castiel was taken during TV world, the Winchesters get their angel friend back. After that, they set off the fire alarms so Gabriel will eventually be released but don’t stick around to see it.

What did you think of the parody episode? Which TV show did you love the most in Supernatural Season 5, Episode 8? What did you think of Gabriel’s reveal? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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