Uriel (Supernatural)
An angel who uses force to carry out Heaven's orders.
Uriel is a fictional angel on The CW's Supernatural, portrayed by Robert Wisdom. He appears as a recurring character in the fourth season, often clashing with the Winchesters and fellow angels due to his destructive methods. Wisdom's performance received critical praise.
Quick Facts
- Series
- Supernatural
- First
- "It's the Great Pumpkin, Sam Winchester" (2008)
- Last
- "The Song Remains the Same" (2010)
- Portrayed by
- Robert Wisdom (season 4); Matt Ward (season 5)
- Based on
- Uriel (namesake)
- Species
- Angel
- Gender
- Male
Facts from the source article.
Plot
Uriel first appears chronologically in the fifth season episode "The Song Remains the Same", responding to a future Anna Milton's summons. She lies that John and Mary Winchester will kill him, so he agrees to help her kill them. The archangel Michael intervenes, kills Anna, and sends Uriel away. In 2008, Uriel debuts in "It's the Great Pumpkin, Sam Winchester", sent to help Castiel by destroying a town to kill a witch. Castiel overrules him, and the Winchesters fail to prevent the witch from breaking a seal. Uriel later threatens to kill Sam for using demonic powers.
Characterization
Misha Collins described Uriel as lacking a conscience and emotions, and hating humanity. Robert Wisdom saw Uriel as using power to get the job done, while Eric Kripke called him a "hitman for God". Collins found Uriel "trigger-happy", but Wisdom viewed him as eager to carry out God's will. In his final episode, Uriel turns to Lucifer, empathizing with his disgust for humans and arguing angels should not bow before them. Wisdom believed Uriel sees the Winchesters as accidents and wants to eliminate Sam. Uriel views things in black and white and distrusts Ruby, but understands Dean. Wisdom thought the pairing of Uriel and Castiel resembled a mix of The Addams Family and The Odd Couple; Collins believed they do not get along but are forced to work together, with Uriel's militancy highlighting Castiel's softer side.
Development
Uriel was primarily portrayed by Robert Wisdom, who received the role without auditioning. He had envisioned an angel in white with wings and was surprised by the character's heavy-duty, smiting nature. Wisdom prepared by reading the Book of Enoch and other angel lore, finding them powerful and scary. He would have liked to see Uriel's compassionate side from other lore. In his debut, Uriel faces away from the Winchesters; Wisdom trusted the choice, feeling it established their relationship. Uriel first demonstrates his power in "Heaven and Hell", killing two demons, which Wisdom found a challenging acting opportunity.
Reception
Diana Steenbergen of IGN praised Uriel's casting as excellent, finding him powerful and ominous. She felt Wisdom commanded the screen even in brief appearances, and his betrayal made perfect sense. Tina Charles of TV Guide agreed the casting was spot-on, praising his debut but noting disappointment in a minor later role. Karla Peterson of The San Diego Union-Tribune loved the "bad-ass avenging angel" and called Wisdom "increasingly fabulous". Zack Handlen of The A.V. Club deemed the character's fifth-season return a clever touch.
More in Characters & Cast
Elsewhere in Supernatural
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