In Memoriam: A Tribute to the Work of Supernatural Actress Nicki Aycox

 

Nicki as Meg Masters

Among Nicki’s many acting credentials, she was beloved by the Supernatural fandom as the character Meg Masters. A primary antagonist in the series’ first season, Nicki’s portrayal of a beguiling but ruthless demon helped establish the incredibly high standards fans would come to expect from Supernatural‘s recurring actors for the next 15 years. Appearing in only five episodes, four in season 1 and a return performance in season 4, Nicki’s talent made such an indelible mark on the show, fans clearly remember Meg even after the many, many other stories, dangers, enemies and adventures the brothers encountered after her.  

1.11 “Scarecrow”

Nicki introduced Meg to the Supernatural saga in 1.11 “Scarecrow”. Acting as a disgruntled teen who wanted to be on her own to avoid an overly controlling family, Meg befriended Sam while they were both hitchhiking on a lonely road. 

Their encounter was brief, but they then ran into each other again at a bus station while trying to get to California. Meg was a charismatic girl who hit it off instantly with Sam – and fans. I found myself hoping their relationship would continue, as it seemed she’d be a good friend for Sam and a welcome addition to the story.

 

It wasn’t until later that we learned Meg was a demon whose mission was to specifically trap the brothers. 

1.16 “Shadow”

Meg’s preeminent episode was undoubtedly “Shadow”. Sam becomes suspicious when he runs into Meg a third time, so he follows her and discovers she is communicating with demons at a black magic altar. 

A mesmerizing game of cat and mouse ensues, with Meg revealing her true nature, a cruelly cold and evil demon who has captured the brothers.

Nicki’s talent is chilling, as she taunts Sam and Dean in scenes shot entirely in shadows. 

Eventually, the brothers get free, and Meg is presumably killed by the demons she summoned.

Demons can’t be killed so easily, though. The episode closes with a haunting shot of Meg watching the brothers drive away. 

1.21 “Salvation”

Nicki returns as an even more dangerous and frightening Meg in “Salvation”.

Desperate to get the demon-killing Colt from John, Meg kills one friend after another of John’s until he agrees to meet with her.

John acquiesces to her demands, but plans to double-cross her with a decoy gun. 

His plan doesn’t work, and John ends up Meg’s prisoner.

1.22 “Devil’s Trap”

Meg tracks the boys to Bobby’s Singer’s house but is quickly caught in his Devil’s Trap.

After Dean repeatedly asks her for their dad’s whereabouts, she reluctantly gives them their next clue to finding John. 

“Devil’s Trap” is Meg Master’s swan song as Meg is exorcised by Sam and sent back to Hell. The girl she possessed dies from the injuries sustained in “Shadow”. 

4.02 “Are You There God? It’s Me, Dean Winchester”

Three years later, the doomed girl who was possessed by Meg returns as a spirit to haunt Dean. She is bitter about how her life ended, and blames Dean for not saving her. Dean is forced to banish the spirit. 

Eric Kripke was Supernatural‘s showrunner at the time Nicki appeared on the show. His words speak to her gifts as an actress:

Gutted to hear the great #NickiAycox, our first #MegMasters, passed away. Too young. She was a delight & delivered lines like honey & venom. I marvel at how she made a simple word like ‘lackluster’ legendary. #RIP #SPN #SPNFamily @JensenAckles @jarpad pic.twitter.com/2xBK9rxs31

— Eric Kripke (@therealKripke) November 20, 2022

 

Nicki was memorialized in the press by Entertainment Weekly, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, Deadline, People and many others. 

Rest in Peace, Nicki. 

Feel free to share in the comments below your memories of Nicki or her character Meg, or condolences to her family and friends on her passing. 

Supernatural Wiki consulted during research for the memorial.  Additional screencaps from Home of the Nutty. Images courtesy of The CW.