Preacher Review: See (Season 1 Episode 2)

After a second episode, it’s already becoming clear that Preacher is making one of the strongest series debuts this reviewer has seen in a long time.

Given what a tough act to follow the “Pilot” was, it is a delight and a privilege to be able to say that “See” does not disappoint.

The disclaimer for this review is not that there will be spoilers (although there totally will be), it is simply that this reviewer is reviewing with a fresh pair of Preacher–virgin eyes.

Which basically means that I have not yet read the comics and, therefore, this review is from the point of view of a new fan who is seeing this story for the first time (I do, however, fully intend to get on that, don’t you worry, folks).

End disclaimer.

That being said, there is something to be said for watching a series like this without knowing what is happening or what is about to happen — not knowing what sort of power is inside of Jesse, only being able to speculate and see how close we can get (who else’s money is on some sort of play off of the Holy Spirit, since he seems to possess the power of “The Word of God”?).

So, naturally, when the episode opens with a flashback about a broody, mysterious cowboy featuring some shockingly gruesome imagery of a hanging tree full of the bodies of Native Americans, those of us who haven’t picked up the books (yet) are curious to find out how this man, living in 1881, can possibly tie in to Jesse’s story in the present.

One can only assume that he must have some connection to whatever is inside Jesse — perhaps it possessed this man once upon a time…?

Then we return to the present and we remember that, yes, we are still totally in love with Tulip when she comes to be baptized by the Preacher. The same seems to be true for Jesse.

Because he totally is — in love with her, I mean. Like, at least a little bit. At least pining for her, maybe.

If he isn’t, he should be. Definitely should be.

As we delve deeper in to the episode, we get more in to the nitty gritty and in to the plot. The overarching theme of the episode seems to be Man versus Himself:

Cassidy versus his Vampirism, which prevents him from burying the two men who come for whatever has possessed Jesse, since the sun has risen and he cannot go outside.

Eugene versus, seemingly, his guilt and depression over whatever he did in the past. Whether that is his suicide attempt or if there is more to this story remains to be seen. Perhaps he didn’t even try to kill himself, perhaps it was someone else who hurt him and that’s just the story that people know.

Clearly, someone else died, if we are to believe the men who whisper “murderer” behind his back as he passes.

Then we have The Bus Driver versus (cringe) Pedophilia. These scenes in which Jesse hears confession from churchgoers are so, so wonderful to watch. Dominic Cooper is chilling in his silence as he listens to this man, fights his true nature (Jesse versus “The Bad, Bad Man”), and tries to simply offer preacherly advice when, really, all he wants to do is rip this sicko limb from limb.

You can plainly see the rage on his face, and it is absolutely fantastic and terrifying. He’s like a tightly coiled spring just waiting to snap…

Ugh, it’s wonderful.

And, let’s be honest, we’re all so happy when his true nature wins out on this one. It’s hard not to cheer when he takes matters in to his own hands, rather than choosing to trust the will of God to handle it.

One of the best things about this episode is that we witness some character and relationship developments. We get to watch Jesse and Cassidy bond in the church (which is charming as hell), we see a much more intimate interaction between Jesse and Tulip (yesss), and we get to watch as Jesse discovers this power he has over people, realizing that they are becoming compelled to listen to what he says.

Now, the question is, will his newly discovered ability work on the comatose girl?

Shame on you, Preacher, for leaving us hanging on the edge of our seats like this!

(But, actually, thank you. You’re doing so well. Keep it up. Love you.)

What did you guys think of “See”? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

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Preacher airs Sundays 9/8c on AMC.