Preacher Review: South Will Rise Again (Season 1 Episode 5)
“South Will Rise Again” may just be one of Preacher‘s best episodes to date.
Every bit of this episode strives to move the plot forward, to build on what we already know, and to touch on the more important and intriguing plotlines that the show has to offer us thus far.
Let’s break it down:
1. The mysterious Cowboy is back, and we learn a little more of his story just when we’d almost forgotten about him.
And it’s a great story.
2. We get more insight in to what, exactly, it is that Eugene did that made him so loathed in this town and made him want to take his own life.
Granted, Jesse now thinks he has solved that problem with a scene that is actually quite disturbing — one where we witness how Jesse, noble though his intentions are, robs Tracy’s Mother of her right to grieve and be angry.
But we all know that there’s no way everything will be rainbows and butterflies there.
3. Which beings us nicely to the third plot development of the episode wherein Donnie remembers and is absolutely horrified by what Jesse was able to do to him in that gas station bathroom. Donnie’s poignant reaction serves to highlight just how frightening this power really is.
One can only imagine how terrifying it must be to know that a man can control you, make you do whatever he pleases, with just a word, and there’s nothing you can do about it.
Donnie is terrified — and rightfully so.
4. Jesse and the Angels finally meet!
And someone finally tells Jesse — poor, deluded, hopeful Jesse — that the power inside of him is, in fact, not God. We can all imagine how mortified he is going to be when he thinks back on what he’s done, now that he knows that this power has been, more of less, manipulating him.
Or there is a chance that Jesse may fight the word of the Angels and may still believe that he and the Voice can do good and, boom. On the road he goes.
Possibly with Tulip…?
Speaking of the lovely lady herself, one plot that this episode introduces (though it was touched on last week) is a possible love triangle between Cassidy, Tulip, and Jesse. While Tulip and Cassidy are excellent to watch together, the idea of a love triangle is one fans may be wary of, so…
Tread carefully, Preacher.
What did you think of “South Will Rise Again?” Let me know in the comments below!
Reviewer Rating:
User Rating:
Preacher airs Sundays 9/8c on AMC.
Becky Peters
Becky is a television, literature, and pop culture enthusiast who spends more of her time exploring fictional worlds than she does living in the real one. Post-apocalyptic and dystopian settings are her kryptonite, and she has a strange soft spot for anything that involves the walking dead (the creatures themselves, not the show -- but the show is good, too). You can usually find her engrossed in shows like Preacher, The Walking Dead, Sense8, or any one of the many other series that tickle her fancy. Follow Becky on Twitter: @epic_bcky