Preacher Season Finale Review: The Light Above (Season 3 Episode 10)

On the epic season finale, Preacher Season 3 Episode 10, “The Light Above,” all the major plots from the season come to a battle royale of sorts. It’s a battle that satisfies in some areas and fails to ignite in others.

Battle numero uno is obviously the Jesse vs Gran’ma showdown.

This showdown lasts the duration of the episode and at times seems to drag. While it is nice to see Jesse also going up against Jody and TC, I wanted desperately to see him face his greatest foe.

When he does finally enter her direct area, it is like being transported back to Preacher Season 3 Episode 1, “Angelville,” with both Jesse’s way of approaching the matriarch and her words to him.

Gran’ma: Welcome home.

It is a continuation of the parallel storytelling the show has been implementing all season long, mostly with present Jesse and teenage Jesse.

While on previous episodes the parallels were clear and separate from one another, tonight the two meld together on occasion. One particularly meaningful scene occurs when we see present Jesse approaching Angelville muttering about killing Gran’ma while alongside him, going in the opposite direction, teenage Jesse is running away from Angelville muttering the same exact thing.

This is a very clever use of imagery to clue viewers in to the redemption of Jesse. This journey wasn’t just about Tulip; it’s about Jesse himself. He needs to redeem his younger self by finishing the job once and for all.

It’s beautiful, really. Most of this season, viewers are left wondering if Jesse can be redeemed. Then, we find out that he can house Genesis because of his goodness.

Jesse has good in him, but he also wants justice for the wrongs Gran’ma committed against him.

It all leads to a beautiful conclusion where Jesse walks away, letting his Gran’ma just die of old age. Then, he listens to his younger self and realizes that is a nicer death than she deserves, and he goes back.

Talk about satisfying.

Another moment that becomes more heartfelt and satisfying than viewers may have expected is the moment when TC comes to terms with all he’s done.

TC: I ain’t got nowhere else to go.

Jesse gives him an out, but he chooses to stay and burn alongside Jody. The moment is unexpected, and for the first time, we feel for TC and actually want better for him.

TC’s decision and its meaning is amplified by the song choice. The spirituality and peacefulness of the lyrics ease us into the righteousness of it all.

On that note, another righteous occurrence is Tulip finally having it out with God. It’s been a long time coming, and it is just as satisfying and Tulip-y as one would expect.

It takes someone with nerves of steel to face off against God and tell him he is a dick. Don’t ever back down, Tulip. The world is brighter when you don’t.

Tulip: I don’t need your forgiveness.

It’s weird when you think about it, because the whole point of last season and a part of this one was to find God. Now that he has been located, we want nothing more than to tell him to leave once more.

Tulip scoffing at God for suggesting she is forgiven brings to mind that the world isn’t half bad without God around.

Sure, we have done some questionable things, but most of them are done in the name of protecting someone else or helping to put a bit more good in the world. These are all actions that hardly require forgiveness, as Tulip so aptly reminds us.

This also segues into Eugene’s journey. He’s been mostly absent this season, but his moments have all been memorable. His unwavering faith in the goodness and mercifulness of God is inspiring, even to the hardhearted Tulip.

The saddest thing is seeing his faith in God diminish more and more as he listens to Satan tell The Saint that God ordered the hit on his daughter. That unrelenting faith is something that should never be squashed or squandered.

Finally, there is the matter of Cassidy. I’ve been concerned about him ever since Jesse dumped his ass back in New Orleans.

This is one of the only unsatisfying parts of the finale. I feel that the show really missed the mark with this.

Cassidy has a chance at real happiness. Why take that away unnecessarily?

Sure, Starr is to blame for the destruction of all the new vampires, but do you really have to include Cassidy in your maniacal plan for Jesse Custer?

Don’t you know by now you will have a deeper impact if you kidnap Tulip?

Preacher (and by extension Herr Starr), please leave Cassidy alone.

I found myself cheering when Cassidy double crosses Eccarius to take over the group. He deserves a win and a family he can relate to. Then the freaking Grail attack.

Cassidy is already vulnerable, and now he’s going to be broken because he is locked up and still dealing with the aftermath of losing all those vampires.

The Cassidy part of this plot isn’t all that’s disappointing. Even Herr Starr’s plot, which we only know a little about, is a bit overkill.

Starr can go for world domination all he wants, but does that huge assertion really have to be something dropped with two minutes left in the episode?

I’m all for cliffhangers and such. However, this well-established plot point erred on the edge of being brutal just to reassert Herr Starr’s ruthlessness. Give it a bit more depth and meaning.

All in all, this finale is pretty epic and leaves viewers wanting more (in the best way possible). Here’s hoping for a Season 4 that will allow us the chance to explore Herr Starr’s desire for world domination.

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What did you think of the Preacher Season 3 finale? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Catch up with our review of Preacher Season 3 Episode 9, “Schwanzkopf” right here.

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