Preacher Review: Search and Rescue (Season 4 Episode 4)

Preacher Season 4 Episode 4, “Search and Rescue,” is more about revelations than results and that moves the story along more than one would initially expect. While this show is notorious for its action sequences, sometimes the best episodes are when not much action happens at all. 

“Search and Rescue” is a prime example of that formula — a formula which doesn’t work when employed all the time, but is perfect when used sparingly. We spend more time on the development of characters this episode than we do anything else, which is helpful for the show’s overall trajectory.

The most important revelation of this episode is Jesse and his relationship with Genesis. This whole series has been about Jesse and his relationship with Genesis. Up until this episode, fans believed that having the voice afforded Jesse strengths beyond measure. 

However, with “Search and Rescue,” Preacher throws another wrench into our assumptions. The show reminds us that having Genesis doesn’t make Jesse God. He is still infallible and not immune to real human experiences. 

To be honest, this revelation that he can’t control everything — while somewhat expected — still manages to surprise us all. It makes way for a vulnerable, emotional moment on Jesse’s part that we had all but given up on ever seeing from him again. 

This is not to say he is forgiven for all the major transgressions he has imposed since being reunited with Genesis. Not even close. But it does give us pause and harnesses a bit of sympathy for him.

This connection to his human side may be the part that saves him, as long as he doesn’t squander it or push it so far down it won’t ever be accessed again. I said in my previous reviews that Season 4 seems to be the ultimate downfall of Jesse Custer. What I didn’t take into consideration was the possibility that he may not die but he will lose Genesis once and for all. 

That is an ending that would create an even bigger impact than Jesse simply dying. What if he would have to lose Genesis and then return to the life he led before all of this happened?

I know it’s a trope that’s been done before, but I think in this case it’s one worth exploring — especially if he gets to keep the lessons he learned from his experiences with Genesis.

The other revelation of note for this episode is hands down Jesus Christ. We’ve heard him mentioned up to this point, but we had yet to actually meet him. 

The subject of religion on Preacher is usually very arbitrary or the butt of some humorous moments. However, by introducing God and Jesus in full force this season the show is giving the hint that at its core faith plays a huge role in the actions of everyone.

In fact, Herr Starr tells The Grail members all the time that they should have more faith or that faith will see them through anything. Even Jesse, who is the ultimate anti-God and religion aspect of the show has mentioned keeping the faith. 

Now we are given a flesh and blood incarnation of Jesus Christ himself and he is nothing like we would expect. Tulip is thrown in his room with him as a part of The Grail — remember she is still undercover. To be honest, I expected him to be all-knowing and call her out on her lies.

When he doesn’t, it gives a whole new image of what Jesus Christ could be. Preacher is giving us a version of Jesus Christ that goes along with his disciples even if the action isn’t necessarily “good.”

This version of Jesus Christ is much more human, but still a compassionate being. We don’t get to see the conversation that convinces him to do it, but somehow Tulip gets him to go down to the dungeons to “free Cassidy.”

On this moment, I was actually expecting him to pull his weight around and get past Featherstone. When he doesn’t, I find myself respecting him a bit more. Jesus Christ of religion is able to perform miracles and create good in the world.

This version of him is simply a kind human and knows a thing or two about how to get things done. It’s refreshing to see him willing to work with Tulip — he’s going to be her guiding light for the rest of the season no doubt about it.

We really see that when she chooses a violent way to get past some of The Grail. He tells her that this isn’t the way and she comes back with a quip about it being her way

In the past, Tulip has relied on Jesse or Cassidy to guide her and keep her from completely going over to her darkest tendencies. Those two are stark contrasts to Jesus who is nothing but pure good — it’ll be an interesting dynamic to take into the end of the world.

For the past few episodes — in fact, since Season 3 even — Cassidy has been presenting himself as someone who has given up and just wants to die. Now, he is back in action and has a plan to get out.

It is a nice ruse for him to keep up because it led Frankie and The Grail guardsman to believe they had nothing to worry about. This ends up being their downfall and the rise of Cassidy as the fearsome vampire we all know and love.

Personally, I think this is a fantastic writing choice because it not only tricked his captors but the viewers as well. We are led to believe that Cassidy just didn’t care anymore and that he would probably die in that dungeon.

Watching Cassidy fight back is the most exciting and long-lasting joy from the whole episode. He is taking back his name and making sure that everyone knows he isn’t one to be counted out or ignored.

His final escape also shows that Cassidy doesn’t need saving — he’s not some damsel in distress. Cassidy is a hundred-year-old vampire who’s seen a thing or two, he doesn’t need you to come and fight his battle for him.

This strength and will are going to make him formidable against God and Herr Starr in the final battle. That is if he decides to even be a part of that — from the looks of things he is trying to just get as far away from the fight as possible.

Preacher still has a way to go to bring everything together for the final showdown, but it is definitely on the right track. The choices from “Search and Rescue” prove that through nuanced writing and subtle character growth.

Further Preachings

• The Saint shot a bullet into the ground at the Gulf of Mexico and was able to come out in Australia. Dude that is the way to travel!
• Hitler playing music to showcase Humperdoo’s talents is an interesting scene. It’ll be even more interesting to see where this goes in the future.
• Herr Starr’s ear falling off was disgusting and unnecessary to see.
• Jesus saying, “Worship me” to Tulip as a way of diverting the attention of the guard gives a whole new meaning to the phrase.
• More and more we are seeing just how much of an asshole God is.

What did you think of this episode of Preacher? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Catch up with our review of Preacher Season 4 Episode 3, “Deviant” right here.

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Preacher airs Sundays at 10/9c on AMC.

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