Preacher Review: Overture (Season 4 Episode 9)

As the series starts to wind down, Preacher Season 4 Episode 9, “Overture,” shows the world that this show isn’t going out without a big bang. As the title suggests, this episode is only the beginning of what is to come in the apocalypse. 

Overture is defined as an introduction to something more substantial. This episode is definitely an introduction to what is bound to knock our socks off in the finale. 

Just when we think Jesse and the gang might have a fighting chance — because they are back together once more — God swoops in and laughs in their face. We all know that God is a devious bastard, but just this once I kind of hope the good guys could come out ahead a little bit.

It hasn’t escaped our notice that the perception of who God is changes depending on the character interacting with him. He has his benevolent side for those who truly follow him and then his cruel side for those who dare forsake him. 

It can sometimes be hard to reconcile that God would really be that manipulative to any of his creations, but here we are. Preacher has always been one to push the envelope with topics and ideas such as that. 

“Overture” proves to be no different. This show is determined to go out the same way it came in — with a lot of violence and beauty all wrapped up into one beautifully orchestrated moment. 

For all of the show’s faults, which there are a few, it has never been one to shy away from telling a story that gets the audience thinking or contemplating their own morality. This entire season has been a prime example of that.

Each week we are graced with moments that really has us rooting for God to fail, but that in and of itself makes us uncomfortable. However weird the show is with its plot there is one thing that holds steady, it never fails to make us feel connected to the story being told.

On Preacher Season 4 Episode 9, “Overture,” there are many moments that cause us to take pause and wonder where we stand in regards to our morals and our beliefs. We are talking about the moment with Cassidy and God and the moment between Featherstone and Starr. 

Both moments are grade A examples of us wanting to root for a side we haven’t been rooting for all along. Preacher manages to take simple moments and use them to flip our stances on their toes.

First and foremost, there is Cassidy and his chat with God. This whole time we have been rooting for Cassidy to prevail and “beat” God. 

Then God comes in with his silver tongue and his ability to alter Cassidy’s perception of things, and suddenly we want God to win out. Cassidy is a favorite and we only want what is best for him.

Which means when God offers him the opportunity to go home and be happy we don’t begrudge Cassidy for considering it. This rare, tender moment shows that Cassidy really is lonely and tired of being forever alive just to watch those he cares about die. 

God: You’re a tired boy who just wants to go home.

So when Jesse comes along later and finds Cassidy dismembered and crying that he refused God many times before accepting the offer, fans can’t help but understand. Allowing Cassidy to finally die and “go home” is exactly what the vampire deserves — even if it isn’t exactly what he gets.

That would be the ultimate ending for Cassidy, wouldn’t it? Letting him go home to Ireland and reunite with the ones he loves?

Which leads us to Featherstone and Starr. These two have always had an interesting dynamic, to say the least. Featherstone has always admired Starr and Starr has always taken that respect but not necessarily always reciprocated. 

Now that Starr is beautiful again he is finally allowing himself to see others around him. One such person is Featherstone. 

The most important thing to take from this moment is the shift in the dynamic between these two characters and how well Julie Ann Emery conveys all of that without a single word being spoken. 

Suddenly, this man she has looked up to and revered is looking at her as if she is some kind of conquest. Emery’s scrunched up facial expressions and shocked look convey just how not okay she is with the entire situation. 

Featherstone is showing she is not okay with it and yet the next scene she is in bed with a naked Starr. It’s clear the two have just had sex, however awkward it is. 

It’s a shift that doesn’t entirely make sense at first, mostly because of how Featherstone was acting in the previous scene. However, it’s soon implied that she felt it was her duty to do such a thing.

So naturally, when Starr uses this moment to degrade her and talk nasty about her, Featherstone rages. She doesn’t say a thing, but once again her expressions speak volumes!

Emery is so skilled at easily moving from one extreme to the next and “Overture” is no different. She manages to capture Featherstone’s awkward, shyness that easily molds into a silent rage the longer Starr stands there and insults her.

If Featherstone doesn’t use those comments as fuel to shoot Herr Starr in the head, a la Hoover 2, in the finale I will be highly disappointed. It would be the ultimate throwdown for her character arc.

She has proven time and time again that she doesn’t need a man to tell her her place in the world. Featherstone makes her own place.

At this moment, we aren’t rooting against Featherstone and the Grail that she represents. We are rooting for her and all that she can do as a leader above men.

Just when we thought we knew the dynamic of the coming apocalypse, “Overture” comes in and introduces us to a whole new game plan. 

The apocalypse is happening and we best be prepared when it does.

Further Preachings:

• Eugene deserves to be a rock star of his own choosing.
• “What more do you want? My mom, my dad, my eye, my friends. You’ve taken everything.” 
• Only on a show like this can you get Hitler being a comfort and mentor to Jesus
• So the Saint is still after Jesse…that’s going to be an interesting development. 

What did you think of this episode of Preacher? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Catch up on our review of Preacher Season 4 Episode 8, “Fear of the Lord” right here!

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Preacher’s series finale airs Sunday, September 29th at 10/9c on AMC.

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Julie Ann Emery Pulls Back the Curtain on Featherstone and ‘Preacher’ Season 4 [Exclusive Interview]