AMC’s Preacher is a darkly funny ode to the source material.
Here’s our review…
Preacheris one of those comic book properties that really sizzles on the page.
Its panels brim with the kind of excessive violence and profanity that would make Quentin Tarantino proud.
Like those titles,Preacherhad a gritty sensibility that didnt exactly lend itself to episodic television.
Not for lack of trying over the years, though.
Sure, I was skeptical at first, even though Im a fan of their movie work overall.
So, that being said, heres my spoiler-free take of the first three episodes.
Like the comic, the small west Texas town of Annville is populated by freaks and assorted malcontents.
As played by Dominic Cooper, Custers Preacher is a man with good intentions but of very little faith.
Hes just as much in need of saving as his flock.
Cooper is a great choice for the part, pairing rangy physicality with squinty-eyed gravitas.
Hes compelling to watch, even if hes just pondering the empty pews in his church.
It doesnt hurt that he bears more than a passing resemblance to his comic book counterpart.
Case in point:The Walking Dead(an Image Comics title, though, not Vertigo).
Ruth Negga, who plays Custers former flame Tulip, is also a compelling onscreen presence.
Suffice it to say, Gilguns casting is absolutely spot on.
Like Negga, Gilgun is a lot of fun to watch; heisCassidy, as far as Im concerned.
His appearance is exactly what youd expect of someone known as Arseface.
Its a credit to the writers that his scenes arent played for laughs.
Even his dialogue, which appears onscreen as subtitles, is played straight.
This is fairly consistent with the notion thatPreachersproducers do view the show as a drama first.
You dont need to be a fan of the comic to appreciate the shows darkly comedic tone.
Preacherdebuts Sunday, May 22nd at 10pm on AMC.
Be sure to come back as well be reviewing the show more in-depth every week.
Rating:
4.5 out of 5
