When did a lying junkie vampire become Preacher’s moral compass?

Im just going to ask this up front: When did a lying junkie vampire becomePreachers moral compass?

Because Jesses bare bones assessment of Cassidy in Dallas was pretty spot-on.

Hell, even Cassidy couldnt find fault with this bit of character assassination.

This isnt to say that Cassidy is an angel (because hes not).

Suddenly, Cassidy only had room in his heart for his neglected, ailing son.

And I was fine with that… and still am.

Because, really, weve watched our titular preacher use Genesiss power to commit numerous atrocities.

Take the Grails botched raid in Puzzle Piece for instance.

Making someone do anything against their will is never okayeven if said someone is Herr Starr.

Tulip is no innocent either.

Shes killed and maimed her fair share of people, and has done so with repeated aplomb.

Just because shes still struggling with some pretty serious PTSD doesnt suddenly absolve her of her past transgressions.

The people shes killed are still dead.

Otherwise viewers, myself included, are bound to lose interest.

On paper, and on any other show, this would be a bombshell revelation.

And Jesse is legitimately gob-smacked to suddenly find himself face to face with what he believes is divinity.

The fact that Humperdoo is an inbred simpleton isnt what I find most egregious about this scene.

Rather, its the notion that Jesse has made it his lifes work to serve the Lord.

We know this isnt true because of Dallas, the events of which were only a few years ago.

Jesse likewise recoils at Herr Starrs suggestion that instead of searching for God, Jesse shouldbecomeGod.

Genesis makes him the perfect candidate to assume the mantle of Messiah, as Humperdoo clearly isnt qualified.

But Jesses indignation at such blasphemy is ill-founded, given the death and destruction hes left in his wake.

Yes, people can change, but Jesse has yet to become the good person he thinks he is.

Which brings us back to Cassidy, who has been on an unlikely journey of redemption this season.

Yet despite his best intentions, its quickly become obvious that his life-saving gesture is having negative consequences.

Denis is too rough with his hired escort.

Perhaps hes unaware of his own strength or he simply doesnt care.

But this isnt a matter ofPreachertreating assault in a nonchalant a manner, as it first appears.

Were the writers to do that, I would immediately sour on the show too.

What were seeing with Denis is the beginnings of a tragedy.

His worst fears are confirmed when we see a bloodied but happy Denis strolling home.

Which can only mean Cassidy will have to confront his son by seasons endand it wont be pretty.

As for the other storylines,Preacherreally needs to make us care more about Jesse and Tulip.

HopefullyPreachercan maximize these three remaining hours to live up to its full potential.

That wont happen with more episodes like Dirty Little Secrets.

Some closing thoughts:

The episode opens on the ultimate one-night stand.

Which makes sense, I suppose.

You cant have a second coming without a first one.

Herr Starr has one of the best lines of the episode: Are you blind, boy?

Would you like to be?

Rating:

3.5 out of 5