Preacher steps things up a notch with a tumultuous, action-packed episode.
Preacher Season 2 Episode 9
Preachers Puzzle Piece is one hell of a busy, action-packed episode.
Theres even a major breakthrough in Jesses search for God.
Is this a better episode than Dallas, which delved into an ugly period of Jesse and Tulips relationship?
From a purely character standpoint, no.
And I dont think things will get any better between them before seasons end.
He argues he had no other option.
Sure, Jesses been wrapped up in his quest for God, but clearly something is wrong with Tulip.
(Hell, even Cassidy can see shes struggling.)
Maybe shes crying from a chronic lack of sleep.
Or maybe shes in pain from one too many visits to the Hurt Locker.
Or, maybe shes upset because her heart is breaking.
It could be all of those things, or none of them.
Neggas performance leaves this open for interpretation.
I just hope the writers dont wait for the finale to resolve her issues.
One of Tulips strengths is her strength.
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Cassidy has been on the sidelines quite a bit this season, too.
Ive enjoyed his storyline with Denis, though.
Without it, our time in New Orleans would be far less interestingand Cassidy would be far less sympathetic.
So Im glad Cassidy acted so decisively to save his son.
Its oddly heartwarming to see Denis so gleeful and vigorous.
(His dancing to Edith Piaf is another great moment.)
Hes a new man in many respects, a babe in the woods in need of fatherly guidance.
He and Denis have come full circle now, and I wonder whats next for them.
Pip Torrens is a pleasure to watch as Starr, unafraid to take the character to ugly places.
Featherstone is no pushover, either.
Its a love triangle of sorts, albeit an unrequited one.
Its impossible to discuss this episode without mentioning the Samson Units botched raid on Deniss apartment.
The first-person shooter POV works very well here, with minimal sound save for incidental noises.
The entire raid is well-choreographed, from breaching the door to the brutality of the close combat.
The lack of any music only underscores the intensity and intimacy of the fighting.
Even without Genesis, Jesse and Cassidy put up a very good fight.
The raid is definitely one of this seasons highlights.
So is the drone strike called in by The Grail.
The entire sequence looks great, from B.R.A.D.
to the missile itself streaking over New Orleans.
I was truly invested in the outcome in a way I havent been this entire season.
With Starr in the picture now, the stakes are higher than ever.
And now that Starr has played his hand with Jesse, anything can happen.
Some closing thoughts:
Had Cassidy not bitten Denis, his son would have been killed in the raid.
But, if Jessehadused Genesis to heal Denishe wouldnt be a vampire, meaning hedstilldie in the raid.
In other words, Denis owes his life to a preacher whos uninterested in helping his fellow man.
At this point, Jesse may as well just hang up his collar.
Hes no man of Godhes simply a manchasingGod.
Herr Starrs suits are apparently handmade by a Hungarian humpback with excellent attention to detail.
Do you like cats?
Well, do you??
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Rating:
4 out of 5