An intriguing and intense Preacher plunged Jesse, Tulip, Cassidy, and Eugene deeper into their own personal Hells in episode 4, “Viktor.”
We pick up exactly where we left off in “Damsels,” with Tulip cornered by Viktor’s men that prompts her darkest hour of the series yet. She’s outcast by the entire crew and even Viktor’s young daughter who exerts the hatred seething throughout the mansion in a vicious manner.
We get a sincere look at Tulip as she masters the balance between remorse and resourcefulness to survive. Throughout the episode, I constantly found myself trying to decipher if she was truly being genuine or if she was manipulating the crew into underestimating her. Their hesitation at her every move proves they won’t make that mistake as they know how dangerous she can be.
The love triangle between Jesse, Tulip, and Cassidy faces further strain in “Viktor,” with Cassidy’s incessant worrisome texts to Tulip and Jesse’s increasing obsession with his mission. Cassidy repeatedly (and not so subtly) drops hints that Tulip could be in danger, but Preacher is so engrossed with the return of Mark Harelik (the character actor who played God in the season 1 finale) that he misses each and every one.
We see this vividly in the cold open, as the cars carrying Tulip passed Dennis’ house the moment Jesse enters and he literally misses her capture by a second. His desperate search for answers (though frustratingly sidetracking of Tulip) featured the gut-punching yet somehow still hilarious hurricane Katrina infomercial featuring none other than Frankie freakin’ Muniz. The outlandish video portrays the devastating effects of the hurricane in New Orleans while also remaining true to the absurd essence of Preacher.
Eugene in Hell continues to be the most fascinating storyline of the season, made especially so by Noah Taylor (Hitler). The overcrowded and underfunded facility is a haunting metaphor for the institutional prisons in our own world. Perhaps the most unorthodox yet brilliant aspect of the episode was humanizing Adolf Hitler (especially in our current political state the storyline is exceedingly pertinent).
Easily the most “what the f*ck” moment in TV history was when I asked myself if I was actually beginning to empathize with the atrocious Führer. Though we only saw part of his anti-semitic Hell (a brief but brilliant exchange layered with Dave Porter’s excellent and anxious score), I think it’s safe to say we may understand his remorseful character even more, especially after Eugene’s revealing betrayal. Also worth mentioning, Ian Colletti (Eugene) continues with more awe-inspiring eye work, notably when Hitler defends him to Tyler.
By pairing the caring and genuine Eugene with the genocidal maniac, we’re able to get a clear characterization of them both. Hitler somehow manages to be the friendliest prisoner in Hell while Tyler is immediately distinguishable as the bully, leaving Eugene somewhere in the middle. After being threatened by the guard to “act accordingly” with Hell’s rigid standards, he engages in the group beating of the Führer ensuring he’s seen by the many security cameras. For the first time in Preacher, Eugene acts out of his own self-interest despite Hitler’s loyalties. Will Eugene fall into the immoral world of Hell or will Hitler keep him true to himself?
Tulip’s capture and forced confrontation drops her in an Earthly version of Hell that consequently brings Cassidy and Jesse into their own. Cassidy’s unquenchable anxiety and desperation to save Tulip is made only worse by Jesse’s neglect. Being ignored (especially given how taken he is with Tulip) is the worst case scenario for Cassidy, especially by his best mate Padre. Jesse’s desperate search for answers seem to create even more questions frustrating the devoted Preacher. Eugene being forced to act out of character, continued “Arseface” bullying, and acquainting himself with his terrifying new environment gives new definition to the meaning of Hell, especially after being introduced to “The Hole.”
The humor never lets up either. Between aptly timed Game of Thrones references by Cassidy, the colorful talent agent Gunt, and an American Psycho-esque torture scene, Preacher remains as delightfully ludicrous as ever. The heavy themes never overpower the episode as we’re treated to a spectacular rage-fueled brawl between Jesse and the plugged-in henchmen Ben. Each blow is evenly matched to the beat of “Uptown Girl” by Billy Joel and the end result is fantastic as Preacher scrambles to defeat an enemy he can’t use Genesis on (that will hopefully prepare him for the Saint of Killers).
Reintroducing Harelik in a hilarious yet insightful backstory provides some answers but, like Jesse, leaves the audience wanting even more when he’s recruited and killed by a mysterious organization (while spouting a damning prophecy in the process). Another comedic stand-out was Hitler’s line about a pointless filled in crossword puzzle that further instills there is truly no rest for the wicked, especially in Hell. The astonishing balance of comedy and drama has yet to diminish this season and I applaud the successful collaboration of Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, and Sam Catlin for making such possible.
With the Saint of Killers making his way to New Orleans, Jesse’s rage fully ignited, and Tulip’s secret finally revealed, next Monday cannot come soon enough!
Preacher continues with more bloody mayhem with episode 5 “Dallas” Monday at 9 p.m. EST on AMC!
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