Preacher Ep. 105 – He Gone
Baggage. We all carry it to varying degrees whether it be guilt, legacy, obligation or some other burden that shapes our world view and in some cases determines our actions or sense of self. He Gone, the latest in a string of increasingly deep and enjoyable Preacher episodes pulled back the curtain on several characters exposing their demons for all to see. In each case, the revelations were like pulling scabs off fresh wounds, especially so for our protagonist, Jesse Custer.
The frustrated musings of a child seemingly becoming reality have haunted Jesse for the majority of his life. Now that he has the ability to make his wishes come true he’s not about to relinquish the power even though the outcomes that arise from it can be catastrophic. After Eugene’s disappearance, the weight of Jesse’s actions begin to take a toll on him. The guilt manifests even further when Sheriff Root comes around asking about his missing son.
The potential for tension between Cassidy and Jesse begins as they speak in the kitchen. Jesse’s refusal to come clean later leads Cassidy to confront him putting the preacher’s faith and moral code to the test. Jesse’s character assassination of Eugene as a rationalization for what he did to him runs counter to Cassidy’s often questionable ethics. The irony is hard to dismiss as Cassidy tries to make Jesse see the error of his misguided ways.
People often see what they want to in others and this determines their perception of them. Some of these perceptions are born out of the legacies they’ve have earned or have inherited. Whether you’re a Custer, a Quincannon or an O’Hare, people are judged by those around them and at times, if not always, the decision to live up to or refute those perceptions can determine one’s future.
Tulip has carried the burden of her family’s dysfunction since her youth and her loyalty to her perennially drunk uncle continues to elicit scorn from her neighbors even as an adult. Quincannon is one of the few characters on Preacher who seems to be sure of himself and his purpose. Whether under Jesse’s influence or on his own accord, he demonstrates an unwavering commitment to who he is and what he wants. If nothing else he’s a man of his word and the challenge he levels at Jesse sets things in motion that have been boiling for the past few episodes.
Jesse’s determination to atone for past sins and the influence he has on those around him continues to yield mixed results. The guilt he carries is a burden that threatens not only his own sanity but also the safety of his friends and the people of Annville. His plight has caused those closest to him to question how they view him and in some cases to take a closer look at themselves. He Gone not only represents Eugene’s disappearance but how perceptions can change once the curtain has been drawn leaving a person in full view.
