Preacher 108 – Finish the Song
Finish the Song is a return to form for Preacher as the episode featured several unexpected moments and startling character developments. While the majority of the season has focused on the main players, Song showcased some of the supporting cast to great effect. The masks that several of the characters wore were stripped away leaving the other characters and the audience to see them in a new light.
The Cowboy returns to “finish the song” so to speak as he exacts revenge on the town of Ratwater. The opening scene while violent and short isn’t to be dismissed. Considering his loss viewers can side with The Cowboy. It’s a staple of all good westerns to have the good guy mow down his enemies after they’ve wronged him. The Cowboy’s reaction to the preacher’s speech about Jesus and forgiveness is really no different from Quincannon’s denunciation of religion after the tragedy that robbed him of his daughter. The Cowboy’s tale is a cautionary one however, and those who follow his methods should take heed.
Still absent of any knowledge concerning Eugene’s whereabouts, Sheriff Root, as he transports Jesse to jail, bores him with tales of the fate of inmates who are known child killers. Sheriff Root’s rant turns to talk of justice and it’s at this point that Jesse decides to literally exit the conversation.
Finish the Song takes a comedic turn when Deblanc and Fiore try to book passage to Hell. The decidedly human elements employed by the supernatural beings on Preacher continue to be one of show’s highlights. Who knew there were shuttles to hell? I suppose it beats getting there via hand basket. Fiore and Deblanc’s deadpan delivery and ineptitude provide some much-needed comic relief now that Cassidy has been sidelined.
Cassidy makes his return after a one-episode absence and sets off an interesting chain of events. Jesse finally comes face to face with Cassidy and they hold nothing back while airing their differences. While Cassidy and Jesse’s scenes were taught and emotional, some of the finer moments in the episode really belonged to Emily (Lucy Griffiths) and Sheriff Root (W. Earl Brown). Both characters were faced with difficult decisions, and although their actions were shocking, they remained true to their own brand of justice. Kudos to Griffiths and Brown for their strong, yet subtle performances.
Finish the Song is an excellent episode that not only features strong performances and character development but also sets things up nicely for the season finale on Sunday. While the season so far has been uneven, with the elements put in play during Finish the Song, the potential is there for a memorable end to Preacher’s first season.
