Watch & Remark: American Gods, Come to Jesus

Another week, another great episode of American Gods! Well, the last episode of season one of American Gods. I didn't even realize that this was the last episode of this season! I was hoping that it would keep going until we reached the end of the narrative--but we can't always get what we want, and I'm sure season two will be even better than season one, so I guess we can wait. Season two is scheduled to be released some time in 2018. While we wait for it, check out the comic book version that is being released! It looks beautiful. I know I'm going to be re-reading the novel before we return to this show myself!

In this episode, we begin with a visit to Anansi (though I could do without his spiders). He's doing a job for Wednesday, and while he does, we get a story that showcases his voice, laugh, and overall awesomeness. Orlando Jones deserves all the awards for that laugh alone. We get a good look at Bilquis, and how she is still worshiped, and an unfortunate look at Technical Boy, who has the fashion sense of the toad he vapes. There's also an A++ godfather pun.

Anansi is preparing suits for Wednesday and Shadow, so they look good while they visit Ostara, on her very own day: Easter. Ostara is not a weak god, and instead is worshiped--though her worship is shallow, and based only on the worship from a greater source, Christianity. Ostara shares Easter with Jesus, and this means Wednesday has some leverage.

They run into a snag, however, when Media and Technical Boy show up, attempting to drag Ostara back into their fold. Ostara is left with a dilemma--should she join Wednesday, who might ask her to die for him, or will she remain, feeding off the shallow worship of people who say Easter for Christ's sake, and remain quiet in the war.

Wednesday turns the tide, and Ostara steals spring. The gods are ready for their war.

This episode gives us the wrap on several narrative threads, and opens up some more to keep us interested and waiting for the next season. This was one of my favorites, because it gave us a good look deeper into the motivations of our host of regular characters, most of all Shadow and Wednesday. Shadow finally figures out what he believes, and this gives Wednesday some of the power he craves, and secures their spots in the incoming war.

There are also some powerful narratives. Shadow doesn't know what he's doing in this war. Laura just wants to be with Shadow again. Sweeney just wants his coin back. Wednesday just wants people to believe in him. This episode brings us almost full circle, and we see that the story is just now gearing up for that battle of the gods.

I love this show. It's hard hitting, powerful, and takes you places you didn't know you wanted to go. The gods are intriguing characters, drawn from real myths and religions, and the show treats them as larger than life, but also down on their luck. The narrative and script are vivid and packed with intense action, while the show itself is composed of a great score and vibrant imagery. I can't get enough.

Also, sorry for the hinky moments with this post! I'm currently travelling, which is not the most conducive environment for putting up regular blog posts.

In the mean time, keep an eye out for gods on the warpath, and stay out of their way. The fight for faith will be fierce.