Chris Bryant | On 13, Jul 2017

Warning this contains spoilers.

Opening on blaring horns and Tulip’s determined, yet defeated expression, the sense that Preacher is about to do something new and exciting is blown from the speakers from the first second of Episode 4.

And it does. Ruth Negga’s rising stardom and critically-acclaimed talents are put to fantastic use in Viktor. Having entered our screens armed to the teeth and wholly fearless, this episode shows Tulip in a new light. Fidgeting and shaking as the mysterious Viktor enters, the ever-bold anti-hero is more scared of her past that anything we’ve seen her tackle. The added tension serves the episode well, building her fear, spreading it throughout the other characters and culminating a fantastic conclusion.

Cassidy and Jesse have other problems to solve, tracking ‘Fake God’ through an audition tape and misusing one of the most incredible persuasive powers known to man – Game of Thrones. Joe Gilgun’s oft-confused vampire continues to be the comedic heart of the show, mumbling his way through their Holy adventures as a self-proclaimed ‘sidekick’. However, his loyalty to Jesse and Tulip makes it impossible to deny he is the actual heart of the show as well, his friendship and (often mistakenly) proud smile providing this season’s buddy road trip vibe.

Meanwhile, in Hell, they are having a few technical difficulties. Some supposedly questionable wiring leads Eugene to meet a few of his fellow inmates, including, of course, Noah Taylor’s Hitler. While any show that turns Hitler into a thoughtful, caring advisor should be questioned, if anyone can do it, it’s Preacher. Teasing the audience with glimpses into Hitler’s personal Hell – which appears to be altogether pleasant so far – the sheer intrigue somehow compliments the grim learning curve Eugene is forced to take in the underworld.

Concluding on a Genesis-fuelled raid on Viktor’s mansion, coupled with another ridiculously inventive fight scene – in which the Preacher fights a goatee’d torture expert with everything but the kitchen sink – Preacher has comfortably found its groove now that the audience are suitably bound to these madcap, lovable characters. Coupling crude humour, innovative fight choreography, with a confident orchestral soundtrack, Preacher continues to be the brightest and best name in blasphemy.

Preacher Season 2 is available to watch online in the UK exclusively on Amazon Prime Video, as part of a £5.99 monthly subscription. New episodes arrive weekly on Tuesdays, within 24 hours of their US broadcast.

 

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