Ep 4. Git Gone

In the fourth episode of American Gods season one, entitled "Git Gone," we are given a glimpse into the troubled past of Laura Moon, the deceased wife of the show's protagonist, Shadow. The episode takes place largely in flashback, as we see Laura's life before and after meeting Shadow.

The episode begins with Laura's backstory, showing her as a disillusioned young woman working as a blackjack dealer in a casino. She is unhappy with her life, and spends her free time experimenting with various drugs and engaging in risky behavior. It is during this time that she meets Shadow, a fellow gambler whose stoic demeanor intrigues her.

Laura and Shadow's relationship is a rocky one, marked by drug use and infidelity on Laura's part. Despite this, the two stay together and eventually get married. However, their happiness is short-lived, as Shadow is sent to prison shortly after their wedding.

While Shadow is in prison, Laura becomes even more disillusioned with her life and begins an affair with Shadow's best friend, Robbie. This ultimately leads to her death, which is depicted in the show's pilot episode. In "Git Gone," we see Laura's death from her perspective, as she finds herself in a sort of limbo after dying.

It is in this afterlife that Laura meets an aging salesman named Anubis, who guides her on a journey through a sort of purgatory. Along the way, she encounters various figures from Egyptian mythology, and ultimately finds herself face-to-face with Mr. Wednesday himself.

As Laura attempts to understand her situation and come to terms with her actions, she makes a deal with Mr. Wednesday that sets her on a path back to the land of the living. However, this path is one fraught with dangerous obstacles, as Laura's return from the dead has unforeseen consequences.

Overall, "Git Gone" is a powerful episode that offers a unique perspective on one of the show's central characters. Through Laura's story, we are given a glimpse into the complex themes of life, death, and redemption that are central to American Gods as a whole. The episode is also notable for its strong performances, particularly from Emily Browning in the role of Laura.