Ep 4. The Greatest Story Ever Told

In the fourth episode of American Gods' second season, titled "The Greatest Story Ever Told," the show dives deeper into the backstory of a character who had only been briefly introduced in previous episodes: Mr. World. The episode begins with a flashback to Ancient Egypt, where Mr. World, then known as "The Bull of Heaven," is worshiped as a god. We see his power as he brings rain to a drought-stricken town, but also witness his cruelty as he orders a young girl to be sacrificed to appease his thirst for blood.

Fast forward to the present day, where Mr. World is meeting with his fellow New Gods to discuss their plan to defeat the Old Gods. However, tensions are high as Mr. World's recent actions have caused some of the gods to doubt his trustworthiness. Meanwhile, in San Francisco, Laura and Mad Sweeney continue on their journey to find the mystical coin that will bring Laura back to life. Along the way, they encounter the ghost of a Chinese immigrant who helps them navigate the city's underground tunnels.

Back in Egypt, we see Mr. World's power grow as he gains followers and expands his dominion. But even with his immense power, he is not immune to betrayal. His second-in-command, Technical Boy, feels overshadowed and begins to plot against him. In the present day, Technical Boy's bitterness towards Mr. World is still present as he tries to convince the other gods to turn against him.

As the episode progresses, we see the consequences of Mr. World's actions in both the past and present day. His thirst for power has led to destruction and chaos, and his plans to defeat the Old Gods may have devastating consequences. The tension between the gods continues to escalate, making it clear that a war between the old and new is imminent.

Overall, "The Greatest Story Ever Told" is a captivating episode that provides insight into the motivations and history of one of the show's most intriguing characters. It sets the stage for what is sure to be a thrilling continuation of the second season.