Ep 1. A Winter's Tale

A Winter's Tale, the first episode of American Gods season 3, begins with Shadow Moon making his way to Lakeside, Wisconsin after the events of season 2. He takes on the identity of Mike Ainsel, a name given to him by Mr. Wednesday, who told him to lay low in Lakeside for a while until the dust settles.

Lakeside appears to be a calm, peaceful town, but Shadow soon realizes that there is something strange going on. People in town start disappearing, and Shadow becomes the prime suspect in a murder investigation. It doesn't help that the local sheriff, Chad Mulligan, seems to have it out for him.

Meanwhile, Mr. Wednesday is busy recruiting new gods for his war against the new gods. He visits Demeter, the former goddess of the harvest, who has been living a quiet life in a small town in Illinois. He tries to convince her to join his side, but she is hesitant to get involved in another war.

Laura Moon, Shadow's estranged wife who was resurrected by Mr. Ibis and Mr. Jacquel in season 2, sets out on her own mission to find Shadow. She visits a strange woman named Mama-Ji who gives her a clue about Shadow's whereabouts. Along the way, Laura has some unexpected encounters with some old acquaintances.

We also see Bilquis, the ancient goddess of love, who is now living under a new identity as a volunteer at a hospital. She has a conversation with Technical Boy, who warns her that the new gods are aware of her presence and are watching her every move.

As the episode progresses, we see Shadow's story unfolding in Lakeside, where he tries to clear his name and figure out the truth behind the disappearances. He befriends some of the town's residents, including Marguerite Olsen, who runs the local inn where he is staying, and Hinzelmann, a strange old man who seems to know more than he lets on.

A Winter's Tale sets up the stage for what promises to be another thrilling season of American Gods. The show has always been known for its stunning visuals and powerful performances, and this episode is no exception. The writing is sharp and the pacing is just right, leaving us wanting more at the end of every scene.

The show continues to explore themes of mythology and identity, as well as the clash between the old gods and new gods. It also delves deeper into the characters' personal journeys, particularly Shadow and Laura, who are both trying to find their place in the world.

Overall, A Winter's Tale is a fantastic start to the new season, with plenty of intriguing plotlines and unexpected twists. It leaves us excited to see what lies ahead for our favorite characters and how their paths will intersect once again.