Ep 2. The Ladies of La Belle

In Godless season 1 episode 2, titled "The Ladies of La Belle," viewers are brought deeper into the world of La Belle, a town in New Mexico that is largely populated by women after a tragic mining accident killed most of the men.

The episode begins with a harrowing scene in which a group of bandits rides through the town, terrorizing the residents and leaving destruction in their wake. Despite the women's best efforts to defend their homes and businesses, they are powerless against the heavily armed robbers. Among the townspeople affected by the attack are Mary Agnes (played by Merritt Wever), a tough and pragmatic woman who has taken charge of her family's ranch since her husband's death; and Alice Fletcher (Michelle Dockery), a mysterious widowed mother who lives on the outskirts of town with her young son.

As the townspeople struggle to pick up the pieces after the attack, tensions rise between Mary Agnes and her brother, Sheriff Bill McNue (Scoot McNairy). Mary Agnes is frustrated with Bill's lack of action in response to the bandit attack, while Bill is struggling to assert his authority in a town where many residents see him as ineffective. Meanwhile, Alice Fletcher is hiding a dark secret from the rest of the community, one that threatens to destabilize the fragile peace that exists in La Belle.

Throughout the episode, viewers are given glimpses into the backstories and motivations of the various characters that populate La Belle. We learn more about Mary Agnes' relationship with her late husband, as well as her budding romance with a newcomer to town, the charming and idealistic Roy Goode (Jack O'Connell). We also see more of Alice's independent streak, as she clashes with the local mining company over their plans for a new explosives plant in the area.

Overall, "The Ladies of La Belle" is an intense and emotionally charged episode that delves deeper into the complex character relationships and power dynamics that define the town of La Belle. With its strong performances and compelling storyline, it's a powerful follow-up to the series premiere and leaves viewers anxious to see what comes next.