Ep 1. Angelville

In the first episode of Preacher season 3, titled "Angelville," we find our protagonist Jesse Custer in a dark place. After the devastating events of season 2, Jesse has returned to his hometown of Angelville, Louisiana to confront his past and seek answers about his heritage.

The episode starts with a flashback to young Jesse, living with his grandmother Marie L'Angelle on the Angelville plantation. It's clear from the start that this is not a happy place: Marie is a ruthless and terrifying figure, who uses her powers as a voodoo practitioner to keep her family and community in line. We see Marie force Jesse to witness her grisly work, and it's obvious that this experience has scarred him deeply.

Cut to the present day, and we see Jesse entering Angelville with his friends Tulip and Cassidy in tow. Tulip is apprehensive about being back in this place, while Cassidy is intrigued by all the stories he's heard about Marie L'Angelle and her powers.

The first half of the episode is largely dedicated to setting up the dynamics between the three main characters and the various players in Angelville. We meet T.C., Marie's henchman, who is equal parts creepy and comic relief. We also learn about the feud between Jesse's family and another powerful voodoo family, the Boyds.

As Jesse tries to reconnect with Marie, he discovers that she has a plan for him: she wants him to fulfill a deal he made with her many years ago, and in exchange she'll resurrect someone he's lost. It's clear that Jesse doesn't want to go through with this, but he feels trapped by his past and the hold that Marie has over him.

Throughout the episode, we see glimpses of the supernatural nature of this world. There are hints of magic and otherworldly forces at work, but it's all shrouded in mystery. It's a testament to the show's storytelling that even as a viewer who hasn't read the comics, I'm intrigued by what's to come.

The episode builds to an explosive ending, with a violent showdown between the L'Angelles and the Boyds that leaves one character's fate up in the air. We also get a hint of the larger plot that will likely drive this season, as Jesse discovers a new lead on the whereabouts of God.

Overall, "Angelville" is a strong start to the season. It's a more character-driven episode than some of the more action-packed ones we've seen in the past, but it's no less compelling. The show's unique blend of humor, horror, and drama is still firing on all cylinders, and I can't wait to see where the story goes next.