Ep 1. Power Is Our Religion

In Saints & Sinners season 1, episode 1 titled "Power Is Our Religion," we are introduced to the small town of Cypress, Georgia, and its tightly knit community of churchgoers led by Pastor Evan Johnson. The episode opens with a dramatic scene where Pastor Johnson is awakened from his sleep by a banging on his door. He opens it to find a young woman, covered in blood, pleading for his help. The woman is later revealed to be his daughter, Christie, who has been involved in something that puts her at risk of losing her life.

As the plot progresses, we see the intricate network of relationships and political maneuvering that exists within the church. Evan's brother, Levi, is running for mayor while also acting as the head of the town's criminal underworld. Misty, the church's music director, is in a secret relationship with Rex, the mayor's son, which threatens to complicate her loyalty to the church. Meanwhile, Lady Byrd, the matriarch of the church and a powerful figure in the town, is dealing with the potential loss of her son's affection and loyalty towards the family.

The episode explores themes of power, corruption, and betrayal, with the church serving as a backdrop for these complex dynamics. We see how some characters use religion as a means of gaining or maintaining power, while others use it to justify their questionable actions. Despite the high stakes and looming danger, the characters are all connected by their shared faith and desire to protect the church at all costs.

One of the standout performances in the episode comes from Vanessa Bell Calloway, who plays Lady Byrd. She exudes elegance and composure, while also showing a fierce determination to maintain her hold over the community. Keith Robinson, who plays Levi, also delivers a captivating performance as a man who is torn between his loyalty to the church and his criminal impulses.

Overall, "Power Is Our Religion" sets up the show's themes and characters in a strong and compelling way. The episode is well-paced, drawing viewers into the drama and intrigue from the very beginning. It leaves plenty of room for the story to develop and the characters' motivations to become more complex, setting the stage for an intriguing season ahead.