This weeks Preacher delivers an uneven episode that alternates between compelling drama and rote storytelling.
When we first met Denis, his exasperation with Cassidy was both immediate and obvious.
Denis remained an enigma for several episodes, until the bombshell reveal in Sokosha that hes actually Cassidys son.
Suddenly, we saw their interactions (or lack thereof) through a whole new lens.
Staying with Denis has not been a much-needed reunion between an estranged father and his elderly, ailing son.
Rather, its a means to an end, with both men remaining largely strangers to one another.
This is a tragedy, something Cassidy is coming to understand now that his son is on deaths doorstep.
The one thing Denis wants from his old man is the one thing Cassidy wont grant himimmortality.
In other words, witnessing Denis at his worst brings out the best in Cassidy.
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I appreciate this moral quagmire Cassidy finds himself in.
He doesnt romanticize immortalityits fraught with loneliness, boredom, and existential numbness.
Which is why the last seconds of this episode are so effecting.
Will he save Denis, or wont he?
But we know the opposite to be true.
What might Deniss quality of life be like now, had he grown up knowing his father?
This question is surely coursing through Cassidys mind, just as surely as immortality is coursing through his veins.
Aside from Eugene, there isnt a whole lot happening with Jesse or Tulip.
Jesse spends the bulk of the episode sitting around an electronics store.
He and his storyline are simply going through the motions.
The same could be said of Tulip, who doesnt care much for Jesses God thing.
The biggest danger she faces in Holes is boredomwhich leads her to spackle bullet holes.
Theres no danger to their meeting, though, no menace.
Its just a chance encounter.
Then theres Ian Colletti.
Hitler, for one, knows better.
In reality, Eugene believes he actually deserves eternal hellfire.
Even his own father, Sheriff Root, despised him.
For Eugene, this basically boils down to same shit, different Hell.
But there are different levels of Hell, as Eugene finds out in the Hole.
Ian Colletti shines in this scene, as Eugenes tearful happiness gives way to wide-eyed terror.
Some closing thoughts:
At one point, Cassidy floats the idea of becoming immortal past Tulip.
Then again, Denis must feel the same way about constantly being rebuffed by Cassidy.
A buff, tatted-up Eugene?
How long has his cell block been in this holding room??
I know this is played for laughs, but Eugenes transformation doesnt quite work.
Rating:
4 out of 5
