Preach, Brother

Tonight is the final episode of Preacher.  It's an AMC drama that's been on for four season.  No matter how it ends, let's say goodbye.  It's been the most outrageous show on television--at least on basic cable, but probably anywhere.

It's about Jesse Custer, a hard-living preacher who gains the power to make others do whatever he says (though it only works if they understand English and have a soul).  He's searching for the Lord to find an explanation for why things are the way they are.  His companions are Tulip, a two-fisted gal who's been his partner in crime for a long time, and Cassidy, a fun-loving Irish vampire who's a new friend.

The first season is set in a small Texas town where the Preacher is trying to live a simple, honest life. The second season has the trio travel to New Orleans on their quest.  In season three, Jesse returns to Angelville, the voodoo-run household where he was raised.  And this final season is all over the place, though much has been set in Australia.

Some of the characters we meet along the way: Eugene, an innocent whose face has been torn apart and whom Jesse sends to Hell; the Saint of Killers, who's after Jesse and can't be stopped; Herr Starr, the ruthless head of the Grail, a secret religious organization trying to bring about the apocalypse; Adolf Hitler, who escapes from Hell with Eugene; and Humperdoo, the modern Messiah.

Some have called the show trash.  Maybe they're right, but I don't mind. Some have called it blasphemous.  I guess it is, except the whole thing is so over the top it's hard to be offended.  Overall, though they overdo it, the show has been fun.  Dominic Cooper is fine in the title role, as is Ruth Negga as Tulip, but I think Joseph Gilgun as the vampire Cassidy is the most memorable.

Anyway, now that it's ending, if you haven't seen it, wait one more day, then check it out from the beginning.  Don't worry, if it's too much for you, give up.