'American Gods' Recap: 'A Murder of Gods'

Written by John Edward Betancourt

THIS IS THE EMERGENCY SPOILER ALERT SYSTEM...YOU ARE ADVISED TO READ AT YOUR OWN RISK...

Over the course of five episodes, ​American Gods has explored some fascinating elements of the human condition. It's looked at the need to have purpose and belief in life and it's done a wonderful job exploring our fear of death and the need to be wanted and loved in life by way of the colorful characters that populate this majestic landscape. 

Yet despite how wonderful it has been to see this show dig into such powerful ideas, it seemed for a moment there that the show was shifting gears, since last week's episode went lighter on the philosophy and heavier on the action as Wednesday and his nemesis, Mr. World met face to face at last. But as it turns out, that change in design was but a quick break from our weekly philosophy lesson since 'A Murder of Gods' went to some deeply philosophical territory, focusing on how some folks are unable to let go of the past, while at the same time digging deep on the notion of faith; specifically what it means to some and the dangers that can come with it.

The whole matter of hanging on to the past was explored, for the most part, by way of Laura Moon, who finds herself alone and without a ride since she misses reuniting with Shadow and Wednesday by literal seconds at the hotel. Granted, Wednesday had a hand in making sure she's left behind, but that little slight quickly became immaterial to the plot since a quick reunion with Sweeney and an introduction of these two characters to Salim helps put together a plan for Sweeney, wherein he will take her to Kentucky to meet one of the many Jesus Christs that Wednesday made mention of ages ago in order to give Laura resurrection and get Sweeney his coin back. But alas, Laura makes sure that the gang make a quick detour to Indiana where she once more immerses herself in the life she left behind. It's something that Sweeney is quick to chide her for, letting her know that Shadow and everything she's reminiscing over is from a life that is irretrievable, but that doesn't stop Laura from taking in the sights of familiar haunts one more time, and getting one last look at her family before leaving for Kentucky; and while it seems as though she's clear and free of that former life, it's clearly still on her mind as they hit the road again.

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As for the other character who helped explore the allure of the past, well that honor fell to Shadow. Who found himself confused over the whole matter of his wife's resurrection to the point where Wednesday called him out on it to try and get him to focus on the task at hand, because there truly were more pressing matters before them which made Shadow's exploration of this matter, brief and broken and that was what I truly appreciated about this entire plot thread, the fact that this episode offered no easy answers on the whole matter. It never let us know if holding on to the past is good or bad, just that it happens and that it can hold us back and I appreciate the fact that it didn't decide to spoon feed us an answer on the matter. Besides, this episode did have bigger fish to fry, since as I mentioned before, faith was another focus of this episode and this story offered us quite the commentary on that.

All of that came by way of a place known as Vulcan, Virginia, where we met the God of the Volcano who had discovered a way to adapt to the changes coming to his world...by integrating himself into it, in genius fashion. Vulcan as it turns out, put the power of fire and forge into bullets so that mankind could harness and use his power and well...it was fascinating to see some damning commentary on faith as a whole come out of this storyline. This little vignette spoke to how some put all their faith into just about anything that can bring them comfort, bullets in this case, before moving on to how those who provide that comfort are given undying love and support; followed by the most important lesson of all, that sometimes faith can make people feel invincible. Because Vulcan truly believed he could do anything and be anything and never face the consequences for his arrogant actions. 

But alas, all good things must come to an end and after Vulcan forges a fine weapon for Wednesday, and admits to the fact that he sold the Elder God out, he finally faces the consequences for his arrogance when Wednesday beheads him and well...wow, what a way to wrap up this tale. Up until now we've seen a pretty low key and chill attitude emanating from Wednesday and just like that, he shows his strength and his fury and it's almost as if he knew Vulcan would betray him and this act was necessary but painful for Wednesday since he said goodbye to an old friend, but created a rallying cry for the other Gods when they meet in Wisconsin. Either way, this was truly a brilliant episode and I have to say, I am quite impressed with the fact it was bold enough to fire shots across the bow of religion and faith and even the gun rights debate in America for that matter. But all commentary aside, World and his cronies are still on the hunt for Wednesday and Shadow and that means the tension should be ramping up as we close in on the season one finale. Until next time.

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