341 reviews
Preacher has to be one of the hardest shows that I've had to describe in all of my reviews. It was so bizarre that if I tried explaining it to you you probably wouldn't want to watch it. So I won't and you should. The biggest thing I can tell you about this show is that I promise you've never seen anything like it and I promise you'll have a good time watching it. It has plenty of violence, drama, comedy, mystery and thrills to keep just about anyone entertained. If you didn't watch this while it was on that's actually an advantage for you because this show is definitely better watched as a binge instead of waiting week to week and then months between seasons. It's not going to be on anyone's best ever list but it's still definitely worth the time to watch.
Preacher is such a weird and original show that I had a great time watching when it was on. It was based off a comic book of the same name. It's about a one time outlaw named Jesse Custer (Dominic Cooper) who returns to his home in Texas to become the new Preacher in his dad's old church. Once there he gains a power that will change his life forever. From there things get weird and after his town is destroyed he goes on a mission with his ex-girlfriend Tulip (Ruth Nega) and his Irish vagabond vampire friend Cassidy (Joe Gilgun) to go and find God, who left heaven to come to earth and live among us. I told you...weird. But it was such a fun show.
- Supermanfan-13
- Jan 5, 2025
- Permalink
I hadn't even heard of the Preacher comic books (or graphic novels if you wanna be that person) but I also never heard of the Walking Dead before the show and now that turned into a phenomenon. This didn't quite become a major hit but AMC managed to pick another gem out of a pile of more obscure source material and execute it while looking polished but not selling out to appease a wider audience. I guess you're able to have a little more leeway when you're backed by the likes of Seth Rogan (one of the shows producers and he's been hitting some homers too with his comic book choices)
The story revolves around a former crook turned preacher who through a series of unfortunate events came across a rather dangerous power that was "misplaced" by heaven and now has an assortment of kooky characters trying to get it back while he stubbornly refuses to return it unless he speaks to God himself who is apparently missing. This is a really great unique concept. It reminds me of Constantine not only in it's way of playing with the christianity mythos but in its antihero main character. Actually all the characters in this show are quite flawed and can in no way be called a hero in a conventional way; another reason I really like this show. The characters are unique and memorable and very well-cast. Some characters that really stand out though are of course the vampire and the bald German man. Very great. The writing is also quite good of course. Lots of wit, nothing extremely deep but it's fun for fun's sake with some really nice twists and blood-splattering bangs (trust me there's no lack of gory violence and outlandish lude humor). It doesn't really try to woo you with any of its sets or effects though it looks pretty but don't go expecting any epic thunderbolts or larger than life hellscapes. It focuses more on the story than on it's visuals. The characters end up tripping up on their own flaws almost too much. I would've been a little excessive if it kept on going the way that they did. 'Glad they reached a pretty gratifying conclusion and not left it with an ambitious "to be continued" though I gotta say they really seemed to stuff that last season with as much lewdness (is that a word?) as they could get away with. They knew it was going to be the end so they almost made another "This is the End". All in all a fun twisted dark fantasy without Kanye West. 7.72/10.
- diegy-fuentes
- Nov 5, 2024
- Permalink
Let me start this review by stating that I've never read the comic books, so I can't testify as to whether or not this crazy, grotesque, violent and hilarious new AMC fantasy series is a faithful adaptation of the source material. But what I can tell you as an avid fantasy and horror fan is that the pilot left me with an immediate urge to watch the next episode.
Just so you know, this review won't contain anything story related, so if you want to learn what the show is about, read the IMDb synopsis or go to Wikipedia. I believe most films and TV-shows are enjoyed best without knowing anything other than maybe the genre, cast or filmmaker (plus, personally, I like to know about as many aspects as I can about the actual quality of the filmmaking itself). Oh, but maybe this: don't get frustrated if you don't immediately understand just what the heck is going on. The pilot introduces several key characters and important story elements by jumping around quite a bit and throwing you directly into the action, but we're clearly not meant to know and understand everything right from the start. So relax, be patient and have a little faith in showrunner Sam Catlin; the dude co-produced (or co-executive produced) 55 episodes of 'Breaking Bad', 10 of which he wrote, so he should know a little something about storytelling.
What becomes immediately evident in 'Preacher' is that the casting of the title role was a stroke of genius: Dominic Cooper ('The Devil's Double', 'Captain America: The First Avenger') makes for a fantastic lead. His charismatic but nuanced performance as conflicted preacher Jesse Custer was enough to convince me after only one episode that he will be able to carry this series. It's always a balancing act to portray this kind of character with just enough vulnerability to make him appear relatable and human but still have him come across as larger than life, and judging by what I've seen so far, Cooper manages to pull it off perfectly.
I'd say the cast in general is very solid, but the two actors that need to be mentioned most apart from Cooper's preacher are Ruth Negga in the role of Tulip and Joseph Gilgun who plays Cassidy. Both are wicked fun to watch (and obviously they're relishing their parts) and both have completely bonkers introduction scenes for their respective characters that will give audiences a taste of just what kind of crazy, ultra-violent mayhem we're in for with this new show.
Now just to get this straight: there are darkly comic moments abound in 'Preacher' but it is not a black comedy - nor is it as over the top as, say, 'Ash vs the Evil Dead' (despite being pretty over the top at times). Fans of the show's creators, Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, would be well-advised not to expect a similar tone in 'Preacher' as in some of the duo's previous works like 'This Is the End' or 'The Interview'. What we have here is probably best described as "dark fantasy" and while it IS peppered with a large dose of dark comedy, I'm pretty sure there will also be some rather unfunny shît down the road for this preacher to deal with.
As for the production values, the visuals (and the visual effects) in general look very nice and the sets convincing; the southern locations have a "lived-in" and appropriately run-down look and the whole small-town, Texan atmosphere is tangible. The cinematography was expertly done (the pilot's DoP was none other than The Matrix' Bill Pope) and the soundtrack is even downright fantastic (if you can appreciate southern songs from the likes of Johnny Cash, that is). The one thing that didn't always work for me was the pacing/editing and the way certain scenes were established, but a slightly uneven rhythm is not uncommon for pilot episodes, so I'm not worried yet.
My overall verdict: 'Preacher' is a show that doesn't try for a second to cater to a mainstream audience; it offers a unique blend of pulp elements and dark fantasy for genre fans who most likely won't have the slightest problem digesting the hefty mix of drama, horror, gory violence and humor. Needless to say, I'm totally on board (and I can't wait for the next sermon). My provisional rating: 8 stars out of 10.
Favorite films: http://www.IMDb.com/list/mkjOKvqlSBs/
Lesser-known Masterpieces: http://www.imdb.com/list/ls070242495/
Favorite Low-Budget and B-movies: http://www.imdb.com/list/ls054808375/
Favorite TV-Shows reviewed: http://www.imdb.com/list/ls075552387/
Just so you know, this review won't contain anything story related, so if you want to learn what the show is about, read the IMDb synopsis or go to Wikipedia. I believe most films and TV-shows are enjoyed best without knowing anything other than maybe the genre, cast or filmmaker (plus, personally, I like to know about as many aspects as I can about the actual quality of the filmmaking itself). Oh, but maybe this: don't get frustrated if you don't immediately understand just what the heck is going on. The pilot introduces several key characters and important story elements by jumping around quite a bit and throwing you directly into the action, but we're clearly not meant to know and understand everything right from the start. So relax, be patient and have a little faith in showrunner Sam Catlin; the dude co-produced (or co-executive produced) 55 episodes of 'Breaking Bad', 10 of which he wrote, so he should know a little something about storytelling.
What becomes immediately evident in 'Preacher' is that the casting of the title role was a stroke of genius: Dominic Cooper ('The Devil's Double', 'Captain America: The First Avenger') makes for a fantastic lead. His charismatic but nuanced performance as conflicted preacher Jesse Custer was enough to convince me after only one episode that he will be able to carry this series. It's always a balancing act to portray this kind of character with just enough vulnerability to make him appear relatable and human but still have him come across as larger than life, and judging by what I've seen so far, Cooper manages to pull it off perfectly.
I'd say the cast in general is very solid, but the two actors that need to be mentioned most apart from Cooper's preacher are Ruth Negga in the role of Tulip and Joseph Gilgun who plays Cassidy. Both are wicked fun to watch (and obviously they're relishing their parts) and both have completely bonkers introduction scenes for their respective characters that will give audiences a taste of just what kind of crazy, ultra-violent mayhem we're in for with this new show.
Now just to get this straight: there are darkly comic moments abound in 'Preacher' but it is not a black comedy - nor is it as over the top as, say, 'Ash vs the Evil Dead' (despite being pretty over the top at times). Fans of the show's creators, Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, would be well-advised not to expect a similar tone in 'Preacher' as in some of the duo's previous works like 'This Is the End' or 'The Interview'. What we have here is probably best described as "dark fantasy" and while it IS peppered with a large dose of dark comedy, I'm pretty sure there will also be some rather unfunny shît down the road for this preacher to deal with.
As for the production values, the visuals (and the visual effects) in general look very nice and the sets convincing; the southern locations have a "lived-in" and appropriately run-down look and the whole small-town, Texan atmosphere is tangible. The cinematography was expertly done (the pilot's DoP was none other than The Matrix' Bill Pope) and the soundtrack is even downright fantastic (if you can appreciate southern songs from the likes of Johnny Cash, that is). The one thing that didn't always work for me was the pacing/editing and the way certain scenes were established, but a slightly uneven rhythm is not uncommon for pilot episodes, so I'm not worried yet.
My overall verdict: 'Preacher' is a show that doesn't try for a second to cater to a mainstream audience; it offers a unique blend of pulp elements and dark fantasy for genre fans who most likely won't have the slightest problem digesting the hefty mix of drama, horror, gory violence and humor. Needless to say, I'm totally on board (and I can't wait for the next sermon). My provisional rating: 8 stars out of 10.
Favorite films: http://www.IMDb.com/list/mkjOKvqlSBs/
Lesser-known Masterpieces: http://www.imdb.com/list/ls070242495/
Favorite Low-Budget and B-movies: http://www.imdb.com/list/ls054808375/
Favorite TV-Shows reviewed: http://www.imdb.com/list/ls075552387/
- gogoschka-1
- May 22, 2016
- Permalink
I can't believe how unique, fun, smart, dramatic and insane this show is. The twists are as unique as the characters...
This show is definitely binge worthy...
Thank you creators, actors, writers, and everyone else involved in this show.
- kipmcmillan
- Oct 21, 2018
- Permalink
- classicsoncall
- Oct 15, 2024
- Permalink
It isn't for the faint of heart nor was it intended. I've watched all 327 episodes of Supernatural, more than once, and every episode of Preacher as they aired. I recently revisited every episode of Preacher in 2024 and I must say, wow the acting and cinematography is 2nd to...it's hard to compare. The 2nd unit knew the playbook on every location as well. I don't consider myself a huge critic but I do know what I like and Preacher hooked me in again because the acting by the main 3 and how the cameramen captured the vast spaces to closed in fight scenes with zero cuts. If you know, you know. It tiptoes on some, if not a lot of Christian beliefs, yet it brings you right back into the good left in the world. Major gore scenes all the way to the good in people, some of those gore scenes are performed by you guessed it, the good guys.
- billyllewis
- Aug 28, 2024
- Permalink
I had given it a 9 for seasons 1-3, but had to take at least 2 points away due to season 4 abysmal implosion. For the most part, Preacher was entertainingly engaging, especially for those of us who were raised in Catholicism, which eventually led to many of us ultimately rejecting all of its utter hypocrisy (eg: L. A. Diocese $1.5 Billion payouts), leading many of us into atheism. How can an insecure God create such a miserable existence, especially for children, while actually endorsing slavery?
Preacher is without a doubt intentionally cynical, yet hold's truths.
Unfortunately, I'm not sure what happened to this production by the time it hit season 4, as it literally became so juvenile, so utterly absurdly ludicrously unrelatable, with its way, way, way over the top violence, as simple filler fodder, I found myself scrubbing through much of the final season. I'm by no means a prude, but whomever thought this would bring appropriate closure to the series, couldn't have been more wrong.
Watch and enjoy season 1-3, but don't feel bad about scrubbing through season 4 just to find out how it ends.
Preacher is without a doubt intentionally cynical, yet hold's truths.
Unfortunately, I'm not sure what happened to this production by the time it hit season 4, as it literally became so juvenile, so utterly absurdly ludicrously unrelatable, with its way, way, way over the top violence, as simple filler fodder, I found myself scrubbing through much of the final season. I'm by no means a prude, but whomever thought this would bring appropriate closure to the series, couldn't have been more wrong.
Watch and enjoy season 1-3, but don't feel bad about scrubbing through season 4 just to find out how it ends.
I'm a 64-year old woman who has never read a comic book in my life. I'm always looking for something new and interesting within the supernatural and thriller genres, came across Preacher on Netflix and have been bin-watching every chance I've had! The characters are well-developed with inter-woven back stories that define their motivations, explain their actions, and justify their purpose in the plot. The cinematography, set design, and costuming exceed expectations, and the soundtrack is superb as I'm a huge fan of Johnny Cash. While the editing is infrequently choppy, I understand this was originally a commercial program. This genre has gained a new fan!
- soulofthesea
- Sep 21, 2024
- Permalink
Not yet read Preacher, but I was a little aware of the concept before starting this adaptation. It was mostly the stars that encouraged me to watch, as I'm a big fan of all three leads, particularly Joseph Gilgun and I'm overall I'm happy I did, as I liked (but perhaps didn't love) this series.
Jesse Custer (Dominic Cooper) is a former criminal who has returned to his hometown to become their Preacher - as his father once was. Attendances are dwindling and Jesse is unsure of his place in the world, then he receives what he believes is a divine gift. When he speaks, those who hear are forced to act on it, regardless of what it is. With his church on the up, he reconnects with Tulip (Ruth Negga) a childhood friend who has a mission of revenge for them both to begin and meets Cassidy (Joseph Gilgun) an Irish Vampire just looking for a good time.
The first season is a funny, daring adult fantasy with wonderful central performances from its three leads and able support from the likes of Jackie Earle Haley, W Earl Brown, Lucy Griffiths and Derek Wilson. It ends at a point that I was really excited to see where it would go, but from there the show repeatedly splits up its three central characters and the second season is a step or two down in quality from the first. The third is better, but repeats the trick of splitting up the leads and introduces an element of repetition into the story line, as does the fourth. The later seasons rely on this bond between the three but the bonds between them is really something that we're more told about, than seeing exist.
One other slight issue, now it feels like it's another aspect of the very busy "adult fantasy" market. "The Boys", "American Gods", "Legion", "Good Omens" have all come subsequently and all (to some extent) cover similar ground.
I don't want to give the impression that it's bad, at any point, but aside from the first season it's just a bit too peripatetic and repetitive for its own good.
Jesse Custer (Dominic Cooper) is a former criminal who has returned to his hometown to become their Preacher - as his father once was. Attendances are dwindling and Jesse is unsure of his place in the world, then he receives what he believes is a divine gift. When he speaks, those who hear are forced to act on it, regardless of what it is. With his church on the up, he reconnects with Tulip (Ruth Negga) a childhood friend who has a mission of revenge for them both to begin and meets Cassidy (Joseph Gilgun) an Irish Vampire just looking for a good time.
The first season is a funny, daring adult fantasy with wonderful central performances from its three leads and able support from the likes of Jackie Earle Haley, W Earl Brown, Lucy Griffiths and Derek Wilson. It ends at a point that I was really excited to see where it would go, but from there the show repeatedly splits up its three central characters and the second season is a step or two down in quality from the first. The third is better, but repeats the trick of splitting up the leads and introduces an element of repetition into the story line, as does the fourth. The later seasons rely on this bond between the three but the bonds between them is really something that we're more told about, than seeing exist.
One other slight issue, now it feels like it's another aspect of the very busy "adult fantasy" market. "The Boys", "American Gods", "Legion", "Good Omens" have all come subsequently and all (to some extent) cover similar ground.
I don't want to give the impression that it's bad, at any point, but aside from the first season it's just a bit too peripatetic and repetitive for its own good.
- southdavid
- Jul 23, 2020
- Permalink
I worked in a comic shop after decades of X-Men Comics. I read a few of the Preacher comics but a friend/co-worker of mine was far more into them. When I realized that this was a Series, I purchased each season on blu ray. As someone who has been a "comic book geek" long before the term was cool, I can tell you that as an adaptation, Preacher was almost perfect! Far beyond any Marvel or DC movie. Try to prove me wrong but there are very few comic based adaptations I have seen that fit more than Preacher. The casting is as near to perfection as you can get. Cooper and Gilgun (especially) are perfect. Ruth Negga as Tulip is physically against the comic but Ruth is definitely a perfect Tulip! The casting is PERFECT!! The plots are pretty awesome! Great job!!
- dorerd-795-128015
- Oct 9, 2024
- Permalink
- Leofwine_draca
- Jul 4, 2017
- Permalink
First season was kinda good and clearly working out the kinks. Second, third, and forth season, (including the finale,) felt like it was written by a seven grader who started a paragraph and didn't know how to finish it.
Ignore the bad reviews here. . .go watch this for yourself and come up with your own opinion. Some of the reviewers here obviously got triggered by the content of the show. . . yeah it's not for everyone but if you're a fan of the genre, it's terrific. Kind of feels like it has a Quentin Tarantino feel to it mixed with the bravado of characters from Evil Dead / Army of Darkness . . .Rogan's own feel to it. I love all the characters, even the antagonists - Satan, the All-Father, Killer of Saints, Jody, Hilter, Herr Starr, and the rest of the gang are all really well done. Non stop laughs and has kept on getting better in season 3. Has been a fun romp and looking forward to more episodes.
- jonathancley
- Aug 19, 2018
- Permalink
Many people have criticised the show, some based on religious "blasphemy" and some on the fact that it isn't true to the comic. However, SEE beyond the face value. It's not about revenge, it's not about Justice. It's not about religion or atheism. It's about letting go. Surrendering to what you can't control. Humanity. Duality. Our light side and our dark side. There is a much deeper message embedded in this TV show. These writers have done their homework. They get it (as with many other writers). See past your ego for once and see the Universal Truth hidden within.
Very rarely does a TV show - especially a pilot - surprise me as much as this one did, several times. This action-packed debut has some wonderful twists and turns and unexpected events and I strongly recommend you don't watch trailers or teasers or read spoilers before watching it. I also recommend you pay attention to things that are going on in the background like TV newscasts and sign boards. There are some gems there!!! Its so refreshing to encounter a pilot to a TV show that packs such a punch. No slow, drawn out introduction here.
I also rarely laugh out loud watching TV shows, most "sit coms" & comedies leave me cold. But this show drew several delighted full throttle laughs from me. It's nasty, it's dark,it's suspenseful, it's bizarre, at times it's shocking and it's hilarious. Yes it has some blood & guts in it, but always in context and with a purpose. It's not gratuitous or only there for shock value like, for example, American Horror Story. It's part of the plot. Also, this is the pilot, it's telling a story of how something began & gathering some threads together. Of course it won't be coherent yet. Don't go in expecting it to be like everything else on TV, it just isn't. It's not like the other DC/Marvel shows either. It's a thing unto itself and I absolutely adored it.
It has fascinating characters, wonderful setting, great snappy dialogue (particularly from a character called Tulip) and some truly strange moments like the cow noises in the background of a certain scene and the character, Eugene. I also really liked the cinematography & editing - there are some clear nods to some of the greats of horror and thriller directors that all you movie buffs out there will recognise. Not a frame of this pilot was wasted or dead air. The kind of tight, focused editing and directing I love. I was so impressed with this I watched it again immediately after the first viewing. I can honestly say I've never done that before with any TV show.
And all this in less than an hour.
There are some very odd negative reviews here but I think they're from people who just don't understand what they were watching and/or it all went right over their heads. It does jump around a little , but unlike a certain other show, this one guides you through it's jumps with deliberately obvious & slightly amusing titles like 'Back in Africa" or "not that long ago". I saw someone upset because it's not like Supernatural. LOL It's not supposed to be! Why be angry at the show for not being like some arbitrarily show you chose to think it would be like? It's not their fault! This show is more like The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy than Supernatural - although don't be misled by that description either! As I said, it's a breed apart.
I can't remember who said this but it's always stuck in my head: you can tell what a book or movie etc will be like within the first 5 minutes - because that sets the tone. And if that's true then we are in for one hell of a good time with this series.
I can't recommend this enough.
I also rarely laugh out loud watching TV shows, most "sit coms" & comedies leave me cold. But this show drew several delighted full throttle laughs from me. It's nasty, it's dark,it's suspenseful, it's bizarre, at times it's shocking and it's hilarious. Yes it has some blood & guts in it, but always in context and with a purpose. It's not gratuitous or only there for shock value like, for example, American Horror Story. It's part of the plot. Also, this is the pilot, it's telling a story of how something began & gathering some threads together. Of course it won't be coherent yet. Don't go in expecting it to be like everything else on TV, it just isn't. It's not like the other DC/Marvel shows either. It's a thing unto itself and I absolutely adored it.
It has fascinating characters, wonderful setting, great snappy dialogue (particularly from a character called Tulip) and some truly strange moments like the cow noises in the background of a certain scene and the character, Eugene. I also really liked the cinematography & editing - there are some clear nods to some of the greats of horror and thriller directors that all you movie buffs out there will recognise. Not a frame of this pilot was wasted or dead air. The kind of tight, focused editing and directing I love. I was so impressed with this I watched it again immediately after the first viewing. I can honestly say I've never done that before with any TV show.
And all this in less than an hour.
There are some very odd negative reviews here but I think they're from people who just don't understand what they were watching and/or it all went right over their heads. It does jump around a little , but unlike a certain other show, this one guides you through it's jumps with deliberately obvious & slightly amusing titles like 'Back in Africa" or "not that long ago". I saw someone upset because it's not like Supernatural. LOL It's not supposed to be! Why be angry at the show for not being like some arbitrarily show you chose to think it would be like? It's not their fault! This show is more like The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy than Supernatural - although don't be misled by that description either! As I said, it's a breed apart.
I can't remember who said this but it's always stuck in my head: you can tell what a book or movie etc will be like within the first 5 minutes - because that sets the tone. And if that's true then we are in for one hell of a good time with this series.
I can't recommend this enough.
- daggersineyes
- May 26, 2016
- Permalink
First of all, i love the Preacher comic book. When i heard a TV show is coming, i thought that they will not be able to pull off the madness, the pacing, the characters etc, so, they will change many things. I was angry at first, then slowly i started to get used to the idea that i will not see a page by page adaptation, but a more loose one. Then, the pilot came. Boom. I can write a million things about the changes they made, which ones i think work and which don't, but it doesn't matter that much. I can write about how good Cassidy, Jesse and Tulip were on the TV show (they were great), but it doesn't matter to me that much either. The pilot was a pretty good episode on its own, fun, crazy, fast, intriguing, with good characters and a great cast, cool music, nice photography and direction, good writing etc. However, what truly matters to me, is that the love of the creators for the source material(the comic book, duh), was apparent everywhere and all the time. The pilot was made of love. They seem to know the comic book, to understand and love it, and to really want to make this adaptation work. Judging from the pilot, they did.
- vasilistats
- May 28, 2016
- Permalink
At last, it's happening. Preacher. They're finally going live action with one of the weirdest, strangest, most imaginative works of fiction - in any genre or format - I've ever encountered.
The good, in order: Dominic Cooper, as Jesse Custer, titular Preacher. He's managing to wear the role, something that very few actors could pull off. Ruth Negga, doing a better Tulip than the one in the comics (and that is saying something). Joseph Gilgun, whose turn as Cassidy is spot-on, truly the comics brought to life.
The sets, the costumes, the effects, the support acting are all first class too. The direction is nicely understated; they keep shots simple, with lots of use of nicely framed setups.
The humour is occasionally outright hilarious. Unfortunately there isn't nearly enough of it, and that's where the bad times start.
They've made some big mistakes with this series. Now, this is not just a fan of the comics talking... they've been putting minor characters and minor plot lines through the blender. Yes, initially I found this profoundly offensive, and it took some work to get past it. Someone who hadn't read the comics wouldn't notice the changes. The trouble is, they don't improve things.
Presumably this chop and change was done in an attempt to create workable TV. I think it was a strategic mistake, a case of missing the wood for the trees. The best thing about Preacher, hands down, was Garth Ennis' hyperactive imagination. Anything went, and frequently did. The original story was absolutely mental. Catlin, Goldberg and Rogen do the best they can (and they're no lightweights) but the goings-on in the TV series are a pale shadow of the fun and games in the comics.
The second major mistake was to make it sexually safe. The comics had every kind of oddball, weirdo, creep, and flat-out pervert imaginable. It was messed up. Sometimes it was shocking, and not in a good way either. Mostly, though, it was cry-while-reading hilarious, not least because the characters came across as real people. Not so the TV series. This is Preacher as overseen by studio execs and marketing teams, watered down to appeal to middle America, or at least to not incite too much hate mail. It is, frankly, tame.
There are the usual TV series problems - bogging down in one location (they spend way too long in Annville), throwing hooks in simply for the sake of luring the audience further along, undeveloped characters and plot lines - but that's just me picking threads at this point.
It's OK. Honest. It was diverting enough that I finished the whole first series, despite everything. It's just that it could have been great and it isn't.
The good, in order: Dominic Cooper, as Jesse Custer, titular Preacher. He's managing to wear the role, something that very few actors could pull off. Ruth Negga, doing a better Tulip than the one in the comics (and that is saying something). Joseph Gilgun, whose turn as Cassidy is spot-on, truly the comics brought to life.
The sets, the costumes, the effects, the support acting are all first class too. The direction is nicely understated; they keep shots simple, with lots of use of nicely framed setups.
The humour is occasionally outright hilarious. Unfortunately there isn't nearly enough of it, and that's where the bad times start.
They've made some big mistakes with this series. Now, this is not just a fan of the comics talking... they've been putting minor characters and minor plot lines through the blender. Yes, initially I found this profoundly offensive, and it took some work to get past it. Someone who hadn't read the comics wouldn't notice the changes. The trouble is, they don't improve things.
Presumably this chop and change was done in an attempt to create workable TV. I think it was a strategic mistake, a case of missing the wood for the trees. The best thing about Preacher, hands down, was Garth Ennis' hyperactive imagination. Anything went, and frequently did. The original story was absolutely mental. Catlin, Goldberg and Rogen do the best they can (and they're no lightweights) but the goings-on in the TV series are a pale shadow of the fun and games in the comics.
The second major mistake was to make it sexually safe. The comics had every kind of oddball, weirdo, creep, and flat-out pervert imaginable. It was messed up. Sometimes it was shocking, and not in a good way either. Mostly, though, it was cry-while-reading hilarious, not least because the characters came across as real people. Not so the TV series. This is Preacher as overseen by studio execs and marketing teams, watered down to appeal to middle America, or at least to not incite too much hate mail. It is, frankly, tame.
There are the usual TV series problems - bogging down in one location (they spend way too long in Annville), throwing hooks in simply for the sake of luring the audience further along, undeveloped characters and plot lines - but that's just me picking threads at this point.
It's OK. Honest. It was diverting enough that I finished the whole first series, despite everything. It's just that it could have been great and it isn't.
- hamish-25851
- Apr 17, 2017
- Permalink
Yes it is.
Preacher is the Seth Rogen/Evan Goldberg TV adaptation of the same, developed by AMC. When I heard about the project, I wondered if AMC would be able to handle the balls to wall, r-rated nature of the comic, and it appears they can.
Preacher takes place in Annville, Texas and follows Jesse Custer, the quintessential "man with a past". Presumably on the road for years, Jesse has returned to Annville to follow in his fathers footsteps as the small town Preacher.
The showed is steeped in brooding, Americana darkness, but also contains a funny side, just like the source material.
The pilot episode blew me away.
Quite simply, this appears to be one of the best new shows on television and will hopefully have a long life on AMC.
Preacher is the Seth Rogen/Evan Goldberg TV adaptation of the same, developed by AMC. When I heard about the project, I wondered if AMC would be able to handle the balls to wall, r-rated nature of the comic, and it appears they can.
Preacher takes place in Annville, Texas and follows Jesse Custer, the quintessential "man with a past". Presumably on the road for years, Jesse has returned to Annville to follow in his fathers footsteps as the small town Preacher.
The showed is steeped in brooding, Americana darkness, but also contains a funny side, just like the source material.
The pilot episode blew me away.
Quite simply, this appears to be one of the best new shows on television and will hopefully have a long life on AMC.
- Nixon_Carmichael
- May 22, 2016
- Permalink
In 1980 a very odd and one-of-a-kind film was released from Africa (of all places) entitled The Gods Must Be Crazy. It violated almost every narrative standard for semi-serious. semi-comic, stories of the day.
The action was non-linear, captions came and went, locales jumped around, characters appeared and disappeared, some actors seemed to be camping the whole thing up and others seemed to be taking their roles much too seriously -- and generally the film was an international hit and a great time was had by all.
My first thought on watching the opener for Preacher is that Rogan must have seen The Gods Must Be Crazy too many times, but then I remembered he was born two years after it was made, so that theory went nowhere.
In any case, whatever work may have "influenced" Seth to pick this up and run with it (Hitchikers Guide to the Galaxy would be my second guess) he did indeed pick it up and he did indeed run with it.
It is quirky, clever, fast-moving, confusing, and massively over-written.
In short, not for everyone. (Which may possibly explain the highly polarized reviews.)
At the end of the day, I suspect history will record that this was Rogan's way of breaking out of the "actor" role that Hollywood has pinned him to, and showing that he indeed has other talents.
I predict we will be seeing other unique projects from Rogan down the road. In this context, whether Preacher survives its first season, or not, is really entirely beside the point.
The action was non-linear, captions came and went, locales jumped around, characters appeared and disappeared, some actors seemed to be camping the whole thing up and others seemed to be taking their roles much too seriously -- and generally the film was an international hit and a great time was had by all.
My first thought on watching the opener for Preacher is that Rogan must have seen The Gods Must Be Crazy too many times, but then I remembered he was born two years after it was made, so that theory went nowhere.
In any case, whatever work may have "influenced" Seth to pick this up and run with it (Hitchikers Guide to the Galaxy would be my second guess) he did indeed pick it up and he did indeed run with it.
It is quirky, clever, fast-moving, confusing, and massively over-written.
In short, not for everyone. (Which may possibly explain the highly polarized reviews.)
At the end of the day, I suspect history will record that this was Rogan's way of breaking out of the "actor" role that Hollywood has pinned him to, and showing that he indeed has other talents.
I predict we will be seeing other unique projects from Rogan down the road. In this context, whether Preacher survives its first season, or not, is really entirely beside the point.
- A_Different_Drummer
- May 23, 2016
- Permalink
Gets better the further in you go.
Casting is excellent, each character owns their role.
goes places you wouldn't expect, surreal and funny endings.
The visuals are nicely done. sharp photography.
The actors who play the lead roles, and supporting cast, fit well into their characters. Enjoyable and entertaining to watch.
This show won't be for everyone. Some may be put off by the fresh edge of Preacher. It's darker and different.
Casting is excellent, each character owns their role.
goes places you wouldn't expect, surreal and funny endings.
The visuals are nicely done. sharp photography.
The actors who play the lead roles, and supporting cast, fit well into their characters. Enjoyable and entertaining to watch.
This show won't be for everyone. Some may be put off by the fresh edge of Preacher. It's darker and different.
- randomStuff101
- Jul 22, 2018
- Permalink
Jesse Custer (Dominic Cooper) is the weary preacher at the All Saints Congregational in the small town of Annville, Texas. He is possessed by a presence and gains special powers. Tulip O'Hare (Ruth Negga) is his lifelong ex. Single mom Emily Woodrow (Lucy Griffiths) is his loyal supporter. He is befriended by new arrival Irish vampire Cassidy (Joseph Gilgun). Eugene Root (Ian Colletti), the sheriff's son, is known as Arseface after a gun shot incident. The town blows up. They go on a road trip. There is a supernatural killer, a sleazy supervillain, secret society, Hitler, God, and even a defective Jesus.
Seth Rogen and his friend Evan Goldberg help created this show based on the comic book. There was a bit of hype and the show has a promising start. It has three great leads with very engaging actors. It has some weird sh14. It's fun. The premise is a bit rambling and quite frankly, it borders on being a mess. The second season has the trio going on the road after blowing up the town. It's almost a metaphor for blowing up the show to start anew. Sadly, the act of blowing up only made the mess messier. The story's rambling rambles even more. The search for God is rather nebulous without God being a regular character. Also what's up with Lucy Griffiths? She seems to get roles but she never seems to stick. This project is flawed from the start. Despite the compelling characters, the show struggles to have a specific structure or goal. It starts with some promise but it degenerates into a road trip to nowhere.
Seth Rogen and his friend Evan Goldberg help created this show based on the comic book. There was a bit of hype and the show has a promising start. It has three great leads with very engaging actors. It has some weird sh14. It's fun. The premise is a bit rambling and quite frankly, it borders on being a mess. The second season has the trio going on the road after blowing up the town. It's almost a metaphor for blowing up the show to start anew. Sadly, the act of blowing up only made the mess messier. The story's rambling rambles even more. The search for God is rather nebulous without God being a regular character. Also what's up with Lucy Griffiths? She seems to get roles but she never seems to stick. This project is flawed from the start. Despite the compelling characters, the show struggles to have a specific structure or goal. It starts with some promise but it degenerates into a road trip to nowhere.
- SnoopyStyle
- Sep 27, 2019
- Permalink
Question: how did they manage to enlist Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon as producers and still deviate so much from the source material that it's become a completely different story altogether? The characters' names are the same and some of their traits as well, but their overall personalities are hopelessly divergent. Not that it would matter too much if the TV show had managed to be entertaining in its own right, but that's the rub here, isn't it? The writing is simply a hot mess, with characters and story lines thrown in randomly and huge pacing problems. For instance, how are people who haven't read the comics supposed to make any sense of the Wild West flashbacks sprinkled in every now and then? Their inclusion makes zero sense. But generally all the characters behave unnaturally, they contradict themselves and the fact that som eof them are angels, or vampires, or any other odd creature is poorly explained and poorly used.
The graphic novel shows Jesse, Tulip and Cassidy on a number of wild adventures, all with one central plot line: Jesse's "mission". Here, for reasons that can only be budgetary, the adventure is instead sadly confined to one somnolent old town. But if they couldn't afford the grandiosity of the graphic novel, why do a TV based on it in the first place? And altering every single character so emphatically in the process no less.
The graphic novel shows Jesse, Tulip and Cassidy on a number of wild adventures, all with one central plot line: Jesse's "mission". Here, for reasons that can only be budgetary, the adventure is instead sadly confined to one somnolent old town. But if they couldn't afford the grandiosity of the graphic novel, why do a TV based on it in the first place? And altering every single character so emphatically in the process no less.
I have very much liked all the whole thing but started slow and wasn't weird enough for me. However season three is brilliant the best season by far.
Vampires, witches, gods, suits, all thrown in s**t for a healthy mix of trouble
- lenny-22959
- Aug 8, 2018
- Permalink