American Gods episode 5: A discussion; Laura Moon reflection
In looking back at the fourth episode of the series, one of the things that is the most striking about it is the pointed reaction of some people who feel as though it was somehow “filler” to drift from Shadow Moon over to the character of his late-but-not-late-anymore character of Laura. The show told the story of the beginnings of her relationship with Shadow, what led to his arrest, the heartache she suffered, but then also the unfaithfulness, the selfishness, and then the resurrection and the unexpected devotion she now feels for him. Laura is a selfish-at-times, incredibly human character, and that is so interesting to say about a member of the undead.
What made this episode of the best hours of television in 2017, by our reckoning, is that within a show that is decorated so much with the abstract, there can still be such a deeply personal, incredibly flawed story that felt complete within a single hour. It was a worthy movie in its own right, and the relationship now between Laura and Shadow Moon is the sequel.
The question that remains, at least for non-readers, is the purpose of Laura Moon’s resurrection. Is she an incontrollable tool of a group of gods, a self-reliant human, or a ticking time bomb? In the minds of Bryan Fuller, Neil Gaiman, and Michael Green, all answers are possible.
Preview Sunday’s episode further
Some may have seen this sneak peek below already, but It remains a poignant, fascinating look through the eyes of Mr. Wednesday. We experience more of who he is through his own sense of confidence and honesty. He knows that the battle between the new gods is coming, but he doesn’t hide from it. He prepares in his own way, whether that be through quiet concentration or careful plotting. Oh, and he does still have Shadow Moon working within his allegiance … at least for now. That may change moving further into the series. All things in life are fluid, and with such a supernatural coating on this season, metamorphosis could be just around the corner.
For a further preview for Sunday’s American Gods, head over to this link. You can also share your thoughts on this preview in the comments. (Photo: Starz.)