Despite the title, this episode is far better than a Louisiana-based unreality show. It does, however, feature the requisite faux horror-movie opening.

Title: “Monster Swamp”

Cast and Crew

Directed by Craig Zisk
Written by Sara Goodman
Adapted from the graphic novel by: Garth Ennis, Steve Dillon

Dominic Cooper as Jesse Custer
Joseph Gilgun as Cassidy
Ruth Negga as Tulip O’Hare
Jackie Earle Haley as Odin Quincannon
Lucy Griffiths as Emily
W. Earl Brown as Hugo Root
Tom Brooke as Fiore
Anatol Yusef as DeBlanc
Ricky Mabe as Miles Person
Nathan Darrow as John Custer
Dominic Ruggieri as Young Jesse
Ashley Aufderheide as Young Tulip
Frances Lee McCain as Mosie
Alex Knight as Clive
Keith Jardine as Verne
Barbie Robertson as Lacey
Catherine as Ms. Oatlash
Luke Gallegos as Tommy
Sarah Minnich as Sindy
Elizabeth Dwyer Sandlin as Heidi
Jodi Lynn Thomas as Pearl
Jack Burning as Sundowner Manager

Premise

A woman dies on Odin Quincannon’s property, and Jesse sees an opportunity to put people into his church. Cassidy’s plan to turn the Preacher’s power to the agents of heaven hits some roadblocks.

We also learn more of Jesse and Tulip’s pasts.

High Points

The brilliant, creepy, twisting opening sequences has been executed cleverly. Even if it feels a little like a cheat—a little like clickbait, really—it does, eventually, bring Tulip and Cassidy together.

Low Points

Individual storylines can be interesting; the overall arc moves at a glacial pace. The attempts by Agents of Heaven to recapture the voice clearly demonstrate the patience of immortals.

The Scores:

Originality: 2/6 We’re watching an adaptation of a highly original piece, which includes some twists of its own. The “Hunting for Bambi” sequence is based on a much-publicized hoax from the early 2000s.

I’m told that the series radically reimagines Tulip’s graphic-novel background.

Effects: 5/6

Acting: 5/6 Joseph Gilgun remains the performer to watch; Jackie Earle Haley brings depth to his over-the-top evil character.

Story: 4/6 The defining moment will be the Preacher’s ambiguous command to Odin; we know this will not work out as planned. We just don’’ know how big a disaster it’s going to be.

Emotional Response: 5/6

Production: 6/6

Overall: 5/6

In total, “Monster Swamp” receives 32/42