IN REVIEW: AMERICAN GODS: SEASON 2 EPISODE 5

Synopsis: Shadow learns the ways of the dead with the help of Mr. Ibis and Mr. Nancy. In New Orleans, Mad Sweeney introduces Laura to old friends who share their world of voodoo healing. Mr. Wednesday embarks on a road trip with Salim and the Jinn.

Review: Things take on an interesting twist as Shadow Moon learns about the dead, while Laura continues to try and find her way back to the living.

The Story

With Wednesday away on a road trip with Jinn and Salim. Shadow is left with Mr. Iblis to learn the lessons of the dead. A process that begins with him dreaming about the lynching of Will James.

Meanwhile, Mr. Wednesday and Jinn try to get Salim to open his mind to the fact that he is limited in his Monotheism while they travel to see the Dwarf Alvis who specializes in creating weapons.

Elsewhere, Mad Sweeney calls in a favor with some friends that know the ways of healing voodoo. A deal is struck and in order to seal it. Laura Moon must give the healer her truth in exchange for a potion that will reanimate her rotting flesh. But there’s a twist.

The Acting

Warren Belle puts in a compelling performance as Will James and the scene that he shares with Shadow Moon in the episode draws interesting and fun parallels to what is happening with Laura Moon in New Orleans.

Also good was Omid Abtahi as the fiercely faithful Salim who is still struggling with the concept that other gods exist.

Overall

This was a big episode in terms of information and set up for storylines to come.

I really liked the exchanges between Salim, Jinn, and Wednesday where they try to shake Salim out of his limited Monotheistic viewpoint. Which is pretty much Wednesday trying to get Salim to worship him.

Also cool was the imagery to do with the ill-fated Will James, which was his head on a stick talking to Shadow Moon. This looked both very disturbing and cool at the same time. It’s no wonder Shadow Moon is completely confused by the lessons he is supposed to be learning. I think most would be.

I also loved the incidental music this week. Particularly the music used during the Will James and Voodoo scenes.

Sadly no new gods this week. I’m patiently waiting for an episode where we get more of their storyline.