This week’s episode of American Gods is a very pivotal turning point for Mr. Wednesday’s (Ian McShane) right-hand woman, Cordelia (Ashey Reyes). Since the season began, Cordelia has been by Wednesday’s side, doing what was asked of her without any questions. But despite being by his side 24/7, Cordelia did not know much about Wednesday, including that he’s actually the god Odin. She didn’t know about Wednesday’s mission to prepare for a battle of Old Gods vs New Gods, or that there were gods running around at all.
But that all changes in “Fire and Ice,” finally. You’d think that Wednesday’s mental break and a dead body falling out of the sky might alert Cordelia that something strange was going on, but it’s not until Wednesday flat-out tells her that she actually learns the truth.
All roads lead to Lakeside
After coming clean about his identity, Wednesday decides Lakeside is the place that Cordelia will be safest. He sends her there while she collects herself, and then redoubles his efforts to reconnect with Shadow (Ricky Whittle).
What I’m trying to gauge with every passing episode of American Gods is where we’re headed with the dynamic between Shadow and Wednesday. It started off strained when the season began, and there’s still some of that lingering. However, Shadow seems to be melting for his dear father, and may even care about his safety, whatever safety means for the Allfather.
Learning the truth about Wednesday is a very jarring moment for Cordelia. I commend Reyes for her performance here; her shock was extremely believable. It felt like we were experiencing it with her.
Commiserating, Shadow reminds her that while it’s a lot to take in, at least she doesn’t have to process it alone, like he did. She has him to walk her through whatever the hell all of this is. It’s astonishing that Cordelia agrees to go back out there with Wednesday when he arrives back in Lakeside, although Shadow tries to convince her to make a different decision. Shadow himself turns Wednesday down.
I’m not sure this is going to end well for Cordelia. Because once you’re in this world, it’s near impossible to get out.
Love is in the air
When not talking Cordelia through her revelation, Shadow spends some downtime with his new lady friend Marguerite (Lela Loren). The two share a romantic ice skating date (briefly interrupted by some freaky visions of the god Ganesha), and an even more romantic afterparty in the hot tub.
It’s nice to see Shadow connect with someone again who doesn’t have the same complications that Laura did/does. There is some genuine chemistry here, and without even realizing it, I think I can see Shadow truly settling down in Lakeside. Of course, his obligations to Wednesday won’t afford him that luxury, but it’s still nice to have a brief moment where it seems possible for him.
Bilquis heads to Chicago
American Gods has finally given Bilquis a storyline where she can discover her true self, and be free. She finds herself in Chicago this week, at a birthday party surrounded by the Orishas. The party is for one of their devout followers, Eugenia (Sharon Hope), who has essentially been around the Orishas her whole life. In fact, she was the midwife during Shadow’s birth!
And speaking of Shadow, there is a huge revelation here when Eugenia shares that Bilquis’ job is to protect Shadow. And even more importantly, help him find his “other,” the person who will complete the equation he is a part of.
We’ve been all over the place when it comes to Bilquis’ purpose on the show, but now it seems like we finally have something solid! I’m excited to see her take on this mission.
A misdirection
The episode ends on an intriguing cliffhanger as Wednesday and Cordelia track down Johan, who was originally played by Marilyn Manson before he was cut out of the season followed a series of sexual abuse allegations. It looks like timing may have been on the show’s side here, because when Wednesday and Cordelia find Johan, he’s dead, his body in shambles, with a note attached. The note says that by the time Odin reads it, “the son you hold most dear” will be with whoever left the note.
And who left the note, you ask?
The scene switches to Lakeside where Tyr (Denis O’Hare) shows up and asks Shadow to go with him as protection. Interestingly, Shadow goes without putting up any fight. Tyr definitely has a vendetta against Wednesday/Odin, all tying back to the love of his life, Demeter (Blythe Danner).
American Gods is living up to the heightened expectations fans had for it going into the third season. There has been lots of character and plot development, and we’re gaining a better understanding of the lore behind Neil Gaiman’s story.
There are no longer just a bunch of random Gods running around with no clear purpose, but rather a clear direction. I finally care where the story is going, and I can’t wait to see how this season wraps all of this up.
Grade: B+
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