The Televangelist: ‘Hell On Wheels’ Season 1, Ep. 2

If the “Hell on Wheels” was a person, I would want to date him.

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  • AMC.com
  • “Well this is a reversal of fortunes”


Perhaps the most striking thing about “Hell on Wheels” is how it feels like a show I’ve been with for a long time. I’m invested with the characters and entrenched within the storyline in a way that doesn’t feel like the stilted jumbling of a brand new show finding its feet. It’s confident and warm, but doesn’t need to spend too much time on explication. This week we met The Swede (twist: he’s Norwegian!) after we were already introduced to a slew of new characters in the Pilot. But somehow the Swede just assimilated seamlessly into the story and into this world whose stakes we already easily understand. What I’m basically trying to say here is that if the “Hell on Wheels” was a person, I would want to date him. And I envision a long and lovely future together!

“Immoral Mathematics” narrowed the scope considerably from the Pilot. It also began converging some of the myriad story lines we were introduced to in week one. Cullen spent most of the episode being falsely accused of murder, working with a nail and plotting some terribly brilliant moves to not only ensure his escape but to keep him working within the camp (so he can complete his vigilante mission, of course). Elam’s role was small but pivotal in establishing Cullen’s moral code for us (as if we had any doubts) as well as setting up an tentative alliance between the two men that, however uneasy, will undoubtedly prove fruitful. Cullen also has a chance encounter with Reverend Cole, who takes no judgements on his crimes but begins with him a dialogue of salvation. Like most vigilantes, Cullen is not looking for spiritual cleansing. He’s looking for his own kind of justice, even if that means there will be hell to pay. The theological sparring between the men is surely far from over, and I’m hoping that the show won’t go the predictable route of cartoonizing the Reverend and his cause. I think it would be more interesting to more realistically explore the nature of faith and redemption among these “lost” men. But hey, maybe that’s just me!