American Gods episode 7 preview and synopsis: A Prayer for Mad Sweeney

This week, American Gods episode 7 tells the coming to America story of our favorite leprechaun and an Irish lass named Essie in “A Prayer for Mad Sweeney.”

In A Prayer for Mad Sweeney, American Gods goes back to Ireland to tell how a certain colossal leprechaun ended up in America. Episode 7 is also about Essie McGowan, and how she came to America, twice. Via Starz, here’s the official synopsis:

"Laura turns to an unlikely travel companion to find her way back to life & back to Shadow. Mad Sweeney’s long and often tragic past is explored."

The preview of “A Prayer from Mad Sweeney” from Starz shows Laura and Sweeney continuing their good old American road trip. Sweeney reminds Laura that “per the arrangement,” he needs to get to Wisconsin. He’s only taking this little detour because she has his coin.

Episode 107 is mostly about Irish lass Essie McGowan (yes, that’s Emily Browning in her second role) and her 1721 coming to America story. It’s also Mad Sweeney’s.

Essie’s coming to America account is in the book, but it seems there are a few changes. One is that her name is Essie Tregowan in the book. I have no idea why. The other is an emphasis on Mad Sweeney. The book tells of her devotion to the wee folk, but doesn’t get into his personal story.

Essie’s account is mostly narrated by the wonderful Demore Barnes as Mr. Ibis. I could listen to him read the dictionary. His voice gives Essie’s story a relaxing bedtime quality. But this is no Disney fairy tale. This is a real fairy tale. Really, it’s about fairies … or a singular leprechaun at the very least.

Tune into American Gods on Sunday night to hear all about the wee folk in episode 7, A Prayer for Mad Sweeney.

Home/American Gods