Ep 3. Wisdom of the Horse

In Godless season 1 episode 3, titled "Wisdom of the Horse," tension continues to build in the town of La Belle, New Mexico as the residents prepare for the arrival of Frank Griffin (Jeff Daniels) and his gang of outlaws. The threat of violence and destruction looms over the community, and the people of La Belle are forced to confront their fears and decide how they will respond.

At the heart of the episode is the character of Alice Fletcher (Michelle Dockery), a widowed rancher who has been living on her own since her husband's death. Alice is a skilled horsewoman and a fiercely independent woman who has no patience for traditional gender roles or societal norms. As the episode opens, Alice is out in the wilderness, searching for a missing horse that she suspects has been stolen by Frank Griffin's men.

Meanwhile, in La Belle, Sheriff Bill McNue (Scoot McNairy) is struggling to keep the town safe in the face of overwhelming odds. He is a man haunted by his past and his failures, and he knows that he may not be able to protect his community from the coming onslaught. As he prepares for the worst, he is visited by a mysterious stranger who offers him some unexpected wisdom.

As tensions continue to rise, Alice and her son, Truckee (Samuel Marty), return to their ranch to find that Frank Griffin's men have paid them a visit. The confrontation that follows is tense and violent, and Alice is forced to use all the skills at her disposal to protect her home and her son. Her quick thinking and bravery in the face of danger serve as a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of the human spirit.

As the episode draws to a close, the various plot threads begin to converge as Frank Griffin and his men approach La Belle. The residents of the town prepare to confront their attackers, and the stage is set for a dramatic showdown between the forces of good and evil.

Overall, "Wisdom of the Horse" is a gripping and intense episode that sets the stage for the rest of the season. It is a stark reminder of the dangers of lawlessness and the power of community to overcome even the most daunting challenges. With strong performances, beautiful cinematography, and a compelling story, Godless continues to impress with each passing episode.