Ep 1. Pilot

Pernicious and dubious judge Pernell Harris struggles to cope with the aftermath of a family tragedy that leaves his son in a coma. Harris' mental state rapidly deteriorates and he begins experiencing vivid hallucinations that he believes are divine messages from God, pushing him to find and serve justice.

The episode begins with Judge Harris presiding over a case involving a young woman who claims to have been assaulted by a police officer. However, Harris seems to be more interested in taking advice from his trusted preacher, Reverend Paul Curtis than the victim's testimony. This already sets the tone for the rest of the series, concerning Harris's close relationship with his faith and the battle between justice and religion.

Soon after the hearing, Harris's world is turned upside down when he returns home to discover his wife, Jocelyn, unconscious and on the brink of death, with his teenage daughter, PJ standing over her. As his wife's life ebbs away in the hospital, Harris turns to Reverend Curtis for guidance, ignoring the pleas of his mistress and the accusations thrown his way by his wife.

The show does an excellent job in highlighting Harris's utmost devotion to his faith with religious references and a frequent appearance of preachers, and it soon becomes apparent that he sees God in everything and everyone he encounters on his quest for redemption. In his most vulnerable state, Harris turns to his faith, believing that God speaks to him through visions and dreams. This especially becomes prominent when he has a supernatural experience, where he sees his son Josh standing in the room, confronting him about Harris's inner desires.

Throughout the episode, there are numerous flashbacks between Jocelyn's hospitalization and PJ's relationship with her father. The show effortlessly manages to interweave past and present events, creating a coherent timeline that keeps audiences wholly invested in the storyline. The episode effectively introduces the different characters and presents a perplexing mystery that would keep viewers glued to their screens.

One of the highlights of the episode is the versatile acting of Ron Perlman that brings Judge Harris to life. He perfectly portrays the way the character is torn between church and state and the civil war happening within him. The show also features strong performances from Andre Royo, who brings humor to the light-hearted moments, and Dana Delany, who portrays the complexity of Jocelyn's condition without making it over the top.

In the end, the pilot episode of Hand of God serves its purpose of setting up the main premise. It introduces the core characters, their struggles, and how religion plays a significant role in the storyline. It also creates a compelling narrative that leaves audiences wanting to know more about the mystery shrouding Jocelyn's death.

Overall, Hand of God's first episode is a gripping drama that presents a unique take on religion and faith in the justice system. Its stellar acting and compelling narrative make it a must-watch for anyone interested in psychological thrillers that touch on religious themes.