Ep 3. No Rest, No Peace

Todd McFarlane's Spawn season 1 episode 3, titled "No Rest, No Peace," is a gripping continuation of the story of Al Simmons, a mercenary who becomes a supernatural anti-hero after making a deal with the devil. In this episode, we see Al struggling to come to grips with his new powers and the dark purpose he was given them for, while also contending with the machinations of various powerful figures in the world of crime.

The episode opens with Al prowling the streets of New York City, attempting to locate a child sex trafficker known as the "father." He manages to corner the man in an alley and brutally dispatches him with his newfound abilities, but is left feeling uneasy about the morality of what he's doing. Back at his makeshift lair, he confronts his demonic "benefactor" Malebolgia about the true nature of his mission - to lead an army of hellspawn in a war against Heaven. Malebolgia reminds Al of the deal he struck to save his wife Wanda's life, but Al is still unsure if the cost is worth it.

Meanwhile, corrupt businessman Jason Wynn is plotting with shady government operatives to obtain the "top secret weapons system" that Simmons was involved in before his death. Wynn sends his assassin Jessica Priest to track down Al and capture him, but Al fends her off and learns of Wynn's involvement in his own murder. Seeking revenge, Al dons his costume and sets out to infiltrate Wynn's skyscraper stronghold. Along the way, he encounters a trio of S&M-themed assassins known as the "disavowed," who are in Wynn's employ and eager to prove themselves by taking down Spawn.

The ensuing battle is a dizzying display of martial arts and supernatural powers, as Spawn dispatches the disavowed one by one before confronting Wynn himself. Wynn reveals that he orchestrated Al's death as part of a convoluted plan involving the weapons system and the death of the President, but Spawn isn't interested in his schemes - all he wants is revenge. He mortally wounds Wynn and escapes just as the building explodes, but not before being confronted by the enigmatic detective Twitch Williams, who has been tracking both Spawn and Wynn for some time.

With the building in ruin and the police on his tail, Spawn is left with the knowledge that there is no going back to his former life - he is forever changed by the deal he made with the devil. As he contemplates his next move, he is visited by the ghostly apparition of his former mentor Cogliostro, who reveals that there are others like him - other Hellspawn who have struggled with their purpose and their fate. Cogliostro offers to train Spawn in how to harness his powers and find his own path, leaving the episode on a tantalizing cliffhanger.

Overall, "No Rest, No Peace" is a compelling episode that raises important questions about morality, agency, and responsibility in the face of unimaginable power. The action is intense and the characters are complex, with Al Simmons being a particularly compelling protagonist who is both sympathetic and frightening. The episode's use of dark, moody animation and atmospheric music helps to create a foreboding atmosphere that keeps the tension high throughout. Fans of dark superhero stories and supernatural thrillers will find a lot to love here, and will be eager to see where the story goes next.