Even though American Gods's first season will only cover the first 100ish pages of the 465-page book on which it's based, the series hasn't shied away from providing ample back story for some of its most beloved—and reviled—characters. This week's episode, "A Prayer for Mad Sweeney," will delve into the origins of the acerbic leprechaun (Pablo Schreiber) and introduce the character responsible for bringing him to American in the first place: Essie McGowan. Book readers will recognize her as Essie Tregowan, the piskie-worshipping petty thief from Cornwall sent to America as an indentured servant, but in the series, she's an Irishwoman devoted to the leprechauns. In an interesting twist, she's portrayed by Emily Browning, who also plays a much larger role on the show as Laura Moon, the dead wife of lead character Shadow.
In a new clip from Episode 7, exclusive to meltsflow.com, we get our first look at Essie. She was framed for theft and sentenced to servitude in America, but convinced the ship's captain to take her to London in exchange for sex. She married him, and as soon as he departs for his latest voyage, she turns to thieving full time—but not before leaving an offering for the leprechauns.
American Gods airs Sunday night at 9 PM EST on Starz.
