The Path continues to sizzle in season three's opener. Eddie emerges from a burning building unscathed after saving a pregnant woman from an explosion that consumed the entire first floor of the building, transforming him overnight into a bonafide cult legend. Myerism becomes insanely successful and Eddie is on top. He even has a publicist ready to spin everything he says, though he resists her efforts to do so. Cal struggles to create his own spin-off workshop with the help of the free-spirited Mary as they raise their baby. Sarah is racked with guilt over the pain she caused former Myerists by blackmailing them using confession tapes that should have been kept confidential.
Aaron Paul is in his sweet spot here, human and sincere, as he falls down the rabbit hole of an extraordinary situation. Where Cal was manipulating Myerism without conscience to satisfy his personal need for power, Eddie is the true believer. He doesn't want to lie, manipulate, or control people. He wants to unify across faiths. The show's opening scene pivots the series, sending the story and characters in a new direction that is full of interest. The way this series explores themes of control and the myopic thinking that religious systems can lead to will resonate whether you have a religious bent or not. If you are a person of faith, it certainly has uncomfortable things to say. The Myerists' "pray to Steve" mentality sends a wink to the audience as if to say "Myerism isn't the point, it's what everyone does with the ideas of faith, inspiration, mystery, influence, power, and how when they become mixed up with our darker impulses can lead to bad things." In the midst of all of it are the sincerely broken who receive something personal and valuable through their association with the Myerists. But, what is the nature of that value? Is it Steve and the light? Or the love and loyalty they give to themselves and each other? It's what they do with it that is both terrifying and mesmerizing.
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