Please note: This review is based entirely on the Netflix adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s graphic novel.
In a world awash with superheroes, a god feels like a breath of fresh air.
The Sandman tells a story, but the plot doesn’t matter nearly as much as world building and character development.
Not that the story itself is bad, but it’s hardly groundbreaking. If anything, it feels like a mix of classic literary if not to say biblical themes and set pieces.
The distinct dreamlike quality to the setting and visuals serves two functions- it makes Sandman instantly recognizable and it takes the edge off the more violent scenes.
The best thing about Sandman by a country mile is Morpheus himself. This could easily have turned into a superhero or saviour story, especially given how the archetype of the „dark hero“ is so fashionable right now. Dream of the Endless has all the characteristics of hero for 2022 - moody, emotionally scarred, in need of therapy- but the writing never succumbs to that cliché. Morpheus is a god, full stop. He does as he pleases, he demands to be taken seriously, he is cruel and self righteous, vain and vengeful. He doesn’t have to justify his behaviour to his subjects any more than a medieval King or Pope. But just like a true king, he can be responsible. He doesn’t shy away from difficult choices and takes responsibility for the consequences, a quality often forgotten in today‘s world.
Certain elements didn’t work for me: Firstly, Joanna Constantine. I appreciate the tie-in with other DC comics, but as a standalone her appearance felt incomplete, especially since the show provides no explanation as to how the two characters are linked. The fact that this is the third show Gemma Coleman has appeared in as multiple incarnations of the same character only adds to the confusion.
Secondly, I wasn’t pleased with the casting and direction of Rose Walker and Lyta Hall. Rose comes across as entitled and ungrateful. The audience knows that Jed is being abused, but she doesn’t. Yet, she goes on a crusade to get him back, something she is has no right to whatsoever. She blames Morpheus for bothering Lyta in her dream world- a world he owns and Rose has warped with no regard to the consequences.
Lyta is just a non entity. Her facial expressions are barely existent, she is completely unconvincing as pregnant or concerned, not to mention the fact that she is apparently 100% dependent on her dead husband. As with Joanna, there is obviously more to her person than we have seen so far. But a TV adaptation should not require viewers to read the source material before watching in order to appreciate its characters.
Put together, I thoroughly enjoyed “The Sandman” and hope to see more in S2.
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