Please note: This review is based entirely on the Netflix adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s graphic novel.
"I am so sorry for your loss. For all of your losses."
Season two of the Sandman is about loss, much more than it is about change, despite what the introductory voiceover may say.
Not that there are no changes - I will get to that later. But the theme that carries the story is one of grief for all that we have lost along the way - people we love, the passion for our job, a functioning body from the neck down - or the chance to start over.
This may sound like a rather dire prospect, but it comes with a perk that only very few shows offer these days: closure. The ending left me feeling melancholy, maybe even a bit sad, but content to know that it's over.
And it is not just the ending that makes you think about what it means to let go - it's the entire journey of S2.
First to step away from their prior life is Lucifer. At the end of the last season, we saw all of Hell frothing at the mouth at the thought of revenge on Dream. But by the time Morpheus arrives back at the dark gates, the fire has gone out- literally. Lucifer deciding to shut shop is a brilliant trigger for that’s to come. If the ruler of Hell can simply step away from their duties, what does that mean for the rest of us?
At first, it only means that Morpheus get's to do what he does best - take responsibility (though I concede to Desire that he is also very good at feeling sorry for himself). Dream fully understands what it means to hand over the Key to Hell, and does not take the task lightly. Despite Lucifer's initial threat that such an impossible decision would destroy him, I believe they knew that if anyone could solve the problem, it was going to be Dream. Seeing him rise to the challenge amidst all the intrigue and hearing Lucifer's final comment "I wish I had thought of that" made me immensely happy. What a pair those two would have made.
“You think that perhaps you should apologize?"
The second story is one of lost love. For ten thousand years Morpheus has pushed Nada and his love for her to the furthest corner of his mind (this heart?). Now, we get to witness what happens when that wound is reopened, and it is not pretty. I said in my review of S1 that I was pleased that Dream is a god rather than a superhero, and I stand by this statement. I felt his reaction was believable, it would have been out of character for him to be overly apologetic or empathic towards Nada. As a result, I was also quite pleased that he was left high and dry, forced to face up to the fact that some mistakes cannot be fixed.
Nada‘s role however turned out to be somewhat disappointing in the end. She gets a brilliant scene at the palace, her rage a beautiful counterpoint to Dream’s restrained emotions. Nada does not forgive her lover, and with that she leaves the Dreaming. That's it?! She does come back for his funeral, but whether out of curiosity, love, or just to be polite, we will never know. It would have been nice to see how she fared in the waking world, or at least get a moment alone with her.
The other character who could have done better is Lyta Hall. I still believe the casting choice was part of the problem. I did not warm to her in S1, and S2 did nothing to improve my feelings. Seeing as she has zero personality, the very least I would have hoped for is believable fury. She has just lost her child! And yet, all she does is sleepwalk from trap to trap. So strangely, her loss moved me the least, despite it being the catalyst for Dream's final demise.
Fortunately, the rest of the ensemble more than make up for her lack of emotional punch. The Endless siblings all bring their best to the table, a joy to watch both the new and returning cast members. Also, I draw my hat to Ruairi O'Connor as Orpheus for playing a blinder without the use of his limbs. I was slightly worried how the father-son relationship between the two actors would work on screen, given that there are only six years between them in real life. As it turned out the Endless may be immortal, but actors are not, and the five years between filming of the seasons have left their mark even on someone as timeless as Tom Sturridge. A few new lines around the eyes helped add that layer of gravitas he may not have fully had in 2020.
I also noticed that Desire came across as tougher, less playful than before. I am not sure how much of the change is down to simply seeing more of them, as they had limited screen-time in S1, or if adding Delirium as the attention-seeking younger sibling brought about the more grownup tone. Nonetheless, I hugely enjoyed Desire's presence, their speech at the funeral was a heartbreaking highlight of the entire series.
Which brings me to the final story of loss - Morpheus' death. His demise takes up two full episodes, which may drag on for more impatient viewers. I loved every minute of it, especially the amount of screen-time given to supporting roles - a special shoutout to Lucienne recognizing Hob Gadling at the funeral, how wholesome was that moment.
The extended time spent on saying goodbye felt respectful to both the characters and the audience alike. It allowed everyone to speak their bit, to come to terms with the loss of Morpheus and the sudden rebirth of Daniel as the new Dreamlord. Thank you, Good Night.
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