The first season of The Sandman, the Netflix rendition of Neil Gaiman’s renowned graphic novel series, captivated audiences by seamlessly mirroring the surreal atmosphere of its source material. It effectively balanced an anthology format with a focused narrative centered on Morpheus, the lord of the Dreaming. Fans have eagerly anticipated the arrival of the second and concluding season, which maintains these foundational elements while bringing Dream’s tale to a poignant yet fulfilling conclusion.
(Spoiler alert: Major developments in Season 2 are discussed below.)
When Netflix announced in January that The Sandman would conclude after its second season, there was considerable speculation regarding the motivations behind this decision, particularly in light of sexual misconduct allegations against Gaiman, which he has denied. Nevertheless, showrunner Allan Heinberg clarified on X that the plan was always for the series to consist of two seasons, as the creators believed the material could be adequately covered within that span—and they were correct. The first season adapted the story arcs from Preludes and Nocturnes and A Doll’s House, alongside additional episodes based on “Dream of a Thousand Cats” and “Calliope” from Dream Country.
Season 2 primarily draws from Seasons of Mists, Brief Lives, The Kindly Ones, and The Wake, while also incorporating significant content from Fables and Reflections, especially “The Song of Orpheus” and elements from “Thermidor.” One notable episode adapts the 1993 standalone spinoff Death: The High Cost of Living. Though some stories, such as A Game of You, which centers on Barbie, a minor character from A Doll’s House, are not included, they do not detract from Dream’s overarching journey.
Making Amends
Morpheus (Tom Sturridge) undertakes the task of rebuilding the Dreaming after a long absence, now complicated by his siblings Destiny (Adrian Lester), Death (Kirby Howell-Baptiste), Desire (Mason Alexander Park), Despair (Donna Preston), and Delirium (Esmé Creed-Miles) summoning him for a family meeting. The primary aim of the gathering is to persuade Dream to rescue Nada (Umulisa Gahiga), whom he had condemned to Hell for ending their relationship. This sets the stage for an encounter with Lucifer (Gwendolyn Christie), who surprisingly relinquishes control of Hell rather than engage in battle.
However, it is the search for their missing brother Destruction (Barry Sloane) that propels Morpheus toward a destiny entwined with sacrifice and familial conflict, inciting the wrath of the Kindly Ones.
(WARNING: More significant spoilers ahead.)
Eve of Destruction
As the narrative progresses, viewers witness Morpheus and Delirium searching for Destruction, and other engaging scenarios unfold, including a theatrical performance directed by Shakespeare and interactions among the Endless and various other mythological beings.
The performances throughout the series remain exceptional, and Netflix has invested significantly in the visual presentation, effectively bringing Gaiman’s graphic novel imagery to life. The series has faced some critique for its slower pacing; nonetheless, it allows audiences to immerse themselves in its intricate storytelling.
The one episode that falters is “Time and Night,” particularly Morpheus’s interactions with his parents, Time (Rufus Sewell) and Night (Tanya Moodie), as he seeks guidance that ultimately proves ineffective. While these encounters aim to highlight Dream’s existential crises, the execution leaves much to be desired, often resembling scripted therapy sessions.
The series presents numerous unforgettable moments that linger long after viewing, including Dream confronting his son Orpheus, a poignant performance from Ishtar (Amber Rose Revah), and the struggle of Dream as he navigates loss and redemption.
Destiny Awaits
The series highlights the theme of transition, as seen in the evolution of Daniel Hall (Jacob Anderson), who becomes the new Dream. He must reconcile his human experience with his identity as part of the Endless, navigating responsibilities and challenges anew.
The series culminates with a bonus episode featuring Death, where she experiences a day as a human, providing a reflective conclusion to the series. It emphasizes the significance of life and the inevitability of loss.
All episodes of The Sandman are currently available for streaming on Netflix.
