In this review, we delve into the disappointing aspects of ‘The Sandman’ Season 2, examining its storytelling flaws and the controversies surrounding its creator.
‘The Sandman’ Review: Season 2 Is a Disappointing Snooze
In the premiere episode of “The Sandman” Season 2, Dream (Tom Sturridge) asks his loyal subject Cain (Sanjeev Bhaskar) to take the express train to Hell to deliver a message to Lucifer (Gwendoline Christie). However, before Cain can read his ruler’s carefully chosen words, Lucifer interrupts: “No, not the message,” she states. “Just the content.”
Storytelling Flaws
Rarely has a series so succinctly encapsulated its flawed approach to storytelling, and even rarer has a rushed narrative felt more welcome. As Season 2 swiftly demonstrates, the sooner we forget Netflix’s adaptation of “The Sandman,” the better.
Controversial Background
Why? Firstly, the series is deeply uncomfortable to watch in light of the credible allegations against its author Neil Gaiman, who remains an executive producer and co-creator for Season 2. The first season’s bonus episode was troubling enough — featuring a self-described feminist author who imprisons and abuses his muse for inspiration. The new episodes only amplify the unwelcome parallels between “The Sandman” and its creator.
Character Development Issues
In Season 2, Volume 1, Dream learns to empathize better with humans and his siblings, the Endless. Yet, he struggles to acknowledge his own flaws, such as when he confuses love with desire, resulting in a woman’s 10,000-year banishment to Hell. These past mistakes provoke uncomfortable questions about consent and manipulation, while Dream’s lack of compassion mirrors Gaiman’s denials of wrongdoing and legal actions against his accusers. Although Dream seems to realize even the Endless can change, the evidence is so scant and vague that separating the art from the artist becomes nearly impossible.
Overall Quality
It cannot be overstated that “The Sandman” is a poor show. Dream spends the first six episodes reflecting on past mistakes, moping around, and acting as he pleases. Season 2 tells largely self-contained stories without a solid episodic structure, yet it lacks enough detail to justify its main character’s sporadic development.
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Netflix’s adaptation is frustratingly stagnant. “The Sandman” has always been a tedious experience; now, it’s just an upsetting one.
Plot Summary
Aside from side quests, the ongoing story revolves around two basic plots: 1. Dream’s relationship with a mortal and its consequences, and 2. Dream searching for his lost brother, Destruction (Barry Sloane), with his quirky sister Delirium (Esmé Creed-Miles). Throughout, he visits Hell, hosts a banquet, produces “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” and seeks out the son he abandoned.
Conclusion
Dream’s self-discoveries are so simplistic that it seems he has never truly examined them. The overarching theme of the season focuses on quitting and the notion of taking time off. However, this is at odds with Dream’s previous plotline, where he just regained his realm after a century of captivity. The shortcuts taken to include as many of Gaiman’s comic book elements as possible overshadow the series’ other issues, making the stories feel as insubstantial as a fading dream.
Grade: D+
“The Sandman” Season 2, Volume 1 premieres Thursday, July 3 on Netflix, consisting of six episodes released simultaneously. Volume 2, comprising five episodes, will premiere on July 24, with the series finale on July 31.
