Sandman is back for a second season on Netflix, and it’s time for the story to come to an end.
One of the biggest comics of the 1990s, Sandman has languished around Hollywood for years looking for a live-action adaptation to become a reality. At long last, Netflix made it a reality, and it feels as though we have already sped through what fans had waited years to see.
The second season is being delivered in two parts with a special episode to follow the season finale. The first six episodes, known as Vol. 1, are available on Netflix as of July 3.
The strengths and weaknesses
As with the first season, the performances are amazing across the board. Tom Sturridge’s turn as Dream has a chance at doing for the character what Kevin Conroy did for Batman. When you read Dream’s words going forward, it’s easy to imagine it is Sturridge’s voice you will hear in your head.
There are new characters along for the ride as well, with the biggest being the introduction of Delirium played by Esmé Creed-Miles. Creed-Miles does a great job in the role, but it is rare I have seen someone so let down by the hair and costume departments. For someone who is supposed to be the literal embodiment of delirium, she is far too put together through her scenes that it is difficult to buy her in the role. And by put together, I mean her hair is orderly, her makeup even, and her clothes tailored in numerous instances.
Again, it does not reflect on the actress’ performance, but poor choices by those in charge. The hair, make-up, and costumes are well done, but they just aren’t what you expect someone who is called “Delirium” to be wearing. The costumes in particular feel as though they were designed and constructed and then someone came along and said, “NOW… how do we make this ‘delirious?’”
We’ve known since close to its renewal that season 2 would be wrapping up the story, and while we only have half the season so far, it’s clear that is what is happening. This isn’t horribly surprising however if you are familiar with the original comic series.
The problem is this final leg of the journey feels rushed. Despite knowing this is the story as it was written, it feels as though we’re really flying through everything that happened. The journey that Dream and Delirium go on – which I don’t wish to spoil here if you don’t know the comics – in particular feels very compacted compared to its comic counterpart.
Sandman Season 2, Vol. 1 – The Endless Will Be Ending
If you already watched season 1, then, of course. wrap things up. If you’re one of those folks who waits and sees if the overall journey was worth it, well, you still have a few weeks to wait for the conclusion. There are a lot of really interesting things to check in with here, but it does feel as though the series would have been better served from receiving a third season and allowing some story beats a bit more room to breath and grow.
Disclaimer: Netflix provided Batman-News with all six episodes of Sandman Season 2, Vol. 1 for the purposes of this review. We watched them to completion before beginning this review.
COMMENTS
