‘The Sandman’ Season 2 Volume 2 Review: Consequences Are Faced

The Sandman returned with the first volume of its second season earlier this month, bringing audiences back into the world of the Dreaming. Whilst the season wasn’t as interesting as its first counterpart, it still was an exciting entry into the DC Elseworld’s slate. Now, the other half of season two is finally here, and it’s more than a mixed bag. 

The Sandman follows Dream of The Endless, the personification of the sleeping world, as he engages in his day to day activities. Season 2 Volume 1 saw Dream forced to reckon with the gods and demigods as they bickered over the keys to hell after Lucifer abandoned her position in the underworld. Volume 2 takes more of a different approach, following up on a different season one storyline and following the events of the cliffhanger that S2V1 left viewers on.

For most of this volume, which is one episode shorter than the other, the show is back in its prime, showcasing an intense fantasy mystery with a heavy emotional core surrounding Dream’s past, present, and future. It works a charm, but as the volume goes on, the series reaches a plot point that it chooses to tackle in a way that connects back to the first season. On paper, it might work well, but in practice, it feels weak and poorly executed, leaving not enough emotional weight when a key moment finally happens. What happens after that moment will surely be a big talking point, given what happens and how the fallout of the event is handled.

Despite this major gripe, the season is fantastic. The cast is once again amazing, with Tom Sturridge captivating as Morpheus, and Razane Jammal giving a particularly powerful performance as Lyta Hall, returning from the show’s flagship season. With this show feeling as good as the first season, it gives a nagging thought in the back of your mind about the lost possibility of a third season, where the show comes to an end rather than being Endless like many of its characters. 

Season 2 Volume 2 also brings back Boyd Holbrook, who returns as the charismatic but haunting Corinthian, a nightmare with teeth instead of eyes. Holbrook, whilst the show was on hiatus between seasons, appeared in James Mangold’s A Complete Unknown, where he absolutely captivated as Johnny Cash. Here, he brings a different type of charisma as he plays along with characters instead of antagonizing them. 

In short, I will more than miss The Sandman, even if it ended on a slightly sour note for me. The show does a brilliant job at adapting one of the greatest comic books of all time, functioning well as both an adaptation and a new take on these characters, diversifying with ease, and showcasing utter brilliance throughout both of its seasons. 

The Sandman stars Tom Sturridge, Patton Oswalt, Boyd Holbrook, Gwendoline Christie, and many more.

The Sandman Season 2 is now streaming on Netflix. One bonus episode remains to be released, expected to air July 31. Stay tuned for our review of that episode, and watch The Sandman below: 

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