American Gods S02E01: House on the Rock – Opaque on arrival, inevitable in retrospect, I hope

Debuting just shy of two years after its first episode, no one could have foreseen the trouble that American Gods had to go through for its second season to happen at all. The first season, which I mostly adored, was a fantastical frenzy of beautiful visuals, interesting character dynamics, more arresting visuals, a lot of black comedy, and a healthy dose of the surreal that eased us into a world of forgotten gods trying to ply their trade in an America that had mostly forgotten them. While the first season had its share of problems, one of them being pacing, and another being how damn long it took the lead, Shadow Moon, to believe all of these incredible things happening to him: including his wife Laura coming back from the dead (technically), and all of the crazy crap that Mr. Wednesday got him into, it was a challenging and deeply rewarding show from creators Bryan Fuller and Michael Green.

Not surprisingly, while the series has a set core of fans, it didn’t do as well as Starz were hoping meaning that both Fuller and Green’s scripts for season two were deemed too expensive and, depending on who you believe, they either left the show or were fired. This was a surprising turn of events for anyone not following Bryan Fuller’s career closely which, as a huge fan of his previous series, Hannibal, I did. Since the premature end of Hannibal, Fuller has been attached to many television projects, with season one of American Gods counting as the longest job he’s had in some time. Since then he has left Star Trek Discovery, which is currently on its third showrunner in one and a bit seasons, he’s also left the Steven Spielberg produced Amazing Stories Anthology series and was working on Hulu’s adaptation of Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles (a job that he was basically perfect for) before he left that as well.

Replacing Fuller and Green was former Hannibal and Star Trek Discovery writer Jesse Alexander, who shares a writing credit with Neil Gaiman for this premiere episode before he was pushed aside as well. At this point it’s hard to know who exactly is in control of American Gods at the moment but, from what some of the cast have been saying in recent interviews, apparently, season two will be more plot-driven, getting back to the book as it has been described. All of this sounds like Gaiman is in control, which could go either way considering that before his adaptation of his and the late Terry Pratchett’s comic masterpiece, Good Omens, it has been 23 years since Gaiman was the showrunner of a TV show.

Fuller and Green’s departure has also had an impact on the cast as both Gillian Anderson: who so expertly played the new god Media in season one, left with Fuller, and the same goes for the wonderful Kristen Chenowith’s Easter who left for the same reason. Media, by the very nature of the character, can be replaced, but the absence of Easter is a blow thanks to how important she was in the finale of season one, and event that is merely brushed off in House on the Rock.

So, after two years how does American Gods shape up in season two? The answer is complicated. House on the Rock takes just under an hour to recreate one of the most iconic scenes in Gaiman’s novel, as Mr. Wednesday attempts a call to arms for support from the old gods in the upcoming war. Mr. World, played by the little-seen Crispin Glover, looks like he is going to play a bigger role in season two which certainly gives the plot a little more focus. Though I’m a little disappointed to say that House on the Rock feels a tad empty, a little like the feeling you get after you’ve bought a hot dog and a t-shirt from a roadside display: a nagging feeling that you may have wasted your money. In a sense, American Gods faces a similar problem to the second seasons of Legion and Westworld. The first seasons of both those shows spent a good portion of their time teaching you how to watch them but then had to figure out how to keep things fresh in order for the story to continue. Both of those second seasons fall a little short of the first, and I have this niggling feeling that American Gods may go the same way.

As much fun as House on the Rock was, and it certainly was that as the motley crew of weird characters are a blast to be around, the episode spent far too much time trying to pull a lot of sleight of hand on both us and Shadow; who is still asking if this shit is real or not. Get with the program dude! This episode actually reminded me of another second season of a cerebral hit show: Mr. Robot. Most of Mr. Robot’s second season felt as if creator Sam Esmail was trying to trick us to buy time for what ended up to be a damp squib of an ending. American Gods is in the same kind of precarious position.

6/10 – Season one, under the tenure of extremely talented writers who are going to be missed, opened up this glorious world to us. Season two needs to start giving us some answers. It’s definitely opaque on arrival. The question is will it feel inevitable in retrospect or just bloody annoying.

COMMENTS

Please read our Commenting Policy before you join in with the discussion.

Note: If you have email notifications enabled, please check your email spam folders to ensure emails are not missed.

5 Comments

Inline Feedbacks

View all comments

Thatcher

1 year ago

I’m a massive fan of Kristen Chenowith’s work, but the underlying story of the programme usually matters more to me than beloved characters. I like this season so far.

Natasha Yves

I don’t mind having a break between seasons at all. There are quite a few shows I try to watch as they release new episodes and can bear the break. I will say that I really enjoy American Gods and wouldn’t mind binge watching an entire season without a break.

BlogTreasure

Reply to Natasha Yves

On the contrary, I lose interest in a TV show that takes a really long break and so this time round, I am considering waiting until the second season is over, so as to watch it without a break.

Gavin the Binge-Watcher

Even though it wasn’t planned beforehand, I think it plays in their favour that the second season is just now here. Enough time has gone by that I didn’t give Kristen Chenowith much thought. Things are new and fresh.

Rob Duggat

I’m glad they finally got the second season underway. It seems to happen far too often where shows only last a single season. The trouble is that fans like myself have watched the first seasons a few times by the time they create additional content and I think that only increases the expectations of the quality of new episodes.

Cookie	Description
_pxvid	This cookie is used for detection of the browser and distinguishing whether it is a real user or malicious bot.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-advertisement	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Advertisement".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics	This cookies is set by GDPR Cookie Consent WordPress Plugin. The cookie is used to remember the user consent for the cookies under the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-non-necessary	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Non Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance	This cookie is used to keep track of which cookies the user have approved for this site.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-preferences	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Preferences".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-uncategorized	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Uncategorized".
CraftSessionId	This cookie name is associated with the Craft web content management system, where is functions as an anonymous session identifier.
csrftoken	This cookie is associated with Django web development platform for python. Used to help protect the website against Cross-Site Request Forgery attacks
DSID	To note specific user identity. Contains hashed/encrypted unique ID.
JSESSIONID	Used by sites written in JSP. General purpose platform session cookies that are used to maintain users' state across page requests.
PHPSESSID	This cookie is native to PHP applications. The cookie is used to store and identify a users' unique session ID for the purpose of managing user session on the website. The cookie is a session cookies and is deleted when all the browser windows are closed.
viewed_cookie_policy	The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.

Cookie	Description
b30msc
btc
CMST
cref
d
gpl
i
icts
ig_did
mdata
na_rn
na_sc_e
na_sr
na_srp
session_depth
visitor-id

Cookie	Description
__gads	This cookie is set by Google and stored under the name dounleclick.com. This cookie is used to track how many times users see a particular advert which helps in measuring the success of the campaign and calculate the revenue generated by the campaign. These cookies can only be read from the domain that it is set on so it will not track any data while browsing through another sites.
__stid	The cookie is set by ShareThis. The cookie is used for site analytics to determine the pages visited, the amount of time spent, etc.
_ga	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to calculate visitor, session, camapign data and keep track of site usage for the site's analytics report. The cookies store information anonymously and assigns a randoly generated number to identify unique visitors.
_gat_gtag_UA_60765351_1	Google uses this cookie to distinguish users.
_gid	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to store information of how visitors use a website and helps in creating an analytics report of how the wbsite is doing. The data collected including the number visitors, the source where they have come from, and the pages viisted in an anonymous form.
ad-id	Provided by amazon-adsystem.com for tracking user actions on other websites to provide targeted content
demdex	This cookie is set under the domain demdex.net and is used by Adobe Audience Manager to help identify a unique visitor across domains.
DigiTrust.v1.identity	Registers data on visitors’ website-behaviour. This is used for internal analysis and website optimization.
dmvk	This cookie is set by DailyMotion who display videos, it registers statistical data of visitors' behaviour on the website.
gid	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to store information of how visitors use a website and helps in creating an analytics report of how the wbsite is doing. The data collected including the number visitors, the source where they have come from, and the pages viisted in an anonymous form.
GPS	This cookie is set by Youtube and registers a unique ID for tracking users based on their geographical location
is_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
is_visitor_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
sc_is_visitor_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
v1st	This is set by DailyMotion to display videos.

Cookie	Description
__asc	This cookie is used to collect information on consumer behavior, which is sent to Alexa Analytics.
__auc	This cookie is used to collect information on consumer behavior, which is sent to Alexa Analytics.
__qca	This cookie is associated with Quantcast and is used for collecting anonymized data to analyze log data from different websites to create reports that enables the website owners and advertisers provide ads for the appropriate audience segments.
_cc_aud	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_cc	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_dc	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_id	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_kuid_	The cookie is set by Krux Digital under the domain krxd.net. The cookie stores a unique ID to identify a returning user for the purpose of targeted advertising.
_px2	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
_pxff_tm	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
_pxhd	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
ab	This cookie is generally provided by agkn.com and is used for advertising purposes.
ad-privacy	Provided by amazon-adsystem.com for tracking user actions on other websites to provide targeted content to the users.
ayl_visitor	This cookie registers data on the visitor. The information is used to optimize advertisement relevance.
bafp	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bafp_t	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_pl	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_rf_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_rt_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_t_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_td_2d31c94105a0aa6d1ceaea0c86c6b656	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bito	This cookie is generally provided by bidr.io and is used for advertising purposes.
bitoIsSecure	This cookies are generally provided by bidr.io and is used for advertising purposes.
bsc	The cookies is set by ownerIQ for the purpose of providing relevant advertisement
CMID	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
CMPRO	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
CMPS	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
dc_id	This cookie is used to deliver adverts more relevant to you and your interests. They are also used to limit the number of times you see an advertisement as well as help measure the effectiveness of the advertising campaign. They are usually placed by advertising networks with the website operator's permission. They remember that you have visited a website and this information is shared with other organisations such as advertisers.
did	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
didts	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
dpm	The cookie is set by demdex.net. This cookie assigns a unique ID to each visiting user that allows third-party advertisers target that users with relevant ads.
eud	This cookie is from Rocket Fuel and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
euds	This cookie is from Rocket Fuel and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
everest_g_v2	The cookie is set under eversttech.net domain. The purpose of the cookie is to map clicks to other events on the client's website.
evo5_popin_instance	Prevents an interaction from reoccurring for visitors not accepting 3rd party cookies.
id	This cookie is set by DoubleClick (which is owned by Google) to build a profile of the website visitor's interests and show relevant ads on other sites.
IDE	Used by Google DoubleClick and stores information about how the user uses the website and any other advertisement before visiting the website. This is used to present users with ads that are relevant to them according to the user profile.
io.narrative.guid.v2	This cookie is generally provided by io.narrative.io and is used for advertising purposes.
KADUSERCOOKIE	This cookie is generally provided by pubmatic.com and is used for advertising purposes.
KTPCACOOKIE	This cookie is generally provided by pubmatic.com and is used for advertising purposes.
matchliveramp	This cookie is provided by w55c.net and is used for advertising purposes.
mc	This cookie is associated with Quantserve to track anonymously how a user interact with the website.
mxpim	This cookie is generally provided by mxptint.net for advertising purposes.
na_tc	This is a Social Media sharing tracking cookie.
NID	This cookie is used to a profile based on user's interest and display personalized ads to the users.
nnls	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
pxrc	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
pxvid	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
rlas3	The cookie is set by rlcdn.com. The cookie is used to serve relevant ads to the visitor as well as limit the time the visitor sees an and also measure the effectiveness of the campaign.

Cookie	Description
__jid	Cookies set on the website by the third-party commenting platform Disqus.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
disqus_unique	These cookies are set by Disqus so that users can comment on website/platform.
G_ENABLED_IDPS	The cookie is used by Google and is used for Google Single Sign On.
mid	The cookie is set by Instagram. The cookie is used to distinguish users and to show relevant content, for better user experience and security.
na_id	This cookie is set by Addthis.com to enable sharing of links on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter
ouid	The cookie is set by Addthis which enables the content of the website to be shared across different networking and social sharing websites.
ov	This is a generic functional cookie that provides enhanced functionality and personalisation.
ts	This cookie is generally provided by PayPal and supports payment services in the website.
vuid	These cookies are used by the Vimeo video player on websites.

American Gods S02E01: House on the Rock – Opaque on arrival, inevitable in retrospect, I hope

You might also like

FIND THE TOPICS YOU WANT...

Recommended for you