The Sandman

"The Sandman" TV show delivers a mesmerizing and captivating narrative that seamlessly weaves together elements of fantasy, mystery, and supernatural intrigue. From its stunning cinematography to its richly developed characters, the series offers a visually arresting and emotionally resonant experience for viewers. One of its greatest strengths lies in its ability to stay true to the essence of Neil Gaiman's beloved graphic novels while also bringing a fresh perspective to the screen. The cast delivers standout performances, bringing depth and complexity to their respective roles. The intricate storytelling keeps audiences engaged, with each episode unveiling new layers of the intricate mythology that underpins the series. With its compelling blend of dark fantasy and philosophical themes, "The Sandman" proves to be a must-watch for fans of the genre.

I don't often leave reviews but felt like people deserve fair warning. The first five episodes are effectively one story and the first four of these are very good. Definitely worth watching them and then the fifth for closure, although it is a bit tedious and you can skip to the last 10 minutes for a resolution. The sixth episode is a bit of a standalone and has interesting characters and an easy story but is irrelevant to the rest of the season. The last four episodes are a new story, with barely any focus on the main character, Dream, and are boring. There is no reason to care about any of the characters and there is no sense of the impending doom they are trying to create as you either know it will turn out fine or kind of hope they all die, just to make it interesting. Teases of other Endless and their plans or influence amount to nothing and they tack on a teaser for the second season right at the end to try and make it seem like something exciting might happen. Really just don't bother. Most of the actors and the special effects are really good though.

Having never read the books I wasn't really sure what to expect from The Sandman. Then after reading through the reviews and seeing how mixed they were I was even more confused about whether I should give it a try. I'm glad I did because I really enjoyed it. I just read that it got renewed for a second season so that's good news. It looks like most of the negative reviews are from people that are mad that it's not exactly like the source material and I've never got that. As long as it's entertaining...who cares. Movies and shows have to be adapted for tv and are just based off the source material. Less than 5% of the people who watch these movies and tv shows have actually read the book or comic it's based on.

It's fair to say I've always been somewhat of a fan of the distinctively whimsical, quintessential eccentricity imbued within famous author Neil Gaiman's writing (ever since - in 2011 - first being introduced to it as a child in BBC1's 6th season of "Doctor Who", with his critically acclaimed episode "The Doctor's Wife") & therefore, as a long-time admirer of his impressive portfolio of work, growing up alongside his growing number of flourishing projects, I'd previously made consistent efforts to acquaint myself with his prior TV adaptations "Good Omens" & "American Gods" but admittedly, had never yet had the pleasure of reading the much beloved "Sandman" graphic novels (of which this series is based upon, widely considered to be his best) before. Hence, I personally went in to this season with no preconceived expectations & thus, I must concede - after viewing the first 3 installments - that this Netflix series has completely blown me away & ironically surpassed even my wildest dreams.

Of course, I can only comment as a casual viewer (& am unable to ascertain the faithfulness to the source material, present within these episodes), but within the first 3 hours, we as an audience are introduced to a rich, layered, enchanting world of pure imagination that is creatively borne, masterfully realised & the sheer scope & scale captured from beginning to end is honestly mesmerising. Indeed, it's no surprise to witness peculiar & cerebral fantastical wonders on screen - in a fantasy constructed from the inspired mind of such a quirky, ingenious scribe - yet nonetheless, I still found myself utterly confounded by the sheer regality & majesty of this grandiose, unconventional & wholly epic tale.

It's a credit to all of the cast & crew members involved, who've respectfully & lovingly brought such a breathtaking universe to life & I'm hopeful the quality established here in the preliminary chapters will continue throughout... Because from what I've seen, I'm seriously floored. It is utterly remarkable, beautifully dark & haunted & unlike anything I've had the opportunity to previously binge on the streaming service, in its history.

There's a palpable sense of history & mythology to it which immediately draws you in & I cannot wait to see more. What a major achievement!

I knew nothing of the graphic series before watching this,, so I have no preconceived ideas of what this should or should not be.

It feels dark and gritty like a good graphic novel come to life. As one who enjoys a visual feast, I thoroughly enjoy the sets and details within each scene. I have watched the entire season at least 3 times and notice little things in every episode each time I watch.

I think that Tom Sturridge plays the part in an otherworldly spectacular way. I love the evolution of his character from distant, and godly, to one with a care for humanity. The premise of the "nightmares" is highly intriguing. Boyd Holbrook plays his character flawlessly. I despise him, but, at the same time can't stop watching when he is on the screen.

There are possibilities for growth and change within the series. I can't wait for season 2.