There's a reason why a show was being called "one of the best shows on TV", even before it was airing. The show called AMERICAN GODS. And in all honesty, it hasn't disappointed at all. The show is truly amazing in more than one ways. And yesterday's finale sealed it's fate as a show that is not going to be forgotten, but people are already waiting for the second season. If you haven't watched it yet, it's time you jump on to Amazon (Each episode becomes available internationally on Amazon Video the day after the U.S. broadcast.) or on-demand, and watch it right now!
If you do not know about the show, American Gods is based on the novel of the same name, written by Neil Gaiman and originally published in 2001. The television series was developed by Bryan Fuller and Michael Green for Starz. Fuller and Green are the showrunners for the series. The series focuses on Shadow Moon, who meets a strange man named Mr. Wednesday after being released from prison, and soon becomes embroiled in a large-scale conflict between the Old Gods and the New Gods, who grow stronger each day.
So, what's good about the show?
- The story of gods, in modern world. The old gods, or "the gods" as we know them, who exist and feed on our their believers and followers. The new gods, the marvels new-age like technology, media, globalization etc.m who exist because they rule & run today's world. The concept is fascinating, the story is amazing, and the presentation by Fuller and Green is just awesome!
- The visuals are stunning. When it comes to visual story telling, Bryan Fuller and Michael Greene are the men to go to. Bryan's wonderful Hannibal, was a canvas filled with amazing imagery. American Gods being a fantasy, takes it a step further. It's surreal, it's astonishing, it's beautiful and it's crazy (at times).
- The cast is just perfect. Ricky Whittle's first LEAD role is just seems to be made for him. Everyone is just cast perfect for the part. But few standouts are Ian McShane as Mr. Wednesday (A role already played by Anthony Hopkins, and we still love Ian even more), Pablo Schreiber as Mad Sweeney, (does he make a crazy leprechaun or what), Emily Browning as Laura Moon (The lil girl is grown up, and she's cute & crazy & disgusting & weird & more, all at the same time), Yetide Badaki as Bilquis (what can I say, she's just perfect. The eyes, the look, the body language, everything) and definitely Gillian Anderson as Media (what can I not say, she's just WOW!).
- When hit comes to diversity & inclusion for women and African American, it is very good. Black lead - check. Strong female characters - check. More interesting & important black characters, both male & female - check.
- Is it super relevant or what? A fantasy show about gods but you can take about race, immigration, sexuality, globalization, inner demons etc etc etc. is there any topic that this show doesn't touch, and comes out handling it beautifully?
- And some shockers along the way too... The most explicit gay sex scene on screen. Not just Mexican Jesus, but over a dozen different Christs. Lynching of a black man. Running over cute bunnies (I mean, seriously!).
What's not so good about the show (hmmm...)
- Inclusion for other ethincities... There are 2 middle eastern characters, but that's it. Right? No major Asian characters. And no Indian gods yet. Krishna? Siva? Durga? Buddha? (I'm perfect for all of them, specially Krishna or Siva). I mean... Seriously?
- Why Dane Cook? Although he was good in the role. But why him? Who wants to see more of him? (ME!!)
- Some episodes seem to move really slow (Good news, season-2 episodes will move faster)
- Why only 8 episodes? I mean, why? Didn't we need/want like 20 episodes? (Good News, the Season-2 has 10 episodes)
So, if you are not on the band wagon yet, please jump on immediately and start watching AMERICAN GODS. It is AWESOME!