American Gods is a mess in its long-awaited Season 2 return

UPROXX

"American Gods was already a little messy, let’s be clear about that up front," says Brian Grubb. "The first season of the Starz series, based on the book by Neil Gaiman, featured a twisting collection of characters with twisting motivations and various powers. So much happened. So much. I watched the whole first season and enjoyed it quite a bit but heaven help me if you had asked me what happened week-to-week. I would have stammered and panicked and told you how much I liked hearing Ian McShane talk. True, sure, but not entirely helpful. The thing it had going for it was style. It was a beautiful show to look at, all bright colors and beautiful people and violent action. It was inventive and charming...And so, it is with great sadness that I inform you that the long-delayed second season is here and it is… not great. The messiness is still there, but now it’s not offset with the same amount of style and charm. It’s a shame."

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• Season 2 has drained American Gods of its sexual energy, while its violence feels like a standard slasher film
• Season 2 lacks the visual panache of Season 1, making it clear that the characters are more words than people
• American Gods has lost its mesmerizing interludes and gorgeous compositions, and gained little forward movement in their place
• Recapping American Gods' long, strange trip to Season 2