The Sound of Her Wings
Dream reflects on his kingdom being destroyed and his mission of vengeance. Despite being more powerful than he has been in eons, he feels directionless and lost. He feels nothing.
Dream walks with his sister Death, who tells him how good she is with humans. Death visits an old man named Harry playing the violin, and we get a juxtaposition of a “nice death” against a “tragic death”. In the form of Sam, who drowns while on his honeymoon. Death also makes a trip to visit a baby in its cot bed.
Dream ponders the nature of life and death, and how humans fear the sunless lands. After finding herself at a crossroads and unsure whether to continue on, Dream found purpose in being there for humans and realizing that she needs them as much as they need her.
Dream and Death head back to the park where they started, but Dream is not as happy as he used to be.
Death and Dream enter into a wager in 1389. If Death can grant a man’s wish, then the man will never die. However, Death is not so sure that this will happen in a century.
In 100 years, Hob Gadling will still be here, meeting with Robert Gadling to help him achieve his wishes. Hob’s life spirals out of control and he hits rock bottom, but even at his lowest, Robert Gadling refuses to die.
In 1789, Johanna Constantine demands Death and Gadling join her. Dream uses his sand and blows it in her face, letting her see old ghosts from her past. However, Gadling and Dream continue to meet through the centuries, with Gadling convinced that Dream is lonely and is seeking friendship.
Dream, the deity of sleep, is known for his ominous words. However, Gadling, a restless spirit who has visited the Dream World 100 times over the course of his life, decides to stay one more time in order to make amends. Still, Dream remains a mysterious figure and Gadling continues showing himself to mortals every 100 years just in case they might want to speak with him again. ..
It turns out that the pub is on the verge of being torn down and changed into flats. This comes about around the same time as Dream being imprisoned, which shows just why he was unable to show up and meet Gadling. Dream now shows up and sees that there’s a new inn that’s been set up nearby to the flats. And lo and behold, Gadling is there waiting for him. Dream smiles and apologizes for being late.
Desire has a plan to try and capture his brother.
The Episode Review
The Sandman is a fantastic comic book and this adaptation is top notch. The story is well-told and the visuals are stunning. Death, eternal life, and the true nature of humanity are all explored in this episode and it’s a great way to close out the season.
Johanna Constantine is a character who shows up in the comics just as she does in the TV show. She’s a surprise inclusion to learn she’s John Constantine’s ancestor.
The Sandman delivered an introspective episode that was thought provoking and introspective. If the rest of the series keeps up, the second half of this could well make for a fantastic ride. ..
