A lot of people raved about the first season of American Gods, but my response was more measured. I watched at first just because it's ponderous, mysterious style was unusual for TV. But I wasn't really engaged until a few episodes in when Emily Browning's Laura Moon burst in like a storm. She kept me going through the less entrancing parts of the show, which could be unpleasant and some tedious, *endless* sex scenes.
Since I wasn't a huge fan of season 1, it took me a while to realize I wasn't enjoying season 2. It seemed like pretty much the same thing, only I found myself less interested and more restless. Even Laura Moon seemed less fun. I found it harder to follow the story, and there were none of those really striking moments that peppered season 1.
I gave up at episode 4, which is basically groups of people having long, philosophical conversations interspersed with short scenes that carried the plot and that I couldn't make head or tail out of.
When I came here to write a review, I discovered my disenchantment with season 2 was not an isolated reaction. In fact, a lot of the people who adored season 1 hated season 2. My reaction to both seasons is more muted, but generally 1 is interesting and 2 isn't.
This is almost certainly because for some reason Bryan Fuller was replaced as showrunner. I like some Fuller shows better than others (my favorite is Pushing Daisies), but he is someone with a distinct vision, and I'm not convinced his replacement has one of those.
Check out season 1. Just be prepared to not have a worthwhile season 2 you can progress to.
