The Sandman

So much potential wasted away on diversity directives and slow, empty talk. I get that the modern world needs to be more inclusive, but forcing it into every tv show for the sake of political correctness is just silly.

It's actually quite nice at first, but from episode four the show is all downhill. Total incoherence and disconnection from the primal idea from there on.

What I find amazing is that such top notch actors agreed into participating in this. I'm sure the book is much more interesting, but this adaptation is honestly not worth anyone's time. Pity pity pity, it could have been so much nicer.

If you ever thought Neil Gaiman's The Sandman was one of those "unfilmable" graphic novels, think again. Season 1 is a masterclass in adaptation, a rare win where the TV show not only respects the source material but elevates it with visuals and storytelling perfectly suited for the screen.

Right off the bat, this isn't your usual comic book fare. The Sandman dives deep into mythology, dreams, and existential questions, but never loses grip on emotional resonance or character complexity. The show captures that ethereal, otherworldly vibe with jaw-dropping visuals - think surreal landscapes, hauntingly beautiful effects, and moments that look like they've stepped straight out of a dream you can't quite shake. The production values here deserve a standing ovation.

Tom Sturridge's Dream (aka Morpheus) is pitch-perfect: brooding, distant, yet surprisingly human beneath that immortal exterior. He anchors the show with a quietly intense performance, making you believe in a lord of dreams who's as fallible as he is powerful. The supporting cast is equally strong, with standout turns that flesh out this intricate world without ever overwhelming the core story.

What impressed me most was the show's pacing and respect for its graphic novel roots. It's dense, yes, but never overwhelming or dumbed down. The writers clearly know their audience and trust us to follow the labyrinthine plot without spoon-feeding. This balance between faithfulness and smart adaptation is a tough tightrope, and The Sandman walks it with grace.

Neil Gaiman's original Sandman graphic novel series, first published in the late '80s and '90s, is widely regarded as a groundbreaking work in comics... a dense, literary, and darkly imaginative saga that redefined what graphic novels could achieve. Gaiman's ability to weave mythology, horror, fantasy, and philosophy into a cohesive, emotional story set a towering creative benchmark. The showrunners clearly understand and honour Gaiman's vision, preserving the complex themes and character depth while opening it up for a wider audience. Gaiman himself was closely involved, which no doubt helped maintain that authentic, unmistakable Sandman spirit.

If you're a fan of the graphic novel, this season will feel like a love letter brought to life. If you're new to the story, prepare for a richly layered journey that mixes fantasy, horror, and a touch of philosophical musing.

Season 1 ends on a note that sets the bar high for Season 2; and I'm buzzing to see where this dark, dazzling dream takes us next.

In an age dominated by 15-second reels, endless TikToks, and the constant noise of social media, The Sandman did something extraordinary-it made me forget the world around me and pulled me into its own. Watching this series felt like being transported back to a time when stories were allowed to breathe, when imagination ruled over algorithms, and when TV shows were experienced, not just consumed.

The Sandman is a rare gem of the 21st century that somehow channels the soul of the 20th. It reminds me of an era when shows were artfully crafted and not built around trends or virality. The pacing, the visuals, the storytelling-everything feels deliberate and rich with meaning. It's thoughtful, haunting, beautiful, and deeply emotional. It's not just entertainment; it's an experience.

What makes it even more special is how uncommon shows like this have become. In today's content-saturated landscape, patience and depth are undervalued. But The Sandman dares to go slow, to build a world, and to ask its viewers to pay attention. And it rewards that attention at every turn.

This might just be one of the most underrated shows of the 21st century. It deserves far more recognition than it's gotten. If you're someone who misses the golden age of storytelling, this show is your time machine.

Highly recommended for anyone who still believes in the magic of long-form, meaningful storytelling.

I really liked the comics back then, when they were published. I haven't read them again since, so I forgot most of the things and so also the story for the first season, if it was ever put into the comics. The show is visually stunning and I like the look. The one thing that was probably cut though for budget reasons was that Morpheus should have way more impact on the dreamworld wherever he goes and visually influence it. That wasn't a major point for me. The lead actor was well chosen, even with the hairdo making me wonder when he would sing songs from the Cure. I don't like the actor for the main villain - the Corinthian - so it was good, that he was the villain, but he more a psychopath than a true evil.

What most people might have a problem with was the slow pace the first season had. I personally didn't mind stories like the human Morpheus was meeting in that pub every 100 years. It added to that existential feel of the show.

While I personally don't like the recent gender swapping in respect to source material - I mean, why not invent awesome material yourself rather than say make a show called "Pippin Longstocking" - it was moderately done so in the show that it didn't hurt personally speaking. What I found a bit sad was that they turned Death from the little Goth chick to some black woman. But I found it worse that she had not so much screen time at all.

Overall, I enjoyed it a lot.

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.