Martin Carr reviews the second episode of American Gods season 2…
Technological train car crucifixions, dead eyed wives on missions of mercy and a dirty gospel backing track evoke mood this week before throwing in theology. Torture blackouts give us contemporary back story with hints of godly interference, whilst leprechauns bicker with coin carrying corpses. For anyone hoping season two would get easier, more concise, less tangential and more straightforward think again.
Using close ups to instil sensual immediacy ‘The Beguiling Man’ jumps back and forth between travelling companions, before ending in a bloody rescue mission. Burning cars reflected in a retina, flies on early morning eggs and illuminated sweat do their best to divert. On top of this comes the distraction of theological debates concerning emerging technological gods and struggling belief systems. A dramatic examination of nations in flux caught between the wisdom of age and an inherent need for progress.
Clamped in a Christ like position for the duration it is no leap of faith to think that Shadow literally serves as a bridge between old and new. Trapped in vastly advanced restraints yet personifying one of the oldest religions he is an allegorical embodiment, encased in a train car pursued by outmoded ideas. For those not going for depth there is still much to enjoy beyond the stylistic flourishes and consciously disjointed narrative. Mad Sweeney and Laura Moon are a jet black double act drifting between violent slapstick, mutual distaste and moments of introspection while Nancy and Wednesday are by turns dapper and dirty. At this point only Mr World, Technical Boy and Bilquis lack adequate chemistry due to limited screen time, but then that ambiguity feeds into the mystique and maintains interest.
Beyond the narrative threads which see odd couples splitting off on missions of seeming self-interest there are new kids on the block. Introduced as inquisitor and torturer before being dealt a blow Mr Town has yet to make his intentions clear. Played by Dean Winters with understated zeal his true allegiances remain unclear. Meanwhile Media is mere light and static constructed of disembodied soundbites intentionally there to tease a frustrated errand boy.
Brimming over with theological debate, allegorical segues and moments of unique character you still get the sense that American Gods is finding its way. Stylistically bold, unflinchingly brazen and unafraid to carve its own furrow it maybe but even originality requires a road map.
Martin Carr
