Brutal ending given that there's no season 4. I think Shadow was underdeveloped, so much more could have been done. We never really understood the extent of his powers, so many loose ends and plots remaining open. Shame as I did enjoy this show....
18 Reviews
Season Three Review
southdavid24 March 2021
I wasn't quite as down on the second season of "American Gods" as was the conventional wisdom - though I'd be hard pushed to argue against the idea that a lack of forward momentum hurt that run. The third season, though still seeming like it's a long way away from the promised cataclysmic battle, does adapt a memorable section from the source novel and regains some of the narrative thrust from the first season.
Moved by prophecies and some unsubtle persuasion from his father, Shadow Moon (Ricky Whittle) heads to Lakeside, an idyllic Wisconsin town heading into a winter season, but tragedy soon follows him. The all father himself (Ian McShane) continues his recruitment drive, starting with death metal legions but then focusing on his great love Demeter (Blythe Danner). Laura Moon (Emily Browning) guilty from the loss of Mad Sweeney attempts to resurrect him, but her plans go awry, and she soon decides on a new goal and makes a dangerous alliance.
Again, the hallmarks of the previous seasons return here in that the show is beautiful to look at, if nothing else. Poetic in its imagery, its foreshadowing and callbacks I'm not sure there's ever been a show that puts as much into its aesthetics. There are performances from the actors to match too. There are a couple of big misses in this run, both Pablo Schreiber and Orlando Jones don't return. Instead there's more time spent with Demore Barnes' Mr Ibis character and the introduction of Ashley Reyes as Wednesday's new assistant Cordelia. Ricky Whittle really is great in this series though, particularly in the last couple of episodes and it's strange to think that just 10 years ago he was still in "Hollyoaks".
Admittedly, it's still fairly slow moving and its pretty brave work to not move the plot along more when a fourth (and presumably, based on where they are in the book, final) season hasn't actually been commissioned. But I really hope they do get the chance to finish the story.
Moved by prophecies and some unsubtle persuasion from his father, Shadow Moon (Ricky Whittle) heads to Lakeside, an idyllic Wisconsin town heading into a winter season, but tragedy soon follows him. The all father himself (Ian McShane) continues his recruitment drive, starting with death metal legions but then focusing on his great love Demeter (Blythe Danner). Laura Moon (Emily Browning) guilty from the loss of Mad Sweeney attempts to resurrect him, but her plans go awry, and she soon decides on a new goal and makes a dangerous alliance.
Again, the hallmarks of the previous seasons return here in that the show is beautiful to look at, if nothing else. Poetic in its imagery, its foreshadowing and callbacks I'm not sure there's ever been a show that puts as much into its aesthetics. There are performances from the actors to match too. There are a couple of big misses in this run, both Pablo Schreiber and Orlando Jones don't return. Instead there's more time spent with Demore Barnes' Mr Ibis character and the introduction of Ashley Reyes as Wednesday's new assistant Cordelia. Ricky Whittle really is great in this series though, particularly in the last couple of episodes and it's strange to think that just 10 years ago he was still in "Hollyoaks".
Admittedly, it's still fairly slow moving and its pretty brave work to not move the plot along more when a fourth (and presumably, based on where they are in the book, final) season hasn't actually been commissioned. But I really hope they do get the chance to finish the story.
Feels like the old American Gods!
sebastiananttirask21 March 2021
Season one was so great. But the last two seasons just haven't been on the same level. Most of the time the mystery was gone most and the dialogues felt way less smarter, less punchier and less tense. Same with the chemistry between Shadow and Laura.
However, this final really felt like the first season to me. Mysteries unravel, very intriguing dialogues and for the first time since season one, I actually can't wait to see where Shadows and Lauras relationship is going.
Only bad thing is we're probably going to have to wait until 2023 for season four.
However, this final really felt like the first season to me. Mysteries unravel, very intriguing dialogues and for the first time since season one, I actually can't wait to see where Shadows and Lauras relationship is going.
Only bad thing is we're probably going to have to wait until 2023 for season four.
Son of Odin
ygwerin124 April 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Laura Moon is quite literally her own worst enemy someone seemingly incapable of learning any lessons from her own lives mistakes, so full of rage and anger is she perpetually doomed to simply continue in the same vein cocking up her existence at every available opportunity?
And of Shadow Moon for a large early tranche of the show he appeared to simply be a troubled ex con, after taking his own sweet time coming to the full realisation of exactly who he really is, he appeared to me to not only come to accept but move with it with amazing alacrity.
What of the other 'principle' characters, Technical Boy, Bilquis, and Mr. World?
With each of them we the viewers are brought through the televisual narrative to the inevitable conclusion that their stories are far from through, they all three appear at least to me to be set on their own separate trajectories.
One of which Bilquis I firmly imagined was set to entwine around Shadow Moon and Wednesday's storyline, so I have to ask is that really the end of her tale after all of the effort that she has had to go through to get there?
After viewing what I came to view as a selfish egotistical twat Technical Boy is allegedly central to Mr. World's digital Universe at least that's his assertion, I never expected to find myself thing it let alone saying it but Technical Boy has a point, Mr. World who or what the Hell are you?
Mr. Wednesday what now of him, has his son Shadow Moon's sacrifice actually provided Norse God Odin the All Father a Re-Birth and Resurection?
For me with so many conundrums proliferating left right and centre all seemingly in preparation for a continuance of this Norse Saga, and most certainly not any kind of tying up of loose ends rather they all remain apparently open ended.
When I watched the first episode the only 'Gods' apparent to me were those from Norse mythology and my considerations then, we're what the hell have they to do with 'American' Gods? After all the only 'Gods' anywhere in the entire Americas when the, Viking hordes sought to colonise it were those of Native American anticedents.
And of Shadow Moon for a large early tranche of the show he appeared to simply be a troubled ex con, after taking his own sweet time coming to the full realisation of exactly who he really is, he appeared to me to not only come to accept but move with it with amazing alacrity.
What of the other 'principle' characters, Technical Boy, Bilquis, and Mr. World?
With each of them we the viewers are brought through the televisual narrative to the inevitable conclusion that their stories are far from through, they all three appear at least to me to be set on their own separate trajectories.
One of which Bilquis I firmly imagined was set to entwine around Shadow Moon and Wednesday's storyline, so I have to ask is that really the end of her tale after all of the effort that she has had to go through to get there?
After viewing what I came to view as a selfish egotistical twat Technical Boy is allegedly central to Mr. World's digital Universe at least that's his assertion, I never expected to find myself thing it let alone saying it but Technical Boy has a point, Mr. World who or what the Hell are you?
Mr. Wednesday what now of him, has his son Shadow Moon's sacrifice actually provided Norse God Odin the All Father a Re-Birth and Resurection?
For me with so many conundrums proliferating left right and centre all seemingly in preparation for a continuance of this Norse Saga, and most certainly not any kind of tying up of loose ends rather they all remain apparently open ended.
When I watched the first episode the only 'Gods' apparent to me were those from Norse mythology and my considerations then, we're what the hell have they to do with 'American' Gods? After all the only 'Gods' anywhere in the entire Americas when the, Viking hordes sought to colonise it were those of Native American anticedents.
The bell tolls , the funeral of Mr Wednesday and season 3.
marckline000-6722 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Am saddened that Mr Wednesday has joined Mad Sweeney , most likely two of the best charactors in this show. I still think Lakeside was a cool place to live in.
Laura Moon is the reason why this episode began , in theory she should have taken the coin and just gone to Vegas instead , but no instead they all meet in the middle of the country in Kansas. The huge tree at some farm with three Norms and washing Shadow Moon so he can mourn his pop's death for 9 days and 9 nights in the freezing cold in his underwear wrapped up by the vines and roots of the Wrath- bearing tree. Bilquis is now looking for THE OTHER , with the help of Laura Moon and most likely Techo help Boy. The scene in which Mr Wednesday and Shadow Moon on the plane , was like in the first episode of season one , then
a few words , Shadow becomes his dad's martyr then M.W opens plane hatch and jumps out. Season 4 will be looking for Shadow Moon's OTHER , the women and other's will be on a mission to figure out who this person is , to aid Shadow on his conquest. We wont have to wait as long as season 3 came out to finally see the end finally happen.
Futile to watch unless story wrapped up
stevelesley13 July 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Frustrating for the show to re-enter alignment with the book only to stop suddenly in full flow.
So many questions unanswered, such as why Laura, who is Mr World, what happens to Shadow, why is Technical Boy important, is Wednesday dead, what role does Bilquis play?
All would have been answered and the book could have concluded with one more series. I hate it when companies drag us along like this and then cast us aside without giving us the full story that was promised.
Solid episode, full of revelations, but a frustrating lack of conclusion.
So many questions unanswered, such as why Laura, who is Mr World, what happens to Shadow, why is Technical Boy important, is Wednesday dead, what role does Bilquis play?
All would have been answered and the book could have concluded with one more series. I hate it when companies drag us along like this and then cast us aside without giving us the full story that was promised.
Solid episode, full of revelations, but a frustrating lack of conclusion.
Where was this all season?
magnum-ajt7 April 2021
The best of this season but woeful compared to first season
namstonk22 March 2021
So the finale is here and once again it's a let down and seeing as it's lost over 40% of its original viewership from season two it will probably be the last. Sad really as it was excellent at the start, now the chumps give 10/10 for repetition, pointless filler and trying to be salacious. The woke writing and poor direction have made this season just another lame same old series aiming to appease the left, even the visuals seem less potent, another reason why season four will be doubtful.
Jumping One Shark at a Time
bmcraec25 March 2021
I've been increasingly less interested in following up as the soap opera tropes get trotted out. Let's see if everyone gets a fourth season. I think, given the line I headlined, that SOME of the show-runners are getting tired, probably commenting on the obvious cliff-hanger thrums that either needed trimming or more elegantly carried forward. Like, lean into those Douglas Adams, Pythonesque and Whovian found-objects.
Has gr8 potential
giladshmueli16 January 2022
Has very low lows but also some very high peaks.
Season 2 was weak , but 3 much better.
The visuals are terrific and so are the characters.
The concept is great.
Makes you want to go on a road trip in roadside atraction america.
Very dissapointed no conclusion to series.
Season 2 was weak , but 3 much better.
The visuals are terrific and so are the characters.
The concept is great.
Makes you want to go on a road trip in roadside atraction america.
Very dissapointed no conclusion to series.
Couldve been one of the bests
ruveydarana25 April 2021
Warning: Spoilers
So many characters so many stories so many loose ends. I couldn't understand A THING from this 3rd season. I don't want Laura to be Shadow's "The Other". We were started to finally understand what mr world was or we were going to. Technical boy was upto something different and there was artifact 1. It was just rubbish this season i believe. It was like sketches from a writer or smt.
I hate cliff hangers
mizsuz14 May 2021
There was no need to cliff hanger the last episode of this series. It was a vile and pathetic writer's trick that is beneath the creators of this series, beneath the vast talents of the cast, and far beneath the dignity of the author.
Slow, dull and ultimately sad.
vdoman-2232125 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Let's mourn this series as it mourns Odin. It's time to give it a Norse funeral and let it pass on in peace. You can always tell a series is coming to an end when half of it is flashbacks, fantasy segments, and music sequences. It feels like the writers had to stretch the story to fill the contracted amount of episodes. I can't believe they didn't just wrap this up and move on. For me, I just don't care about the characters any more. Season four... forget it, I'm done.
Pink Floyd The Wall meets Inception. In a bad way.
hacks-5663522 March 2021
Cheap writers filling time. Bad vision scenes without any revelations or value that seem straight up like a caricatured psychedelic trip. Those ain't visions there "shadow moon" lol those are just straight up delusions. You should probably see a doctor about that.
The whole season felt like it was trying to build towards something but never quite delivered. So the unstated promise was that there would be substantial resolution at the end? If the show thinks it delivered, then it may be as delusional as their so called visions.
Bluntly, this finale is a kick in the jewels, as it does nothing to resolve anything, but merely tries to set itself up with about a dozen cliffhangers to entice another season.
Seriously, the whole season slow burning to build up to cliffhangers for another season? Man, I hate you guys lol
Like, have you ever played with a cat and not let it get the toy even once? The cat kinda goes bonkers and gets weird and aggro and looks at you like maybe if you were not so big and strong things would go a lot different. This is what you are doing. Hire writers that are able to actually let the viewer have some resolution.
To be honest, I don't even care about any of these characters anymore. This is what happens when you run in 36 directions and don't actually give any substance to any of them.
which is too bad because season 1 was very good in this regards, and others.
If some studio execs are so out of original ideas as to fund a fourth season of this, I may watch it out of spite, like the sports team you love to hate.
Surprise me, please! but truthfully, I would not renew this garbage. Or at very least clean house. Change it's momentum.
The whole season felt like it was trying to build towards something but never quite delivered. So the unstated promise was that there would be substantial resolution at the end? If the show thinks it delivered, then it may be as delusional as their so called visions.
Bluntly, this finale is a kick in the jewels, as it does nothing to resolve anything, but merely tries to set itself up with about a dozen cliffhangers to entice another season.
Seriously, the whole season slow burning to build up to cliffhangers for another season? Man, I hate you guys lol
Like, have you ever played with a cat and not let it get the toy even once? The cat kinda goes bonkers and gets weird and aggro and looks at you like maybe if you were not so big and strong things would go a lot different. This is what you are doing. Hire writers that are able to actually let the viewer have some resolution.
To be honest, I don't even care about any of these characters anymore. This is what happens when you run in 36 directions and don't actually give any substance to any of them.
which is too bad because season 1 was very good in this regards, and others.
If some studio execs are so out of original ideas as to fund a fourth season of this, I may watch it out of spite, like the sports team you love to hate.
Surprise me, please! but truthfully, I would not renew this garbage. Or at very least clean house. Change it's momentum.
I created an account so I could post this
martincammmc30 March 2021
Mr. World is Loki, God of Cliffhangers and Manipulation
MikoLaas27 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers
So basically, the whole season was a filler for major cliffhangers.
Not sure why no one else got it, but obviously Mr. World is Loki, as manipulation and trickery takes precedence in our modern society, he has no shortage of power.
Technical Boy is innovation, that was obvious since they first revealed the flinch that started the first fire.
Why did we need all these borderline irrelevant , "woke" episodes for this?
Not sure why no one else got it, but obviously Mr. World is Loki, as manipulation and trickery takes precedence in our modern society, he has no shortage of power.
Technical Boy is innovation, that was obvious since they first revealed the flinch that started the first fire.
Why did we need all these borderline irrelevant , "woke" episodes for this?
Not an ending. Just a stop.
pauleskridge18 March 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Five stars. Because of what it isn't. Not an ending, just a stop. And that's
why there was so much story left for season three. I hear that Gaiman and
Whittle are still trying to get someone to step up to do season four. I hope
they manage it. Maybe another five or six episodes, without cutting any major
story corners. This was fine, as far as it went. We get the journey to the
center. Laura gets to cop Steve McQueen. World comes so close to telling
Technical Boy who he really is that everyone should be able to figure it out. And we get Shadow's sacrifice, and the reason behind it. We seem to be missing
the furor amongst the Old Gods that arises from the assassination, but maybe
that comes later. Who knows? Maybe we'll never find out how the show
concludes. Maybe the writers should have paid more attention to story-telling
from the start. 18 March 2024.
Where's the Ending
steve-butten28 January 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I stuck with all three seasons in the knowledge that the tree vigil was close to the end, only they didn't close it out. Surely they can't make another series with the bit that's left. The first series did a good job of bringing Gaiman's concept alive and allowing us to dip our toes into the reasons why Wednesday/Odin nabbed Shadow Moon and used him the way he did. I have to say Series 2 left me cold and confused. I'm not sure that enough was done to fully tie us in to the reasons why there had to be this conflict between the Gods that came along with the settlers, and the gods of the new technical world. Series three did sort most of that out so I was convinced it needed there, which leaves me empty as to why it didn't.
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