By Lee Travis
Episode 1: The Bone Orchard
What do you worship in your life? It doesn't have to be a religion, but rather how you spend your time. In American Gods, the manifestation of our thoughts and beliefs become gods who walk among us. New gods, like Media and Technology, clash with the older gods, like Odin and Easter. When our thoughts wane, gods lose their influence and power. Their power and lack thereof rely solely on us. For better or worse.
Shadow Moon, the everyman of the story, is thrust into the conflict between the old and new gods. He accompanies Mr. Wednesday across the country as this mysterious figure tries to recruit old gods before the encroaching storm hits.
Bryan Fuller and Michael Green have faithfully adapted the 2001 Neil Gaiman novel of the same name. The heavily stylized show is adult content at its finest. In the first episode alone there are several brutal blood showers, a shocking sex scene, and a raunchy funeral scene. Not to mention the language. However, very few aspects of the content are gratuitous without substance. Fuller and Green are confident behind the wheel, and it shows. If you have never experienced a Fuller show before American Gods, you are in for a treat. Fuller's cinematography rivals most films and makes American Gods a sight for the eyes.
American Gods is the pinnacle of mature content on TV. The show demands your respect, time, and concentration. But the payoff is well worth the investment. If you are a fan of the books, you will get so much out of the experience. But fear not if you are new to American Gods, the journey is welcoming to newcomers. I don't want to give too much away. Part of enjoying American Gods is the shock value.
Are you a fan of the book or is this your first time hearing about American Gods? Let me know in the comments below and on Twitter on @lostthenumbers.
You can watch American Gods on STARZ Sunday nights at 9/8 central.