If you’re a fan of author Neil Gaiman and his epic “American Gods” novel, then odds are, you’re probably one of those viewers that watched the entire, critically-acclaimed first season of the live-action adaptation. However, if you have no idea what all the hub-bub is regarding the Starz series, then you’re in luck. The new trailer for season 2 was finally released, and apparently, it’s intended for those who might have skipped season 1.
The teaser, released to coincide with the New York Comic-Con appearance of the series, does little to entice a returning viewer. You see the same characters from last season, with some quick glimpses at new faces, and the premise is again revealed to you. But for those who are new, this is a great primer that allows you to pretty much skip the first season and jump headfirst into the deep end with season 2.
That being said, the recent behind-the-scenes drama surrounding the series might be enough to scare off new and old fans, alike. After Brian Fuller was fired as showrunner following season 1, he was quickly replaced by someone the network (and Neil Gaiman) thought would be easier to…maintain. Then that person was unceremoniously, and secretly, fired, and no replacement has been named. Apparently, the big disagreements behind-the-scenes had to do with the creative choices of Fuller and how Gaiman began taking a more hands-on approach to his baby.
Regardless of the drama, and what appears to be a radically different season 2, Starz is hoping the goodwill that “American Gods” garnered during its initial run will carry over and fans will give this new season a shot before dismissing the series altogether. The Gods know that Starz is desperate to keep their highest-profile series around for a long time to come.
“American Gods” season 2 hits Starz in 2019.
Here’s the synopsis:
When Shadow Moon is released from prison, he meets the mysterious Mr. Wednesday and a storm begins to brew. Little does Shadow know, this storm will change the course of his entire life. Left adrift by the recent, tragic death of his wife, and suddenly hired as Mr. Wednesday’s bodyguard, Shadow finds himself in the center of a world that he struggles to understand. It’s a world where magic is real, where the Old Gods fear both irrelevance and the growing power of the New Gods, like Technology and Media. Mr. Wednesday seeks to build a coalition of Old Gods to defend their existence in this new America, and reclaim some of the influence that they’ve lost. As Shadow travels across the country with Mr. Wednesday, he struggles to accept this new reality, and his place in it.