American Gods Review: House on the Rock (Season 2 Episode 1)
War arrives on American Gods Season 2 Episode 1, “House on the Rock.”
The season premiere brings most of the cast together for an important decision, and with it comes a sense of urgency. There are a lot of positives to the episode, yet with some caveats.
The first thing noticeable in “House on the Rock” is the distinct difference in style. The first season is a masterwork of surreal imagery and an almost dream-like quality; here, though, it’s still visually arresting and beautiful, but far more straightforward (at least, until the halfway point).
The second thing is how fast the show moves now. The cast travels from Kentucky to Wisconsin in no time, when it took all of the first season to move anywhere. It’s a new direction in narrative speed, as the show begins to cement in its main story thrust.
House on the Rock, as a setting, leads to a lot of vibrant color and unique visuals. The carousel sequence is unbelievably gorgeous, and one of the best more physical sets the show has done before.
In terms of the bigger picture, the fortune teller scene is one of particular note. Bilquis receives hers, and immediately her eyes dart to Shadow, as though he is involved in it. Mr. Wednesday’s causes him to laugh, while Shadow’s is quite cryptic.
There is a larger game at play with what these fortunes could possibly mean, despite Mr. Nancy’s (and Orlando Jones’) colorful and hilarious dismissal of them. Perhaps it’s cementing these characters’ fates, and will make more sense down the road.
Up until now, Shadow is more of a viewer, our way of seeing into the world of the gods; but in the meeting of the gods, he becomes the one to speak up, the one to give the rousing speech when things appear shaky. It’s a shift in dynamic after being sidelined for vast stretches.
Laura Moon’s deterioration appears to be a permanent thing now, unless Wednesday can be convinced to reverse it somehow. Mad Sweeney and Laura share more of a bond now than Shadow and herself, which works for us since they are a perfect combination.
This gets to a larger, looming question: with Shadow now referred to as “Wednesday’s man,” is this a literal meaning? Shadow’s devotion to Wednesday appears to be growing in influence, as though he is no longer drawn in by things that hold meaning for him.
It could be because the journey brings Shadow some long-sought-after purpose, something he always wanted, but it feels like it could be something deeper.
The big diner scene that caps off the episode is a great unifying place for all of the lead cast to finally come together. It has this air of fun to it, even if it’s under dire terms. Peter Stormare’s Czernobog brings such an enthusiasm to the scenes, and his need for a checkers rematch with Shadow is a fun moment.
That the more fun scene turns into a bloodbath from sniper fire becomes a striking way to cap off the episode. The show has shied away from action setpieces in favor of visual splendor; here, the sudden burst of action is exciting, and Whittle gets to use his physicality more effectively.
In terms of the new style, it works. It’s different in terms of its execution, but still feels true to what has come before. “House on the Rock” appears to be bringing Shadow more to the forefront, as a more active participant, which could help revive his more static inclusion so far.
With the good, however, comes some issues.
The episode uses a lot more of Crispin Glover’s Mr. World on this episode, which is always welcome. It leads to a lot of long-winded, cryptic pontificating, however, which is not so welcome in such large doses.
The quick dismissal of Easter from the plot does add some issues moving forward with the show. The loss of Kristin Chenowith and Gillian Anderson from the cast due to production issues, when both are treated so vital to what comes next, is an unfortunate side effect.
After how American Gods Season 1 Episode 8, “Come to Jesus,” leaves things with both characters, it will be interesting to see if a quick remark about bunnies and a need for a new version of media are all we get as an explanation.
The episode does continue the issue of characters never quite saying what they are thinking. So much ground is covered in the neat map of Mr. Wednesday’s car driving, but Shadow and Laura never resolve their coldness toward each other, and Laura does not tell him the truth of her death.
There is a small disconnect to this. Of course, it’s because the show would immediately stop in its tracks because of such a revelation, but it does feel like withholding for the purpose of keeping everyone together.
Even still, American Gods Season 2 Episode 1, “House on the Rock,” works by delivering on the promise of the first season, where the gods have come together, and, under bloodshed of their own, are now at war.
The show may be a little rocky still, especially with the production issues in the back of my mind, but I still find American Gods an incredibly fascinating adventure.
What did you think of this episode of American Gods? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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American Gods airs Sundays at 8/7c on STARZ.
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Kevin Lever
Kevin Lever has been following television closely for most of his life, but in starting to cover it, he has grown a further appreciation. He strives to give the blockbusters their due, and give the lesser known shows a spotlight to find more fans.