American Gods Review: The Ways of the Dead (Season 2 Episode 5)
On American Gods Season 2 Episode 5, “The Ways of the Dead,” truth and memory become transactions, and both come as harsh truths when the dead are involved.
Sometimes, American Gods can make a sideline an undeniable feat of importance, where the story is just as large as the main story, and at times much more engaging. There are others, unfortunately, where this does not add up, and it becomes a detriment.
“The Ways of the Dead” finds itself in the latter company. Some of the episode still works, fortunately, and has a lot to say. It’s just that a lot of its moments slip toward spinning wheels, where the show feels as though it’s on standby.
The episode takes on a dream-like structure, where certain scenes float and flow in manners that leave them as interpretive rather than solid and concrete. The most impactful of these is shared by Laura and Sweeney, where the truth about their attraction for one another is dream-like, but the realization is solid.
Laura’s reaction is the right one, as she always runs from the truth any time she can. Old habits die hard, even when dead, and so seeing what she truly desires is a truth she isn’t ready for quite yet.
Shadow’s view on death becomes another harsh reality while speaking with Ibis. It’s clear he views death as an absolute, even when facing visions of a wrathful death that haunts Cairo. This makes Laura’s quest to resurrect herself feel like a lost cause from the very beginning, when she runs from what’s likely her true chance at redemption.
The lengthy look at race and cruelty in Cairo is important, but does not have the same sort of bite that Mr. Nancy’s words hold on the previous episode, American Gods Season 2 Episode 4, “The Greatest Story Ever Told.”
The show is certainly saying something about race in America and how little it’s progressed, but if it plans on going there, it would be ideal to use Shadow in order to do so. His vision near the end of the episode is the right step forward, but his possession appears to extinguish once he awakens at the podium, and so it’s short-lived.
Wednesday’s side mission with Salim and the Jinn is a nice little sequence, as it delves into mythology and lore a little more. On a show about gods, it’s more about their worship and currying favor; so when diving into Wednesday’s spear and his need of runes, it’s a friendly reminder of who Ian McShane is portraying, rather than another scene with crazy old Wednesday.
American Gods Season 2 Episode 5, “The Ways of the Dead,” has a lot of interesting threads that do not lead to satisfying places. They’re half-starts, where in the back half of the season, there is some need for progression.
While pieces may work, the episode relies too much on a casual jog through setting up conflict that does not carry much weight. A war between gods is a long game, and this episode feels like they’re playing that long game.
The production is still top notch, however, with gorgeous imagery and spectacle. And while it may sound overall negative, it is never a bore, and keeps itself interesting to watch, a step above a lot of competing shows.
Some stray thoughts on the episode:
- American Gods is really starting to take up the mantle for wild sex scenes now that Game of Thrones is both ending and backed off of them, and another STARZ staple, Spartacus, has been gone for some time.
What did you think of this episode of American Gods? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Critic Rating:
User Rating:
American Gods airs Sundays at 8/7c on STARZ.
Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!
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.