Netflix’s The Sandman Season 2 returns with all the lush visuals, mythic stakes, and cosmic family drama that made the first season a fantasy standout. But while Volume 1 delivers several emotionally rich moments and strong performances, it also feels like an unfinished dream — because it is.
The season has been split into two volumes:
- Volume 1 (Episodes 1–6): Released on July 3, 2025
- Volume 2 (Episodes 7–11): Coming July 24, 2025
- Bonus Episode “Death: The High Cost of Living”: Releasing July 31, 2025
What Works
Tom Sturridge continues to shine as Dream. This time, he’s faced with deeply personal consequences, especially in his heartbreaking reunion with his son Orpheus. The show doesn’t shy away from tragic decisions, and the emotional weight lands hard.
Season 2 expands the universe. Lucifer has abdicated Hell, Destruction remains missing, and the consequences of Dream’s past choices ripple through realms. The build-up to the Kindly Ones (Furies) is slow but menacing, hinting at a looming tragedy.
The show corrects some of the comic’s controversial missteps—particularly in its portrayal of Wanda and Nada, giving their characters more dignity and depth. These updates make the adaptation feel more in tune with modern sensibilities, without losing the essence of Gaiman’s world.
As expected, The Sandman continues to be gorgeous. Dream realms, ancient cities, and infernal landscapes are brought to life with painterly beauty. Every frame is crafted like a fantasy oil painting. The sound design and score amplify that ethereal, timeless tone.
What Falls Short
The season is dense and deliberate—which some may find poetic, but others may find dull. It occasionally drifts in tone and pacing, especially in middle episodes that feel more like setup than payoff.
Because we only have half the season, many arcs are unresolved. Key characters like Delirium, Destiny, and the fallout of Orpheus’s fate are teased but not yet fully explored. The best (or worst?) part: the real emotional devastation hasn’t even happened yet.
What’s Coming in Volume 2 (July 24)
Episodes 7–11 will complete the adaptation of:
- Ep 7: “Time and Night” – Dream seeks guidance from his cosmic parents.
- Ep 8: “Fuel for the Fire” – The Corinthian’s dark urges spiral out of control.
- Ep 9: “The Kindly Ones” – The beginning of Dream’s final downfall and reckoning.
- Ep 10: “Long Live the King” – A reckoning threatens Dream’s rule and legacy.
- Ep 11: “A Tale of Graceful Ends” – Dream faces the fate he can no longer escape.
- And a standalone special: Ep 12: “Death: The High Cost of Living” (July 31), focusing on Dream’s sister Death in a modern-day story that fans of the comics have long awaited.
Final Verdict
Season 2 is visually rich, emotionally ambitious, and true to its source material—but it’s not designed to satisfy in one sitting. The full impact won’t land until Volume 2 arrives later this month.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Watch it now if you’re ready for beautiful sadness and philosophical storytelling.
Wait till July 24 if you prefer bingeing a complete arc.