Netflix’s adaptation of Neil Gaiman’sThe Sandmanis already proving to be a hit with fans and newcomers alike. The series has stayed as close as possible to its comic book roots, adapting the stories of both volumes one and two into its first season. Now, fans of the show are getting a little surprise, as Netflix has added a brand new episode featuring two classic stories fromDream Country, the third volume in the comic book series.
The episode, which was added on August 19th, is comprised of the stories “Calliope” and “Dream of a Thousand Cats.” The former tells the story of a down-on-his-luck writer who is all out of ideas. Through some shady dealings, he manages to acquire a literal muse who reinvigorates his writing career at the cost of her imprisonment. The second story, which is animated, involves a Siamese cat regaling other felines with the tale of a journey to speak with the king of dreams, who reveals a dream world shared by all cats.
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The episode features an all-star cast that includes Sandra Oh, David Tennant, James McAvoy, and even Neil Gaiman himself. Of course, Tom Sturridge also returns as Morpheus after playing the character in the initial ten episodes. This double feature episode was hinted at duringan after-show event where clips from both stories were shownbefore the episode dropped. While there was speculation that this might have been hinting at season two episodes, it turns out that this was just an extra treat included with season one.
Considering the structure ofDream Country, it makes sense that the show’s writers and producers would want to present the stories this way.Dream Countryis itself comprised of four separate stories, including the two that were adapted, and while it does not directlycontinue the story ofThe Sandman, it does add some important background information to the story that becomes relevant later on. The other two stories in the third volume involve a woman with strange powers who cannot bear to live anymore, as well as an alternate history of William Shakespeare’sA Midsummer Night’s Dream, in which the Bard was commissioned by Morpheus himself to write the play (a moment in the show that comes during one of Morpheus’s meetings withHob Gadling, played by Ferdinand Kingsley, hints at this story).
Whether or not there will bea second season ofThe Sandmanis yet to be determined, although judging by social media reactions, it seems that people want more of this story. The end of season one certainly hints at continuing the conflict between Lucifer and Morpheus (a great storyline told in volume four,Season of Mists, that will not be ruined here). For now, fans can only dream of moreSandman.
