Warning: Spoilers ahead forThe Sandmanseason 2, volume 1.I’ve always viewed Morpheus (Tom Sturridge) in a very specific way, butThe Sandmanseason 2, episode 6, “Family Blood,” forever changed how I perceive the King of Dreams. Although"Family Blood" isn’t the Netflix show’s final episode, it certainly flirted with the same level of emotional gravitas as a finale.
The Sandmanseason 3 isn’t happening, as the writers are confident that Morpheus' story can be told in just two runs. So, with Sturridge returning to leadThe Sandmanseason 2’s cast, the fantasy saga is almost over. Still,The Sandmanseason 2, volume 1’s endingmade sure the final burst of episodes will be especially memorable.
I Never Expected To See Morpheus Cry In The Sandman (Or Show Any Real Emotion)
The King of Dreams is often endlessly Stoic
Morpheus has always had emotions inThe Sandmanand has expressed them in subtle ways. A smirk here and a scowl there prove that he isn’t the unfeeling deity he often tries to make himself out to be. However, his final scene in “Family Blood” is the first time Sturridge’s character has fully surrendered to his feelings.
That said, Morpheus quite clearly has a high threshold when it comes to his breaking point, and being forced into taking the life of his own son, Orpheus (Ruairi O’Connor), is understandably what finally caused his emotional stamina to run dry. Whileit’s obviously a horrendous scenario that Morpheus finds himself in, it offers a new perspective on his character.
Now thatMorpheus has broken on-screen, there’s always the possibility that it will happen again when the show returns on July 24. His teary moment is endured in solitude so as not to let his walls down around anyone else, but there’s no guarantee he will be able to seek privacy if and when he feels the need to mourn the loss of his son again.
Humanizing Morpheus Makes Him An Even Better Character
Tom Sturridge being given more to do is always good news
The Sandmandoes a great job of taking a pre-existing character like Morpheus and putting a new spin on him. He has been reworked almost to the point of feeling brand-new, which the Netflix show should be praised for. He’s a great iteration of the iconic mythological figure, and watching his journey has been a rewarding one.
On the other hand,it has sometimes been difficult to find Morpheus relatabledue to his fantastical nature and refusal to display any form of strong emotion. So, seeing him cry in “Family Blood” is a great way to get an unfettered view into his soul, and keeps a key character trait intact by making sure he isn’t seen by other characters during his deeply emotional moment.
While Sturridge’s performances as Morpheus have been exactly what the character needs, it’s great to see the actor showing off other talents.
As an added bonus,the scene gives Tom Sturridge more to do than lurking in the shadowsand looking brooding. While Sturridge’s performances as Morpheus have been exactly what the character needs, it’s great to see the actor showing off other talents that fall within the remit of bringingThe Sandman’s protagonist to life.
1
“Season of Mists”
2
“The Ruler of Hell”
3
4
5
“The Song of Orpheus”
6
7
“Time and Night”
8
“Fuel For the Fire”
9
10
“Long Live the King”
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