John and Derek explore Season 2, Episode 3 of The Sandman "More Devils Than Vast Hell Can Avoid", where Morpheus must decide whether to surrender Hell’s keys to save Nada. The episode delves into trust and desire, concluding the first arc of season 2.

Episode teleplay by Alexander Wise

Episode directed by Jamie Childs

Synopsis: Following the banquet for the delegates who wish to claim Hell, the Faerie ambassador Nuala runs into Dream and they recount their first meeting.

In England, 1593, Dream inspires William Shakespeare to write A Midsummer Night's Dream and makes him play it for King Auberon, Queen Titania, and their courtiers as an attempt to heal a rift between the Dreaming and Faerie by making mankind forever remember the fae through the play. King Auberon and his queen Titania like the play and make amends with Dream.

In the present, Dream discusses his dilemma with Nuala and she provides guidance based on that first meeting. The next morning, everyone assembles to hear his decision.

Dream ultimately decides to return the lordship of Hell to the Creator, provoking Azazel into attacking him.

However, being in the Dreaming, his seat of power, Dream easily overpowers Azazel and saves his former lover Nada.

Before his departure, Cluracan reveals that Nuala is a gift to Dream from Titania, and Dream reluctantly accepts after Nuala herself agrees to stay.

As the rest of the guests leave, Dream finds that Loki posed as Susano-o-no-Mikoto to avoid returning to punishment in the underworld.

After pleading for leniency, Dream plans to replace him in his torment as long as Loki agrees to be in Dreams debt.

With the conservatorship of Hell resolved, Dream approaches a retired Lucifer and they peacefully part ways.

Later, he apologizes to Nada. She does not accept his apology and leaves for the waking world instead.

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Thanks for joining us for our podcast all about The Sandman Season 2 Episode 3 "More Devils Than Vast Hell Can Avoid". We'll be back next time with our discussions about The Sandman Season 2 Episode 4 "Brief Lives" as a new arc begins for the series.

Thanks so much for joining us fellow Dreamers.

John and Derek

TV Podcast Industries

The music for this episode "Lucille" by Zenji is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives (Creative Commons 4.0)

Join us for another journey into the world of dreams, gods, and cosmic power as we explore The Sandman Season 2 Episode 2, "Ruler of Hell." In this episode Dream faces an unexpected twist in his quest to release his former lover, Nada, from Hell.

Teleplay by: Ameni Rozsa

Directed by: Jamie Childs

In The Sandman Season 2 Episode 2, “Ruler of Hell,” Morpheus embarks on a journey to reclaim the kingdom of Hell—but what he finds is far from what he expected. The gates stand open, the torments have ceased, and the realm lies abandoned.

Lucifer Morningstar awaits him—not for a confrontation, but with an unsettling offer. Tired of their celestial post, Lucifer has abdicated, releasing all demons and souls to wander the multiverse. After sending away the loyal Mazikeen, Lucifer asks Dream to cut off their wings, symbolically severing their divine duty. In a final act of vengeance and irony, Lucifer names Dream the new ruler of Hell.

Shocked and burdened by this unwanted gift, Dream seeks counsel from his sister Death before returning to the Dreaming. Word of Hell’s vacancy spreads quickly, and soon emissaries from across existence arrive at the gates of the Dreaming to stake their claim.

Among the contenders are:

• Susano-o-no-Mikoto, the storm god of Japan
• Odin, Thor, and Loki, from Norse mythology
• Cluracan and Nuala, emissaries from the Faerie realm
• Shivering Jemmy, representing the Lords of Chaos
• Kilderkin's servant, on behalf of the Lords of Order
• And a demonic delegation led by Azazel, Choronzon, and Merkin

Heaven also takes an interest, sending two silent angelic observers: Remiel and Duma.

To host his unexpected guests, Dream invites them to a banquet in his palace, curated by Taramis, while he silently weighs their intentions. Entertainment is gruesomely provided by Cain, who gleefully dismembers Abel to amuse the guests.

Throughout the night, various envoys attempt to influence Dream’s decision. Susano-o-no-Mikoto, Odin, Shivering Jemmy, and Kilderkin's servant each present subtle or overt bribes.

Later, Dream grants a private audience to Azazel, who makes his offer by devouring Choronzon, claiming dominance, and revealing a dark bargaining chip—he holds Nada, Dream’s long-lost former lover, as a hostage. In return for her soul, he demands the key to Hell.

TV Podcast Industries is made possible by our supporters on Patreon. You can follow and support us here: https://www.patreon.com/tvpodcastindustries

Thanks for joining us for our podcast all about The Sandman Season 2 Episode 2 "Ruler of Hell". We'll be back next time with our discussions about The Sandman Season 2 Episode 3 "More Devils Than Vast Hell Can Avoid".

Thanks so much for joining us. Keep watching, keep listening and keep dreaming.

John and Derek

TV Podcast Industries

The music for this episode "Lucille" by Zenji is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives (Creative Commons 4.0)

John and Derek return to discuss The Sandman Season 2 Episode 1 "Seasons of Mist". The opening of the first arc of the series begins with a meeting of the Endless and we discuss it all in spoiler filled detail.

Episode teleplay by Allan Heinberg

Episode directed by Jamie Childs

Synopsis: Dream starts to rebuild the Dreaming, but is interrupted by a summons to attend a family gathering of the Endless where he meets his siblings, Destiny, Death, Desire, Despair and Delirium.

As they mention their absent brother who broke off contact with them centuries ago, Destiny explains that the Fates have revealed a cryptic prophecy to him that would start to unwind with their meeting.

Desire aggravates Dream, reminding him of Nada, a human queen whom he fell in love with millennia ago, but condemned to Hell after she ended the relationship, claiming the Endless and mortals cannot live together.

Dream storms off to cool his anger towards Desire but after a discussion with Death, Dream learns that she agrees with Desire and Dream was in the wrong.

Morpheus' intense respect for his sister leads him to consider her assessment far more than he would have for Desire and he resolves to save Nada.

Before leaving once more, Morpheus makes the Dreaming secure by having Lucienne be in charge while he is away and meeting Lyta Hall and Hob Gadling, all in case he would not succeed.

As Dream enters Hell, Lucifer Morningstar calls on their demonic legions, intent to execute revenge on Dream for their humiliation during their past clash.

As Destiny sees the tale unfold in his book, Dream arrives at the gates of Hell and he is afraid.

TV Podcast Industries is made possible by our supporters on Patreon. You can follow and support us here: https://www.patreon.com/tvpodcastindustries

Thanks for joining us for our podcast all about The Sandman Season 2 Episode 1 "Seasons of Mist". We'll be back next time with our discussions about The Sandman Season 2 Episode 2 "Ruler of Hell".

Thanks so much for joining us fellow Dreamers.

John and Derek

TV Podcast Industries

The music for this episode "Lucille" by Zenji is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives (Creative Commons 4.0)