Expect American Gods Season 2 To Be Longer, Angrier, And Darker

The first season of Bryan Fuller’s adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s award-winning fantasy novel made true believers among fans and critics alike. Because of the positive reception, Starz has renewed “American Gods” and extended the second season from eight episodes to ten. In an interview with Deadline, executive producer Michael Green teased a darker and angrier Season 2. While troubling, this isn’t surprising considering how the first season played out. So what exactly can fans expect next from American Gods?

Kristin Chenoweth and Ian McShane in American Gods (2017). Photo by Jan Thijs via FremantleMedia North America.

Shadow As Mr. Wednesday’s Apostle

The first season covered a lot of ground but there are still hundreds of pages to go in Gaiman’s novel. Especially in regards to the character development of ex-con Shadow Moon (Ricky Whittle). In the finale, Mr. Wednesday (Ian McShane) revealed himself to be the Norse god Odin, making Shadow a believer. With his shift in faith comes big changes. In an interview with The Wrap, Fuller explained that the Season 1’s dreamlike quality reflected Shadow’s mental pace. With Shadow’s perspective shifted to that of a believer, the second season will be more fast-paced and exciting.

Fuller also told Deadline to expect a more proactive approach to Shadow’s character. “Now that he understands a little bit more about the world and the world of gods, we get to witness him as an apostle of sorts,” he explained. Fans can expect a more driven Shadow, motivated to see through Mr. Wednesday’s plans. However, this new drive may also place Shadow directly at odds with his wife, Laura Moon (Emily Browning).

Ian McShane and Ricky Whittle in American Gods (2017). Photo by Jan Thijs via FremantleMedia North America.

Laura Moon Challenges The God Of War

This is one confrontation you don’t want to miss. In Season 2, fans will see Laura taking the war to the God of War. Fuller told Deadline said that they’ve only scratched the surface of Laura’s character and want to see what unexpected directions they can take her. One thing they want to see pan out? The interpersonal drama between Laura and Mr. Wednesday. She’s definitely gunning for revenge against the god who had her assassinated. The question is: how will her vengeance pan out when Shadow is so firmly on Wednesday’s side as a believer?

Emily Browning in American Gods (2017). Photo by Jan Thijs via FremantleMedia North America.

Potential Storyline For Laura Moon And Bilquis

In The Wrap interview, Fuller also teased a potential storyline between Laura and the goddess of love Bilquis (Yetide Badaki). “Every time we get together, Yetide and Emily double down on Bilquis and Laura needing a storyline in Season 2, and we are very excited to oblige that,” he said. How Fuller plans to execute the storyline remains up in the air for now. Still, it’s not hard to imagine these two driven women forging their own alliance. The finale revealed Bilquis to be a double agent working with Technical Boy (Bruce Langley) and the New Gods. Perhaps Laura’s campaign of vengeance against Mr. Wednesday will intersect with the New Gods’ plans.