The Sandman season 2 volume 1, released on Netflix on July 3, takes Dream on a profound emotional journey, forcing him to make a heartbreaking decision that alters the course of his life and the realms he governs.
In this volume, Dream confronts his past, his family, and a decision that will have lasting consequences on both the Endless and the universe itself.
The End of Volume 1: Dream’s Heartbreaking Choice
The final episode of volume 1, titled “Family Blood”, ends with Dream making a choice that breaks the most sacred law of the Endless—the spilling of family blood. Dream reunites with his estranged son, Orpheus, whose severed head has lived in isolation for centuries after a failed attempt to resurrect his wife, Eurydice.
Orpheus, pleading for death, asks Dream for one final favor: to end his suffering. Dream, torn by the centuries of estrangement but motivated by mercy, kills Orpheus with a single blow.
This act of mercy, however, is deeply tragic. Dream’s decision to kill his son violates the laws that govern the Endless. The impact of this choice is immense, as Dream returns to the Dreaming, washes Orpheus’ blood from his hands, and sobs alone, reflecting on the weight of his actions.
The episode closes with the Fates—also known as the Kindly Ones—cutting a thread of fate, signaling that Dream’s punishment is imminent.
The Search for Destruction: Why Won’t He Return?
The central quest of volume 1 is Dream and Delirium’s search for their brother, Destruction, who abandoned his cosmic duties 300 years ago. Destruction’s departure wasn’t out of rebellion but out of love—he could no longer bear the burden of causing ruin and chaos.
He chose exile over continuing his destructive role, believing that destruction would occur with or without him.
Destruction lives quietly in retreat on a distant island with his dog, Barnabas. When Dream and Delirium find him, Destruction refuses to return to his cosmic duties, explaining that the world would continue its inevitable path of destruction.
He offers Dream the advice, “Love is the only good reason to do anything,” signaling the personal wisdom he has gained through his decision to step away from his role.
The Consequences of Dream’s Decision
Dream’s choice to end his son’s life isn’t just a personal tragedy—it’s a cosmic violation. The Endless, a family of seven immortal beings who represent fundamental forces of existence, are bound by ancient laws, and Dream’s act of spilling family blood is the ultimate taboo.
This violation sets the stage for dire consequences, as Dream has triggered a cosmic reckoning that could unravel everything he has built.
The final scene, where the Kindly Ones cut the thread of fate, suggests that Dream’s punishment will be swift and severe. Their cryptic warning—“A king will forsake his kingdom. Life and death will clash and fray. The oldest battle begins once more”—hints that Dream’s decision has set off a chain of events that could change the fabric of reality itself.
The Characters and Events of Volume 1
Alongside Dream’s internal struggles, volume 1 introduces several mythological figures and characters pivotal to the plot. Lucifer (Gwendoline Christie) abdicates the throne of Hell, forcing Dream to choose a successor, ultimately handing control to Heaven.
Meanwhile, Dream’s former lover, Nada (Umulisa Gahiga), is freed after 10,000 years of imprisonment, and figures like Thor, Loki, and Odin arrive in Hell to stake their claims.
In a flashback, Johanna Constantine (Jenna Coleman) returns, rescuing Orpheus’ head during the French Revolution. Calliope (Melissanthi Mahut), Orpheus’ mother, also makes a brief but poignant appearance as Dream faces the consequences of his past decisions.
Dream’s Growth and Change
Volume 1 marks a pivotal moment in Dream’s emotional arc. Throughout the series, Dream has been defined by his pride and duty, but this season forces him to confront the cost of his actions. His apology to Delirium, vulnerability with Destruction, and his final act of mercy all suggest a shift in his character.
Dream begins to lead with empathy rather than authority, but his decision to choose love over law comes at a significant cost. The unraveling of his kingdom and the potential consequences of his actions will likely be explored in the next volume.
What’s Next: The Fallout in Volume 2
With The Sandman season 2 volume 2 scheduled for release on Netflix on July 24, fans can expect to witness the repercussions of Dream’s devastating choice.
The Kindly Ones are riding for vengeance, and the balance of realms is at risk. As the ancient forces awaken, volume 2 promises high stakes and emotional reckoning for Dream, the Endless, and the realms he oversees.
