Introduction: A Journey into the Realm of Dreams and Nightmares
The first three episodes of The SandmanSeason 1 take viewers on an extraordinary journey into the world of dreams, nightmares, and the consequences of disrupting the natural order. As Dream, also known as Morpheus, the Lord of Dreams, embarks on a mission to reclaim his stolen artifacts and restore order to the Dreaming, he faces numerous challenges, both from external threats and his own past decisions. These episodes are a masterclass in world - building, character development, and mythological storytelling, setting the stage for an epic saga.
Key Highlights:
Dream's Captivity: Dream is captured by a wizard in 1916, leading to a decade - long imprisonment and a series of catastrophic events in the dream world and the human world.
The Stolen Artifacts: The wizard and later a woman named Ethel Cripps steal Dream's magical artifacts, including the Sandbag, the Ruby, and his helmet, which have far - reaching consequences.
The Nightmare Collins: The nightmare Collins, who was also captured by Dream, seeks to use the situation to his advantage, causing chaos and destruction.
The State of the Dreaming: After Dream's imprisonment, the Dreaming realm falls into disrepair, and Dream must face the challenges of rebuilding it.
Episode 1: "Preludes & Nocturnes (The Sound of Her Wings)" - The Capture and Consequences
Plot Summary
The Capture: In 1916, in Wickham, England, wizard Roderick Burgess tries to summon Death to bring his dead son back to life using a forbidden spell. Instead, he accidentally summons Dream, the Lord of Dreams. However, Burgess is more interested in using Dream's power for his own gain and imprisons him in a glass globe, stealing his artifacts - the Sandbag, the Ruby, and the helmet.
The Consequences: With Dream imprisoned, people around the world start suffering from a strange sleeping sickness, trapped in their dreams forever. Meanwhile, the nightmare Collins, who was also captured by Dream for breaking the rules of the dream world, is left in the wizard's castle. He decides not to rescue Dream but to ensure that Dream never bothers him again. He warns Burgess about other powerful beings in the dream world, such as Death, Desire, and Destiny.
The Years Pass: Dream remains imprisoned for ten years. Burgess uses the artifacts to gain immortality and a following. His son Alex, who is initially dismissive of his father, is tasked with guarding Dream. Alex, who feels sorry for Dream, tries to help him escape but is stopped by his father. Alex also fails to kill the raven, Dream's companion, which leads to the raven's death and a deep - seated hatred between the raven and Collins.
The Escape Attempt: Burgess' fiancée, Ethel Cripps, gets pregnant, and Burgess wants her to have an abortion. She runs away with 200,000 pounds and the artifacts. Burgess tries to use Dream to fulfill his wishes for immortality and wealth, but Dream refuses to speak. Burgess' son Alex accidentally kills him during an argument. Alex later falls in love, and Ethel gives birth to a son, John. Alex offers to release Dream if he promises not to harm them, but Dream remains silent.
Episode 2: "The Doll's House" - The Search for the Artifacts
Plot Summary
The State of the Dreaming: After being imprisoned for a century, Dream returns to the Dreaming realm, which has fallen into disrepair. Only his loyal servant, Lucienne, the librarian, remains. Dream decides to restore the glory of the Dreaming but realizes that he needs his stolen artifacts.
Ethel Cripps and Collins: Ethel Cripps, now living in the United States under an assumed name, is visited by Collins. Collins warns her that Dream will come for the artifacts. Ethel tries to use a protective charm to defend herself but is attacked by Collins. She manages to kill him with the charm, but he is later reborn in the Dreaming.
Dream's Plan: Dream decides to find the artifacts on his own. He first tries to get information from the Fate Sisters by offering a deal. He uses the help of two brothers, Gregory and another, to find treasures in the mortal realm. In exchange for the treasures, the Fate Sisters answer three questions: the Sandbag is in London, sold to Johanna Constantine; the helmet was traded with a demon for a talisman; and the Ruby was passed from mother to son.
Episode 3: "Dream a Little Dream of Me" - The Hunt for the Sandbag
Plot Summary
Matthew the Raven: Matthew, the new raven, meets Dream and offers to help him find the Sandbag. They visit Johanna Constantine, who has purchased the Sandbag. Dream enters Johanna's dreams to help her overcome her nightmares and discovers that she has left the Sandbag at her girlfriend's house.
The Girlfriend's Dream: In the girlfriend's dream, they find the Sandbag, but the girlfriend's past and her relationship with Johanna are revealed. The girlfriend, who is a former lover of Johanna, has been affected by Johanna's demon - hunting lifestyle. She dies in the dream, and Dream takes the Sandbag.
Hellbound for the Helmet: Dream decides to go to Hell to retrieve his helmet. He is accompanied by Matthew the Raven.
Ethel and John: Ethel, using the protective charm, finds her son John. John had stolen the Ruby from her. Ethel, in an attempt to save her son, gives up the charm and the Ruby. She dies, and John is attacked by guards but is protected by the charm's power. As John leaves the laboratory, Collins appears and gives him his coat.
Why These Episodes Matter
World - Building: The episodes introduce the complex world of the Dreaming, with its various beings, such as Dream, the Fate Sisters, and the raven Matthew. The state of the Dreaming after Dream's imprisonment is vividly described.
Character Development: Dream's character is explored in depth, showing his determination to restore order and his struggle with the consequences of his captivity. Other characters, such as Collins, Ethel Cripps, and John, also have their backstories and motivations revealed.
Plot Progression: The theft of the artifacts sets off a chain of events that drives the plot forward. Dream's quest to retrieve the artifacts is the central focus of these episodes, and the appearance of new threats, such as Collins' rebirth, adds to the suspense.