‘American Gods’ Recap: ‘House on the Rock’

Written by John Edward Betancourt 

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It’s always a wonderful moment, when a new television show completely catches you off guard and instantly sucks you in to the point where you simply crave it, and for me, American Gods is a series that managed to accomplish that particular feat a couple of years ago. Because this dynamic and beautiful adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s novel of the same name, not only blew me away with its incredible visuals and layered characters, but what made me addicted to this series, is how it managed to raise some serious questions about the nature of faith and what it can do for people, and everything this series had to offer had me talking about it for days on end with friends and colleagues, such as NTG’s very own Scott Murray.
 
But alas, 2018 was a tough time for this series, and its fans. Because shortly after its powerhouse season one finale there was some upheaval behind the scenes, the kind that saw a juggling of showrunners and cast members exiting the series, along with budget and script issues that flat out delayed any further enjoyment of this series for the time being. But eventually, the dust settled, the scripts were written, and this show’s long hiatus came to an end last night with the second season premiere, ‘House on the Rock’. But I’d be lying if I told you I was ready and raring to go with a smile upon my face once the premiere rolled around. Because there was worry on my mind that this kind of turmoil might harm this delicately woven story and thankfully, my worries were quelled a few minutes in since this episode turned out to be nothing short of fantastic.
 
Because this particular tale didn’t miss a beat when it comes to the tone and design established in season one, in fact…it seems to have improved upon those elements. For the visuals in this tale were breathtaking to say the least and the story, well it captivated me from the get-go. For I’ve heard a great deal about how the House on the Rock segment serves as an important transition point in the novel (which I am slowly getting through now, thanks to Scott once again), and everything this place had to offer was a true feast for the eyes and the stunning visuals present here, were balanced out nicely by some quality character moments, wherein everyone was forced to take inventory after the confrontation in Kentucky, allowing for many key plot points and moments from season one to jell together in this iconic place. 

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​Yet, while I would have been satisfied with those elements alone since this series has always been a slow burning type of tale, there were more surprises waiting for me as the story chugged along since that fascinating commentary on faith I’ve come to know and love was instead replaced by an examination of modern life in America when it comes to the generational clash that’s currently taking place. For the Old Gods in a way represent the parts of our nation that simply do not want to change, that want everything to continue to be the status quo as its always been, while the New Gods/New Generation desire a new path, one that embraces change every single step of the way, and it was just fascinating to see this parallel on display in this series.
 
However, a good premiere does more than offer us incredible visuals and thoughtful moments, it also has to set up the plot for the forthcoming season and advance it as best it can, and this premiere pulled that off as well. Sadly though, it would seem, that the overreaching arc for this year’s tale is going to be war, and the horrors that come with it since the celebratory dinner ended with treachery and death since Bilquis revealed the location of the big meeting to Mister World, and his savage pre-emptive strike cost Zorya her life and it all ended with the capture of Shadow and well, that’s a pretty solid way to set up the rest of the year, because who knows what kind of wrath will come down from the God of War over such treachery and more importantly, I think we’re all wondering at this point, if Shadow is okay…
 
In the end however, I have to declare this particular premiere to be a rousing success through and through. For not only did it do a fine job of reminding all of us why we fell in love with the show in the first place, it found a way to expand this fascinating universe by introducing us to so many new Gods, and it allowed for us to learn more about some of the others we met in passing last year, all while providing the audience with a rich and beautiful story and well…I’m hungry for more. I need to know what comes next in this incredible story, which means I’ll be on my couch and ready to go come every single Sunday. For American Gods is back, and it is better than ever, and I simply couldn’t be happier. Until next time. 

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