‘American Gods’ Recap: ‘Treasure of the Sun’

Written by John Edward Betancourt 

THIS IS THE EMERGENCY SPOILER ALERT SYSTEM...YOU ARE ADVISED TO READ AT YOUR OWN RISK...

It’s been quite the wild ride when it comes to season two of American Gods. For a series that had the opportunity to continue to play with the various mythos that permeate our culture in its first year, instead opted to spend season two, diving deep into the human condition and how the Gods are a lot like the human beings that created them, since they are filled to the brim with the same flaws and fears that impact our daily lives. But, for a brief moment there, it seemed as though this season was going to change course, since last week’s tale offered up a fascinating reflection on how far Mr. Wednesday had stepped away from honor and any sense of a moral code. But as it turns out, that was all done to show us of the fact that Wednesday had done what so many of his kind had done, he learned to adapt to the only constant in this grand universe, change.
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That matters, simply because that little wrinkle served as the preamble to last night’s episode. For ‘Treasure of the Sun’ served to remind us of another flaw in the human condition, in that, sometimes we choose not to adapt the world that is rapidly changing around us, and when we cannot take the time to recognize that society is going to move on, whether we like it or not, and get with the program, tragedy can occur and all of this was explored by way of Mad Sweeney, whom we reunited with in harrowing fashion in this story. Because ol’ Sweeney was at his lowest point here, after all, his coin was still inside Laura, and his luck was basically gone and all he had left at this point in his life, was regret, and shame and the memories of a past that should have taught him proper lessons, but that he chose to forget.

But the past always finds a way to make itself relevant once again, and as Sweeney arrived back at the funeral home, he was forced to ponder upon yesterday and everything he’s lost. And we came to learn that at one point in his life, he was a King, one that had a wife and a baby on the way, and his first real stumble in life, came about when religion arrived in Ireland and the stories about his kind, changed, which was something he couldn’t handle. For he was a King, a man that others believed would give them knowledge and direction, and there was no way that he would be viewed as a little person in a green suit that protected his gold and brought forth mischief. But rather than try and reason with the monks that were changing his story, or work with them for that matter, he held fast to the status quo, and demanded they either leave or face his fury and naturally, war came, as did a curse upon Sweeney, and rather than deal with the mess he created, he ran, and paid the price.

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For the guilt and shame that came with cowardice left him scavenging in the woods, to the point where he didn’t even recognize his wife and daughter and he stayed in that particular state until Wednesday found him, and offered him solace and war, in exchange for favors, which brings us back to present day. Because despite his second chance, and despite the fact that he still had the opportunity for glory in battle, Sweeney held steadfast to the anger in his heart, and rather than own up to the mistakes and choices he’s made over many millennia, he turned his fury and ire toward Wednesday, and blamed that man for every misstep along the way and this was…fascinating to say the least. Because several people showed Sweeney the way in this tale since Bilquis, Salim and Mr. Ibis all pointed out the positives in his life and a path forward. But there are some, Gods included, who firmly believe that the bad that happens to them in life is the fault of others and will never have their minds changed when it comes to that belief, nor will they take responsibility for their own actions and that…is what brings about tragedy, and Sweeney is no exception to that rule.
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Because his anger and guilt and selfishness consumed him, to the point where he felt the need to put down Wednesday to find some sense of satisfaction in this world, and despite providing Shadow with the truth about Grimnir’s manipulative machinations, his words fell upon deaf ears. For people who don’t believe in anything but the old ways, and are willing to blame others for their troubles are always seen as liars who are in it for themselves and his desperate plea will forever be remembered as the efforts of a master manipulator trying to get his way in his final moments, and I do mean final moments. Because when given the opportunity to attack Wednesday, he took it, only to have Shadow do his part and turn the blade upon the Leprechaun and plunge it into his heart. Meaning that we said farewell to Mad Sweeney in this tale, but…his death was not totally in vain, since he did take a moment to banish Grimnir’s prized spear to the Horde’s hiding place and by banishing Gungnir to the void, he may have done some good in this war, and saved a great many lives.

If anything, there is little to feel good about when it comes to this particular tale. After all, Sweeney was a delight of a character, and it’s always heartbreaking to see anyone in fiction or life fall from grace and feel as though violence or darkness is their only out in life, and it was equally as harrowing to bear witness to the mistakes he made throughout history in order to maintain what he believed to be the right way of doing things. But, while his death felt hollow and sad, it will have grave implications in the days to come. After all, Shadow now knows that Wednesday has been manipulating him and causing him strife, and Shadow will no doubt confront the boss about such matters and of course, there’s definitely trouble on the horizon with Odin’s spear now missing, for that weapon is a rallying item for his army, and how will he lead the Gods into battle without it? Either way, this was one hell of a penultimate episode, and it’s also interesting how Mad Sweeney has set up the season finale two years running and well, thanks to his ugly farewell, I’m expecting an incredible ending to season two to come our way, since everything Wednesday has been working toward may fall to pieces. Until next time.    

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