The Sandman Unleashed? EP Teases Morpheus Will 'Get Rid Of Those Chains' In Back Half Of Final Season
Much like a lot of us this summer, Dream of the Endless kicks off the back half of The Sandman's final season by taking a break from his day-to-day. A vacation, if you will.
After all, Lucifer and Destruction did it in Volume 1.
"In Episode 6 [of Season 2] — and in Season 1 — he says to Death, 'I often long for a purpose outside my function,'" showrunner Allan Heinberg tells TVLine in advance of the season's continuation. (Volume 2's six new episodes drop Thursday.) "He wants to go on a big adventure."
Taking such a break might've seemed impossible at the beginning of Netflix's adaptation; you'll recall that Morpheus' extended, involuntary absence from The Dreaming caused a degree of havoc that took him all Season 1 to put right. But now that Lucifer has walked away from Hell and Destruction has doubled down on his decision to leave his realm to itself, Heinberg says, Dream is incredibly envious.
"I think part of the reason he's so angry at Destruction is that he's so jealous, and it's not fair that he has to stay and clean up the mess," the EP adds. "They all have to clean up Destruction's mess."
Also a salient point: Dream is coming off Volume 1 in a deeply emotional state, having ended the life of his son, Orpheus, at Orpheus' request. The spilling of Endless blood also inadvertently — and literally — tempted the Fates. (Read a recap here.)
"Dream is utterly defined by his duties and his responsibilities, and I think he longs for a purpose outside his function," Heinberg says. "There's something in us that just needs the freedom to try things and be somewhat different and all that stuff. And he's never done it, partly out of fear and insecurity."
But here's the rub: Dream's prison is one of his own making.
"The other members of The Endless, they're not as strict as Dream is," the EP points out. "Death walked away briefly. Delight became Delirium. Desire does whatever they want. It's interesting: It's Dream's internal code that's keeping him in chains.
"The back half of the season," he teases, "we finally see him get rid of those chains."
Are you looking forward to The Sandman Season 2, Volume 2? Hit the comments with your thoughts!