This post contains the review of The Sandman: ‘Calliope‘ bonus episode of the most-loved series ‘The Sandman‘. If you have not read the previous post on Morpheus, dive into it now.
The Sandman is an epic fantasy series with impressive storylines, larger-than-life visuals, and cosmic characters. The surprise bonus episode 11 was a treat to the beloved global fans. The episode became a perfect ending note to season one and an interesting beginning arc to season 2. Let’s explore how!
The arrival of Morpheus in this episode was brilliant. We got to see a big part of his evolving character. The episode treated us to both his magnificent sides fittingly. His intimate softer side with Calliope and his dangerous fury on Richard Madoc.
*Spoiler alert*
Synopsis
Richard Madoc is a writer struggling for ideas after having successfully published his first book. An old writer called Erasmus Fry, “hands” him a Greek goddess and muse named Calliope– who bestows ideas on mortals. Erasmus had bound, assaulted and abused Calliope, for decades, taking ideas from her against her will. Madoc ends up doing the same, after a few failed attempts to win her with gifts.
As his captive for a long time, Calliope bravely attempts to escape by reaching out to Morpheus, who was once her husband and father of her late son. It’s attention-grabbing, because Morpheus is know for being cold and also given their tragic history which The Fates narrated earlier in the episode, it was a question as to will he help?
But it actually turns out far good!
Morpheus and Calliope
The moment Morpheus arrived by Calliope’s side, his demeanor with her was entirely different, which surprised us in a warm way. He is not distant or cold with Calliope, as we have seen him be earlier with his close ones. He is vulnerable and softer with her.
The two characters exuded the warmth and tenderness brilliantly in the scenes. Through just their gazes and the way they spoke to each other. Also, the way Calliope called him Oneiros. Their chemistry was intense. You can feel their deep bond and grief because of their shared history, in the short time perfectly – it feels so real and heart aching.
Morpheus was outraged at what all she had suffered for so long, even going so far as to tell her that his suffering was nothing compared to hers. And this holds a lot of weight coming from him, whom we know suffered a great deal in his 100 years captivity.
His outrage burst out magnificently, when he cursed Madoc!
Morpheus’s fury on Richard Madoc
Morpheus lashing out dangerously furious at Madoc– the terrifying fury in his eyes were absolutely stunning! Up until then we had seen him express his anger at the events that were bringing chaos to the order of his realm or mortal world.
Now it’s first time that we get to see the unique emotion of his gallant anger bursting out, from knowing that the one he cared about deeply had been hurt. Morpheus portrayed it stunningly, cursing Madoc with abundance of ideas, driving him to madness.
And hearing Tom Sturridge’s chilling commanding voice once again after 10 episodes was an absolute delight for fans. So yet again, the quietly intense Dream King was a joy to watch.
Closing farewell of Morpheus and Calliope
The recent events in his journeys, has started to change Morpheus making him softer towards others’ suffering. At the end he admits to no longer hating her for leaving him. He even does not shun her request to visit him in his realm in future.
Always Morpheus had not shown his emotions that is hidden beautifully beneath his cold exterior. But in the ending scene they came out beautifully on the spur of the moment when Calliope bid him farewell lovingly- portraying clearly that he still holds tender feelings for her. They shared a cherishing moment before they go their separate ways.
This very likely hinted that their feelings for each other are still unresolved. Fans are hoping to see this explored in season 2! And also to witness their backstory unfold.
The episode was a felicitous end to season one! Morpheus’s evolving arc is engaging. It has now made fans eagerly await to see more such moments of Morpheus and his journeys.
What did you love about this episode? Dive right away into the episode if you have not already, for sure it’s a treat!
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