The premiere of The Sandman Season 2 kicks off with the long-awaited rebirth of the Dreaming. As the gates of the mystical realm reopen, Destiny convenes the first family gathering of the Endless. The esteemed ensemble assembles: Death, Dream (Morpheus), Desire, Despair, and Delirium, yet one of their number remains conspicuously absent.
The narrative flashes back to a pivotal moment when The Three Sisters, also known as The Gray Ladies or Fate, bestowed upon Destiny a cryptic prophecy. It foretold of a king abandoning his kingdom, Life and Death clashing in a fray, and the oldest battle recommencing. In the present context, Destiny interprets these omens as heralding the turmoil and transformation sparked by their familial conference.
Morpheus, skeptical of the meeting's efficacy, attempts to depart, dismissing it as a futile exercise. Death and Despair strive to mediate, while Desire and Delirium gang up on Morpheus, accusing him of prioritizing his realm over his kin. Delirium, feeling gaslighted and genuinely concerned for the missing Endless, finds herself unheard and dismissed by her siblings.
Desire further provokes Morpheus by evoking the memory of Nada, the queen of the First People who once loved him deeply. She alleges that Morpheus condemned Nada to Hell for refusing to abandon her love for him. Morpheus, incensed, storms away, prompting Death to pursue him. She endeavors to soothe his turbulent emotions but acknowledges Desire's point, revealing that Morpheus had indeed presented Nada with a choice, and she had opted for Hell.
Memory lane takes us further back as flashbacks unveil the tender tale of Morpheus's romance with Nada. Entranced by her selfless dreams for her people, Morpheus assumes the alias Kai’ckul, visiting her in both her dreams and waking life until her heart too melts in love.
In this enriched retelling, the scenes are imbued with greater emotional depth and narrative richness, painting a vivid picture of the intricate dynamics within the family of the Endless.
Even though an Endless is forbidden from embarking on a romantic relationship with a human, Nada and Morpheus defy this boundary and wed. Consequently, a catastrophic meteor strikes and lays waste to Nada's kingdom. Haunted by her sense of duty, she resolves to sever ties with Morpheus and atones for abandoning her people. Morpheus, heartbroken, pleads with her, inquiring if she would rather endure eternal torment than share in his undying love.
In the present moment, Death recalls how Morpheus had issued Nada an ultimatum and punished her severely when she chose her responsibility over their relationship. He reminds Morpheus of Roderick Burgess and how even he had suffered immensely by prioritizing duty over personal freedom. Struck by this revelation, Morpheus acknowledges his injustice in imprisoning Nada for ten thousand long years and resolves to venture into Hell to secure her freedom.
As Death rejoins the council meeting, it becomes evident that Desire is genuinely distressed by Morpheus's absence. The others, though saddened by their infrequent encounters, strive to make the most of their gathering. Meanwhile, Destiny, pleased with Morpheus's actions, declares the meeting adjourned.
Within the Dreaming realm, Morpheus addresses his people about Nada and his mission to rescue her. He entrusts Lucienne with the leadership, yet she is displeased by the perilous path he chooses to tread. Nevertheless, Morpheus's quest has already commenced.
He dispatches Cain to convey a message to Lucifer: Morpheus intends to retrieve Nada with or without Lucifer's consent. This message incenses Lucifer, who reminds Cain of their vow to destroy Morpheus for the humiliation he had inflicted upon them in public.
Morpheus' intricate scheme intricately weaves Lyta's newborn into its fabric. Subsequently, he pays a visit to Hob, his solitary confidant, presenting him with a Chateau Lafite 1828, a vintage that has vanished into the annals of history. Hinting at an extended absence, Morpheus warns that he might miss their forthcoming rendezvous. Hob, perturbed by the foreboding proclamation, inadvertently raises a toast that mirrors the essence of Morpheus' quest. Upon awakening, he discovers the mythical bottle of wine miraculously transported to his bedroom.
The inhabitants of The Dreaming redouble their efforts to thwart Morpheus, only to be interrupted by Abel and Goldie, as Cain remains conspicuously absent. Precisely at this juncture, Lucifer dispatches Cain back through a grueling portal, bearing a dire message—millions of demons await Morpheus in the depths of Hell. Yet, Morpheus stands unflappable, revealing that The Dreaming shall endure even in his absence.
The climax of The Sandman Season 2 Episode 1 unveils Destiny's omnipotent foresight, encompassing all these events. As Morpheus ventures forth toward Hell, memories resurface of the fateful choice one must confront upon stepping into Destiny's garden. Fear gnaws at him, yet he steels himself for the journey ahead.
