Okay, so I got the chance to get in on American Gods last night, and when I say I'm still buzzing about this show less than 24 hours later is an understatement.
Right from the rip, we get the backstory on why the gods from the "new world" were brought into existence through a Norse (Viking) mythology that really gave a quick (and bloody) history lesson that helps the viewer segue into the present day.
Then, we get the chance to meet Shadow Moon (Ricky Whittle), who is in the midst of winding down his prison term, hopeful for a reunion with his wife, Laura. Dude already has things ready to go the minute he gets out of prison: serious make-up-for-lost-time with Laura, and working with his best friend, Robbie, and find a way to make the rest of his life the best of his life.
Except for a series of unfortunate events--including the ill-fated crossing of paths with the mysterious Mr. Wednesday (which is hilarious in how Ian McShane introduces himself to Shadow)--puts Shadow on a different path, one that really has him dealing with things that, quite frankly, I don't think a lot of us can figure out. He becomes the unintended and perfect candidate for what Mr. Wednesday has in store. But first, he has to be convinced of what Mr. Wednesday really wants him to be--a bodyguard and assistant, handling things of an, ahem, otherworldly nature.
What I'm looking forward to in this adaptation of Neil Gaiman's novel that sorts through the brewing war between the old gods and the new gods who are competing for the attention of millions of Americans, who, quite honestly, might not even care about who they worship in the end. We get to see the old gods (Bilquis, among others) and the new gods (Technology Boy, Media, and the like), and how they are trying to convince Shadow of where his loyalties need to lay. All of this while they're rolling cross country in a classic Cadillac.
I can't wait for next week...I'll give a more detailed account after episode 2, when I get a grasp of what I've been witnessing. It's going to be a kick-ass ride into the summer, that's for sure!