American Gods by Neil Gaiman and its television adaptation

The book received Hugo Award and Nebula Award. "American Gods" is a mega-well-known novel with a huge army of fans, with its own fabulous world, blending reality, myth, and fantasy. The idea of the book is very interesting - European colonization of the Americas, people come to a new continent and with them also the Gods in which they believe. What if the Gods really exist? Scandinavian, Slavic, African, Irish, Indian could live among us. The United States is considered a country of multinationality. People went there in search of a better life, fleeing persecutions in their native lands or conquering unknown lands. People carry their gods in thoughts, in the heart, in the soul. And now America is a multinational country both in terms of people and Gods. A tight plot, it's impossible to keep my hands off, easy syllable and interesting events. I did not really like modernity as for me it was boring sometimes. But the world that Gaiman created certainly deserves attention. I was disappointed with the finale. Waiting for a major battle, at the end I said 'What? It's all?'.

Shadow Moon (Ricky Whittle) is an ordinary prisoner. He's counting the days before his release while he is enjoying the sweet voice of his wife, who is waiting for him. At night, he dreams a strange dream, rather a vision. The next day he finds out that his wife is dead. Shadow Moon is released and he goes to the funeral of his wife. On the way, unusual things happen. His neighbor in the plane turns out to be a weird guy called himself Mr. Wednesday. Mr. Wednesday offers him a job and soon Shadow Moon agrees. His "yes" turns him into strange life situations and acquaintance with the rest of American Gods.

I did not know that Gillian Anderson would play in this show, so I was surprised. At first, I thought is it really she? And I even checked this idea on the Internet. And yes, it was Gillian Anderson. I also shuddered like Shadow Moon when the TV set spoke to him. Gillian Anderson perfectly got used to the role. She really is a goddess in her sexuality, look, posture, phrases. She flirts with Shadow Moon, but until a certain moment. After all, the gods never condescend to their slaves.

Perfectly adapted to a new world where people celebrate Easter every year. Although Easter is not quite her feast. I would like Easter to last forever! We were shown so many details in the house of Easter that we have to rewatch a thousand times to see everything. Kristin Chenoweth is perfect for this role. She is very gentle and bright. Such a princess, not the imperious goddess. She does not want to get involved in a war between the gods. It is enough for her to feel her power once a year.

This is an evil god bringing misfortune. His main weapon is the hammer. He has a constant thirst for blood so he works at the slaughterhouse. He plays checkers with Shadow Moon not for money, but for life and death. Peter Stormare plays like a God, he's a God. I totally believe in his powers. This dude scares me so much! It is impossible to understand whether he will drink vodka now, or he will hit you on the head.

Finding out that he played in "Orange is the new black", I was amazed how much this actor was transformed for his role! Mad Sweeney is a Leprechaun. He is a cheeky drunkard with a happy coin, but he loses it at the first episode. Pablo Schreiber plays so brightly that I would like him to be the main character.

Gods are divided into old and modern. Modern gods believe that the old are obsolete. No one else does obscure rituals, everyone watches TV, eat fast food and stick to their phones. The old gods remember their greatness and want to return everything back.

The plot is very unhurried. And this is not surprising because Bryan Fuller had a hand in creating of American Gods. Remember bloody Hannibal? It's his brainchild. He distinguishes by the creation of fantastic and detailed scenes, gloomy when the screen darkens from the blood. He has a unique visual style.

Some scenes are very surreal and the opening scene is almost a masterpiece!

I liked the show more than a book. Only viewing delivers an aesthetic pleasure. And the story itself, which is different from other serials, is amazing. The game of actors is shocking. Each of them represents a separate image. All the gods are so different, but they will have to unite into an explosive mixture.

It is a deep and philosophical product. It is a pity that there are only 8 episodes. It's a pity that we have to wait for the second season. The premiere of the second season is scheduled for May 2018.