The Sandman was an epic, award-winning comic series. There had never been anything like it before, and the originality was impressive on every level. It was adapted to a live action series on Netflix, and while they changed a lot (largely ties to the rest of the DC Universe), it was very well done. The first season comes to an end (sort of) with “Lost Hearts.”

A big part of the last several episodes was the serial killer convention where the Corinthian, renegade nightmare from the Dreaming, has been stalking Rose Walker, the Dream Vortex. Now, he’s pleading his rather odd case to Rose, and she’s not really buying it. Their rather unusual discussion gets interrupted by the Corinthian being summoned to speak at the convention. Even an embodied nightmare has things to do. Not that he really has much of a choice, but Corinthian “lets” Rose stay behind in the room after giving her a few warnings. At least some of those were true.

At the big speech, the Corinthian gives a very twisted spin on the talks you’d expect at a trade show. His words trigger visions in the assembled killers, and how they see themselves is one of the more disturbing aspects of the episode. Dream shows up in the midst of this speech, and the two have a talk. It doesn’t go the way Dream was expecting, and he gets another large surprise, thanks in part to Rose’s vortex power growing stronger and stronger. There are some very metaphysical aspects to the discussion, but eventually, it all comes down to Rose, and her ability to choose. Suffice it to say, the Corinthian is very disappointed, and the world doesn’t get remade into a nightmare-scape. With the big confrontation over, Dream and the Corinthian talk a bit longer before the Corinthian’s tale comes to an end. Credit to Boyd Holbrook, I really didn’t like the Corinthian at all, so good acting on his part. Not quite done yet, Dream renders judgement on the collected killers, and it doesn’t go well for them. Rose drives off, eager to get away from this craziness, and Dream tells Matthew to let her go. It does speak well of Dream that so many urged him to just kill her and end the threat, and he did everything he could to find another way. 

As Rose and Jed drive away, they catch up a bit, and Jed receives some sad news, but also some surprises that make him a bit happier. Lyta calls Rose and they have a new destination, since time hasn’t stood still for the rest of the cast and Lyta has had her own developments. Rose gets to reunite with the rather unusual cast of characters she has befriended during the course of her adventures, and they eagerly await the next big change among them. Rose and Unity talk on the phone, and Rose gets even more good news. In the comics, the way Sandman stories tended to go, not everyone got happy endings, but they seem to be working to change that here. It’s also a happier ending than Lyta got in the comics, but that’s another, very long, story.

Then again, the story isn’t over yet, and that night’s time in the Dreaming isn’t good for a lot of them. Things are reaching a crisis point with Rose and her power, and Lyta is making some suggestions that would have really serious repercussions. Unity, in her own dream, finds her way to the library, and talks with Lucienne. It’s a rare moment of peace, and Lucienne enjoys her visit. Personally, I’d love to get to that library.

Rose and Dream discuss what’s going to happen, and arrive at their own tragic conclusion. What seems like it needs to happen gets interrupted several times, first by Rose’s friend Gilbert, who reveals his true nature and surprises the girl yet again. Then Lucienne and Unity show up and bring the fruits of their research. There’s more metaphysical talk and a change in fate, or at least a restoration of an original fate, and things get back on track, but in a happier direction for most of the characters. Rose awakens to a much happier world than she left, and gets more good news from Lyta. This also is a sort of nod to the comic book version of the character. Jed repeats an interesting take on the idea of names, and they part ways so various people can get back to their homes.

Restored to his realm, which is looking much healthier than last we saw it, Dream has a family meeting with one of his siblings, Desire. It’s an interesting confrontation and both Tom Sturridge (Dream) and Mason Alexander Park (Desire) do a great job with their roles in this. The scene also seems to be a setup for what may come next, since Sandman is getting at least a second season. Then again, this is Netflix, so season two will probably be fantastic and then they’ll cancel it. Dream and Lucienne have an interesting chat about a new book, and then in the mortal world, Lyta gives Rose some advice.

To end the season, we get two very interesting scenes in very different realms. Dream speaks with Lucienne, and shows some definite growth. He takes some precautions against some of the recent events happening again, and then apologizes to Lucienne about some of his earlier actions without actually saying he was sorry. The scene works well. We end in Hell, where Lucifer (Gwendoline Christie) is bored in the aftermath of their schemes. With some suggestions from an underling, a new plan is launched, and it sounds like Dream is not going to have a good time in the second season.

What I Liked: Nearly everything. The Sandman was a fantastic comic book series, and this captured a lot of the spirit of those stories. There was great acting, really good writing, and some stunning visuals. I was happy with how Rose’s story ended, and I really liked the final scene with Dream and Lucienne. Dream’s dealing with the “collectors” was very well done also.

What I Didn’t:  It was too bad we lost Gilbert. I get his story ended the only way it really could have, but he was a good character.

It was a good conclusion to a great first season. I’ll give this episode, and the season, a 5 out of 5. I’m very curious to see what they do with season two.

This seems like as good a place as any to say that I am saddened by the things that have come out about Sandman creator Neil Gaiman. I will continue to admire his work, but I don’t imagine I’ll be buying any of it again.