American Gods Season 3 Episode 10 Ending Explained! Season Finale Breakdown

As I did last time, I will breakdown all of the Easter Eggs and References you missed in the 10th and final episode of American Gods Season 3, and explain the ending of Season 3 "Tears of the Wrath-Bearing Tree".
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
My video about Shadow's light • What is Shadow's light... ​​​​​
Music Prod. Chuki. / chukimusic​​​​​
#americangods​​​​​ #AmericanGodsSeason4 #starz​​​​​ #amazonprime

[@StoryDive]

Check out my full American Gods Season 3 Review Playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLiRYAeytsFqmGw5MGSQND5JTLT9xrgOGQ

[@StoryDive]

@@Kenerd You mean the book spoilers section? It is here but warning: Spoilers! kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKGknpZmiqeNsJY

[@StoryDive]

@@Kenerd Yes, there are more but I didn't think it was necessary to go into them. Shadow has a big role after this part in the book leading into the battle at the end.

[@Kenerd]

Ya...I'm too busy for the book and who knows if they'll do another season, maybe for those who want spoilers any thoughts on doing a final explanation with all spoilers??? Thx-enjoy the content & yer channel 🙋🏻‍♂️🤘🏻

[@DCBIGOSO]

Welp,they cancel the show... No 4th season. 🥺

[@attack.bartender]

I'm glad they put it out of its misery, would have ended up another WWZ, which it already has passed the point of no return. This rise and fall will be remembered.

[@claysmith957]

Best part of this season was Bilquis as Tech Boy's subconscious!

[@selkertazumi9660]

Ahhh yes, that was awesome.

[@MisunderstoodPupil]

It waaassss 😆

[@kwenshardae2146]

Yup

[@JewTube001]

when i saw that i first thought it was another actress.

[@himum3429]

@@lbrowning2543 The oldest Goddess. Hold up from what I got she was originally an orisha goddess. If she was the eldest goddess then is she Ishtar.

[@AlphonsusOct]

I honestly can't stand the idea of Laura being Shadow's other half..

[@jacobpayne89]

Same, it doesn't really make sense in the context of how they've both grown

[@jimsto7453]

Same. It would be deeply unsatisfactory

[@jimsto7453]

Jacob “hey I’m you’re other half but I’ve been banging other dudes and was in love with a leprechaun” makes sense

[@chazthurgood121]

Unless it's a "you have to kill your other half" I agree

[@MotherAlsaud]

I totally agree with you to be honest I was so tired of her two seasons ago she’s annoying the way that they write her character is a very poor all she does is curse 24 seven NVM even when she got another chance at life she still went back and made the same choices that she did before and if anybody was going to be his soulmate or is going to be his other half and he would’ve made more sense for it to have been the young girl who drove Wednesday around I don’t know why but I got the sense that that was shadow sister that would’ve made more sense for them both to come together she cared about shadow she was there when he was on the tree was Laura there no she wasn’t she was off somewhere else only thinking about herself I feel like it’s so stupid I hope next season is not going to be like that and to be honest I Have read the books it doesn’t end this way in the book and I hope he finally becomes a God I’m so tired of this in between is he God isn’t he a God he’s obviously Boulder the god of light so I don’t understand why they’re trying to sit here and make it seem like he’s not oh and there needs to be more magic the shows about God‘s give us more magic I just don’t like the fact that their cow towwing this black man and connecting him to this white woman who only cares about herself she doesn’t care about him she couldn’t even realize and or understand that yes his father Odin Wednesday he was a douche bag he was mean he was inconsiderate but at the end of the day he was shadows only parent that was still alive and somebody who actually understands what that means but even when your parents are the best even when they’ve done bad things you still love them because they’re your parents

[@6InchTruth]

Shadow was dressed as a slave overseer, he wasnt a slave. Also you can see how the slaves and Orishas are glaring at him in hurt and disappointment.

[@ladygodiva5407]

Thats a good observation. Didn't see that at first.

[@gabnel1000]

good point, perhaps to symbolize him choosing Wednesday over them

[@trent_king]

Over seers were often actually slaves themselves

[@6InchTruth]

@@trent_king Yes, but a step up. One that made difference. But looking at the symbolism that the writers and director created was showing the separation. Of course it was more than just skin color. I just happened to catch what happened in the writers room. But us filmmakers love thick meat on the bones.

[@leahhart3585]

He thought he was above them ( a god ) and he learns that he was just being used by Wednesday just like the slaves by the masters.

[@lisazdvoru1660]

The birds flew away because Wednesday was back, not because Shadow died.

[@charlesbarnes6026]

@isaac anthony The last conversation Shadow had with Odin was but I'm a god. To which Odin said ,we shall see! A Storm is Coming..........

[@alanpennie8013]

@isaac anthony Doubt we'll ever know. But it does seem likely that Wednesday set up his own death as a con.

[@CM-le1yb]

Yeah I thought that too . Wednesday had this planned for ages , shadows mum was always worried he would find shadow and she knew that shadow being his son if he sacrificed himself then Wednesday would come back stronger . I took from it that shadow was a kind of insurance policy for Wednesday and that’s why Wednesday had Laura killed because he knew she was his soul mate and didn’t want what happened to Thor because of love happen again . Love at the end of the day conquers all

[@TigerLily61811]

I found something in S2! I went back and rewatched Treasure of the Sun episode (RIP Sweeney, still love you best). In the beginning of the episode, Shadow finds Sweeney half dead drunk under a bridge. At the end of the scene, Sweeney leans in close to shadow and whispers some weird Mad Sweeney nonsense that means nothing to us at the time. I forgot all about it. But here's the scene. Sweeny's talking trash when suddenly he hears wind rustling and his whole demeanor changes. He shushes Shadow, pulls him close, looks around alarmed... and then he says: "I'm gonna tell ya something. This is gallows ground you're walking. And there's a rope around your neck and a raven bird on each shoulder waiting for your eyes. The gallows tree has deep roots that stretch from heaven all the way down to hell. And this world... is the only branch from which the rope is swinging." Woah. The whole episode Sweeney tries to warn him. He tells him to keep Laura away from Grimnir. He talks about the vigil and tells shadow he's f**ked. He's on his knees telling Shadow Leave. Now. He spells out every single thing that's going to happen and Shadow doesn't get it, he doesn't listen at all. And it occurred to me I think maybe he tried to kill Wednesday to save Shadow and to protect Laura.

[@theempreror9608]

Once Mr. World says: “Trickery is what I do best” - it becomes pretty obvious who he is if you are familiar with norse mythology even if you did not read the book.

[@audreyprajeli9318]

LOKI

[@danielwilliams967]

I had the same idea.

[@AG-fg1uk]

He said don't spoil it for the rest 😂

[@JewTube001]

it does with that scene, assuming you're at least watched a marvel movie about norse mythology.

[@Aizik_Ace]

Loki

[@NoMoreNamesAvailabl1]

Shadow crying out father as the tree ate him with a tear in his eye was heartbreaking man

[@lutovac_nikola]

I mean you know he's gonna survive it at all costs so

[@alanpennie8013]

In the book he gets to chat to Jesus while dying, and the parallels are pretty apparent.

[@nebuchadne33ar]

If Shadow is indeed Baldr, then Ragnarok has begun. Explains Ibis' reaction

[@rohit_parashar]

Yes exactly, in the myths death of Baldur starts the Never Ending Winter.

[@thegodofimagination]

@@rohit_parashar yeah Ragnarök i look forward to seeing how it goes down this time

[@sonxmuhammad]

@@rohit_parashar hence why he can make it snow on command, and why it wouldn’t stop snowing when he said “enough”!!

[@rollingthunder8223]

I don't think shadow is dead

[@hawkdsl]

@@rollingthunder8223 Shadow is very, very dead... Just not for long.

[@ad7818]

For someone who has lived 3 lives, Laura likes to get mixed up in drama that's way over her head.

[@MinecraftMasterNo1]

Luck of the Irish. Works everytime.

[@charlesbarnes6026]

If you will remember someone did say something about that.

[@daledelatte9607]

She's a Valkyrie, why wouldn't she?

[@maythesciencebewithyou]

If Shadow hadn't been so dumb to give Odin the blood sacrifice he wanted, then Odin would have been finished by Laura

[@lilsavv729]

They leave it on the best cliffhanger every season

[@lilsavv729]

@peter pan he is Loki Trickery is what he does best only him and Wednesday become victims of their own plans but ofc it’s not about them it’s about them so it’s gonna make Loki look less smarter than he is supposed to be

[@Cocaine00]

@isaac anthony omg your right ofcourse once baldr dies ragnarok starts. also the last line of ibis "or something much worse"

[@lilsavv729]

@isaac anthony they know what they’re doing to us with this 😂

[@hernadibotond]

@isaac anthony sad thing that the season 4 is cancelled...

[@NeroLeMorte]

@TuffGong Don he is loki in the novel and lokye liesmith is also him

[@Dmbm789]

Laura? Really? Ffs she spent this whole season strung up on a dead leprechaun and then killed Odin

[@georgeforeman8040]

She was busy tho

[@ladygodiva5407]

LOL!

[@NoMoreNamesAvailabl1]

Well fuck Odin really. He broke Shadows heart

[@georgeforeman8040]

@@NoMoreNamesAvailabl1 😂😂😂😂

[@amark4775]

Making a mortal kill a god, Odin of all gods .... ffs

[@efanferdiantowibowo9610]

The idea of laura being shadow's other half is ridiculous. Shadow has spent decades together with her and he still couldnt feel "whole". Btw you forgot to mention wednesday's corpse is gone at the ending. Odin is reborn. There is a storm coming meaning there is gonna be a big terrible event.

[@NotCthulhu]

Not other half in a romantic way, just two differing aspects. She's a nihilist, he's an optimist; Black, white; She's the shadow, he's the moon; etc.

[@flamingpassion9160]

@@NotCthulhu makes sense

[@exoblivione6086]

Ragnarok starts with Baldurs death and Wednesday was whistling the same song Laura heard in purgatory. Baldur is Odin son in the mythology.

[@joew9690]

@@exoblivione6086 So Ragnarok is coming ??

[@exoblivione6086]

@@joew9690 Looks that way. Or the modernisation of it anyway. Considering Wednesday and all the old gods are just Americanisations of their roots.

[@jiscanoubissi9444]

I was lowkey thinking that Bilquis had a chance to be shadow moon's other half because I thought they were somehow connected. I thought they had a deeper connection.

[@Mspbrwn77]

Same. Bilqus was changing and I’m like wait a minute is bilqus meant to be with shadow or something. The chemistry and everything made me wonder

[@Btwix46]

I didn’t think she would be his other half because of how old she is. She is literally older than Wednesday if not the same age

[@maja433]

Me too, every time he asked for her help, connecting with his African roots by her side. And the old lady sends Bilquis to quide him to his other half. But maybe that journey is the goal.

[@doratonks07]

I was hoping the same. Did they really give her a bigger part in the show just to make her Laura’s babysitter? I hope not. I was hoping that Shadow was a reincarnation of one of Bilquis’ loves from a pervious incarnation. I would have accepted that over Laura freaking Moon. If I were Shadow and I found out Laura was my destined other half, I’d just kill my self. To hell with godly power, you’re not sticking me with her.

[@hawkdsl]

Bilqus is long gone in the book by this time in the story.

[@edo783]

I haven't read the books but I got a feeling Mr. World is Loki as he made it pretty obvious he's a trickster God and that requiem for Baldur I suspect it's a song linked to Baldur's (most likely Shadow) death due to Loki's trickery

[@d-mane5314]

Also haven’t read the books but Anansi has 50% of my guess the other 50% goes to Loki

[@edo783]

@@d-mane5314 yeah I'm leaning more towards Loki because in Norse mythology Loki orchestrates Baldurs death and it's also his children that kill the other gods during ragnarok

[@nanschmidt2507]

Yes he is Loki. He was also Shadow’s cellmate in the beginning. He and Odin are pulling a two man con.

[@edo783]

@@nanschmidt2507 yeah i figured

[@charlesbarnes6026]

@@nanschmidt2507 Makes sense on why he would be on the phone speaking to someone with whom he was showing a level of respect ...Also why he offered up Laura and spoke of revenge for Odin death...Have Shadow Kill his other half... Mother fkers lol

[@crozraven]

The artsy scenes in this episode are simply TOP NOTCH! I love it so much when the show really pulled some beautiful CG scenes to tell the story.

[@nakirahsykes9717]

Was it the hat ?

[@amun.isaiah2640]

*cough cough* black indigenous

[@sickbymuckditch6565]

Therevis an interview from earlier today, where Rickey Whittle confirms season 4 MULTIPLE times and talks about his interactions with the writing team. You should check it out lots of softcore teasers and hints

[@Jerrydleo]

You mean, there’s hope.. ? :’)

[@sickbymuckditch6565]

@@Jerrydleo yes lol

[@RoCkShaDoWWaLkEr]

Neil himself was pretty confident about season 4 long ago, hopefully we don't have to wait 2 years.....

[@leonardo-mg1uc]

@@RoCkShaDoWWaLkEr maybe we have waited 2 years in each seasons before and this ending left us on wonder. we might get it earlier this time i hope

[@craigt5906]

I think “The Center of America” motel being basically the same neutral territory site as The Continental Hotel from John Wick whereWednesday( Ian Mcshane) is the manager can be considered an EASTER EGG

[@mackenziedrake]

Wow. That's a Godiva egg there. Happy Easter!

[@hawkdsl]

Actually, they say that out right in the book. The actual hotel at the site is a dive. You can google earth it... it's rather interesting. Not sure it's open anymore, but the building is still there. The book describes it very well of course.. TV show... not so much.

[@crozraven]

It's pretty clear now Laura, Bilquis, & some other old gods will get new mission of their own for next season, that's to revive Shadow Moon back & also possibly release tech boi from prison. Both Mr. Wednesday & Mr. World are simply two evil faces of the same coin, both also a master manipulators & trickery! LOL I am glad I was right about Tech boi being a the very embodiment of innovation & technology itself, as he confirmed to be one of the oldest & arguably most powerful god. Maybe why he always looks "young," to basically depict how tech keep growing & evolving like a child is.

[@efanferdiantowibowo9610]

Shadow is demigod, he will survive the vigil without the help of those 2

[@crozraven]

@@efanferdiantowibowo9610 Already implied Shadow Moon still need his other half ro succeed aka in this case Laura. I think there is a way to make Yddrsil to relinquish Shadow Moon from the entrapment, Bilquis & Laura & like African gods will help with that.

[@Velast0933]

And I have a feeling that Mr.World and Wednesday are collaborating. This is all Odins plan on how to make a big ass war.

[@crozraven]

@@Velast0933 Could be. Both Mr. Wednesday & Mr. World are also rather parallel with each other, being a master of manipulator & trickery.

[@hayosh9309]

@@Velast0933 that’s because He’s Loki they’re both creating this war. A war in the name of Odin that will make him powerful like he used to since he thrives off of war.

[@SoulfulVeg]

You are my favorite reviewer for this series! Thanks for the research and education.

[@KevinTspirit]

I run to your post a day after every episode, mostly to confirm what I was thinking or to learn something I missed. In this episode totally missed the orisha in the field. I was slightly annoyed too about Laura being his other half or soul mate, but I remembered a talk I listened to not long ago that explained we give the "soul mate" idea romantic ideas, when a soul mate can be that person which brings out the best in you by being the wors of their own self.

[@eminosose]

American gods season 3 review in one sentence - *It’s plot and story left with Mr Nancy.*

[@oryza_citrus]

thank you storydive for doing this week after week, i always look forward to it after watching the episode, i wish you well man

[@wallyswarzone1077]

U missed the FACT IBIS did a double take and said: "Or something worse." with A storm brewing like Shadow is transforming. 🤔

[@NoMoreNamesAvailabl1]

No he was referring to Odins revival. He will comeback to his old stronger self for the coming war which will be waged in his name. He planned it all along

[@williambuckman8359]

Yea ragnarok is coming!

[@wallyswarzone1077]

I've gotta strange love for Mr. IBIS & ODIN.

[@trusweet808]

I think when Odin told Shadow, the jury is still out on if Shadow is a god. I hope this means Shadow is now free to take the god mantle on his mother's side. When Whiskey Jack says he and the Orishas have been waiting for him. I hope this is the case. Shadow restored Odin for the Norse side and "died" to be reborn rewarded as a New/Old god but leading his mother's side of the coin now. 🙏

[@charlesd.vane2121]

It's crazy I literally finished the ep and here is a video

[@thecheshirecat299]

Probaly timed it that way ... as the episode was out some carriers Saturday night at 11:59pm

[@crozraven]

Haha me too!

[@GingerKing-ev2dk]

I literally finished it rn 😂

[@omotayoolaoluwaesan]

Im Nigerian and yoruba, the correct spelling is Ṣàngó not chongo. "Ch" doesn't exist in Yoruba Alphabets. Ṣàngó is the god of thunder

[@nadine8764]

That's the shoe's spelling. They went with the Latin American (santaria) version spelling

[@StoryDive]

When I was researching the Orishas I always saw it spelled "Shango" which I think is the Yoruba version but for some reason the show spelled it "Chango" which I think is Central or South American. I'm not sure but there are different spelling and pronunciations depending on the area.

[@darkcloud93]

@@YadaYah chango and changó are two very different things, one is the monkey one and the other is the Yoruba god. the (´) makes the difference in how you pronunce the words.

[@omotayoolaoluwaesan]

All of you bringing up different spellings, the Orishas are Yoruba(Nigerian tribe to be specific) gods and goddesses not south or Latin American. It is important to know their true origin and spelling Aye, Osun, Ṣàngó, Iku are the correct spelling in Yoruba language.

[@omotayoolaoluwaesan]

@@nadine8764 The gods and goddesses are of Yoruba (Nigerian) origin not latin American. It is just wrong to spell it the wrong way.

[@maikhoppe4812]

I might be wrong, but the scene(s) in the tree hint at some Christian imagery of the crucifixion: the few words shadow says ("water", "father" and I think something else) parallel some of Jesus's last words ("I am thirsty" "father, why hast thou forsaken me"). Also in one shot befor Yggdrasil consumes Shadow, the vines wrap around his head like a crown of thorns.

[@alexturnbull1301]

Yeah I was thinking that plus the human son of a god being martyred is very biblical in itself

[@albrightineorsar8395]

Yea when he said father, I automatically thought, “”father, why has thou forsaken me?” I definitely saw those parallels with the crucifixion!!!

[@enderhayes4211]

One of the vines also pierced his side paralleling Jesus's spear wound. Tbh I kind of wish they had gone full on with the parallel and used Gungnir since that would have paralleled both Odin's test and the crucifixion since they were both pierced in the side with a spear.

[@johndixon8682]

Exactly. I haven’t read the book, but I also think “Mr. World” (the god of this world), master of “trickery” and “deception” can reference only one entity. I’m not going to ruin it for those who don’t know, but if you have any knowledge of The Book, you know who he is.

[@alanpennie8013]

Those Norse myths have been preserved for us by monks, which I think explains the obvious Jesus nods.

[@parker6739]

Laura doesn’t deserve to be shadows soul mate

[@corbeau-_-]

according to you -.- Religion and spirituality always has a yin and a yang, a positive and a negative, a heaven and a hell and temptation in between. And people making things personal... Life isn't about us. It's about energy staying balanced. She literally is the other side of the coin.

[@madelinemcmillan4020]

fate is rarely is about choice

[@doratonks07]

The season should have been called “Daddy’s Issues”. So disappointed with the way they took the show. Laura went from a minor character in to book, to one of the most obnoxious characters in a television series right next to Pete from Mad Men, with the exception that Pete had purpose. Apparently Mr. Nancy was kept out of this season because his character isn’t needed this time around, but at this point in the book, Bilquis, Laura, and Tech Boy aren’t important in the book. They changed everything around for whatever reason, I guess to give us some “bombshell” ending in season 4, that even though was green lit, may still not happen. Ricky Whittle said on Twitter that season 3 & 4 were supposed to be filmed back to back so it’s already storyboarded and they have a basic idea of what’s to come. But again, season 4 was approved but still may not happen because of ratings. I’m so disappointed with the series as a whole. They started out with such a great, strong start, but moved away from the source material to give fluff and filler in hopes for, I guess, more money? Awards? Whatever. If they stuck to the source we would of had three really good seasons of visual storytelling rather than 1 season of story and 2 of filler. I don’t even want a 4th season. Just end it with Shadow being used and dying for an unworthy cause. Let it be a lesson that old gods or new, you can’t trust them. Even if they’re related to you. Also, what happened with Lakeside? Shadow just leaves? He kills Ann Marie, Chad sees that she’s clearly not human, but there was no conclusion to that story? That’s just lazy writing. This could have been resolved if they’d just stick to the source material. Honestly, I’m not trying to be “that person”, but if you have a story line you don’t know how to finish, you don’t just skip to the end. This isn’t even something that can be resolved in season 4 because it should have been addressed before Shadow left Lakeside. Lazy writing all around, and I won’t stand for it.

[@RL_Sin]

I didnt read the book, I just liked the articles I read that said Gaiman was really involved with the show making sure the writers and showrunners would stay true to source material, so that sucks that strayed so far away. Besides that I've already said it really sucks about the Marilyn Manson drama for the Johan Berserker subplot, which would of been hopefully solid and dope, instead choppy and weak. I think Laura's subplot was good honestly, besides Salim becomes apart of her subplot and his one episode screamed writers room being screamed at to make an LGBTQ episode because we have extra episodes this season to ✔ off PC agendas 📋 instead of developing a better storyline and show. Demeter's and the Lakeside story lines you are spot on. Just 🗑 honestly, I actually don't want to know how the book ends yet incase of spoiler (hoping the have season 4), but I'd love to know what was the true storyline of Lakeside in the book because it was just whoa...no words in the show.

[@hawkdsl]

@@RL_Sin The lakeside story was the end of the book.. it was the last thing Shadow had to resolve. It was told by a competent writer. The TV show hacked the shit out of it. The best thing you can do, is get the book on audio, and listen to it in your travels. It's a great story/book, and what the TV show has done to it is almost criminal.

[@doratonks07]

@@RL_Sin well, in the book Hinzelmann is a guy (but it was a good change in my opinion because a female "bad guy" was much more passable than a man). Chad kills Hinzelmann with a single shot and they (he and Shadow) set the house on fire to hide the evidence. Shadow uses his "abilities" to erase Chad's memory of the day (you know, instead of using it to get laid like he does in the show) and kind of nudges Chad and Marguerite together. She and Shadow never have a relationship other than she's his neighbor. He leaves town. Also in the book he tells Sam Black Crow why he's hiding out there as Mike, about the war. He confides in her and she promises not to turn him in. The changes are ridiculous and just turn Shadow in a showy selfish idiot, just like Wednesday. Because of the time between season 2 and 3, and how different season 2 was, I was ready to give up on the show. But when Gaiman said the show was going back to the source material I was excited. Lakeside was one of my favorite parts of the book, and they ruined it, then just pushed it aside with no conclusion. Just on to Odin's vigil. Makes no sense.

[@doratonks07]

@@hawkdsl Lakeside seemed to be a fan favorite of the book, so it's upsetting that it turned out the way it did given that many members of the cast and Neil Gaiman himself said the show would return to form (the source material). It just ended. With no conclusion. It's like the writers said "we need to get to the part where Shadow gets naked, aqap. The fans demand it." Is that the selling point of the show? Our male lead is hot and naked alot, who cares about tying up ends? The only people who seemed happy about the show are fans of the show 100 who get to see 'Lincoln' naked. I honestly won't lose sleep or cry if the show isn't picked up for a season 4.

[@hawkdsl]

@@doratonks07 Agree 100%

[@blackstone8158]

Is it just me or is Shadow dressed up like a slave overseer in the dream sequence showing the cotton fields

[@VsgKeemie]

I caught that too🤔

[@CarystheBeast_itrhymes]

I thought so as well

[@nadine8764]

Exactly, He was a slave overseer after he left them and got on the horse with odin

[@6InchTruth]

Yep, I saw that. And the way the slaves glared at his in disappointment.

[@blackstone8158]

It might also be a long shot but I find it interesting that in the pursuit of gaining this power(overseeing slaves) he sides with his dad, and his dad is just using him to reinforce his own power. In a master's tools kind way. Odin is like the pinnacle of individualism that is inherently selfish and cant benefits the "we". Shadow trying to find power in this idea means he will die coz Odin only sees him as a tool and we never do anything that he doesn't have the greatest gain. Even for his own son.

[@rickycisneros3761]

That Beverly Hills Ninja scene was hilarious!!!! 🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂I wasn't ready for that!

[@cwillimas9980]

Stayed up late to catch your thoughts about the episode. Like the previous episode, this one was chock full of information. And yes, Shadow did know his father was dead when Cordelia ran to hug him, but didn’t know until Cordelia told him that it was Laura who killed Wednesday. Ibis was planning to tell him, but had not gotten to that part yet.

[@joelchannell5688]

In the 2nd vision of his ancestors shadow appears to be a field overseer, to me that suggests betrayal.

[@gfunk5345]

That god in the beginning with the boxing robe on is no doubt Elegba. That’s his staff, that’s his colors. That’s why she told him she wasn’t ready in the other episode, he’s the god of the crossroads

[@mackenziedrake]

Do you know if Baron Samedi is related to Elegba?

[@alexturnbull1301]

@@mackenziedrake no they’re separate religions

[@mackenziedrake]

@@alexturnbull1301 Thank you.

[@gfunk5345]

@@mackenziedrake even tho the are separate, to a certain degree, all those gods are related. If u research Elegba and baron, you’ll see very similar traits they share.

[@mackenziedrake]

@@gfunk5345 I noticed that, but I am not a worshiper in either of the religions, so I asked. Thank you.

[@thebox7139]

I think Shadow is gonna come back as a God and his allies will be Whiskey Jack, America and the Yoruba.

[@charlesbarnes6026]

Odin is truly a deeply wicked creature..

[@thebox7139]

@@charlesbarnes6026 and shadow finally realised it when he was on the verge of death.

[@charlesbarnes6026]

I think the racial overtones are about to get REAL!!!

[@rollingthunder8223]

@@charlesbarnes6026 he is all about power and control

[@rollingthunder8223]

Mr Nancy would've been involved also

[@MG-ww9rf]

I don’t think Shadow is “gone” maybe Laura will bring him back like Sweeney’s blood did for her. I hope there is a Season 4. Half of this season could have been left on the editing table...

[@jahjohnson31]

FAM YOU TOOK THE WORDS OUT OF MY MOUTH lakeside could’ve been 2 episodes max Demeter was kinda important but she was 3 episodes important

[@brucewaynefan338]

He has a journey on the other side

[@IamCarrieNotBranshaw]

There’s going to be a fourth season.

[@MG-ww9rf]

@@jahjohnson31 exactly. It’s like he was putting Shadow there to hide him and so Shadow could start figuring out his abilities. What a mess 😂

[@MG-ww9rf]

@@brucewaynefan338 after watching it again I think so too. I hope it’s not a 5 episode acid trip, but I’ll be ready!

[@nicolerogers2208]

I think Lara being his other half makes sense they are two extreme types of people , Odin kills her for a reason not just cause he wants shadow to feel alone . It’s more to it the that . Totally loved this season

[@moe_chi]

Biliquis transition is my favorite

[@miyclops]

MAN, I hope and pray for another season. It can't end that way.

[@LloydMolefe]

Well, we need season 4 more than ever now...

[@trickjack8329]

So anyone ready to wait another 2 years for the next episodes.

[@pharaohdojah]

I know right I was really hoping they would bring the show to a close

[@ladygodiva5407]

My guess is Starz will cancel the show.

[@Wotantech]

@@ladygodiva5407 no ffing way

[@doratonks07]

@@ladygodiva5407 with the way the star talked about it in several interviews, it feels like that may be the case. The ratings for this season were bad. Starz may not see the point of continuing to invest in the show just to keep a handful of fans happy.

[@Angel_Donoghue]

Literally thinking this

[@reynoldprice7361]

I really do hope there is a 4th season. American Gods has been a favorite since the beginning. Come on Starz, don't let the fans down.

[@chibendefulumaka3994]

Loving the parallels between AG and the Christian crucifixion wit"h shadow there. His "father" is almost like Jesus asking father why have you forsaken me in the Bible. Love this show

[@mackenziedrake]

And reviving the Father at full power with the sacrifice of the Son.

[@lisaowen6103]

@@mackenziedrake not only the God and Jesus story. We also have Abraham and Isaac story . Cane and Abel as well. The blood of the lamb or the innocent.

[@mackenziedrake]

@@lisaowen6103 Isaac lived, though, and the particular context for this story is the afternoon spent at Easter's estate, which was filled with ethnic and sectarian versions of Jesus. Shadow spends some time talking to at least one of them while they are all there.

[@alanpennie8013]

In the book he actually did encounter Jesus while hanging on the tree. And Jesus was sympathetic.

[@mfits]

I'm gonna miss your breakdowns as much as the show itself. Thank you very much, for all your work, for bringing so many to discuss details in the comments, for being thorough and inquiring. Can't wait to see more of your content on other stuff! p.s. shame Media seemed to disappear completely, considering how much social media are prominent in our lives and how much showrunners could have played with it in all aspects, from philosophical (its impact, addicting properties, devoted worshippers) to stylistic (so much fun in ever changing and crazy scope of it), perfect for show's overall style.

[@edwardbell4928]

Forgot the disappearance of Wednesday's body as Shadow is pulled inside Yggdrasil...

[@nadine8764]

Yes, Shadow also gets pierced a few times by the tree before he screams and has the vision with Wednesday on the plane

[@NoMoreNamesAvailabl1]

That's because Odin is resurrected you got that right? He literally sacrificed his own son to be brought back to his old stronger self

[@thegodofimagination]

Cool profile picture

[@fRaNKiEb0NEz.]

Finally!!! Long awaited season finale review!!! I love your videos bro.

[@cholofelomalunga6744]

In the last seconds we see that Mr Wednesday's body has disappeared so I believe his plan worked and he's alive again.

[@channingmitchell9016]

Oh yes deffantly reborn.

[@StoryDive]

Yes, I forgot to cover that part for some reason. Whoops. I had it written in my notes that he vanishes like Yoda in Empire Strikes Back.

[@21melpomene]

This was my favorite episode of the season, too. I found season 3 to be disappointing in spots, particularly the pacing, but I still love the show and story as a whole. Not ashamed to admit I'm literally praying we get a 4th season xD -- I'd really like to see the story play out, for both casual fans and those of us who are so invested, we find the show cathartic in ways we didn't expect. Thank you, StoryDive, for this series -- I've learned a lot from your research/observations, theories, and summations. Most of the review podcasts I listened to gave up after season 2, lol, so it was a real gift to find your channel + a sounding board for this material. It begs to be discussed, and I love the discussions you prompt! Please accept my subscription as worship! :D

[@TigerLily61811]

I effing HATE cliffhangers. So cheap. They piss me off so much.

[@gabnel1000]

well almost every show uses cliffhangers so nothing can be done about it. Although i do agree, i dislike cliffhangers.

[@filharmonix]

I'm usually neither here nor there with cliffhangers, but this one pissed me off for some reason.

[@RoCkShaDoWWaLkEr]

It's exactly how chapters in books work, just feels dirty when it plays out on a TV show.

[@greeneyedbandit5035]

Agree, that sucked

[@wcapewell3089]

I havent read the american gods book, but when mr world said " trickery is what i do best", i instantly knew who he was. I now plan to get the book.

[@Staggie97]

I’m not sure if you’ve mentioned this however, I can’t believe I’ve only just noticed a connection between ‘the shard project’ that the new gods are developing and the rock which has a shard shape. Maybe Mr World named the project after Artefact one? As he says in the episode, it’s the next advancement in human technology (manipulation)... On a side note, I loved this speech from him, as it has so much relevance in today’s time... It’s not the most difficult puzzle to solve, however I’ve overlooked it until this episode!

[@sonpacho]

I genuinely don't understand why it's other peoples responsibility to not spoil things. Why are people asked to 'not' comment about something because it might spoil it for someone? If you don't want to be spoiled about something...don't watch videos/read comments about it. It seems pretty simple. However, why is it the responsibility of EVERY other person to make sure EVERY space imaginable remains absolutely spoiler free!? No one can discuss anything unless they _encrypt_ it just in case some person, who shouldn't even be looking, sees it. Everybody has to go through additional steps and be respectful just to appease some others. What do we get for showing so much deference to people who don't want to be spoiled? Like I said, it seems pretty simple - if you don't want to be spoiled don't watch videos, read comments or go into forums where the work is discussed. Simple. Expecting everyone to cater to you seems unreasonable.

[@angelwhatt7568]

Spoil me please

[@cassonyalampkin6871]

Great episode! I love how you explain them. I haven’t read the book, but it is most definitely on my list!

[@melissasmith4254]

Most disappointing thing was Laura being the other half considering how terrible of a person she is period. I would have taken Cordelia, or anyone else lol. Minus that. Good episode. I hope we get another season too cuz of obvious book reasons. As a whole the season was decent. I'd give it a 7. Didnt think it needed an extra two episodes either. Wanted more bilquis and techboy. But it is what it is until then. I will continue to support your channel. Your content is amazing. And that's all I got. Surprisingly didn't find much and I watched the episode twice lol.

[@kaebaegotsnax1907]

There’s always a right to a left an up to a down and a good to an evil so here being the other part that completes him actually makes total sense 😅😅

[@th2967]

Bored! Bored bored! With laura moon!..😞

[@johnirby8847]

She's not the other half....Shadow Moon's mother is the goddess Libertas.

[@kaebaegotsnax1907]

@@johnirby8847 so who’s his other half ?? I don’t mind you spoiling it for me..

[@johnirby8847]

@@kaebaegotsnax1907 It's his mother! The show changes a lot from the book. Shadow Moon's mother is the goddess Libertas....his other half. This makes Shadow much more powerful than anyone knows. The personification of liberty and freedom.

[@MoorFromOlmec]

What’s crazy is the first slaves in real life got taken to Virginia first and that’s where the whole “garden of eden” ideology comes from. If you notice the “no vacancy” sign at the motel in Kansas, it only says VA.. at that hotel, shadow has a premonition about his ancestors. Where is Ydrassil now?? Virginia.

[@smiffitysmith8450]

i think its wednesday who is with the phone with el mundo (trejo mr world) when they are talking about artifact 1 and my guess is that mr world is loki because he can shapeshift and he said trickery is what he does best knowing that loki is the trickster god makes a lot of sense and the way he moved and whistle kinda reminds me of that cellmate shadow used to have in the first episode which is heavily hinted as loki .

[@kaebaegotsnax1907]

What if the cellmate Loki is mr world who was put into play by mr Wednesday to help set shadow moon up🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@TheJE209]

Yes I thought the same thing

[@autumnjanuary]

Y’all just made me wanna watch the first two seasons again with a new set of eyes

[@kaebaegotsnax1907]

Autumn January beat you to it 😂😂😂

[@smiffitysmith8450]

@@kaebaegotsnax1907 yeah and its their con and manipulations that everything bad is happening for that sweet sweet worship.

[@ginathegreek2436]

I just discovered you now and usually don't follow people on KZbin but you are definitely going to be the exception to that rule! I can't wait until next Season of Am Gods (if there is one - fingers crossed) and can't wait to hear your commentary after each episode! I am Greek & Italian in heritage and have always been into mythology (Greek & Roman, of course, but also Egyptian and Norse as well. I love Am Gods for this very reason. Anyway, again I'm so happy I found your channel and thanks for everything you do! I appreciate you! :)

[@misslene]

Thanks for the great season recaps!

[@deshawnmorgan8234]

This show should had been an animation show first and then this type of show. Because I really love it it just seems so drawn out and there so much deep info to be shared

[@kirbymarchbarcena]

I feel like another season will be made as the ending seems open-ended

[@hernadibotond]

There is a huge difference between "seems open ended" and "probably the deepest cliffhanger you've ever seen".

[@jameswigglesworth710]

Honestly I just love this show, each new turn and choice always have me hooked, I’ll be really upset if this series doesn’t get a final season

[@jethrobanda3007]

Anyone notice they has been a thing about Odin and sacrifices since season one. Seems each sacrifice is made in order to give Wednesday power . Just look at how he sacrificed Laura,Vulcan,Sweeney ,the kids in the town Shadow was stuck in this season and finally Shadow himself. Wednesdays been collecting power the whole time just my thought process don't know if anyone has equally picked up on it .

[@sotrini100]

I don’t think that Shadow or the slaves saw him, as a slave but rather the slave master. That is why they looked at him like that.

[@mackenziedrake]

Master or overseer.

[@BiteSizeSudction]

I was thinking the same like we was rooting for you and here u are

[@Greatday2day]

I was thinking the same thing, he was not a slave in that vision...The show gave us a small but precious clue on this...his hat!

[@alanpennie8013]

@@Greatday2day He was talking about assuming a leadership role earlier in the episode. It struck me as very random.

[@andrewedgar3935]

I love how you have a Easter egg or hidden meaning for everything and then there’s... “and then Laura makes out with Bilquis for some reason” 😂

[@markburns4497]

Love your breakdowns, they add so much information to the show. I didn't enjoy this season as much as the others but still want to see how they finish the story. Great actors and cinematography. Thanks for all you do!

[@DerAykac]

I haven´t read the books, but there is a guy that hates odin and is fond with trickery. I say Shadow has a brother.

[@seagull8415]

So glad for these recaps with episodes coming weekly. Im gonna save up season four episodes to binge back to back. I think a dense show with so many threads like this work better that way.

[@yensid4294]

I don't know why they changed Laura's story so much if they were going to circle back to this

[@cagdaskadoglu1113]

They need an important assasin who can kill wednesday, sooo they made it Laura after all

[@nanschmidt2507]

I agree. Her story was much better in the book.

[@drghaamhussain]

@@nanschmidt2507 she kills him in the book. So what r u talking about?

[@nanschmidt2507]

@@drghaamhussain she remains dead throughout the book. Alive only by the coin. She’s given water from the tree to rejuvenate her body. Uses her super human (dead wife) strength. And , in the end removes the coin and dies. None of the side stories are necessary. She doesn’t fall for Mad Sweeney who dies from a drug overdose. Just a lot of unnecessary nonsense in the TV version.

[@drghaamhussain]

@@nanschmidt2507 the mad doesn't even have a story in the book nether does she. I really like the story they gave them.

[@chinito1724]

This is a great story unraveling. Thank you for your take!

[@johnirby8847]

1:42 They've deviated from the book...Shadow Moon's "other half" is his mother...the goddess Libertas. Baldr's light always shines.....Shadow's does not...but the light of liberty will always shine on those that seek it. That's why Laura sees him...she was seeking him...but mainly to be free.

[@kadarabdullahi]

I loved your breakdown, always made enjoy the show way more. Thank you!

[@Jaore69]

I don't know if it's a good idea, but I sincerily need a video talking about what could a potential season 4 bring. Specially because I really appreciate your insight from reading the book, and because if there's a season 4, it should be at least a year away, and i wouldn't remember if I spoiled something, altough I enjoy the story SO much that I don't thing it would be spoiled.

[@sonofthunder5876]

👍Great episode can't wait to watch it again tomorrow👍

[@kaebaegotsnax1907]

On the back of Iku’s boxing robe it spelled “Death” with a scythe under it.. my interpretation of his character and I think Egyptians put coins on the eyes of the Pharaohs (God/desses)

[@nadine8764]

Ancient cultural traditions, coins are put over the eyes of the dead, so they can pay the ferry man to take them into the after life. First time I saw it was in the story of the odyssey.

[@kaebaegotsnax1907]

@@nadine8764 yes I know they’re out on the eyes of the dead so that the Charon helps them to cross over. I read that story but I don’t remember it I’ll have to reread.

[@brainsandbeautyra]

Egyptians did not use coins. That is a European tradition.

[@kaebaegotsnax1907]

@@brainsandbeautyra you’re right I just looked it up 😅😅

[@alexturnbull1301]

I’m pretty sure that it’s an Ancient Greek thing but I remember hearing that the Egyptian pharaohs were Greek so maybe you’re right

[@Samara1221]

S2 Ep 4 Diner scene with the 3 Girl Scouts: Mama-ji tops off Shadow’s cup along with a warning: “He’ll be the death of you, you know that right?”

[@amilombanugo8321]

Yoruba twins..taiwo and kehinde. Yourubas in my country are famous for having twins.

[@aggieking87]

Love these videos man, they are so helpful! Thank you for making them. Fingers crossed for season 4

[@sillybilly7590]

I'm swedish (praise Oden blablabla), vaka means to keep watch over something. "Jag vakar över dig" = I'm keeping watch over you. It means this as well as staying awake, just wanted to add that.

[@kevinswackyworld]

Do they still worship Odin in Sweden?

[@sillybilly7590]

@@kevinswackyworld Heh sadly not. We got some residue here and there though, celebrating midsommar and having giant viking feasts on christmas which we still call julafton (yule).

[@kevinswackyworld]

@@sillybilly7590 awesome ... I always wanted to be born a Viking in my next life

[@cwillimas9980]

Thanks for definition and info 😊

[@sillybilly7590]

@@cwillimas9980 no worries friendo

[@vanityk7068]

Loved it and will rewatch time and time again. That song playing in the end credits got me and I will be searching for it.

[@tinofeliciano1421]

Why does Shadow need Laura ro lead or be a whole person? So he cannot reach his full potential without his philandering ex wife that just harpooned his deceitful selfish father? Wow. Can we bring Anansi back, please ? Shadow us screwed and so is this show if they go that route.

[@JolPil]

Laura is given way too much undeserved sway.

[@coalscribe]

I found it very Twinflame-y

[@heyLORDitsme]

I was hoping Laura wouldn’t be back next season. She sucks! I don’t want to see any more of her.

[@Sammy-cm9ce]

She's grown. She's been through trauma and she's evolved. She was right about Wednesday.

[@toddblair5883]

As of today it has been announced that AMERICAN GODS is canceled with no S4 coming. Article is from an hour ago. RIP

[@nakirahsykes9717]

My prediction is that shadow is a god and pretty powerful and Wednesday knows it will be dangerous for him if his son found his other half and became the god he is Also father and son shall fight and we will see more of shadows mother. Thank Olu for the video

[@NoMoreNamesAvailabl1]

Well the fact that shadow dies tells me he's probably Baldur. Reason is because the show obviously needs him so it would be poetic is he finds out he cannot die

[@nakirahsykes9717]

@@NoMoreNamesAvailabl1 what’s your opinion on who shadows mother is ?

[@NoMoreNamesAvailabl1]

@@nakirahsykes9717 Well the mother of Baldur is Frigg who was a goddess loved in all the land just like her son. When her son had visions about his death she travelled to all of the realms and talked to everything and begged them never to harm her son (apart from mistletoe) so his vision wouldn't come true. That is how he became invulnerable. She shares a lot of similarities with how his mum is portrayed as so loving in the show. I think his mother was an African goddess. Not sure which but it would be a nurturing goddess of some kind so maybe Isis or maybe Asae Yaa a West African goddess. Neil Gaiman took inspiration from norse mythology and added a lot of others. I haven't read it yet but now Loki and Ragnarok are added it makes a lot of sense

[@nakirahsykes9717]

@@NoMoreNamesAvailabl1 yes I read about Frigg. But couldn’t solidify it bc we know he has African ancestry. One thing about the creators he provides a melting pot of all gods from all cultures. I’m like googling every episode. So we shall see I think shadows mom will appear and speak with Odin or defend her son in the upcoming season(s) right now it seems he has so many other caretakers. Maybe she’ll thank bilquis for her safe guarding. Anyways thanks. And if you have any other show suggestions send them here

[@johnirby8847]

You're right! Shadow Moon's mother is the goddess Libertas.

[@RhodosGuard]

A requiem is a song composed for a deceased person. World just set Shadows death in motion, which is confirmed by Ibis when the Episode ends. So "Baldur" (shadow) has died and his "Requiem" is played as Ragnarok begins. Wednesday used Shadows Sacrifice to reform, as he said, gods can reform when enough power comes to bear. Shadows Sacrifice on the tree revives Odin, but also starts ragnarok. So maybe the way they're going, is that Shadows Twin/Soulmates sacrifice will revive him. I prefer the books version. But I doubt they're gonna introduce Horus and/or bring back Ostara.

[@susansprague7304]

Is anyone else annoyed that Hugin and Munin are voiced by crows?

[@jabm4958]

THANK YOU! haha

[@enderhayes4211]

Honestly I wish they could actually talk like in the book. One of the funniest parts in the book to me is when Shadow tells one of them to "Say nevermore." and the raven just says "Fuck you."

[@msredd1965]

I thought season 3 was slow and uninteresting until the finale- which was Phenomenal 🔥

[@nakirahsykes9717]

Am I the only person that did NOT see Laura’s face as the other half ? I saw someone else face and thought of Sam blackbird don’t ask me why Also I thought of Mr world as that magician guy that tricked tech boy back in the day by fake helping him and then exposing him and that song possibly playing as it would definitely blend at a carnival or circus background music. Shadow moon sacrificing himself for Wednesday’s benefit (unbeknownst to him) is the reason why he was warned by soo many people nor to trust Wednesday. And now could be the reason why Wednesday had Laura killed so he could nor have his other half oh man I’m tangled 😆 anyways I haven’t read the books

[@mackenziedrake]

At this particular point, I am not sure the book would help.

[@nadine8764]

I knew it had to be Laura after how she just refused to stay dead and also the requiem of baulder played while she was in purgatory. While she was dead, she say shadow as a burning and shining light

[@andrearoppel7541]

Ricky Whittle said in an interview Laura plays a huge role in season 4...🤔

[@nakirahsykes9717]

@@andrearoppel7541 wow. I wanted her to know more about her and Sweeney’s love long ago

[@alanpennie8013]

Sam was quite smitten with Shadow in the book so well done picking up.that viibe.

[@brandonlee8309]

Hope Netflix picks it up

[@Ardavan47]

Laura really needed a smack... even her coming to jesus moment still hasnt changed her.

[@roktoprobal9505]

You forgot to mention selim found a new gay love in form of a one night stand and finally got over his obsession with the Jinn.

[@clarencehui9448]

Laura is a "dislikable" character that makes the show bearable to watch because she is so interesting and charismatic!

[@audreona7525]

The nice visuals and powers the gods have is what kept me watching the 3 seasons. Other than that I feel like I have to watch videos like this to decipher the story and characters.

[@keionaustin8068]

4th Season Confirmed!

[@nOtJack1886]

Shadow has gone to the underworld, will be guided back out as his godhood protects him from death.

[@jacobmulraine2593]

shadow saying father on the world tree was kind of like when christ said father why have you forsaken me on the cross

[@FlightDogg_]

This ending pissed me off

[@ricardo9681]

Loki kill Baulder in north lore, and killing Baulder Loki starts the Ragnarok, maybe the song that mr World was humming is related to that.

[@Andruxa499]

Mr world and are Loki, dont forget, that he was speaking with wednsday like equa, and Odin says the first one loki me thor. Story taled about Thor, but not Loki, even no mentions about that. So yup, Mr world is Loki

[@ricardo9681]

@@Andruxa499 yeh, that why i said that about Loki had kill his brother Bauder. And the song confirmed that

[@stoagymahalo5268]

I never been so compelled by a series

[@Blue_Lunacy]

This episode ended with Wednesday body disappeared. I realized that, in earlier season, Wednesday avoid using smart phone because Tech boy can track them through the phone. This season seems to neglect that previous plot point. And talk about dropped plot point. Ms. World was so mad that Bilquis sacrificed the CEO, saying that they need him for the SHARD project. But now it seems to complete without issue? It seems to be finish on-time no less. In this context, is Tech boy count as old god or new god? With this explanation, Tech boy might the oldest surviving god in human history.

[@mackenziedrake]

Loki *may* have spoken the truth when he said Tech Boy is the bridge between the old and new gods.

[@alexturnbull1301]

He’s both as he embodies new and old technology

[@laundryndtaxes]

Enjoyed watching your breakdowns :)