American Gods Season 3 Episode 8 Breakdown + Easter Eggs Explained! "The Rapture of Burning"

As I did last time, I will breakdown all of the Easter Eggs and References you missed in the 8th episode of American Gods Season 3 "The Rapture of Burning".
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​​​​ #starz​​​​ #amazonprime

[@StoryDive]

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

[@haileygrey5047]

I did love seeing “bilquist” like that. Nice to see her acting range. Edit: spelling

[@spiderdudesuper]

That actress is amazing! She needs more recognition.

[@jeremiahkivi4256]

Bilquist*

[@hydeandzeke]

@@jeremiahkivi4256 I don't get it.

[@haileygrey5047]

@@jeremiahkivi4256 ahh thank you at first I actually spelled it that way but then changed it to this. I’ll change it 🙂

[@fong03]

@@jeremiahkivi4256 It’s Bilquis.

[@Mairiain]

Yetide Badaki did an amazing job as Tech Boy's subconscious! So talented!

[@reeseelliott8454]

Tu'er Shen said he blessed her with a "long and prosperous life" which is why she hasn't aged.

[@hayosh9309]

I have a possible theory I’ve been thinking. Possibly Tech Boy is a old god himself because he seems to be more of a god that represents mans innovation. That could explain why Mr.World is always breathing on his neck is to keep him as a new god and always updating him to be under his control because he’s vital to the new gods survival.

[@ryanpowell7397]

I stan for this!

[@CleitonLopesK]

Maybe he’s Hermes, Hephaestus or Prometheus since the 3 are somehow connected to technology

[@jasonhuibers2315]

Out of all the new gods he's the most interesting one and this is a good theory. Like bliquis whose identity had changed over time because of her followers I can see tech boy being an old God that was corrupted by Mr World

[@javanknox8360]

Didn't they imply in season 1 that Mr. World was an old god. A god of nature where the roots of the trees interconnected, making everything one. But instead of the roots of trees, Mr. World is not connected by wires.

[@adawgisagangster]

@@javanknox8360 that’s a good point!! I think mr world, mr tree/wood, and mr money/gold are all very old gods? Do you remember those 3 from the first season?

[@Lastkoss]

I did like the tech boy moment when he had to deal with his inner biloquest

[@TigerLily61811]

"Douche Canoe" may be my new favorite insult

[@blessbeyahgodofshem]

Bilquis

[@Lastkoss]

@@blessbeyahgodofshem Ya I couldn't remember how to spell her name at the time

[@paul-juniorblack6151]

Tech Girl Bilquis is the "never in my life have I needed something so much and never known until I received it" of this show. Tech Girl Bilquis needs to be a main stay of the characters it was so enjoyable and fun

[@weedhigh2564]

I do like the original Bilquis alot, but yeah, the TechGirl version, 100% pure awesome, would insta marry a girl like her, too bad they dont exist in RL...

[@samuelilozumba7459]

No lies!

[@AndromedaCeline]

Yes! She nailed that shit!

[@suzanneh975]

Tech Bilquis is a whole mood.

[@LionQueenn]

I loved her as Techno Girl shit she did that!

[@wicketttonypickett2793]

Wednesday said, trade me for my son. He never said he would give his life for him. It’s always a play on Words with him, that’s how he gets by.

[@stoneguy6727]

When the Salim sex scene is longer than Odin & Tyr fighting loool

[@trevenawilliams4808]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@hawkdsl]

IKR

[@drizztatk]

You hit the nail on the head, what happened to this series? I was hooked, I couldn’t wait for each episode. Now, I’ve forgotten on a couple of sundays it was even on. Whatever they’re doing, please reverse and correct, because for me, this series is just barely treading water...

[@jeremiahkivi4256]

It's because they are trying to force all men to become homosexual.

[@BDTPBO]

If they make any of that peacock inn stuff relevant in any real way to the show I’ll be shocked. Ridiculous.

[@Ifabukunmi]

I think it’s amazing how tech boy and biloquis has to go back to their roots .

[@JoshyJPow]

When Shadow grabbed Tyr i was like Yess!!! Awakening moment then nothing 🤦‍♂️

[@andrearoppel7541]

In the next episode Shadow becomes the character who he is in the book 💪 Ricky Whittle's words last week on Instagram. Hopefully....

[@LordDirus007]

The Gay Sex Scene was longer than that lame ass fight

[@SoldierSpiderx]

the battle was too short and should been longer and they dragging the salim scene way to much but I glad it over and he finally free

[@LionOfGod2903]

Omg I feel the same way. That was a looong ass scene wich tells me they took something out. Either that or they had nothing to fill the space up with.

[@SoldierSpiderx]

@@LionOfGod2903 fact it feel like they have nothing else for that and the battle should have big longer it should be the other way around in my book

[@nadine8764]

@@LionOfGod2903 yes, they took out bits with manson I guess

[@scarlettvetter7074]

I agree, the party stuff was WAY too long and drawn out. And maybe it was due to the fact they had to cut Manson's scenes, but, still, these are the last few episodes. It would be nice if they stuck to scenes that move the story forward and not stall to fill time. I was bored with it.

[@jimsto7453]

ORION's Diary I wonder if Johan was part of the battle scene and they removed it. It seemed odd that scene would be so short. I like Salim’s character on the show but it seemed so strange seeing him get that much screen time in a side story that’s not integral to the main plot.

[@famouswolf526]

Wednesday is gonna take the spear and tell Laura thanks!

[@BooliiskaSooWac]

Mr. Wednesday is dead.

[@saltlessbread]

The party scene was incredibly mesmerizing and beautiful

[@badgeerr7278]

They hype up Odin vs Tyr and was literally just 10 seconds longer then the teaser...

[@ebonijayde]

It was such waste of two amazing actors!

[@badgeerr7278]

@@ebonijayde My thoughts exactly

[@mrghosting7217]

I feel like Wednesday at times has been playing vulnerable when he know he could defend himself better just to test shadow moon feelings about him also litmus test his character traits growth.

[@davidteh3807]

Tech boy is far more powerful that they let him believe , for he is the giver of fire . Guest who is tied up and fed to eagle every morning on a rock .

[@hawkdsl]

In the book techboy is a new God of electronics and computers. He's not that deep

[@hayosh9309]

@@hawkdsl yeah but it seems they’ve changed his character to more of Human innovation so that’s why it’s a possibility he himself is a old god and has had a long relationship with mankind.

[@jedodedo]

You know, I feel like every New Gods were once Old Gods... 👀🙊

[@petroglyph79]

So tech boy is going to turn out to be Prometheus. The bringer of light and technology

[@LionOfGod2903]

I think the Orisha will be there for him In Florida. I need shadow to find himself faster ☺️

[@xehanorterra1122]

Right like I’ve been waiting for Chango/Shango to appear

[@tuanamcqueen5156]

Agreed!! 🐌.

[@jurmynicohen202]

faster is not fast enough!! Orlando Jones said they were trying to marginalize shadow's character in the TV show. Looks like Orlando was right.

[@efilteau]

i like this serie a lot ! and always nice to listen to your breakdown after -thanks

[@Link9876ful]

I really loved the episode! The scene with Kai and Salim might have been very long, but it was very emotional too, I enjoyed it and loved the way the scene faded in and out like a dream

[@chito2294]

i guess tyr didn't watch the wwf back in the 80's. he fell for the oldest trick in the book. as soon as you go for the other guy, the first one is gonna come back and getcha

[@efanferdiantowibowo9610]

I think tyr was so naive. He didnt think an honorable person (which odin isnt) would stab his opponent from the back.

[@kadarabdullahi]

Lol!!

[@sebsebseb1905]

it's just really poor writing

[@blessbeyahgodofshem]

He lost because he began monologing and forgot about his opponent.

[@user-my2ci5ps4s]

Tbh, the fight was a bit disappointing. I kinda wanted to see that CGI from House on the Rock but in battle instead. It was still nice, but seeing these two war gods duke it out with ancient runic magic would’ve been so awesome.

[@ken-ne3ei]

Tu er Shen blessed her with long life. It was told in the episode

[@b.s.k.s]

I like watching this as much as I like watching the show, great job!

[@mightiesthelmutz2836]

Loving the show, this episode was good, but too much Salim time. Could have gave us 5 more minutes of Odin & Tyr.

[@jpresson1]

Tyr doesn't matter, I think he low key was brought in by someone else. Keep the wars going

[@miyclops]

ngl it was nice character dev for Salim, but it was just too much. yeah i get the idea but imo i find every prolong spicy seggsy time awkward lol.

[@igormac9431]

Yes but then it would have been too much white men. Not enough virtue signaling that way. I mean one more episode with no Orishas or another black god and we may get some rioting for a month. Lol

[@darkcloud93]

we could get those 5 minutes if tyr didn't turn his back to the guy who was fucking figthing... i didn't understand the idiotic move there, writers were too lazy to make a good fight scene...

[@adrianyoutube6140]

I think Manson's character was supposed to be in the fight but they had to cut it cuz of the drama. Salim time was a way to fill the time

[@parker6739]

The party scene went on too long lol

[@Robertkingz]

a fast forward it 😭

[@seanbourne6689]

I think LGBTQIA+ representation is important so I dont agree

[@cgparadise0072]

@@seanbourne6689 same here representation is much more important for the fact that we don’t see a lot of it in tv also this episode represents self discovery and letting the past go for Laura and salim

[@fRaNKiEb0NEz.]

I wasn't into it, but the beauty of watching your favorite show....like me, I fast forwarded it.

[@seaoftrickery2695]

@@fRaNKiEb0NEz. I did to bro I thought it was cringe

[@meccadon]

I read Anansi boys and I wonder if they are doing an American Gods/Anansi Boys mash-up. Elements of Shadow's character that they are bringing about are very similar to the protagonist of Anansi Boys. Florida is in Anansi Boys too.

[@AlluringSurge]

I literally just finished watching this episode and behold a few minutes later you released your breakdown video 😁👌🏽

[@UATU.]

I’m going to spend the week imagining Shadow hanging out in Florida with Fat Charlie, Spider and Mr. Nancy. Wine, karaoke, fishing off the pier and flirting with mermaids.

[@lrdr5404]

I wonder if Liam wants revenge on Wednesday or if he more just wants another magic coin. (I also wonder if there are consequences for breaking the Hiberian Code?)

[@Contradae]

She did lie to him that it’s what Sweeney wanted, so he would not realize he broke the code.

[@lrdr5404]

@@Contradae True. I'm not sure this Old Hiberian Code thingy would allow for such excuses! :)

[@hydeandzeke]

@@Contradae Sweeney wanted Wednesday dead. He tried to kill him in Cairo.

[@mauradelmasto7060]

I hoped that somewhere in this season Mad Sweeney would have managed to come back somehow 🥺🥺🥺

[@th2967]

Me toooo!!🙏

[@alinaw.2071]

So did Laura. But sometimes we al have to learn to let go. I think that was a amazing way of portraying that. Laura was the whole time trying to bring him back. And so we did hope for a return. We were in Lauras head. But it wasn't possible. He was ashes. No body to return to. So Laura had to say goodbye. And so we needed to let go. This was an amazing way to tell this story and to put us in Lauras shoes.

[@kirbymarchbarcena]

Tyr took long enough to plot his revenge...and failed.

[@thegodofimagination]

Gods fail all the time you should see how I beat Dionysus and a drinking game it was incredible

[@CrimsonKnight]

I am incredibly worried about the next couple of episodes not finishing any of the plotlines or everything's being rushed. Tyr got shafted royally.

[@ad1686]

I loved the episode. I can’t wait to see the rest of the season. As a side note: Tier is the German word for animal. So I thought that he was the wolf. Thanks for the Norse mythology lesson. It helps put things in a better perspective now.

[@suzumiBreizh]

I really think the ghost-like people Shadow sees are the missing children. They don't look like children, sure, but they don't look very natural or alive either. Since there seems to be a pattern of them disappearing, and a link with the lake, I think that the woman secretly running Lakeside may be a goddess and/or a mythological monster that preys on children. What do you think about that? :3

[@BMBSLIMMM]

I agree....that lady gives me bad vibes

[@thomasb1813]

Have you read the book?

[@suzumiBreizh]

@@thomasb1813 nope, I can't cuz of my handicap. Why?

[@thomasb1813]

I don’t want to spoil it for you then But you’re guess is pretty close.

[@suzumiBreizh]

@@thomasb1813 I'm feeling quite happy about your answer, tysm!

[@seagull8415]

I really enjoyed this episode lots of plots resolved, Tyr, Laura, Salim. In terms of the fanbase it seems to me (not having read the book) that the book fans are actually among the more positive towards the show and are ok with the pace and plot threads that sometimes seem to go nowhere. To the non readers there seems to be a lot of frustration at the coming and going of characters and the episodes that feel like padding or wheel spinning. There is alas also something of a toxic hate watcher group who seems to want an Avengers style massive climactic battle between superpowered gods and dismiss everything else as woke sjw pandering. Personally i love the show. I can forgive some of the issues bearing in mind the disruptions they have had to deal with behind the scenes. Every episode is either entertaining or at the very least hugely interesting and thought provoking and occasionally spectacular.

[@alinaw.2071]

I agree so much! I didn't read the book and it is true that I am frustrated when story parts go nowhere. That was especially in Season 2 the case. Buf I now how many problems they had behind the scenes. While I don't agree with every decision they made I still love the story they are telling. I am in LOVE with season 3. Many people think it is too slow but I think it is just right. They are giving us so much mystery and character development. I love it. Giving development to characters that up to this point lacked it isn't easy to pull of. I love that there is more behind Bilquis and Tech. I want to know their storys now. I want to know what Shadow is up to. I loved his storyline of living in this small town. It was reminding us that this story was still taking place in the real world. Giving us a Town to care about. That we don't want to be destroyed by this war. I love Season 3 because it not only gives us character development and mysterys to solve but also so much attention to detail and knowledge about the myths. It is amazing.

[@TechBearSeattle]

Your comments about Shadow's "other half" got me thinking of another novel Gaiman wrote set in this universe: Anansi Boys. In this story, Anansi ("Angry gets things done") has a demi-god son who gets split into two by the curse of a bitter old woman: Spider, a shape-shifting trickster, and Charles "Fat Charlie" Nancy, a boring, most definitely non-trickster mortal. It occurs to me that if Shadow does have a brother, equal but opposite, this would be an excellent backstory for how and why said brother exists.

[@Deidre0000]

Anything with more Salim I love

[@chrisodriscoll3077]

As mentioned already this season spends far to much time in self indulgent scenes that stretch to long and really contributes little to the story arc. Way too much going on and way to many characters briefly introduced that lead to nowhere within the story. TBH can't see them doing a 4th season. Seems more like a chore than a labour of love at this stage.

[@hawkdsl]

It's pretty pathetic.

[@fluff1353]

Same thing that happened to Supernatural, The Sopranos and a bunch of others.

[@LemonCurry.]

Well I had the feeling it was supposed to be that way from the very beginning. Or at least I recall the first two seasons also to be dragging on and on... it's an intended writing choice ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@darkcloud93]

@@LemonCurry. you can drag along all you want when the only source material is just 1 book. but if you are going to drag on, do it in a way that is entertaining, not in a way that you just wish the whole thing end already

[@darreth0104]

"Contributes little to the story arc" Didn't read the BOOK ✔ It contributed SHITLOADS to the story arc... Laura DIED in the book and NEVER CAME BACK... It provided GROWTH for both Laura (She let go of Sweeney) AND growth for SALIM (He learned to not only BE loved... but to LOVE another)...

[@amirhakopian4636]

This season has been such a let down. Thank the Gods for these videos. I don't think I would watch the show anymore if it wasn't for these videos keeping me interested.

[@H.Omega.]

Watching this Tv show always gives me bad feeling so I don't look, but I love to know about gods so I watch your channel

[@thealbinostapir467]

I really find it funny that Tyr did not managed to proceed he so called "Blood Eagle" wich is currently redifine as not a nordic technique of tortur but meaning in fact "being eaten by the crow after the battle". The confusion is probably due to a wrong traduction. And in this episode i kind o felt it like TYr was like "you will die by this ancient torture technique" and Odin more like "Wtf, this is bull**** i'll show you what is the meaning of a nordic trial". Don't know if this is the intention of the showrunner but it echos a lot to the "Old vs New faith" in the serie

[@sophiaro4593]

I am slowly accepting that the show is just NOT an adaptation anymore, or at least the loosest I've encountered in quite a while. The purpose of the book and the show differ widely. The book first and foremost told a good story and shone a light on the different cultures in the US as well as people's quickly shifting priorities in a capitalist, globalised world. The comments on LGBTQ themes and BLM etc. were very few and in between, but well accentuated. The SHOW on the other hand has been fully dedicated to empowering themes for all suppressed communities. Which I find is a great goal, but with season 2 they started sacrificing the story for these means. Which turned the entire show into something pretty...contentless. I watch the new episodes but I am kind of beyond caring. And I still don't get where they're going with the plot at this point because they changed so much around that we're very far from what should actually happen.

[@AndromedaCeline]

Same! Like I’m just watching bc I’m invested and there’s nothing else on, but I don’t really care about any character at this point.

[@coreyrenforth1505]

Amen

[@fong03]

I agree that they’ve lost the plot and I really don’t know where they are going or how this will end. I also haven’t read the book, so I don’t have its story to compare it with. I’ve accepted that the main storyline involving Shadow and Wednesday is probably going to be a disappointment when it is wrapped up, given the way they are stretching this out over multiple seasons. There are also characters like Salim and even Laura who feel unnecessary or forced. Even with those criticisms and reservations, I am still enjoying the experience because the show will still deliver episodes like the Demeter episodes that are so beautifully done. My guess is those episodes don’t appeal to the type of viewer who loved season 1 and Sweeney and Nancy in particular, but every week I am curious to see what they will deliver.

[@Eleniare]

I think the reason Salim and Laura feel forced is because they don't appear that much in the book. Salim is in a single chapter and Laura pops up once in a while to help or talk to Shadow about their relationship and that's basically it. So the showrunners decided to give them more screentime without really knowing what to do with them.

[@natoklord]

@@Eleniare so the book dont forces the 2 worses characters ?

[@Grauhuf88]

5:25 best part of this episode 🤣

[@helygg8892]

They literally show how toni became who she is in the modern day she didnt even believe he was a god till he showed her. I swear people are clueless

[@helygg8892]

@Jordon Bear it if I'm not mistaken I believe he blessed her and the peacock inn shes like the caretaker. She didnt even believe he was a god. Probably a descendant of eleanor or a version of her that "woke up" like shadow.

[@iamnomad6001]

Where the hell is this war!!! I want war.

[@azurequincy]

Laura traded the one tool Odin fears for a spear he wants back you had the power of the sun literally immortal luck lol

[@lisaowen6103]

The only easter eggs I saw in this episode. Is the bunny rabbits 🐰😀

[@raydub5485]

I guess i will be the one to say that we miss Orlando Jones. Not his character, but his writing. He had this show jumping! Lol They will either bring him back or shut this down, cuz this is sickening....... so slow! Also, people in the comments need to stop acting like they are bored with saleem because they are really more so uncomfortable with what he represents.

[@lewijosh99]

You can’t lie though that scene was dragged out significantly compared to the rare god battles we ever see. I personally enjoy Salem for his opinions, transparency, and honesty when it comes to laura. He’s one of the few characters that even though his love for the Jinn left him discombobulated he really knew himself and his boundaries, just like Anansi. Respect your opinion because I as well miss Anansi so much, especially for how he called out the other African Gods! Could’ve been a great side tale.

[@Aaronit0]

I love Salim but damn that scene was too long. And the thing we were longly teased on and were all waiting for.. Pouf.. 30seconds and it's done. Having 5 min+ watching Salim (2min would have been enough) and 30secs for the fight... It let me highly unsatisfied. They could and should have balanced those two scenes.

[@Lastkoss]

It is missing a certain something with him not here as a writer. Your right.,

[@gwensmith2944]

I am not at all offended by or uncomfortable with Saleem or what he represents. I thought the love scene with him and the Jinn in season 1 was beautiful. However this episode seemed to stretch the party scene way too long and it just felt like the were using it as filler instead of moving on with the story. The fight scene with Odin and Tyre was very anti-climatic (pardon the pun) as well.

[@Lastkoss]

@@gwensmith2944 I will agree that it did get a lot of time where as the battle with Odin and tear which we have been leading up to as well got such a small bit.

[@Blue_Lunacy]

I enjoy the opening and the party scene very much. It's not often that we get see a party like that. And it was somewhat done in a tasteful manner. The fight scene was epic but not at the same time. I suppose they may have lack the time and budget to really make it over the top. Maybe it would have been something else entirely had the original showrunners were writing it.

[@synexthebarbarian8006]

I liked the battle. But it was to short. Need more Gods fighting each other.

[@chicoplateado]

I suspect Laura have been used for getting Gungnir since Mr: Wednesday needed his spear for figthting in the war ...

[@wadevernon8864]

Bring Back Mad Sweeney!

[@thegodofimagination]

Hope so but even more unlikely now as his ashes are in a river I honestly thought when the other leprechaun (honestly forgot his name my bad) reappeared it was Sweeney at first. but nope sadly not

[@cwillimas9980]

Follow up on a comment I made last week dealing with Shadow’s “other half”: In the last episode (7) and in the quick recap at the very beginning of tonight’s episode 8, during Bilquis’ vision we/she sees a quick view of two boys standing beside each other holding balloons. When she goes to the cultural center in Chicago, as she is walking towards the welcome table, two little boys with balloons run by.; the unknown little boy and Shadow running behind him. Also the elderly lady who Bilquis finds out midwifed Shadow’s birth makes the comment that “I hate to break up families” but she was trying to save Shadow from his father (Wednesday) who was angry and so Shadow’s mother took just Shadow and left. I believe the other little boy is his brother by the same mother and is the missing half in Shadow’s life. As to who he is, who his father was and what role he plays, I don’t have any ideas at this time. Thoughts anyone? Again, I’d like to thank StoryDive and all of you for sharing your insights and knowledge that have made the series even more enjoyable and thought-provoking than it originally was for me having read the book first, albeit a few years ago. Based on what a few of you have mentioned, I also plan to read “Ananzi Boys.”

[@johnirby8847]

Shadow Moon's mom is the goddess Libertas in the show adaptation...🤫

[@hawkdsl]

The real story, Shadow has no brothers or sisters. It's TV show nonsense.

[@cwillimas9980]

@@hawkdsl That’s what I thought based on the book storyline, but it’s been a few years since I read “AG.” Thx ☺️

[@hawkdsl]

@@johnirby8847 .. And Shadow Moon's mom is nobody in both the book and in the show.. I don't know where you got that from. Book wise, she was just a girl Odin hooked up with. Little else is said about Shadows mom, other then she worked over seas, and died of cancer.

[@sophiaro4593]

With the show at this point I really cannot tell what they're doing with Shadow. He's waaaay out there compared to his book counterpart. And honestly, I do not really recommend Anansi Boys. It annoyed and stressed me out for about half its length, and is in my opinion one of Gaiman's weaker works. Especially when it comes to storytelling devices and tropes. He utilises some very uncomfortable stuff especially concerning the treatment of women to tell his story which was A) not necessary and B) just feels very icky as a female reader. I'm not telling you not to read it, it's still pretty suspenseful especially towards the end, but I wanted to give a word of warning for anyone who's a bit more sensitive or tired of certain tropes like I am.

[@drizztatk]

I had to google it but...wtf!!! No more mad Sweeny?!and no more mr. Nancy? What the hell are they doing over there? 2 of the best characters and they aren’t in the cast anymore? Not cool, those dudes were awesome.

[@DerAykac]

Their first mistake was letting Brian Fuller go after the first season.

[@arifhakim9901]

mr nancy speech always make me mad, he really is a talker eh

[@arifhakim9901]

i mean, mr nancy always speak to rouse others tho

[@vandanacasm]

This was a craaaazyyyy episode.

[@melissasmith4254]

Thank you for clarifying him going to florida lol. After finishing the book a few days ago that threw me off. I thought I was missing something. Although I was more so leaning to the finding his other half. Could possibly be a mixture of both lol. Who knows with American gods. Also this was one of my favorite episodes esp with Salim. It's up there with episode 5. I'm excited yet anxious for the next two episodes.

[@wongfrancis]

Was it just me to feel not only the party scene (however beautifully shot) was too long and unnecessary, the character Salim (good actor) has no reason to be back in season 3 at all, his purpose of finding his lost jinn and himself is not what American Gods is all about. To be honest, I'd rather see Sweetney got resurrected, he would have made a much better team with Laura.

[@fong03]

Salim’s crisis of faith is in line with the themes of the show, but I agree that overall his story was unnecessary this season. And unless Laura actually kills Wednesday, she is wasted time to me too. She should have died for good when she attempted to bring Sweeney back. (And the resurrection should have been successful.) That would have been fitting.

[@wongfrancis]

@@fong03 that made so much sense to me too, thanks for pointing that out. I do hope if Wednesday had to die, he's killed by some powerful Gods or his son, not by a Laura, which would be an anti climax!

[@garycampbell3858]

This was my favorite episode thus far. So beautiful !

[@javanknox8360]

I have to say it but I think Tech Boy is having the best character growth in this season and that's saying a lot when you look at Laura and Bilquis.

[@androidth1rt33n5]

This season is..... Smh 😞 I miss Anansi and Sweeney. & The actor for Tyr is great, but I was not feeling him as a God. The fight was very underwhelming, and where the hella are all the Gods from Season 2 ep 1!?

[@matheusmorgann]

I thought that the snowy field with the shadows was a reference to helheim since Baldr went there when killed

[@P3SS3SSOd]

I think this season's been great but there's two crucial things I believe they've missed in the writing of Wednesday and Salim that, if done differently, would've changed the pacing and the 'nothing's going on!' responses I'm seeing in the comments every episode. For Wednesday I don't think they gave enough genuine depth to his devotion to Demeter. I got that they had something, but until the shadowplay I felt like the whole situation was sheer manipulation to get her on Wednesday's side. So for the previous 3 episodes it felt like too long a con and I think it would've greatly benefited from Wednesday dropping his guard and being 100% genuine about her earlier on. I'd have had far greater investment in that arc if it played out with a bit more honesty. With Salim, I think people are missing him as the common/every man character that this and the last season started engineering him as. I love his story of being devoted to his religion and then questioning it, reimaginging it, trading it for love, losing it and then (as of this episode) regaining it. There was a great scene at the end of episode 5 with Salim and Laura driving and the fading light makes Salim slowly go further and further into darkness, as he'd come to that realisation he'd lost all the love (earthly and religiously) in his life. There was always a spark of hope about the Djinn returning before this point. If the writing had really pushed just how much loss Salim had experienced based on his value system it would've meant so much more when he was reborn as true self in this episode. Instead it came off as an awkward coming out party, but a bit more care given to how Salim's journey took him to where he is would've made the end of this episode a far more relatable and meaningful situation. It was a very beautiful character study, but it needed that little bit more spelling out in the middle episodes to show Salim wasn't a 'lost puppy' but a man who'd lost all he loved and held dear.

[@Tier1GearEDCReviews]

Judging by the book and what I seen in next weeks promo, they could end it this season. Shadow is heading to Florida where hes supposed to meet Mr. Nancy somehow and come back to confront Hinselman (hence the house fire).

[@LordDirus007]

The Muslim Prayer after the Gay sex was a nice touch. They really checked all the Social Justice Boxes

[@nadine8764]

They may not like it though 👀 it's blasphemy

[@reidate7274]

Tu Er Shen (Rabbit-y god) has two versions; one is the Fujian-origin story that they seem to go with, another is the literal rabbit/bunny that lives in the palace in the moon, as most main-stream Chinese/Japanese folklore depicts. The first one (Tu Er Shen) is actually more of a degrading term in slang, tho it did appear in one of the "folklore texts" by Mei Yuan. I would think there are more ancient stories or at least something that is not negatively associated with the LGBTQ community to be depicted in this episode, but I guess it's the closest thing they could find as a "deity".

[@Yukoncornilius]

I'd wage Laura going for Wendsday looks pretty paralleled with the other thing that happens to Wendsday from the book. Mr.World having a hand in it, feels reminiscent of the book, It even would have the same impact.

[@mackenziedrake]

That's what I'm thinking, but the timing is wrong for at least part of it, IIRC. We have another season yet.

[@mikejones6512]

I just didn’t like how Tyr died and I feel shadow would’ve done more than just choke holding Tyr. We see shadow discover his powers along the way, but why not something in these kind of situations... I also really want to see Liam’s unique characteristics as the new leprechaun to the show instead of trying to be like Sweeney. My least favourite episode so far. I understand a slow build up, but it is just dragging at this point. Especially for a show that releases its episodes weekly.

[@paulrose1502]

Tyr is a god shadow is nothing to him even with 1 arm

[@mikejones6512]

@@paulrose1502 but yet he took down Sweeney (Lugh)... I’m not saying he should have totally obliterate Try, I’m just saying as part of discovering himself as a demigod, he should’ve been able to do more than just that.

[@claire6650]

@@paulrose1502 Shadow is a god too incase you missed a point, he is Baldur

[@paulrose1502]

@@claire6650 i know that but baldur death is the start of Ragnarock in Norse mythology so he aint strong he just had a spell on him to protect him if u know the story look how easy tyr through him he aint on the level of odin and tyr and the old gods

[@seaoftrickery2695]

The Salim scene going on for two long this season wasn't great let's hope season 4 is good

[@jahjohnson31]

Fr they butchered this season

[@seaoftrickery2695]

@@jahjohnson31 do you think season 4 will be a comeback

[@darkcloud93]

there's gonna be a 4 season? i though this was the last one. anyway this show died with anansi, off the screen and without anybody caring at all..

[@seaoftrickery2695]

@@darkcloud93 you know I still care but if these last two episodes are shit i ain't gonna care anymoor

[@Sassssky]

@@seaoftrickery2695 I doubt it will be renewed lol

[@crozraven]

People be complaining too much about Salim when he only appeared a bit lengthier in this particular episode LOL Next 2 episodes surely will be about 5 main characters: Wednesday vs Laura Tech Boy awakening Shadow Moon awakening & being detective Bilquis & African gods rally themselves fully

[@mackenziedrake]

I suspect that Tech Boy is going to discover he's not a new god at all. He's been around since humans.

[@crozraven]

@@mackenziedrake Which is kinda make sense since the artifact 1 is likely just a simple rock as a tool/tech.

[@mackenziedrake]

@@crozraven Go back to the last episode, when Senor World goes to his gallery/vault.

[@firsttimeauthor2050]

I don’t want to like Bolton, why does he have to be a leprechaun? Damn it. He is a great actor though.

[@lrdr5404]

It would be Rheon you're liking, not Bolton.

[@agenttheater5]

5:59 Is Tech Boy finally going to realise that he's an old god?

[@tomkittyh]

*major whimpers* I am looking so forward to seeing this season when I can get hold of it. Don't have Starz access, but am patient to be able to see both 2 and 3..

[@mackenziedrake]

It was much cheaper to get Starz through Amazon than to rent or buy the series.

[@tomkittyh]

Don’t have the money to get it at this time. But will wait.

[@mackenziedrake]

@@tomkittyh I hear you. All the best.

[@kamilahmartin5160]

This season doesn't get me that excited like the first 2 ones! It is well done but the plot, the catchy moments are seen quite tediously.

[@Obedtron00]

I'm expecting an epic battle between Odin and Tyr but we got a different kind of sword fight.

[@nemain73]

Apparently blood Eagles are a myth ...

[@todd.goslin6190]

This episode was more interesting but overall, the show is really dragging.

[@Jaore69]

I may be wrong, but the wolf's den wasn't inside Tyr's office? In the background a few times you can see a white room with shelves, pretty much like the ones Wednesday sees the first time he goes into the dentist office

[@hydeandzeke]

This surprises me.

[@kekoakaawa8879]

I hope Sweeney will come back 🙏

[@roller6855]

I miss him so much, Mr Nancy too, they really made the show

[@thegodofimagination]

I hope he comes back but with each episode it looks less and less likely

[@runicfilms1860]

What if the shadow people that Shadow sees are souls from Helheim, plus it’s all icy there like hel is said to be

[@neelepdorf1871]

Ohhh I Hope we soon get a comeback of Low-Key Lyesmith and the reveal that he has sth to do with the ongoing war

[@agenttheater5]

I wonder what it'd be like if any of the Erotes were at the party.

[@stonr2keh769]

finish the lakeside story this year and finish the series with season 4 being the war

[@speccwolf]

Nothing happens in this show it draggggs, it was so good season 1, had potential.

[@jahjohnson31]

The 10-15 minutes of Salim could’ve def been taken out like bruh that could’ve been given to another character salim is whipped right now and frankly it’s annoying as hell

[@mackenziedrake]

I disagree. Salim got a lot of the emotional healing he needed in that sequence, and he regained his faith. That is a lot for less than 72 hours.

[@sebsebseb1905]

@@mackenziedrake then they should have done a 2 part episode just with Salim healing and laying pipe.

[@jahjohnson31]

@@mackenziedrake but nobody cares though literally salims character has actually done nothing since season one which aired 3 years ago salim is only there for lgbt reasons and that shouldn’t be a characters trait or reason for existing

[@mackenziedrake]

@@jahjohnson31 There are Salim, Sam Black Crow and Cordelia, at least, in the cast. As to 'nobody', entirely apart from the sizeable percentage of the US population who are bisexual or gay, the producers and STARZ know their audience. Look at the success of Good Omens, also written by Gaiman. A well-mounted fantasy production is going to have a lot of appeal to non-straight audiences.

[@mackenziedrake]

@@sebsebseb1905 Why?

[@macbaldwin101]

Another Loki reference in this one. Where the heck is Loki? Haven’t seen him since he met Shadow in prison. Loved the actors portrayal of him. And now that Mr Nancy is out, he’d be a great option vs stale wasted screen time.

[@ADOwens-px8xm]

Definitely agree that the battle scene was too short for me and Salem’s scene was too long. I wanted to know more of the things Odin had done to piss off his friend. He had hundreds of years to exact his revenge and chose to do that now. To me it’s like the guy who always played by the rules got mad because he never won and the bad boy always won. It also confuses me that the rabbit god can give long life and prosperity to Toni, but he can’t use his magic to defend himself from the police.

[@mackenziedrake]

He was seeking a worshiper who would inhabit and maintain his temple. It's an ancient motif of the householder who gives protection and comfort to a traveler, only to discover that the traveler is a god in disguise. It's a way of testing the householder's virtue, specifically the virtue of hospitality. The Greek version is Philemon and Baucis; the orientation-switched parallel would be the angels who visited Lot in Sodom and found hospitality.

[@ADOwens-px8xm]

@@mackenziedrake very good explanation. Thank you for that.

[@ADOwens-px8xm]

There is a Great Wolf Lodge in Virginia. It has a water park and a big wolf out front. It’s for the kids.

[@MrGreenCourier]

Wednesday's armor was a reference to Odin from Thor's marvel, and Tyr's armor was a reference to Skyrim? or was just me.

[@dye988]

(SPOILERS) questions . . . . . Hey @StoryDive how many more seasons of the show are left? I haven’t read the book. Also I remember hearing that Nancy isn’t in this season because his character isn’t in this part of book. Is Nancy in the next part? Because I know that he was actually fired from the show.

[@Inazarab]

This is the last season if it stays on track with the book. So far It has veered off in certain ways but I still can't imagine there'll be another season. Also in terms of Nancy that's not true. He shows up much less but he is in the end of the book.

[@dye988]

@@Inazarab nooooooooooo

[@Inazarab]

@@dye988 Yeah it sucks. You should listen to the audiobook it's a really well done full-cast recording.

[@Inazarab]

@@dye988 I just did a bit of googling and apparently it hasn't been officially cancelled yet. So maybe we'll get lucky and they'll do a season 4.

[@charlesd.vane2121]

The only issue I have with this episode is that the cuts between where way to abrupt and too much screen time on Salim, dont get me wrong the chemistry between him and Laura is simply incredible but I'd would've liked more on the Shadow,Tyr and Wednesday debacle,also Shadow going to Florida probably has to do with him trying too find out about hes new womans kid,though hell probably suspect the town (hizelman) after returning to lakeside ,all and all great episode I was surprised we got 2 more episodes This season

[@hawkdsl]

Seeing how bad this season is, I'm surprised they renewed it for another season.

[@charlesd.vane2121]

@@hawkdsl to me it's been more slow than bad ,a like a lot of elements this season brought but it's a different "vibe" than previous seasons so I understand where your coming from,still I would like too see the show keep going till its proper ending at least

[@hawkdsl]

@@charlesd.vane2121 I'm going to finish this season out but I'm out for season 4. To woke for me.

[@Mullet-ZubazPants]

I guess if the goal is to depict old and new gods, then a lengthy tedious scene depicting the cult of LGBTQ is spot on. The only missed opportunity was not showing the relationship between it and Technical Boy, aka the media

[@alexanderdracomere8266]

Salem scenes were so unnecessary he's just side character 🤦‍♂️

[@trent_king]

Honestly yes! Without the jinn he offers nothing for Arab or Persian folklore. For gay representation they could've had Shadow blow Anubis or something but Salim is random af and has outgrown the cuteness he had riding in the Jinn's sidecar🙄

[@jack5843]

Did everyone miss the one actual fairy that pass them in the hotel/ temple?

[@alinaw.2071]

I was like "Wait those wings weren't fake!!" 😂

[@thomaswhaley9159]

I made a mistake by reading the book after season two so I could find out what happened next. Season three is not that bad but I really enjoyed and loved reading the book. Then I get what they are doing this season.

[@armandoguerra7658]

The show is getting into shlock territory at breaking neck pace

[@xxsmurfit]

Everyone talking about Salims scene being to long, American Gods was the first show to have the longest most graphic gay scene and it made history! think how many people feel seen and represented with that on screen, we see heteronormal sex all the time. It was groundbreaking

[@Gleek702]

agreed , i don’t see the problem with it and i enjoyed watching salim finally being comfortable with being alone and with himself

[@hayosh9309]

It’s not a problem to not have made that scene at all and I know it’s a good moment for Salims character growth but like honestly it was really dragging on even for a straight couple scene I’d say that scene is dragging on. Everyone wished that fight of Odin and Tyr went on longer than it did.

[@trent_king]

Representation by an orgy scene..🤔oook

[@AndromedaCeline]

I don’t have problem with it and loved the representation too. I think the issue is that Salim is not a strong enough character to devote that much screen time to his sexual awakening. So far he really has had no purpose in the plot other than a tagalong for Laura, who ALSO is pretty useless. Because of this the scene was, yes, groundbreaking, but boring. It’s not the scene thats the problem, it’s the poor writing for the characters.

[@LemonCurry.]

@@hayosh9309 Really? I skipped parts of the fighting scene (which I was expecting to be much longer since there was this already long scene with Salim before) 😂

[@alinaw.2071]

Go to Marvel or DC if you want big battles between gods. American Gods is not the show for you.

[@RhodosGuard]

Some things I didnt like: I feel like they reversed weaponry as would be expected of Odin/Tyr. The sword has long been associated with justice, as seen in Justitias depiction of the scales and sword, while the axes was more of a warriors tool, something associated with the viking raiders (as one of Odins name is Raider) So I expected Odin to wield an axe, and Tyr the Sword of Judgement. The other thing I dont understand, is why they didnt use Vulcans Sword as a prop. It looked badass. Maybe it's because they wanted to use more accurate weapons so the stunt people could properly present the weight of their strikes, but it could have been a cool easteregg or callback.

[@mackenziedrake]

Go back and look again. It's the sword Vulcan made.

[@RhodosGuard]

@@mackenziedrake It is. I thought the Yggdrasil Engraving covered the whole blade. But going back it's clear that it is.

[@gfunk5345]

Ok, so let’s get straight to it. I’ll say it again, I love your breakdowns on the show more the actual show. And I hate to keep coming up here giving my “negative” opinion, but man man man. Am I the only person that feel like every week I watch the show, I’m left unfulfilled? They just not doing it for me. This show was clearly dedicated to the LGBT community. And that’s kool, I love fairies. But first off, the scenes with salim, especially the sex scene, was far too long. And let’s talk about that fight scene. It was thee worse fight scene amongst 2 gods in any show I’ve ever seen. 2 old guys doing a terrible job at acting. What was that? Smh. Are the directors or writers even taking this serious? I genuinely think we care more about this than they do. I don’t expect any show to live up to the hype of the actual book. But this show is all over the place, and if you’ve ever read the book, you kinda just wish they would have followed that. At this point, I don’t know what I’m watching. And this is a spoiler to anybody that haven’t read the book. There’s gonna be a twilight moment where everybody gears up for a war that never happens. How this is leading to that, I have no idea

[@stoneguy6727]

when the Salim sex scene is longer than Odin & Tyr fighting loool

[@chimwemwekalea165]

It's like the whole episode 8 was a filler

[@bettyconfettii]

This season was terrible, boring, and full of agendas I didn’t care for

[@hawkdsl]

Actually there is a war in the book. Then Shadow shows up and spoiled everything. I don't mind giving out that information because this show is absolutely not going to go that route. It's all about being woke.

[@gfunk5345]

@@hawkdsl there is no war in the book, u just said yourself shadow shows up and reveals to everyone Odin is behind the whole thing