American Gods

I came to the new TV series American Gods, airing in Australia on streaming service Amazon Prime Video, with no expectations, not having read the Neil Gaiman novel on which it's based. At the same time, however, I came to American Gods with high expectations, lured in by the name of Bryan Fuller, co-creator of the series - after all, after Hannibal, Fuller's remarkable reimagining of the Thomas Harris novels featuring brilliant serial killer Hannibal 'The Cannibal' Lecter, I was eager for another course of the man's lush, baroque visual and aural feast.

I am only one episode into American Gods, and I already feel somewhat sated. The story is off to a tremendous beginning, with jailbird protagonist Shadow Moon (Ricky Whittle, whose cool, sturdy stoicism provides a strong fulcrum for the series) sprung from jail early after the untimely death of his wife.

As he attempts to make his way home for her funeral, Shadow finds his path constantly crossing that of Mr Wednesday (Ian McShane), a charming, persuasive grifter-type who seems to know a lot about... well, just about everything, including Shadow.

Reluctantly taking on a job as Mr Wednesday's right-hand man, Shadow discovers he's been drawn into a conflict between old and the new gods. And neither side appears keen to fight fair.

Hannibal devotees wondering how Fuller would operate without the constraints of commercial TV need wonder no more - American Gods revels in its violence and sexuality but not in a tacky or pointless way. There's thematic meaning to the show's excesses, one the series seems primed - indeed, eager - to explore. Take the trip with it.