American Gods “Conscience of the King” saw Shadow Moon draw his line in the sand. And he’s picked Wednesday. He didn’t have to. I don’t believe he should’ve. But he did it anyway and now we have a recently resurrected wife looking for anything and everything to destroy Wednesday. Even if that means she’s going to go up against the Old God and Shadow sometime in the future. She’ll do it; for herself and for Sweeney.
Because Laura is fooling herself if she thinks that what she’s doing isn’t grounded in love. Even when she was talking to Salim and telling him to move on before she grabbed Sweeney’s ashes and held them close. That’s love, bitch. She also has something that she’s not willing to give up, something that she’s willing to fight for, and he just so happens to be a rude and tall leprechaun who she’s in love with. Fight me on that one and you will lose.
Mr. World’s appearance to Laura and Salim is a welcome team-up. It’s not like Laura’s going to fall down to her knees to get the New Gods to help her. But she’ll use whatever advantage comes her way, especially if it means taking out the old fart known as Wednesday. She’d do pretty much anything to destroy the man who destroyed her life and then her afterlife with it. Even teaming up with Mr. World and his cronies.
Back to Shadow, it’s taken me a little bit to find what grounds him. It’s not his past, his father, or the new landlord he’s making eyes at. No. What grounds Shadow is the promise of a future where he is the architect. Too long he’s lived for others or had his life defined by others. This is his opportunity to make the road he walks on and the place he lives in. That’s why he started painting his home “salmon mist.” It’s his choice and he’s not going to take this opportunity for granted.
Sam Blackcrow threw his plans askew. Not by much, but enough for Shadow to realize that he really wants this life that he’s building in Lakeside. And he’ll prove it to whomever comes his way, that this is what he wants. For anyone who’s read the book, you know what comes next. It’s not all hunky dory and things will get shaken up quite a bit. And it’s up to Shadow to decide how he plans on moving forward and if Lakeside is worth his commitment.
What do you think? Is Shadow doing the right thing by staying in Lakeside and backing his father? Let us know in the comments below!
American Gods airs Sundays on Starz.