Netflix’s new series 'The Sandman' is adult’s 'Doctor Who'. Find out why

Netflix’s latest adaptation of comic book writer and fantasy novelist Neil Gaiman’s 'The Sandman' seems to be adult’s 'Doctor Who'. While it follows the same storyline as a comic book, there are few changes including the origins of main characters, like John Dee (David Thewlis).

The series also features sequential plot-driven content, an ever-changing setting across space and time, an apparently ageless and strong protagonist, thinly written characters and several acting staples adapted from the British film and TV industries.

However, the darkest themes with high tones of swearing and violence and the improved budget make the show different from most children’s sci-fi fantasy soap operas.


While Gaiman developed 'The Sandman', fellow comic writers and novelists Allan Heinberg and David S. Goyer helped him in the process. The storyline shows that the series centres on Morpheus, the dreamworld’s king, portrayed by Tom Sturridge. The story goes on with the events like Morpheus’s capture and imprisonment within the time of a century by the occultist Roderick Burgess, performed by Game of Thrones-famed Charles Dance.



As the story of The Sandman begins, you will be taken through the time of 1916 following the World War I, Gallipoli campaign. Neil Gaiman and the team would not hesitate to jump multiple times per episode without making things confusing or jarring.

Instead, everything would appear more familiar to you with the world Neil Gaiman once created 30 years ago. And here lies the success of The Sandman’s teleplay. In place of excessive exposition, the series sets an expectation for the viewers to keep track of Morpheus’s voiceover through the narrative device.

However, 'The Sandman' is unable to hit the ground running successfully on all fronts. It seems that Sturridge and his co-star Boyd Holbrook, playing the role of the primary antagonist, may appear unconvincing and miscast at the initial stage before their roles get disappeared eventually.

Dance dominates his scenes wonderfully and the collaboration of all recognisable British actors picks up the slack.