The Sandman’s Heartbreaking Reason for Sending Nada to Hell and Failed Rescue Attempt in Season 2

by

In Season 2 of “The Sandman,” it’s explained that Dream sent Nada to hell due to a deeply sad reason. The story unfolds within the realm of Neil Gaiman’s comic book series of the same name, and this second installment of Netflix’s fantasy drama series under the DC umbrella focuses on Morpheus (Tom Sturridge), also known as Dream of the Endless. Morpheus embarks on a journey to rectify past errors, one of which is centered around his previous love, Nada (Umulisa Gahiga). Among his numerous past relationships, Nada holds a unique place, but their passionate love was destined to be tragic from the outset.

In this story, The Sandman initially presented Nada as the mortal ruler of an ancient African metropolis called the “First City.” Unforeseen circumstances caused her to step into the Dreaming (Morpheus’ domain). Fascinated by Nada’s charm, strength, and bravery, Dream developed feelings for her. However, their relationship was taboo as the love between an Endless being and a mortal could disrupt cosmic harmony. Unfortunately, their romance soon brought disaster upon her people when a meteor struck her city.

Tormented by remorse over her people’s demise, Nada chose suicide. However, Dream resolved to accompany her into the hereafter. Despite his relentless pursuit, Dream’s efforts to persuade Nada to govern the Dreaming alongside him were futile as she continually refused him. In retaliation, Dream exiled Nada to Hell for a duration of 10,000 years.

The severe outcome of Dream’s unrequited love for Nada suggests he primarily considers his own interests, disregarding the hardships she faced after the loss of her city and people. Yet, Nada felt compelled to turn him down for her own well-being, recognizing that their relationship might bring about further strife and turmoil, as demonstrated by the meteor that wiped out her kin.

What’s Next for Dream and Nada in The Sandman Season 2?

Reflecting on Season 1’s finale, my mind buzzed with unresolved questions. My heart-to-heart with my kin, the Endless, shed light on a truth I had overlooked: The actions I took against Nada were regrettable and needed to be addressed.

Allan Heinberg, the showrunner of The Sandman, discussed with TV Line why Dream was compelled to exile Nada. He explained that Dream’s actions in Season 1 were largely driven by his feelings of “imprisonment and anger, while also sharing that Dream perceived himself as a “victim” within the larger picture.

This season presents quite a significant challenge for Morpheus, doesn’t it? Issues that he may not have given much thought to during the first season are now causing him concern.

Allan Heinberg affirmed this, explaining that a significant part of the first season revolved around Swamp Thing’s response to his confinement and his anger. He held a strong belief in himself as a victim, ready to rectify things, even against the Corinthian. This wasn’t a personal growth journey; instead, it was more about returning home and setting things right. After experiencing it, Swamp Thing seemed to have gained a deeper appreciation for Lucienne’s role. Additionally, Death provided him with some valuable insight. The first season made Swamp Thing more relatable, setting the stage for his journey towards empathy.

Heinberg mentioned that it had never crossed Dream’s mind that he was the antagonist in Nada’s tale. This realization came about during a crucial moment in Season 2, specifically when Dream saved Nada from Hell.

He’d never considered himself the antagonist in the tale of Nada, nor did he realize his actions were dishonorable. Instead, it was his arrogance and pride that propelled him to return to a place like Hell. Even when he asked Nada, ‘Now I’ve saved you from Hell, will you marry me?’, he failed to grasp her perspective. [Laughs] He remained oblivious to the situation from her point of view…

In Episode 3 of Season 2, Death scolded Dream for his mistreatment of Nada. It was then disclosed that Dream attempted to save Nada from the abyss of Hell, but she turned him down once more (for what seemed like the umpteenth time). Moreover, Nada made it clear how she felt about being abandoned to endure countless years of pain. The ultimate heartbreak came when Nada declared that she no longer loved Dream (a sentiment that could easily be comprehended given her ordeals).

Fortunately, a wiser Dream comprehended Nada’s sincere rebuke towards him, and he granted her a second chance at humanity, enabling her to return to Earth. However, despite Dream’s attempts to find her among mortals, their paths never crossed again, reinforcing the notion that their relationship was not destined to be.

In the concluding part of Netflix’s The Sandman, Morpheus embarks on a mission to correct his past errors, one of which involves imprisoning Nada in Hell for all time. Alongside Tom Sturridge and Umulisa Gahiga, the series boasts a stellar ensemble including Gwendoline Christie, Jenna Coleman, Boyd Holdbrook, Razane Jammal, and Donna Preston.

Read More

2025-07-08 08:04