The trip to Hell doesn't go as planned for Morpheus in The Sandman Season 2 Episode 2 "Ruler of Hell". There is no battle, no negotiation just a surprising proposition.

Episode teleplay by Ameni Rozsa

Episode directed by Jamie Childs

Synopsis: Finding Hell eerily empty upon his arrival, Dream is confronted by Lucifer who, weary of their duty, has abdicated the throne and released all souls and demons from it to roam other worlds.

After sending Mazikeen away, Lucifer persuades Dream to ceremoniously cut off their wings and with that, they exact their revenge as they make Dream the custodian of Hell.

Burdened by the new responsibility and talking to Death about it, Dream returns to the Dreaming which is soon flooded by delegations of supernatural beings seeking dominion over Hell, among them being the gods Susano-o-no-Mikoto, Odin, Thor and Loki, a delegation from Faerie led by Cluracan and Nuala, Kilderkin's servant of the Lords of Order, Shivering Jemmy of the Lords of Chaos, and a group of demons led by Azazel, Choronzon, and Merkin who demand Hell is returned to them.

Two angels named Remiel and Duma descend from Heaven as observers for the Creator.

Dream welcomes everyone in his palace as guests and throws a banquet for them prepared by Taramis to watch all and decide who is the worthy recipient of the Key to Hell.

During the night, as Cain provides the entertainment by cutting up his brother Abel, Kilderkin's servant, Shivering Jemmy, Susano-o-no-Mikoto, and Odin approach Dream with various bribes to sway his decision.

Requesting a meeting Azazel provides his bribe by eating Choronzon (who was previously webbed up by Merkin) and reveals he has captured Morpheus' former lover Nada. He demands Hell in exchange for Nada's soul.

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Thanks for joining us for our podcast all about The Sandman Season 2 Episode 2 "Ruler of Hell". We'll be back next time with our discussions about The Sandman Season 2 Episode 3 "More Devils Than Vast Hell Can Avoid".

Thanks so much for joining us fellow Dreamers.

John and Derek

TV Podcast Industries

The music for this episode "Lucille" by Zenji is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives (Creative Commons 4.0)

John and Derek return to discuss The Sandman Season 2 Episode 1 "Seasons of Mist". The opening of the first arc of the series begins with a meeting of the Endless and we discuss it all in spoiler filled detail.

Episode teleplay by Allan Heinberg

Episode directed by Jamie Childs

Synopsis: Dream starts to rebuild the Dreaming, but is interrupted by a summons to attend a family gathering of the Endless where he meets his siblings, Destiny, Death, Desire, Despair and Delirium.

As they mention their absent brother who broke off contact with them centuries ago, Destiny explains that the Fates have revealed a cryptic prophecy to him that would start to unwind with their meeting.

Desire aggravates Dream, reminding him of Nada, a human queen whom he fell in love with millennia ago, but condemned to Hell after she ended the relationship, claiming the Endless and mortals cannot live together.

Dream storms off to cool his anger towards Desire but after a discussion with Death, Dream learns that she agrees with Desire and Dream was in the wrong.

Morpheus' intense respect for his sister leads him to consider her assessment far more than he would have for Desire and he resolves to save Nada.

Before leaving once more, Morpheus makes the Dreaming secure by having Lucienne be in charge while he is away and meeting Lyta Hall and Hob Gadling, all in case he would not succeed.

As Dream enters Hell, Lucifer Morningstar calls on their demonic legions, intent to execute revenge on Dream for their humiliation during their past clash.

As Destiny sees the tale unfold in his book, Dream arrives at the gates of Hell and he is afraid.

TV Podcast Industries is made possible by our supporters on Patreon. You can follow and support us here: https://www.patreon.com/tvpodcastindustries

Thanks for joining us for our podcast all about The Sandman Season 2 Episode 1 "Seasons of Mist". We'll be back next time with our discussions about The Sandman Season 2 Episode 2 "Ruler of Hell".

Thanks so much for joining us fellow Dreamers.

John and Derek

TV Podcast Industries

The music for this episode "Lucille" by Zenji is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives (Creative Commons 4.0)

In the thrilling finale of Marvel’s Ironheart on Disney+, John and Derek from TV Podcast Industries break down Episode 6: “The Past Is The Past”, directed by Angela Barnes and written by Chinaka Hodge.

This episode marks the long-awaited arrival of Mephisto to the MCU and delivers a powerful conclusion to Riri Williams’ first solo series. Join us for a full recap, analysis, and discussion on Riri’s final battle, Parker’s unraveling, and the mysterious deal that changes everything.

Mid-credits tease? Supreme help might just be on the menu…

Episode 6 Recap Highlights:

• Parker attempts to rob his father’s mansion, escapes through a tunnel, and meets a hooded man who offers him power — for a price.
• Parker feels the cost of the deal and confronts the mysterious man, who insists the terms were fulfilled.
• Riri can’t restore N.A.T.A.L.I.E. and faces Parker directly. She battles Ezekiel, who helps free himself from Parker’s control.
• Riri defeats Parker, removes his hood, and sentences him to eternal suffering.
• Mephisto reveals himself and offers Riri a deal, which she accepts on the condition he spares her loved ones.
• Back in her garage, Riri thinks she’s rebuilt her AI — but it’s Natalie, physically revived. As they embrace, Mephisto’s mark begins to spread on Riri’s skin.

Cast & Characters:

• Dominique Thorne – Riri Williams / Ironheart
• Anthony Ramos – Parker Robbins / The Hood
• Lyric Ross – Natalie Washington / N.A.T.A.L.I.E.
• Matthew Elam – Xavier Washington
• Anji White – Ronnie Williams
• Alden Ehrenreich – Ezekiel Stane
• Regan Aliyah – Zelma Stanton
• Sacha Baron Cohen – Mephisto

MIT Student Bar Quiz – Final Question (Ep6):

Question 6:

How many people in the Forbes Top 100 Rich List have made a deal with Mephisto?

Bonus: How many kings, popes, and Beatles have done the same?

Submit your answers to 📧 feedback@tvpodcastindustries.com for a chance to win Ironheart-themed goodies!

All quiz questions here: tvpodcastindustries.com/blog/ironheartquiz

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Release Schedule:

We’ll be back in two weeks with our Ironheart wrap-up podcast — and to announce the MIT Student Bar Quiz winner! Thanks for joining us all season.

— Derek & John, TV Podcast Industries

Music & Legal:

Intro/Outro music: “tech” by Voide via Free Music Archive (Creative Commons 4.0)

All images and clips © Marvel Studios & Disney+. Used under fair use for commentary and review.