The first (shortened) season of American Gods bows out with a skirmish, some revelations, and neatly sets things up for the already confirmed season two.

Bryan Fuller and David Green’s TV adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s award-winning novel has proven time and again to be as good as we hoped, with some wonderful performances from the eclectic cast, stunning visuals and witty dialogue. Each week we met a new god, old or new, who was preparing for the upcoming storm, visited by Shadow and Wednesday. Ricky Whittle and Ian McShane are top drawer as this duo, bringing Gaiman’s characters to life in a way that it will now be hard to read the book without their performances overwriting any preconceptions that the prose offers. Likewise, Gillian Anderson and Bruce Langley have been great as Media and Technology Boy, both of whom turn up in this finale.

After last week’s instalment which was solely based around the back-story of Essie Macgowan and Mad Sweeney, juxtaposing with modern day Laura and Sweeney on their road trip, they understandably take a back seat this time, letting Wednesday and  Shadow take centre stage again. Mr Nancy (Orlando Jones) is fashioning a new suit for Shadow and shares the back story of the sexually ravenous Bilquis – all grinding, shiny bodies that melt into a gloopy sex liquid – and then it’s off to an Easter party.

Kristin Chenoweth (Olive in Fuller’s Pushing Daisies) is the perma-tanned host, with a giant Easter bunny statue, hordes of rabbits roaming her garden, and a legion of Jesus Christs. It’s already bonkers before Media and Technology Boy turn up with faceless, replicating, top-hat-and-tails monsters and unleash Wednesday’s true form.

From Brian Reitzell’s funky Donna Summer-inspired soundtrack to Bilquis’ adventures in the 70s, to Mr World’s unexpected appearance, there’s so much invention and enjoyment to be had. Even those familiar with the book find that new characters have been invented or that familiar ones are being taken in new directions. The only fly in the ointment this year has been the reduction in episodes from 10 to 8, meaning that it feels we’re only just starting. Oh, and there’s an ending that sets things up for next year, which is less of a twist than an expected plot development.

Verdict: A solid end to an exciting first season, the pieces are all now on the board, and we can look forward to more outrageous invention and otherworldliness. 8/10

Nick Joy