Shadow explores notions of purpose, destiny and identity with a newly enlightened Bilquis, while Technical Boy struggles with an identity crisis of his own.

As we hit the midway point (already?) of this third season based on Neil Gaiman’s fantasy opus, everything just clicks. Maybe it’s because the actors have fully grown into their roles and we’ve been with them the whole way, or is it the synchronicity of the various pairings as unlikely duos go out on side quests?

Who’d have thought that a temporary bonding of Technical Boy with Shadow to rescue Bilquis would uncover a poignant moment from his past that’s still affecting him today? When I say ‘rescue’ Bilquis, the goddess really doesn’t need any help in releasing her bonds, having been empowered by Oshun, the Yoruban goddess of life. It’s a stunning scene with some impressive water effects, juxtaposed with dance.

A significant section of the hour is devoted to Shadow and Cordelia performing con No. 37 to persuade Demeter’s conservator to release her (and her funds) from the mental institution she’s being held in. She’s Shadow’s former wife, and he set fire to a bar so that he could he with her in the institution. There’s some fun use of a split-screen, this whole section bumping along like an Ocean’s 11 caper.

And finally, Laura back is back on Earth and getting used to being alive again thanks to imbibing Sweeney’s blood, courtesy of some magic by Baron Samedi – ‘Voodoo, baby!’ She joins up with Salim – who has lost his faith – on a road trip to kill Wednesday.

Verdict: A solid hour of fantasy fun, and even if it doesn’t push the book’s narrative much further, it’s great company. 8/10

Nick Joy