Plot Hole or Plot Device: Why Did Nobody Help Morpheus Escape Burgess?
Dream had to spend about a century captured by a mortal human — and not a single Endless sibling cared to help him.
The events of Netflix 's The Sandman kick off with Morpheus being kidnapped by Roderick Burgess, a sorcerer corrupted by the desire of immortality — something that Dream could never give him. Still, he remains captured for decades, even though his Endless siblings clearly knew about it and had their chances to help.
To begin with, Death had to visit the place at least several times to take those who died with her. Desire, according to fans, also knew about the imprisonment, but given that they clearly hated Morpheus, their lack of action was at least understandable. But what about others?
According to fans who tried to unpack the issue, it was first and foremost a plot device. But there is some logic behind the Endless' lack of action as well.
"Mostly because the Endless aren't supposed to interfere in each other's affairs (that's the official answer, but really because that's necessary to set up the whole plot)," Redditor derp_lydia said.
In fact, fans are not the only ones who question the Endless' motives. Dream himself has noted their reluctance to help when he noted in episode 2 that he was "quite sure they know what happened to me", and still "not one of them came to my aid."
One fan suggested that even the imprisonment of one of their siblings by a mortal was a trifle for them.
"[B]asically, single incidents are just a bit to them – Dream walked with Death in one episode, but both were doing other things as well that we did not see. Death collected so many others in that same time period. So, on those occasional times during the 100 years where Death/Desire or another had to show up, it was a particle in their thoughts," Redditor imseeker said.
After all, if Netflix finally renews The Sandman for a second season, this issue might be addressed. However, as of now, the show remains in limbo even after the network admitted that it was a success in its quarterly report. Fans are rallying for Netflix to take action, but the platform has remained mum about the potential renewal so far.
The first season of The Sandman is currently available for streaming on Netflix.