A brilliant medley of spellbinding plot, dazzling visuals and pitch-perfect acting, the first season of Netflix’s “The Sandman” was sheer delight — and is among the peak of graphic novel adaptations.

There was speculation, of course. Delays, strikes, budget shifts, controversies, rumors. But beyond the noise, something about the structure felt intentional. Not perfect or polished, just planned in a way that fit the nature of the story. Messy and quiet, with space to breathe.

While the new season is, via recent Netflix policy for some series, frustratingly sliced in two, the first batch of episodes has plenty to recommend them.