This article, “Who died in The Sandman season 1”, contains spoilers regarding the Netflix series.
Access the archive of recaps, reviews, and news for The Sandman.
There are quite a few deaths in the first season of The Sandman. Below is a list of all the major characters that bit the bullet.
Who died in the Netflix series The Sandman season 1?
Roderick Burgess
Shockingly the first death of the series is the character played by Charles Dance. Whilst you may have initially thought he’d be a key player throughout, he meets his end in the very first episode. He accidentally dies after a scuffle with his son, Alex, which leads to him banging his head. And whilst you may have thought this is the kind of show that would bring Roderick back from the dead, it doesn’t happen!
Abel
The heavily documented first murder victim. After Lord Morpheous absorbs the dragon Gregory, Abel “sucks up” to Lord Morpheous. It’s an act that’s too sickening for Cain, and he brutally murders Abel. But later on, in the second episode, Abel is very much alive, and it gets hinted that Cain murders Abel often. as when Abel suggests a name for their new pet Goldie, Cain murders Abel for suggesting a name he doesn’t like.
Ethel Cripps
Another shocking death considering that it seemed Ethel would be a key player throughout the first season. After stealing the ruby when she fled from Roderick, who had wanted her to abort their baby, Ethel became wise to the hidden darkness within her son, Jonathon. So, to keep herself and others safe, Ethel keeps Jonathon locked up in a secure hospital. But when Ethel learns that Lord Morpheous has escaped, she fears for the safety of herself and Jonathon. As a result, she pays a visit to Jonathan and gives him the amulet of protection, which results in her age catching up with her, and she dies in her son’s arms.
The Diners
In what could be the season’s best episode, Jonathon, who is now in control of the ruby, goes to a diner where he wants everyone to live their truth. Whilst he plans to have everyone live more honestly, it also results in their deaths. With shocking desires such as sex and murder, the fifth episode shows that all humans (at least in The Sandman) are violent, sex-crazed psychopaths.
The Corinthian
For much of the series, The Corinthian is up against Lord Morpheous. As The Corinthian believes that Lord Morpheous will kill him at the first opportunity, The Corinthian tries to recruit Rose so they can team up against Lord Morpheous. Unfortunately, for The Corinthian, his plans don’t seem to work. After a brief stand-off, The Corinthian gets turned to dust by Lord Morpheous.
Unity
After killing The Corinthian, Lord Morpheous believes that he must now kill Rose Walker. And that’s almost what happens. But after Unity, Rose’s Grandmother, reveals she is a descendant of the Voltex, she forces Lord Morpheous into taking her life rather than that of Rose.
