The second installment of American Gods started with a no-nonsense, no-holds-barred speech from Anansi, a.k.a. Mr. Nancy, as Orlando Jones‘ trickster god was brought to America by his believers. His passionate and honest words spurred action, and the episode didn’t slow down as it came back to the modern day. “The Secret of Spoons” threw Shadow (and us) right into the lap of the heightening conflict between the Old Gods and the New Gods. Shit, as they say, is getting real.
Just as they did with the series premiere, American Gods showrunners Bryan Fuller and Michael Green tweeted behind-the-scenes information throughout the second episode. They shared the inspiration for Mr. Nancy’s god form, costume design, and much more.
Since the episode started with Anansi, we’ll begin there: with the real-life arachnid that Anansi was modeled on. If you don’t like spiders, close your eyes and scroll down a little into safe territory.
Behold, the jumping spider known as Habronattus virgulatus:
https://twitter.com/BryanFuller/status/861385663228239872
Look how those glorious colors translate to costume designer Suttirat Larlarb’s damn dapper sketch for Mr. Nancy’s first appearance.
https://twitter.com/BryanFuller/status/861386419348004864
An early concept for Mr. Nancy/Anansi:
https://twitter.com/BryanFuller/status/861387427545591808
Damn.
https://twitter.com/BryanFuller/status/861387675865014272
Moving back to Shadow Moon and Mr. Wednesday, the hotel parking lot set is apparently packed with clues according to co-producer Loretta Ramos.
Night shoot at the motel. #AmericanGods BTS
So many f’ing clues. pic.twitter.com/YJAdVhE35s— Loretta Ramos (@lorettaramos) May 8, 2017
The duo kept making their way across the country after Shadow packed up the home he used to share with Laura. This is the kind of show that calls for on the road shots.
The road trip taken all the way to Oklahoma @BryanFuller @DAVID_A_SLADE #AmericanGods pic.twitter.com/E1Wn4TMvO2
— Michael Green (@andmichaelgreen) May 8, 2017
Cell phones littered along the endless Oklahoma roads. @BryanFuller @neilhimself #AmericanGods pic.twitter.com/dawGWdtEoO
— Michael Green (@andmichaelgreen) May 8, 2017
https://twitter.com/BryanFuller/status/861391200682622976
While Mr. Wednesday’s starting to talk to the Old Gods, Shadow runs into another New God: the always terrific Gillian Anderson as Media. She appears to Shadow in the form of Lucy, as in I Love Lucy.
https://twitter.com/BryanFuller/status/861391955825115137
.@BryanFuller & I fell in love w/our genius costume designer SUTTIRAT LARLARB the day she gave us this for @GillianA 1st look. #AmericanGods pic.twitter.com/wf7V9AjbTg
— Michael Green (@andmichaelgreen) May 8, 2017
But remember Bilquis and how her worshippers keep her going? Fuller shared some utterly terrific concept art of the possible vagina nebula where Bilquis’ believers live.
https://twitter.com/BryanFuller/status/861393716489015297
Then we venture into Chicago with Wednesday and Shadow to meet Czernobog and the Zoryas.
I’m all about this costume design for Zorya Vechernyaya.
Designs for Zorya Verchernyaya's coat by master wardrobe designer SUTTIRAT LARLARB. #AmericanGods @BryanFuller @neilhimself @Cloris_Leachman pic.twitter.com/hW8IQvXjKq
— Michael Green (@andmichaelgreen) May 8, 2017
Peter Stormare has a Hello Kitty backpack. Because of course he does.
https://twitter.com/BryanFuller/status/861395477417177089
https://twitter.com/BryanFuller/status/861395226555957248
The palette of the Zorya sisters’ apartment speaks volumes.
The Zorya Sisters' apartment, and the paints required to get that aged look. #AmericanGods BTS pic.twitter.com/D2Hz148yXx
— Loretta Ramos (@lorettaramos) May 8, 2017
Some items from the Zorya apartment. #AmericanGods BTS pic.twitter.com/C3AUpYZvgN
— Loretta Ramos (@lorettaramos) May 8, 2017
Remember Janice Poon’s work on Hannibal? Yeah, she’s also killing it on American Gods. Her illustrations for the dinner at the apartment:
https://twitter.com/BryanFuller/status/861396989120045056
Oh, and hey, she’s sharing recipes for the meals in her show at her website. Go visit to get details for episode two.
What about the second episode jumped out at you? Tell me in the comments.
Images: Starz
