American Gods

:

Season 1
  • Network: Starz
  • Series Premiere Date: Apr 30, 2017
Season #: 3, 2, 1
User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 355 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 269 out of 355
  2. Mixed: 38 out of 355
  3. Negative: 48 out of 355
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  1. vishalgoradia27
    Apr 30, 2017
    10
    With Bryan Fuller on its helm, I expect only great things out of the series. A beautiful medley of psychedelic visuals and phenomenal acting, this series is going to be a blast to watch each week. With a pedigree of the cast (So much street cred here), I don't see them doing wrong.

    But I do believe the people who are not familiar with Bryan's work might feel a little alienated at first;    With Bryan Fuller on its helm, I expect only great things out of the series. A beautiful medley of psychedelic visuals and phenomenal acting, this series is going to be a blast to watch each week. With a pedigree of the cast (So much street cred here), I don't see them doing wrong.

    But I do believe the people who are not familiar with Bryan's work might feel a little alienated at first; and to those people I say - stick through it if you want a truly fantastic overall experience. I can definitely see this show becoming my new Hannibal.    … Expand
  2. OnyxShadow
    Jul 29, 2017
    6
    American Gods is such a mixed bag. This may be the only time I can remember a show seeming to have too much material to fill a season. Most shows have too little meaningful story and are spread so very thin. That makes it all the more bizarre that much of the only eight episodes is spent on characters that don't become at all relevant (at least in the first season). For example, you couldAmerican Gods is such a mixed bag. This may be the only time I can remember a show seeming to have too much material to fill a season. Most shows have too little meaningful story and are spread so very thin. That makes it all the more bizarre that much of the only eight episodes is spent on characters that don't become at all relevant (at least in the first season). For example, you could skip the second to the last episode accidentally and not even know you did because what happens is so trivial.

    On the other hand, the show is run by Bryan Fuller so of course the visuals are stunning (even when they don't particularly have a purpose). The show is packed with some incredibly talented actors who all give top-notch performances. The characters are mostly fascinating and full of depth (yes, even the ones the show does nothing with). When the show is actually focused on the key plot elements it is some of the best TV out there.

    It is alternatingly disappointing and brilliant.    … Expand
  3. pineapplethief
    Nov 19, 2017
    3
    I really hoped this show would be great, but I was really disappointed. It's just average. Don't believe people stomping 10's for this one. I've read the book, I've watched tons of tv series, and unfortunately have to conclude that Fuller produced something that is both lacking the punch of the original book and is in fact worse than average tv series.
    1. Story. Writing and story for 1    I really hoped this show would be great, but I was really disappointed. It's just average. Don't believe people stomping 10's for this one. I've read the book, I've watched tons of tv series, and unfortunately have to conclude that Fuller produced something that is both lacking the punch of the original book and is in fact worse than average tv series.
    1. Story. Writing and story for 1 season is just aweful, incoherent, not-happening and generally boring, one of the worst really. Hell, some sitcoms have better story compared to American Gods. Nothing of note happening in ENTIRE episodes (and those are full hour long), boring dialogues about nothing, concluding to nothing, and changing nil in characters afterwards. Story is trying to develop in all different directions at the same time and fails miserably. Long miniseries before most of the episodes which show you backstory of different gods and such are also a mixed bag - some are good, some boring, and many serve no purpose whatsoever. Sometimes I felt it's just a filler to hit one hour mark.
    2. Visuals. A mixed bag really. Director of photography did some of the most beatiful shots I've seen, and some CGI is really well done, while some other CGI effects seem to be done by eight-grader and are embarassingly bad. Gore and blood is certainly overdone in some moments, not in cool, sketchy, comic-ly way, but just in plainly bad one. Lots of nudity, which is done nicely except for one scene. Nudity if fine by me, those were fun moments actually.
    3. Acting. I must say, Shadow Moon is amazingly dumb in the series, for a character who read tons of books. He literally has no clue what's happening for most of the season, although there are a LOT of hints (like supernatural **** happening) given to him, and is overall a very blank, boring and non-protagonist character. Basically he just does nothing and understands almost nothing in THE ENTIRE SEASON. Seriously! Most other actors also underdeliver, although I can't blame them with such directing and script, with a pleasant exception of Mr. Wednesday, played Ian McShane. He's probably the reason I watched first season till the end.
    Seriously, I failed to relate to any and one of the characters in episode in any way, except for one taxi passenger in one of the mini-series.
    4. Music and sound design. Mixed bag too, some effects are good, others seem to come from 80'ties and are done by someone who has no idea and really kick you out of the flow. Music is okay, opening music is great, otherwise it's pretty forgettable.
    5. Opening in the beginning of the each episode, with subtitles and stuff - really the best one I saw in the tv series.    … Expand
  4. jpatric
    Jul 29, 2017
    7
    American Gods contains the potential to develop into a great series but only if it rids itself of the issues inherent in the presentation of its pilot season.

    Unfortunately, the first episode throws you into a collage of confusing and entangled plots which only fully materialize themselves after the viewer gets halfway through the season. The series plays with absurd, black comedy in    American Gods contains the potential to develop into a great series but only if it rids itself of the issues inherent in the presentation of its pilot season.

    Unfortunately, the first episode throws you into a collage of confusing and entangled plots which only fully materialize themselves after the viewer gets halfway through the season. The series plays with absurd, black comedy in order to lighten the overall mood of the story-which itself is rather dark and, at times, a depressing reflection on a collective psyche burdening humanity as a whole.

    The protagonist, Shadow Moon, is a well-developed and relatable character who is introduced to Mr. Wednesday, a powerful and enigmatic figure who attempts to guide both Shadow and the viewer through extensive lore established by Neil Gaiman. Gaiman attempted to accurately convey American culture through the gods and various idols people choose to devote their entire lives pursuing, but this message isn't exactly explicit until-like I said-halfway through the story.

    The female lead is well-acted but poorly developed into a character the writers are desperately trying to make the viewer not hate. But truthfully, her actions throughout the story communicate a very selfish individual who still ends up incredibly privileged despite literally being the most destructive companion Shadow could entertain. Because they've already painted her in such a negative light, even the actor most likely can't salvage such a bad first impression.

    The biggest issue with American Gods is the fact that it's been condensed into few too many episodes to properly do justice to the source, but it still has the potential to move beyond initial awkward mishaps by dedicating more episodes to creating better exposition in the next season. The first two episodes are generally incoherent, but the time dedicated to Shadow's backstory just barely manages to retain a viewer's interest. Not a bad choice, by any means, but disappointing because it could've achieved something much greater in its ambition.

    Thanks for your time.    … Expand
  5. dinovan
    Jun 14, 2017
    1
    I love the book, and the first few episodes showed promise. Unfortunately the plot ground to a halt somewhere in episode 4 and still hadn't restarted in episode 7.
    Such a shame, but 3 seasons for 1 book is just too slow. Over 30 hours to tell a 465 page story. I thought Peter Jackson was a joke taking 3 films for the Hobbit, but this is just taking the p***.
  6. TribeSpearMan
    Jul 5, 2017
    3
    Still dont know if this is a comedy trying to take itself seriously or something serious trying to be funny. Its attempts at esoteric storytelling through its fractured editing (while bold) serves no purpose and comes off as rather silly.
    I think the best part of this show is the parodies that it will inevitably spawn.
    Visually it is quite intriguing and fun. Im hoping that it gets    Still dont know if this is a comedy trying to take itself seriously or something serious trying to be funny. Its attempts at esoteric storytelling through its fractured editing (while bold) serves no purpose and comes off as rather silly.
    I think the best part of this show is the parodies that it will inevitably spawn.

    Visually it is quite intriguing and fun. Im hoping that it gets some form of dialogue in the future along with a plot to back up the visual aspects because its got potential. Hopefully people dont judge the source material too hard from watching the show.    … Expand
  7. Maxmurdock
    May 28, 2017
    10
    This adaptation from the novel by Neil Gaiman its what fans have been waiting for. Everything about this show is great. It is without a doubt the greates tv show of the year so far
  8. Skeletor71
    Apr 30, 2017
    9
    This was almost exactly what I wanted after reading the book. I started reading it after I heard Ian McShane was going to be in it. Which is also what I did with Pillars of the Earth. Some parts were a bit long, but other than that it was solid.
  9. BillJustBill
    May 21, 2017
    1
    The first episode seemed promising. Interesting characters, interesting situations. The second episode however was another story entirely (or rather lack of story might be more accurate). The problem with these types of shows is that the producers are under the impression that they can string together a series of events--they are really just more or less "something happens"--and that's theThe first episode seemed promising. Interesting characters, interesting situations. The second episode however was another story entirely (or rather lack of story might be more accurate). The problem with these types of shows is that the producers are under the impression that they can string together a series of events--they are really just more or less "something happens"--and that's the same thing as a "story." They can make it work up to a point if the events are inherently interesting and/or entertaining. However the second episode of AG didn't have these (or this) element going for it. Long, loooonnnnnggggg speeches by not that interesting characters with nothing much else going on (or at least not enough). Bottom line here is that if you put me to sleep (which you did) I'm not too likely to try and watch more.… Expand
  10. JorgeLestre
    Apr 30, 2017
    9
    Bryan Fuller brings insanely addictive and colorful characters that indulge in an even crazier narrative. It's early to tell where it leads, but the show itself sure knows how to make an entrance.
  11. Nathonas
    May 13, 2017
    3
    Poor directing and pacing, cringeworthy dialogue, and a completely flat leading actor. I'm surprised this show actually made it to TV with such poor craftsmanship.
  12. Whatdaphuck
    Aug 8, 2017
    0
    I watched this **** based on my brother telling me about it. This is the biggest load of crap ever written, produced, filmed and broadcasted. Even as Gods, blacks are reduced to a reject from a Pimps and Hoes convention. Mr. Nancy, a **** tailor, sounds like he just jumped of the train from the State of Blaxploitation. Beloise or whatever she's called is portrayed as a homeless whore whoI watched this **** based on my brother telling me about it. This is the biggest load of crap ever written, produced, filmed and broadcasted. Even as Gods, blacks are reduced to a reject from a Pimps and Hoes convention. Mr. Nancy, a **** tailor, sounds like he just jumped of the train from the State of Blaxploitation. Beloise or whatever she's called is portrayed as a homeless whore who sucks souls through her vagina. The Jinn of the Islamic religion is reduced to a homo. And let us not forget the Black flunky for the white cracker devil god oden, Shadow Moon. Stupid name aside, this idiot is of course a convict. I mean naturally because he is black he deserves prison. Not only that, he is grieving over a woman who died sucking another man's dick. There is not enough love in the world to forgive some **** like that. When you watch this on demand as I did, because I don't watch stars, they run interviews from the producers trying to explain what it is that they are wanting to convey via their stories. They try to sound as if they are making some great statement about the world and race relations and other social issues as if they are offering some great point of view of it all. All this **** does it maintain the ideas that white gods are the natural curators of life and everything in it past, present and future and all other gods are subservient to them. Case in point, the white gods, although not believed in or worshipped have all prospered in the new age of Athieism, while the Black Gods are their servants. This show is total crap, no one of African descent should watch this.… Expand
  13. raporgi
    Apr 23, 2019
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. slow boring and incoherent its just full of boring gay/interracial sex. takes too phooking long to go anywhere and the narrative is just padded out and uninteresting.… Expand
  14. exota
    Feb 13, 2018
    3
    I loved the idea of this show . the CGI and acting is well done , but the story leaves me indifferent . i'm not intrigued or eager to see the next episode ( i'm at episode 2 and i already want to stop watching) . very disappointing . Still congrats to the actors and the CGI people , they're the stars of this show , the writers should be replaced for next season though. From HBO i alwaysI loved the idea of this show . the CGI and acting is well done , but the story leaves me indifferent . i'm not intrigued or eager to see the next episode ( i'm at episode 2 and i already want to stop watching) . very disappointing . Still congrats to the actors and the CGI people , they're the stars of this show , the writers should be replaced for next season though. From HBO i always expect good acting , good images , and yes a little bit too much gratuitous sex so i expected all that . what i didn't expect was the poor storyline… Expand
  15. Thompo84
    May 17, 2017
    0
    More self indulgent drivel from Bryan Fuller, Hannibal had potential, he ruined it. This had potential of which % was fulfilled. The quality TV market is so competitive right now, why are they letting this fool kill off shows before they even get going!
  16. lbodde
    May 21, 2017
    6
    Don't know whether to love or hate. I read the book and don't remember it playing off as surreal like the TV production does. It's worth a watch and I'll watch the whole thing because that's what I do, watch a lot of TV. But the directorial and editing decisions, meh.
  17. Psychopompadour
    May 3, 2017
    10
    So far, it's the perfect update of one of my favorite books. The show is amazingly cast and acted, with as much surrealism and symbolism as the original source material. To those who say its too weird, I say this is NOT made for you. its made for me so I really have no choice but to give it the 10 I feel it deserves for getting out of that box.
  18. smodcast
    May 20, 2017
    8
    I'm not sure where this show is headed, but 3 episodes in, I'm wholly invested in its premise. Visually, there's few like it on television. Off Kilter, weird and unhinged. Not for the faint of heart.
  19. moviestalker
    Jul 17, 2017
    3
    First off, I liked the premise, which is why I've watched season one *hoping* all loose ends would lead somewhere... Well, all I can say is: No they don't.
    American Gods not only is an incredibly slow paced show it also - for whatever reason - decides to tell the story of characters who will have ZERO influence on the story of season one, for example Bilquis and the Genie. In case you    First off, I liked the premise, which is why I've watched season one *hoping* all loose ends would lead somewhere... Well, all I can say is: No they don't.
    American Gods not only is an incredibly slow paced show it also - for whatever reason - decides to tell the story of characters who will have ZERO influence on the story of season one, for example Bilquis and the Genie. In case you don't know who Bilquis is, you're out of luck as the show never bothers introducing most of the gods we meet.
    Now let's talk about the "Main character" of the show, if you can even call him that ... I could live with the fact that he has a name you'ed normally expect to see in a cheap anime, but what really makes me dizzy is how completely indifferent he appears to be about the stuff that happens around him and only once in a while bothers asking what on earth is actually going on. He has numerous opportunities to ask the other gods he meets about who they really are, but decides against it. Pretty much every single character in this show is more interesting that Shadow moon.
    I don't understand why this boring show get's praised so much. Maybe mediocrity is something to strive towards nowadays? After watching this mess I truely believe it is.    … Expand
  20. laeknir45
    May 28, 2017
    7
    Really nice visuals, even elegant at times. But four episodes in, I'm still left wondering what is happening with the plot. There's nothing here to really "grab" you, as it's more like a series of disconnected art films which are nicely done but still too vague to draw me in fully. I am familiar with the basic themes of the original graphic novel, so I get that this is meant to be aReally nice visuals, even elegant at times. But four episodes in, I'm still left wondering what is happening with the plot. There's nothing here to really "grab" you, as it's more like a series of disconnected art films which are nicely done but still too vague to draw me in fully. I am familiar with the basic themes of the original graphic novel, so I get that this is meant to be a build up to a war between the "Old" Gods and the "New" Gods, but there's nothing so far suggesting such a war is necessary. Many of the older gods seem dangerous to humans, quite ready to kill and absorb their "faithful" (often through really overdone sex scenes), whereas the new gods have only really attacked Shadow after he chooses to remain on the side of Mr. Wednesday. It's also punctuated by totally disconnected "shorts" with various individuals who interact with god X or Y for no real reason other than to showcase the god in some way. The show has a lot of potential to make some kind of commentary on fervent belief, or the lack thereof (particularly with the risen dead atheist girl), but there's much more of a focus by the director on wanting to set scenes with very specific dark moods/atmospheres rather than actually exploring any plot or characterization. And oddly, considering that the gods apparently depend on belief for their power, you don't see a lot of humans displaying strong belief. I have the unfortunate feeling that this will continue near to the end, where a lot of plot-point reveals will take place and ultimately not be very effective.… Expand
  21. MikeyDiamond
    Jun 20, 2017
    4
    Pretentious. A poor peoples "Stephen King Mini series". Great cast. Very Stylish. But not enough. Dragging out a single novel into 10 episodes? Yes, but not just a third of it. Amazon, it ain't no Bosch, the superb Stranger things or The fab OA. Just check out Fargo, for the same money budget...Say no more
  22. Elf-Healer
    May 20, 2017
    5
    Each of the first 3 episodes that I've seen so far looks like a collection of short films. There's no solid plot, nor intrigue, there's not enough passion between gods and beleivers. You can't feel they are connected.
    There is nothing besides beautiful portrayals of sex and main hero's surreal daydreams. Polished visuals and winning concept won't save you from blank lifeless characters    Each of the first 3 episodes that I've seen so far looks like a collection of short films. There's no solid plot, nor intrigue, there's not enough passion between gods and beleivers. You can't feel they are connected.
    There is nothing besides beautiful portrayals of sex and main hero's surreal daydreams. Polished visuals and winning concept won't save you from blank lifeless characters and their overly intelligent, boring dialogues, which sound like absolute nonsense.    … Expand
  23. abm0
    May 19, 2017
    0
    Looks like a bunch of snobby crap where they think forcing the viewer to come up with their own story (for lack of one on screen) is a brilliant idea and that it makes it a show "for smart people". No, it just makes it a heap of lazy vapid crap.
  24. Phix105
    Sep 4, 2017
    0
    This has to be one of the worst shows I've seen in years. The story is a mess and lacks any fluidity. There is about 10 minuets in each episode worth watching. I must director think that very long pauses between words is very dramatic. It's not! The pacing of the story is horribly slow.
  25. Sirwootalot
    May 2, 2017
    9
    This show is every bit as psychedelic, mystical, and engrossing as the book it is based on, with flourishes of laughably absurd hyper-violence and every ounce of Gaiman's biting sardonic humor shining through in the dialogue. The only major change so far is of setting; much of the show is clearly filmed in Oklahoma, even though the setting is supposed to be the upper MidwestThis show is every bit as psychedelic, mystical, and engrossing as the book it is based on, with flourishes of laughably absurd hyper-violence and every ounce of Gaiman's biting sardonic humor shining through in the dialogue. The only major change so far is of setting; much of the show is clearly filmed in Oklahoma, even though the setting is supposed to be the upper Midwest (Indiana/Illinois/Wisconsin/Minnesota).… Expand
  26. jackylus
    Jun 20, 2017
    0
    The show fails to deliver on every level: poor acting, slow-paced progression of the story, incoherence etc. It is an abuse of post-modern storytelling - references to gods are far-fetched and overwhelming instead of being economically intertwined with meaning of ancient in modern world.
  27. wantedtolikebut
    Jul 5, 2017
    0
    Update: 06/23: "American Gods" is cringe-worthy, cliche-ridden faux surrealism. It's such an awful show. Not even deliciously horrible. Just an exhibition of bad taste. The fact that this show has a score of 77, and "Twin Peaks: The Return" has a score of 74, is a JOKE. Update 5/24: Yeah, that's it for me. Done with this show. There are so many problems. But the casting of Ricky WhittleUpdate: 06/23: "American Gods" is cringe-worthy, cliche-ridden faux surrealism. It's such an awful show. Not even deliciously horrible. Just an exhibition of bad taste. The fact that this show has a score of 77, and "Twin Peaks: The Return" has a score of 74, is a JOKE. Update 5/24: Yeah, that's it for me. Done with this show. There are so many problems. But the casting of Ricky Whittle as Shadow Moon is the main issue. It makes me think of how good Tom Hardy is in "Taboo" which is a great show no one is watching. "American Gods" is a terrible show everyone is watching. Welcome to America where the Gods are bad storytellers. ....................................................... Last night's episode was unbelievably pretentious. And it has nothing to do with the subject matter--that I love. It's that the execution is poor. A mess. From some bad casting to sophomoric direction... I think I'm done with this show. ..........................................................................."American Gods" is off to a rocky start for me. I am surprised by its weaknesses--the directing and the visual effects, particularly. In the two episodes I watched so far there are more gratuitous Extreme Close-Ups than in a student film. An ECU of a match strike doesn't lend specificity, it lends tedium. The digital effects are inconsistent, and downright tacky at moments. I borderline hate the show opening. For me a great show open tells a short story in an innovative, concise visual style. Take the open for HBO's "Westworld" for example -- that's a stunning open. "American Gods" open is an unfocused mess. Some choices are inspired--Ian McShane as Mr. Wednesday, Gillian Anderson as Lucille Ball, for example. Ricky Whittle as Shadow Moon has yet to grab me. Two episodes in, that's a bit concerning. I'll keep giving this a try though. I want to like it.… Expand
  28. TUZLO
    May 21, 2017
    0
    This show is extremly boring bad directing. In episode two you can learn how to tape the boxes and how to light the candle. I watch and allways fell in sleep. If you cant sleep you watch this tv show
  29. giantpegasus123
    May 5, 2017
    4
    The book was possibly the most overrated book of all time. If you don't mind disjointed too abstract for its own good narratives than you may enjoy this series. Granted I've only seen one episode, but if they try and follow the book, this series will not be good. It has potential, but i don't see how, unless they SIGNIFICANTLY change the narrative, this is a good show.
  30. BrightCityLight
    Jun 2, 2017
    2
    Gander that it should be good, but damn it's not. The book was great, the crew looks solid ... but it's hard to struggle through an episode without thinking "huh" and "wow, this is borderline horrible". Reasons? Ricky Whittle is horrific in this - his lines come of so scripted its simply vomitus. He sounds like he is reading off cards and his mannerisms are terribly transparent. TheGander that it should be good, but damn it's not. The book was great, the crew looks solid ... but it's hard to struggle through an episode without thinking "huh" and "wow, this is borderline horrible". Reasons? Ricky Whittle is horrific in this - his lines come of so scripted its simply vomitus. He sounds like he is reading off cards and his mannerisms are terribly transparent. The way his ex-wife walks to the car out of the Casino in Episode 4 is simply nauseating - fingers on a chalkboard. Does nobody see this in post-production? Good actors just are ... this Whittle dude is having his challenges. If it weren't for McShane and his, what some would perceive as a glass eye ... totally rugged. After I try and will myself through an episode (I went through 4), I must watch The Leftovers and Fargo just to get back to base 1 sanity and remind myself that there is still talent on TV.

    Perplexed by the numbnutts higher ups that say 'Yeah guys, friggen' great job!' while giving each other high-5's ... not understanding who let this out of the cage - he or she should be fired. If the crew would have come to me with Episode 1 and said 'Boss, what you think ... good to go?' ... I would have said "Drawing board now ... this dogs#it is f'in sub par." But in a culture like America where sub-standard IS par-for-the-course and people take the I-don’t-want-to-think-but-just-zone-out stance, shows like this surpass in ratings truly lovely works of art like Tom Hardy's Taboo.

    Simply rugged.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

54
#54 Best TV Season of 2017
17
#17 Most Discussed TV Season of 2017
18
#18 Most Shared TV Season of 2017

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 36 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 36
  3. Negative: 0 out of 36
  1. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Lorraine Ali
    May 1, 2017
    80
    The result is a wonderfully eclectic mix of gory bloodlust and fairy whimsy, ethereal beauty and tenement apartment realism. Special effects are masterfully used throughout American Gods to thrust viewers into alternate dimensions or let us know something otherworldly is about to happen. And when American Gods does get all supernatural, it’s beautiful.
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  2. Salon
    Reviewed by: Melanie McFarland
    May 1, 2017
    100
    The conscientious visual style that Fuller honed on “Hannibal” achieves riotous new heights of sensuality in this series. Green, a DC Comics veteran whose television credits include serving as an executive producer on “Heroes,” aids in harmonizing the story’s surfeit of histories and personalities into an intelligible and spellbinding structure.
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  3. The Atlantic
    Reviewed by: Sophie Gilbert
    May 1, 2017
    60
    The eight-episode show fantasia of ancient mythology and Americana is gorgeously conceived, vastly imaginative, and ludicrously over the top. It also unfortunately falls sway to the worst, most self-indulgent excesses of prestige television, namely terrible pacing, prodigal violence, and a thuddingly unsubtle score that often feels better suited to a high-budget porn film.
    Read full review
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