Netflix has been a hit and miss with their adaptions of popular anime and video game titles. On one side of the spectrum we have Death Note, Full Metal Alchemist, Cowboy Bebop. These titles failed to resonate with it’s intended audience. And in a few instances angered them. On the other you have Bleach, and Rorouni Kenshin. These titles are perfectly watchable and I would dare say, “good”.
In a Category all it’s own
Then, out in the stratosphere you have Castlevania. Now it might not be fair, since the previously mentioned titles are all live-action. While Castlevania is an animated adaption. Never the less this isn’t the exclusive reason why it’s leagues better than the others.
written by Warren Ellis
and developed by Adi Shankar.
Castlevania got it’s origins in the Nintendo entertainment system back in 1986. Since then it’s seen countless iterations and obtained a rather sizable fan base. With 30+ years of lore, Warren had quite a lot of lore to work with. The project had been in development hell since 2007. Until Netflix picked it up in 2015.
The series premiered in 2017, with only 4 episodes. I don’t think Netflix expected much from it or the fans. It quickly became a success for Netflix, who both greenlit a second season and twice the episodes.
What makes it so Good?!
The heavy focus on the story from Castlevania 3. Which introduced us to Trevor Belmont, Sypha Belnades, and Dracula’s dhampir son Alucard. Was a great choice given that it could delve into 3 character’s story lines at once. Not to mention drawing on Alucards popularity from the hugely successful Symphony of the Night PS1 title. The pacing was great. And for the season 1 finale we got treated to a Trevor vs. Alucard fight scene. The 4 episode first season left us fans clamoring for more
The second season delved into Draculas story. While diverging from the classic story and incorporating lore from newer titles. Episode “Shadow Battles” shows us Trevor finding his iconic Morning Star whip. As well as a slew Easter eggs from the game series. Episode “For Love” gives us an epic Storm the castle scene. Accompanied by Bloody Tears (music from the classic series). All three characters showcasing their iconic moves in animated format. This episode is gold! And is a highlight in the series as a whole. Giving ample time to all our characters development, while establishing the world of Castlevania. Made Season 2 an even bigger success.
The third season focuses on Isaac and Hector (Draculas Forgemasters) and the new vampire counsel . Fret not, this season is very well written. And with 10 episodes it allowed quite a bit more setup than the other seasons. The characters are more fleshed out, and when the action gets started we get another highlight in the series. With the gate to hell opening! Episodes “the Harvest” and “Abandon All Hope” have so much action in them that you can’t help but re watch them.
The fourth and last season is the reason for me writing about the series. With the story really going in to over drive. The animation team finding their groove, and battle sequences that left me in awe. The season starts with the hinting at another evil coming in to the world. The forgemasters now have a clear direction in their goals. The setup to the final battle begins. Episode “You Don’t Deserve my Blood” gives us a mid season battle the leaves you wondering , “how can they top this?” We get more easter eggs with Trevor acquiring Castlevania’s trademark boomerang.
As Close to Perfection as it Can Get
The 4th season consists of 10 episodes. Though episode 9 “The Endings” is the true last episode in the series. We get the final battle between our heroes and Death! This battle’s eye candy. It’s masterfully animated. The action, the music, the animation formed the ideal combination in this mediums art. At one point I could swear I was playing a final boss in a Castlevania game. Death towers over Trevor as the climax draws near. Trevor unleashes Morning star’s flame whip abilities. Trevor realizes this is a battle he must give his all. A perfect end to one of, if not the best video game adaptions I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing.
WHY?
Episode 10 “It’s Been a Strange Ride” I view as a throw away episode. I’m simply tired of the vanilla Hollywood endings that have to leave everything tidied up. I can just picture an executive repeating the words, ” the people want to feel good with the ending”. This seems like it’s the same words they bring to every great visionary, to claim their territory. I apologize for my rant. The final episode isn’t horrible, however if they had stopped at episode 9 “The Endings” it would have been epic. What’s your opinion?
