Castlevania is one of those rare triumphs of video game adaptations. Loosely adapted from the game series, it has weaved its own engaging tale, leveraging its characters and lore to build a fascinating, grim world. However, it did face a daunting task in doing a final season that resolved all plot threads in a satisfactory manner. The show felt like it could definitely go on for five or six seasons, which makes this being the last season slightly disappointing. Maybe not overstaying its welcome and bowing out with grace and glory was the right choice.
Trevor Belmont (Richard Armitage) and Sypha Belnades (Alejandra Reynoso) are traveling from place to place, dealing with monsters as they find them. Their path eventually leads them to Targoviste, which was the first target of Dracula’s (Graham McTavish) wrath after his wife’s death. There they find squalor and despair, and a large offshoot of Dracula’s surviving court trying to claim the place in his name. Alucard (James Callis) finds hope again after he is called on to aid a nearby village. Forgemaster Isaac (Adetokumboh M’Cormack) makes his way to Carmila’s (Jamie Murray) castle to avenge Dracula’s death, while Forgemaster Hector (Theo James) keeps his allegiances hidden as he is forced to serve the vampire sisters. We also find Saint Germain (Bill Nighy) drawn to Dracula’s castle, still on a desperate quest to find his unrequited love who was lost in the Infinite Corridor.
It definitely takes some time for all these threads to come together and get going. Still, the pacing is never sluggish, and there are plenty of fun action scenes to keep you engaged along the way. The first crescendo of the season is Isaac’s assault on Carmila’s castle, culminating in a satisfying, grand last stand that almost makes you root for the vile, conceited Carmila. Afterwards, however, Isaac abruptly disappears and the focus shifts to the parallel storylines of Trevor and Alucard.
Some of the earlier episodes, with constant reflections on character motivations and their natures may grate on some people’s nerves, but they are soon done away with once the plot is fully set into motion. The final two episodes, where Trevor, Alucard and Sypha are finally reunited and the three of them find themselves going up against a terrifying threat, are captivating. The climactic fight is suitably epic, though it does feel a bit contrived.
Castlevania is generous with giving happy endings for its main characters. It’s unexpected, especially considering the harsh nature of the show’s world, but it’s also a welcome development. It’s also interesting how the show chooses to bring back two important characters and gives them a happy ending as well. With rumors of a spinoff being planned for the series, it will be interesting seeing what new threats and villains the writers can come up with.
I was worried about the show declining in quality, especially with head writer and series creator Warren Ellis facing sexual misconduct allegations and parting ways with Powerhouse Animation. While the fourth season isn’t always amazing, it’s solid enough, and then it gets downright brilliant in the final two episodes. Let’s hope the rumored spinoff lives up to the standards set by its predecessor.
