Netflix's Castlevania is Netflix's best fantasy show, highlighting the streamer's strengths when it comes to animation. Based on the video game franchise of the same name, the series chronicles the efforts of Trevor Belmont, the last descendant of a family of vampire hunters, and his companions Sypha and Alucard to defeat Dracula.
Castlevania's story is strong throughout its four-season run, but there's one installment that takes a slight dip in quality. It's not necessarily a bad outing of television, but it pales in comparison to the others. It's not hard to understand why this is the case, as this season serves as a turning point for the animated series. In the transition from one story arc to the next, it ignores the heart of Castlevania. And that's why it's less well-received than the surrounding chapters, though fortunately, the Netflix show manages to come back from this dip before it ends.
Castlevania Season 3 Isn't Bad, But It's Easily The Worst Addition To The Series
It's A Lull In An Otherwise Gripping Story
Castlevania season 3 is noticeably weaker than the other outings, and that's evident in its reception from critics and audiences alike. Season 3 very much feels like a lull in the overarching narrative, and its Ranking the seasons of Castlevania, season 3 comes off the worst, especially given where it falls.
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Season 1 feels appropriate as a starting point, and despite a lower critic score, it proves a gripping run. It will leave viewers wanting more, and season 2 delivers on its promises, earning its 100% score. The trio's confrontation with Dracula is a high point of the Netflix series, and their dynamic shines throughout Castlevania's second outing. Season 4 restores the strengths seen earlier in the series, but season 3 is forced to find its footing all over again after Dracula's defeat. Because of this, it suffers, losing some of the heart that makes the series so compelling.
Why Castlevania's Third Season Doesn't Live Up To The Others
It Forgets That The Dynamic Between Trevor, Sypha, & Alucard Is The Best Part
While defeating Dracula and his followers is the main focus of Castlevania, the series' greatest strength is in its main characters. Trevor, Sypha, and Alucard are all intriguing figures in their own right, and the bonds they form throughout the show make them especially fun to follow. Whether it's the entertaining banter or the deeper emotional beats, the interactions between the trio make Castlevania tick. Unfortunately, season 3 loses the benefits of their dynamic, as it separates Trevor and Sypha from Alucard for much of its run.
This makes their reunion satisfying, but it causes season 3 to have a different feel than the rest of the show.
This makes their reunion satisfying, but it causes season 3 to have a different feel than the rest of the show — and it doesn't work to the series' benefit. It's made more jarring by the reality that Dracula is dead, which means the third outing also needs to introduce new characters and set up new storylines. This is a lot to accomplish, and while it works in season 1, it takes some getting used to after the momentum of season 2. It certainly stalls the excitement, which proves disappointing.
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Fortunately, Castlevania season 4 manages to pick back up before the series' conclusion. It regains its focus with a stronger Dracula storyline, and it utilizes its characters better. It's just a shame that the Netflix series needs a lull to get there. Castlevania season 3 may not hurt the overall legacy of the show, but it doesn't prove the most memorable installment — and it can be less fun to watch at times.
Castlevania
- Release Date
- 2017 - 2021-00-00
- Showrunner
- Warren Ellis
- Writers
- Warren Ellis
Cast
Lance Reddick
Jaime Murray
WHERE TO WATCH
- Franchise(s)
- Castlevania
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