Let’s be honest – the first episode of ‘Dead Boy Detectives’ is a confusing mess. Exposition dumps, ghostly rules, and a frantic pace make for a rocky start. But stick with it, because underneath the initial chaos lies a show with undeniable potential.
Dead Boy Detectives
The Premise: Classic with a Twist
At its core, ‘Dead Boy Detectives’ spins a familiar tale: two buddies are tragically killed but return as ghosts. Edwardian gentleman Edwin (George Rexstrew) and punkish 80s kid Charles (Jayden Revri) stick around to help other lost souls, all while dodging the ever-present threat of Death (Kirby Howell-Baptiste). It’s got classic ‘ghost detective’ vibes, but with a dash of whimsy. Think magical backpacks, demon-fighting, and the ability to jump through mirrors for quick getaways.
Finding Its Footing
The series hits its stride when clairvoyant Crystal Palace (Kassius Nelson) joins the duo. Her amnesia and cryptic visions drive a quest to rescue a kidnapped girl, leading our heroes into small-town ‘Tropeville’ where a youth-sucking witch awaits. Jenn Lyon’s scene-stealing performance as Esther adds a wickedly fun villain to the mix. This sets up the show’s format: a blend of standalone ‘case-of-the-week’ missions with an overarching plot about the boys dodging the afterlife’s bureaucracy.
The Quirky Fun Factor
‘Dead Boy Detectives’ thrives on pure, playful weirdness. Talking cats, a cursed walrus shopkeeper, a pastel-loving neighbor with an explosive problem – if you like your supernatural stories zany, you’re in the right place. However, its attempts at humor can be hit or miss – Edwin and Charles’ banter sometimes feels forced, especially when compared to the scene-stealing supporting cast.
Gaiman-Adjacent Vibes
Based on Neil Gaiman’s characters and with ‘Supernatural’ alum Steve Yockley at the helm, the show boasts solid supernatural credentials. If you crave edgy YA fantasy, ‘Dead Boy Detectives’ hits the spot. While it lacks the gravitas of, say, ‘Buffy’, it does give off a ‘slightly smug but enjoyable’ vibe that some associate with Gaiman’s work.
Should You Watch?
Ultimately, ‘Dead Boy Detectives’ is harmless escapism. Think of it as the supernatural equivalent of a cozy popcorn movie – fun and easy to consume but unlikely to leave a lasting impact. There’s a glimmer of something deeper in the themes of death, friendship, and identity, but the execution is uneven. The show could soar if it develops its characters beyond their archetypes and finds a more consistent comedic voice.
In Conclusion
If you’re looking for a light, spooky adventure with a sprinkle of teen drama, ‘Dead Boy Detectives’ delivers. Its flaws might be obvious, but the quirky characters, offbeat humor, and creative world-building hold enough charm that I’ll certainly be catching the next episode. Maybe I’ll just pretend to be young again, back when a fun time trumped narrative perfection.
