Taking inspiration from comic characters, Netflix's "Dead Boy Detectives" ventures into a compelling blend of eerie contemplation and irreverent charm. Initially designed as a spinoff of HBO Max's "Doom Patrol," - the platform where these characters were first introduced - the show now aligns with Netflix's "Sandman" adaptation.
Featuring Edwin Paine (played by George Rexstrew) and Charles Rowland (Jayden Revri), the series revolves around two English schoolboys who become ghosts after enduring tragic deaths at the same boarding school across different time spans. Yet, in their ethereal existence, they establish a detective agency to solve supernatural crimes in London.
The premiere episode sets the tone with Edwin and Charles fortuitously meeting Crystal Palace (Kassius Nelson), a young psychic they manage to save from her demon-possessed ex-boyfriend. Adding an extra dimension to the plot is the main trio's stay in Port Townshend, a seaside town where Edwin is bound by a curse from Thomas the Cat King (Lukas Gage).
In this small sea-side town, Charles, Edwin, and Crystal navigate to lift Edwin's curse while juggling between solving ghost cases and fending off forces from hell as well Esther, a vengeful witch. The series maintains its budget-conscious season set in a confined location and tries to pace its narratives across episodes with intertwined plots.
The show hits its stride when it centers around its main characters and their eccentric ghost cases. However, it misses the mark somewhat with its dull cinematography, stretched pacing, and casual air matching the unintended 'second screen' consumption.
Attempting to strike Gaiman's signature surrealism, "Dead Boy Detectives" ends up feeling a shade too repetitious and breathlessly pursues the Riverdale crowd. Nevertheless, despite its flaws, it manages to deliver moderately entertaining specter-based content, even if it somewhat lacks its own unique identity.
