My Review of Dead Boy Detectives: "The Case Of The Very Long Stairway"

 

Written by Steve Yockey

Directed by Richard Speight Jr

Edwin: "Charles, I'm in love with you. You don't have feel the same way. I just need you to know."

Charles: "I get it. This is like one of those Orpheus and Eurydice situations."

Penultimate episode and how about a delightful trip to Hell? Well, this was what we got here and by far, the best episode of the season. Not to mention the true friendship test here.

There was no way the rest of the team were going to let Edwin dwindle in Hell and though it took some persuading, Charles managed to get the Night Nurse to make a gateway for him to the not so fiery place below. 

For those who actually do ship Edwin and Charles, this episode well and truly delivered. We got flashbacks to their very first meeting as Edwin quietly stayed with a dying Charles while the latter went through various hoops to find his best mate.

Then there was the love confession itself. While Charles didn't exactly reciprocate Edwin's romantic feelings, he certainly didn't rule things out and nor was he repulsed by the declaration of love either. If this show miraculously gets a second season, maybe they might explore a potential romance between Edwin and Charles. 

Of course, Charles wasn't the only one willing to risk it all to save Edwin. Crystal willingly risked interacting with David the Demon to try and help Edwin and even Jenny risked her own life to help Crystal. David wasn't much help but Crystal did get her memories back and he got rightfully buried as an appropriate punishment. 

As for Niko, I thought she was going overboard with asking the Night Nurse so many questions but the clever way she outsmarted the Night Nurse definitely proved that she knows how to read a situation good. Despite being miffed at being outsmarted, I think the Night Nurse has a grudging respect for the gang.

Last but not least, Esther didn't stay buried for long. She got up, took one of the Cat King's lives and decided that she'd go and even worse path for revenge. Honestly, a one way trip to Hell should be on the cards for her. Especially after threatening Tragic Mick. 

- Both Simon and Maxine were seen in Hell by Edwin and Charles. Simon had feelings for Edwin even though he sacrificed him to Sa'al.

- I loved Edwin's brief interaction with Despair (Donna Preston). She had more lines here than in The Sandman.

- I thought Esther killed Monty during the last episode but it appears that she turned him back into a crow. Niko keeps pushing her luck with that Magic 8 Ball of death.

- Chronology: From where the previous episode left off and also 1989 for Edwin and Charles first meeting.

By far, it's safe to say The Case Of The Very Long Stairway was the best episode of the season. The depiction of Hell was handled well. We got a reference to Lucifer and I loved the appearance of Despair along with Charles's reaction to Edwin's confession. Superb stuff.

Rating: 9 out of 10