Episode 1 – “A Common Enemy in Evil”
In this intense first episode, we’re introduced to Richter Belmont, the series’ protagonist. We witness his tragic backstory as his mother is killed by the coolest vampire ever, Olrox, in an act of revenge. The battle is absolutely insane and keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire time, definitely feel bad for poor little Richter. It’s after he witnesses his mother’s death that he realizes he no longer can use his Belmont magic, having to rely only on his Belmont whip. Also, Olrox turns into a freaking dragon-like creature. How cool is that?!
As a Castlevania nerd, it was super exciting seeing Olrox being added to the series. He’s first seen in the 1993 game Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, and I’m very excited to see the part he plays in the grand scheme of this series.
Fast-forward to nine years later, and we’ve relocated to France. We meet Maria and Tera, and see that vampires are not only still a thing, but they’ve infiltrated the French government at this point, driving an even bigger stake (hehe) into the heart of the civil war between the rich and the poor. The Abbot is also very… shady to say the least, and he definitely seems to have his own plan for both the poor and the vampires.
We also learn about this Messiah, the Devourer of Light, “who will eat the sun”.
Also, rest in peace, Jacques.
The Night Creatures we see in this episode are a lot more advanced and cool-looking than the ones we saw in Castlevania. Their attacks are just as vicious, they look even more disturbing, and they’re still a huge threat to the normal population of Machecoul, France.
We meet Annette and Edouard – two amazing characters from Saint-Domingue who, as the story goes on, only enrich the plot with their abilities, personalities, and actions. They team up with Richter and Maria in plotting against the Marquis and this Messiah entity, who sounds like impending doom for the entire world. The episode closes with Olrox telling Vaublanc to let “his Messiah” know that he’s arrived.
Dun, dun duuuuuun.