Jump to the good stuff: The Story | Some Thoughts | The Final Verdict
The Story:
Dead Boy Detectives is a fantasy series about two ghosts solving mysteries to allow other spirits stuck on earth to move on.
As with many mystery series, each episode of Dead Boy Detectives wraps up a mystery in a tidy bow. The mysteries also advance the broader story while building the world they inhabit.
The dead boys are Edwin Paine (George Rexstrew), who died in 1916 when a group of school bullies jokingly used him for a ritual sacrifice. It was all fun and games until they actually conjured a demon. The other boy detective is Charles Rowland (Jayden Revri), who passed away from hypothermia in 1989.
When the series begins, Edwin and Charles are already best friends. Aspects of their friendship are gradually revealed with each episode, so I’m not going to say much about it.
More characters are introduced as the series unfolds, filling out the story and the world of the afterlife. There is a psychic, Crystal Palace (Kassius Nelson); a witch who doesn’t age, Esther Finch (Jenn Lyon); and the Cat King (Lukas Cage).
Some Thoughts:
Cage oozes sexiness as the Cat King, who has the hots for Edwin. The Cat King paws at the uptight Edwin, whispers in his ear, and offers himself to him. The seductive game of cat and mouse is titillating and works well.
Of the cast, Lyon stands out as the joyously evil Esther. She breathes life into her role, making her character even larger than life. Every fantasy needs a good villain, and Esther is excellent.
Although the mysteries wrap up a bit too quick and never feel satisfying, it’s the central story about Edwin and Charles that keep you entertained and wanting more. As the ghostly sleuths, Rexstrew and Revri play off each other very well. They seem comfortable in their roles and with each other, giving an honesty to their friendship.
The Final Verdict:
If you’re looking for some fun escapism that’s mildly sexy, give Dead Boy Detectives a try. It won’t be the best thing you’ve ever seen, but it will draw you in and entertain.