Castlevania: Nocturne May have Failed to Stand Out on its Own with Season 2 Release Window Confirming the Only Thing Fans are Excited to See

SUMMARY

• Castlevania outdid its sequel in terms of its animation and compelling storyline.
• Fans on X thirst over Alucard's return in Castlevania's Season 2.
• Castlevania Nocturne fails as a sequel because of its warped notion of revolution and its dependency on its precursor series.

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Some stones are better left unturned is a saying that would fit best with this scenario. While Castlevania did exceptionally well in its first season, its sequel was underwhelming. With most fans calling it a wokefest, it had more to do with the plot development and inconsistencies. And there’s more to it.

Annette in a still from the series | Credit: Powerhouse Animation Studios

The sequel fails to break away from its precursor. This holds especially true for Alucard’s character. With the official release of the Season 2 teaser, the sequel’s purpose was reduced to a mere thirst trap. This was clear as fans on X welcomed the character’s return. Moreover, it also reflects the sequel’s dependency on the original series.

Fans on X thirst over Alucard’s return in Castlevania: Nocturne

Adrian Tepes also known as Alucard is one of the major characters who appears in the Castlevania series. He is the son of Vlad Dracula and Lisa Tepes. Apart from being a dhampir, he’s one of the most powerful characters in the series. Furthermore, he’s the only character from the original series who also re-appeared in the sequel.

Alucard in a still from the series | Credit: Powerhouse Animation Studios

Besides that, Alucard is one of the popular characters in the series. From his character design to his personality, the character has its fanbase. His name is Semordnilap which is somewhat reflected in his decisions as well. His identity and decisions stand in contrast with his father. However, fans took their obsession with the character to a whole new level.

An X account @DiscussingFilm posted the teaser of the series’ Season 2. While several users expressed their anticipation, Alucard’s return was reduced to a thirst trap.

HE'S SO PERFECT pic.twitter.com/RM79fvXc0n

You have gained my attention pic.twitter.com/UpWFuEQIeE

😭😭😭😭😭😭😭oh lawd to bless my eyes with alucards face itll bring me to tears🥹

ALUCARD MY BELOVED

Alucard yess

While the hype and obsession behind Alucard is understandable, it also reflects a major flaw with the sequel. Apart from its warped notions of Revolution and justice, the series failed to make its breakthrough. This mostly has to do with the show’s tendency to linger in its precursor’s shadow.

The sequel fails to stand out on its own while clinging to its precursor’s shadow.

While Castlevania did exceptionally well, its sequel Nocturne failed to produce an impact with its underwhelming performance. Moreover, its tendency to linger in its precursor’s shadow is evident in Alucard’s return in the sequel. While he is a pivotal character in the series franchise, there is a need to break away from this dependency on old characters.

Richter Belmont in a still from the series | Credit: Powerhouse Animation Studios

Another reason for the underwhelming performance of the series is the ever-looming and recurring theme of revolution. Throughout the series, revolution, and history are reduced to mere hooting. While Annette’s character offers a refreshing take on diversity, the inconsistencies in the plot fail her character. The historical and political events weren’t mapped out clearly.

All in all, the series fails to navigate the ideas of revolution and freedom. This is evident in the inconclusive nature of the characters’ actions. As opposed to the original series, the sequel is laden with an identity crisis. However, it displays novelty in its move to blend history and political events with fantastical elements. While it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, the show is a respite from the cliche dark fantasy tropes.

Castlevania: Nocturne is available for streaming on Netflix.

Written by Himanshi Jeswani

Articles Published: 115

An avid reader and writer traversing around the world of anime, manga and all that jazz.