Finally got around to watching the second season of
Castlevania and while it's a mixed bag, I think Episode 7 makes up for all of it. It might be one of the best episodes I've seen in quite awhile for a western animation, especially in what amounts to a tv shows/miniseries. I don't even know a comparison right now...maybe the original Avatar: The Last Airbender series? Anime influence, western writing, it feels very much like a mature, R-rated, version of that. Like I've seen crazy action scenes in anime regularly over the years, even recently with My Hero Academia, Ufotables Fate series, My Hero Academia, but this feels more grounded. It has its style and flash, but it feels more deliberate, very well choreographed, and even has some surprising emotional weight to it. I could almost recommend this singular episode on its own.
That's the problem with the season, that while it has good writing, good visuals, and good characters, the middle of these episodes, like 3 to 5, drags because both the vampires and the heroes sorta just stop for awhile. It's not bad at all, it just feels like they were unsure how to add some real good story to the whole thing that wasn't just background for both sides. But damn, that episode. It's basically the finale as Episode 8 is more an epilogue. If you are a fan of Castlevania or just generally good animated shows, I think it's worth watching. I'm glad it is getting a third season too.
Weird thing I noticed, but they gave some odd voice direction for Alucard and Trevor. They almost always talk at just above a whisper. Like they have a permanent hangover and talking any louder will make their heads explode. Both of the voice actors are great, but man, not sure what is up with that. Like when they need to emote, they can, but otherwise so subtle. Very strange.