I never reviewed the first season of Castlevania: Nocturne, though I did pen a piece about how it evolved the franchise’s already impressive power scaling through its new cast of characters. Nocturne‘s first season really impressed me, and that’s why I was so shocked to see that it had such a mixed reception – at least according to the audience score on Rotten Tomatoes (take that as you will). I suppose living up to the original series was a tall order, but even so… why?

Looking at this sequel series solely through the lens of its artwork, sound design, and overall aesthetic, it is a joy to behold, and a step above even its predecessor’s greatest heights. Narratively it might stumble in places, so too did the first series, just over four seasons instead of two. But that’s not really what compelled me to dust off the old blog and add another idea to a pile of half-completed drafts. I want to talk about how Season 2 made me feel, and how that feeling allowed me to forgive what few flaws held this show back from greatness.