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As Netflix unearths a fantastical new series with “Dead Boy Detectives,” the ghostly duo of Edwin Payne and Charles Rowland are enchanting viewers with their spectral sleuthing and a heartwarming gay narrative. The series, released just last week, has already become a hotspot for fans of ghostly mysteries and LGBTQ+ storytelling.
Based on characters by Neil Gaiman from DC Comics’ “The Sandman,” the show features the adventures of two deceased British teens who turn their afterlives into an escapade of solving spooky mysteries. Edwin (George Rexstrew) died in 1916 and Charles (Jayden Revri) in 1989 at a London boarding school. Bound by their untimely demises, they opt out of the afterlife to tackle earthly troubles involving the supernatural.
Edwin, the self-proclaimed “brains,” and Charles, the so-called “brawn,” are joined by a psychic teen, Crystal (Kassius Nelson), and an offbeat neighbor, Niko (Yuyu Kitamura), enhancing the show’s quirky and otherworldly charm.
Co-showrunner Steve Yockey, known for his work on “Supernatural” and “The Flight Attendant,” has infused the show with a unique blend of youth and nostalgia. He describes the series as “The Hardy Boys on acid,” a nod to its psychedelic twists and its roots in teen detective tales.
The real draw, however, is the delicate exploration of Edwin’s burgeoning queer identity, sparked by his interactions with the sinister Cat King (Lucas Gage) and his deepening feelings for Charles. This narrative thread weaves a subtle yet poignant exploration of gay themes into the fabric of the series, making it resonate with LGBTQ+ viewers and allies alike.
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Critics have applauded the series for its fresh take on the ghost story genre, with Angie Han of The Hollywood Reporter calling it an “appealingly kooky supernatural adventure.” While it caters to a young adult audience, the charm and depth of “Dead Boy Detectives” promise to captivate a broader audience.
Much like their characters in the series, Rexstrew and Revri fell in love at first sight.
“A lot of people said to us, ‘It must be a lot of pressure to represent these two characters who have been best friends for such a long time,’ and the irony of it was that I think for both of us, that was literally the easiest part of the whole thing,” Revri told Teen Vogue. “[Our] chemistry, I can guarantee, was something that neither of us even thought about the whole time.”
As fans eagerly await news on a potential second season, Yockey teases possibilities for Edwin’s character development. Now that Edwin is embracing his gay identity, the show hints at exploring more of his emotional and romantic journey, promising even more thrills and personal revelations in the spectral world of “Dead Boy Detectives.”
Whether you’re here for the spooks, the laughs, or the heartfelt moments, “Dead Boy Detectives” offers a fresh take on coming-of-age by blending the supernatural with the all-too-human journey of discovering oneself.
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