All 8 episodes of Dead Boy Detectives, ranked from worst to best

The first season of Netflix Original series Dead Boy Detectives has been released in its entirety. The new show, which is set in the same continuity as The Sandman, is based on the DC comic book series written by Neil Gaiman. Originally slated for Max, the show was later moved to Netflix, though fans will note that there is some overlap between this show, The Sandman, and another Max series, Doom Patrol. Edwin Payne, Charles Rowland, and Crystal Palace were all characters on Doom Patrol, but they've been recast for the Netflix show. However, Ruth Connell does reprise her Doom Patrol role as the Night Nurse here.

We've enjoyed wading through this supernatural horror series aimed at teens. It feels like a "monster of the week" series with Supernatural vibes and likely would have done well on The CW back in the day. For shows like these, I wish Netflix would try weekly drops, and I fear Dead Boy Detectives might get lost in the shuffle. But I digress, nothing we can do about it except binge the show and spread the good word!

We're ranking all eight episodes of Dead Boy Detectives from worst to best. Beware SPOILERS ahead!

8. Episode 105, "The Case of the Two Dead Dragons"

I really enjoyed Dead Boy Detectives, so even though this episode is at the bottom of the list, I wouldn't say it's a "bad" episode, just the one I felt was weakest. So, why is "The Case of Two Dead Dragons" ranked so low? Put simply, I didn't find the case in this episode all that compelling.

Edwin, Charles, and Crystal investigate when the ghosts of two murdered jocks show up. Supposedly beloved by all, it soon becomes apparent that they have some skeletons in their closets. The social commentary in this episode is about victim-blaming, as Charles doesn't want to believe that the jocks could possibly be bad guys, despite what some of their female peers have said. I also thought the subplot revolving around Jenny and her secret admirer-turned-stalker Maxine was very sudden and random.

Maybe if the suspense had been given a chance to build more it would have been more compelling, but as it stands I don't even know what the justification for the storyline was apart from giving Jenny something to do.

7. Episode 104, "The Case of the Lighthouse Leapers"

Episode 104 sits nicely at position seven because it, and the following episode, denote a mid-season slump. Episodes 104 and 105 both get a little "meh" due to lackluster cases. Here, the trio are tasked with helping the ghost of a lighthouse keeper when people start throwing themselves off the the top of the lighthouse for unknown reasons.

Later, we learn that it's because of a restless sea monster. "The Case of the Lighthouse Leapers" is also an episode with significant foreshadowing, particularly when the group visits the oracle known as the "Washer Woman." Additionally, while episode 104 finally brings Edwin and Charles face to face with the Night Nurse, the fight is resolved quickly and feels somewhat anti-climactic.

6. Episode 101, "The Case of Crystal Palace"

As far as series premieres go, Dead Boy Detectives does a decent job establishing the wackiness of its universe, and the inclusion of actor Kirby Howell-Baptiste as Death firmly entrenches it in The Sandman universe for fans who might not have realized the two shows were connected.

It's not easy to make an opening hour of television that sets up all of the main players, but this episode does so with confidence, getting right into the action and swiftly moving along to introduce people like Crystal and Jenny. That being said, sometimes the first episode does feel rushed, particularly the storyline regarding Crystal and her demonic possession, because there's so much to fit into it.

5. Episode 106, "The Case of the Creeping Forest"

"The Case of the Creeping Forest" is a great episode for the most part. Its only weak point is Monty. Once Monty gets turned from crow familiar into human boy, he becomes a lot less interesting, and he's the weakest of Edwin's love interests on the show. Still, this episode also includes the end of Monty's time as a boy as Esther turns him back into a crow, so bonus points for that.

In general, the reason I felt this was one of better episodes is due to the inclusion of Esther in a larger role as one of the show's main antagonists. Jenn Lyon is so excellent and campy in her portrayal that I wanted more of her, hence why I was annoyed when Monty became her proxy and halved her screen time. And Crystal learns more about her powers and gets to save the boys for once, which was a nice change of pace.

4. Episode 102, "The Case of the Dandelion Shrine"

The highlight of Dead Boy Detectives' second episode is the proper introduction of Niko, a character played by the charismatic newcomer Yuyu Kitamura. Niko is destined to become a fan favorite; it's impossible not to like this bubbly girl with a love of anime and Scooby-Doo. Apart from Niko, this episode also introduces another charismatic character in Lukas Gage's Cat King, who is also bound to become popular with viewers. He takes a liking to Edwin.

While we meet her for a brief moment in the premiere, it's not until the second episode where we really get to know more about her, specifically that she's plagued with paranormal parasites called dandelion sprites. The downside to this episode is, well, the dandelion sprites. Once they're out of Niko's body the two characters are pretty annoying, in all honesty.

3. Episode 103, "The Case of the Devlin House"

Apart from the seventh episode, this one is probably the darkest of the bunch. It focuses on a chilling Amityville Horror-style case in which a father brutally murders his wife and two daughters before turning the gun on himself. As if that's not gruesome enough, the ghosts of this family are doomed to repeat the murders after getting stuck in a never-ending time loop. It's up to Charles, Crystal, and Edwin to break the loop so these ghosts can finally move on.

"The Case of the Devlin House" is one of the most straight-up horrific episodes in the season; there isn't a lot of levity here, especially after we learn the dark truth about Charles' past as he's forced to relive the trauma brought up by the case. It's a compelling episode with some really creepy twists and turns, such as the introduction of "misery wraiths," but it also boasts strong writing for the central trio, building on the relationship between Crystal and Edwin while exploring Charles' past.

2. Episode 108, "The Case of the Hungry Snake"

Jenn Lyon gets to go full throttle as Esther Finch in the finale, truly embracing her role as a villainous evil witch who eats little girls and keeps a giant pet snake. She creates a terrifying torture device and placed Edwin inside of it so she can feed off of his torment for eons and keep herself looking youthful.

Several episodes have teased Esther's past. We know she made some kind of deal with Lilith, but in "The Case of the Hungry Snake," viewers are privy to Esther's extended backstory, showcased in a stunning animated sequence. I love a good artsy animated cutaway and Dead Boy Detectives has a couple. Esther's dark fairytale origins are showcased in vibrant color. Crystal and Niko must team up again to save the boys, turning to the Cat King and Tragic Mick for some assistance.

Ultimately, Esther is defeated, but it comes at a very painful cost as Niko is killed protecting Crystal, though the ending teases that we're not quite done with her yet, thanks to a special lucky charm granted by Mick.

1. Episode 107, "The Case of the Very Long Stairway"

The penultimate episode of the season is easily the best, standing out as the show's darkest and most mature hour. Charles must venture into Hell to save Edwin when a monstrous spider made of baby doll parts yanks him into the depths. The depiction of Hell in Dead Boy Detectives is just as twisted, dark, and blood-splattered as one might expect. It adds a sense of gravitas to the series, raising the stakes significantly as we see these characters dealing with something very real and traumatic.

The Sandman gets another shoutout here, too, with a cameo from Despair, one of The Endless. Charles and Edwin's relationship is brought front and center here as Edwin tells Charles he's in love with him. It's not often we see unrequited queer love depicted so honestly on television, especially in shows geared at teens. Charles' response to Edwin is kind and beautiful. It elevates their friendship even further and cements their importance as the anchors of the show.

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