Season 2, Episode 5, titled “Into the Abyss”, directed by Sam Deats and Adam Deats, and written by Clive Bradley, explores the humanity of vampires, illustrating how being human is far more precious than one might believe. In 1789 CE, Erzsebet abandoned her humanity to become Sekhmet’s vessel, allowing the goddess to walk the Earth, albeit as an embodiment of evil and bloodlust. Her sacrifice was driven by a desire for power, which she never fully comprehends, even under Drolta’s guidance.
The central theme of the episode is humanity. Immortality comes at a terrible price: the loss of taste, touch, color, and emotion. Vampires may retain the capacity for these experiences, but they lack the love necessary to truly feel them. However, those who pursue love can reclaim some semblance of the humanity they forfeited when they became creatures of the night. Olrox and Tera exemplify this, following in Dracula’s path to redemption by rediscovering love—whether through a new partner, like Mizrak, or through the bond of raising a child. Juste’s reflections underscore this theme when he explains how precious humanity is, allowing us to explore the wonders of the Earth before our time runs out. Mortals have the unique privilege of living, even in the face of death and impermanence. By contrast, vampires and other immortals endure constant pain and loss, unable to thrive in a world that is ever-changing and fleeting.
Alucard Warns the National Convention
Alucard (James Callis) initially blames Richter (Edward Bluemel) for their mission’s failure, but Annette (Thuso Mbedu) interjects with a logical observation: the trio’s plan to head to Paris was predictable, and the vampire messiah’s network of spies would have exposed their movements regardless. Acknowledging her reasoning, Alucard relents and proceeds to the National Convention to warn the revolutionary leaders of the impending vampire invasion. His presence—and the decapitated vampire head he presents—convinces Maximilien Robespierre (Adam Croasdell) to support Dracula’s son.
Robespierre’s involvement in Paris’s defense is deeply ironic, given his role in the Reign of Terror, during which between 17,000 and 300,000 people were killed. However, the events of Season 2 seem to precede his descent into madness. The Reign of Terror may be explored in the next season. For now, Robespierre prepares the National Guard, appointing Alucard as their temporary leader. The question of whether guns and cannons can effectively combat vampires adds an intriguing layer of tension to the story.
Olrox’s Humanity
In the Abbey’s dungeon, Olrox (Zahn McClarnon) examines the dark tome once used by Emmanuel to become a forgemaster. He encounters a dark spirit he identifies as Mephistopheles, a demon known by many names, including Old Man Coyote. The spirit neither confirms nor denies this identity before vanishing, and Olrox destroys the tome, ensuring no human will ever wield its power to create night creatures again. This encounter hints at the true antagonist of Castlevania: Nocturne. Some theories suggest Mephistopheles may be another form of Death, though this remains unconfirmed.
Determined to leave Paris, Olrox informs Mizrak of his decision. The warrior monk pleads with him to stay and fight, but Olrox has made up his mind, recognizing when he has been defeated or lost. His loss occurred centuries ago when Spanish conquistadors destroyed his home of Tenochtitlan, and one of them turned him into a vampire. Stripped of both his home and humanity, Olrox has wandered the Americas ever since. Despite this, his longing for love reminds him of his humanity, even amidst his immortal existence.
Maria loses her Mother
At Machecoul, Maria (Pixie Davies) struggles with an internal conflict as Juste (Iain Glen) urges her to remain in the light while Tera (Nastassja Kinski) tempts her to embrace darkness. Juste delivers a heartfelt plea, reminding Maria that, despite the horrors of the world, there is no point in living if one succumbs to darkness. While everything will eventually fade and be forgotten, what matters is the miracle of being human—seeing the world, breathing its air, smelling the forest at night, and feeling the sun’s warmth.
Juste’s words strike a chord with the Renards, prompting remorse for their descent into darkness. Maria even asks her mother to turn her into a vampire, but Tera, horrified at the thought, refuses. She doesn’t want her daughter to suffer the eternal torment of being a creature of darkness. Realizing her presence might lead Maria further down the wrong path, Tera flees, leaving Maria in Juste’s care. Juste, understanding the value of humanity and morality, becomes a suitable father figure for Maria. Heartbroken, Maria cries for her mother, not wanting to lose the parent who has been by her side since the beginning.
Rating: 9/10