Content warning: The following article contains discussions on grooming and predatory relationships. Please note that spoilers for Castlevania: Nocturne season 1, Castlevania: Symphony of Night, and Nocturne of Recollection are included.
Summary
Castlevania: Nocturne season 2 must avoid the creepy and predatory relationship between Alucard and Maria from the games.
Including this relationship in the show would most likely receive backlash because of the inappropriate age difference and Maria's vulnerable character.
Their romantic involvement would damage the overarching plot of Castlevania: Nocturne season 2 and undermine the advancements made in the first season.
Castlevania: Nocturne season 2 should capitalize on the opportunity to incorporate more game elements into the series. Netflix's animated fantasy show follows the adventures of vampire hunter Richter Belmont, his sister Maria, and their friend Annette as they strive to defeat a secretive vampire faction during the French Revolution. Netflix confirmed the release of Castlevania: Nocturne season 2 shortly after its debut.
The announcement has generated significant anticipation, with fans eagerly hoping that Castlevania: Nocturne season 2 will incorporate various game elements. The inclusion of Richter's hydro storm power and the characters Iris and Shaft could greatly enhance the show. Additionally, Alucard's return in the season 1 finale presents numerous possibilities for the storyline. However, it is crucial for the show to steer clear of the unsettling relationship depicted in Symphony of Night.
Castlevania: Nocturne Season 2 Needs To Ignore Maria & Alucard's Romance
In Symphony of Night, Maria expresses her emotions to Alucard. Although Alucard doesn't reject her, he also doesn't clarify his own feelings. Consequently, this situation could be perceived as an unrequited affection. However, this dynamic changes in the radio drama sequel Nocturne of Recollection. Within this narrative, Alucard and Maria cohabitate, and Alucard develops romantic feelings for Maria. This pairing is regarded as one of the most prominent relationships in the Castlevania video games. Nevertheless, in Castlevania: Nocturne season 2, the romantic aspect must be overlooked for a significant reason.
Maria & Alucard's Romantic Relationship Would Be Terrible For Castlevania: Nocturne Season 2
Alucard and Maria's romantic relationship is deeply disturbing and inappropriate. The disparity in their ages is glaringly evident, with Alucard having lived through multiple generations of Belmonts in the Castlevania games. Moreover, Maria, who is only 13 years old in Symphony of Night, is clearly underage, making Alucard's feelings for her not just morally wrong, but also bordering on pedophilia within the context of the game series.
Considering the growing concern over inappropriate age differences in media portrayals, the inclusion of this particular relationship in Castlevania: Nocturne season 2 would undoubtedly invite significant criticism. In contrast to the game adaptations, where the age gap remains unspecified, both Castlevania and Castlevania: Nocturne expressly provide ages for their characters. Taking place 316 years after the original animated series, Alucard is now 336 years old. Consequently, this establishes Maria as an adolescent of merely 16 years.
In addition, Maria recently experienced the traumatic loss of her mother during the end of Castlevania: Nocturne season 1, leaving her susceptible to exploitative connections. Even if season 2 incorporates a time leap, any preexisting relationship between Alucard and Maria would be perceived as manipulative behavior. Consequently, their association could negatively impact the overall quality of Castlevania: Nocturne season 2.