Devil May Cry Netflix: Season 1 Episodes Ranked

For decades, Devil May Cry has stood as a cornerstone in the annals of legendary video game history. Regardless of your gaming background, it’s likely you’ve encountered

Nevertheless, the unveiling of the Netflix version of “Devil May Cry” has ignited a significant discussion among internet users about the series. It is frequently contrasted with the 2007 anime produced by Studio Madhouse. Produced by Adi Shankar, who was also responsible for the creation of the “Castlevania” Netflix adaptation, Netflix’s Devil May Cry only roughly aligns with the events depicted in Devil May Cry 3.

For both die-hard Devil May Cry enthusiasts and those who appreciate action-filled animated series, there’s no denying that you’ve had lots to ponder about after watching the eight episodes from the show’s first season. With a second season on its way, let’s take a look at each episode of the initial season and determine which one stands out as the best.

Warning: This list contains major story spoilers for Netflix’s Devil May Cry.

8. Episode 7

At The Gates Of Paradise

We can begin by examining episode seven, which marks the peak of the series. The White Rabbit’s long-conceived scheme is successfully executed as he manages to secure Vergil’s blood, both halves of the medallion, and Force Edge. This fusion threatens to unite the human and demon realms, leaving humanity in a precarious position.

As a dedicated fan, I was thrilled to catch a glimpse of a familiar face – none other than Vergil, Dante’s twin brother and eternal adversary, known as Nelo Angelo in this game. However, it seems there’s been a slight deviation from the established continuity here, as Vergil isn’t supposed to transform into Nelo Angelo at this stage of the storyline. Additionally, in the original Devil May Cry 1 portrayal, Nelo Angelo was not depicted as being capable of speaking or exhibiting such a high degree of autonomy.

Currently, the relationship between Lady and Dante on the show exhibits a blend of growing tension and deep respect. It seems as though there could be further developments between them down the line.

It’s amazing how Lady stands her ground against hordes of formidable demons, even pulling out her iconic weapon, the Kalina Ann rocket launcher. However, a growing concern arises as Lady’s frequent profanity is becoming increasingly irritating to some individuals.

White Rabbit’s strategy proves to be futile upon closer inspection, as it’s riddled with flaws, offering no real aid to those he claims to champion. In fact, even Lady voices her criticism.

Moving on, Anders emerges as an illogical and superfluous figure, especially considering that his choice to sacrifice humanity to protect his daughters is questionable, given that the demons were already intent on exterminating everyone.

7. Episode 8

A River Of Blood And Fire

In summary, the last episode titled “A River of Blood and Fire” is not poor, but it doesn’t measure up quite as favorably when placed alongside other episodes within the series.

Now that the struggle against the White Rabbit has momentarily ceased, DARKCOM steps in to tidy up following Dante and Lady, a pair whose blossoming friendship seems to persist, surprisingly enough, amidst their contrasting goals.

Although the games don’t suggest a romantic relationship between Dante and Lady (with their bond being more like siblings in DMC3-5), many fans imagine a deeper connection. Her act of betrayal at the end of the story adds complexity to her ongoing internal conflict, where she grapples with her ethical principles against her loyalty to DARKCOM.

In this scenario, Dante and Lady collaborate in a fierce battle against White Rabbit, always watching each other’s back during challenging moments. This encounter strongly resembles a climactic boss fight straight from a DMC game. It’s truly delightful to witness the skillful animators pushing the boundaries with smooth movements and dramatic camera perspectives. The sight of Dante and Lady giving their all, using every ounce of their weaponry, is nothing short of spectacular.

In most Devil May Cry games, including DMC3’s Arkham and DMC4’s Sanctus, the final boss transformations tend to be somewhat underwhelming in terms of design and impact. This is often a common issue with final boss fights in such games. In this case, the White Rabbit’s demonic transformation seems to follow that trend.

Although Enzo’s selfless sacrifice was heart-wrenching, I found myself not quite feeling the full weight of the emotion it was intended to evoke. Regrettably, Dante has now lost his sole companion, despite their friendship having its share of complexities.

If you haven’t picked up on it yet, White Rabbit articulates the main idea related to the War on Terror using these words: “This glimmer of prosperity, stemming from the enigma of an unknown realm.” Combining this with Green Day’s “American Idiot,” some may find it too obvious or absurd, considering the show’s supposed non-political stance. However, I found it insightful and aligned with the political undercurrents of the series.

The last episode seems to reference Arius and Uroboros from DMC2, suggesting a continuation of those storylines. It also appears to explore the aftermath of America’s invasion of Hell, with Vergil appearing as Nelo Angelo, and the song “Bury the Light” playing in the background being a remixed version. For me, these nods to the sequel are what make the episode stand out the most.

6. Episode 4

All Hope Abandon

In this fourth installment, the focus shifts more towards the character of Lady, although it subtly hints at Dante activating his Devil Trigger. If you’re familiar with anime conventions and stereotypes, then you might foresee the demise of Lady’s team from quite a distance.

Apart from Lady, DARKCOM appears to serve as a largely inept group, primarily used to accentuate the menace of the demons. This tactic might work well for intensifying the villains, but it seems somewhat unrefined to invest so much effort into creating detailed designs and characters for these individuals only to eliminate them.

The atmosphere is reminiscent of Levi’s team in “Attack on Titan”. If the series had delved deeper into their personalities instead of portraying them as stereotypes, their deaths might have been even more emotionally resonant. However, we do witness Echidna and Cavaliere Angelo demonstrating their formidable skills as they chase Lady through the apartment complex, making them all the more menacing.

In addition to her encounters with Makaian civilians, the series unexpectedly presents that not all demons are inherently evil. Furthermore, it delves into the intricacies of Hell by portraying a lesser demon’s perspective. This has ignited a passionate discussion among fans, and while I don’t outright dislike this twist, it seems to raise some inconsistencies in the Devil May Cry storyline.

5. Episode 1

Inferno

In the initial installment of any series, particularly when it’s based on a cherished video game saga, it’s crucial that the creators establish the mood, plotline, and underlying ideas effectively.

Initially, I approached the premiere of the show with a mix of hopefulness and apprehension upon seeing the trailers. However, the opening episode hooked me with its impressive fight sequences and subtle nods hidden within it.

The narrative in “Inferno” deviates significantly from the usual tone and plot points of the Devil May Cry franchise, focusing heavily on the storyline of DARKCOM and the government’s pursuit of the White Rabbit’s terrorist schemes. Unfortunately, this rendition seems to overlook the central character, Dante, who is traditionally the protagonist in any Devil May Cry tale.

The show Devil May Cry removes the enigmatic veil surrounding Hell by providing an explanation for its eerie and Lovecraftian nature, thanks to Dr. Fisher and DARKCOM. In simpler terms, instead of maintaining the mystique about Hell as portrayed in the games, Devil May Cry strips it bare.

In the initial installment of Devil May Cry, there’s a noticeable issue where the narrative frequently switches focus away from the primary character as initially suggested, favoring elements outside the story that seem discordant with the established atmosphere of the original series.

4. Episode 5

Descent

In this installment, the action becomes more heated as we’re given a fantastic nod to Iron Man 3. Moreover, for long-awaiting fans, we finally witness Dante unleashing his Devil Trigger. Although I’m not particularly fond of its design, it’s slightly improved compared to the DMC3 version. However, without a doubt, the DMC5 version surpasses them all.

Simultaneously, Echidna and Cavaliere Angelo persist in their pursuit of Lady, while DARKCOM troops encircle the apartment buildings. As the situation unfolds, it becomes increasingly complex when innocent civilians are drawn into the conflict. A heavy sense of impending doom pervades the episode.

Uncovering further details about the White Rabbit’s cruel experiments on his own kind, we discover he is not only a hypocrite but also an egomaniac, driven by a thirst for revenge against DARKCOM. Meanwhile, it is here that Lady comes to realize her mistake and adjusts her stance towards demons, aiming to aid civilians in whatever way possible.

Despite some challenges in dealing with Lady’s character, I admire her cleverness in outwitting Plasma and vanquishing Echidna. This demonstrates her strategic prowess and resilience in facing off against demons who are far stronger than she is.

In this scene, Vice President Baines’s cruelty and extreme religious devotion are strikingly evident as he orders the slaughter of innocent Makaian civilians. Although it’s an uncomfortable and grim portrayal, I must admit that the series is commendable for not sugarcoating the horrors a government might perpetrate. This particular episode powerfully conveys its theme about the vicious cycle of violence and hatred.

3. Episode 6

The First Circle

Following the tragic event where many Makaian civilians are brutally killed, there is a significant change in mood in episode six. Entitled “The First Circle,” this episode is marked by a quiet narrative that delves into the past of Lady and White Rabbit.

This episode is filled with intriguing elements for examination, such as the distinctive art design and color palette contrasting between the human and demon realms, as well as the fateful encounter between Lady and the White Rabbit that culminates in a tragic event steeped in blood.

In contrast to the initial portrayal, Lady’s background story is expanded upon significantly, revealing that her father, Arkham, was consumed by an unhealthy fascination with demonic power to the point where he ended up taking the life of her mother.

In the new art style, reminiscent of Hilda, we can better empathize with the Makaians’ struggles and grasp the White Rabbit’s intentions. Remarkably, the episode using “Afterlife” by Evanescence’s Amy Lee brought me back to my teenage years when I was deeply engrossed in emotional anime music videos (AMVs).

As a gamer, I recently got a glimpse into the upcoming season while grooving to the “Afterlife” music video on Netflix. The video dropped hints about season 2, featuring our character Dante experimenting with Ebony and Ivory, and giving us a sneak peek at his fresh new duds!

Making an entire episode dialogue-free might seem daring, yet it proves to be a potent means of conveying a poignant and heartbreaking narrative. However, the emotional resonance of this approach is somewhat undermined when one considers the heinous acts the White Rabbit has perpetrated in pursuit of vengeance.

2. Episode 3

The Deep And Savage Way

In Episode 3, we delve deeper into Lady’s past, and there’s more intricate fight sequences. Following their capture of Dante in the last episode, the convoy they were traveling in is unexpectedly attacked by White Rabbit and his lieutenants on their journey back to headquarters.

Initially in the first half of the episode, there’s an undercurrent of escalating tension that you can almost taste, due to the subtle hints and clever direction. The climax is satisfying, featuring a powerful fight scene where Lady demonstrates her ability to stand toe-to-toe with a formidable band of high-ranking demons.

This episode brings the DMC bosses into sharp relief, enhancing the fun and excitement levels significantly. It’s particularly thrilling to witness interactions among demons that are usually hidden in the games, with them engaging in lively conversation.

Moreover, it becomes clear that White Rabbit and his followers aren’t a uniform entity, as they display varying methods and mindsets regarding their objective.

Exploring White Rabbit further in this episode reveals more about his character traits and intentions. He emerges as a relentless and threatening antagonist, despite lacking traditional physical menace, there’s an unsettling intensity beneath his composed demeanor.

1. Episode 2

Our Lady Of Sorrows

It’s not surprising that the second episode, which delivers on the excitement built up from the premiere, is one of the best. This episode rewards our anticipation with impressive action sequences that highlight the fighting skills of both main characters.

Episode 2 showcases Dante’s stylish fighting style, much like the opening battle in DMC3. Despite the government and DARKCOM putting pressure on Dante with their well-trained mercenaries, it seemed as though he barely broke a sweat. In truth, the real challenge was restraining himself from eliminating them altogether.

In this episode, not only was the fight sequence simply outstanding, it arguably sets the standard for the entire series. Moreover, Lady’s character was remarkably tough, standing toe-to-toe with Dante and even outwitting him using her ingenious devices.

2025-04-19 18:40