Ep 1. Witchbottle

In Castlevania season 1 episode 1 titled Witchbottle, we are transported to the dark, Gothic world of Dracula, where the people of Wallachia live in fear of the night. The episode opens with a group of villagers on a mission to rid their town of a witch, who they believe is responsible for the recent deaths of several children.

As they set out to find her, we are introduced to Trevor Belmont, a skilled and reluctant monster hunter who has been wandering the land, fighting demons and creatures of the night. He arrives in the town just as the villagers are about to execute the witch, and intervenes in her defense.

Despite his efforts, the witch is killed, and Trevor is forced to fight off a horde of demons that descend upon the town as a result. We soon learn that the demons are controlled by Dracula himself, who has declared war on humanity in response to the death of his beloved wife at the hands of the Church.

As Trevor battles the demons, we see glimpses of his troubled past and his complicated relationship with his family, who were once revered as the protectors of Wallachia. We also meet other key players in the story, including Bishop Fauquemont, a corrupt and power-hungry member of the Church, and Sypha Belnades, a mysterious speaker who seems to possess magical abilities.

Through it all, the episode is marked by its dark, foreboding atmosphere and stunning animation. The world of Castlevania feels rich and fully-realized, with each character and location introduced with meticulous attention to detail.

As the episode ends, we are left with a sense of unease and anticipation, as we wonder what horrors will come next in this gripping tale of monsters and men.