Netflix’s Dead Boy Detectives revolves around three main protagonists who eventually find themselves in a love triangle, although not all of them are aware of their equation.
‘Dead Boy Detectives Agency’ started out with two ghosts, both died as teenagers but widely apart in time.
Edwin Payne died in 1916, at the hands of his bullies, who sacrificed him for the giggles and prank, to a demon, who turned out to be real and dragged the poor fellow to Hell.
In 1989, he met another ghost, Charles Rowland, who was not aware that he had died and was a ghost at that time. He eventually learned of his state and by that time, the two had bonded really well.
Charles decided to stick to Edwin and stay in the same plane, instead of moving to the afterlife.
The two became the ‘dead boy detectives,’ investigating the unresolved paranormal mysteries, and helping other ghosts pass on to the afterlife, among other things.
Enter Crystal Palace
One day, they help a psychic girl named Crystal Palace, by exorcising her demon ex out of her. She quickly comes to join the agency.
Charles is keen on her joining them since she can lend her clairvoyant skills that can help them a great deal.
However, another major reason is that Charles is immediately smitten by her. He can’t help but hit on her frequently, and she’s reluctant yet attracted to his charms as well.
Meanwhile, Crystal’s dynamic with Edwin goes from foe to friend.
Edwin’s romantic awakening
Edwin loved Charles and Charles loved Edwin. They have been by each other’s side for decades and readily put themselves in danger for each other’s sake.
However, their love is not romantic in nature. They’re platonic buddies and almost fraternal.
Midway through the Dead Boy Detectives, though, Edwin has quite a sexual awakening and romantic tensions with several shady figures.
The Cat King, a prolific perverted freak, wants Edwin for himself.
Meanwhile, Esther the witch’s crow, Monty, who has been turned into a handsome boy, is smitten by Edwin as well.
He grows genuine feelings for the British spirit despite his orders of only deceitfully charming him.
He also confesses his feelings to him. Of the many talks he has with Monty or his friend Niko, Edwin begins to realize that what he has for Charles is beyond platonic love.
Charles & Crystal get it on
In the meantime, Charles continues to hit on Crystal, who points it out aloud everytime he flirts with her. However reluctant she shows herself to be, she is very much fond of Charles too.
Charles one time also suggests that a physical relationship between them is very much possible, contrary to what Crystal belives. This makes both kind of blush.
Later on, he comforts her many times when she’s wrecked by the chaos her demon ex David is causing her. Ultimately, the two kiss and make out.
However, Crystal decides that for the time being, this can’t continue as she is occupied by her own battles. Charles is a distraction for her right now, albeit a very “cute distraction.”
Edwin confesses
Edwin is dragged back to hell and his torture at the limbs of a demonic spider made of doll heads begins. Charles wastes no time going to his rescue.
Just before they’re about to leave the plane, Edwin confesses his love to Charles. He is taken aback but he’s not the least bit miffed or awkward.
Charles considers Edwin his best mate and tells him that despite not loving him in the same romantic manner, he does love him as his best friend and will only ever dare to enter hell for him.
Edwin doesn’t mope much that his romantic feelings are not reciprocated, because there’s so much more to his feelings towards Charles than just the romance of it all.
The two care for each other deeply and have all the time in the world to see how things go and how things are between them.
Meanwhile, Charles and Crystal’s relationship is on the back burner for the time being. And therefore, the love triangle lives on, as does the Dead Boy Detectives Agency.