Dead Boy Detectives: 15 Best Edwin and Charles Moments

Every show needs an iconic duo at the center of the plot. For Dead Boy Detectives, that duo is Edwin Payne and Charles Rowland.

These two ghosts have been friends for decades while working together as detectives, and they’ve grown inseparable during that time. Throughout the first season, their friendship changes and evolves as they meet new people like Crystal Palace and the Cat King. 

In fact, their dynamic is the reason many fans want a Season 2 of the show. Unfortunately, Netflix made the decision to cancel this show after only one season. But even so, there are plenty of incredible moments between Edwin and Charles. 

Here are 15 Adorable Edwin and Charles Moments from the show, in no particular order:

1. Edwin Promising to Keep Charles Safe

From the beginning of Dead Boy Detectives Season 1 Episode 1, “The Case of Crystal Palace,” Charles and Edwin’s care for each other shines through. After the two free a violent ghost from an ancient curse, they hide from Death, who comes to collect the spirit. 

As the two wait outside for Death to leave, Charles asks Edwin what would happen if Death found them and makes them go to their afterlives without each other one day. Edwin responds that he’ll make sure that never happens. 

Though both boys are scared of their future, it’s clear that they want to stay together, even if it means running from Death herself. Furthermore, Edwin’s promise indicates that he’s determined to do whatever it takes to keep Charles safe. 

2. Trapping Crystal

A moment that shows how well these two ghost boys work together is when they exorcise a demon on Dead Boy Detectives Season 1 Episode 1, “The Case of Crystal Palace.” There’s a cute montage of Edwin and Charles working together to plan their approach to trapping Crystal and exorcising the demon that’s possessing her. 

When it comes to the actual exorcism, Crystal turns out to be a lot more powerful than they anticipated, but they’re able to adapt to the situation and work together to perform the spell. 

This scene highlights how Charles and Edwin know each other so well that they can work together well under high-pressure situations. It also demonstrates that their interpersonal dynamic as friends is reflected in their professional work. 

3. “Your Left or My Left?” 

On Dead Boy Detectives Season 1 Episode 2, “The Case of the Dandelion Shrine,” Edwin needs Charles’ help to get some books from the office since Edwin is trapped in Port Townsend. This results in a hilarious montage of Charles attempting to find the book with Edwin’s instructions. 

At one point, Charles gets confused and asks Edwin to clarify what he means by left, and Edwin exclaims that they both have the same left. Fortunately, Charles is eventually able to find what Edwin is looking for. 

Even though Charles and Edwin are bickering at this moment, it’s clear that they both deeply care about each other and that their bond is strong despite the occasional frustration. 

4. Messing with Twitchy Richie

Edwin and Charles let their creative side shine on Dead Boy Detectives Season 1 Episode 5, “The Case of the Two Dead Dragons.” When Crystal attempts to interrogate Twitchiy Richie for information, Charles and Edwin help out by giving the boy a scare.

Charles drags Richie across the floor and covers his mouth so he can’t speak. Edwin throws paper around in the air and moves a pair of scissors in a threatening manner. Since Richie can’t see either of the ghosts, he becomes terrified. 

Edwin and Charles orchestrate the entire scene with a mischievous flair, showcasing their resourcefulness and teamwork. This moment also demonstrates how they know how to play off each other’s strengths to achieve their goal.

After all, Charles is the brawn, and Edwin is the brains. 

5. Charles and Edwin Hugging

On Dead Boy Detectives Season 1 Episode 5, “The Case of the Two Dead Dragons,” Charles experiences a difficult time, and Edwin attempts to comfort him.

Throughout the prior episodes, Charles realizes how much he resents his father because of the abuse. At the end of Episode 5, he finally breaks down and admits that he’s having trouble seeing the good in people. Edwin tells him that Charles is nothing like his father because he has a good heart. 

The two hug, and during the hug, Edwin seems to realize that his feelings for Charles run deeper than platonic. This interaction brings a new layer of complexity to their relationship as Edwin grapples with his emotions while still wanting to be the support Charles needs. 

6. Charles Trying to Teach Edwin Boxing

Dead Boy Detectives can be heavy at times, but Charles and Edwin have their playful moments. An example of this is on Dead Boy Detectives Season 1 Episode 1, “The Case of Crystal Palace,” when Charles attempts to teach Edwin how to box. 

Edwin, who uses his wit more often than his fists, is reluctant to throw a punch. Despite Edwin’s awkward attempts, Charles remains patient, guiding him with gentle encouragement and even praising him when he throws a weak punch. 

Their camaraderie in this scene showcases their genuine affection for each other. This interaction also reminds us that even in the midst of their investigations, they can still find joy and connection with each other. 

7. Charles Worrying About Edwin (Cat King)

On Dead Boy Detectives Season 1 Episode 4, “The Case of the Lighthouse Leapers,” Charles confronts Edwin about the change in his behavior. 

When Edwin presses his fists together, Charles notices this subtle gesture. He asks about it, pointing out that he’s been acting more on edge since they meet the Cat King. 

This confrontation is charged with unspoken emotions, as Charles’ compassionate nature pushes him to dig deeper while Edwin struggles with his own internal conflicts. The exchange underscores how much they rely on each other and how they’re used to knowing everything about each other. 

8. Charles Fighting the Night Nurse 

Edwin lets his protective side shine on Dead Boy Detectives Season 1 Episode 4, “The Case of the Lighthouse Leapers.” When the Night Nurse finds Edwin and Charles and tries to take Edwin to hell, Charles immediately steps in front of Edwin. 

Then, even after the Night Nurse tortures Charles with painful memories, Charles attacks her with a cricket bat, driving her off a cliff and into the mouth of the monster under the sea.

While everyone seems concerned by Charles’ extreme behavior, this moment highlights how loyal Charles is to Edwin. He’s willing to go far to ensure that Edwin won’t return to Hell, even if that means that he has to suffer. 

9. Edwin Coming Out to Charles

One of the most heartfelt moments of the season is on Dead Boy Detectives Season 1 Episode 6, “The Case of the Creeping Forest.” After days of inner turmoil, Edwin finally comes out to Charles, who immediately accepts him. 

Charles expresses his support through words of reassurance. The moment is emotional as Edwin’s fears disappear in the face of Charles’ acceptance. 

This exchange marks a turning point in their relationship, with Edwin finally being seen and valued for who he truly is. The vulnerability between these two boys underscores the depth of their connection, making it one of the best moments of the season. 

10. Edwin Keeping Charles Company

On Dead Boy Detectives Season 1 Episode 7, ” The Case of the Very Long Stairway, ” we see the beginnings of Charles and Edwin’s relationship through flashbacks. Edwin finds Charles alone in the attic after the latter runs away from his bullies. 

Edwin provides a literal and metaphorical light for Charles. His presence not only makes Charles feel less lonely, but it also provides much-needed comfort to the hurting boy.

This scene marks the start of their deep connection as Edwin offers the first real sense of kindness and safety that Charles hasn’t experienced before. Through this simple yet profound act,  Edwin sets the foundation for the strong bond the two continue to develop through the series. 

11. Charles Choosing to Stay with Edwin

The last flashback on Dead Boy Detectives Season 1 Episode 7, “The Case of the Very Long Stairway,” shows Charles finally dying from hypothermia. He’s given the option to go to his afterlife.

However, he chooses to stay with Edwin instead. Despite knowing that his afterlife might be really nice, he can’t bear the thought of leaving Edwin behind. 

This choice solidifies their connection as it shows that their friendship transcends life and death. Charles’s choice to stay with Edwin demonstrates that he’s willing to sacrifice potential eternal happiness because he would rather share a life with Edwin. 

12. Charles Going to Hell 

After proving his loyalty to Edwin through the flashbacks, the Night Nurse allows Charles to go to Hell to save Edwin on Dead Boy Detectives Season 1 Episode 7, “The Case of the Very Long Stairway.” 

Charles is fully aware of the risks involved, but he’s so determined to save Edwin that he’s willing to put his own soul on the line, trusting Edwin’s notes to guide him through Hell. His desire to save Edwin highlights how much the two are dedicated to each other. 

This act of bravery also cements Charles’ role as not just a friend but a protector willing to face the ultimate challenge to rescue the person who means the most to him. 

13. Edwin Confessing His Love to Charles

Charles and Edwin successfully escape Hell on Dead Boy Detectives Season 1 Episode 7, “The Case of the Very Long Stairway.” However, there’s a moment during their escape when Edwin stops running and makes a meaningful confession. 

He tells Charles that he’s in love with him. In response, Charles says that he doesn’t necessarily feel the same, but he wouldn’t go to Hell for anybody else. 

This admission opens the door to the possibility of their relationship evolving over time. While Charles may not fully understand his feelings yet, his willingness to go to such lengths for Edwin suggests that their bond is special.

Furthermore, Edwin sharing his emotions with Charles shows that he trusts his best friend deeply. 

14. Charles and Edwin Talk About the Confession

At the end of  Dead Boy Detectives Season 1 Episode 7, “The Case of the Very Long Stairway,” Charles and Edwin finally talk about Edwin’s confession.

While Edwin worries that he made things awkward between him and his friend, Charles reassures him that it doesn’t. He tells Edwin that, ultimately, their friendship is what’s most important. 

It’s a touching reflection on the confession that highlights the strength of their bond. It reinforces that Charles and Edwin will always love and trust each other, even as their feelings for each other continue to evolve and change with time. 

15. Edwin and Charles Allowed to Stay 

Edwin, Charles, Niko, and Crystal successfully defeat Lilith on Dead Boy Detectives Season 1 Episode 8, “The Case of the Hungry Snake.” The fight isn’t over for Edwin and Charles, however, as the Night Nurse finds them and threatens to take them to their afterlives.

Luckily, they’re allowed to stay on Earth. The two embrace after hearing the decision. They’re finally allowed to feel relieved after their hard-fought victory. 

This serves as a testament to the end of their journey throughout Season 1 and renews Charles and Edwin’s commitment to face whatever comes next together. 

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Did your favorite Edwin and Charles moments make our list? Let us know in the comments!

Dead Boy Detectives is currently streaming on Netflix.

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