CD Projekt Red Finally Did Something Right: A “Cyberpunk: Edgerunners” Review
By Josh Foreman
SPOILER WARNING
Shot from “Cyberpunk: Edgerunners” Episode 2, 10:06
It’s rare that a show based on another piece of media is leagues better than its counterpart; luckily for us, CD Projekt RED set the bar low with “Cyberpunk: 2077,” putting “Cyberpunk: Edgerunners” on a pedestal from the get-go. Edgerunners is based within the confines of the Cyberpunk universe, but in no way is it confined. This show has taken a whole new meaning to the idea of cyberpunk, mixing the brutality of “Devilman Crybaby,” the virtual reality aspects of “Sword Art: Online” and the tragic nature of “Tokyo Ghoul” for an action-packed masterpiece that will tug at your heartstrings and fill the rest of its air-time with manic laughter and explosions. Death isn’t just a plot device in this show, it’s a constant.
“A little piece of advice, Martinez: learn to take a hint. You’re not welcome here.” - Katsuo Tanaka
Episode one throws the viewers directly into the high-octane violence that they will come to expect from the show, showing off the beautiful cityscape that the viewer will get to explore for the next 10 episodes as the police force is put into brutal combat with a cyberpsycho. After an in-depth introduction to the main character, David Martinez, his mom is briefly murdered, plunging David into a deep state of depression. The next few episodes depict his journey meeting his love interest, Lucy, the people that his mom was heavily indebted to and their new edgerunner team. Though these events seem to be a lot packed into just two or three episodes, the pacing is well thought-out, leaving neither dull moments nor room for confusion.
“I feel better in metal than in my own skin.” - David Martinez
The final episodes are a downward spiral of David’s health and his attempt to keep his relationship intact, forming a very surreal, nihilistic and cynical view of the previously normal and wondrous world, reaching a climax of David’s climbing insanity and rage. At this point, David’s last resort to save Lucy is the epitome of a “last hurrah,” throwing all caution to the wind in order to save the last person he has left. Giving up all hope of his own ruined, tattered life continuing, David puts his last bit of strength into beating the villain and save the girl, dying in the process and leaving Lucy to accomplish her dream without him. This finale does a fantastic job of wrapping up the gruesome fight scene, loss of characters and dramatic love story that managed to engross viewers amidst the chaos, playing dramatic, awe-inspiring music as Lucy finally reaches her life goal, even if she doesn’t have the love of her life to experience it with her.
“Cyberpunk: Edgerunners delivers a satisfying return to Night City that does a better job exploring why Mike Pondsmith’s famous location became so iconic in the first place.” - Matt Kim, IGN
Overall, this show is one of the best I’ve seen by far, matching the feeling that I got from the tragic ending of “Tokyo Ghoul” within a far more interesting atmosphere and a breathtaking soundtrack. The constant rollercoaster of emotions caused by the impossible achievements and unrelenting deaths of the main cast keeps viewers on their toes, waiting for the tragedy after every major accomplishment and the next high to follow. Having wrapped up this show in a cinematic display of unadulterated emotions - leaving no question of a second season - Studio Trigger and CD Projekt Red have put “Cyberpunk: Edgerunners” among their most famous creations to date.