As “the brains” of the Dead Boy Detectives agency, teenage ghost Edwin Payne (George Rexstrew) is used to knowing all the answers. (Or, if he doesn’t in the moment, he knows an answer is easily attainable if he pores over his meticulous notes or a tome from his extensive library.)

When it comes to his feelings however, he’s been told since he was alive — back in 1916 — to keep quiet. But now that he’s realizing those feelings aren’t going anywhere, it’s hard to hold them back. Especially when he realizes he’s in love with his business partner and best friend of 30 years, Charles Rowland (Jayden Revri). In the “Anatomy of a Queer Scene” video above, Rexstrew and Revri break down the pivotal moments in Edwin’s queer journey in Season 1 of Dead Boy Detectives. 

Ed Araquel/Netflix

In the video, Revri and Rexstrew spotlight Episode 7, “The Case of the Very Long Stairway.” But there’s history leading up to that moment throughout Season 1. Specifically in Episode 6, “The Case of the Creeping Forest,” when Edwin changes his outfit for the first time — ghosts don’t really take the time to switch up their wardrobes in Dead Boy Detectives. He’s wearing a cozy green sweater and tells Charles that he has feelings for men. Charles puts both his hands on Edwin’s shoulders, facing him, as a sign of his unconditional love and support for Edwin’s sexuality. “For me, I always knew that Charles was the only one that can get through to Edwin through touch,” says Revri. “Edwin wouldn’t want anyone else to really touch him.”  

It’s an important moment for their friendship, signifying that Edwin is starting to open up about his feelings and his attire reflects this. “To change Edwin is a big deal because Edwin doesn’t like change,” costume designer Kelli Dunsmore tells Tudum. “He had no collar. He had no bow tie.” Up until Episode 6, Edwin is always buttoned-up and closed off, protected in his tailor-made suit. “Hiding everything,” says Dunsmore. 

It was Rexstrew’s pitch to have Edwin wear something different for that episode. “I just thought it could be an interesting way to get Charles’ attention,” says Rexstrew. “It’s like this really innocent and desperate little attempt.” In the scene, Revri chose to add in a line acknowledging the fashion statement. “It felt right for Charles to notice that Edwin dressed up nice,” he says. 

Ed Araquel/Netflix

But in Episode 7, Edwin specifically confesses his feelings for Charles, after his best mate descends to the depths of hell to save him. When the boys hug at the end of Episode 5, “The Case of the Two Dead Dragons,” the meaning of Charles’ touch changes for Edwin. “He starts to crave it,” says Rexstrew. “It’s been unlocked by the Cat King (Lukas Gage), and then Monty (Joshua Colley) is more of a teenage crush kind of connection. But it’s all leading up to this.” 

While Charles can’t fully reciprocate Edwin’s feelings now, he completely embraces and accepts him. He’s Edwin’s first true love, and he doesn’t push it away. “You kind of leave it open,” says Rexstrew. “Definitely,” adds Revri. Together, they rehearsed over and over again in Rexstrew’s room before filming. They spoke a lot about levels, as Charles is physically higher up on the stairs and Edwin is below, which adds to the vulnerable nature of the scene. “We really wanted to make sure that it was perfect, right?” remembers Revri. 

When filming came around, Revri was blown away by Rexstrew’s ability to bring out so much emotion after seemingly holding back in rehearsals. “Well, it was hard. It’s very difficult being in love with you. What can I say?” jokes Rexstrew. The scene also comes after Edwin finds his old bully Simon (Gabriel Drake), who was responsible for Edwin being sent to hell back in 1916. But he learns that Simon was also a closeted boy who was scared of his feelings. “Edwin realizes in that moment, ‘You can’t live your life with regret,’ ” says Rexstrew. “ ‘You can’t live your life not saying what you feel.’ ”  

Both actors hope that fans find comfort in Edwin and Charles’ relationship as chosen family. “Even if you’re born into a scenario where those around you don’t accept you for who you are, there are people out there for you,” says Rexstrew.

Stream Dead Boy Detectives now, only on Netflix.