Major spoilers for Cyberpunk: Edgerunners. The series ends on a tragedy, which is why it rewards a second watch. Once you know where David’s story goes, the early episodes read very differently. Here is what to look for.
The Ending Recap
The 10-episode series, directed by Hiroyuki Imaishi at Studio Trigger, premiered on Netflix on September 13, 2022. In the finale, David slips into cyberpsychosis and fights Arasaka’s security chief, Adam Smasher, to rescue Lucy. David dies, but his fight buys enough time for her escape, and the last scene shows Lucy on the Moon.
Signs of David’s Downfall
A reviewer says they saw David’s downfall coming, which made it painful to watch. On a rewatch, the warnings are easy to spot. David pursues dreams that belong to others, first his mother’s, then Maine’s and Lucy’s, instead of his own. Cyberware offers power, but the series keeps showing its cost, including Maine’s descent into madness, which Lucy later sees repeating in David.
Lucy’s Moon Dream
Lucy is a hacker who dreams of going to the Moon. Knowing that the ending grants that dream, every quiet scene of her looking upward carries more weight. The story is also about what she must lose before she gets there.
A Crew Worth Revisiting
Maine, Dorio, Kiwi, Rebecca, Pilar and Lucy form a believable, doomed crew. The pacing is brisk, and some critics argue the finale feels rushed and that two more episodes would have deepened the characters. A second viewing lets you spot details that the story only hints at.
Style and Sound
Trigger’s kinetic animation and Night City’s neon look hold up, and the music, including the ending theme “Let You Down” by Dawid Podsiadło, lingers. Reviewers also praise how faithfully the series captures the world of Cyberpunk 2077.
Before the Next Story
A standalone sequel, Edgerunners 2, was scheduled for October 20, 2026 with a new cast. If you want the details, read our guide to Cyberpunk: Edgerunners Season 2.
Sources: SF Encyclopedia, Wikipedia, Six Mile Post, Looper.