After an almost three-year hiatus,Love, Death & Robotsis finally back with volume 4, and the Netflix show instantly returned to form by delivering numerous high-quality episodes. Like the previous three installments, season 4’s reception is unsurprisingly divisive, with the popularity of each episode being much more subjective than regular TV shows given the anthology format. While several outings in season 4 have a strong case of being amongLove, Death & Robots' best episodes, not all fans would agree, as viewers tend to have slightly different opinions on what makes the show so good.
Fortunately, there is something for everyone in volume 4, which features comedy, horror, action, and drama. Additionally, the series continued its unique animation styles and even featured a live-action short, makingLove, Death & Robotsseason 4’s delayworth the wait. Naturally, there were a few episodes that fell a little below the standard that I’ve come to expect with Netflix’s hit show, but I was still pleased with the overall quality and creativity involved in the latest season. That said, crowning the best episode was far from an easy task, but a few stood out among the rest.
10"Golgotha"
Season 4, Episode 6
WhileLove, Death & Robotsis often known for its stellar animation and unique visuals, “Golgotha” is one of the few episodes that leans into live-action, but the results weren’t particularly effective. The idea of a priest having the fate of the human race in his hands when he goes to meet an alien is somewhat humorous, but there isn’t a whole lot to sink your teeth into.
Admittedly, “Golgotha” does feature some funny interactions and highlights the show’s love for dark comedy, but the story isn’t nearly as gripping as volume 4’s best episodes. Rhys Darby does deliver a strong performance, but the live-action elements come at the expense ofLove, Death & Robots' biggest strength, making episode 6 season 4’s most disappointing outing.
9"Close Encounters of the Mini Kind"
Season 4, Episode 2
“Close Encounters of the Mini Kind” is the second time season 4 focuses on an alien invasion premise, and it’s the second time it misses the mark. The episode copies a similar style to season 3’s “Night of the Mini Dead”, butLove, Death & Robotsfailed to make magic strike a second time as episode 2 felt a little uninspired.
The humor doesn’t land nearly as well as season 4’s stronger comedy-oriented episodes, but it does at least make the most of its short runtime. Despite this, “Close Encounters of the Mini Kind” simply doesn’t feel as memorable as “Night of the Mini Dead”, and given it has one of the most unsatisfyingendings inLove, Death & Robotsseason 4, it’s not one I’ll be rushing to re-watch.
8"Can’t Stop"
Season 4, Episode 1
Having watched the first three seasons ofLove, Death & Robots, I knew to expect the unexpected, but seeing the Red Hot Chili Peppers perform as marionette puppets still shocked me. Although there isn’t some deep meaning behind season 4’s premiere, it was a creative start that reminds fans of just how bizarre this anthology series really is.
Had this episode come any later into volume 4, it may have felt less impactful, but as a season opener, it works. If you’re not a fan of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, this one may not be for you as it does feel more like a glorified music video than an episode of TV, but David Fincher’s experienced vision makes “Can’t Stop” a quirky yet entertaining outing that offers viewers a good time.
7"The Screaming of the Tyrannosaur"
Season 4, Episode 7
If you thoughtBeast Games' challengeswere the last time you’d see Mr. Beast pitting competitors against each other this year, think again. The YouTube star features as a morally bankrupt socialite who hosts a competition where advanced beings race to the death while riding on dinosaurs. It’s as crazy as it sounds, but there is a lot to admire.
The action is incredibly interesting, and while the ending is a little predictable, the overall message feels powerful. “The Screaming of the Tyrannosaur” is still far fromLove, Death & Robotsat its very best, but it’s hard not to enjoy the crisp animation and brutal fight sequences that make the episode so original.
6"The Other Large Thing"
Season 4, Episode 5
“The Other Large Thing” is an excellent dark comedy which is where season 4 really starts to find its form, proving whyLove, Death & Robotscontinued its positive Rotten Tomatoes streak, at least critically. The idea of a cat recruiting a household robot and starting a revolution may seem far-fetched, but it’s exactly the sort of reason I love the show so much.
Episode 5’s comedy works far better than some of the previous entries, with Chris Parnell delivering a great lead performance. Even though the story’s overall premise is dark on paper, “The Other Large Thing” is mostly light-hearted and contains plenty of hilarious moments, making it one of season 4’s stronger outings.
5"For He Can Creep"
Season 4, Episode 10
Ever wondered what happens when a group of cats battles Satan? Well, now you know. I’m not sure what volume 4’s fascination with cats and aliens was this season, but “For He Can Creep” really steps up and delivers the sort of story that fans ofLove, Death & Robotshave come to love. It’s unorthodox, charming, and the visuals are truly breathtaking, making it a strong close to the season.
It’s very much a classic story of good vs. evil, which couldn’t be much more obvious considering the episode’s antagonist is the devil himself. However, seeing a prideful cat like Jeoffry put his ego aside and unite his fellow felines was an incredibly fun concept, and “For He Can Creep” undoubtedly proves whyLove, Death & Robotsremains such a popular project for Netflix.
4"Smart Appliances, Stupid Owners"
Season 4, Episode 9
Love, Death & Robotsseason 4’s penultimate episode is by far its funniest, as “Smart Appliances, Stupid Owners” follows everyday household objects speaking to a camera about their experiences. While the episode starts mildly by focusing on a thermostat being changed between a disagreeing couple, the appliances and the scenarios they find themselves in get increasingly outlandish.
Every time you think the episode has hit its peak, it comes in with an even more tragic item that you can’t help but sympathize with, concluding with a hilarious pay-off. A few recognizable names, such as Kevin Hart and Brett Goldstein, can be heard voicing these humorous products, and compared to some of the more violent and emotional stories that volume 4 has to offer, “Smart Appliances, Stupid Owners” feels like a much-needed laugh.
3"400 Boys"
Season 4, Episode 4
The stunning animation in “400 Boys” is by far its biggest strength, but it also manages some excellent world-building despite its 15-minute run time. Exploring this interesting city where each street is run by a different gang was exciting, but seeing them come together to defeat a greater threat was even more compelling.
Sure, the decision to make the common enemy giant babies was a bit odd, but witnessing these divided gangs unite provided a good message, helping “400 Boys” stand out. WhileSecret LevelofferedLove, Death & Robotscompetition in late 2024, these visually stunning and unique stories are why the Netflix show remains more popular, and episode 4 is easily one of season 4’s best.
2"How Zeke Got Religion"
Season 4, Episode 8
There is very little to split the top two, and while “How Zeke Got Religion” just misses out, it is still a phenomenal episode. I’ve always enjoyed the show’s war-based episodes, and seeing a group of soldiers take on some sort of demonic entity created by the Nazis offers plenty of thrills. The visuals are once again great, but alongside a lot of tense action, episode 8 also feels like a slight horror.
The close-quarters nature of an airship makes the combat all the more stressful, and there are some truly horrifying deaths involved. It’s rare that we see the sci-fi show lean into religious elements, but it does so in a respectful and interesting way, while offering some strong character development in a short amount of time. If there’s anyLove, Death & Robotsshort turned moviethat I’d like to see, “How Zeke Got Religion” is right up there, highlighting just how much the series nailed this episode.
1"Spider Rose"
Season 4, Episode 3
Perhaps not everyone will agree, but I feel like “Spider Rose” is peakLove, Death & Robots. It hits all the keywords in the title, as there is a clear loving bond between Rose and her pet alongside her late husband. Death may not be as prominent in the episode, but it’s certainly there, and the futuristic settings alongside the advanced technology lean into the robot part of the name.
“Spider Rose” also contains some truly sweet moments, while also being a heartbreaking tale that features an outstanding performance from Emily O’Brien. Some fans may prefer the more stylistic animation thatLove, Death & Robotshas to offer, but the more realistic one is still gorgeous as episode 3 proved, and the dark yet beautiful tale is one of my all-time favorites.
