Welcome To Purgatory (television series)

Welcome to Purgatory is an American adult animated dark comedy musical series created by Addison J. Castle. The show takes viewers on a wickedly entertaining journey through the afterlife, following the adventures of an innocent and amateur Grim Reaper named Ravenna. As she works in the bustling Soul Embassy, Ravenna must navigate the complex bureaucracy of purgatory, ensuring souls are escorted to their rightful afterlives.
The series explores themes of life, death, redemption, and the bureaucracy of the afterlife. It balances dark humor with meaningful reflections on the consequences of one's actions.
== Sypnosis ==
=== Setting ===
Purgatory is home to purgatorians, the universe's version of angels, who play various roles in maintaining the afterlife order. The front gate to the death's realm where souls are processed and sorted into their rightful afterlives.
=== Plot ===
The story follows the misadventures of Ravenna, an inexperienced Grim Reaper, as she navigates the complex and bureaucratic world of the afterlife. Ravenna works in the Soul Embassy, tasked with escorting souls of sapient beings to purgatory. In this universe, Grim Reapers have the ability to take on forms that won't terrify the souls they guide, making the process more comforting. Each episode could revolve around Ravenna's encounters with different souls, the challenges of her job, and the dynamics within the Soul Embassy. The overarching narrative could involve Ravenna's growth as a Grim Reaper and her interactions with other purgatorians.
== Cast ==
=== Main ===
* Ravenna (voiced by Zooey Deschanel) - An amateur Grim Reaper who strives to prove herself despite her inexperience. Despite being an amateur in the world of Purgatory, Ravenna approaches her duties with unwavering optimism. Throughout the series, she faces dilemmas that test her moral values that forces her to make difficult decisions about the fate of the souls she guides. Ravenna's attempts to do good may sometimes result in unintended consequences, adding a layer of irony and humor to the series.
* Azrik (voiced by Jeremy Jordan) - A borderline temperamental Reaper with a complex personality. He may appear gruff and irritable at times, but beneath his tough exterior lies a character with depth and vulnerabilities. As they work together on various soul-guiding missions, Azrik learns to appreciate Ravenna's optimism and their slow development of romantic feelings.
* Noxy (voiced by Kate McKinnon) - A sociopathic and apathetic Reaper who seems to take pleasure in ridiculing others, particularly Ravenna. While she ridicules Ravenna the most among their co-workers, there may be moments of unexpected camaraderie or even support hidden beneath the surface. As the series progresses, Noxy is confirmed to be bisexual.
=== Recurring ===
* Death (voiced by Ramin Karimloo) - The very tall and ancient head of the Soul Embassy, having been around Purgatory for centuries demeanor is characterized by bluntness, rudeness, and ungratefulness, making him an extremely annoying presence. However, Death claims that his perceived negativity is a result of people's attitudes toward him, asserting that he's tired of being labeled the bad guy for merely doing a job that has to be done.
* Virella (voiced by Audra McDonald) - A highly bureaucratic and pragmatic Grim Reaper. She values efficiency above all else and sees the world in terms of order and protocol. Virella tends to view others, especially newcomers like Ravenna, as expendable assets rather than individuals with unique qualities.
* Morwen (voiced by Gina Torres) - A self-centered and ruthless Grim Reaper in her pursuit of personal goals. As the Chief of Soul Processing, she values power and control, often manipulating situations to her advantage. Morwen's approach to her job is cold and calculated, making her both feared and respected by her peers.
* Netheria (voiced by Aisha Tyler) - A cunning and rebellious Reaper who deliberately disregards the rules. She operates on her terms, often bending or breaking the established protocols. Despite her disregard for authority, Netheria is known for achieving results, though her methods may be unorthodox.
* Lysander (voiced by Aaron Tveit) - A Grim Reaper believes in doing bad things if it leads to a greater, admirable goal. As a Guardian Reaper, he takes on morally questionable tasks to achieve what he perceives as a higher purpose. Lysander's internal conflict and the justification for his actions add complexity to his character.
* Luluu (voiced by Amber Riley) - A totalitarian Reaper who firmly believes that total control over people will make everything better. In her role as an Enforcer Reaper, she enacts strict regulations and enforces order with an iron fist. Luluu's unwavering conviction in her approach creates tension within the Soul Embassy.
* Psychopomp (voiced by Krysta Rodriguez) - A spirited, punk-style Grim Reaper with a dominant and energetic demeanor. She shares a long and somewhat tumultuous history with Death himself. As one of the few Grim Reapers who challenges Death's authority and questions the traditional methods of soul collecting, Psyhcopomp gained recognition for her unorthodox approach. While Death maintains the overall order of Purgatory, Psyhcopomp serves as a wildcard and challenges the system from within. Despite their stark differences, Psyhcopomp sees potential in Ravenna and takes her under her wing.
===== The Judges =====
* Zelus (voiced by Javier Muñoz) - The embodiment of Pestilence, a Judge of Purgatory with an air of ancient mystery. Zelus is meticulous and deliberate, reviewing souls with a discerning eye. Despite his somber duty, there is a profound sadness in his gaze, acknowledging the weight of his role in the cosmic balance.
* Limos (voiced by Sara Bareilles) - A striking and enigmatic Judge of Purgatory, who embodies Famine. With a commanding presence, she carries an air of austerity. Limos is depicted with symbols of scarcity and hunger, embodying the essence of famine and want. Her judgments are characterized by a cold rationality, reflecting the relentless nature of famine itself. Yet, beneath her stern exterior, there's a glimpse of empathy, acknowledging the human struggle against deprivation.
* Gunnar (voiced by Josh Groban) - The formidable Judge representing War in Purgatory. Clad in armor and emanating an aura of controlled chaos, he symbolizes the destructive force of war. Gunnar carries the weight of battle scars, reflecting the toll of conflict. Despite his martial nature, there's a tragic elegance in his movements, hinting at the complexity of his role as the arbiter of souls marked by the ravages of war. Gunnar's judgments are swift and decisive, mirroring the nature of the conflicts he represents.
===== Inhabitants of Purgatory =====
* Shiki (voiced by Lena Hall) - A charismatic and efficient receptionist at the Soul Embassy, responsible for handling the initial processing of souls entering Purgatory.
* Elza Periculum (voiced by Laura Benanti) - A mysterious and enigmatic figure who appears at key moments in Purgatory. With a penchant for unpredictability, Elza's role is intertwined with the unfolding events, leaving others to question her motives.
* Noire Blankley (voiced by Kristen Bell) - A mischievous and cunning spirit who wanders Purgatory, often causing playful trouble for both the living and the deceased. 
* Culo (voiced by Danny Pudi) - A laid-back and personable bartender at a popular establishment in Purgatory.
* Imperia Chainsaw (voiced by Sara Ramirez) - A confident and charismatic soul with a tumultuous history with Noxy.
* Devdan Creighton (voiced by John Cameron Mitchell) - A quirky and eccentric inventor in Purgatory, constantly experimenting with otherworldly contraptions that serve various purposes.
===== Souls =====
* Samantha (voiced by Olivia Rodrigo) - A teenage girl who tragically lost her life in a car accident, while returning from a concert.
* Amber (voiced by ) - A prostitute and drug addict, eventually succumbing to the dangers of her lifestyle.
* Mrs. Everett (voiced by Laura Linney) - A promiscuous woman who was murdered by her husband after he discovered her affair with a governor.
* Kelly Pheonix (voiced by ) - A former pop star who faced a downward spiral in her career and personal life, leading to her untimely demise.
* Travis (voiced by ) - A blue-collar worker who died in a factory accident while trying to provide for his family.
* William (voiced by ) - A notorious serial killer, met his demise when his dark deeds caught up with him.
===== Other characters =====
== Episodes ==
=== Season 1 ===
No.	Title 	Description 	Original release date
1 	"Soulful Beginnings" 	Ravenna steps into the chaotic realm of the Soul Embassy for her first day. She meets her eccentric co-workers, Azrik and Noxy, who introduce her to the quirky bureaucracy of Purgatory.Musical Numbers: "Twist and Shout" and "What a Wonderful World" 	June 15, 2021
2 	"Reaper's Rhapsody" 	Musical Numbers: "Every Breath You Take" 	June 22, 2021
3 	"Prelude to Judgment" 	avenna delves into the complexities of Purgatory's judgment system as she encounters the enigmatic Judges—Zelus, Limos, and Gunnar. A teenage soul named Samantha becomes the focal point of a judgment that challenges Ravenna's understanding of morality. Musical Numbers: "Imagine" 	June 29, 2021
4 	"Dark Waltz" 	Ravenna's optimism clashes with the highly bureaucratic and pragmatic Grim Reaper Virella, as they find themselves entangled in a web of paperwork, protocols and endless red tape. The Soul Embassy is abuzz with tension as the clash of ideologies begins to address the escalating tension, the higher-ups in the Soul Embassy decide to implement a trust exercise among the reapers. Ravenna and Noxy, whose feud has escalated into physical altercations, are paired together for the exercise. Their friendship, already strained, is put to the ultimate test as they navigate a series of challenges that force them to rely on each other's strengths. Amidst the chaos, Azrik becomes an unexpected mediator between Ravenna and Virella. As the trust exercise unfolds, the reapers discover that they have bigger challenges to face—a surge in soul arrivals that threatens to overwhelm the infrastructure of Purgatory.Musical Numbers: "Under Pressure" 	
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7 	"Requiem for a Reaper"	Psyhcopomp makes a return to the Soul Embassy after a mysterious hiatus. Her re-entry into the afterlife creates a ripple of curiosity and speculation among the inhabitants of Purgatory, particularly Ravenna. As Ravenna attempts to understand the reason behind Psyhcopomp's absence, she uncovers a surprising revelation: Psyhcopomp and Noxy have a shared history—they used to be romantically involved. Meanwhile, Azrik steps up to assist Ravenna with their next client Travis, a blue-collar worker who met his demise in a factory accident while striving to provide for his family. Drawing on his own experiences, Azrik offers guidance to Ravenna as they navigate the challenges of guiding a soul marked by hard work and sacrifice.Musical Numbers: "Time After Time" and "With or Without You" 	
8 	"Riffs of Redemption" 	Ravenna is tasked with guiding the soul of Mrs. Everett, a promiscuous woman whose life was cut short when her husband discovered her affair with a governor. The complexities of Mrs. Everett's past unfold as Ravenna explores the shades of her character. However, Noxy, with her unfiltered insights, reveals the darker truths hidden in Mrs. Everett's marriage, challenging Ravenna's understanding of morality and redemption. As Ravenna grapples with the revelations about her client, she becomes determined to uncover the underlying reasons that led Mrs. Everett down a tumultuous path. The episode takes a dark turn as the intricacies of human relationships, betrayal, and consequence come to light. Meanwhile, Noxy decides it's time to address the unresolved issues with Psyhcopomp. In a heartfelt and revealing conversation, the real reasons behind their breakup are laid bare.Musical Numbers: "I Will Always Love You" and "Heart-Shaped Box"	
9 	"Cacophony of Choices"	The Soul Embassy faces a crisis as a surge of new arrivals challenges the infrastructure. Ravenna, Azrik, and Noxy navigate the chaos, realizing the consequences of the choices made by the living. Musical Numbers: 	
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== Reception ==
Welcome to Purgatory has garnered a mixed-to-positive reception for its unique blend of dark comedy, musical elements, and exploration of the afterlife. Viewers appreciate the series for its imaginative storytelling, quirky characters, and the seamless integration of original musical numbers into the narrative. The show's ability to balance humor with deeper themes of life, death, and redemption has resonated with many, earning it a dedicated fan base.
=== Controversy ===
However, the series has not been without its share of controversies, particularly concerning accusations of religious propaganda. Some viewers have raised concerns about the show's portrayal of the afterlife, the use of religious elements, and the potential impact on certain religious sentiments. While the creators maintain that the series is a work of fiction and satire, the controversial nature of the subject matter has sparked discussions within both the audience and broader communities..