Cyberpunk: Edgerunners stands out among recent Netflix anime adaptations, offering a compelling storyline and a captivating cast of main characters that make the series enjoyable from start to finish. The show skillfully incorporates the appealing elements of the game, with each member of the edgerunners featuring their unique storylines that cater to a diverse audience.
Towards the conclusion of Season 1, viewers witness what appears to be David's demise in his confrontation with Adam Smasher. However, is it certain that this marks the last appearance of David? Cyberpunk's rich lore unveils possibilities to evade what would normally be fatal for an ordinary human. Ripperdocs possess the ability to reconstruct individuals entirely and equip them with cutting-edge technology that integrates seamlessly with the human anatomy. Consequently, certain theories propose that David might have survived his encounter with the technologically enhanced adversary.
Before David's apparent demise, Adam Smasher stands above him while preparing a final attack, but the audience never witnesses David's demise. He is practically fully dismantled on the ground with no arms or legs but appears to overcome cyberpsychosis and regain full mental presence. Then, the camera cuts, and viewers see Lucy reminiscing before a shot of the moon appears. This could be a typical misdirection by the writers to lead people to believe that David perished at that moment. However, the general rule of thumb is that if one doesn't actually see the body, the character could still be alive.
In the storyline of Season 1, the audience learns that David's natural resistance to cyberpsychosis makes him a prime candidate to be Arasaka's next personal bodyguard, similar to Adam Smasher. This is why David is able to use the cyberskeleton and endure for an extended period without succumbing to mental instability.
How could Arasaka spend all this time trying to secure David for experiments only to allow Adam Smasher to eliminate him? It doesn't make much sense. It's more likely that the writers have set other plot points in motion, considering how frequently Arasaka's interest in David is mentioned. This provides viewers with more reasons to anticipate further developments involving David in the next season, if there is one.
David Martinez has a very relatable backstory, clearly crafted with great thought and attention to detail. This is something the audience should bear in mind going forward. It would be surprising for the writers to invest so much effort into making the character relatable and enjoyable on screen, only to abruptly end his story. The fact that his death is not shown on screen gives viewers reason to remain hopeful. The heightened interest Arasaka has in David's potential is the most compelling reason to be optimistic about his future in the Cyberpunk: Edgerunners anime. This means fans have several reasons to be positive about a potential return.
