Anime Reviews

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2

Code Geass Lelouch of the Rebellion R2

Synopsis: It has been once year since the uprising led by the Black Knights dubbed the Black Rebellion that ultimately failed and the supposed execution of Zero. Unsuspecting high school student Lelouch who is oblivious to his past stumbles upon the mysterious woman C.C while out gambling who in turn reawakens him where Lelouch realises his forgotten purpose and his true self. Lelouch declares himself once again as Zero and sets out to finish what he started.

Mechs: This time around it seems Sunrise took a leaf out of their other famous franchise Gundam and converted the Knightmare frames to Gundams.

Characters: This shows features over 80 major and minor characters in total.

Pacing: Completely blown out of proportion.

Music: Incredible, possibly even better than last time.

Aesthetics: Refined.

Ending: Bizarre, satisfyingly different to ordinary endings and open for interpretation.  

The ending of the original Code Geass left fans in a complete outrage that hadn’t been seen since the likes of the Berserk ending and so we are given Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2 which some argue that it is the best thing in the world will others argue that it has it’s merit but it a disappointment.

As a fan of the Code Geass franchise I am conflicted as I fit in both of those categories and I ultimately fall in the middle of the two. On first initial view I thought that was a masterpiece, a Cowboy Bebop, however it later came to my attention on later viewings that I had picked up flaws that I could not simply ignore.

A major flaw in the show is that there is there is a turning point about three quarters into the show where the major characters’ personalities flip 180 degrees. Here we see Lelouch practically saying I love you Rolo after screaming for all the whole season I HATE YOU ROLO which is unsettling just as Suzaku character changes for plot convenience like Lelouch where he is quoted “What matters is result” which is the Lelouch’s mind and not Suzaku’s as he fights for the purpose not the result.This point in the season where characters personas change for plot convenience ruins what the show was building towards, however this problem could have easily been fixed by lengthening the show to develop to the complication furthers however this could not have been an option due to budget.

Another problem I had was the tone that the show presented this time around, arguably it felt more relaxed and the mystery that geass presented and the carvings on the wall on Kamine Island seemed to be thrown out of the window as the truth was revealed, it didn’t feel like a great big plot twist it just felt like a meh okay and the plot moves  on.

The Knightmares this time around were not portrayed as mere weapons this time and felt like they were Gundams. Robots that were there to make big pretty explosions happen. Also along with the Knightmares I noticed that Lelouch while retained his persona, the producers seemed to decide that if Lelouch handed out a bunch of orders than they will win, this was particularly evident in episode 2. This is rather ironic as in episode 2 of the first season Lelouch put careful planning into what he did and seemed reasonable at the outcome but in this season that doesn’t seem to be the case.

Do these flaws ruin the show, the answer is no, far from it as there are still many redeeming qualities. The explosive pace that at times is unsuiting but for the most part I have found it to be a positive as it made it much easier for Lelouch to rebuild his army and get the momentum going as he fights Britannia once again.

Although I mentioned Lelouch’s changes in strategy by giving a bunch of orders, does this make him look bad. No it makes him look all the more badass. The characters for the most part retain their previous personalities while one character change was Orange or Jeremiah Gottawald. To describe him briefly in this season would be 50% Robot, 50% Orange and 200% Loyalty.

The show this time as in the last time leaves the best for last, like the Black Rebellion in the first season here we have global conflict. It was these last three episodes that allowed me to look over the flaws that the series had I sat in for an experience that could only be called epic. While the last episode is one where it will no doubt shock and surprise the viewer with the ending that it has in store to the viewer.

In the technical department the visuals are perfected this time as Lelouch and may are other character designs are more consistent and look refined. The animation is beautiful well surpassing the original in almost every way and the mechs this time look even better this time around. The music I daresay surpassed the original if not then it levelled with the original. The dub once again is fantastic with original cast returning along with some new voices who match the new cast.

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2 is mix of both positives and negatives in which some cases the negatives over balance the positives. However for the most part the show still remains as an enjoyable and memorable experience with highs and lows and the ending forever branded into my mind as one of my favourite endings of all time. This is a show that should only be watched after the first season.

The immediate question is that does this show live up to the expectations of the first season? The answer is a somewhat yes and no, despite the flaws presented I was able to look past it and have jolly good time, if you can look past them you’ll be rewarded. If you can’t the last three episodes should more than satisfy you. In some ways this season is a step back while in others it is step forward, your enjoyment of this season will depend on how open minded you are.

7/10