User Reviews

The birth of Zero in this episode is executed fairly well actually. The OST was finally used appropriately and effectively. I'm also impressed by how many new dynamics were introduced and how many themes were explored. On a macro level the writing is remarkably tight and creative, weaving together elements that were alluded to in prior episodes (ie. The Japanese Liberation Front, the "poison gas" chamber from Shinjuku, the propaganda machine, stark segregation, Suzaku and Lelouch's past relationship, politics/bureaucracy within the Britannian military, etc.).

However, upon closer inspection one starts to notice cracks. Herein lies one of my biggest issues with the show. In order to maintain the illusion of plausibility, the show constantly introduces new elements and doesn't dwell on them for any extended period of time. The directorial style is borderline frenetic, with very few shots lasting longer than a few seconds. The ones that do last longer are merely included for the sake of staying within the production budget, usually still frames or static Knightmare models moving across stock backgrounds. Because of this we often hear character motivations spelled out letter by letter, and are told actions are taking place instead of actually being shown them. More important moments also tend to squander any emotional potency and impact because of this. Contrary to the other reviewer here, I'd argue the character motivations are explained TOO explicitly (specifically in Jeremiah and Suzaku's cases). We also see in later episodes that Lelouch began experimenting with the Geass to explore its limitations after stumbling upon the "can't use it on the same person more than once" stipulation with Kallen and his history teacher.

Now we come to Zero and Jeremiah's confrontation. The performative nature of it is certainly entertaining, and lends credibility to Diethard being so enamored with it. However, with his camera trained on Zero, I find it INCREDIBLY hard to believe not one spectator or official saw Lelouch's eye beneath his mask when he used his Geass on Jeremiah. I also found it strange that all military personnel took Zero's (a presumed Eleven terrorist) word at face value about "Orange" over Jeremiah's (a fiercely loyal, pure-blooded, high-ranking Britannian officer). Nobody questions his sudden and uncharacteristic lapse in loyalty, or the bizarre wording of his orders. I guess it emphasizes the "thorns of suspicion" thing they were going for and how easily nationalistic sentiments can be redirected, but it comes at the price of logical behavior of characters. That's something I personally can't get on board with, and it's something the show basically demands of the viewer.

Basically, this episode encapsulates the show as a whole for me. On a grand scale the writing is great. The show has a wonderfully satisfying arc to it and it explores compelling themes. However, too many elements and characters are introduced for the show's own good. The majority of them aren't developed or explored adequately. The show instead explains them away with stale dialogue and keeps the story chugging along at a breakneck pace. Logic takes a backseat so that iconic moments can be born, and in my opinion a show can't be considered great if that sacrifice must be made.

As someone new to this series and has heard a lot of praise for it, I went in with rather high expectations but just 4 episodes in and cracks are already starting to show. This episode much like the previous 3 were entertaining enough to keep me engaged but the flaws far outweigh the good points IMO.

Apart from disjointed cuts, messy exposition and a lack of explanation for character motivations, I feel like the story isn't moving as cohesively as it could have been, and it's largely carried by the MC Lelouch and even then I'm not getting much of a backstory for even him yet.

The biggest issue I have with how the story is unfolding is the fact that Lelouch was granted a power so great it seems almost odd that he doesn't go further with it or experiment with it more. As a character both set up and touted as highly intelligent, he falls for such an obvious flaw of only working on a person once without the initiate to test it out beforehand until he slipped up, unlike Light Yagami in DN which everyone compares him to. Another problem is that this power is far too great and creates a lot of cases of plot convenience where Lelouch uses his power only sparingly for the plot to progress (E.g. With Jeremiah where he is commanded to let them go free this episode, instead of going further to stop/influence the trial directly to protect Suzaku or going all out to take down Brittania already, of which the power and ability required (Geass + Intelligence) is ostensibly at his disposal from the very beginning.

Additionally, from what we already know of Suzaku and his unwavering sense of justice and selflessness, it makes little sense for him to accept his fate after getting saved, even going out of character if I may put it by clarifying that he wants to change the government on the inside to explain why he is heading to his death. This is just irrational plot convenience for the sole purpose of moving the plot forward instead of writing another reason for him to go back to the trial such as his naivety in the impartiality of the law and the justice system. But instead of retorting to Lelouch's complaints, Suzaku just walks away without acknowledging this fact he seemingly already knew.

Lelouch also made little effort to stop him and not just this time but many a time seemed stumped himself at minor roadblocks, but is still able to come up with unrealistically 4D chess plans in the blink of an eye. It just exudes pseudointellectualism aimed at a younger audience for me, which makes sense since this is a shonen anime, but it just doesn't create much depth for me, personally speaking.

Nonetheless as usual, this episode was carried by the protagonist of the show and his occasional wittiness continues to keep my eyes glued to the screen, so I shall follow through to the end to witness the amazing final arc everyone has been talking about.