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Overanalyzing Anime
Blog Owner & Lead Writer
Code Geass. Boy, I don’t even know where to start with this show. If you were ever going to watch an anime, this would be the one to watch. Not only does it present audiences with a wonderfully crafted story about a young, disinherited Prince on the path of revenge – it also manages to provide a unique setting, which weaves in elements of both magic and science, telling a truly distinctive story unlike anything I have ever seen before. In short, Code Geass is the shit – and the toilet too. Hmm, maybe not my best analogy, but you get what I’m saying.
So, if it’s so great, why are you so irritated by the idea of a new season? Great question! The reason I’m so against the idea is because it doesn’t make any sense to me. The story of Lelouch Lamperouge (also know as Lelouch Vi Britannia) was so amazing because of the finality of it. Code Geass told the story of this young man’s rise to power – showing us the numerous victories and missteps that led to the eventual conclusion of the series. In its fifty-episode run we saw the entire story of Lelouch from start to finish – and while the end of the series was bittersweet, it was the end. Which is why creating a third season – which will continue the story – seems like such a ridiculous notion.
But, enough of being coy. Let’s get into the full story. Now, while this anime last aired June 6th, 2009. I’m going to air on the side of caution and assume that there are those who have not seen the show and would prefer not to have it ruined. Therefore, I’m going to say now that I’m going to go very deep into spoilers about the series in its entirety - especially the ending.
So, for those of you who have yet to see the series, “I command you to watch it, now!” and for everyone else (including those who just don’t care one way or the other), let’s discuss.
So, as we all know, the series ends with the death of our main protagonist – Lelouch vi Britannia. And let me tell you, his death still haunts me to this day. Or, at least it did, until I learned a few months ago that a third season was in production and that he would be in it. My immediate reaction was, “how?” And it was definitely an appropriate one, seeing as Lelouch – our main reason for tuning in every week – clearly lost his life at the hand of “Zero” in the final episode of the season.
Well, apparently, he didn’t. And that’s where my issue lies.
His death was perfect in terms of the story of Code Geass. In fact, as much as I hated the fact that he died, I could not, for the life of me, think of a more perfect ending for the series. After all the atrocious acts Lelouch committed – I mean, the Euphemia incident alone – I couldn’t see any other way for his story to end. Not only was his death justified, it also served a significant purpose for the world in order to bring everyone together. It was a bittersweet ending in the sense that our young anti-hero did die, but in doing so the world was ushered into a new era of peace.
So, why would they want to change that? The idea of a third season seems as though it would effectively destroy that happy ending in lieu of creating more (unnecessary) drama for the world. I understand that, in reality, the peace that had been established probably would not have been everlasting – history shows us that it is human nature to resist peace, choosing instead to revel in arguments and conflicts. I’m not saying it’s right; I’m just saying it’s human. But even so, I feel as though the peace that was established between the nations of the world should have at least lasted a generation, possibly two.
I am curious as to how much will have passed, though. Lelouch and his friends were very young during the events of the first two seasons - around the age of fifteen or so. By the way, what is it with anime’s having young children accomplishing such amazing feats? When I was fifteen I was barely learning how to ride a skateboard versus Lelouch literally becoming the Emperor of the entire world? Unrealistic expectations, much. But, I digress. The series could take place twenty or thirty years into the future and still have some of them still be relatively young. And who knows, maybe some of them had children who will become integral to the story if they choose to progress time by a significant amount.
I personally don’t think they’ll go that route, though. I have a feeling that the peace that Lelouch “sacrificed himself” for will be extremely short lived, requiring his return. It will be interesting to see how the characters take to finding out he’s still alive. Remember, he was the most hated man in all of the world at the time of his death - even those he called friends still had very real issues with him when he “died.” The idea of him showing back up, while completely unwarranted in my opinion, will be interesting to see, if nothing else.
While I still feel that this is a completely unnecessary edition to the series, I will - no doubt - be tuning in to see how it all plays out. I’m hoping they have a genuine story to tell and that it isn’t just an attempt at making money off of the name recognition. That would be very upsetting, and would only serve to tarnish the great history of Code Geass and Emperor Lelouch Vi Britannia. So, much like with the upcoming Doctor Doom film, I’m very weary of what’s going to happen with Code Geass: R3.
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