Episode 21 Discussion

[nayami.livejournal.com]

All righty, back for our weekly episode response. The thing I really like about this one is although half of it could be regarded as sheer crack, there is more than a healthy amount of foreshadowing. People who do not realize this episode is going to get dark fast are not paying attention. Sunrise can indeed do subtle for those willing to listen.



I really got a kick out of Lelouch and Suzaku getting chewed out for missing school since this is something most animes ignore in favor of their saving the world plotlines. Lelouch looked like he was seriously considering geassing that teacher. As this episode begins with telling our characters not to be stupid, the rest of the episodes shows they weren't exactly listening. We have Lelouch on the school roof, doing his Zero thing, and then *surprised* when Millay shows up out of nowhere with her "pinchi." Lelouch, you do not do your super secret plotting on the school roof IN THE MIDDLE OF A FESTIVAL. I was really hoping for Millay to scream out Lulu when she ran up. That would teach him. And let's not forget how dumbass also thinks it's cool to chill with Euphemia on the school steps in the middle of a televised festival. I don't care if he thinks they can't be seen. They should go INSIDE! Strategy, Lelouch. Sense!

Cut to Ougi and Villeta cuteness, which is nearly obscured by Ougi considering using Refrain on Villetta to find out about Zero. WTF? Me thinks its time for a new commander. Then, there's Kallen who's still fixated on shiving a bitch, Suzaku to be specific. This of course leads into the hey let's throw everybody with a secret/secret identity into the same room at the same time and see who cracks first. Shirley, give up on trying to become part of the plot. It's just not your time.

Now while all this hilarious dorkery is ensuing, we have C.C. giving us our *HINTHINT* moment of the day. She chastises Lelouch for using geass too recklessly, the reason why he can't use geass to get out of the situation. I find this funny since she's constantly telling him to geass problem people, although I don't know if she really means it. She might just want him to stop bitching. Our other hinthint moment comes with the shot of carving girl, reminding us of Lelouch's earlier experiments. Not to mention Lelouch's whole back-and-forth between being tense about being seen about not having time for these sort of frivolities and his appreciation of the chance to relax. Calm before the storm indeed. Oh and back to C.C. for one minute, isn't she just adorable in her Ashford uniform with her widdle plate? I love how she's totally willing to sabotage everything just for pizza, and Lelouch is practically at wit's end with her. The loss of her beloved pizza was so melodramatic.

Then there's Euphie. Dear sweet naive Euphie. Who, as many have said, has the worst notion of disguise possible. Does that hat ever cover her hair buns? The Britannians bring on the incest vibes, with Schneizel flirting up an embarrassed Cornelia who just really wants to find Euphemia, and of course Nunnally and Euphemia's wuv for Lelouch. Can we argue that this love is the catalyst for everything that can and will go wrong? Lelouch is clearly angry at Euphemia for taking away Suzaku from Nunnally. I also personally think he's jealous but that is entirely too messed up for me to take on in this review. Euphemia believes that her Special Zone will help her beloved brother and bring a smile to her precious Suzaku. I find it funny that whenever Lelouch and Euphemia are alone, they always have to bring up Suzaku for something. And it is Lelouch's love for his mother and his peaceful life and the need to avenge both that cause Euphemia's plan to threaten him on such a level. Oh I forgot about Shirley, whose blossoming love for Lelouch leads to a jealous urge to get him away from another girl and effectively ends up blowing Euphie's cover right before Euphemia can preview her plan with Lelouch. Conclusion: love sucks in Geass.

And wow, Euphie, you managed to score a 100 on both the betrayal scale and the adding another to Lelouch's long list of losing everything important to him. Bravo, girl.

Plus the Marianne/Ganymede connection and yay Termi-Orange. So who's up for some killing next episode?


ETA: Thanks to sinspire for clearing up the Ougi Refrain part.

Comments

[aestalitz.livejournal.com]

The "*GASP* ...Pizza." was the best scene ever in that episode. That and Kallen complaining about how hot it was in her Horror House thing and how she'd only listen to Zero ahaha.

[nayami.livejournal.com]

The pizza moment made me a bit sad though because I'm not sure how or if the series will be able to dish out the crack any longer once they move into "dark" Lelouch as they're going on about. I also hear this is the last school episode. Does that mean no more in the sequel?

I love how Kallen loves Zero and despises Lelouch. I want to see her completely explode when she finally figures out they're the same person.

[fujiappletan.livejournal.com]

I IS UP FOR IT. And pretty much word to every thing written here. Though I am up with the incest. And you for got to mention Cecile relieving some of her stress ahaha. Itwasimportantwhut.

*is shot*

[nayami.livejournal.com]

Oh I'm up for the incest. I just think Lelouch's relationship issues are a bit much to take on in a summary of the episode. They need an essay onto themselves. I'd argue the boy either has some sort of square involving his sisters and Suzaku or that he just needs a harem if he hopes to have any semblance of a relationship. Note, I truly don't believe Lelouch is cut out for relationships. This is why I pity all the girls that seem to be wanting to get into one with him. They're doomed.

Yes, I did forget Cecile and her whacking the poor Lloyd-alike. Lelouch sure gave her some evil eyes when he recognized her. But I think that has to do with knowing that she's the one who took Suzaku away from him when he was going to ask him to be Nunnally's knight and knowing she's relating to what Suzaku does with Lancelot. Bit possessive, that one.

[telepathic.livejournal.com]

After watching this episode, I believe Euphemia had something for Lelouch in the past. Because Nunnally was aking how she feels about Lulu now.

Aww, it would be cute if Shirley falls for Lulu again. Well, he was concerned about her when the shelf(?) was about to fall on her in that dark place.

[nayami.livejournal.com]

Well, we've had some speculation/spoilers that essentially confirm this, especially since the girls are chatting about how they used to fight over being Lelouch's bride. I'm surprised they didn't fight over being Lelouch's husband.

I would be much more friendly toward the Lelouch/Shirley pairing if 1.)it went somewhere and quit teasing and 2.) I didn't hold an unfair resentment toward her for stopping Euphemia from talking to Lelouch when it was most important. This series really is a case of bad timing. I did notice Lelouch was most worried about Shirley when the stuff fell down in the horror house, but I think it also had to do with his knowing she is the least likely of being able to defend herself. He knows the rest of the group are all warriors. I wish Lelouch would make up his mind on Shirley.

[tatooine.livejournal.com]

Interviews say Lelouch and Euphie were each other's first loves, and that Suzaku was Nunally's.

[sinspire.livejournal.com]

Hmm, I thought that Ougi was talking about using Refrain on Villeta in order to help her regain her memories and figure out who Zero is. Still, Villeta/Ougi is almost too damn cute, and I like Villeta so much more now than I did before.

Oh mean, but Euphie is so very dead. It's kind of a shame, I really like her. But I can see how people are getting fed up with her (especially Lulu...) He's going to have to kill everyone in line for the Britannian throne anyway, so better now than never. *shrug*

[nayami.livejournal.com]

You are right. I should correct that.

I still don't believe Lelouch will kill Euphemia unless he absolutely has no choice. I think he will try to talk his way out of it, as he always does with Suzaku. Lelouch can only play the villain when it's not personal... for now. How this will change has yet to be determined.

[tatooine.livejournal.com]

Word to the Ougi/Viletta. I was pretty ambivalent to both of them before, but for some reason his "I used to be a teacher etc. etc." and her "Was I happier?" was just... aw. I used to think Jeremiah and Viletta were set up solidly because they were in the ED together, but now I'm rooting for Ougi/Viletta to somehow have a happy ending.

[hylarn.livejournal.com]

I'd like to note that Shiorley knows that Lulu is Zero, and, as of this episode, has enough information to figure out about Geass and that he's Lelouch Vi Brittania.

[nayami.livejournal.com]

I do wonder about how she feels about him hanging out with the princess. But I don't think she's really all that aware of the Britannian family's past. Shirley doesn't seem that sort of deep thinker.

[nayami.livejournal.com]

I don't know whether or not Euphemia will die, as she can be Lelouch's enemy right at this moment. I do believe, however, the title has to do with Euphemia's actions and the consequences. Blood will be on her hands either way. Even if it may not entirely be her fault. Scary Lelouch confuses me, as he both manages to make me terrified, sad and in love at the same time. So much hotness when he's doing the "evil" thing.

C.C. so pwns Lelouch. She really does need more screen time. I hope since they are talking about sidelining Kallen, we'll be seeing more of C.C. for the latter section of this season. Her selfishness really does play well off Lelouch's own selfishness.

[rewritten.livejournal.com]

I dunno what to think about the whole Euphie vs. Lulu thing now. Euphie is just acting way too dumb at the moment. But I don't think she's going to die... maybe.

All I know is Villetta being all housewifu, is making me sick. No more! Go back to kicking ass and dressing in lingerie to find out who Zero is! And Orange needs to come back now!!

But seriously, the best part of this episode is Cecile hitting that kid that looks like Lloyd over and over. Stupid kid! Your fault you look like Lloyd! You gonna get beat up~ Oh Lloyd♥~ Oh Cecile♥`

[nayami.livejournal.com]

I don't think Euphemia is acting dumb so much as acting the way she has been raised. She has been virtually sheltered by her sister and siblings from the harsh realities of this world. She wants to take them on her own way and since she believes Lelouch wants to free the Japanese, she thinks she is helping him along his path. She doesn't understand her brother's true goal is to take out Britannia, though his killing of Clovis and attempted killing of her sister and her ought to be a GOOD hint. The thing with Lelouch is he lies to everyone, including himself, so his intentions are hard to pinpoint. I can't hold it against her for not understanding the true nature of her brothers.

I do miss ass-kicking Villetta, even though her and Ougi are cute because she has a very pretty smile. I want her to get her memoeis back and be a serious problem for Lelouch again. Maybe Jeremiah's returns will click something back into gear.

Cecile is a very abusive lady. XD

[xorinaoe.livejournal.com]

Lelouch looked PISSED at the end of the episode. I never seen him so angry befoore. I think that forshadows something in itself. He may not kill Euphie as he had 2 full chances to do so and he didn't. He may Geass her to hurt herself or just not hurt her at all and attack them from the inside out. Lulu isn't that stupid. He'll use strategy to win. But I don't know, I can't wait for 22. *-*

I loved how C.C. looked crush when her beloved pizza was destroyed. xD Priceless.

[nayami.livejournal.com]

No, Lelouch isn't stupid. But he is still, thus far, enslaved by his emotions for those he cares about. This can contribute both to his willingness to protect Suzaku/a major enemy and his livid rage at having his beautiful plans thrashed so easily. I think he wouldn't have been so pissed if it hadn't been Euphemia because of his feelings for her and his trouble with easily removing people he cares about. I predict he will try to talk sense to her, and that will be the start of much badness. I think his anger will get the best of him. Anger makes Lelouch sloppy.

That scene will forever be symbolic of Geass' love for crack... and pizza.

[zalem.livejournal.com]

Most amusing moment...C.C. gasping as the pizza is ruined. It was extra amusing because the music was so serious. Ahahaha...

As for the rest. Yeah, Lulu is such a silly boy. If he's going to be talking about Black Knight business he should find a nice QUIET spot where he won't be disturbed. And if he's going to be meeting with Euphie, whose "disguise" is just outright pitiful, he should go back to his damn house or some other isolated place and meet there.

Ougi is just a trouble maker. His doubts about Zero are going to lead to something bad. It doesn't help that he has Villetta with him....once she gets her memory back (and you KNOW that's just a matter of time) it going to get really bad.

Euphie is another silly one. Silly disguise and a very silly plan. Oh on the surface it seems like a great idea, but if you really think about it....well, it'll never work. But she's too naive and just doesn't understand the way the world works. Of course it doesn't help that she ran the plan past Schneizel who said it was a WONDERFUL idea. He then promised to talk to Cornelia about it, yet conveniently "forgot" to mention it when he actually met with Cornelia. So yeah, this episode has totally thrown away the "nice guy" impression he's been giving off the last few episodes. He's using Euphie in a rather ruthless way and keeping his hands clean in the whole matter. He's one shrewd guy though, I must say. Poor Euphie.

Her heart is in the right place, but she doesn't understand Lulu's goals. If she did she would see her plan is directly interfering with him, not helping him at all. He has every right to be furious with her. I mean he's spent MONTHS building up the Black Knights and within five minutes she's totally destroyed all that work. Because either way he moves he will be undermined. Sure, if he really cared about only peace then maybe the plan would be a good idea. But the fact is he cares about revenge and this plan won't let him achieve that. Because to get revenge he NEEDS the Black Knights. He can't go at this alone. But Euphie has ruined everything for him...

Next episode is going to be NASTY. I feel bad for everyone.

[nayami.livejournal.com]

I've said it before and I will said it again. Everyone in this episode as on the stupid drugs. So many dumb mistakes.

I think the problem with Euphemia is that she honestly doesn't know how to really think about it. She doesn't really understand the Elevens; she simply sympathizes with them. It doesn't help her cause that her knight and what most consider to be her consort is an Eleven since they think she is purely motivated by love. Wait, that is the case, isn't it? It will be hard for her to win the support of the Britannians if they regard her actions as emotional and juvenilistic. I think what makes me so sad about Euphemia is while she really wants to understand people, she is ultimately unable to because of her upbringing and position in life. I'm not even sure she can really understand Suzaku. But she does *try*. As Euphemia said in 20, she just wants to see smiles. The smiles of the ones she loves. She doesn't understand that Britannia's power can't suddenly make everything all right, and that peace truly means nothing to those who are just handed it.

I forgot how Schneizel didn't run the idea past Cornelia. He has a tendency of keeping the two sisters away from each other I've noticed. I think it's because he doesn't want Euphemia to share what she knows with Cornelia. This leads me to believe the spoilers that Schneizel knows who Zero is. I think he doesn't trust Euphemia's influence over Cornelia, and he wants to keep Cornelia a warrior. If he keeps everyone in the dark, he can place the blame where he wants at a later time.

I think the most important thing about Lelouch's fury is the fact that Euphemia doesn't get what's driving him. She is making assumptions based on his deceitful actions, and those assumptions will cost them both dearly. She truly wants to have her brother happy and back with her again.

Next episode is probably going to make me crazy.

[(Anonymous)]

Wow, Lelouch looked really pissed off at the end. I think he´ll, at least, try to geass Euphemia into changinf her mind next episode. Interesting enough, suzaku didn´t look as happy as the other japanese by what euphemia did.

I believe Scheneizel, like lelouch, knew that the Special Zone would destroy the OoBK, thus finishing up an enemy without creating the revolt of the people.

Although seeing lelouch get pwned by a hammer was hilarious, I´m worried that Cecile knows lelouch, if she ever sees a painting of him when younger-

Something I wanted to know for some yime was finally revealed: were Suzaku´s efforts working, or did the japanese believe he was a traitor? I was happy to find out he was liked, and even happier when this was told to Karen, who believes his efforts were useless, this might help in the future.

Oh yes, and Suzaku asking to be saved from Arthur and CC saying "pizza" made my day XD

[nayami.livejournal.com]

You think Suzaku is worried? It could be because he knows the true nature of the Britannians' opinion of Elevens; he's seen it first-hand at Ashford and among the Britannian nobles. I think he will still stand with Euphemia, as he promised in 20. He already knew then she was going to try to make things better. He might be wary though.

Would it matter if Cecile knew Lelouch was alive? I wonder how many people, aside from the royals, actually care? She did seem to be doing a double-take when she was talking to him. Also, does she know C.C. since she worked with Lloyd and C.C. is Lloyd and Clovis' project? I wasn't sure if she was more interested in Lelouch or C.C. Lelouch still looked irked to see her either way.

I like how Suzaku tries to balance his devotion to his ideals and his desire to protect, telling Kallen that he will show no mercy on the battlefield but will still continue to try to persuade her to change her mind. I'm not sure how he plans on managing this, but it amuses me that it's still in the back of is head. I predict, like Lelouch, he will just mess things up in his attempts.

[verity-isle.livejournal.com]

Conclusion: love sucks in Geass.

I read this, and my mind went "Geez, and we mock the boy so much for being asexual. Who can blame him?" Perhaps having his sisters insisting he pick one of them for the night affected his hormones somehow. Although if he is indeed sexual and just gathers up all the girls in a harem, that'd solve a lot of problems. MARRY EM, BOY

For all the dorkiness of putting a fishbowl over his head, Lulu's idea of a disguise works better than Euphie's, though not by much. He's lived in hiding all these years and the same haircut PLUS no plastic surgery and the same name? XD The boy doesn't have common sense, dammit. Nanaly probably has more, considering it was probably her who dragged them to their house. And on the subject of C.C....didn't she just suggest he Geass them, and then mocked him for getting his just desserts, having used the Geass for the sake of love? She doesn't mind reckless use it seems.`I didn't find her loss of pizza funny, though...the episode as a whole is too sombre to register as funny.

Lelouch is cursed by the writers Universe. That's why everything that can go wrong will go wrong. Or he's just a reincarnation of Murphy. And on the subject of incestual vibes : Yes, Euphie, you wuvwuvwuv Suzaku, but since you don't know Nanaly may love or not love him, why did you go into a moment of shokku when she asked you if you still love her Oniisama? ARE YOU PLANNING ON TWO-TIMING HERE WOMAN. Unless it was shock over 'omg why does she feel the need to ask' I still don't understand why the paparazzi didn't go after Lelouch. A Britannian schoolboy/Britannian Princess/Eleven Knight love triangle would make a juicy news cover. Even if Zero would probably bomb their headquarters in a day or two---might be a little too late then, of course.

I've already said my piece for Euphie's Announcement of Naivete elsewhere (although the fact that she still wanted to tell everyone and 'save' the Lamperouges back into the family when he KILLED CLOVIS says something--Lulu's partly at fault for being too soft-hearted and never telling her he's also changed in several ways since then), so moving on to the next topic : the fact that Lelouch once controlled a machine named Ganymede is the funniest joke in the entire Code Geass. Yes, I realize it's named after Jupiter's moon since there's an Io, but the mythological reference! Must be hard on him, piloting his mother's old machine and knowing their days are over. And I wonder if he sucks at Knightmare piloting just because he sucks at PE, or because his 'simulator' is horribly outdated.

[nayami.livejournal.com]

Lelouch is asexual because he doesn't know what the fuck he wants and doesn't have time to sort it out amid his MUST DESTROY BRITANNIA rages. I'd be fucked up too if I had chunks of my family fighting over my ass when I was young and impressionable. A harem really would solve all his problems.

I have to pretend nobody cares about the "dead" Britannian children if I don't want my head to explode with how obvious Lelouch and Nunnally are. I like the fishbowl. ;_; It's a bold fashion statement, dangit! But Lelouch didn't geass them all for the sake of love since Kallen was there as well. Did he recognize Villetta by the way? I've wondered that. He certainly seemed more freaked out about Ougi being there than her.

I think Euphemia is greedy. She wants both Lelouch and Suzaku. And who can really blame her? That's one hot trio. It is a good question why the press didn't chase after Lelouch. Maybe they're not as into scandal as people of our age, except for crazy-ass Diethart of course. Even if Zero would probably bomb their headquarters in a day or two---might be a little too late then, of course. XD

Well, Lelouch is kind of the assboy of the universe so I guess it fits. I think he sucks at PE because the creators enjoy poking fun at him. By all rights, with his upbringing in Japan, he really should have built up some muscle by now. Maybe he doesn't hate piloting the Ganymede because it's some way he can still be close to Marianne. I get the feeling he as very much a momma's boy as a child.

[tatooine.livejournal.com]

My favorite part of the episode:

TV Guy: We now interrupt our regular programming...
Laksharta: Who the hell is this girl interrupting my soap operas?
Toudou: Indeed, we will never know who fathered her coma-child.

(Okay, they live in a trailer. Maybe a submarine. I'm sure Laksharta pirated cable from the first day she shipped out to the Black Knights -- they have to be daytime television whores.)

You know, this is odd, but the thing that pissed me off the most about Euphie's announcement was how they effed up the animation. She looked so weird the whole time. Rar rar rar? Rar. And while what she did was kind of dumb... hey, she's not the brains of the show, she's the idealist. And she's used to trusting her siblings to tell her when she's probably hurting her own cause. She expected Cornelia to tell her that appointing Suzaku was wrong, clearly she trusts Schneizel -- and Schneizel, her smart big brother, told her she was doing awesome. So the brilliant guy agrees with her plan -- it's only reasonable for Euphie to assume that a) if Schneizel is smart and b) Schneizel sees nothing wrong with it, then c) it's good. Geass would be a lame show if everyone was a brilliant tactician.

Also, I want to know how much Nunally knows. Her "What are your feelings for Lelouch now?" has to be loaded. I mean, she can't see, so Lelouch wearing a mask as Zero shouldn't mean anything to her. She should be able to hear him on TV and go "Big brother!" Nunally: like Mokuba, in a way. I'm also waiting for it to be important that she's blind and he can't Geass her, but right now I just want her to slip up and go "Lulu, you've been breaking Cornelia-nee-sama's toys again, haven't you?"

[meitsu.livejournal.com]

LOL, I do not recall that scene, did Toudou really say that!? XDDD

[puchikonyo.livejournal.com]

euphie.... is the worst tactician.... ever. lol oh well~

and this could be the last crack ep in quite a while ;___; next ep's gg to be terrible. x___X tho crack eps = main plot being delayed, they're.... amusing to watch lol~

[clamp-hikari.livejournal.com]

haha kallen only listens to zero... I WANT TO SEE HER REACTION when she finds out.

Euphie's disguise is as worse as sailor moon. I kept wondering, why couldn't they tell?

[ryans-cupcake.livejournal.com]

OMG this is one of the best episodes ever! Euphie's disguise was win. The Pizza bit with C.C.... I love School festival eps. they are great.

[annwyd.livejournal.com]

Having finally watched the episode, I'm going to comment on one thing in particular now.

It interests me that they're setting up another parallel between characters, this time between Euphemia and Lelouch. The fact is, they both have the same essential motivation now: they want to regress to the peace of their childhood.

Euphemia is much more open about it, of course; she doesn't have the multiple layers of denial and self-deception that Lelouch does (probably due to being a) less traumatized and b) less introspective than Lelouch). She'll cheerfully admit to herself, "Now we can go back to the past!"

But Lelouch, although he claims to be aware that they've all changed since then and can't go back to the past, differs only superficially in his motivations. Showing him sitting there with Nunnally in the end makes that especially clear. He says he wants to make a peaceful world where Nunnally can never be harmed again--but it seems like what he means is that he wants to recreate the world of his childhood for him and Nunnally instead of going forward with what he has.

Maybe this arc will involve him confronting his yearning for the past? Whatever happens, this episode makes it painfully clear how much both the exiled prince and the third princess need to grow up.