R2 Episode 5 Discussion: Knight takes Queen

[nayami.livejournal.com]

First, I am only posting this because I see the other discussion post carries a specific topic. I know that more than a few of us have been anticipating this episode since spoilers leaked, and it definitely didn't disappoint. But I really wanted to get into some issues with the boyas, as always. Also I have to take this moment to say that you really shouldn't expect to be too surprised if you're reading spoilers. I read them too, and I wish I didn't. Le sob. Blah blah be nice to characters/opinions and no mentioning spoilers. It's party time Ashford style!



I thought the episode did an amusing job of balancing Lelouch's bitchiness (knocking C.C. into the tomato bin and closing it, snarling at her for running out in the open, plotting to catch Suzaku, delivering the verbal smack-down to Villetta and continuing his mind games with Rollo) with his utter fail. I will never get tired of watching everyone outrun Lelouch. Actually, let's take a moment to examine some of that bitchiness in more detail. I was a bit irked that Lelouch went for Villetta so suddenly since it seems a bit sloppy for him. He has a good piece of information yes, but he's better off continuing to play his game, especially now that he has Rollo on his side. That said, his delivering of "Happy Birthday" was delicious. He's gambling too much on Villetta's fear that the Ougi thing will destroy her; he should know better than to underestimate Villetta.

There is also his hypocrisy about secrets. I love the disparity between his casually telling Kallen that it's all right for him to have a few secrets after she questions his not telling them about the pilot of the Vincent. It's not even that Lelouch never keeps a few secrets and not even that those secrets got the Black Knights captured in the first place. It's that in the same episode Lelouch acts utterly disappointed that Ougi would dare keep the Villetta thing a secret from him. I always knew Lelouch was a hypocrite, but now I can claim it without shame. Still, I forgive his bitchiness because he's Lulu and he's been mind-raped, lost his sister and thoroughly messed things up based on one case of very bad timing. I think he's entitled to a little bit of snappish behavior. He's also an arrogant ass at times. As long as he's not too sloppy, I'm happy.

I do whine a bit about Lelouch not being made to stand up for his actions at the Black Rebellion. Way to let your leader off the hook, lemmings. I swear Zero has maybe five competent people on his team and the rest are canon fodder. Maybe not to him but to everyone with a brain.

Slick move putting in the shot of the wall and the hatch marks that just trail off. Limit to geass or did something happen to our little Carve-tan? I know everyone is reading to go "OMG Suzaku is screwed," but keep in mind the creators say his geass is still going to nail him. I also am wary about this "limited" geass notion, as it goes against everything the creators have said. But we will see.

I do enjoy Rollo wavering between wanting to shiv Lelouch and wanting to kill Suzaku. The scene where Rollo tells him to hold the knife carefully while Suzaku does his stalking thing is so adorable. Speaking of the stalker, the way he holds authority is all new levels of hot. And as I crazy-theorized earlier, he is acting very Lelouchesque, right down to his wording at times.

I cannot believe the creators were evil enough to barrage us with more adorable chibi flashbacks before getting into the game of lies and espionage that was this episode. Some have pointed out it's quite telling that Lelouch and Suzaku never complete their statement about what they are to each other now. I do wonder if Lelouch truly thought he could fool Suzaku since he was so confident that he had Suzaku just because Suzaku came to see Lelouch. I am it was obvious why Suzaku given the seat next to him. He had to know Suzaku was checking on his memories; he saw him stalking him. Why didn't he act first? Was he just that damn cocky? I am not sure if this was more foolish trust in the friendship or what, but it seems a dangerous dangerous game for him to play. And he lost. Guess the worst enemy is most often the self, huh Lelouch? I also love that Suzaku is smarter than Villetta when it comes to Lelouch, not at all fooled by Lelouch's ruse.

Suzaku's ability to shift between his personas blows my mind. It's better than ever. The difference between Rivalz hanging off him and Gino doing the same is worlds apart. I think Suzaku's reaction around people is another result of not wanting to lose anyone, not wanting them to get close to him. But he's willing to fake at school because that is what everyone expects. And Suzaku has always been good at faking. But I do believe some of it is sincere such as his trying to reassure Milly that Lloyd is just a bizarre person. And of course, his love for Arthur, who still shows his appreciation in violent ways of cute. I will insert squeeing about KotR here, but really we need some more scenes with Anya before we can actually say anything about her. Gino really is Tamaki with a mecha. WHAT A TERRIFYING THOUGHT. Him and his love of commoners.

Ok so Nunnally. First, I am tired of seeing "Suzaku used Nunnally." Truly tired of it. And here is why. I don't think Suzaku is using Nunnally, but he is using her importance to Lelouch. I think Suzaku's goal to become Knight of One and take Japan, especially if he has someone who is sympathetic toward the Japanese on his side (similar to Euphie), has merit in his mind. I also do not believe Suzaku would hurt Nunnally. As he says, he already lost enough people. I also debate on the "important friends" line because both blogs used "friend" and Suzaku only has two people he "lost". I think the line refers to Lelouch and Euphie only. Which gets into issues of double mentality, similar to Kallen. I might elaborate on this later. But it plays back to what happened in the throne room. Note, I find Turn 1 entirely inconsistent with anything else we've seen thus far so aside from the big picture, I remove most of it from this analysis. In either case, I don't think Suzaku is out to hurt Nunnally. I think he truly wants to work with her to fix things. There's also the fact that only the Emperor can appoint Governor Generals. Suzaku might have made the suggestion, but he only has so much influence. The Emperor would have known as well. But yes, Suzaku is using the relationship to place Lelouch/Zero in check. As makes sense since he needs to stop Zero by any means possible. He doesn't believe the Japanese need Zero; they can be saved without his methods.

Also in response to people's whining about Suzaku's goals being foolish and ill-thought and liable to only be a band-aid... umm we're supporting someone who thinks he can overthrow an entire empire... and then what? Suddenly free people? What about the EU and China? What about the Britannia momeland mainland? Both players have extreme goals, and who's to say one has more likelihood than the other. Perspective as always.

About the "lost friend" line, I do believe Suzaku thinks Lelouch is beyond redemption, that Zero has destroyed him, and that it is Suzaku's fault as well for not stopping him when he could have. (There is debate on this issue, regarding Suzaku possibly using Nunnally and his words about Japan not needing Zero as a warning to Lelouch to BACK THE HELL OFF before he has to take action.) I also believe that Suzaku was prepared to let Lelouch live without his memories. Since "Zero" was effectively dead. I also note that after telling Kallen that "This is Lelouch," his words to Lelouch are "Zero, I will stop you." He only refers to him as Lelouch again when he is answering his question. Note: "I told you, Lelouch. I would change Britannia from the inside." His expression. It's almost like he's not even talking to him, he is repeating something he always told his friend. I think Suzaku has distanced the Lelouch he knew from Zero to a point. This is no longer the friend he cherished. He cannot get him back. So yes, he has lost him.

And what of his talk about having enough military power? With Nunnally in place, Zero is well and truly stuck (ehem people talking about Lelouch possibly killing Nunnally scare me because NO). Why does Suzaku need full strength? By the way, I totally laughed at him chewing out Gino for not bringing Lancelot. YOU WILL RESPECT MY AUTHORITAY. What is Suzaku's role in the plot to catch C.C.? What was his role in the plot to do so by killing the bait: amnesiac Lelouch? Of course, this depends heavily on whether my suggestion that Suzaku would have let amnesiac!Lelouch live is true. I also throw the possibility of the end of Turn 1 being a flash-forward into this mix since it would be the only way of retaining consistency, with Suzaku's declaration of being the one to kill Zero. One thing's for sure, Suzaku is surely the trump card that was sent after Lelouch. What does the Emperor have in mind?

I will now take this moment to laugh at the hilarious fanservice and then urge Kallen to call Lelouch on his bullshit more often. Seriously. Fight the good fight, Kallen!

Comments

[aoi-rein.livejournal.com]

About the "lost friend" line, I do believe Suzaku thinks Lelouch is beyond redemption, that Zero has destroyed him, and that it is Suzaku's fault as well for not stopping him when he could have. (There is debate on this issue, regarding Suzaku possibly using Nunnally and his words about Japan not needing Zero as a warning to Lelouch to BACK THE HELL OFF before he has to take action.) I also believe that Suzaku was prepared to let Lelouch live without his memories. Since "Zero" was effectively dead. I also note that after telling Kallen that "This is Lelouch," his words to Lelouch are "Zero, I will stop you." He only refers to him as Lelouch again when he is answering his question. Note: "I told you, Lelouch. I would change Britannia from the inside." His expression. It's almost like he's not even talking to him, he is repeating something he always told his friend. I think Suzaku has distanced the Lelouch he knew from Zero to a point. This is no longer the friend he cherished. He cannot get him back. So yes, he has lost him.

I love this whole paragraph. Does that means he's ady give up on Lelouch? Yea, I'm still doubt about what Suzaku role in capturing C.C. and killing the bait. If he knows the whole details about it, there should be he knows, then he know Lelouch might be killed. Did he really not care about it? Considering Nunnally, I wanna believe in your analysis. I know Suzaku knows well about what Nunnally needed.

About the methods both using, I agree with you it's perspective. Yes, really, we can't say which one will succeed in the end. How a student can overthrows the whole empire or a japanese can change from inside? *giggles* But method-wise, I like Lelouch one. His way is more quick and direct and it's whether you'll win all or lose all. If you don't have the ability, you can't win. For Lelouch, he's arrogant enough that he think he can do it. Seeing him speaking of it's easy to release Area 11.

About Suzaku method, I just wanna note that his way is possible but it need unnecessary turns and take times. If he never capture Zero I think he still at his position like before. He might become Knight of the Round but surely he need to wait for years. Do the Japaneses can wait? Don't make me wrong. I believe both of their method have same chance to succeed but I'm more favorable to Lelouch method.

[miribai.livejournal.com]

My first reaction to seeing cute ole Nunnaly was "akldjfldajd what the hell what the hell!" After calming down, I'm really torn between the notion that a) Suzaku wants revenger or b) Suzaku wants to use Nunally as a way of pacifying Zero. Take note that Zero has killed (or severely incapacitated as in the case of Cornelia) all the govenor-generals of Area 11. Now that I write it down, this is a brilliant move by Suzaku.(By the way, my name for Suzaku is cunt, I have absolutely no love for the man because I believe he is a tool of optimism.) Either way Zero moves hes fucked and it will be interesting to see how he deals with this new and unexpected situation.

He used the info on Villeta too soon. and as a result has severely fucked up any chance for my main ship of the show to get together So with her, his cover is blown. How does he intend to keep control of her. That I really can't see. Is the shame of being attached to a Black Knight really more important to keep hidden than the fact that Zero now has his memory back and has recruited their best assassin to his side? Seriously? Is he really banking on the idea that she'll keep quiet for honor's sake? (Help me out here what am I missing?) Bad move Lulu. (Its okay though, I forgive you, you can do no wrong in my eyes.)

[nayami.livejournal.com]

Ehem, I kindly request that anyone who wants to engage in these discussions argue their point without resorting to bashing. And yes, name-calling as displayed above does indeed count as bashing. I am also sorry to say that the second I see said bashing, my eyes glaze over the rest of the comment. I love sharing any and all opinions so long as they are phrased in manner of a debate and not a rant. There are plenty of other posts for you to rant on.

[kerina.livejournal.com]

That's a really interesting analysis, thanks for sharing!

Ok so Nunnally. First, I am tired of seeing "Suzaku used Nunnally." Truly tired of it. And here is why. I don't think Suzaku is using Nunnally, but he is using her importance to Lelouch.

THANK YOU.

Also in response to people's whining about Suzaku's goals being foolish and ill-thought and liable to only be a band-aid... umm we're supporting someone who thinks he can overthrow an entire empire... and then what? Suddenly free people? What about the EU and China? What about the Britannia momeland mainland? Both players have extreme goals, and who's to say one has more likelihood than the other. Perspective as always.

THANK YOU AGAIN. ♥

I've been reading a few opinions on forums and these are the two subjects that come up mainly, usually followed by various forms of Suzaku hate. It seems to me that some people are a little too biased towards Lelouch, and ready to forgive him anything and approve of his every move; but no matter what Suzaku does, he will be hated. He was hated when he apparently had no plan, he is hated now that he has one. It's nice to see that LJ members are a little more open-minded and ready to look at things from both perspectives ;D

[http://users.livejournal.com/tsubaki_/]

Gino really is Tamaki with a mecha.

QFT. Lol.

[shisukei.livejournal.com]

i had the mental image of everyone onf the Rounds dressed like Hosts (suzaku would be haruhi, obiously)....and Charles dressed as Renge...god...

[misteline.livejournal.com]

Wow.. This was absolutely amazing. You're one of the few people in fandom that actually gets what's going on. To tell you the truth, I'm tried of all the hate Suzaku has been getting as of late based on the actions he's been taking. Suzaku is doing some of the same things Lelouch has been doing. Now that Suzaku is doing it too, he's suddenly the bad guy? At least Suzaku has everyone's (minus Lelouch's) best interests in mind.

And I totally agree with you. I don't think Suzaku is using Nunnally in the same sense that Lelouch has been using others. Suzaku would never simply "disregard" a life in the ways Lelouch does. He cares about Nunnally and providing Lelouch with a chance to talk to Nunnally can be seen as a cruel act of mercy. Suzaku set the playing field, but Lelouch has to make his choice. A lot of people seem to think that he'll reject Nunnally in order to prevent the chance of blowing his cover. Why? Is what he's doing right now more important than a reunion with Nunnally? I don't think so. I seriously doubt he'll pass up this chance. If he does, he's an idiot and I have no sympathy for him. Don't try to pin this on Suzaku.

[nayami.livejournal.com]

I wouldn't say that just yet. My analysis is a lot of theory and interpretation, but I hope it urges people to study the facts and make their own without just attacking one side or the other. Geass is meant to be poked at.

I wouldn't say Lelouch "disregards" life. In fact, he has to truly understand a person to know how to get the best of them. He has to acknowledge their life in its entirety to do so. But Lelouch has always held true to the rule that if you're going to kill, you better be prepared to be killed. Not to say that Lelouch's methods aren't vicious because they are. But they are used against those who already have blood on their hands or will.

[misteline.livejournal.com]

No, I thought it was really good, but I guess it's probably because I agree with essentially everything you said. XD; You're right. In essence, both Suzaku and Lelouch are going about this whole thing "wrong", but the viewer is made to chose the lesser of two evils, I suppose. Don't just assume that because Lelouch is the main character he is always "right." Just because Suzaku doesn't constantly think solely of himself, doesn't mean that he's going about this in the "right" manner either.

I like Lelouch, but after what he did to Euphie, regardless of the fact that it was an accident, I don't care, it was messed up I seriously don't think he deserves to win this... Well, at least not easily and that makes for a win series, my friend. BUT I DIGRESS.

I've always felt that despite the fact that Lelouch only attacks or uses people who deserve it, I think it's important to remember that this is based on his reasoning alone. It all depends on perspective. If we went about killing all the people we didn't quite agree without any mode of forgiveness, then our world would be pretty screwed up. However, Lelouch does typically kill and use people that are truly corrupt. But what about the Japanese Federation? Were they truly corrupt? Ah, well. It's all about opinion and you're right. Geass is meant to be thought about. However, I find poking fun at it a much more enjoyable. Oh, how seriously fandom takes you, Code Geass.

too long, as usual

[rainbow-cnxn.livejournal.com]

As per usual, I agree with 95% of what you said, but you were able to convey that far more coherently than I could ever hope to and without the rambling musing and thought reversals that typify my Geass posts.

One thing, though. (And I have a suspicion that my objection is purely one of semantics, in which case I'M SORRY FOR MAKING YOU READ ALL THIS. D=)

I don't think Suzaku is using Nunnally, but he is using her importance to Lelouch.

That seems to me a rather pedantic distinction. What else would anyone use her for? Her political prowess? Or her administrative skills? Her one valuable, exploitable trait (as far as greater Britannia is concerned) is her connection to Lelouch. So I think that if you were to ask, "Is Suzaku using Nunnally?", the answer is "yes". However, the more interesting questions to ask are, "Does he have her consent to do this?" and "Who put her into the position of being used?" This doesn't just mean that this person is blackmailing Nunnally or anything of the sort. The person in question could have simply given her the relevant information about the current situation, and I have no doubt that Nunnally would have taken it upon herself to carry out these actions to save her onii-sama.

So who could it have been that clued Nunnally in to everything? The knee-jerk response would be "Suzaku", though my inner appraisal of Suzaku finds that unlikely to be true. I agree that he would never put her at any real risk, and the thought of Suzaku consciously and actively backing Nunnally into a moral conundrum is one that I don't believe in.

Another popular option is that Nunnally figured out everything by herself. I guess that this is possible, but I'm loathe to give Nunnally too much credit. Another equally viable option is that V.V. and/or Charles told her. I personally prefer this theory, as I do believe that Suzaku will turn against Charles later on, and this would give him one justification to do so. But this is just a pet theory of mine that has zero canon evidence to support it.

In any case, Nunnally is set into a position for her to be used by Britannia, and I'm sure that she's at least smart enough to realize that. Specifically, I think that she's at least somewhat in cahoots with Suzaku and allows herself to be used by him in this way, as well. I mentioned in a previous discussion about how I imagine Suzaku to be a knight-figure for Nunnally, and this exploitation does not necessarily shatter that conceptualization. We don't know what the current state of Nunnally and Suzaku's relationship is, but it's hard to imagine that she doesn't trust him. And if she trusts him, she may trust him enough for him to use her as such to bring about the best possible end for everyone. Her presence would not only give him a tool but also a leash. He can't act upon only his own ambitions and emotions; he must also take hers into account.

I still can't help but shake my small feeling of disappointment in Suzaku, though. Perhaps I wanted him to do more to keep her out of harm's way. And even if he couldn't prevent that from happening, maybe I expected him to not derive utility from it. Even if Nunnally were used by Britannia like this as live bait, my idealized, romanticized Suzaku would not use her in his plans. But the new Suzaku is far more cunning and far less noble, so my expectations were unrealistic, to say the least.

Re: too long, as usual

[schizofragile.livejournal.com]

So I think that if you were to ask, "Is Suzaku using Nunnally?", the answer is "yes".

FINALLY. THANK YOU FOR SAYING IT.

Suzaku IS using Nunally. He doesn't intend to harm her physically or emotionally, but later on, she will be affected because he used her name/importance to test Lelouch. Maybe She wasn't aware why Suzaku *suddenly* gave her consent to talk to Lelouch after a whole year of separation.

Suzaku thinks he isn't using Nunally, but indeed he is. I remember the time when Suzaku said that he'd give up his friendship to attain his goals--but I don't think he'd do that to her. I hope so. The fact is he is using the physical/whatever attribute of the girl to obtain what he wants (hello there, episode 1-2).


I still can't help but shake my small feeling of disappointment in Suzaku, though.
IAWTC. ♥ ;___; They were so pure back then, but now...


IF Nunally indeed knows that she is a pawn or such and then she uses it to her advantage, she'd be one of the best character ever.



..Too long D8 but I just wanted to say ILUSM♥♥♥ with the Suzaku-Nunally opinion.

Re: too long, as usual

[rainbow-cnxn.livejournal.com]

Glad you liked the read. =)

She wasn't aware why Suzaku *suddenly* gave her consent to talk to Lelouch after a whole year of separation.
Actually, we have no idea who gave who consent. Most likely, consent did not come from Suzaku or Nunnally but, rather, from the Emperor giving them a freer hand in their dealings with Lelouch. And I don't think she's completely unaware--she is just highly limited by what she can do. I do believe that there is at least some degree of collusion between Suzaku and Nunnally, and I doubt that he is doing this without her consent.

They were so pure back then, but now...
Yeah, a roiling mess of terrorism, patricide, fratricide, double lives, daddy issues, dead girlfriends, and lots of latent crazy will do that to people. =D

Re: too long, as usual

[nayami.livejournal.com]

The distinction is important nonetheless. To me, using a person is on a different level than using a connection, which is what Suzaku is doing. When I think about using a person, I think of what Lelouch does to Rollo or what he planned to do to Euphie. Using their own feelings/emotions against them. Their is a definite promise of their getting hurt in the process. Even if Nunnally knew nothing and would have to learn the truth about Zero and Lelouch, which would lead to some hurt on her part, that realization is not cruel. It's more honest than simply lying and sheltering her forever. I see no reason why Suzaku shouldn't be as utilitarian as possible to stop a mass murderer, who could very well endanger Nunnally. I think the disappointment in Suzaku is unjustified when people remember what Suzaku thinks he's up against.

Re: too long, as usual

[rainbow-cnxn.livejournal.com]

Ah, I see what you mean, and I think most of our differences lie from what it means to "use" someone, mainly that I think you can use someone without the intent to hurt.

And I agree that Nunnally getting in the know is the far more honest option. However, if we were to look at the boys in season one ("one" being the operative word), they are anything but fully honest to her. Lelouch lies to her all the time (or at least tells half-truths), and Suzaku never really delves into the serious bits of his life with Nunnally around. They have had a history of sheltering her for her own best interest, because if she was cognizant of everything, she would surely try to do something about it. And Nunnally taking an active role is undesirable for two reasons: 1) her motivations put a leash on the boys and their ambitions, and 2) she would presumably put herself in the spotlight and/or in harm's way. And I still think that that realization would be cruel, at least from the boys' perspective, because an ignorant Nunnally has infinite choices, while a knowing, empathetic, and empowered Nunnally only really has one. It's a drastic reduction in freedom and increase in moral burden.

So (in my mind), for Suzaku there's competing claims of utilitarianism and keeping Nunnally out of this mess. The caveats are that he may have no control over the latter, and even if he does, R2!Suzaku is different and perhaps a character I dislike more from a purely subjective standpoint.

[saverellawish.livejournal.com]

I should probably mention before I start this, I have untold amounts of faith in Lulu, so a lot of this will probably be me justifying Lulu's actions in my own crazy way. I apologize in advance :D;;

I totally agree, seeing Lulu struggle in physical activities will never get old. I absolutely loved his expression when Milly passed him. On another note, I don't really agree it was sloppy of him, going to Villetta immediately. Maybe a little quick to assume she'll yield without much of a fight, but that is what worried Villetta once she got over the indignation as associating with Ougi in that way. She was worried of losing her hard earned status, not to mention what people would say about her associating with a "lowly Eleven." Lelouch is good at reading people so I'm sure he picked up on that. If not, he knows something the rest of us don't and it just hasn't been revealed yet. In any case, I don't think Villetta will go down without a fight, maybe we'll get lucky and a reunion with Ougi that much sooner. And yes, his "Happy Birthday" line was delicious *_*

Lulu is a hypocrite on a lot of things, and keeping secrets is one them. But as far as Ougi keeping secrets from him, I think it was more of a case he was surprised more than anything. I think he sees Ougi as being one of his main supporters, and the lest likely to hide anything from him. What Lelouch doesn't know is that Ougi didn't know who Villetta was, and that he was just being the kind soul he is and caring for a woman who has lost her memory. I'm sure if Lelouch knew this he wouldn't have made that face, since hes determined to keep up airs around everybody except C.C. at this point. But I guess if thats not the case he is entitled to some bitchiness considering what his father and Suzaku did (though I don't understand what you meant by bad timing). I believe with Nunnally gone all bets are off at this point, and Lulu's whipping out every major plan hes ever thought of, so I'm not complaining in the least. He definitely seems to have stepped up his pace this season as far his schedule for mopping the floor with Brittania is concerned.

It did also bug me they just automatically assumed he had some master plan going when he disappeared on them during the Black Rebellion. I mean, I can understand Ougi's faith, Zero turned his whole group around with just a flick of his wrist, so I'm betting Ougi secretly worships the ground Zero walks on. But Toudou just wrote it off so easily. I was expecting a little more of a challenge of sorts :/ As far as the rest of the order is concerned, I'm sure they have mixed feelings about Zero at the moment, and that'll come back to bite Lulu. Oh well, it'll keep things interesting.

I can never get of Kid Suzaku and Kid Lulu. They are so adorable, they're probably the only chibis I would ever fangirl over in public (since most of my fangirling goes to mecha, pretty boys, and basically anything in the overly-not-cute-by-any-means category). I stand by my opinion that Lelouch and Suzaku know each other better than anyone. They're perfect friends, and perfect rivals. They can anticipate one another's thoughts and even synchronize them, and I was in awe and the way they left that sentence off. They truly do know each other better than anyone. I'm also drooling over the fact Suzaku's finally picking up his game a little. His last act in ep 05 was down right demented, so much so, I don't even think Lelouch would pull that if his and Suzaku's roles were switched. AND I'M ABSOLUTELY LOVING EVERY MINUTE OF IT. I have hated Suzaku since 23-24 of R1 and especially since ep 02 of R2, but he finally got interesting again. I do not believe however that Lelouch is going to make the same mistake again, that Suzaku will value the relationship they had as children and spare him/join him. No, he knows Suzaku is out for blood, and hes ready to play the same game.

[saverellawish.livejournal.com]

Suzaku really live up to his name in his different atmospheres around different people. I love how he is around Lelouch now, its like they're constantly insulting each other when the other isn't listening. I didn't notice the different reactions to Rivalz and Gino, because obviously I'm a dunce like that, but now that you mention, damn, Suzaku really is a bastard. Suzaku does honestly care for people, like everyone in the student council, that has always been apparent. I just think he goes about it the wrong way some times, but maybe thats because I hate people who are fake around everyone. I know Lulu does the same, but it seems so much more natural when Lulu does it, compared to Suzaku purposefully doing it. I could be viewing it wrong, but my opinions on the many theories in Geass range on quite a large scale. I take them to the best of my abilities to understand them. I will say this though, I think the only person Suzaku is real around is Lelouch, and vice versa.

I also love Suzaku's stalking. Like I said I simply adore how much hes stepped it up to keep up on par with Lulu. I'm loving every minute of it.

No kidding about Gino though. That is a scary thought...

I agree with you 100% about Suzaku using Nunally's role to Lelouch as opposed to using her. I believe Suzaku now views Nunally as he did Euphie, as weird as that sounds, I think in his mind, he needs someone to fight for. Someone to have a dream/ambition/wish that he can charge forward for and not dwell the consequences because it was all for "that person." I also agree with Suzaku's comment about losing a lot of friends and an irreplaceable woman. The irreplaceable woman is (no duh) obviously Euphie. As for the friend, it could only be Lelouch. Lelouch as Suzaku viewed him anyway. I crack up thinking at how Kallen basically said Zero could look all he wants, but Lelouch would receive a flying panty flash kick in the eyes if his eyeballs didn't stray elsewhere. Suzaku views Lelouch in pretty much the same way. There "Leouch" and then there "Zero." I can't decide if Suzaku is out to save "Lelouch" by taking away all the factors that made him "Zero," or if hes out to eliminate him altogether because he views him as nothing but "Zero" now, as he inferred "Lelouch" was already dead. Either way Suzaku is protecting Nunnally from "Zero," not really using her.

Damn, its 11:23 P.M. and I have school in the morning, guess I'll have to continue this later :/ Sorry if it sounds like nothing but rambling at this point >.>;;

[clymnestra.livejournal.com]

This is very very very well thought-out, and smoothly written. In other words: Love!

But anyway, onto the slightly more intelligent part of this comment.
I have to thank you [as has been done several times already in this post ^^] for defending Suzaku's point of view. It irritates me to no end the ways people bash him without even trying to get where he's coming from. I mean, he lost Euphie and was 'betrayed' by his best friend, all in the height of his "re-evaluating his self-worth and honor in the midst of his past sins and present situation". Forgive him for being just a wee bit more evil in the game.
People also constantly say they hate his being a hypocrite and an idealist. I seriously think though that that hypocrisy [because undeniably it's there to some level], that huge flaw, adds to the beauty of his character. And on idealism ~ Lelouch is very idealistic about his goals as well. The only difference is that he has a Geass; the easy way out/in ~ I'd like to see someone give Suzaku a Geass [OMG] and see how far he goes.

...Personally, from where I'm standing, Lelouch is very much in the wrong right now, constantly using people and lying and whatnot. [Poor dishrag Rollo. Although I predict that later on, he'll develop some brotherly affection for the boy. x3 ]
Suffice it to say he needed a good kick in the pants to throw him off his high horse for a while. [not to say I don't like Lulu though; I love to hate to love Lulu. And, like Suzaku, he has his reasons]

Luckily Suzaku neatly took care of that with a Nunally-spinkick. I agree, yes, Suzaku IS using her. But definitely not abusing her in anyway. This is chess after all: she's strategically placed. He can keep an eye on her to see that she doesn't get hurt [he vowed to protect her in that last episode; even if it means protecting her from Lelouch], he increases his influence in terms of Britannian power towards his original goal, and he gets Lulu to feel how he felt when Euphie was in the same situations. Bang. Checkmate. Clever Knight. Can't wait to see Zero's next move! x3

On that note -- I agree with you on the disappointing sloppiness of the OotB at the moment. That his members let him off the hook for abandoning them appalled me; and that Lelouch as Zero would immediately go for Viletta without even background checking what exactly was up with her and Ougi was not of his usual tact either. Maybe he's just trying to maneuver as quick as possible before any other higher-ups notice that he's regained his memories?

The Zino/Gino-Tamaki likeness was astounding. Did they do that on purpose?? I have to admit though, his relationship with Suzaku is all kinds of adorable. It's like he's Suzaku's second cat, except instead of biting there is cuddling in abundance.

Alright ~ I'm so sorry. This comment is way too long, and BRIMMING with character bias. Again, amazing job on your analysis. I stop now. x3