Oh here it comes...

[inksmears]

Okay. So. I'm a little behind everyone else, but I just finished watching episode 21 of R2. And... well...



I don't want to rain on anyone's parade, so stop now if you positively love everything about episode 21 and Code Geass. Okay? Okay.

So. I didn't like this episode. I didn't hate it but I definitely didn't like it. And I'm just kind of wondering if I'm alone in the "Eeehhhh." feeling after seeing this episode. Don't get me wrong, I love plot twists. But now they seem really... forced. Or like the writers pulled it out of their ass at the very last second because they realized they have a few more episodes left to explain everything.

I dunno. Maybe I got my hopes too high for season two or was expecting something entirely different. But the last few episodes have, at least to me, been kind of disappointing. The series seems to be going in a bad direction and/or trying to hard. I feel like it's trying less for story and depth and more for just pure mind fuckery. And while mind fuckery is cool, a series like Code Geass needs to be about something more than trying to give your audience a heart attack every episode. You know?

Anyone... some things that kinda got to me. Firstly, Marianne's death. I dunno about you, but I waited for a long time to find out the explanation to that one. And all we got was a brief explanation that was basically "lol Geass powerz". I was hoping for a little... more to it, I guess. I did like, however, the turn around at how Marianne was such a horrible mother. That was a neat twist at least. But her death, or lackthereof, was really lame. And then her "second death" at Lelouch caused was even lamer.

Secondly, Charles. After being the enemy for season one and almost the entire story of season 2, he's suddenly crusading for a world without lies and V.V. was the real bad guy? While I appreciated he didn't end up being a typical villain, his character ended up being lame considering all the build up we got for him. It's just that I hoped he would've played a bigger role in the series' end. Of course, we can launch into theories that he isn't really dead, but humor me.

Lastly, Schneizel. Okay, seriously. WTF Schneizel. Out of no where.

I love series with unexpected twists, but after awhile, there only needs to be so many before the series sticks with and follows through with said twists. And I feel Code Geass has kind of forgotten that. Comments? Thoughts? Flames? Spinzaku? Mainly just wondering if I'm alone in this feeling. Either way, I won't stop loving the series. I just want a good ending for something I enjoy so much.



I also have a question for you guys. Code Geass R2 OSTs. There are two of them coming out I believe? Does anyone happen to know the release dates for them? I'd appreciate it!

Comments

[nokiirat.livejournal.com]

there's one OST already out. check the tags.
the second OST comes out Sept 24.

[inksmears]

I did but didn't see it? Ah, well. Must've missed it. I'll find it, thanks!

And thank you~

[hzuki.livejournal.com]

Your definitely not alone ._.
Any series can only have so many plot holes before it gets ridiculous D:
Srsly, even with geass Lelouch can't just go "I'm your emperor now kthnx!"

[chirigami.livejournal.com]

I keep kind of going either way with my opinions on what transpired, but given how it is and that we there is still more yet to see I'm still deathly in love with this series.

I think the rumor mills kind of kept getting my hopes up - I did love the Anya/Nunnally twist that someone had spread around, as well as a few more really well thought out theories. So, seeing them not really come true was disappointing, 'cause sometimes they are actually better than what the creators actually give us. And a lot of what we got did seem to come out left field, and it was built up so much - like you mentioned, Marianne's death - and then... wow, that was it? But, it does add to the whole thing of Geass being a gift and a curse and Lelouch has seen that first hand with his rebellion and the deaths of people he loved. So, it even adds in his own parents - though, seriously.. Marianne to me was very whackadoodle o-O;

I guess I just don't put the series past anything because of how many directions it has gone and the wtfness abounds in every corner now. It at least hasn't hit the train wreck like so many other series, well to me anywho. But with anything, perhaps the ideas were well thought out, but the way it was presented and written could have been a lot better.

[stigmatize.livejournal.com]

Well, Taginuchi was basically forced to rewrite his vision for Geass by the producers. At this point I think he's basically saying 'FUCK YOU, I'M GOING TO SEE HOW MUCH I CAN GET AWAY WITH AND THEN GO HOME CRYING TO MY PILES OF MONEY'.

But really, if you were looking for a SERIOUS BUSINESS MECHA SHOW, you should've known to jump ship 25 episodes ago.

[powercorrupts.livejournal.com]

I think part of the fun of Geass is the absurdity. Geass started off as a serious mecha show with whacky hijinks, I guess a little akin to FMP in that regard. But by the point that it hit the Euphinator, I think the pearl of genuinely interesting serious mecha show plot had been completely devoured by the rest of the show.

In my opinion, Geass isn't really the show to watch if you're looking for a serious approach to the mecha genre. And while that's usually what some of us (myself for sure) prefer, it's great to have something as stupid and ridiculous as Geass. There are better ones out there that take themselves seriously. Geass is the show to watch if you want a show that doesn't know where or why it's going, but has every intent to do as much damage on the way there. Geass has always spent as much time making genocide laughable and ruining everyone else's shit as it has actually having a plot, so I don't find the latest plot turn that surprising.

In a way, Geass is the perfect troll show. Like a meme, it takes it's own ideas and then uses and abuses them to the point that they cease to be funny - and then keeps doing it until they become hilarious only in the absurdity of the action. Sure, the latest episode was stupid, but it was phenomenally, ridiculously, and incredibly stupid. And in surpassing the previous stupidity of every episode before it, it transcended stupidity and went straight to win.

Personally, I'm sure I'm just perpetuating the stereotype of the obnoxious "it's all for the lulz" geass fan, but I think that's really the best way to enjoy Geass. If you continue to look for the pearl of genuinely interesting mecha anime plot, you'll be here all day, and just end up disappointed that it got buried with the Euphinator, Nukezaku, and Emperocket. It's better to just go watch a serious show, and then for a nice break from being depressed by Tomino killing everyone, turn to Geass, which at least makes genocide funny.

[kirarakim.livejournal.com]

IAWTC well at least you explained why I watch Code Geass. I always enjoyed it because it was so over the top and ridiculous. And quite honestly that was the reason I watched R1 as well.

[panoptics.livejournal.com]

which at least makes genocide funny.

It's totally like a sitcom built off of George Carlin and Bill Hicks and so on, then, it seems, with the left-field train of thought of Miitch Hedberg, then. Nonsensical, war-themed, filled with weird-shit running jokes, sex... there's probably somewhere in the series who smokes grass or takes psychedelic mushrooms.

Not to mention, too often have I be reminded of Hicks while participaring in and/or reading some of the conversations on this comm... Ah, screw it, what am I talking about.

[panoptics.livejournal.com]

The series has gone completely nuts, in my opinion, and I've chosen to stop following it as of Ep. 20. There are simply too many plotholes in this series and I strain to make any sense of this, even when I am following it. I really... can't think of anything else to say.

I just hope people start coming back from the dead toward the end of the series, or something...

[susure.livejournal.com]

regardless of whether or not CG R2 or the series as a whole is full of crazy shit, it has a huge following for the reason that it still maintains a level of entertainment that people have come to expect (and in that regard, it doesn't disappoint). many admit that despite everything, they have chosen to suspend their disbelief and just enjoy it while it lasts (since the end is in sight).

if certain high-browed individuals (not implying the OP or any particular commenters) find that R2 has 'lost' some of the complexity or merits that attracted them in S1, i guess they are certainly free to drop. however, i believe that with only a few episodes left, they are doing themselves a disservice because the ending may be a pleasant surprise. i stress that, knowing code geass, a LOT can happen in four episodes. plus, we've come all this way, no?

[inksmears]

Wait... so because I'm not mindlessly watching the episodes without thinking too much about what I'm watching means I'm not enjoying it? Huh? Popular doesn't always mean its good and while something may not disappoint the masses, it can still disappoint on some level. I highly doubt there is some form of media out there that doesn't disappoint a single person.

I plan to see Code Geass through to the end. I AM enjoying the series, despite this. I love the series even if I don't like some of the things that have transpired. But I like to question and discussion everything about what I like, it's flaws and it's strengths. I don't really think that's wrong?

[celemna.livejournal.com]

I'm being totally serious when I say this but I take it completely serious and it makes perfect sense. I think everything eventually gets explained or is explained right then and there. I know most people don't think that way but I spend a lot of time going "huh....well" and figuring things out. I don't think it was lame how Marianne died- V.V. thought she was interferring and for the sake of their corrupted plan he tried to kill her (and because he's a jealous kinda guy when it comes to his family) she had made the pact but she'd never been given her powers till the end. It was cool to me because it basically says ANYA IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE MARIANNE MIND FUCKED HER. Charles actually is a villain to me- the world without lies is the world where everyone looks to him and his wife with insane gestures of constant appreciation despite anything they do. In theory the 'world without lies' sounds fun, but when properly explained it's a selfish goal just so he can be forever appreciated and endure as emperor. (Time stopping and everything) I don't think that's disappointing- it's a cult mentality thing and shows to me he was an ultimate evil that didn't want the best for the world but the best for himself. He grew up in a world where everyone killed each other and we see him as a scared child- of course he'd go after a selfish future of consistent praise and ruling. He was willing to give up everyone to do it. People compare Light to Lelouch but Charles is the one who seems more like Light- he'll sacrifice even loved ones because his goal and ruling is the most important thing of all. HE doesn't have to worry about others because it's for the good of everything.

About Schneizel- he isn't exactly emphasized forever but he is implied as being an important figure. Lelouch is afraid of him, he is constantly seen being better than Lelouch and often an implied rival. Had the Emporer never existed I would have assumed Schneizel to be the enemy from the beginning- he is the only one who never seemed to have good intentions other than his own. He plays the weakness of the Black Knights to turn them against Zero, he plays people and he is a bastard ( I love him though xD) so he isn't exactly emphasized but he didn't exactly come from nowhere before now. Maybe S1 was from no where but R2 has shown us plenty of Schneizel.

I admit my bias for you here and now- R2 is my favorite :')

[inksmears]

Your theories suddenly make the episode better. Not kidding. XDDDD

Thank you for proving that you can, in fact, take the series seriously sometimes.

Now all I want to know is a bit more about V.V. and we'd be all set. XD

[norikosama.livejournal.com]

Well, Taniguchi had to rewrite the plot for it, so I'm pretty sure we'd actually have a balanced amount of plot twists if they had just stuck to his script. Honestly, the explanations for the cave scene, Marianne's death, C.C.'s past, and so on weren't all that great, IMO. Does C.C.'s name even matter now? And what the hell happened to the whole Nunnally mystery where she was hiding something?

Though it's unlikely, I'd like to see R2 the way Taniguchi intended it. I'd probably take it as the serious political series it was intended to be, although I do enjoy its little humorous points. Fodder for my taunting.
Although I now fear the ending will be rushed and leaving people going, "OK...WTF was that."

TL;DR sorry. :D

[aquaelion.livejournal.com]

I personally am glad that Charles remained the bad guy to the end. I would have preferred for C.C to have gotten her "happy death" by Lulu's hand, but eh, maybe a season 3? (though I don't have a clue what would be in it honestly..)

And imo, I think they did a good job of wrapping it up. Yes, it was really fast and thrown together like that, but this series was one of those shows where the facts don't appear until the end, so it only -seems- like they are half-assedly throwing shit together.

The only thing that bugged me was...Marrianne's "death." I knew from season 1 that she'd lived..I just knew it, geass or some shit, I knew she'd have to be alive because there was nowhere else for the story to go if she remained dead. So it was pretty cheesy that they did "bring her back" (notrly) and then have her die again (lolz?)...buttttttttt I appreciated hearing the fact that she was a shitty mother (durhurr) and that basically, Charles and her "did it for the LULZ."

Either way, with Lulu as emperor, the world will surely be a better place, I'm sure he'll give Japan back to the Japanese and etc, etc.



BUT GUYS, WTF, HE HAS GEASS IN BOTH EYES NOW?! THAT'S FRICKIN' AWESOME. ;DDD

P.S(?) I honestly don't feel Suzaku-butts was being "used" in any way by Lelouch at the end of the show...I'm thinking it's something he wanted on his own, and he was very resilient to Lelouch's mind games throughout both seasons, so I doubt Lulu smooth talked him into being his Knight-of-Zero-slave-bitch-thing.

[sapphirus.livejournal.com]

I actually do feel 'eh' about it. It rather made me think of Evangelion in a sense. I don't know if that's what sort of plot they were aiming for in the first place, but I was hoping for something more epic. It's like someone pulled the carpet under the plot and made it trip.

[inksmears]

Agreed. And that's what I'm afraid of. That Code Geass will give us the Evangelion ending. I definitely don't want that. D:

[keele-san.livejournal.com]

One thing that made me somehow depressed in this episode was that Anya seemed to be a Deus ex machina that has been planted at the start of the season and has only revealed its true nature later in the season... I was expecting at least a deeper explanation as to why it was Anya... and I mean, come on... she just happened to be there when Marianne and VV were talking so she could be Marianne's vessel? I don't really think it was a "just as planned" thing (of course I could be wrong and somehow there would be an explanation to all that but I'm not betting on it). The explanation of Marianne's death, even though minimal, is good enough for me. It explains why she had instructed everyone to not guard the castle, and all that, but the re-enactment of the death and Nunnally being a witness is a totally different matter. It does clear up as to how Anya became a Knight of Rounds even if she was uber young and loli... doesn't need much explaining.

Also, I keep wondering where and how did VV get his code, because it seems that he and Charles are really brothers, but that maybe a plot hole that won't be covered in canon.

Besides those things... I liked the episode especially the Emperor Lelouch moment. My inner Suzaku fangirl is wondering why Emozaku is still emo at this point but maybe my brain is still tired to process it enough.

I'm actually anticipating what Schneizel has up his sleeve. Yes, he did appear out of nowhere, but the plot intensity should go on.

[inksmears]

Word on the Anya thing. That made me sad. "LOL RANDOM SERVANT GIRL" was all we got? Come on...

[mossygirl.livejournal.com]

You are not alone. But yeah, no matter what Geass does, I will probably still love it, because I started watching it for the crack, and it continues to deliver the crack XD

(But if they decide to kill C.C. it better be damn good, or I'll be pissed o.o)

On a side note, I didn't find Schneizel's growth of importance that surprising. He always seemed like an important, somewhat sinister (yet FABULOUS!) character to me. He was even in the first opening. (Was Cornelia in the first OP? I can't recall ^^;)

... Wasn't he supposed to have known something about Marianne's death as well?

[inksmears]

... Wasn't he supposed to have known something about Marianne's death as well?

.... I think you're right. I'm not sure. Though if he did, I think what he supposedly knew was a lie. Maybe.

[the-sports-geek.livejournal.com]

I still think Code Geass is basically taking every mecha stereotype, punching it in the face, burning it alive, and pissing on the ashes.

Pink haired princess and heroic mecha pilot? Haha... ha... ha.

Silly Eva ending involving the world ending in Tang? No, YOU shut the fuck up, DAD!

Harem for the main character? Sorry, homolust ending confirmed.

It isn't a masterpiece by any means, but for me, I have never had this much fun watching a show. Ever.

[kusaja.livejournal.com]

I disagree, but you're definitely not alone...I'd say this is probably the last great twist, aside from the ending itself, so the pace should slow down somewhat even if we do get the usual cliffhangers and surprises.

I'm pretty up to date with spoilers so the "mind fuckery" value is reduced a lot in my case, and I do try to give the series a little bit of credit beyond just the absurd fun one may also derive from it.

[kuroshin.livejournal.com]

So okay, Maybe Suza and Lulu are all buddies now and its good... But Why doI feel that there's something wrong with that? I dunno...

Im happy that Charles is bad 'till the end but marianne is just like "blah" for me... I expected something greater for her...

Oh Schneizel... Im waiting for your moe!

Oh and Is Anya a fake knightmare pilot after all and cannot pilot anymore now that Marianne's dead?

[strawberrypenis.livejournal.com]

First off "a series like Code Geass needs to be about something more than trying to give your audience a heart attack every episode" zomg ROFFLE so true.

Secondly, I fucking love Code Geass but this season was too much all at once. I don't mind a good mind fuck at all however the twist gets kind of lame after a while because it feels like it's being over the top. I first thought that after Shirley's death things picked up way too quickly and that they should of made a season 3 to get it all out and explain carefully.

Charles wanting a gentle world had me WTF and Marianne, WHY?! I expected a wonderful mother who's heart made of gold but we got something else. It's just like Lulu said, why did she wait till the war of Britannia and Black Knights? We all knew Charles abandoned Lulu and Nunnally but damn I didn't expect Marianne too. V.V. I had suspected him as Marianne's killer since before his death, he just seemed to dislike her and Lulu. Lulu as emperor is awesome and Suzaku as his Knight just pwns and I had wished for this for so long but it's not the way I had expected hoped for. I wanted to see them try to understand each other since Lulu took all of his sins on his shoulders, not explaining everything and just blocking people out. The bit about Anya and Nunnally was another WTF so basically Nunnally didn't witness her mother's murder but rather Anya...Nunnally was just used. Suzaku denying talking to Euphie?!? what a fucking surprise! I think this maybe because Goro Taniguchi didn't get to do the episode through his visions? ah I vote re-do.

[tenshi789.livejournal.com]

Quickly scanned your post-

but I agree, I didn't like it. It feels like CG is going into a completely different direction than it was before - which was confirmed a few posts back.

This whole thing with Marianne and the WHOLE world of C went by too fast for me. It has no time to sink it firstly, but secondly, I never really liked the magical part of the series- I was into the tactics.

I think Marianne's crappy mother-ness was an interesting twist- but it did seem to destroy half of what Code Geass was actually about.

[mizukiaya.livejournal.com]

I thought this was one messed up episode. At least the part with Lulu's parents. It really did seem like the writers were just rushing and made up a bunch of stuff on a whim to explain everything about Marianne.

I was disappointed in Marianne...esp. since she was supposed to be liked by Charles' other children. So I'd thought she'd be a cool person...but she ended up being a freaky twisted psycho mother. Like ugh I felt shame and pity for Lulu having such messed up parents.

My hope is that Schneizel doesn't become entirely bad. And if he does, please don't let him bring Cornelia with him. I mean they're the only living relatives of Lulu who haven't won my hatred yet.

[klingon-jedi.livejournal.com]

I don't think any of them are forced, but more of the writers dealing with the loop they were given in having to restructure for a new audience. So some things didn't get fully developed. It's like how I'm peeved a bit by the handlingof Shirley and such. Toned down, sort of like Nunnally.

Addressing your concerns

1. I actually found this sort of satisfying. VV hinted that he'd was the one that did it by his Rolo-ish devotion to Charles and Charles line about him lying again. Anya being there did seem a deus-ex machina, but it was the only viable way to have her there. It wouldn't have been the same had Charles just said, "She was in on it, and my brother killed her because he thought I'd stray". A quick, "you mother died by the hand of someone taken care of 5 episodes ago" wouldn't have been as good had she simply died, or not been in on it. You'd miss that utterly delicious moment when she shows herself to Lelouch. It also cements the whole "Pawn that thought he was a King" bit.

What else could they have done? Though I suppose having her as just another victim might have worked, but given that it's become more than just avenging her, the nature of who and why diminishes in importance. Having the twist was an option too good to pass up.



2 I completely disagree on Charles turning out lame. If anything, his threat was made greater, as it turns out he was pulling Lelouch;s strings simply for what he felt was the greater good. Add in the difference in philosophies (the awesome "Nunnally's smile" bit), and I think he worked really well. Him being a horrible parent whilst trying to be a good one (thinking he's protecting his kids, but, as Lelouch said, ultimately forgetting about them in the grand scheme of things) was a nice bit. Given that he was a bit of a proxy villain in the first season, with little known about his motivations, the lies track, I though, worked beautifully. Especially when you realize that he parallels Lelouch in wanting to create a world of peace for those he loves. The difference being that he casts said love ones aside to accomplish it whereas Lelouch embraces them. the whole war that could've killed those he wished to protect, all to drive out CC...

I too would've loved him to follow through to the end, but his stage is over.

3. Even I'm not sure what Schneizel plans. All I can say is that he's a patient manipulator.

[bakamandy.livejournal.com]

I'll agree with you. All though I did enjoy the lovely amount of crack, but the amount of plot curve balls has gone upgraded this series from simple mind fucking to mind raping.

I had to watch the episode twice, and usually that's enough for me to make some sense out of it, but alas it made no difference what so ever.

I miss season one so much. The pace things took place was defiantly much more manageable since it always felt so smooth and well written. I hate watching R2 and feeling like it's totally being rushed to meet some conclusion... and I can't help but realize that I've spent those many months of anticipation for R2 to only be kind of disappointed at how it has not really lived up to it's predecessor.

Not to say I still don't enjoy R2; cause it's really awesome to see an anime out there that's stepped beyond and try to accomplish something totally different and entertaining.

I'm sure if they had only added a few more episodes and spent more time explaining things, my opinion would be a little higher D:

[crophecy.livejournal.com]

Yeah I agree, you're not alone. Although Lelouch coming in as the emperor with Suzaku as his knight was a more acceptable plot twist, the whole explaining-everything-in-about-15-minutes-when-it-took-over-a-season-to-build-up-the-anticipation disappointed me so much. They just sat around and explained things... that was too easy! And then after explaining, they died. WTF lame. That was the only part I didn't like, the whole "obviously we are explaining to make sure that the audience gets the story line" thing. I just have a thing with characters themselves explaining the story, instead of turn of events.