Rating: 10/10

Overall Series Rating: 9.5/10

Impressions:

With these last two episodes, I can no longer say that I’ll be looking forward to the second season of Shana more than the second season of Code Geass, both of which are scheduled for next season (I hope this is right). These last two episodes are insanely captivating—I sat watching with full concentration the entire way, due to the lightning pace, action, plot twists and everything else. The appearances of some annoying characters such as Nina and Suzaku didn’t end up on my nerves; instead, I felt grateful for their appearances due to the excellent entertainment that they provide. Of course, CC’s appearances (and kiss) is a wonder in its own, since she’s my fave character.

I have to admit, there are quite a few events that occur too easily for the sake of the story. Darlton’s interference with Cornelia’s and Lelouch’s battle seem a bit too lucky to me, while things like Oogi’s near death experience and Suzaku’s capture happen far too easily. They do show a few things though—Lelouch’s Geass is failing since orders aren’t being retained (demonstrated by people like Darlton), and no matter how highly someone is ranked, or how powerful they are, nothing stops them from getting crushed in the end. Of course this doesn’t happen with Suzaku, and perhaps not Oogi, but it is a good representation of it.

It’s all good knowing that there’s a second season out there, since these last two episodes introduce a shitload of new questions and obstacles, and almost no existing ones are answered. Nothing really progressed plot-wise, except that we discover Marianne actually knew of the attackers that would kill her. This adds to the mystery of C.C. seemingly communicating with her in previous episodes. C.C.’s background is revealed to us (though not all), and it turns out she’s actually a which (no wonder she’s retained her 16-year-old appearance for hundreds of years). I just hope she doesn’t actually die from drowning…

Lelouch seems to have become crazy now. He’s kinda like Light in Death Note, though in Code Geass everyone’s a little crazy too. Suzaku’s still insanely furious with Eupphemia’s death, while everyone else is either injured, dead or desperately fighting for their lives (and perhaps cursing Zero for abandoning them as well). It’s all very hectic, with the bomb Nina has (which she seemingly creates with Lloyd in previous episodes), Oogi’s wound and the disarray of the Black Knights, Cornelia’s death (she might not be dead actually), and most importantly, the shout between Lelouch and Suzaku. And the suspense is killing me.

Finally, Karen knows about Zero’s identity. And she’s taking it in the exact opposite way I’d imagined. I don’t really mind though, since out of her and C.C. (or out of anyone and C.C.), I like C.C. more. She and Lelouch make an excellent pair, and in more ways that just partners in crime. I really hope none of the main characters die either—they make for such an interesting cast and storyline. Suzaku may not die due to his ‘live’ command from Lelouch, though as we’ve seen Lelouch’s powers are no longer stable and reliable. Lelouch should live since he’s the main character, and he hasn’t resolved anything about his mother or Nanally yet.

I’ve said before that I don’t know how things will continue with Lelouch, since he definitely cannot live a normal life anymore with his uncontrollable Geass eye. However, I’m sure the writers can come up with some excuse to have it revert to normal, or some other method of keeping him in the show. I can’t see him being replaced by another character; that would be plain retarded. Karen and Suzaku are another story. I wonder how much of the second season will actually be spent on the ground conflict between Britannia and the Black Knights, as Karen and Suzaku would get involved, as opposed to a more personal confrontation between Lelouch and his father…

Anyway, the last thing I should say is probably the least significant: the OP and ED. The new OP song is pretty likeable, though I didn’t really find the animation sequence that good. I still find the first OP to be the best. The ED keeps the second song, though with a different animation sequence—one that gives the sense of closure, which I think was done very well. I definitely cannot wait for the second season, but even after that, the story may not end (they could drag it on longer, and Lelouch still has quite a few siblings left doesn’t he?) Hopefully the second season will be as engaging as the first, seeing no drop in quality or quantity.

Rating: 10/10

Impressions:

Fuck yeah, this is what I call REAL entertainment. Ok, maybe I’ve said that before, but it’s an extremely good thing that my favourite Code Geass episode is the most recent one. It wouldn’t look too good if my favourite was episode 1 and somehow the rest of the show fell down a drain and disappeared. This episode was a real surprise, and in different ways to those you might think of. I’m also really sad, pissed, excited and glad that the final two episodes will air in summer (in 3 months?) Sad because I will miss the show; I’m pissed because I have to wait so long; excited because the cliff-hanger ending is just so good; and glad because there IS another two episodes to go.

The surprising thing that I mentioned earlier is how for once, I actually rooted for Suzaku as he was trying to save Euphemmia. Of course, the only reason for that is because I ended up liking her character A LOT due to her major development the past episodes. Apparently, she dies this episode, and spoilers seem to confirm it, though I still have this feeling it might not be true. Her body is still intact, so perhaps she will make some sort of happy comeback next season. I sure hope so, even if the chances are zero. The problem with liking a character that gets killed off is that your overall view of the series might go down. Fortunately, that doesn’t apply to me in this case.

I’ve read a lot of discussion on events that are in this episode, so I guess I should give my take as well. Regarding C.C. talking with Marianne, I believe she is dead. And depending on how people like C.C. come to be, she might be alive and have the power to enlighten others with Geass as well. As for whether Suzaku knows Zero’s true identity or not, I believe he does. V.V. (male) apparently tells him what’s going on, and the way he calls Lelouch with Eupphie’s phone is subtly creepy. I also think Lelouch realises Suzaku knows who his alter ego is, which makes their talk about friends so much more ironic and saddening.

There are quite a few characters that get involved a bit, but aren’t developed enough in my opinion. These include Nina, Orange-kun, Raksharta, Lloyd, Cecile and Viletta. Sure, we see them often and we know a fair bit about them (emo lesbian, emo emo, hot, emo (maybe not) scientist, non-emo, emo-until-memory-loss respectively), but their personalities, habits, likes and dislikes…they’re too down-to-earth and plain. Nina going out to seek revenge is pointless to me, as its highly unlikely she’s going to cause Zero’s demise. And if she does, it would be so messed up, exactly because she isn’t developed enough to be important. Anyway now though, Orange-kun and Viletta might be getting into the fray again…

Overall, this episode not only proves to me how good the series is (with this latest episode, Code Geass surpasses Kanon for me), but it also makes me fear how the second season will measure up. Can it top this first season off? I sure hope so, but there’s big chunk of me doubting that. I also wonder what the next season will be about. Will it go on another path relating to Geass, putting important characters at the moment off screen? Euphie is already down (but I’m hoping she might come back), so what about Suzaku? And of course, the lingering question is how Lelouch can possibly go one with his out of control Geass now (Lelouch better not actually die).

Rating: 9.7/10 WTFness: 10/10

Impressions:

This episode is just a big OMFG episode that does not cease to depress, frustrate and bewilder me. I can not believe what the hell just happened, and although from an objective point of view, the plot twist is very well orientated, I highly disapprove of the events that occur in this episode. They are just unacceptably horrid. I have grown to liking the idea of Eupphie and Lelouch working together so much in the past few episodes, that due to this sudden earthquake in Geass’s plotline, I have no idea what to think. I believe it would be best to hold back any conscious thought for now until the end of the series in a few episodes time…

Depending on your preferences in terms of character, this episode could make your day or ruin it completely, crushing every single piece of happiness in your life down into the depths of the earth, never to be surfaced again…ok, I went too far with that one, but no doubt this episode has made me so goddamn miserable I can’t comprehend it. It looks like Euppie probably has to die now. This is partly what makes me so sad. The other is knowing how Lelouch and Eupphemia probably can’t return to being family anymore. The prospect was so appeasing. I was so happy when the two agreed to work together, then when Eupphie went berserk…omfg I can’t take this.

With only how many episodes to go(?), can they really wrap everything up enough in order to make it look remotely like an ending before the second season, which will come some time later? Quite a lot of mysterious things happen this episode, distinctly different from the other WTF moments. Most of this I don’t get anyway. So Suzaku can see green people now? And why did he flashback/envision Marianne when he touched C.C.? And who is that other girl that seems to be related to the Geass as well? Regardless of me being so depressed, I have to commend Code Geass on such an awesome storyline, filled with the many other hooks and twists.

So many questions…a main one being, how will things turn out now? Eupphie, having personally killed the number of Japanese people that she has, must either die or get relieved of her crimes. Maybe, just maybe, something incredible will happen to lift her charges, so she doesn’t have to die anymore! Suzaku has to be involved somehow, and it would be terribly ironic and sad if he’s the one that ends up killing Eupphemia. Both their Geass orders conflict, but it doesn’t meant Suzaku has to kill Eupphie. However, what will happen to Lelouch now, after all the terror that he has wrought. How will he continue living with his Geass power going out of control?

There is still Shirley, Viletta and Orange-kun to complicate things. Also, how many more of Lelouch’s siblings will appear? The emperor himself seems to be a bigger mastermind behind everything than I thought, and it seems like his sons and daughters are just playthings for his war game (a better analogy could be pawns on a chess board, but that is used way too often…) Anyway, I can’t wait to see the next episode, and I know I am going to miss Code Geass so much when this season ends. I wish it would just continue airing for the second season. With Kanon finished, this is definitely my current second favourite anime (to Bleach). Tokyo Majin is probably third.

Preview:

Next episode – #23
At Least With Sorrow…

Rating: 9.9/10

Impressions:

I think this is my favourite episode of Code Geass, and it turns out to be a relational development episode with some plot advancement, instead of one filled and wrapped with action. It was really fun watching everyone run into each other and start panicking, though unfortunately no one discovered the identity of anyone else, which was a shame. Eupphie did get in touch with Nanaly though, and that would have been nice if Eupphie didn’t end up proposing such a stupid plan at the end…Well, it’s stupid due to my personal feelings, as I really liked the idea of Suzaku, Eupphie and the Order joining forces to wipe out Britannia…though that will most likely never happen.

This episode is really quite amusing. C.C’s reaction when the giant pizza gets ruined is priceless. And surprisingly though, with all the talk of pizza, I can’t remember seeing Pizza Hut anywhere. Nina’s reaction to Eupphie’s announcement is disturbing, as I’m not sure whether she displays such terror due to her fear for Elevens, or her fear of Eupphie converting to the ‘dark side’ xD. The ‘Hit the Mole Human Head game is hilarious, and especially since Cecile seems to only hit a certain head in the middle! Once again, it’s really entertaining seeing Karen, Suzaku, Lelouch etc bumping into each other at school so often…

It’s a shame that Lelouch considers the existence of Eupphie to be a serious threat to his entire conspiracy, once again due to the fact that I like their pairing (from a tactical point of view, combined with sibling-sympathy). But this does present us with a new and interesting plot turn. The next episode is called Bloodstained Eupphie, so I’m interested to see what that refers to. I hope she doesn’t die, and I’m actually expecting/hoping the title refers to Eupphie murdering someone. Now THAT would be entertaining. Maybe it could even be one of her siblings (excluding Lelouch and Nanaly – I hope).

Preview:

Next episode – #22
Bloodstained Eupphemia

Rating: 8.3/10

Impressions:

Well that was a disappointing episode, mainly because the ‘confession’ Euphemmia made to Suzaku made me look around the room to make sure no one was watching me watch such an embarrassing and badly scripted love situation. It was a total misfit, and surely made a lot of people go WTF; inserting such a corny conversation when Suzaku is cornered and about to die…what were the script-writers thinking?! And somehow, Suzaku and Lelouch managed to form a temporary truce, shortly after Lelouch discovered the pilot of the Lancelot and resolved to kill him…At least when Suzaku is working with Lelouch I don’t hate him as much…

It’s been a while since the last C.C. episode, and I’m getting curious again as to her entire background. Also, being my preferred female character in relevance to Lelouch, it would be nice to see another episode where the two are incorporated nicely into the same story again. Karen hasn’t exactly been the focus of anything either, and her role seems to be purely plot-based (she doesn’t exactly have a deep relationship with Lelouch does she). Shirley now also seems to be back in the main event, having found her self written letter and perhaps on the verge of remembering everything she has forgotten. That should be interesting as well.

Rating: 9.6/10

Impressions:

Code Geass remains as entertaining as ever, regardless of whether it’s filled with intellectually thought out and sinister schemes, coupled with highly intense mecha battles, or whether it’s just twenty minutes of comedy and character development. This episode of course is the latter, though it does feature some new mysteries and plot advancement as well, such as another appearance of that girl who seems to be related to C.C.’s ‘kind’ of sorts, as well as Lelouch and Karen’s eventual escape off that island (or wherever they ended up stranded on). Also, Suzaku’s been arrested for the crime he has unknowingly committed, due to Zero’s geass command.

About Lelouch and his order for Suzaku to ‘live’, I wonder if it was actually Lelouch wanting his friend to stay alive genuinely, or if it was just so he himself could escape in time. It could be a mixture of both, though I’m betting that Lelouch isn’t that evil yet, and he genuinely wanted Suzaku to live on. Some other interesting points are that Euphemmia now has confirmation of Zero’s identity being Lelouch, and Karen and Suzaku are now on the same terms with each other (now knowing their identities and involvement in this war). And for some extra fanservice, the script writers managed to get both Karen and Euphemmia naked this episode, completely unnecessarily.

I really can’t wait for a nice and straightforward episode where Lelouch, Karen and Suzaku meet at school, or better yet, with Euphemmia and Nina present as well. One highly likeable aspect of this show is its ability to produce juicy character relationships, and the possibilities of intense encounters are plentiful. Karen’s and Suzaku’s encounter this episode didn’t achieve much, except that Suzaku knows who Karen is. By meeting each other though, it seems they have only solidified their morals and goals. And the other encounter involving Lelouch and Euphemmia, I’m thinking now that the two might eventually be on the same side…

Rating: 9.4/10

Impressions:

Now this is what I call entertainment. Forgetting the rest of the show, the cliff-hanger at the end is executed extremely well, and now I’m dying to see the next episode. The last few minutes had so much action that when it suddenly turns black, anticipation skyrockets when you realise it’s the end of the episode. A lot of fun tidbits and plot points are introduced as well, including the devotion Karen has for Lelouch, the appearance of a new member of the royal family, and more close confrontation between the three people who know each other oh so well…yet not really (Karen, Lelouch and Suzaku of course).

Let’s take a look at the relationships in the show shall we. Both Lelouch and Karen know about Suzaku, though only Lelouch knows about Karen. Neither has yet to figure out the alter ego of Lelouch, and I’m dying for the time when he reveals it (especially to Karen, who seems to be willing to give up everything for him now, perhaps including her body). Surely Karen must have some feelings for Lelouch, so what will happen when she finds out he and Zero are one in the same? The same goes for Suzaku, though at the moment, it seems like Lelouch has finally used his geass on him, and what happens after is still a mystery…

There’s a new OP animation sequence that was pretty hard for me to notice. It’s pretty similar to the original second OP animation sequence, as most of the new sequence reuse the old scenes, only rearranging them. A few new scenes are included as well, and overall I think the new sequence does the second OP song a lot more justice. It fits the song a lot better, and I can say I almost like the OP now. Almost. Though it still can’t compare to the first OP. Maybe the producers will make a new ED animation sequence as well, instead of using the same old art-style paintings they’ve used for the last two EDs.

Rating: 8.3/10

Impressions:

A pretty mediocre episode if you ask me, except for a few things I have been waiting to happen which brought the overall enjoyment up. The identity of the pilot of the Lancelot is finally revealed, meaning Karen and Lelouch will both act very differently the next time they meet Suzaku (that’s a meeting I am highly looking forward to). The other well-anticipated event is Eupphie naming Suzaku as her knight, which effectively brings him completely to the other side of Lelouch. Looks like the friendship is over (though Lelouch will have a facade on the outside). Shirley also seems to be getting her lost memories back somewhat…seems like things are getting interesting!

Impressions:

Wow, that’s a shitload of fanservice if you ask me. This ‘picturebook’, or ‘set of still frames of pure fanservice with voice overs’ is a must see if you like to fawn over the Geass girls. Apparently, this is episode 3.25, which reminds me of Platform 9 ¾ from Harry Potter. I don’t know why it isn’t 3.5 though (or was the first picture book 3.5? I didn’t see it). Also, this is a nice little special if you want a break from the normal Code Geass. And that reminds me, I’m a bit behind on Code Geass due to my computer dying on me, which I will be getting to soon…hopefully!

Rating: 9.3/10

Impressions:

Another useless episode about Mao and his stupid obsessive nature, and his desire to beat Lelouch at a game causes his expected downfall once again. What this episode does achieve is to bring some light to Suzaku’s father, and also to increase the irony with him working with Lelouch, as they are on opposite sides of a war. It’s also rather strange to see Cornelia acting so playful with Euphemmia, and slightly disturbing when she honours Lelouch and Nanaly, partially devoting the defeat of Zero to them, when in fact Lelouch is THE Zero whom she is currently fighting! And also, read this below (I am Iasuru btw).

A conversation in AB IRC mainly about why Lelouch didn’t press his own scale when playing chess. And ALSO to add to my argument, I would say Mao is too stupid to set up failsafes in case Lelouch outsmarted him.

<Iasuru> about why lelouch didnt press his own scale
<mthchan> orz…
<jinyamato> mao can read his mind
<Iasuru> he is like half a meter away
<jinyamato> and what if mao was lying

<jinyamato> no matter what mao has the upper hand in that scenario
<Iasuru> its obviously better than playing a game where youre guaranteed to lose
<jinyamato> lulu would lose
<mthchan> and even if lulu acted on impulse and not thinking about it, mao could have had a separate failsafe remote
<jinyamato> yaqr
<Iasuru> any normal person wouldve tried pressing it

<jinyamato> i tell you
<jinyamato> mao would have pressed it first
<jinyamato> mao’s geass is totally on lulu
<Iasuru> both mao and lelouch are retards >.>
<Guncannon> lol
<mthchan> lulu might have been too shocked or something ionno, but i understand what you are saying danny

<jinyamato> any small thoughts would result in him pressing it
<mthchan> i would have pressed ot
<jinyamato> impulse still hve thoughts
<jinyamato> that’s the thing about mao’s geass
<mthchan> it works with and without that action imo, the geass usage was cool, so i won’t care about it anymore
<Iasuru> i wouldve punched mao and tried to restrain him… i mean the other side of a chessboard is close enough to get to him in time before he reacts

<jinyamato> irregardless, lulu play to lose in that scenario
<jinyamato> you couldn’t
<jinyamato> he wuld have shot you first
<Iasuru> thats what im saying, the time it takes to take out a gun
<Iasuru> is longer
<jinyamato> punching requires thought

<mthchan> Guncannon your RSS is fine, its probably that the rss “file” that antenna is currently using for your blog is probably at fault
<jinyamato> and thought is ur downfall against mao
<jinyamato> he could have pressed it
<Iasuru> he couldve
<Iasuru> or he mightve failed
<mthchan> just tell Maestro when you see him to change the RSS address to http://gc.animeblogger.net/feed/

<jinyamato> couldn’t
<jinyamato> mao would succeed
<Iasuru> jinya u dont know that
<Iasuru> nothing is absolute
<jinyamato> let’s see
<jinyamato> even if lulu formulate a pla

<Iasuru> u dont need a plan to hit someone
<jinyamato> it still require thought yes no
<jinyamato> impulse require thought
<Iasuru> its a win or lose situation, and better than a definite lose situation if he played the game
<jinyamato> and thought is mao ability
<Guncannon> Alright, mthchan.

>jinyamato> it’s not a win lose situation
<Iasuru> jinyamoto, u cant win this argument since theres no one to say whos right
<Iasuru> so drop it
<jinyamato> yar
<jinyamato> true

Preview:

Next episode – #17
Let’s hope we return to the main plot!