Review of Trigun
A Trigun review, in my opinion must be conducted in 2 parts: What a) "happens" and b) what actually happens. Please note, it may seem like I'm rambling but I promise it leads somewhere a) Trigun is imperfect. The first thing this statement makes you think after seeing my overall rating of the show should raise a question or two. How can an imperfect show receive a 10/10? Trigun is about the exploits of Vash the Stampede, a wanted criminal. Vash is the type of person who brings disasters in his wake. These disasters all occur due to his ideal "Nobody has the right to takethe life of another". That's right, a man with a 60 billion $$ bounty wouldn't hurt a fly. That's most people call a contradiction. Trigun is a show about a contradiction contracting other contradictions. Trigun is a show about themes.
Trigun's main theme is morality. Not the debate over whether killing is right, but the consequences of not killing men who stop at nothing to kill you. They employ any tactic, such as threatening and attempting to kill innocent bystanders. Vash of course is against this practice by his very nature and does something, if it's in his power, to stop this. Meaning, Vash does not always save everybody. Sometimes it's because he simply can't do anything, other times it's because of the intervention of a third party. This is something that eats away at Vash, so episodes are added to show Vash recovering from these mental blows. These seemingly randomly thrown in episodes create the one flaw of Trigun: pacing issues. Sometimes the show moves with incredible speed, and other times it may not move at all.
This part is rather hard to explain if you haven't watched Trigun, but I'll do my best. Part of Trigun's perfection is it's imperfection. Vash admits many times that he is imperfect, that not killing one man can result in other people dying. Every character is presented with two conflicting personalities, the combination of which result in an imperfect person. Trigun takes it's characters seriously and pits the imperfect characters against each other, but never crucifying and killing characters because of their imperfections. The imperfections always play a part, but never decide the outcome. What I'm trying to say is that Trigun is like a human being. It isn't perfect, but if you adopt another of Vash's ideals and place your faith in the humanity of others, they never hurt you. If you believe in Trigun, if you accept that it can't be perfect because of it's focus on ideals and morality, it becomes something entirely different to watch. "Wait, so you have to ignore it's imperfections for Trigun to be perfect? Couldn't any other show ask you to that and be perfect to?" This is why it's hard to explain. Trigun never asks you to ignore it's imperfections, but the actions and thoughts of Vash influence the audience into thinking like he does. Either way, this particular theme is one of many Trigun explores, and exploring this one them is enough fro a review. Should you want to experience the other themes, thoughts, and actions of Vash watch the show.
How is this about what "happens"? Most of what makes Trigun great is that what airs on the screen and is said by the characters has implications that viewers have to stop and think about while the show pushes on. This is essentially a second plot, focusing on the reasons behind action. Any other show could be great if the same logic is applied, right? Wrong. Trigun does this without a second thought, never stopping the main plot while continuously adding the second one. Again, it's hard to explain, but if the profound feelings and thoughts Trigun inspires inside audiences were easily tangible and converted into words, many other shows would also exist.
b)
Trigun has a relatively standard plot, beat the bad guy, help citizens. The second plot enhances the first one, making a standard plot far more entertaining. This plot doesn't occur right away though,as the first few episodes introduce you to Vash, and all the sides of his character. This is actually necessary due to how deep his character is.
The art of Trigun is dated. Some think of it as a weakness, but I feel that it adds to the atmosphere of the show. Ina wild west setting the dated art makes it seem even more wild west, or at least to me. Trigun also features one of the best sound tracks, with epic guitar music being played at the perfect time. The soundtrack is also enjoyable with no show in front of it.
Overall, Trigun is a very enjoyable show with some awesome atmospheres, themes, thoughts, and feelings all centered around Vash. Trigun successfully accomplishes what it sets out to do: be fun and serious, good and bad, right and wrong.
If this review makes no sense before watching Trigun, I apologize. Trigun is really hard to put into words. All I can say that makes definite sense is that you have to watch this show.