Review of Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
(Consider this a combined review of Code Geass Season 1 + Season 2, as I wrote this shortly after watching both in 2023. If you're interested in knowing if it holds up to modern titles, I hope you find this helpful.) =====Introduction===== Code Geass is quite an iconic series, deemed a masterpiece by many. In terms of popularity, it rivals great anime shows like Death Note & Attack on Titan. I didn't watch this series for a long time since the synopsis didn't sound interesting. The concept of a large-scale war probably hinging on fragile world politics was not on my general radar of interest. However, Inoticed several anime I liked landing in the same interest stack or having Code Geass as part of its recommendations. So, I dove into the rabbit hole, and it's safe to say that I don't have regrets. Code Geass tries its best to be an all-rounder. While boasting its specialties of strategy, large-scale combat, and surveillance, it tries to ensure that there's at least a minimum level of light-heartedness to balance it out. Before we get into the individual performance breakdowns of each category, I would like to mention that my concluding review of seasons 1 & 2 differs by a wide margin, which is uncommon (Though it's not as bad as something like Promised Neverland). I felt disappointed at the end of season 1 since it didn't wow me as I had expected, but season 2 delivered phenomenal entertainment.
=====Story===== S1: 7.5/10 S2: 9.5/10
The skeletal portion of the story is pretty straightforward and bland. Moreover, the show doesn't begin well and is quite easily its weakest point. It sets a massive alternate universe premise of the kingdom of Brittania yet fails to explain how things led up to that point. From several standpoints like politics, technology, mecha used for combat (clearly trying to rope in the giant robot enthusiasts), the geass power, etc, are left unexplained at the start. Many hard science fiction fans, for example, might be disappointed that the story is narrated based on the perspective of Lelouch and does not intend to provide an overview of the situation. The advantage of this is that you will find understanding Lelouch & his actions easier, with the downside that you may not get the whole picture or parts of the story at first. And it's up to you to fill in as you go on this journey. Eventually, the show tries to connect all the dots and explain everything. But it requires the audience to watch with their brain switched on. What makes the story good in Code Geass is now that the board is set up with infinite possibilities, it fills up with several complicated nuances like a heavily bureaucratic system. And like a massive tangled web, one pillar affects a thousand others.
In season 1, Lelouch is trying to lead an uprising against the empire while managing his school life. Code Geass does a brilliant job of showcasing how an intelligent (but not overpowered) character would go about with this newfound power to achieve his goals. Another thrilling aspect of the show is the brilliant showcasing of large-scale combat where not everything is predictable. Especially with a wide cast of characters, each having a unique role to play in the story and some docile than others. Each side (between the empire & the uprising) tries to predict & outdo the other. And unlike unrealistic anime with an overpowered protagonist equipped with impenetrable plot armor and godly intuition defeating their enemies in one fell swoop, it just doesn't happen in Code Geass. Lelouch faces many annoyances in his operations and makes several mistakes (most of them arise from one
approach explained in the character section) that complicate his existing situation further. The best parts of the show are the large-scale war sequences with Lelouch at the helm.
Where season 1 fails is its explanation for events that happen due to mistakes or a roll of the dice, where most are illogical and can seem to be cooked up purely for drama. (essentially forced plot development). There is almost a pointless arc in-between involving C.C. & the pacing for the last arc is haphazard at best.
In season 2, the show fixes a lot of mistakes it makes in season 1. Plot progression is decently paced, forced drama is non-existent, and events occur more naturally. Even the mistakes people made were making more sense. Plot twists mattered more, there was more at stake, and the lore ran deep. It was almost perfect. The show just FELT more. The ups & downs, the emotions were riding high. Each loss mattered. I was pleased with how well they turned it around. It would've been perfect if they removed some of the 'filler' episodes with more space to explain things/move the plot slower, but it's nitpicking at that point.
=====Characters===== S1: 7.5/10 S2: 10/10
Did you know Lelouch is the most liked character on this website? There are many reasons for this. He is the most realistic portrayal of an intelligent individual who tries to carry a heavy burden on his back all by his lonesome without sharing that burden with others. Many people like comparing Lelouch to Light from Death Note for good reason since both use their power to attempt to achieve their ideal goals, but there is a difference. This difference is why Lelouch struggles/makes more mistakes than Light in the show's context.
Lelouch does not act selfishly enough when it relates to the people that matter most to him. Light wouldn't hesitate to use people close to him as pawns to achieve his ideal goal. Now, Lelouch uses people as pawns too. But there are exceptions (he draws a line that he refuses to cross), like his sister, whom he genuinely cares for. Eventually, these people turn into pain points for his opponent to torture him with. This loop drives him insane, causing him to make several mistakes, especially in season 1.
In season 2, I felt he cleaned up his act better, but it was too late. The majority of his foes already knew his weaknesses by then. This realistic portrayal of an intelligent man who faces an uphill battle because he will neither compromise on his goal nor the safety of his loved ones while forcing himself to carry a massive burden is why he is such a fan favorite.
The other characters have an archetype of a personality running in their veins. Despite their generic personalities, Lelouch is more of an enigma that makes the whole group (who are hyper-fixated on him) interesting to watch. C.C., Suzaku, Kallen, etc, have their role to play, but a heavy portion of that role depends on the actions of Lelouch (the plot was setup that way). So their performance as supporting characters is enhanced the better Lelouch plays his role.
=====Art, animation & sound===== S1: 7.5/10 S2: 9/10
I'm very forgiving in this department, but even I could tell it felt lackluster. It was probably passable for its time, but now it feels dated. They tried to mix a classic instrument theme used for 1990s space opera with more modern OSTs, but it was meh. Generally, I would combine mecha anime with great soundtracks, but it felt pretty average, especially for the first season. Season 2 had some great soundtracks, especially during its emotional moments :'(. The combat scenes aren't the best, even if that's not the selling point. Though again, season 2 does it better. They stuck with the hand-drawn approach compared to CGI, which isn't as dynamic. If you want to watch some great combat scenes in the Code Geass universe, I'd recommend the special episodes about Akito. The art style is unique, featuring a heavy emphasis on 'thinness.' But it's not too bad as you get used to it.
=====Reasons NOT to watch=====
Code Geass is part of a lot of people's essential watchlist. As such, it's hard to present reasons to avoid the series. The main point is to emphasize that this is NOT a casual series to watch and requires some focus and investment to enjoy. It does require some understanding/interest in mind games to reap entertainment from the show. Political/Sociological aptitude is a bonus. Season 2 can be traumatic, especially if you can't watch heavy portrayals of mental struggle, emotional manipulation, deception, etc.
=====Overall===== S1: 7.5/10 S2: 10/10
The show is worth a watch if you're interested in a thrilling, nail-biting action series to binge (It's bingeworthy). Maybe not watch it if you're in the mood for something light/chill and watch something comforting. It's a serious show with a great cast of characters and a great story combined between the two seasons. I felt like season 1 set up season 2 for success, so I would suggest not leaving a time gap between watching the two seasons. I can confidently say that this show is a masterpiece and deserves a rating of ten, along with the other very scrutinized curated favorites.