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R2 DVD Reviews
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Written by maehara
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Wednesday, 07 September 2005 01:00 |
 I seem to be doing a lot of 'final instalments' at the moment - this time it's Cowboy Bebop,
which most people will admit is one of the best anime series produced
to date. After a short detour to the strange world of religious
cults, Faye, Ed and Spike come to the end of their stories, each in
their own unique way. And I challenge anyone not to be moved when
the choir begins to sing at the end of episode 26...
23 - Brain Scratch
The news is filled with stories about the new religious cult SCRATCH, a
group which preaches 'electronic transcendence', and has been successful
enough in attracting converts to get the authorities worried - although
the promise of a debt-free life also seems to have been enough to catch
Faye's attention. Spike and Jet also have an interest, but more in the
bounty that's been placed on the head of the cult's leader, Londes -
but after extensive searching, the only leads they have are a call for
help from Faye, and a new VR game console called Brain Dream...
24 - Hard Luck Woman
Faye's gotten a clue to her past - an old videotape, showing what seems
to be her in her younger days. The Bebop's latest visit to Earth
(strange - Jet thought it had been headed for Mars...) gives her the
opportunity to investigate the lead she's been given, but when she's
relying on some extra information from Ed, you know it's not going to
be straightforward. Meanwhile, Ed's father makes an appearance -
briefly, before once again getting so caught up in his work that he
forgets she exists. However, the brief reunion is enough to convince Ed
that it's time to move on...
25/26 - The Real Folk Blues (Parts I & II)
Vicious, upset at the decision of the syndicate leaders that he won't
succeed them, takes matters into his own hands and tries to seize
control of the syndicate - although all it gets him is captured and
placed under a death sentence. Spike hears of developments through one
of his contacts, and also hears that both he and Julia are in danger
because of their past connections to Vicious. Spike is haunted by his
memories of his time with Julia and of her rejection of him - a
rejection prompted by Vicious - but when he receives a message from
Julia by way of Faye, he's unable to turn down her request to see him
again. Vicious manages to seize control of the Red Dragons at the
second attempt, but he has his own reasons for wanting Spike and Julia
dead, leaving them with a simple choice - run from Mars, or take care
of Vicious...
So long, Space Cowboy. Yes, Spike's dead, but he doesn't half go out in a blaze of glory. The Real Folk Blues may not quite be the best story Cowboy Bebop has produced (Jupiter Jazz
at the very least runs it close), but it definitely provides a way for
the series to go out on both a high and a low - high as it's just so
damn good, low because of who's not there at the end of it.
Hard Luck Woman also does a good job of playing on the emotions
with Faye finally recovering her memories and finding out where 'home'
is, although the impact of her departure is lessened by her speedy
reappearance in the next episode. I think it would have been more
effective if she'd stayed 'gone', but it's a small criticism, really.
As for SCRATCH... well, let's just not mention that episode. Not really up to the high standards of the rest of the disc.
Overall, though, a great disc to finish off a great series with. I think this was my third time through Cowboy Bebop, and it's as enjoyable as the first. This is one series that truly deserves the 'must buy' tag.
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