Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion

Episode Count	50 (25 in Season 1)
Season	Fall 2006
Genres	All of them
Source Material	Original Anime
Rating	TV-14
Streaming	TBD

Code Geass is great. One of my favorite anime. But the reason it's one of my favorites changed completely when I rewatched it.

The series takes place in an alternate world where the British just kept invading other countries, one of them being Japan, which has since been renamed "Area 11", with its citizens being known as Elevens. That's the short version. Lelouch Lamperouge is secretly the exiled prince Lelouch vi Britannia and one day comes across a mysterious girl known as C.C. (pronounced C2), who gives him the power of Geass. So long as he makes eye contact, he can make anyone do anything, the only limit is that it can only be used once per person. With this power, he plans to overthrow the government and liberate the Japanese people.

When I saw Code Geass as a teenager, I loved it because of how deep it was. Because of how fascinating Lelouch Lamperouge was as a character. Because of how often the series keeps you at the edge of your seat. It became an instant favorite. But on a rewatch, one after watching more Goro Taniguchi works, I found out Code Geass is actually a Saturday morning cartoon. It's not deep, it's actually kinda stupid. And it just makes the series better. The politics are ridiculous, every character is goofy (especially Lelouch's classmates), Lelouch's dad is so over-the-top evil. The series is hilarious.

Code Geass is great because it can be enjoyed equally as both a serious drama and a goofy comedy. It is the epitome of anime.

- 0215MADman