Code Geass
Code Geass is a good show despite its flaws. The show started in 2006, and unlike many other anime series, it is not based on a manga or anything. It is a show about secrets, mystique, revolution, action, politics, and the bonds between friends and family. Lelouch (lay-loosh) is the main character, and it’s debatable whether he’s a hero or villain. He gains the power to force absolute obedience from whoever looks into his eye and uses it to take control of a rebellion against the fictional Britannian Empire, which has colonized and now oppresses the country formerly known as Japan, where Lelouch lives in hiding from his father, the Emperor of Britannia. To me, this show is most remembered for 2.5 things: the constant forward momentum of the story, the non-sequiturs and weird choices, and the half-point is the egregious fan-service.I imagine the writers of this show frequently said “but then” in the writers’ room. For example, if two characters are fighting to the death, one character is just about to win, but then… They definitely wanted as many twists, turns, and surprises as possible. Each episode has at least one major development or a surprising outcome. I applaud the writers; this makes the show interesting, giving it perpetual forward momentum. The plot can seem crazy and out-of-control at times, but at least it’s always intriguing.
The bizarre choices and non-sequiturs in the story will be difficult to explain without spoilers. Frequently we have characters make decisions that aren’t in line with their previous actions and statements. Honestly, there’s not much I can say without providing even a modicum of spoilers. But it is these unexpected decisions which develop into the surprises and twists that make the series so entertaining.
The fan service in this show is so notorious that I learned of the show by seeing lewd figurines of the female characters. The show starts with small skirts and swimsuits, developing into girls playing around in the Japanese bath, showing them changing into swimsuits, and just full nudity. It is not unusual for anime to take this route in shows aimed at young men, but Code Geass leaned into it harder than most. While excess nudity is prevalent and awkward, these scenes do not ruin the show. Available on Pluto TV, Hulu, and Crunchyroll.
—Gage Wilson, Anime Editor