Code Geass: Rozé of the Recapture’s first episode came with a lot of issues and rightfully so, seeing how a beloved series such as the original was getting a sequel many found themselves doubtful. It may come off as milking money, but the first episode certainly left that impression. However, episode two changes things for the better. It takes a turn unlike any other, reminding fans why they love Code Geass so much.
Never judge a book by its cover, never let the prejudice of the first anime episode define the rest of it. Each and every anime fan has been there, where they judge an entire anime based on its first episode, thrashing at it and trolling it, only to be hooked moments later. The Code Geass sequel might be a direct example of that.
Code Geass: Rozé of the Recapture Jumps Right Into It
One thing to be noted about Code Geass: Rozé of the Recapture, the music and visuals are absolutely on point. The first episode took its time to focus on Rozé or Sakuya’s goals and journey, establishing the character and their geass. Episode 2, Ice Wall, changes that by focusing on Ash. The episode starts with the Seven Shining Stars having sent a group of people in an attempt to infiltrate the Abashiri prison. After its failure, Ash and Rozé team up with the rebels to take matters into their own hands. The entire episode takes place within the prison, focusing on getting them out and the aftermath of it.
Almost immediately Rozé manages to get inside the prison as Ash and the members of the Seven Shining Stars fight against the Neo-Britannian guards. After using her geass to bring the guards on her side and free the rest of the prisoners, Sakuya makes her way to free her best friend Sakura. The scene makes for a heartfelt reunion, one that is short-lived. The Weiss Queen Catherine ambushes them and kidnaps Sakura under the impression of her being Sakuya.
The episode features its fair share of light-hearted moments as well with Ash bathing a dog, him being timid due to his lack of clothing and the occasional fan service. It would seem at first that things are going too fast and resolutions get done too quickly but all that gets thrown into the water as quickly as it becomes set in stone.
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The Knightmares battling against each other was a big highlight of the episode with Ash and Arnold’s fight being the centre of it all. Their fight is the first glimpse of there being more to Ash’s story than what meets the eye and the Neo-Britannian’s recognition only proves the same. His fighting patterns are unmistakable and Arnold then reveals him to be Ash Phoenix.
Let me show you that even iron bleeds.
He also drops a line that speaks volumes, confirming that the duo would stop at nothing to get what they want and rescue Sakuya/Sakura. While Sakuya makes her way to rescue General Kuroto, the leader of the Seven Shining Stars, Ash manages to defeat Arnold in an absolutely extravagant fight sequence.
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It dives into the fact that Ash is much more than just a sidekick to his brother, something that has a lot more going on than what fans get introduced to at first. He is a formidable fighter, a master at using Knightmares and he has been so in the past as well.
An Unexpected Twist Redeems it All
Ever since the first episode I had a doubt about Ash and Rozé’s relationship. Not only did I presume there to be something deeper, but there was also an underlying feeling that Ash had no idea about his brother’s true identity, which I found particularly odd. This episode completely took that doubt, giving us as the fans answers to questions that had been asked since its premiere. However, they did it in a way that made things so much better for the sequel series.
In an unexpected twist, it is revealed that not only is Ash unaware of Rozé’s true identity, but Sakuya used her geass on him, essentially using him and keeping him under her control. Ash seems to be brainwashed into thinking that Rozé is his younger brother and that his cause is his devotion. After claiming to avenge her father, Rozé drops the bomb about making Ash her ultimate target, wanting to kill him after everything is over.
The episode, overall, was leaps and bounds better than the first. The fight sequence was a great joy to watch seeing Ash’s skills without Rozé pulling the strings. The twist was something that could easily catch fans off guard and the pacing was one worth enjoying as well. Needless to say, one wouldn’t be too far-fetched to wait for the third episode in anticipation.
Rating: 8/10
Code Geass: Rozé of the Recapture is available to watch on Hulu.
