For the last three episodes, Code Geass: Rozé of the Recapture has been setting up its own story, wanting to get out of the shadow of Lelouch and the impact he had as such a powerful character. While the previous episode gave an impression that his inclusion was more so a need to milk a successful series further, the latest one takes a step to prove otherwise.
To redefine it as something of its own, there becomes a need to work, especially toward moving away from the shadow. To incorporate such an idea, there needs to stand a protagonist just as powerful and strong not in strength but in presence. While at first Sumeragi Sakuya or Rozé may have felt too much like a successor to another character, this episode establishes her as the protagonist.
Lelouch’s Reasons Were More Personal
Episode four of Code Geass: Rozé of the Recapture establishes one thing very clearly, the story of Lelouch Lamperouge is long over and Sumeragi Sakuya’s tale is only just beginning. Episode 4, Alliance begins with a look at two of the most unexpected characters, C.C. and Lelouch. She asks him the question every fan had been wondering for as long as the series started, why was his geass given to Sakuya, seemingly out of the blue?
Although he doesn’t explain it satisfyingly, C.C. points out the fact that Sakuya is related to Kaguya. It is perhaps her relation to the character that convinced Lelouch into giving his geass away so that the Japanese people could get the leader they deserve. Seeing how the two of them are only observing from the sidelines, it becomes evident that they are mere spectators to the story and not the protagonists.
The story then pans into Rozé’s point of view, showcasing how as the reigns of the Neo-Britannians get handed to Sakura, Sakuya becomes an interim leader next to General Kuroto. The Seven Shining Stars find themselves doubting the decoy Queen to whom they had once sworn their loyalty. Her becoming the Empress overnight set about a sense of unease for them all.
Redemption for the Wicked
As the rebels begin to doubt Sakura, Norland’s own plans seem to be only increasing their pace. He isn’t one to back down, making the Elevens, the Japanese people the ultimate enemy. Parallelly the funeral for the late boy-king Callis takes place with Natalia being the only one feeling his loss. To those who are already devious become even more evil.
However, irony persists as another old character marks her return, Nina Einstein. Perhaps one of the most hated characters in Code Geass, she has unanimously been the target of the fans’ backlash for the longest time. Her previous actions marked her as a villain in many eyes. Her goal this time is to seek redemption for the actions that now haunt her.
Her efforts bring about new weapons that can help the Seven Shining Stars in their goal of eradicating the Neo-Britannian rule once and for all. In fact, it was more so that she was desperate for redemption than anything else. The pacing of the series may be a little too slow for comfort, seeing that the story seems to be taking its own time in establishing things that should have been foundational in the first episode.
Code Geass Proposes an Alliance in a Broken World
The heart of the episode, as the title implies, focuses on forming an alliance between the different rebel parties. Even though they all share the same goal and hatred for the Neo-Britannians, their own internal matters are too far and worse for them to cooperate with each other. This brings about a sense of hostility between the rebel groups.
As a formidable leader, it is Rozé who gets to showcase Sakuya’s capabilities in making her own people listen to her. Not only was she able to offer them Black Knight’s Knightmares but also willingly had them accept the alliance that earlier seemed to infuriate them. Moreover, she also saw potential in Haruka, who lacked skill in ranged fighting but aced through close combat.
Surprisingly, the Damocles make a return as Norland chooses to use the weapon against innocent Japanese people, framing them to be terrorists and rebels. It may too be an attempt to bring out the rebels who have successfully hidden for so long, considering the fact that they wouldn’t let innocent bystanders die for their own doings. The episode ends with them in chaos in panic as Rozé assures them that they have a way to defeat them with Nina’s addition to the team.
Rating: 7/10
Code Geass: Rozé of the Recapture is available to watch on Hulu.
