Code Geass left a legacy far too difficult to compete against. For a show to live up to the hype of a story like that with characters that have so much depth, it becomes difficult to continue, especially with a sequel series. Rozé of the Recapture changes the misconception and lives up, as well as improves on a story that was already so loved.
For a while it had seemed that the reliance on older factors was far too obvious. Bringing Lelouch and C.C. back, as well as Damocles and Nina; the ratio between older and newer characters was decreasing. However, the case is far from it. It isn’t just about those who once set up a legacy and those who are meant to continue it but also for all of them who wish to write their own stories.
Code Geass: Rozé of the Recapture Has its Own Battles
The fourth episode ended with the Damocles being launched upon the Sapporo Ghetto, where the entire place is filled only with innocent civilians. While Divock seems to be the one most interested in exterminating the terrorists, Schwartz Queen Narah finds herself conflicted, although still willing to follow Norland’s orders. While Sakura attempts to stop Norland from attacking, her voice means nothing to him, despite her being the Empress.
The Seven Shining Stars all prepare to attack, their only goal being to protect the people of Sapporo Ghetto and to destroy the Damocles. There is a small flashback of Lelouch and the Damocles stating that the F.L.E.I.J.A. may be scarce but still present. The entire episode is majorly just action, which is by far what makes it so much better than the rest of them. It is visually pleasing and thrilling, so much so that one wouldn’t want to even blink in the fear of missing a scene.
A lot is happening at the same time but it doesn’t look very haphazard. Instead, there is a sense of balance that appears in the events. The battle is to protect the innocent but also make sure everyone gets their time to shine. With the right equipment and room for growth, anyone can shine.
Everyone Has a Role to Play
The Seven Shining Stars divide themselves into teams, all of which have their own orders to follow. All those who were shown boasting or even worried about what to do found their own calling. Haruka with her new Knightmare is an unbeatable force to be reconned with, so much so that she can stand her own guard against Divock. Rozé, who is shown to often be a master at whatever is planned because of the geass, also faces problems. The power alone cannot help him and so the infiltration from within becomes impossible.
Nina’s F.L.E.I.J.A. Eliminator gives them an upper hand against the Neo-Britannian soldiers. However, they are up against professionals who fear naught death but the judgment of Lord Norland. Upon being launched again and again, they do their best to stop any catastrophe from taking place with Commander Tomi even sacrificing himself in the process.
Ash and Lady Narah get into a visually stunning fight where she too finds herself stunned upon recognizing the moves of Ash’s Knightmare. Seeing everyone flee, however, Divock turns to take matters into his own hands.
Fear is an Old Friend
Every female antagonist that has shown up so far has proven to be a force to be reckoned with. Narah is no less. She is wise, has her own standing and guard, enough to go against Divock’s orders and retreat from the expedition, not willing the risk the life of her team just because he is. Maddened by the actions and implications of his failure, Divock picks up the last of the F.L.E.I.J.A. in his access and moves to attack the Sapporo Ghetto by himself.
Everyone’s alarm is justified and as they try to figure out what to do, Ash and Rozé decide to act. Both of their Knightmares, the Apollo and Artemis can form a much bigger opponent for Divock. With the F.L.E.I.J.A. Eliminator in their hand, the manic Divock gets defeated before any damage can be done. However, Norland’s plan was never to attack Sapporo Ghetto in the first place.
A fourth F.L.E.I.J.A. gets launched this time directly on the Damocles. It catches everyone off guard and the real goal finally dawns on the Seven Shining Stars. Sapporo Ghetto was never the target, they were. The entire episode’s execution is fun and thrilling. The stakes seem drastically increased and with it, the series’ own credibility.
The episode was fun to watch. It felt better than the rest when it comes to the pacing, the execution, and much more. As a sequel series, it is able to stand on its own, albeit slowly.
Rating: 8.5/10
Code Geass: Rozé of the Recapture is available to watch on Hulu.
