When Guff and I awarded Code Geass with the “Trainwreck of the Year” award in our 2007 Anime Awards Show, many people took offense, rushing to defend what they claimed was an excellent show worthy of greater respect. At the time, I tried my best to explain that our labelling the series as a “trainwreck” was not intended as a derogatory term necessarily.

Indeed, I happen to believe Code Geass is one of the best, most fun shows in recent memory. After all, what could be more fun to watch than two huge, thousand ton vehicles hurtling toward each other at breakneck speed? That said, I think the nature of our “trainwreck” designation is becoming increasingly clear as the series begins its spiralling descent into what appears to be its final chaotic story arc.

At the same time, I have a few thoughts regarding where the story appears to be going, and some of the interesting thematic elements that are really starting to present themselves more clearly in these recent episodes. First though, time for the obligatory screencaps and witty comments…

And of course I would be completely remiss if I did not take time to properly point out what is without a doubt one of the great high points of the series for me.

Namely, Kallen beating the shit out Suzaku, complete with the backhand pimp-slap. I mean honestly, this guy has had this coming for a LONG time, and who better to put him in his place than Miss Kouzuki herself. This scene right here will almost certainly be making another appearance at our 2008 Anime Awards show this December; it was far too satisfying to not win some kind of award, that’s for sure.

You see that sort of self-important, smug look he has? Wouldn’t you just want to smack it off of him too? I know I sure would.

Speaking of satisfying, with both Kallen and the Guren Nishiki out of the action for so long, it was great to finally see them reunited and back on the field of battle to kick some serious ass. I don’t know what kind of upgrades Lloyd made to that thing, but it must have been pretty hardcore because this battle sequence was like some kind powered up DBZ hax fight.

And by the way Lloyd and Cecil’s reactions to having “their” mecha stolen were highly entertaining, as well. Honestly I think the two of them are my probably favorite characters from among the minor cast.

Not to be outdone, Toudou wastes no time in reminding us that he is, in fact, one seriously B.A.M.F.

It just wouldn’t be Code Geass without a nice smattering of completely unexpected scenes that make you go “WTF was that?!” and start reaching for the rewind button.

Coming soon, Sunrise makes this into an actual spin-off series where Millay Ashford teaches you how to cook delicious Japanese confectioneries while also saving the world using giant robots.

Come on, it’s Sunrise…it could totally happen.

Not the least of which was Toudou’s reaction to getting his TV make-up on. I’m definitely seeing him starring in his own new show next season – “Queer Eye for the Samurai”.

Hey, this is Sunrise we’re talking about here…it could totally happen.

And let’s not forget Orange-kun. It entertains me to no end to see that he’s now finally come full circle and embraced his citrus-y fresh nickname.

Look to see him appearing soon in a Tang ad coming to televisions near you. Hey, this is Sunrise we’re talking about… you know it could totally happen!

Ok ok, so back to what I was talking about earlier…

During the exchange between Suzaku and Lelouch at Kururugi Temple in episode 17, I began to realize that all of the thematic elements of the plot are finally starting to converge. Towards the end of their heated exchange, Suzaku commented to Zero that he must makes his lies into truth by “living the lie until the bitter end.”

We’ve already seen Lelouch take on this role when he accidentally geassed Euphemia. In order to salvage his ambitions for conquest, he was forced to move forward and capitalize on that turn of events despite his true feelings. Indeed, Lelouch’s very identity as Zero is that of the Deceiver, hiding himself behind a mask and concealing both his true identity and his true self, even from those he is closest to. Now, if he truly intends to carry on his plans and see them through until the very end, he must turn his back on everything, sacrifice everything in order to truly live his ideal.

Just as Suzaku said, Zero has many times claimed to be an “ally of justice”, the protector of the downtrodden, the defender of those who Brittania has no use for. And of course, in a sense this is true, as his deepest motivation is to protect Nunnally and create a world in which she will be free and safe. Now, however, while the chain of events he first set into motion has led him tantalizingly close to realizing his goal, it seems that he has also been forced to sacrifice that which he sought to protect in the first place.

If Lelouch wishes to move forward and accomplish his goal despite this chain of events, perhaps he will need to become in reality the ally of justice he has named himself in word, Like the soldier who sacrifices himself in order that others can live, Lelouch seems to be at a key turning point in his character development. He has two paths set before him. He can either follow Suzaku’s advice and become a hero of justice, making his lies and deception into truth and freeing the persecuted peoples under the thumb of the Brittanian Empire. Or on the other hand, he could self destruct Death Note style, bringing everyone down with him in a fiery crash of epic proportions.

And the beauty of Code Geass being the trainwreck that it is, is that either of those outcomes would be very satisfying to watch, in my opinion. ^_^;

Somehow the series managed to blend sublime storytelling that conveys deep truths about humanity with the most over-the-top cheesy WTF moments, and makes them both work. It’s a rare series that can line up a dozen freight trains, run them into each other at full speed, and still somehow, like some kind of bizarre modern sculpture, have the end product come out a thing of excellence.

Likewise, Suzaku the “Betrayer”, who killed his father and has betrayed his country and friends to pursue his ideals, must follow his own advice and carry his chosen path to the very end. Much like Lelouch’s accidental geassing of Euphie, Suzaku had no choice but to make the most of his “accidental” betrayal at Kururugi Temple and take that opportunity to defeat Zero. His launching of Freya is the final nail in the coffin, showing that like Lelouch he too has had to sacrifice everything to live his ideals, even betraying his final promise to protect Nunnally.

In the end, in order to realize their ideals, both men must throw away everything dear to them. Having set the present course in motion, they have no choice but to be carried by this flow of events that is bringing their respective ideologies to their logical conclusion. And in that process, they will both most likely be forced to sacrifice everything that is important to them. How they will handle that and what it will say about them is anybody’s guess, but regardless I’m sure we’ll all be on the edge of our seats waiting to find out how the final stage for Code Geass will play out.

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On the 11th day of Christmas my true love gave to me…

11 Knightmares skating

10 microbes brewing
9 Lucky ladies
8 Misa-Misa’s
7 bure bures
6 zawa zawas
5 GIGA DRILLS!
4 metatags
3 rain charms
2 Guchuko’s
And a cruise on a nice boat for free!

Code Geass makes me giddy.

Not Gurren Lagann “pierce the heavens with your drill!” giddy… more like, “Oh no that mecha so did not just figure skate over the hill and then do a triple salchow to dodge incoming fire!” giddy.

Even in the earlier more serious episodes I had to suppress the urge to start giving Dick Button style commentary during the fight scenes:

“Oh, now that was an absolutely lovely dodge. Beauuuutiful form, very graceful – there, do you see how he pushes off the back heel to gain extra leverage for his Maser Vibration Sword attack? Simply remarkable!”

Of course, by the later episodes the WTF factor had increased to point of being ridiculous (giant yo-yo mecha attaaaaaack!), but as long as you didn’t take it too seriously it was a hilariously entertaining ride.

I still wouldn’t mind having a Knightmare or two (or eleven), of course. If I had to pick I think I’d go for the Guren Nishiki (Kallen’s red one with the giant claw arm). Perhaps not as offensively powerful as Gawain, or even Lancelot, but damn it sure looks cool.

Even if it does ride on rollerblades.

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