T5W#254-Top 5 Code Geass Moments

Next week for the 4^th of July holiday, we’ll be taking a look at the Code Geass Compilation Film Trilogy.  Despite my stance on Compilation Films and this blog, I seem to find reasons to review them a lot.  With Mobile Suit Gundam, it was because the Compilation Films helped pave the way for Gundam’s rise to popularity in the 80s.  For the Turn A Gundam Movies…I had an extra day to fill in the Extended Series Review so why not.  For Code Geass, however, apparently these new movies change some things around and play a role in setting up the sequel: Code Geass-Lelouch of the Re;surrection.  Before we delve into those, how about we take a look at the five best moments of Code Geass and Code Geass R2 and reflect on why this Anime was so big when it arrived and why it still resonates with fans today.  These are my Top 5 Code Geass Moments.

#5-The First Command (Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion)

Much like his spiritual cousin, Light Yagami, with his Death Note, you never forget the first time Lelouch shows off his newly acquired Geass powers.  Trapped by a firing squad with no way out, Lelouch accepts a contract with C.C. What this contract is, we don’t know.  What we do know is that Lelouch can now look a dozen men with guns in the eye and order them…to die.  The moment is chilling and iconic for the series, so’s the sinister smile Lelouch sports in the final seconds of the first episode.  And sure enough, that magic could not be replicated.  Just watch how the same scenario plays out at the beginning of Season Two…it’s not the same (and a bad sign of the dip in quality to come).

#4-Euphemia’s Genocide (Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion)

Save for one other moment on this list, nothing made you go “HOLY S***” more than this.  During what seems to be a carefree chat between relatives, Lelouch tells Euphie about his Geass and says “If I told you to kill all the Japanese, you’d have to do it”…of course that’s when his Geass decides to go out of control and Euphie actually begins carrying out the haenous act herself, picking up guns left and right and ordering her troops to join in the slaughter.  There are those who say Lelouch did this on purpose to ignite the last sparks of rebellion needed to start pushing back against the Britannian forces in Area 11.  No matter how you slice it, this shocking moment of heartbreaking violence is the water cooler material Code Geass Season One was so good at creating.

#3-The Death of Shirley (Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2)

Oh Shirley.  If there was one character who could’ve been Lelouch’s true love, it would have been her. After learning the truth about her longtime high school crush, including he had a hand in killing her father, Shirley is still willing to embrace Lelouch and help him.  Too bad she tells this to Lelouch’s deluded NOT brother Rolo, who promptly stabs her and leaves her to die in a pool of her own blood.  Lelouch may be prone to faking emotions a lot.  But there was no faking as he desperatley tried to keep Shirley alive with his Geass.  It was a gut punch but one the second season sorely needed after half a season of nonsense and stupidity.  This loss is what set Lelouch up for the start of his big comeback towards the end of the series.

#2-The Zero Requiem (Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2)

It’s a moment so incredible, so well crafted, it makes all of the mistakes Season Two made seem forgivable.  It’s the moment where Lelouch’s grand plan comes together and everything he sought to accomplish all of his life comes to pass.  While I have talked spoilers for all of these posts, I’ll leave this one vague and spoiler free.  Suffice to say, The Zero Requiem is one of the greatest Series Finales in all of Anime (and ive probably talked about it in other lists OR my Code Geass series review so if you want spoilers, go find them).  I hope that this new Compilation Trilogy doesn’t ruin it in order to justify a continuation that really wasn’t needed after this perfection.

#1-The Season One Finale (Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion)

Cliffhangers are tricky.  You need to give viewers a reason to come back week after week or for a new season depending on when they happen.  Code Geass had a stellar first season and it was capped off with a season ending cliffhanger to rival Star Trek TNG’s The Best of Both Worlds Part 1.  As the Black Rebellion fails in every way, Lelouch risks all to save Nunally from a new enemy…only to face off with his best friend, Suzaku.  Suzaku is well aware of Lelouch’s secret identity as Zero and has a lot of rage in him considering Lelouch also killed Euphie.  With Kallen watching in disbelief, Lelouch and Suzaku draw guns, refusing to put aside their differences to save Nunally and then…BANG…the wait til Season Two began and it was excruciating.  THAT…is how you end a season.