Lazarus Exposed: Why Adult Swim’s Version Has Missing Scenes You Didn’t Expect!

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Summary

  • Lazarus has two versions airing, with the Japanese one being more complete & polished in terms of animation and editing.
  • The Adult Swim version is not unfinished but lacks the polish of the re-edited Japanese version, which aligns more with Watanabe’s vision.
  • Episodes are not available with Japanese audio yet, with Warner Bros. Discovery plans to add them 30 days after the English debut to synchronize the audio.

Lazarus offers a captivating continuation for Cowboy Bebop enthusiasts, as it’s also set within the same universe, just a few years apart according to this narrative timeline. The narrative delves into various modern-day concerns, which is consistent with the storytelling style of Watanabe.

I’ve observed an intriguing discrepancy: The broadcasts of this show on Adult Swim and MAX seem to differ somewhat from its counterpart shown on Japanese television (perhaps also in other Asian regions). Could it be that there are separate versions of the same program being produced for various territories?

There Are Two Versions of Lazarus Airing Right Now

Lazarus is being broadcasted on television in both the U.S. and Japan, yet there are minor variations between the two. The series was completed several months back, however, towards the end of 2024, Watanabe expressed his intention to implement some adjustments.

In summary, Japanese television broadcasts a revised edition, whereas Adult Swim shows the original version. Various enthusiasts have been comparing these two variations on social platforms.

Currently, the adjustments appear rather subtle, but I’m eagerly anticipating subsequent installments that might bring about more substantial transformations!

Is The Adult Swim Version “Unfinished”?

Adult Swim’s rendition might be a bit rough around the edges compared to the polished version being aired in Japan, which was re-edited and possibly features additional takes. It appears that the Japanese version more accurately represents Watanabe’s intended vision for the show.

It’s uncertain why Adult Swim opted against airing the revised version. One possible explanation is that the dubbing process was already underway, leaving them insufficient time to carry out all necessary adjustments to meet the scheduled broadcast — as episodes are dubbed in multiple languages on MAX, such tasks involve intricate coordination between various teams. Alternatively, it might have been due to contractual obligations or any other factors.

Why Aren’t Episodes Available With Japanese Audio?

Warner Bros. Discovery revealed in February that 30 days after an episode’s English premiere, Japanese-language episodes will be made available as well. The exact reasoning isn’t specified, but it’s plausible that this gap is needed to align the Japanese audio with the newly edited version, which may require synchronizing the English dubbing for a consistent viewing experience on their service.

What Exactly Is Lazarus About?

In the tale, a renowned scientist named Dr. Skinner invented a “wonder medication” capable of healing all afflictions. However, he neglected to disclose that this miraculous drug carries a fatal side effect: death occurs three years after consumption. Additionally, it subtly alters the world of Cowboy Bebop. Over the years, Dr. Skinner has been an ardent environmentalist, and his actions suggest he concocted the drug as a means to punish humanity for their misdeeds. Now, a group is formed with the mission of locating him and discovering either an antidote or a remedy for the drug’s effects.

In a recent interview, Watanabe shared that the ongoing opioid epidemic served as a source of inspiration for his work. He also expressed deep sadness upon hearing about the untimely demise of Prince, who tragically passed away due to an accidental fentanyl overdose.

Instead of explicitly conveying a particular message, I hope that viewers will experience specific emotions and contemplate the subject matter after watching all 13 episodes.

— Shinichiro Watanabe

He hinted at a hidden meaning that he hopes the viewers ponder upon, though he has yet to unveil the specific message embedded within the narrative (perhaps intentionally so, as to preserve the joy of gradually uncovering it over subsequent episodes).

Lazarus appears on Adult Swim’s Toonami every Saturday night, with new episodes available on MAX the day after.

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2025-04-21 17:38