Lazarus Episode 1: A Thrilling Start to MAPPA’s New Masterpiece!

This discussion includes plot twists from the first episode of Lazarus, titled “Goodbye, Cruel World,” which can be found on Adult Swim.

Summary

Miracle drug turned death sentence sparks global chaos in the 2050s.
Interesting animation & action sequences combine anime with an action movie feel.
Intriguing plot & characters hint at a promising series in Lazarus.

The anticipation surrounding the premiere of Lazarus, a groundbreaking anime project by Shinichirō Watanabe in collaboration with Studio MAPPA, has been noticeable since Adult Swim announced it back in July 2023. Now that the first episode is out, it seems the hype was justified. The debut of Lazarus showcases a compelling narrative, memorable characters, and thrilling action (masterfully crafted by John Wick stunt director Chad Stahelski). In this impressive premiere, every move counts as Watanabe’s directional prowess and MAPPA’s artistic flair combine to create a potential standout series for Spring 2025.

In the first episode, there’s an abundance of chase scenes, parkour, and smooth jazz interludes that make it compelling, quelling any doubts about the series. However, let’s not jump to conclusions too quickly – we still have plenty of time to see where things go, unlike the characters who are in a hurry.

If you ever reach a state where you can’t experience any form of pain, it’s essentially as if you’re already deceased. Regrettably, our current form of humanity, driven by Hapna, appears to be dead in essence. We’ve become obsessed with immediate benefits and engaged in an unending conflict with each other. This strife has led to the devastation of our planet, causing untold numbers of casualties. As a scientist, I can’t help but wonder if this destructive behavior is inherent to us as a species. Can we let such destruction continue? Shouldn’t we, the human race, be held responsible for our actions and face the consequences for our transgressions?

– Dr. Skinner, Lazarus, episode 1

The Panacea Turned Poison

A Miracle Drug Transforms Into a Death Sentence

The initial episode of Lazarus opens with Douglas Hadeen narrating in a voice-over, reminiscing about his childhood curiosity regarding when and how the world would meet its end. As he talks, the screen is filled with unusual visuals that align with Doug’s description of the predicament the world finds itself in. The problem stems from a low-cost, all-purpose miracle drug called Hapna, which was developed roughly four years before the series begins by Dr. Skinner. However, it is later discovered that this wonder drug was actually a lethal trap. After inventing Hapna, the brilliant scientist vanishes mysteriously, and for the next three years, the world experiences an unexpected period of prosperity, unaware that they had fallen into a trap.

Standing near Northport Correctional Facility, I observe an inmate engaging in a stretch as a man named Dave remains parked outside, his superior – a woman known as Hersch – making her way into the prison to meet Axel Gilberto. Although they’re unfamiliar with each other, Hersch is well-versed in Gilberto’s circumstances, including his lengthy sentence of 888 years. As she enters, Hersch presents a video from Dr. Skinner that was made public, revealing the drug Hapna mutates three years following consumption. This revelation suggests that the first fatalities related to Hapna are imminent.

Here I am, observing the tumultuous situation unfolding. A man has set a daunting task: if found within the next month, he promises a cure for an issue that once brought global harmony. Yet, this elixir is now a vessel of a brilliant scientist’s bitterness towards humanity. The world is plunged into turmoil as people scramble to find this mysterious drug.

Hersch seeks out Axel, offering him a chance to join a task force with the promise of freedom if he accepts. However, Axel suspects that his liberty might be all he’ll gain from this endeavor. Now, in a scene straight out of Chad Stahelski’s playbook for Lazarus, we witness Axel, known for his knack of escape, turning the tables on multiple cops who corner him. Using agility, dexterity, and raw skill, he subdues the first officer with nothing but his legs, then seizes his service pistol, aiming it at his unexpected visitor.

This scene is remarkably captivating due to its animation, seamlessly blending a realistic yet exhilarating sense of movement that escalates as the episode unfolds. Characters like Axel are shown scaling walls, leaping across gaps, and even pirouetting over police officers in a way reminiscent of the Prince of Persia, making an impressive escape from prison. The narrative, introduction to our main character, and action-packed scenes are all established within the first five minutes, setting a strong foundation for what’s to come.

Tasting Freedom As the World Burns

Beginning of the End

Axel breaks free from prison, followed closely by Hersch and Dave. Others in their group join the chase. While Dr. Skinner is speaking to the class, a young boy asks permission to leave, connecting with a girl outside. They are part of Hersch’s team and are drawn into the pursuit of Axel. Simultaneously, Elena, the tech-savvy member of their group, relies on GPS to pinpoint his location. The world is thrown into turmoil due to the Hapna news, causing pharmacies to be looted, stock markets to crash, and the White House to scramble for explanations.

The medication is swiftly withdrawn and removed from circulation. Various news sources offer valuable insights into the global impact following the Hapna withdrawal, providing us with a glimpse into the futuristic society envisioned by Watanabe.

In Lazarus, the blend of contemporary elements with futuristic sci-fi aspects creates a distinctive and immersive future that doesn’t feel like an alternate reality. The link to the present is evident through the fashion and backdrops. While the architecture exhibits some futuristic qualities, the backgrounds are richly textured, featuring graffiti and grungy structures juxtaposed against the expected sleek, cold, logical designs. It’s strikingly realistic yet still clearly unreal. The protagonist, Axel, casually roams around town in an orange jumpsuit without raising suspicion, which seems unusual but might be typical in a world that appears surprisingly relaxed. An amusing scene occurs when Axel collides with a police officer who advises him against wearing all-orange as people might mistake him for an escaped convict, but he manages to pass it off as a peculiar fashion choice. Shortly after, the police officer receives a transmission about looking out for an escapee from Northport, but by then, Axel has already swiped clothes from a nearby store and vanished.

The Chase Scene

Something Cinematic This Way Comes

The episode doesn’t become wildly chaotic until the second part, starting with a wide shot of Babylonia City, aptly named due to its peculiar central tower. Unlike the “gently futuristic” setting suggested in Lazarus, Babylonia is a fully-fledged sci-fi metropolis complete with advanced surveillance systems, high-speed trains, and a modern airport. In this bustling city, Axel is more concerned with catching flights than feelings, but he’s swiftly recognized by the security system and is forced to escape, pursued by security drones and Hersch’s agents.

I traverse rooftops nimbly, navigating through minuscule openings, bounding from towering structures to scaffolding without a hint of trepidation. The intricate choreography and the pulsating pace of events evoke an authentic “action” movie ambiance as I track Axel’s journey, where he ingeniously transforms impasses into chances and effortlessly eliminates surveillance drones with his extraordinary abilities.

In the heart of a futuristic district, I almost bear witness to a tragic incident as a man dangles precariously from the arm of a construction crane, teetering on the brink of death. Miraculously, he survives and barrel-rolls onto the rooftop garden of a nearby building. A young woman, part of Hersch’s team, guides another individual, Axel, towards this treacherous roof of an old structure. Dave follows suit, creating a tense standoff. With the ground looming ominously before him, Axel executes a daring leap, landing on a drone launched by Dave’s young associate just in time. He soars above the city on this flying machine until finding a secure spot to alight on a passing truck, evading his pursuers once more.

Believing himself free, Axel Gilberto is deceived by Christine who feigns innocence as a passerby admiring his parkour skills. Closing in, she delivers an incapacitating shock with a concealed stun gun in her wristwatch. With this, the elusive Axel Gilberto is finally captured.

The Potential Is There, For Sure

The First Episode of Lazarus Is a Very Strong Start

The episode showcased an incredible series of breathtaking and lively shots that kept viewers hooked from beginning to end. The animation was delightful, and we can only hope for more of it in upcoming episodes. Upon regaining consciousness, Axel finds himself seated in a barber’s chair with Elena observing him at a secure distance. Christine, Leland, and Dave enter the scene shortly after, and the mirror before Axel lights up, unveiling Hersch’s face. They introduce themselves as members of an organization called “Lazarus,” named after the biblical figure who was resurrected four days following his death. The debut episode of Lazarus is promising, captivating, and offers a strong introduction to the principal characters while being gentle on the eyes. Moreover, the soundtrack is enjoyable and appealing. Although it’s too soon to make definitive statements, this series seems to possess an aura of greatness.

2025-04-07 15:24