Shinichirō Watanabe’s Lazarus plunges viewers into a near-future dystopia where a miracle drug has become humanity’s curse. Episodes 1 and 2 lay the groundwork for a thrilling, action-packed race against time, introducing a world grappling with the consequences of its reliance on instant gratification and a team of unlikely heroes tasked with saving it from total annihilation.
Episode 1: The World on a Hapna High
The premiere, “Goodbye Cruel World,” wastes no time in establishing the grim reality of 2052. The world has been transformed by Hapna, a revolutionary analgesic created by the brilliant neuroscientist Dr. Skinner. This drug, seemingly without side effects, eradicated pain and disease, ushering in an era of unprecedented ease and comfort. However, Skinner vanishes, only to resurface three years later with a shocking revelation: Hapna has a fatal flaw. In 30 days, everyone who has taken the drug will die.
Skinner’s Motive
Dr. Skinner’s announcement is more than just a confession; it’s a challenge. He claims to possess the only cure for Hapna and dares humanity to find him. His motives are shrouded in mystery, with hints that he believes humanity is a blight on the environment and that its destruction is necessary for the planet’s survival. This “kill everybody to save the environment” plot, while familiar, sets the stage for a complex exploration of morality and sacrifice.
Enter Axel: The Unlikely Savior
Amidst this chaos, we meet Axel Gilberto, a notorious convict serving an 888-year sentence for repeated escape attempts. Axel is athletic and skilled, with a fighting style incorporating acrobatics and parkour. He is recruited by Hersch, who offers him freedom in exchange for his help in locating Dr. Skinner. Axel’s introduction is action-packed, showcasing his impressive combat abilities as he escapes from prison.
The Lazarus Team
Axel’s escape puts him on a collision course with the Lazarus team, a group of skilled individuals tasked with finding Skinner. The team includes:
- Hersch: The leader of the Lazarus team.
- Christine (Chris): A skilled fighter and motorcyclist who apprehends Axel.
- Douglas (Doug): A strategist and no-nonsense member of the team.
- Eleina: A computer whiz and hacker.
- Leland: A younger member of the team with a drone.
The episode ends with Axel captured and brought before the Lazarus team, setting the stage for their mission to find Dr. Skinner and save humanity.
Episode 2: Life in the Fast Lane
“Life in the Fast Lane” dives deeper into the world and the characters, revealing more about Dr. Skinner’s past and the dynamics within the Lazarus team.
Skinner’s Enigmatic Past
The episode opens with a narration reflecting on Hapna’s widespread use and its impact on society. It delves into Skinner’s background, revealing that he was born in Istanbul and lost both parents at a young age, leading a life of isolation. Despite his seemingly altruistic actions, such as donating to the poor, Skinner’s motives remain unclear.
Team Lazarus: Gray Morality
Axel is introduced to the rest of the Lazarus team, learning about their checkered pasts. They are not traditional heroes but rather morally ambiguous individuals with unique skills. Each member wears a bracelet that allows Hersch to administer electric shocks, ensuring their compliance.
- Axel: Reveals that his lengthy sentence is due to his constant escape attempts.
- Doug: Claims to have been framed for a misdemeanor.
- Leland: Admits to petty theft.
- Eleina: Acknowledges that she has committed significant global cybersecurity crimes.
The team dynamic is further complicated by the fact that all of them have taken Hapna, giving them a personal stake in finding the cure.
The Hunt Begins
Eleina discovers that Skinner purchased a private survival shelter eight years prior, providing the first lead in their search. The team splits up, with Axel and Christine heading to Shelter B12 while Douglas and Leland investigate the shelter company’s main office.
A Wild Goose Chase
Axel and Christine’s investigation leads them to a disoriented man in the shelter, who they suspect is Skinner. However, their investigation is interrupted by a shootout involving multiple factions, including the FBI and DEA, all vying to capture Skinner. The man is revealed to be Kobayashi, a Hapna addict seeking a fresh start.
The episode ends with the realization that there may be multiple “fake” Dr. Skinners, hired to mislead those searching for him.
Review
Gritty and Stylish
Lazarus presents a visually stunning and gritty depiction of a near-future dystopia. Watanabe’s keen eye for detail, coupled with MAPPA’s animation prowess, creates a world that is both captivating and unsettling. The action sequences are fluid and dynamic, thanks to Chad Stahelski’s contributions as a choreography consultant. The jazzy soundtrack further enhances the series’ unique atmosphere.
Character Development
While the initial episodes focus on establishing the world and the central conflict, they also provide glimpses into the characters’ personalities and motivations. Axel’s devil-may-care attitude and fighting skills make him an engaging protagonist, while the morally grey nature of the Lazarus team adds depth to the narrative.
Themes
Lazarus explores themes of addiction, societal dependence on instant gratification, and the potential consequences of unchecked technological advancement. The series also raises questions about humanity’s worth and the sacrifices necessary for survival.
Potential
Lazarus has the potential to be a standout anime series. With its intriguing premise, compelling characters, and stunning visuals, the series promises a thrilling ride as the Lazarus team races against time to find Dr. Skinner and save humanity from extinction. However, some critics point out that the characters seem too unbothered by the impending doom and too invulnerable to the danger at hand, which prevents viewers from becoming fully invested.
Conclusion
Episodes 1 and 2 of Lazarus deliver a captivating introduction to a world on the brink of destruction. The series’ unique blend of action, mystery, and social commentary, combined with its stunning visuals and soundtrack, make it a must-watch for anime fans. As the Lazarus team embarks on their perilous mission, viewers are left to ponder the question: Is humanity worth saving?
