Episode 9 of Lazarus, titled “Death on Two Legs,” has arrived, and it’s proving to be a pivotal point in the series. While the anime continues to grapple with pacing issues and a somewhat disjointed narrative, this episode injects a dose of excitement and raises the stakes as the story progresses towards its conclusion.
The Plot Thickens: What Happened in Episode 9?
Lazarus Episode 9 begins unlike any other episode thus far, opening with a focus on a mysterious man meticulously enjoying a steak, emphasizing the importance of protein intake for maintaining an ideal physique. Juxtaposed against this scene, a gunman opens fire on the chaotic streets, but this man walks past unfazed.
Here’s a breakdown of the key plot points:
The Pentagon’s Skepticism: Abel and Hersch face intense scrutiny at a Pentagon hearing. Authorities question Team Lazarus’s effectiveness in locating Dr. Skinner, especially considering the international incidents they’ve caused while saving Christine. The team faces the possibility of being shut down due to a perceived lack of progress.
Skinner’s Message: Just as the government expresses its doubts, Skinner releases a new video. He states his disappointment in the world’s governments for their inaction and reminds everyone that he will be the first to die from Hapna in ten days, implying the cure will die with him.
Schneider’s Scheme: Determined to eliminate Axel, Army Intelligence officer Schneider seeks to hire a deadly assassin. He contacts a broker known as HQ, who introduces him to the phantom assassin Soryu, also known as Twin Dragons. To prove Soryu’s capabilities, HQ arranges a demonstration where the assassin effortlessly slaughters a unit of special forces, convincing Schneider of his lethal skills. Schneider tasks Soryu with eliminating Axel.
Internal Concerns: Axel and Doug discuss their potential fate, realizing they might be eliminated once their mission is complete because they possess too much knowledge about Skinner and Hapna.
Christine’s Discovery: Back at Lazarus HQ, Christine reveals a pill she found in Skinner’s apartment. Its purpose is unknown, but it might be connected to the antidote for Hapna.
Key Themes and Developments
Several key themes and developments emerge in Lazarus Episode 9:
The Stakes are Raised: The impending Hapna deadline adds urgency to the search for Skinner. The world is on the brink of extinction, and Lazarus is under immense pressure to find a solution.
Government Intrigue: The Pentagon’s skepticism and Schneider’s actions highlight the political maneuvering and hidden agendas within the government. Team Lazarus faces threats not only from Skinner but also from within.
Axel’s Past: The episode hints at the importance of Axel’s past, making him a central focus. He might become the target of the hired assassin because of what he knows or because of some aspect of his history.
Moral Ambiguity: The series continues to explore moral gray areas. Skinner’s motives remain complex, and the actions of the characters are not always easily categorized as good or evil.
Style Over Substance: Some critics argue that Lazarus prioritizes style over substance, with the narrative getting lost in side quests and lacking depth. However, the action sequences and animation remain impressive.
Reception and Reviews
Reviews for Lazarus Episode 9 are mixed. Some critics praised the action sequences, particularly the introduction of the assassin Soryu. One reviewer called it the best episode of the series so far, praising the tension and atmosphere created by the new character. Other reviewers still find the plot disjointed, with the focus shifting away from the central goal of finding Skinner.
Final Thoughts
Lazarus Episode 9 injects a dose of action and intrigue into the series as it heads toward its conclusion. The introduction of the assassin Soryu raises the stakes for Axel and Team Lazarus, while Skinner’s message underscores the urgency of their mission. The episode also hints at deeper conspiracies and political maneuvering, adding complexity to the narrative. While the series continues to face criticism for its pacing and lack of focus, Episode 9 offers glimmers of hope that Lazarus can deliver a satisfying resolution to its compelling premise.
