In the futuristic world of 2052, where a seemingly miraculous painkiller called Hapuna has ushered in an era of unprecedented peace, a lurking threat emerges, and a specialized task force known as Lazarus is assembled to confront it. Episode 5, titled “Pretty Vacant,” sees the Lazarus team attempting to lure out the elusive Dr. Skinner by declaring a fake Hapuna cure. However, their plans are disrupted by the unexpected appearance of a mysterious and highly skilled hacker known as Lin, also called Popcorn Wizard.
The Lure: A Fake Hapuna Cure
Following the events of the previous episode, where the team tracked financial data to uncover a connection between Dr. 909 (a hacker) and Sam Stephenson (an investor who profited from Hapuna), Lazarus focuses on Delta Medicinal, one of the key companies involved in Hapuna’s trials. The team suspects Delta Medicinal may have ties to Dr. Skinner. After infiltrating the home of Delta Medicinal’s president, Ahmed, they discover that he was only sending data unilaterally. This leads the team to devise a plan to draw Skinner out by announcing the completion of a cure for Hapuna.
The rationale is that Skinner would undoubtedly want to verify the cure if it were real. The team organizes a staged press event, inviting key figures and stakeholders to witness the announcement. The event is heavily secured, with a makeshift Faraday cage to prevent hacking. However, instead of Skinner, an unexpected guest arrives: the elite hacker Lin (Popcorn Wizard).
Popcorn Wizard Enters the Stage
Popcorn Wizard’s arrival throws a wrench into Lazarus’s plan. She was mentioned in Episode 3, but Episode 5 marks the first time the audience sees her face. Known as one of the top three hackers in the world, Popcorn Wizard proves to be a formidable adversary, outmatching the Lazarus team with her superior preparations. Her hacking skills allow her to breach Delta Medicinal’s core systems, disrupting the security measures in place. The team traces the hack back to walkie-talkies used by the guards, which had been compromised a month prior.
Elaina, the team’s hacker, finds herself facing a true test of her abilities against Popcorn Wizard. The hacker’s location is traced to a mobile camper outside the Islamabad stock exchange in Pakistan. Someone even hacked all the CCTV cameras, making everyone look like Skinner, which makes it impossible to find him remotely.
Character Focus: Elaina’s Moment to Shine
Episode 5 gives Elaina a chance to step into the spotlight. Previously, she had shown the least personality of anyone on the team. “Pretty Vacant” allows her to play a crucial role, facing off against a fitting rival in Popcorn Wizard. This provides an opportunity to develop her character and showcase her skills.
Unveiling Delta Medicinal
As the hacking intensifies, Axel confronts President Rahman, pressing him for information. Rahman claims to be as much in the dark as everyone else regarding the lethal effects of Hapuna. He reveals that Delta Medicinal tested the drug on monkeys before human trials, which explains the ominous scenes in Episode 4.
Thematic Resonance
The title “Pretty Vacant” is an ironic reference to the Sex Pistols’ song, which speaks to a sense of apathy and not caring. In the context of Lazarus, where Hapuna numbs people’s feelings, it becomes difficult for individuals to genuinely care about anything. However, the series is increasingly successful in making the audience care about characters like Elaina. Even if the episode’s surface visuals aren’t as striking as previous episodes, there’s substance beneath the surface.
Release and Where to Watch
Episode 5 of Lazarus premiered on May 3, 2025, on Adult Swim’s Toonami block. It was then made available for streaming on Max the following day. For viewers in Japan, the episode aired on Tokyo TV and other affiliated networks on May 4, 2025.
Production Details
Lazarus is an original anime television series produced by MAPPA and Sola Entertainment. Shinichirō Watanabe, known for Cowboy Bebop, serves as the creator and director. The action sequences are designed by Chad Stahelski, who directed the John Wick film franchise. The music is composed by Kamasi Washington, Bonobo, and Floating Points.
The Japanese voice cast includes Mamoru Miyano as Axel, Makoto Furukawa as Doug, and Maaya Uchida as Christine. The English voice cast features Jack Stansbury as Axel, Jovan Jackson as Doug, and Luci Christian as Christine.
A Critical Perspective
While Lazarus has garnered attention for its stylish visuals, music, and action sequences, some critics have noted that the series is struggling to find its groove. The focus on Hapuna and the search for Skinner is compelling, but the show needs to develop its supporting characters further.
Episode 5: A Turning Point?
“Pretty Vacant” introduces a new antagonist in Popcorn Wizard, which could help to inject fresh energy into the series. The episode also provides a much-needed opportunity for Elaina to shine and develop her character. As the series progresses, it remains to be seen whether Lazarus can fully realize its potential and deliver a compelling narrative that explores the complex themes it has introduced.
