To start
with, this is a very difficult show to rate, just because it's so good, but as
a matter of principle, I try to avoid just handing out a perfect score...
However, if there were an anime that deserved to have such a score,
"Cowboy Bebop" would arguably be that show. Very rarely does a show deliver that
combination of action, humor, depth, and the characters to pull all these
elements together, but that's exactly what you get with this show. Characters are funny when they're relaxed
between jobs, tough when there's a fight to be had, and like cowboys out of old
westerns they have wisdom that can only come from living a life always on the
move, trying to find the next job to pay for the next meal. Normally I'd bash a show for seeming so
disjointed by only doing an episode or two related to the main plot at a time,
but "Bebop" made it work amazingly well. Every episode almost feels like a fable, with
a lesson or two you can take away from it.
These episodes would normally be labeled as "filler" but the
term simply doesn't apply here: Each of these episodes were completely intentional
and serve to show the personality and depth of the characters, as well as to
help explore the world they live in with thought-provoking stories. The part that will hit hardest is during the
last 3 episodes: Characters leave, return, and Spike will have to find a way to
deal with the past that he can't seem to leave behind him. The climax of the series will have you on the
edge of your seat and wishing the journey could have kept going onward, but you
will still appreciate everything "Cowboy Bebop" has to offer.
All in all,
I honestly can't find fault with this show.
It excites you with intense, visceral action sequences. It humors you with witty, intelligent comedy.
But more than anything, it touches you with a deep, powerful story that by the
end of the series will have you saying, "See you space cowboy..." And
the show goes out with a unique "Bang" that only "Cowboy
Bebop" can provide you. "Cowboy Bebop" is a must for any fan of
an amazing story with strong, real characters and action that you will enjoy
watching over and over.
Good:
- Rich, deep,
original story with great characters that you feel you can grow alongside as
they move forward
- A lot of
thought-provoking dialogue/scenes that touch you……in a good way
- Solid,
realistic action that while exciting, doesn't lead to thinking the main
characters are bulletproof in the least, making the action even more visceral
and gripping
Bad:
- That
you're still reading this review instead of watching the show like I've been
basically telling you.... GO. WATCH. NOW.
Scully Rating: 10 out of 10
Watch "Cowboy Bebop" at: http://www.justdubs.net/list/series/52/Cowboy%20Bebop
