Cowboy Bebop (DVD 1)

Cowboy Bebop was arguably the most popular animated television show in Japan in 1998. Because of the topics of some of the episodes (drugs, homosexuality, prostitution…) only 16 of the 26 episodes were seen on network television in Japan. However, that was soon remedied when the series was bought by a cable station and the series was shown in its entirety. What makes this series so popular? The CGI graphics that is used in all of the flight sequences? Is it the futuristic setting? The complex characters? The hidden pasts? Definitely. And I would add that the amazing stories and ability to transcend numerous genres of film in each episode. The mood of the cinematography almost borrows from different eras as well – the people, while futuristic, seem to hold traits of settlers of the 1800s, the theme music is decidedly from the roaring '20s (I love that opening theme music), and the characters of Spike and Jet are reminiscent of a 1940s gumshoe novella.

Session #1: Asteroid Blues

Meet the main characters – Spike Spiegel and Jet Black. Two futuristic bounty hunters that travel the galaxy in their converted fishing ship "Bebop." Spike is a former syndicate member who uses his relaxed style and combat abilities well with Jet's detective skill to find their current target. The starting story is regarding the hunting of a traitorous drug runner who ran away from his syndicate with a large supply of "red-eye." When administered, the drug increases the reaction time of the 

Introduction of Ein – the beloved pet of the Bebop crew. The main story is about the capture of a criminal that has abducted an illegal "data dog." This dog (Ein) is a Welsh Corgi and represents extensive genetic tailoring which has been outlawed in the galaxy. You soon realize that Ein may just be a little dog, but I certainly can't recall a dog that smart or on top of everything that occurs. The interests become significant players as the criminal, the original corporation, and the Bebop crew all converge. The criminal knows the value of his capture and is trying to sell the dog to a black market contact; the corporation wants to recover the dog because police discovery of the dog could devastate their research; the Bebop crew has the dog (which they don't want) and wants the criminal. Great story with some truly funny jokes and situations.

Introduction of Faye Valentine – the gambler/bounty hunter. Faye is captured by her gambling creditors and is brought into service in an important recovery deal. Although extremely beautiful, it represents only one of her talents – using her looks to distract allows her to bring her marksman abilities or flying talents to bear. Her (rather extensive) debt will be wiped clean if she is to impersonate a dealer at a blackjack table waiting for a person who will lose all his money and then give a "special chip" to her as a tip. Enter Spike who drops a wad at the table but then walks away without leaving a tip. Thinking that there was a problem, Faye chases him while Spike bumps into the actual carrier and in the confusion, Spike ends up with the chip in question. As soon as the security force becomes involved a guns-blazing firefight ensues and Faye escapes onto the Bebop. Once the crew discovers the mix-up, they try to trade with the creditors. Humor paired with excellent CGI flight action sequences make this a great episode.

The crew of the Bebop officially swells to three with the "recovery" of Faye. This story involves the capture of "Mother", the leader of a group of environmental terrorists. This group is trying to stop the fishing of a species of sea rat that is considered a delicacy but is nearing extinction. The weapon the terrorists are threatening to use is a bio-weapon called "Monkey Madness" that would cause a genetic change on all humans. The change in question is a DNA restructuring that would cause people to become apes (some changes would be less dramatic than others I suppose). The Bebop crew manages to capture "Mom" early, but as the local government feels too threatened by Monkey Madness, the bounty is revoked and Spike and Jet are left holding a terrorist with no value. Superb story paired with their usual hilarity.

Introduction of Vicious – a psychopathic killer from Spike's past who is trying to gain control of the syndicate on Mars. The story starts out with the assassination of an envoy between rival syndicate groups. The leader of one of the groups (coincidentally a friend of Spike’s) is subsequently killed by Vicious in an attempt to initiate a war between the factions. The posting of the other leader on the wanted list brings the Bebop to Mars with Spike realizing who he is. As each member follows his or her own leads, Spike learns what really happened, but Faye is captured by Vicious in an attempt to draw Spike into a battle. As Spike moves around Mars, glimpses into his past and mental stability are shown and bring into question the re-occurring theme of fate into the picture. Spike agrees to meet Vicious, not to save Faye, but to kill Vicious! One of my favorite episodes in the series!

Cowboy Bebop is the series that I recommend to people who want to break into anime but don't know where to start. This is an excellent disc and is a must have in any serious anime fan's collection!

Reviewed by Tazman