Author Topic: Official Anime Watch Thread [Currently Watching: Cowboy Bebop] (Read 11213 times)

Mr. Gundam · « **Reply #120 on:** July 22, 2011, 12:42:09 AM »

Quote from: Great Rumbler on July 21, 2011, 11:01:57 PM

Tonight's episode:

ITANO CIRCUS

Get it right.

Great Rumbler · « **Reply #121 on:** July 22, 2011, 12:43:32 AM »

[youtube=560,345]BzXfVgYCxWI[/youtube]

Himu · « **Reply #122 on:** July 22, 2011, 02:10:29 AM »

Honky Tonk Women

Episode Title song

The Rolling Stones - Honk Tonk Woman

[youtube=560,345]2Kve_N8rmmQ[/youtube]

I think this is the first fantastic episode of the series. It puts all the pieces into place that make Bebop great:

1. Great sense of humor:

2. Loads of action:

3. Series spanning sub-plots and recurring characters:

It is fantastically directed and written, almost every line in this episode is either cool as fuck or hilarious.

For me, this episode is full of a bunch of small things like when Faye calls herself a Romani, which Spike corrects her on later in the series. Or when Faye starts wailing and it cuts to Ein yawning, or when Jet brings up his Charlie Parker dreams. "See Spike, that's how you get your dream girl."

It also shows off even more badass locales. Cowboy Bebop's interpretation of intergalactic space travel is badass to the core:

(notice this is the street from Stray Dog Strut except at night)

This episode, more so than the two episodes before it, hit the formula out of the park and solidifies Bebop (to me) as the epitome of cool (as far as animation goes).

Favorite quotes in this episode

"You know the first rule of combat? Shoot them before they shoot you."

Jet: So Charlie says, “only hands can wash hands. If you want to receive, you have to give.” Something like that—wish I could remember the exact words—anyway, I think Charlie’s telling us to just do it. Ha. What do you make of it?
Spike: Somehow I don’t think Charlie Parker would be quoting Goethe.
Jet: Come one, it’s just a dream I had. Lighten up.
Spike: I have a feeling that dream’s going to suck up our last 5 thousand Woolongs.

and later:

Jet: Spike my friend that girl is money in the bank.
Spike: Yeah, no penalty for early withdraw.
Jet: It’s just like Charlie said in my dream. If you want to receive you have to give. See Spike, you got to listen to your dreams, that’s how you find your dream girl.

"That's disgusting."

Favorite song in this episode

[youtube=560,345]Kyv-TKjM3o4[/youtube]

Easily Rush.

Favorite shot in this episode

It's impossible to pick a favorite shot in this episode, but here are some faves.

Episode rating

4 1/2 out of 5

Great Rumbler · « **Reply #123 on:** July 22, 2011, 10:05:39 AM »

My favorite part is where the casino goon punches Spike square in the face and he just shrugs it off. Cue casino brawl.

Followed by this:

TEEEPO · « **Reply #124 on:** July 22, 2011, 12:56:36 PM »

downloading

bebop

anime

Joe Molotov · « **Reply #125 on:** July 22, 2011, 02:42:04 PM »

"Oh Spike."

Himu · « **Reply #126 on:** July 22, 2011, 03:07:42 PM »

Great Rumbler · « **Reply #127 on:** July 22, 2011, 10:52:11 PM »

Episode 4 - Gateway Shuffle

Quote

After gambling away all the money she obtained, Faye ends up getting her hands on a mysterious suitcase while exploring the wreckage of a derelict spaceship. Meanwhile, Spike and Jet pursue a bounty on the leader of the Space Warriors, a group of eco-terrorists armed with a terrifying biological weapon.

Really good episode all around, especially the scene in hyperspace [music and direction are just perfect there].

[youtube=560,345]MUTMw7rEsDk[/youtube]

spoiler (click to show/hide)

[youtube=560,345]JIDHkQ103dw[/youtube]

[close]

Joe Molotov · « **Reply #128 on:** July 22, 2011, 10:52:14 PM »

Gateway Shuffle was a good episode. I think my favorite part was Spike fooling with the virus container and Mom is freaking out but she doesn't want to say anything because she doesn't want them to know what it is.

Also I liked the sweet-voiced announcer on their propaganda video that played after they shot the restaurant up.

Next episode is money.

Himu · « **Reply #129 on:** July 23, 2011, 02:13:00 AM »

Gateway Shuffle

Another great episode. Not as good as Honky Tonk Women, but close.

This episode sheds a bit more light on the culture of Bebop, this time on the terrorism angle and it's the series' first involvement with the ISSP.

This episode owns if only for the facial reactions and the blood bath at the restaurant.

The original bounty is hilarious:

Shame he gets shot up full of holes.

Also, BRING ON THE MISSILES!

Overall, it's a great episode that builds upon the core fundamentals made in the first four episodes. Not high-tier, more like mid-tier, but for Bebop that's not too shabby. The next episode takes all of this even further. The direction is even better in this episode than it is in the previous ones, as the gateway scene is proof of, the character interaction just gets better and better. Spike and Faye talking about the Monkey Business holder while Jet tries to get some info out of Bob is hilarious. I think it was this episode that made fall completely in love with Bebop back in the day, I mean, I loved the episodes before it, but this is the episode where all the pieces fall gently into place.

Favorite song from this episode

[youtube=560,345]MUTMw7rEsDk[/youtube]

Favorite quotes from this episode

The entire "peace" routine with the cheery announcer in the name of ~~terrorism~~ peace.

Murdock: Please do not associate us with common terrorists. We are warriors of peace fighting a noble battle for the law of nature.
Spike: Yeah yeah. We saw how peaceful you are.

Faye: Hey there, having a little trouble?
Spike: Huh?
Faye: I can bail you out for 80%.
Spike: You’re insane!
Faye: Okay! Bye-bye now!
Spike: All right 40% that’s my last offer!
Faye: Okay, I get the 60!

Favorite shot in this episode

Episode Rating

4 out of 5

Bonus: Do you guys think Spike knew that what he had was Monkey Business when he put it in Murdock's pocket or did he just do it because fuck it, whatever, no use to me?

Great Rumbler · « **Reply #130 on:** July 23, 2011, 02:31:59 AM »

Himu · « **Reply #131 on:** July 23, 2011, 02:34:10 AM »

The best anime tv series.

[youtube=560,345]qB9q7Zm-cvI[/youtube]

Quote from: Great Rumbler on July 23, 2011, 02:31:59 AM

(Image removed from quote.)

Great Rumbler · « **Reply #132 on:** July 23, 2011, 06:35:20 PM »

Episode 5 - Ballad of Fallen Angels

Quote

While pursuing the bounty on an executive of the Red Dragon Syndicate, Spike ends up confronting Vicious, an old enemy of his.

Vizzys · « **Reply #133 on:** July 23, 2011, 07:00:55 PM »

that scene where

spoiler (click to show/hide)

spike gets thrown out the church window and his life flashes before his eyes

[close]

is probably one of the best in the series

also that music:

Great Rumbler · « **Reply #134 on:** July 24, 2011, 12:41:53 AM »

[youtube=560,345]l9_p-nhZXLg[/youtube]

[youtube=560,345]XJjnbhSTuqQ[/youtube]

dat soundtrack

Joe Molotov · « **Reply #135 on:** July 24, 2011, 12:49:34 AM »

I want to have Yoko Kanno's babies.

"You sing off-key." Ha, amazing episode, perfect ending.

Himu · « **Reply #136 on:** July 24, 2011, 01:58:39 AM »

Ballad of Fallen Angels

Enough has already been said about this episode. It is perfect, every minute of its 20+ minute run time.

Favorite Quotes

Not too many quotables, but every piece of dialogue is great. This is probably my favorite though in terms of comedy:

"Yeah, I kinda got caught. They said to meet me at the designated place... orrrrr my life is over" (in a matter of fact, I know you're coming tone)

Favorite Song

Green Bird and Rain have already been posted.

Favorite shots

The introduction of Vicious:

Bonus: What is everyone's interpretation of Spike's past? I like how ambigous it is but since Bebop is only 26 episodes (unfortunately

) I've always imagined that Spike and Vicious were practically brothers, raised by Mao, Annie, and the other guy in the picture. Mao and the other guy were involved in the Syndicate but took them in. Vicious savored the life of blood and killing, and embraced it. Spike decided to run, because he hated it. Vicious, seeing this as a betrayal, has his men put a hit on Spike. Spike survives, and manages to meet Julia who saves his life. They fall in love and try any way to get away from the Syndicate. It's never really said what happened. Is the woman in bed with Vicious Julia? Did Spike and Julia meet before he left the Syndicate or what?

What are your thoughts?

Himu · « **Reply #137 on:** July 24, 2011, 02:08:12 AM »

Hmmm Julia's profile at absolute anime seems to answer my questions.

Quote

Julia was originally Vicious's girlfriend. When Spike showed up on her doorstep, badly injured, she nursed him back from the brink of death. Eventually, Julia came to love him. When Vicious learned of Spike's plan to get out of the Red Dragon syndicate, he felt betrayed... and Vicious doesn't take betrayal very well at all.

When Vicious learned that Spike was planning to take Julia with him, Vicious ordered Julia to kill Spike during their next meeting, which was to take place at the graveyard. Vicious made it clear that if she didn't, he would kill them both, so she never went to meet him.

You guys ever read this quote from Watanabe?

Quote

“I’ve never officially said that he’s died. At this point, I can tell you that I’m not sure if he’s alive or dead. I think probably rather than being yelled at for killing Spike, I think … people are more upset that I might make a continuation of the story, but look out for bebop in 2009!

Great Rumbler · « **Reply #138 on:** July 24, 2011, 02:30:34 AM »

Vicious: When angels are forced out of Heaven they become devils. You agree, don't you, Spike?

Spike: I'm just watching a bad dream I never wake up from.

Vicious: I'll wake you up right now!

Spike: What's your rush, Vicious? After all, it's been a long time.

Also:

Vicious: You should see yourself. Do you have any idea what you look like right at this moment, Spike?

Spike: What?

Vicious: A ravenous beast. The same blood runs through both of us. The blood of a beast who wanders, hunting for the blood of others.

Spike: I bled all that kind of blood away

Vicious: THEN WHY ARE YOU STILL ALIVE?!

Himu · « **Reply #139 on:** July 24, 2011, 02:33:55 AM »

<emcee> Horribly written. </emcee>

Great Rumbler · « **Reply #140 on:** July 24, 2011, 10:26:11 PM »

Episode 6 - Sympathy for the Devil

Quote

Spike and Jet chase a dangerous enemy who, despite having the appearance of a little boy, is actually more than eighty years old.

Joe Molotov · « **Reply #141 on:** July 24, 2011, 11:09:29 PM »

Meh episode, easily the worst one so far. Fighting an invincible, immortal little kid using "folded time" crystals is a little much.

Great Rumbler · « **Reply #142 on:** July 24, 2011, 11:45:43 PM »

Ya, it's a bit contrived and they really had no reason to stick with the "case" after the bounty got killed. It looked great, though, and had a pretty good mood overall.

But the next episode is Cowboy Bebop presents Sam Peckinpah's Convoy!

[youtube=560,345]YncNm0WQY2I[/youtube]

[youtube=560,345]nbjXvuC8qJE[/youtube]

Soundtrack delivers once again.

Mr. Gundam · « **Reply #143 on:** July 25, 2011, 12:32:20 AM »

Quote from: Great Rumbler on July 24, 2011, 11:45:43 PM

Ya, it's a bit contrived and they really had no reason to stick with the "case" after the bounty got killed. It looked great, though, and had a pretty good mood overall.

But the next episode is Cowboy Bebop presents Sam Peckinpah's Convoy!

The AV Club just did an article on this episode.

http://www.avclub.com/articles/heavy-metal-queen,59205/

Great Rumbler · « **Reply #144 on:** July 25, 2011, 12:43:29 AM »

Quote from: Mr. Gundam on July 25, 2011, 12:32:20 AM

Quote from: Great Rumbler on July 24, 2011, 11:45:43 PM
Ya, it's a bit contrived and they really had no reason to stick with the "case" after the bounty got killed. It looked great, though, and had a pretty good mood overall.

But the next episode is Cowboy Bebop presents Sam Peckinpah's Convoy!

The AV Club just did an article on this episode.

http://www.avclub.com/articles/heavy-metal-queen,59205/

Quote

[Writer's Note: As commenters have noted, I got V.T.'s gender wrong. This is something that I've always been confused by when I've watched this episode. I just assumed he was a gay man. Apparently, I was wrong. Changes to the article now reflect V.T.'s correct gender. Apologies for the mistake.]

lol

Don Flamenco · « **Reply #145 on:** July 25, 2011, 03:02:34 PM »

i need some english avi files of this i can stream to my 360.

Himu · « **Reply #146 on:** July 25, 2011, 05:11:08 PM »

I always liked Sympathy for the Devil more than Heavy Metal Queen. Waltz for Zizi is great though.

Disc 2 of the series is easily the worst disc of the series.

Great Rumbler · « **Reply #147 on:** July 26, 2011, 09:39:12 AM »

Heavy Metal Queen is a fun episode, pretty light-weight compared to the previous two, but VT is a great character and the focus on the space-trucker subculture is a nice little peak under the hood of the Cowboy Bebop world. It's a shame they never did anything else in the series with either, but whatever.

[youtube=560,345]h6N1_GJAyFw[/youtube]

[youtube=560,345]vj4tUKktLJI[/youtube]

I love how each new episode pulls out several new pieces of music.

Great Rumbler · « **Reply #148 on:** July 26, 2011, 09:30:12 PM »

Episode 8 - Waltz for Venus

Quote

While the crew hunts down a Venusian mobster, Spike meets Rocco Bonnaro, who is on the run from the same mobster the crew is tracking for stealing a very rare and valuable plant, which he plans to sell to pay for surgery to restore his sister's eyesight.

Joe Molotov · « **Reply #149 on:** July 26, 2011, 09:35:00 PM »

Mmmm...Jazzilicious

[youtube=560,345]08x4ZzElw7Y[/youtube]

Great Rumbler · « **Reply #150 on:** July 27, 2011, 09:48:23 PM »

Episode 9 - Jamming with Edward

Quote

The crew enlists the help of an elite computer hacker nicknamed "Radical Edward" to help them track down a bounty-head who has been vandalizing Earth's surface with hacked laser satellites. However, when they finally meet Edward face-to-face, the hacker's true identity proves to be a surprise for everybody.

Great Rumbler · « **Reply #151 on:** July 27, 2011, 10:24:03 PM »

[youtube=560,345]4E78kbGq5v0[/youtube]

Great Rumbler · « **Reply #152 on:** July 28, 2011, 11:30:26 PM »

Pretty good episode tonight, a nice return to CB's dramatic side. Good character development for Jet, though he does, arguably, have a better episode later in the series. Also provided a nice peak at a new part of the universe. Strong direction and animation, as usual.

[youtube=560,345]_bfVQ1S5Vx0[/youtube]

[youtube=560,345]HMxUwTyz0hM[/youtube]

[youtube=560,345]YR4TDBXebWc[/youtube]

Can't get enough of dat soundtrack.

Great Rumbler · « **Reply #153 on:** July 28, 2011, 11:31:44 PM »

By the way, I've been using this to find the music tracks from each episode:

http://www.jazzmess.com/sessions/index.html

It's quite handy.

tehjaybo · « **Reply #154 on:** July 29, 2011, 08:27:24 AM »

Oh god, I got so behind. Catching up now before I go to bed. Finished Heavy Metal Queen last night over din-din, now on to Waltz.

Joe Molotov · « **Reply #155 on:** July 30, 2011, 01:24:03 PM »

Even though Toys in the Attic is a total filler episode, I still love it.

I like how it ends with "The End" instead of "See you again, Space Cowboy" and in the next episode preview Ed says that everyone died and next week is the start of a new series starring Ed.

Great Rumbler · « **Reply #156 on:** July 31, 2011, 11:14:37 PM »

Skipped last night so I could double-up tonight. I'm not sure what else you can say here other than "Amazing". The animation, the writing, the locations, the music, they're all near-perfect. And the ending of part 2? Many manly tears were shed.

[youtube=560,345]u92kvmB_6SY[/youtube]

[youtube=560,345]WKnVaDwUg5s[/youtube]

Those two tracks are just so amazing. I could listen to them over and over.

Edited for rant:

spoiler (click to show/hide)

It absolutely kills me that female characters like Faye and The Major [GitS] are such aberrations in anime, especially now. Look at Faye. She's totally hot, but, you know, she actually has a personality underneath. She's a tough fighter, but she's also got her worries and her dreams. She's not just a fixture for basement-dwelling love-sick otakus to drool over or, alternatively, to "feel protective towards". UUUGGGHHH.

Back in the 80's and 90's and some decent female character. Now we got total bimbos that fawn over total morons that have zero personality. I look at the anime industry today and I just think "Really, Japan? REALLY? Are you seriously the same people that made such an awesome show like Cowboy Bebop?" And then I die a little inside because I realize that, no, these AREN'T the same people. Those guys are barely even around anymore.

[close]

Great Rumbler · « **Reply #157 on:** August 02, 2011, 12:06:46 AM »

The bounty-hunter guy freaking out at the end of Bohemian Rhapsody is the best part of that episode.

Himu · « **Reply #158 on:** August 02, 2011, 06:47:57 PM »

Haven't watched in a minute so I'll be back for Jupiter Jazz. Maybe after I beat Catherine.

Great Rumbler · « **Reply #159 on:** August 10, 2011, 09:45:44 PM »

One month to watch/talk about a single show really is too much. I'm thinking maybe we should half that time and not really have any set amount of episodes to watch per day. We'll just watch as much as we want over a two week period and talk about those episodes. After two weeks, we change to something else.

Thoughts?

News:

Author Topic: Official Anime Watch Thread [Currently Watching: Cowboy Bebop] (Read 11213 times)