Introduction to Lazarus

Shinichiro Watanabe’s latest creation, Lazarus, bears a striking resemblance to his magnum opus, Cowboy Bebop. While Lazarus is an enjoyable and stylish ride, it’s hard not to feel that it falls short of Watanabe’s usual standards. Based on the first five episodes, the show’s narrative and characters seem to draw heavily from his previous work.

The Premise

The story takes place in 2052, where a revolutionary neuroscientist, Dr. Skinner, has developed a miracle drug called Hapna that can eradicate all pain. However, he soon reveals that the drug will ultimately lead to the demise of humanity, and the only way to prevent this is to find him within 30 days. To achieve this, the government assembles a team of convicted criminals, known as Lazarus, to track down Dr. Skinner. The team’s composition, including the lead character Axel Gilberto, is reminiscent of the Bebop crew, with each member bearing similarities to the iconic characters from Watanabe’s previous series.

A Familiar Feel

The concept of using criminals to save humanity has been explored before, notably in Suicide Squad. However, Lazarus fails to provide a convincing justification for this approach, leaving the viewer questioning the government’s motives. The show’s action sequences and stylish animation are undeniably captivating, but the characters’ interpersonal dynamics feel less organic and less developed compared to those in Bebop. By the fifth episode, the characters’ backstories and motivations remain unclear, making it challenging to become invested in their journey.

Style Over Substance

While Lazarus excels in its visuals, soundtrack, and action choreography, its plot holes and contrivances are noticeable. The show’s premise, although intriguing, is not particularly original, and the execution feels somewhat predictable. The similarities to Cowboy Bebop: The Movie are striking, and the show’s arrival alongside more innovative series like Common Side Effects highlights its lack of distinctiveness.

The Visionary Behind the Show

In an interview, Watanabe discussed the inspiration behind Lazarus, citing the opioid crisis as a driving force behind the story. The show’s exploration of the consequences of playing with forces beyond human control is thought-provoking, and the character of Dr. Skinner is complexities, with his true intentions and motivations slowly unraveling throughout the series.

A Newcomer’s Perspective

New viewers may not share the same reservations about Lazarus as fans of Watanabe’s previous work. The show’s stylish presentation, coupled with its modern jazz and electronic soundtrack, makes for an engaging watch. However, for those familiar with Watanabe’s oeuvre, Lazarus may feel like a lesser iteration of his usual genius.

Conclusion

While Lazarus may not live up to Watanabe’s lofty standards, it is still a testament to his unique style and creative vision. Even if the show fails to mature into a more thoughtful and original series, it remains a worthwhile watch, especially for fans of Watanabe’s work. In an era of streaming TV, Lazarus stands out as a creative and entertaining anomaly, even if it doesn’t quite reach the heights of Watanabe’s previous masterpieces.