Mar 29, 2016
Through the reborn industry of bounty hunting in the midst of a future humanity spread thin across the solar system, Cowboy Bebop deftly explores the effects of societal divergence, the interplay of various life philosophies, how feeling like an 'outsider' underpins us all - regardless of how our personalities may differ, and the all-singing existential question: what is reality for me and for you?
These are far from simple themes to discuss for any show, yet Cowboy Bebop does so with a degree of nuance I find at odds with the oft-heavy-handed approach to storytelling and theme building in anime. Indeed, these thematic explorations are facilitated
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by what is often levied as a criticism to the show. Owing to Cowboy Bebop's primarily episodic nature (character introductions and the like notwithstanding), there can come a feeling of fragmentation and thus no overall flow; however, this is what I perceive to be the show's biggest asset. We are treated to twenty-six 'sessions' - musical motifs run strong throughout - and each of these explores one of the main characters, their backstories, and ultimately how they've become the way they are in the present day to an extent I feel a linear narrative would not have done so as succinctly. The three key characters - Spike, Jet and Faye - have some kind of past life they are trying to either come to terms with or escape from, and the series really does a great job at analysing them as individuals and as a collective party of nomadic bounty hunters in a disparate universe. The rich characterisation really enables you to grow attached to them and compels you to see where they take you - something which is actually quite a tall order considering the anime is only twenty-six episodes long, and all characters have relatively equal weighting in the show.
Of course, the intricate thematic exploration is but one strength to Cowboy Bebop, but isn't necessarily a hook per se. Where the anime also excels is in its production. Shinichiro Watanabe's world-building is fascinatingly stylish and well-realised; every town, city, set piece throughout the series feels as though it belongs there, whilst providing the audience with a real sense of the state of the societies that have promulgated since the planetary colonising took place. Additionally, the crisp, fluid animation really adds to the immersion whilst the soundtrack - composed by Yoko Kanno - covers the jazz and blues spectrum, with both staccato and flowing, sombre and up-tempo pieces that all conspire to provide a truly compelling audiovisual experience that does not feel at odds to the tones of the show.
Every time someone has asked me for an anime recommendation, Cowboy Bebop has always been first on my list. I feel that this is a masterpiece, a pillar of anime that, by marrying nuanced thematic discussions, engaging characters, quality production and world-building, transcends boundaries and allows people who wouldn't consider themselves anime fans as much as those who would to enjoy - perhaps even love - the series.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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