I've heard and read nothing but good things about Code Geass, so when I started the series, I liked it because, quite frankly, I expected that I was going to like it. For a time, if you asked me if I was enjoying it, I would have answered "yes", simply because the premise is interesting, the dialogue is fairly well written, and the art style is unique.
Lelouch Vi Brittania starts off normal and goes insane with power - the power of Geass, to be precise. Don't ask me what Geass is, I can't define it and I'm already watching the second season (I'll clarify, this is out of obligation. I am driven to the brink of madness myself by not completing what I start, even if it is crap). It's magical stuff, that's all you've gotta know. Anyway, his descent into badness is reminiscent of Light Yagami from Death Note, which will obviously compel any anime fan out there. If you're feeling like that alone makes this show worth checking out, I implore you, hear my words.
All the major problems this show has can be pinned down to that stupid Geass, which is especially problematic as that is the titular subject. If you take it at face value and resist any ability to reason or consider logic that your brain may possess, this show will seems flawless.
So, what exactly is the problem with the Geass? How could I find any conceivable botheration with such a critically acclaimed masterpiece??!!
Well my friends, it all begins with the fact that Lelouch's damned Geass only works on a person once. But that one time, oho, he can make that person do anything he wants. This is the only reason the plot thickens in the show, because the tactical genius that is Lelouch Vi Britannia is too stupid to think up a good command.
This series suffers from time turner syndrome. All Lelouch needs to do is say, "You will do everything I say at all times forever, without question," and EVERY SINGLE CONFLICT in the show is nixed! Our protagonist would suddenly have the ability to repeatedly order around all the people he's come in contact with. Oh, you saw me kill a guy? GEASS - remember you've always got to obey!- now you've forgotten it. Oops, I told Euphemia to kill all Japanese. GEASS stop it Euphie.
Why bother infiltrating the ministry when you can travel in time 60 years past and kill the evilest person to every live? Shh don't question it, it's so intense.
But noooo, instead of being rational, our dear Lelouch gives orders such as, "Draw chalk on the wall forever," and my personal favourite, the menacing, "Give me your knightmare," REallY LELOUCH? You have one chance to control this guy. You're in a position where it's 2 to 1 in your favour. Shoot the guy in the leg and hijack his Knightmare. What if he ends up becoming the Emperor of Britannia, and you can't control him because you already wasted your fucking geass on him? Pfft forget all that. Order this guy to get me a kit kat while you're at it.
The problem with even the end all command, is that the all powerful infallible crazy god talent that is the Geass fails all the fucking time. Nearly everyone who is affected by Lelouch's power ends up fighting against it or figuring out Lelouch's identity anyway.
You want to know the sad part? I JUST thought about this! I went through 28 episodes of this crap before I figured out what exactly was bothering me. How could you possibly neglect to notice plot holes this huge? Every time anything happens now, the only think I can think is, "Easily avoided. Uggghh chess metaphor but they suck at tactics. Are you dumb? Yes, you are, since you didn't notice that thing."
Like I said before, if this kind of stuff doesn't bother you, I'm sure you'll enjoy this show. Personally, I don't know if I can do this anymore. sigh
