For me, that movie was the Godfather. Bare with me here, obviously Bebop is not a mob story (though there are some underground organizations). But like the Godfather it has a very large fanbase of people who praise the movie like it was shit from the anus of Jesus Christ himself and will slit your throat if you so dare to criticize it.
I did not love the Godfather. I didn't understand what was so special about it... it was just like every other mob movie I've ever seen. It was basically a shorter version of the Sopranos with a more satisfying ending. My family of diehard italians wanted to murder me in my sleep after I admitted my apparent lack of taste, but I couldn't help it.
Now unless you live a very blessed life, you've probably watched one of those classic movies and came away with the same feeling. Maybe it was all of the hype, or maybe it was just because you've seen it done so many times before and can't appreciate the originality. Either way, you watched it and you weren't that impressed.
Bebop is like the anime version of those classics.
Personally, I loved Bebop. Which is why I said "to hell with it" and gave it a 10 like so many others. That being said, I can definitely see how people may have issues with the show.
It isn't amazing for everyone, and if you're going to watch it I highly suggest you attempt to disregard all of the hype. The show is a masterpiece for reasons that don't resonate with everyone, and going in with a certain mindset might skew your opinion
Bebop is basically about a bunch of oddballs living together on a spaceship and occasionally catching bounties (do they ever actually catch one? I can't remember). To put it simply, the show is very episodic. Most people may call it "all filler," but that's sort of the point.
It isn't one straight narrative with a linear plot. It's not "going" anywhere. It's about the everyday life of the characters, and everyday life is pretty random. Especially if you're floating through space on a spaceship with no real aspirations or goals.
The characters are taking every day one step at a time, and the plot reflects that. And as you learn more about the characters, you come to understand why they have this attitude
Through the episodes, the characters are more fanned out. This is where the writing really shines. There are moments in this show that are, in my opinion, fucking amazing. (see episode 5 "Ballad of Falling Angels" church scene) Moments that make you shout "holy shit", and moments that may hit you like a bullet through the heart. The characters are realistic and three dimensional despite the fact you don't really know /that/ much about them, and it's through those (admittedly scarce) moments.
The rest of the time you just have ministories about different bounties. They're amusing stories (most of the time) and I honestly enjoyed them. But I can definitely understand how this set up isn't for everyone.
really
Basically, don't go in with certain expectations. The show isn't for everyone. It is episodic, and what you may consider the "plot" only comes up in brief moments. These moments are great, but if you're not the kind of person who enjoys the in between, then you're not going to enjoy the show.
And there's nothing wrong with not enjoying the show.
Just like there's nothing wrong with me hating the Godfather.
Or so I tell my Nonna.
