The time has come for my next recap of Code Geass R2, and wouldn't you know it, the introdump is officially making it so I can pull my "previously on Code Geass R2" running gag out of mothballs! Just like that, we get yet another unnecessary refresher on the events of the past few episodes; with Zero's latest coup, the deaths of VV and Shirley and CC's amnesia being the key highlights before the intro sequence! With that out of the way, let's open up "United Federation of Nations Resolution Number One!"
Our proper opening is on some more political hogwash about the Emperor's disappearance and Schneizel taking his place! Oh, you spoil me, Taniguchi! Moreover, they want to use this as pretense to launch another attack on the Chinese Federation! Nice to know that the world was going every bit as mad in a fictional version of this time period as they are in this one. Total coincidence: no disrespect intended!
I can still say that the role that Lohmeyer and the Knights of Round play in this scene as well as this anime could have been handled much better. I am now more than 3/5 of the way into this show and none of them have gone beyond a single character dimension.
Not that the established characters are much better, given how Lelouch has gone from being distraught at CC's memory loss to being pleased that he's apparently further destabilized the Empire! Moreover, he seems amused at the fact this has happened, which completely undermines the ending of the last episode!
As the other Black Knights inspect the Knightmare Frames, it turns out they've also taken Cornelia hostage from the raid of the last episode! It really says something when both the Black Knights and the Empire aren't buying this anime's plot anymore!
Understandably, meanwhie, Kallen is livid about the events of the past few episodes as she manhandles Suzaku, all while still dressed like a waitress at some weird club. Seriously: the French maid outfit would actually be less stripperiffic at this point; and it would get more or less the same effect storywise.
Back with Zero, we get his announcement of the United Federation of Nations from the title; and once more with all the zest of a political roundtable on CSPAN. This may not be the worst episode of R2 I've covered, but it still is only marginally less entertaining than watching a blank wall for the same runtime.
There's also another broadcast with Milly Ashford in Ikebukuro, which just reminds me of how much potential was wasted with her character, and how I'd rather be watching Durarara. In fact, I think I will go watch Durarara!
(Goes to watch Durarara, will return in 3 seasons)
Lelouch is apparently trying to win over the amnesiac CC with some pizza, which she at least remembers she likes. She also at least remembers how to eat, so he at least doesn't have to get a funnel. Dang, I like the funnel.
There's also a scene in the courtyard with Suzaku with him and Anya, which is interrupted by a knife with a message from the Chinese Federation!
Actually, it's the Knight of Ten Sir Bradley, who's back from the White Russian. Also, dude, "Chinaman" is not the preferred nomenclature, "Asian-American," please.
We also have a fight between the two broken up by the Knight of One, Waldstein in the Galahad! Christmas, we're sixteen episodes in and we're still introducing new characters? What kind of YA nonsense is this? Slow your roll, fellas!
Sir Bradley then comes to visit Nunnally in Kallen's prison chambers, addressing the latter as the "vampire of Britannia." We are roughly ten minutes into this episode, and I'm already sick of this asshole. He's been onscreen one minute, and I already hope he dies.
Sweet Arceus, we've come to the infamous FLEIJA story thread. As everyone debates how to use this weapon, I shall let everyone know in advance that I have some choice words for how poorly this element is handled.
Also, this scene contains two more things I dislike from this season: Lloyd, and the "strategic vs tactical" debate. Seriously: fuck those in the ear.
Then, Nina mentions how destructive FLEIJA is; furthering how badly this story will go. I don't blame her personally, as she's only one character in a series full of ones that are seemingly incapable of making logical decisions. On the other hand, she'll be perfect for any other cabinet posts.
Enough of that shit: we need this scene of the Black Knights partying and getting drunk! HAPPY 4TH OF JULY! SHOTS!
Disregarding my feelings toward Rivalz, this scene of him watching the livestream of the press conference is a might awkward, given a mention of the EU being broken up in light of the real-world problems they're facing. I digress: I'm not here to comment on current events, just this mess of a storyline.
So, in the span of less than a minute, the notion is ratified and Rolo is able to slip into the council; but we unfortunately still have 10 minutes left in this episode.
This also means that the Black Knights are taking up the role of their military in the stead of the 47 nations that make up this pact. Can we not have one plot that gets bogged down in semantics trying to sound more complex than it actually is? I mean, it's not as pretentious as Ergo Proxy or Steins Gate, but it is every bit as insufferable given the potential it had.
Naturally, the next plan is to retake Japan. Here is the Code MENT clip once again.
Somehow, the Emperor is back; and even he dismisses Zero's antics as "annoying." That's not a good sign. Not exactly Killmonger.
He also has the gall to insinuate his conflict is "simple and clear." Like bull it is: it's one of the most needlessly convoluted and complicated spats I've ever seen!
Also, I haven't mentioned this, but the animation seems "off" in this episode; especially in terms of facial expressions. It's most egregious with Lloyd and the Emperor. The former seems even more needlessly chipper than usual, and the latter looks like a mixture of Jay Leno and the infamous Drake of the 99 Dragons.
Naturally, Lelouch starts mugging and formulating a plot to rescue Nunnally AGAIN. Honestly, he's making Ron Burgundy seem sane at this point.
I'm not even going to mention the next scene with him and CC, since I've got enough problems with this episode as it is. All I will say is that despite their intentions, these two have so little chemistry I don't even think Professor E. Gad could find it.
As if to further the use of my Anchorman joke, we close on a "tense" phone call between Lelouch and Suzaku, with Lelouch demanding that Suzaku keep Nunnally safe. He agrees, on the condition that Lelouch come to Area 11 alone to meet her. (sighs) Sixteen episodes down, nine to go.
"United Federation of Nations Resolution Number One" is an episode that may not be the worst I've seen from this anime, but it is astonishingly dull; even if it was eerily prescient about what would happen for real politics in 2017 and today.
I am already making plans for my next recaps. Happy Independence Day to my readers in the US. Bang.
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