Cowboy Bebop Creator’s Lazarus Confirms Shocking Theory That Silences All Critics

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Shinichiro Watanabe is mainly recognized for his contributions to the timeless series “Cowboy Bebop,” but his latest anime endeavor, titled “Lazarus,” is gradually making a unique impact on viewers. Initially, upon its initial airing, some spectators levied criticisms against “Lazarus.” However, after careful consideration, many of the most significant criticisms directed at “Lazarus” appear to have been premature.

The fourth episode of Lazarus titled “Don’t Stop the Dance” has validated a fan theory that counters the main criticisms about the series, which were prevalent among early viewers. Similar to Shinichiro Watanabe’s acclaimed work, Cowboy Bebop, Lazarus is developing into a show that rewards deeper analysis beyond its initial impressions. Now that the series has addressed and debunked its most frequent criticisms, it could be an ideal moment for those who dismissed Lazarus to reconsider and delve back into what many consider one of the most captivating new anime offerings.

Fans Criticized Lazarus’ Characters & Cast for Seeming Too Apathetic

The Lazarus Team Never Seemed to Care Enough That the World Might Come to an End

In the not-too-distant future, specifically the year 2052, the story of Lazarus unfolds in a world remarkably like our own. Advanced technology is commonplace due to the passage of time, but the most significant historical event in this narrative was the development of a revolutionary painkiller named Hapna. Developed by brilliant minds, Hapna stood out as a drug free from side effects and relatively inexpensive to manufacture, leading to its rapid popularity within the pharmaceutical industry. As Douglas mentioned in Lazarus Episode 1, “the world was transformed into a blissful realm filled with Hapna.” However, this idyllic state didn’t last forever.

In the third year since Hapna was introduced, Dr. Skinner revealed a video stating that those who consumed Hapna would start dying in 30 days. Designed to last for three years before breaking down and releasing a deadly toxin, Hapna was created by Skinner. The best chance for most of humanity to survive was finding Skinner, as he possessed the antidote. This catastrophic scenario unfolds during the initial segment of Lazarus. Yet, it became apparent to viewers that many characters in this series didn’t exhibit signs of being aware of their impending demise. The main cast members appeared too carefree, while the voice actors delivered lines with an unconcerned monotone – giving the impression that they were just going through the motions.

Apart from the leading characters, even common folks in Lazarus’ realm are still tuning into talk shows where hosts make light of Hapna, and pop stars advertise their upcoming music releases on TV. Given that this series is known for portraying the apocalypse, it appears quite incongruous. This inconsistency between the high-stakes narrative and character behavior has been a common criticism of the anime. However, some fans have speculated that there might be something more happening behind the scenes, which could explain these discrepancies. And this is the core idea behind one prominent fan theory.

Based on a widely discussed notion circulating online, the apparent indifference of the characters in the series Lazarus towards the end of their world might not be a plot flaw, but rather an intentional aspect of the story being told. Some spectators have suggested that this disinterest in their impending doom could be due to Hapna, the very thing threatening their lives. The theory posits that the inhabitants of Lazarus’ world have lost the ability to feel the agony of their approaching deaths because Hapna has desensitized them to all pain – physical and emotional. This hypothesis, while intriguing, has always carried the risk of overanalyzing a series with genuine flaws. However, Episode 4 of Lazarus has now corroborated this theory, and it significantly alters how viewers should interpret the series moving forward.

Eleina Reveals a Previously Unforeseen Effect of Hapna in Episode 4

Hapna Doesn’t Only Cure Physical Pain; It Heals Emotional Pain as Well

Each installment of the series Lazarus initiates with a prologue delivered by one of the main characters from the Lazarus team. These prologues often offer insights into how Hapna has shaped the world, viewed through the eyes of the individual speaking. In episode 4 of Lazarus, it’s Eleina, the group’s quiet hacker, who shares her personal thoughts. As a child struggling with emotions, Eleina was drawn to Hapna, as it was a trend among her school peers. Rumors suggested that Hapna could help manage feelings, and this drew Eleina in.

According to Eleina’s explanation, it was astonishing how Skinner managed to manipulate human feelings with his discovery. Furthermore, her claim that the substance “eliminates sadness” supports what fans had speculated about Hapna’s significant impact. It appears that beyond its bodily effects, Hapna also influences the mind psychologically. Since Eleina has disclosed that Hapna lessens emotional distress, it’s evident that the indifferent and detached responses from those facing death are due to their use of Hapna – a substance that not only causes their demise but also suppresses their emotions.

In most anime series, if every main character was expected to die within a month and the survival of billions depended on them, one would expect deep contemplation about death, family mourning, and a quest for meaning. However, in the series Lazarus, none of these reactions are shown. This seems unusual, but in a world where a drug can numb all pain, including emotional pain, it becomes more comprehensible that the characters don’t react to their impending fate.

In the beginning, viewers may have correctly assumed that the characters’ responses in Lazarus were unrealistic. However, this is intentionally so. The author has rendered these characters incapable of reacting to their dire circumstances as ordinary people would. Since the world in Lazarus is far from ordinary, it’s unfair to compare the characters’ reactions to those of regular people. Initially, the portrayal of a world on the verge of destruction acting completely normal might seem strange, but Lazarus uses this approach to elicit a particular reaction from its audience.

In reality, the characters of the show Lazarus, who seem completely unfazed by terrible events occurring around them, might not be as implausible as some audiences perceive. In today’s world, it’s quite common for people to question the veracity of news or television programs, or to feel detached from significant global events. If we introduce a painkiller that eliminates sadness into this equation, then the characters in Lazarus become less fantastical and more relatable.

Lazarus Is Worth Giving a Second Shot

Considering that the loudest critics of the anime initially had incorrect assumptions about their main criticisms, it might be beneficial for viewers to reconsider Lazarus. By episode 4, Lazarus has emerged as one of the outstanding animes of the Spring 2025 season. This specific episode has garnered near-universal praise from both fans and critics, being hailed as the series’ best episode to date. The anime delivers on the action front, living up to expectations for a Shinichiro Watanabe production. However, it sets itself apart with its distinct approach to fight choreography, thanks in part to Watanabe’s collaboration with Chad Stahelski on the project.

Similarly impressive, given its director Shinichiro Watanabe’s track record, the soundtrack for the series “Lazarus” has demonstrated high-quality music. The score is a collaboration between Kamasi Washington, Bonobo, and Floating Points, ensuring a diverse range of sounds in “Lazarus”‘s music. If viewers can embrace the unique aspects of this series, they will find much to appreciate in Shinichiro Watanabe’s latest anime. Fans of “Cowboy Bebop”, “Samurai Champloo”, or simply enthusiasts of anime as a whole, should definitely consider watching “Lazarus”.

Lazarus is currently streaming on .

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2025-04-30 21:08