UlasanAnime.com – The way people consume anime can vary greatly, with some preferring to watch in large batches and others opting for a more gradual, episode-by-episode approach. While many bloggers choose the latter for various reasons, there’s a certain merit to tackling a series in a more extended, intensive manner.
It had been some time since the author last marathoned an anime series, and this time, the chosen show was Code Geass. The decision to delay watching it until its peak popularity had passed proved to be a good one, as it’s the kind of series that benefits from being watched in one sitting. The more the author reflects on it, the more Code Geass stands out as a remarkably well-produced show, with its tightly paced narrative working effectively regardless of whether it’s watched weekly or, as in this case, in large segments. While the author might have felt a bit disconnected from fan discussions during its original run, they can now at least identify Code Geass-related fan art, cosplay, and parodies.
When it comes to its storytelling, Code Geass truly shines above many other anime. While it may have encountered some conventional narrative challenges, such as the inevitable question of how it would conclude and how it could possibly end on an even higher note, it’s rare to find shows of this caliber. For many, the appeal of watching an entire series at once is to avoid the frustration of cliffhangers. However, for someone who doesn’t mind waiting a few weeks for the next fan-translated episode, the motivation is different. The author has always believed that because TV and OVA anime are typically screened episodically, there’s a deliberate purpose and intent behind their structure, suggesting they are meant to be watched in installments rather than all at once, dictated by the narrative style. Killer cliffhangers are simply an inherent part of this format.
Could this be a matter of habit? The author admits to never being a big anime marathoner, even in the past. At most, they would watch a couple of tapes a day, amounting to around 4-6 episodes. Perhaps old habits die hard.
Regrettably, the decision to marathon Code Geass was primarily due to a lack of time in the previous half-year to dedicate to watching anime. Now that there is some free time, the luxury of consuming anime at an accelerated pace was enjoyable. The author could skip around as desired and didn’t feel forced to fully absorb everything presented. On the other hand, it’s possible that some nuances were missed because the focus was solely on the show’s presentation rather than deeper contemplation, as the author was too busy “eating it up.” This is a bit of a shame for Code Geass, as the show’s thoughtful construction, evident in its shocking (though predictable) plot twists, is apparent. Savoring the extensive dialogue from voice actors like Minami Omi and Yukana is difficult when the entire series is consumed in just 2-3 days. After all, crafting witty remarks and insightful lines takes time.
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However, the author believes that only truly high-quality narratives can withstand both episodic viewing and marathon consumption. As of 2007, there were very few shows the author could tolerate watching beyond two episodes, let alone 25-27 episodes without significant breaks. The author still harbors a fondness for this type of mainstream mecha fare; even when it verges on the silly, particularly in the latter half of the series, it remains prime entertainment. It’s unfortunate that the ending didn’t provide a moment for a cathartic laugh to cap off this thought. Instead, as the creators intended, the author will be eagerly anticipating whatever comes next.
