Cowboy Bepop: Sympathy for the Devil Review

"Do you understand?" - Wen

If I had to describe this episode in one word, it would be "enigmatic." The air of mystery about itself is far off more artistic than any episode prior, with little interest in reality. Admittedly, it plays within the confines of its own reality, as with all the best science fiction, Cowboy Bepop uses its artistry and bold ideas to tell a sad story. We can boil this episode down in logistical terms the episode presents for us (Spike stops an ageless mobster in a young boy's body) or further engulf ourself in the essence of mystery clearly intended.

Wen's agelessness is explained through a slightly shrugging gesture because the episode isn't concerned with bringing logical fallacy into the mix; rather, it's interested in examining horror as metaphor, the tireless plight of life, and possibly a confrontation with the devil himself. It's never clearly stated in the episode but they don't fruitlessly name these episodes after anything they damn well please.

Throughout the journey thus far, Spike and Jet have stumbled upon bigger mysteries once their original bounty is incapacitated or killed. You'd think it would grow tiresome but the writing in this show is so good, they craft new ways to keep the basic plot structure fresh and infuse a rush of new ideas to their landscape.

Spike and Jet have a bond through camaraderie that Faye doesn't understand. Jet says some sexist comments about her being a woman and not understanding duty and honor, but we know that's bullshit. Faye doesn't care because if she can't get pinned down to one location, she can't be hurt. And here she is, laying around the Bepop in hopes of just getting by. There's no reason for her to stay. It will probably signify something heartbreaking for her in the future.

I've mentioned time and time again how Bepop is a purely existential series, connecting small little adventures with an over-arching theme of isolation. Is there anything more lonely than a man who can't die? Now we don't signify an emotional response with Wen, after all, he's the fucking devil and embodies the typical asian horror trope of a murderous child. Wen speaks of his torment in his final moments after Spike lodges a mysterious crystal bullet into his brain, but we don't understand them. "Do you understand?" he says. He's tired. A life of malcontent and misery leaves him with mere nothingness.

"Yeah, I understand. As if" - Spike