Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion [Season 1 Episodes 1-25]

Let’s cut straight to the chase: Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion Season 1 is a wild, messy, and totally addictive ride—exactly the kind of show that makes you stay up till 3 AM yelling at your screen, “Why did I let that happen?!” Premiering in 2006 from Sunrise (the studio behind Gundam), it drops you into a world where Britannia has conquered Japan (now “Area 11”), and Lelouch Lamperouge—this exiled prince with a grudge—stumbles on a girl named C.C. who gives him the Geass: a power to make anyone obey his commands. Cue Zero, his masked vigilante alter ego, leading a rebellion to avenge his mom and protect his sister Nunnally. Sounds epic? It is. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s break it down like we’re dissecting one of Lelouch’s insane battle plans.

First off, the fans are obsessed—and for good reason. One MyAnimeList user summed it up: “I loved this series even if I only finished S1.” And honestly? Same. The first season is tight. Lelouch’s transformation from a bored student to a master manipulator is chef’s kiss. The Geass isn’t just a cool power—it’s a ticking time bomb. Every command he uses makes you wonder: “Is this the one that’ll backfire?” And when it does? Oh, boy. Like that time he accidentally ordered Euphemia (this sweet, idealistic princess) to kill all Japanese people. Yeah, that scene still haunts me. It’s messy, it’s tragic, and it’s so Lelouch—always one step ahead, until he’s not.

But wait, not everyone’s on board. Some say it’s overrated. One hater ranted: “Too much stuff was going on—terrorists fighting the government but also had time for school like some slice-of-life anime.” Okay, fair. There’s this random cat episode where Lelouch and his crew chase a stray that stole C.C.’s pizza. It’s silly, it’s out of place, and yeah, it feels like filler. But here’s the thing: those “boring” moments? They’re actually genius. They humanize the characters. You see Lelouch bickering with his friends at Ashford Academy, and suddenly he’s not just Zero—the cold, calculating leader. He’s a kid who still cares about his sister, who still laughs at stupid jokes. It makes his later choices hit harder.

And let’s talk about the characters. Suzaku Kururugi—Lelouch’s childhood friend turned enemy—gets a lot of hate. One user called him “the worst character I have seen.” Ouch. But hear me out: Suzaku’s not just a “goody two-shoes.” He’s a guy who believes in changing the system from within, while Lelouch wants to burn it down. Their conflict is the heart of the show. It’s not black and white. Suzaku’s pain—watching his country fall, feeling like he’s betraying his people—makes him relatable, even when he’s being a total idiot. And C.C.? She’s not just a “waifu” (though let’s be real, her pizza obsession is iconic). She’s a mystery wrapped in a hoodie. Her backstory—being immortal, watching everyone she loves die—adds this dark, tragic layer to the show. You don’t just root for her; you feel for her.

The mech fights? They’re not Gurren Lagann levels of over-the-top, but they’re still awesome. The Knightmares—these sleek, fast machines—are way cooler than your average robots. The battles are strategic, not just mindless explosions. Lelouch uses his Geass to outsmart enemies, not just blow them up. It’s like watching a chess game with giant robots. And the music? The opening theme, “Colors” by Flow, is so catchy you’ll be humming it for weeks. The soundtrack mixes orchestral pieces with rock, and it fits perfectly—whether Lelouch is plotting his next move or having a breakdown.

But let’s address the elephant in the room: the plot holes. One fan pointed out the Euphemia scene as a big one. “How did Lelouch not see that coming?” Well, he did—but he was so focused on winning that he let his guard down. That’s the point. Lelouch is brilliant, but he’s also arrogant. His flaws make the story feel real. And yeah, some episodes are slow. The “cat episode” is a drag, but it’s a breather from all the chaos. Think of it like a commercial break—annoying, but necessary to recharge before the next big fight.

Now, the ending of Season 1? Chef’s kiss. Lelouch’s identity is revealed, Nunnally is kidnapped, and Suzaku is about to kill him. It’s a cliffhanger that makes you scream, “WHY DID THEY END IT HERE?!” But that’s the magic of it. The first season sets up so much—Lelouch’s rivalry with Suzaku, the mystery of C.C.’s past, the fate of Area 11—that you have to watch Season 2. Even the haters admit: “Season 2 is saved only because of the ending.” But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Season 1 stands on its own. It’s a perfect mix of action, drama, and “wait, what just happened?!” moments.

So, is Code Geass Season 1 worth watching? Abso-freaking-lutely. It’s not perfect—there are plot holes, slow episodes, and characters that make you want to throw your controller. But that’s what makes it great. It’s a show that doesn’t play it safe. It’s messy, it’s emotional, and it’s unforgettable. As one fan put it: “Every single series has haters. Never will there be a time when everyone likes one thing.” And honestly? That’s okay. Because for every person who says it’s overrated, there’s someone like me who’ll stay up all night binging it, then spend the next day texting their friends, “YOU HAVE TO WATCH THIS.”

In the end, Code Geass Season 1 is more than just an anime. It’s a rollercoaster of feels. It’s about power, revenge, and what it means to be a hero—or a villain. It’s about Lelouch, this kid who wanted to change the world, and ended up changing himself. And let’s be real: we’ve all been there. We’ve all had a plan that backfired, a friend we fought with, a dream that felt impossible. That’s why Code Geass works. It’s not just about giant robots and magic powers. It’s about us.

So grab your pizza (C.C. would approve), dim the lights, and hit play. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you—you’ll be hooked. And when you finish Season 1? Come find me. We can scream about the cliffhanger together.

Rating: 9/10. Because even with its flaws, it’s a masterpiece. And if you don’t agree? Well, that’s your loss. Zero would be disappointed. 😉