Lazarus [Season 1 Episode 2]

Lazarus Season 1 Episode 2: A High-Stakes Chase with Mixed Reactions

Shinichirō Watanabe’s Lazarus continues to unfold its dystopian tale in Episode 2, titled Life in the Fast Lane, and fans are already divided. Produced by MAPPA and Sola Entertainment, the series dives deeper into the chaos unleashed by Dr. Skinner’s deadly drug, Hapna, while Axel and his ragtag team race against time to stop the mad scientist. But does this episode live up to the hype? Let’s break it down, with a little help from what the internet’s buzzing about.

The Plot Thickens (or Doesn’t?)

Episode 2 wastes no time—Axel and the Lazarus team split into two groups to track down Skinner, following a lead about a nuclear shelter he purchased. The urgency is palpable, but some fans feel the pacing is a double-edged sword. On one hand, the no-nonsense approach keeps the tension high. As one MyAnimeList user put it: “They’re not wasting time lmao, they get straight to it.”

On the other hand, critics argue the episode lacks depth. “Very little happened plot-wise,” complains another viewer, pointing out that the writing feels stiff and the characters still feel underdeveloped. The action scenes, while flashy, don’t quite match the fluidity of Watanabe’s earlier works like Cowboy Bebop. Still, Axel’s melee combat against armed foes is a standout moment—“No time to aim when they’re in his melee range!”

Skinner: Hero or Villain?

The biggest debate revolves around Dr. Skinner himself. Some fans are convinced he’s the real victim here. “Dude dedicated his entire life to the betterment of humanity,” argues one Redditor, suggesting Skinner’s actions are a twisted form of justice against a corrupt system. Others, however, roll their eyes at the moral ambiguity. “The UN speech scene was pretty hard to watch,” admits a fan, referencing Skinner’s monologue about humanity’s self-destruction.

The cliffhanger—thousands of Skinner doppelgängers appearing on camera—has everyone theorizing. Is this a red herring, or is Skinner playing 4D chess? One thing’s clear: the mystery is keeping viewers hooked, even if the execution is polarizing.

The Humor Problem

Lazarus tries to balance its grim premise with humor, but the jokes aren’t landing for everyone. A parody of David Letterman falls flat (“They’re terrible,” groans one viewer), while Axel’s quips about his 888-year prison sentence (yes, you read that right) get mixed reactions. Some find it hilarious; others call it “on-the-nose” and forced.

That said, the dynamic between Axel and Chris is a bright spot. Their banter feels natural, and the introduction of a recurring fat cat (“that’s always running away from the commotion”) adds a touch of charm.

The Verdict: Potential vs. Execution

Fans agree Lazarus has potential, but Episode 2 doesn’t fully deliver. The animation is gorgeous (shoutout to MAPPA’s overworked staff), and the soundtrack slaps, but the story feels uneven. “A lot more style than substance,” sums up one critic.

Still, the intrigue around Skinner and the ticking 30-day doom clock are enough to keep audiences coming back. As one optimistic fan puts it: “Pretty decent follow-up… the plot is starting to make some progress.”

Will Lazarus rise to greatness, or will it fizzle out like other “overhyped” Adult Swim anime? Only time—and Episode 3—will tell.

Final Rating: 7/10 – Flawed but fascinating.

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What did you think of Episode 2? Let’s discuss in the comments!