Lazarus [Season 1 Episode 3]

Lazarus Season 1 Episode 3: “Long Way From Home” – A Stylish Yet Polarizing Ride

Shinichirō Watanabe’s Lazarus has been one of the most anticipated anime releases of 2025, and Episode 3, titled “Long Way From Home,” continues to build on the show’s high-octane action and intriguing premise. Produced by MAPPA and Sola Entertainment, the series follows Axel, a fugitive with a knack for parkour, as he navigates a world on the brink of collapse due to a miracle drug gone wrong.

The Plot Thickens

In this episode, the stakes escalate as Axel and the Lazarus team inch closer to uncovering the truth behind Dr. Skinner’s deadly drug, Hapuna. The episode opens with a breathtaking chase sequence—Watanabe’s signature style—showcasing fluid animation and dynamic camera work. Fans have praised the parkour scenes, with one Reddit user calling it “Mirror’s Edge meets Cowboy Bebop.”

However, not everyone is sold. Some viewers on MyAnimeList argue that the plot feels rushed, with too many characters introduced too quickly. One commenter noted, “The exposition dump was clunky, and the dialogue felt unnatural at times.”

The Visuals and Soundtrack

Visually, Lazarus is a feast. MAPPA’s animation shines, especially in the action sequences, which are packed with kinetic energy. The use of warm, orange hues in certain scenes has been a standout, with fans comparing it to Watanabe’s earlier works like Samurai Champloo.

The soundtrack, a mix of jazz and synthwave, has divided opinions. While some adore the jazzy undertones (a Watanabe staple), others find the shift to cyberpunk-inspired tracks jarring. A Twitter user joked, “It’s like Watanabe couldn’t decide between Cowboy Bebop and Blade Runner, so he mashed them together.”

Fan Reactions: Love It or Hate It?

The episode has sparked heated discussions online. On Reddit, fans are split:
– The Optimists: “The animation is peak MAPPA. If the story delivers, this could be AOTY.”
– The Skeptics: “The writing feels lazy. Great action, but the characters are forgettable.”

One recurring critique is the English dub, which some describe as “robotic” and “cringe-worthy.” Meanwhile, Japanese viewers seem more forgiving, praising Mamoru Miyano’s performance as Axel.

Final Thoughts

“Long Way From Home” is a mixed bag. It delivers stunning visuals and pulse-pounding action but stumbles with pacing and dialogue. Whether Lazarus can live up to Watanabe’s legacy remains to be seen, but for now, it’s a wild ride worth watching—flaws and all.

Verdict: 7.5/10 – A visually stunning episode with room for narrative improvement.

What did you think of Episode 3? Let’s debate in the comments!