Trigun Stargaze [Season 1 Episode 1]

Trigun Stargaze S1E1: A Bumpy But Welcome Return to Gunsmoke

Let’s cut straight to it—Trigun Stargaze is back, and if you’re a diehard fan still reeling from Stampede’s 2023 chaos, Episode 1 feels like sliding into a slightly worn leather jacket: familiar, a little scuffed, but still yours. Set 2.5 years after the July Incident (that city-destroying disaster we all pretend didn’t break our hearts), the episode drops us into a Gunsmoke that’s both the same and totally different. The desert’s still a dust bowl, bounty hunters still chase chaos, but Vash the Stampede? He’s not the grinning, doughnut-obsessed outlaw we remember.

First off, let’s talk about the real MVPs here: Meryl and Milly. Meryl’s traded her rookie reporter pad for a sleek journalist gig, rocking a fit that screams “I’ve survived this hellhole and I look good doing it.” And Milly? Finally here, minus the giant coat but still packing that iconic big gun and that sweet, no-nonsense energy. Fans are losing it over her entrance—one MyAnimeList user gushed, “Milly is finally here! She’s still simple, tall, and cool with her big gun.” Their dynamic? Chef’s kiss. Meryl’s the seasoned pro, Milly’s the heart, and together they’re chasing leads on mysterious Plant robberies (read: Knives is definitely up to no good).

But let’s get to the elephant in the room: Vash. The guy’s a mess. We catch glimpses of him hiding out as “Eriks,” looking like he hasn’t slept in a year and a half, being cared for by a random dude who’s low-key carrying the whole episode. One fan summed it up perfectly: “Poor Vash looks like he’s still depressed after the July incident. It looks like his new friend is taking good care of him in his vegetable state.” Ouch. But hey, that’s classic Trigun—hitting you with the feels before the first commercial break.

Now, the drama. The opening theme? Divisive. Stampede’s OP was a banger, but this one? Some fans are calling it “generic J-pop” or “budget shounen slop.” One user ranted, “The new OP really isn’t to my taste. I liked s1 OP a lot, it matched the somber tone.” Fair. The CGI? Mixed reviews. Studio Orange’s work here is… fine. It’s not Land of the Lustrous levels of mind-blowing, but it’s better than some of their recent flops (looking at you, Leviathan). A viewer noted, “The CG animation doesn’t lend itself to this high tempo tune,” but others defended it: “Trigun way above” any other CGI shows out there.

And let’s not forget the little things that make Trigun Trigun. That moment with the ruined banana split? Fans felt that in their souls. Meryl’s quiet rage at how humans treat Plants? Chef’s kiss—she’s still the moral compass we need. Even the random guy taking care of Vash got love: “I felt bad for that guy taking care of Vash, he seems like he’s got a lot going on.”

Sure, there are flaws. The pacing’s a bit slow, the OP’s a letdown, and some fans are salty about Milly’s missing duster (relatable). But here’s the thing: Stargaze is setting up something big. We’ve got a colonial fleet heading to Gunsmoke, a mysterious girl in a pod, and Vash’s inevitable comeback. As one fan put it, “Vash is looking crusty rn but he’ll bounce back!”

At the end of the day, Episode 1 is a love letter to long-time fans. It’s not perfect, but it’s Trigun—and that’s enough. Whether you’re here for the action, the feels, or just to see Milly kick ass, Stargaze is off to a solid start. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to rewatch the OP 10 more times to see if it grows on me. (Spoiler: It might.)

Welcome back, Vash. We missed your chaos.

— A fan who’s already counting down to Episode 2.