Trigun Stargaze [Season 1 Episode 14]

Trigun Stargaze Episode 14: A Bumpy Ride Through Gunsmoke’s Legacy

If you’ve been following Trigun Stargaze, you know the hype—and the chaos. Episode 14 dropped this week, and fans are split faster than Vash’s revolver. Let’s dive into what worked, what didn’t, and why everyone’s arguing about episode counts like it’s the last slice of pizza at a con.

First, let’s set the scene. Trigun Stargaze is the latest installment in the iconic franchise, following Vash the Stampede—a pacifist with a $60 billion bounty on his head—on the desert planet Gunsmoke. Produced by Orange (yes, the studio behind Beastars), it’s a reboot that’s been trying to balance nostalgia with fresh takes. But Episode 14? It’s like trying to ride a sandworm while juggling cacti—messy, but weirdly thrilling.

The episode opens with Vash and Wolfwood facing off against a gang of bandits in a dusty town. The action is crisp—Orange’s 3D animation shines here, with bullets zipping past and explosions lighting up the desert like a fireworks show. But let’s be real: the real drama isn’t in the gunfights. It’s in the dialogue. Vash’s pacifist rants (“Killing isn’t the answer!”) feel as cheesy as ever, but there’s a raw vulnerability when he talks about his past. Wolfwood, the chain-smoking priest with a gun in his Bible, steals the scene with his dry humor: “You know, Vash, if you keep refusing to shoot, we’re gonna end up as sandcastle decorations.”

But here’s the kicker: the pacing is all over the place. One minute we’re deep in Vash’s backstory (turns out he’s an alien? Mind blown), the next we’re jumping to Meryl and Milly chasing a lead on a mysterious organization. Fans on MyAnimeList are losing it. “Why are they rushing this?” one user rants. “We need more time to unpack Vash’s trauma!” Another adds, “The original Trigun took two cours (24 episodes) to build this stuff—12 episodes is just cramming!”

Ah, the episode count debate. It’s the elephant in the room. Most fans agree: 12 episodes is way too short. “24 episodes would be peak,” says a top comment. “12 is just rushed.” Others are more pessimistic: “I’m 90% sure it’s 1 cour again,” sighs another. Even the studio’s hints aren’t helping—they called it “The Finale Journey,” but with only 12 episodes, how can they wrap up Vash’s quest for redemption, the alien conspiracy, and Wolfwood’s inner demons? It’s like trying to fit a sandworm into a teacup.

Then there’s the “faithful adaptation” cry. Longtime fans are begging for a version that sticks to Yasuhiro Nightow’s original manga. “The original anime had two cours and still added filler!” one user complains. “We need a Trigun Maximum adaptation that doesn’t skip the good parts!” Episode 14 tries to throw in manga references—like Vash’s iconic “love and peace” speech—but it feels forced. It’s like when your friend tries to quote a meme they don’t understand: awkward, but you appreciate the effort.

But let’s not hate too hard. The episode has its moments. The scene where Vash saves a child from a collapsing building? Chef’s kiss. The animation here is stunning—slow-mo shots of debris flying, Vash’s coat billowing in the wind, the kid’s tearful smile. It’s pure Trigun magic. And the ending? A cliffhanger where Vash confronts his long-lost brother, Knives, who’s now a cyborg with a grudge. “You think you can save everyone, Vash?” Knives sneers. “You’re just a fool.” Cut to black. Cue the credits. Fans are screaming. “THIS IS WHY WE NEED MORE EPISODES!” a user caps-locks. “WE CAN’T END HERE!”

So, is Episode 14 a hit or miss? It’s both. The action is top-tier, the characters are still lovable, but the pacing is a disaster. The episode count drama is overshadowing the story, and fans are left craving more. As one user puts it: “I just wish Trigun would get the adaptation it deserves.”

At the end of the day, Trigun Stargaze Episode 14 is a wild ride. It’s not perfect, but it’s Trigun—and for fans who’ve waited years for new content, that’s enough. Whether it’s 12 or 24 episodes, we’ll keep watching. Because in the end, Vash’s message still rings true: love and peace… even when the anime’s pacing is trying to kill you.

Final Verdict: 7/10. Fun, but needs more room to breathe. Let’s hope the next episode slows down—before we all turn into sand.

What did you think of Episode 14? Drop a comment below! 🤠🔫