TRIGUN STARGAZE [Season 2 Episode 1]

Alright, let’s dive into “TRIGUN STARGAZE [Season 2 Episode 1]”—the long-awaited sequel to Trigun Stampede, set 2.5 years after the cataclysmic Lost July incident. Produced by CG Studio Orange, this episode marks the return of the beloved space western series, and fans have been buzzing with excitement (and a few questions) since its release. Let’s break down what makes this premiere tick, straight from the anime community’s take.

First off, the episode wastes no time reintroducing us to the desolate planet of No Man’s Land, where chaos and bounty hunters still reign supreme. But the biggest shocker? Vash the Stampede’s bounty has skyrocketed—fans are already speculating it might be the highest in the world. As one MyAnimeList user put it, “Welcome back Trigun! And wow, Vash’s bounty has skyrocketed, possibly a contender for the highest bounty placed in the world on him.” It’s a bold move that immediately raises stakes, hinting at even more danger ahead for our pacifist gunslinger.

But Vash isn’t the only one making waves. Meryl Streep (yes, that’s her name here—no relation to the actress) is back, now a seasoned journalist with a sharp new outfit and a determined glint in her eye. Fans are loving her evolution: “I really love Meryl new outfit. And Milly without that huge coat is the way to go,” gushed one viewer. Speaking of Milly Thompson—she’s finally here! After being absent from Stampede, Milly joins Meryl as her colleague, and her arrival has been a highlight for long-time fans. “Milly is finally here! Milly looks great, she’s still simple, tall, and cool with her big gun,” another user cheered. Their dynamic feels fresh yet familiar, with Milly’s laid-back energy balancing Meryl’s no-nonsense attitude perfectly.

As for Vash himself, things are… complicated. The episode reveals him in a surprisingly vulnerable state—shirtless (a first for the series!) and appearing catatonic, cared for by a new character. “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,” noted a fan. This shift in Vash’s demeanor is a stark contrast to his usual cheerful self, leaving viewers wondering what trauma still haunts him. Will Meryl and Milly be the ones to snap him out of it? Or is there a darker force at play?

Visually, Studio Orange’s CGI animation is a hot topic. After some mixed reactions to their recent Leviathan adaptation, fans were curious if they’d bounce back. The consensus? Trigun Stargaze delivers. “@Tacsk0 no contest. Trigun way above,” one user declared, comparing it favorably to other CGI shows like TOEI’s Girls Band Cry. The action sequences are fluid, and the desert landscapes are as gritty and vibrant as ever, capturing the series’ signature western-meets-sci-fi aesthetic.

The opening theme (OP) by Ano has also sparked debate. While some fans miss the high-energy vibe of Stampede’s OP, others are warming up to its more melancholic tone. “Ano’s OP is quite the difference compared to Kvi Baba’s Season 1 OP, and preferences aside, this is still a good song,” commented a viewer. It sets a somber mood that aligns with Vash’s current state, hinting at the emotional depth the season might explore.

Plot-wise, the episode teases new mysteries: plant robberies are on the rise, and all signs point to Million Knives, Vash’s estranged brother. “Something something plant robberies happening, and honestly there’s really only one person that could be behind it, Million Knives,” a fan speculated. When Knives appears briefly at the end, he looks worse for wear, adding another layer of intrigue. What’s he been up to in the past 2.5 years? And how will his return impact Vash’s fragile state?

Overall, the premiere feels like a love letter to fans while setting up a new chapter. It balances nostalgia (hello, Milly!) with fresh twists, leaving viewers eager for more. “Decent first episode, mostly focused on Milly and Meryl. She has learnt to take care of herself and Milly can fight,” summed up one user. “Hope he makes a grand comeback. What will be the trigger? Meryl?”

If you’re a Trigun fan, this episode is a must-watch. It’s got everything that made the series great—humor, heart, and high-stakes action—with a few surprises thrown in. And for those who might have forgotten the first season, don’t worry: the episode does a solid job of catching you up, though a rewatch wouldn’t hurt. As one fan joked, “When the OP began to play, dawned on me, maybe I should had rewatched the first season.”

In short, Trigun Stargaze Season 2 Episode 1 is a promising start. It’s got the CGI magic, the beloved characters, and a plot that’s already hooking viewers. Whether you’re here for the bounty hunts, the character drama, or just to see Vash bounce back, this episode delivers. Welcome back, Trigun—we’ve missed you.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to rewatch Stampede to prep for next week’s episode. Let’s hope Vash’s comeback is as epic as we’re all imagining! 🤠✨