I'm always interested in media that examines agency, choice, and freewill (whether it exists or not). There are plenty of girls-with-guns anime that focus on the aforementioned girls-with-guns seeing their handlers for what they are. Recoil took it a bit of a step further, played with what DAs existence means not just for the Lycoris, but also what it means for the unknowing Japanese citizenry.

I appreciated the time the show took time to set up the heroines relationships with each other, those around them, and they role in the DA industrial complex before really delving into the main 'antagonist' of the story (Majima).

And, despite Chisato's objections to the idea, when and Majima are ideologically very similar. Majima is more of a foil to Chisatos way of existing in the world than antagonist. The most interesting analysis is definitely in where they differ, but I encoursge people to reflect on this on their own.

I enjoy looking at how gender binary contributes to their actions differently. Majima convinced he knows whats best for the nation and people in general, Chisato choosing to preserve what she can in a world where she is exploited and disempowered. Either way, DA and LilyBelle are the villains of this story.

The story is complete to me. I hope they don't return to it in a 'sequel/prequel' manner for a series at least. It's interesting to ponder Majimas background more. Appreciate that the creators didnt feel the need to elaborate on the alan institute much. Not every shadow org in every story needs to have light shown on it. Also, would have wasted a lot of time for the length of the show, but it is a trap many narratives waste time with. More people involved in narrative art need to kill there darlings.

Aesthetically, the gun fights are very dynamic. Which helps the copious number of them continue to be engaging. And over all its not hypersexualizing of the young characters.

Definitely worth a rewatch (or 3) with some friends or partners and enjoy post episode discussion.

Historically I'm less of a fan of girls-with-guns than other genres (hence the UN) but may look into a few other newer ones. So we'll see!

BONUS: There is also a lot to chew on with its examination of fatherhood and approaches to it where none of the father figures are simple and all are (very) fallible. Adore chosen family narratives, and it is a core aspect of the LycoReco staff.

META: I'll say I wish the Homura-coded, young, yearning, lesbian to be was not so omnipresent 14 years from madokas release. all my love to Akemi to be clear. I know familiar character archetypes make mass consumption of the creative works (products) easier but come on 2020s anime industry...

EDIT: Also in an after thought: i thought the sound design was pretty punchy and didnt over use music which might create unintended tonal conflict within scenes