Few shows have gripped me from the first episode like Cowboy Bebop. From the outset, the show hits the ground running. The story weaves its way into your heart, as it takes you up into its whirlwind of smooth, clean-cut fight scenes, and vivacious chases. The jazz music provides a cool sidecar to its motorbike of madness. However, this does not last forever. Everything slows as you reach the final scenes of the first episode. You start to feel the weight of the characters’ actions, motives, and the history behind them. It shows to you how every action in this world has consequences. And that time affects every character, thus, changing who they are, and who they will be. This is Cowboy Bebop.

Cowboy Bebop even after 22 years, is still regarded as one of the best anime of all time. Apart from the elegant animation, fantastic soundtrack, and fast pacing, one of the reasons for its love is its characters. They are what makes the show whole, it may be easy to read their outlying personality, but they all contain little surprises of unexpected character. This is possible because the show leaves them room to breathe. We never get ‘caught up to speed’ with their entire life stories, and they are allowed to develop for reasons we may not entirely understand. This allows for a little mystery behind the characters' motives, which I find makes the story even more engaging.

Nevertheless, most episodes do not further the main plot. These episodes have a self-contained narrative, creating a ‘miniature arc’ within each episode. This supplements the pacing of the show, as the sub-plots develop quickly, and resolve satisfyingly. Furthermore, these episodes contain the most fluid combat, witty dialogue, and an atmosphere of a good time. However, the episodes where the main narrative is touched upon are great in their own right. I say this because it is not something I expected. Due to the episodic fashion in which the show is structured, it would be difficult to carry an overarching plot from episode to episode. But here, it just works, nothing ever feels out of place, and the story is spliced seamlessly between bounties.

Sometimes you can tell what a show is going to be like from its music choice; this rings true for Cowboy Bebop. It is composed by the brilliant Yoko Kanno and performed by the Seatbelts, which was brought together by Kanno herself. Jazz is what makes up the essence of the show. Its fast and loose attitude plays well into the tone of the show. When a fight breaks out, the music punches in with some hearty jazz improvisation alluding brilliantly to the organized chaos of the scene. I was surprised to notice that most tracks that make up the soundtrack are only ever used once. It goes to show the care and affection that Kanno put into this project.

When it comes to voice acting, there is a reason that some consider the dub to be superior to the original Japanese. It is phenomenal. I was entranced no matter who was speaking. Each voice was utterly unique, while the voice actors brought their feel, quirks, and personality to each character.

The animation smoothly dictates the flow of action, every punch, and kick carries tremendous weight. Even in less intense scenes, the animation does not stumble. All the walking, talking, sliding, and jumping follows a naturalistic pattern unique to each character. Additionally, the art is wonderful. Not only does it look clean, but each location is filled with detail while not overcrowding the composition of the scene.

Ultimately, Cowboy Bebop does everything right. When I sat down to watch an episode, it was because I wanted to see that world again. It always felt fresh in its own right. I can see that the director, Shinichirō Watanabe, was just allowed to let loose. In the end, he undoubtedly did not hold back. This is a show I can truly call a masterpiece.

Alterations

Emotional Score: 96/100

+2 to Edward, an unexpected compadre in this beautiful world.
-2 to Vicious, did he add anything? I think not.