Every so often, Netflix users like us venture outside our genre and check other offerings that won’t usually make it to our list. Recently, the Netflix adaptation of Cowboy Bebop has premiered, and it has been getting mixed reviews online. We decided to check out the first 3 episodes and see our initial thoughts about it–from the perspective of someone unfamiliar with the anime series.
The first episode opens with a Spike (Cho) entering a crime scene and killing its facilitator. We get introduced to a thing called a disruptor, a powerful weapon capable of sucking everything into space. In the process of fighting off the criminals, Spike’s partner Jet (Shakir) enters. The two manage to save the hostages and at the same time stopping the disruptor from pulling them from the casino. At the end of the opening scene, Spike introduces himself as a bounty hunter and the viewers are transitioned to the opening credits.
We have to say that it was a strong opening. It managed to pique our interest and was entertaining at the same time. We particularly like the vintage, western feel of the opening credits which set the mood for the series. So what happened next after that?
Production
In terms of production, in our opinion, Cowboy Bebop by Netflix nailed it. The sets were really large scale, it transported the viewer into the eerie, gory world of Cowboy Bepop. This extended to the costumes, which really brought the story to life. The choreography of the fight scenes was really good, too, which contributed a lot to the credibility of the movie.
Plot
Plot-wise, there isn’t much to talk about. Simply put, Spike, Jet, and Faye (Pineda) are bounty hunters given jobs in outer space. There are signs of backstories, especially for Spike and Jet, so there is a possibility of the plot complicating in the next episodes, whether it’s with Spike and his past lover, Julia (Elena Satine), or Jet and his daughter.
Acting & Dialogue
The good acting, the witty dialogue, and the humor are some of the things that make this series a great watch. It actually gets you engaged enough to not realize that the story is not moving. Even the simple spiel of Spike in the beginning, “Just a humble bounty hunter, ma’am” was enough wit to last the entire first episode. Also, moments such as Jet showing vulnerability for his daughter add some depth to the scenes and make the characters more human and believable. We just have to wait and see if the story picks up in the next episodes.
Initial Verdict
We won’t say that it’s a bad series. We are hopeful that the next installments of the series won’t drag because that would be a waste from the build-up as well as all that went into its production. As of now, we would say that it’s a good watch, but nothing really exciting or great. We’ll gladly be proven wrong as we watch the next few episodes.
Thoughts on Netflix Cowboy Bepop? Also, check out our other articles on the recently launched series:
Netflix’s Cowboy Bebop: A Complete Guide
Netflix’s Cowboy Bebop Takes the Western Noire to Outer Space
