Psycho-Pass: Impact and Reflections – Episode 22 Series Review

Movie Bunker Score:
/5

The Intricate Endings of Psycho-Pass and Gen Urabuchi’s Style

Introduction

In this article, we explore the thought-provoking endings of the anime series Psycho-Pass and explore the unique writing style of Gen Urabuchi. As a subject-matter expert, we aim to analyze the characters, their arcs, and the underlying themes of the series. Through this examination, we will uncover the complexities of Gen Urabuchi’s storytelling and its impact on the overall viewing experience.

The Enigmatic Nature of Gen Urabuchi

When reflecting on Psycho-Pass, it becomes evident that Gen Urabuchi possesses the talent to raise intriguing questions but falls short in providing comprehensive answers. While his writing may follow predictable structures and conventional character development, he does execute them exceptionally well. This paradoxical nature of Gen’s storytelling often leaves viewers, including myself, conflicted and longing for more substance.

Engaging Characters with Depth

Within the realm of Psycho-Pass, two characters stand out as particularly interesting. The first is Masaoka, who captivates the audience not by introducing anything groundbreaking but through the complexity of his personal journey. Masaoka, characterized as the gruff yet lovable veteran with a troubled past, unfolds as a bridge connecting the pre and post-Sybil Tokyo. He interacts meaningfully with multiple key characters, giving depth to the overall narrative.

The second noteworthy character is Makishima, who brings a sense of originality to the series. Gen skillfully weaves Makishima’s conflicted persona, making him both captivating and thought-provoking. Throughout the narrative, Makishima presents the audience with the questions that Gen seeks to explore. However, despite being the vessel for these inquiries, Makishima fails to provide any tangible solutions. This irony adds a layer of complexity to his character and deepens the thematic discourse.

The Elusive Path to Resolution

In typical Gen Urabuchi fashion, Psycho-Pass concludes without committing to a definitive answer. The series presents Kougami, Akane, and Makishima as the most influential characters, each embodying distinct perspectives on the events unfolding. While Gen leans towards sympathizing with Makishima’s critique of the Sibyl era and Japanese society as a whole, he paradoxically ends the story by highlighting the consequences of Makishima’s chosen methods through his demise. Kougami represents a blend of intellect and savagery, driven by his belief in vigilante justice. Finally, Akane strives to strike a delicate balance, amalgamating the best aspects of all viewpoints while maintaining a pristine psycho pass.

Interestingly, this unresolved conclusion mirrors Gen’s own struggle as a writer. Like Akane, he remains unable to diverge from societal norms, perpetually indecisive. Gen’s failure to assert a clear standpoint leaves his viewers yearning for a more satisfying resolution. Makishima’s methods may seem unforgivable, and Kougami’s pursuit of personal justice may appear flawed, but at least they make definitive choices. Akane, on the other hand, evades making decisions, thereby reflecting Gen’s approach to storytelling.

Gen’s Intellectual Quandaries

Throughout Psycho-Pass, Gen’s characters frequently quote great philosophers and writers. This tendency raises an important question: does Gen lack confidence in his ability to express original and meaningful ideas? Rather than formulating his own profound statements, Gen expertly repurposes existing wisdom to evoke intrigue and stimulate thought. He adeptly adopts the perspectives of others, illustrating his substantial creative skills. Nonetheless, his reliance on borrowed wisdom hints at a scarcity of innovative ideas originating from within.

The Blogging Appeal of Gen’s Shows

From a blogging perspective, Psycho-Pass proves to be an excellent series to analyze. Gen’s intellectual curiosity and technical prowess make his shows more compelling to write about compared to many other anime. Notably, some of the most captivating moments in Gen’s series occur during conversations between two or three characters. These scenes exemplify his writing strengths, as characters engage in dialectical discourse, exchanging conflicting ideas and allowing Gen to avoid taking a definitive stance. Approaching Gen’s works as a form of extended psychoanalysis adds a layer of intrigue and complexity, drawing readers deeper into the narrative.

Production Quality and Visual Aesthetics

Apart from Gen’s philosophical musings, Psycho-Pass benefits from visually stunning animation and solid production quality from Production I.G. Although the series experienced some inconsistencies, the overall aesthetic remains commendable. Drawing inspiration from renowned works like Blade Runner, Dark City, and Minority Report, Psycho-Pass amalgamates visual and narrative elements into a cohesive and visually appealing future noir narrative. The cast, featuring notable voice actors, delivers uniformly excellent performances, intensifying the overall experience.

Ranking Psycho-Pass in Gen’s Catalogue

Comparing Psycho-Pass to Gen’s other works, it is challenging to determine its exact position within his recent catalogue. The first season of Fate/Zero stands out as the overall leading contender, while the second season lost some of its initial allure. Madoka Magica, although ambitious, displays notable flaws. Psycho-Pass, while occasionally falling short of profound insights, remains consistently entertaining and seldom loses the audience’s attention. As a devoted viewer, I eagerly anticipate the day when Gen surprises me with a truly innovative and surprising narrative that transcends the limitations of his previous works.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Psycho-Pass showcases