Black Lagoon: Episode 02

Crushed by launched missile, mad villain is DOA in episode 2.

Do you hear the faint gasp in the background? It is yours truly, stifling cries of satisfaction and regret. I mourn for the loss of a potential lurv affair with a psychotic jackass. Hee. Yet I breathe a sigh of relief for the elimination of repetitive encounters of the same psychotic jackass. A Gauln-like character, constantly coming back to life, is inadmissible… Unless, of course, I had beforehand pledged undying loyalty. Hee again.

Speaking of loyalty, the hostage-turned-ally loses his respect for the company he once served and refuses to return to its traitorous arms. Okajima Rokuro throws away his name and christens himself as Rock. He develops allegiance to his captors. After the homicidal ambush, he can see being a part of Black Lagoon. Stockholm syndrome, anyone?

From the duel to the midair ship, action is once again in awesome display. Strangely, though, action is simply a fraction of what makes Black Lagoon enjoyable. Goofy instances breezes in at odd moments. Think Rock’s apt, erm, victory sign. The charismatic ensemble throws one-liners aimed to incite a belly laugh. I am with Alex, “Amen, hallelujah, peanut butter” is simply priceless. And how about the symbolism and metaphors rousing the brain’s wheel to turn? Somewhere between the face-crushing torpedo and Levi’s titillating curves, a critique on salary men, suits, and the Fortune 500 springs forth.

Sex, guns… and social commentary? It could work.