Lazarus is an ambitious new anime series that transports viewers to the year 2055. The premise centers on an elite task force tasked with locating a brilliant scientist who, three years earlier, developed a groundbreaking drug intended to eliminate all forms of pain and illness. This miracle drug, known as Hapna, takes a dark turn when its creator, Dr. Skinner, discloses that it has a lethal side effect: it will ultimately lead to the death of everyone who consumes it. With just a month left before the drug’s devastating effects begin to surface, five misfits—the members of the Lazarus team—must rush against time to avert a catastrophe.
The moral implications of a drug designed to kill present a shocking plot twist, amplifying the urgency of the team’s mission. However, the situation is further complicated by Skinner’s mysterious disappearance. The Lazarus team faces the challenge of tracking him down to discover a potential remedy, but with the clock ticking, their prospects look grim.
The Action in Lazarus Is Spectacular, Yet the Story Progresses Slowly
The inaugural season of Lazarus, brought to life by renowned Cowboy Bebop director Shin’ichirô Watanabe, spans 13 episodes. It chronicles the harrowing 30-day countdown to impending fatalities. Given the critical stakes, one might expect the narrative to reflect an intense sense of urgency; however, the story unfolds at a glacial pace. The initial episode effectively assembles the team, but once formed, their subsequent search for Dr. Skinner stalls.
Despite this pacing issue, the action sequences emerge as one of the standout features of the series.
To counterbalance the slow progression of the plot, exhilarating action scenes take center stage, particularly showcasing Axel—a key team member known for his exceptional skills in escape artistry, athletics, and combat. Axel’s ability to outmaneuver opponents with remarkable agility adds a thrilling dynamic to the show. It’s worth noting that the action choreography is influenced by Chad Stahelski, the legendary director behind the John Wick franchise.
While the action is undeniably compelling and Axel serves as a captivating protagonist, his prominence is overshadowed by the ensemble cast. The dynamics among the team members feel disjointed, detracting from the overall narrative impact. Although the central mystery of Dr. Skinner’s whereabouts invites intrigue, the first five episodes fall short in significantly advancing this plotline. There’s hope that subsequent episodes may ramp up the momentum, yet the initial slow start raises concerns about the pacing.
Lazarus Needs to Pick Up the Pace & Develop Deeper Characters
The premise of Lazarus is undeniably engaging. As an original concept rather than a familiar adaptation, it holds the promise of unexpected twists and turns. However, this originality comes at a cost; the series lacks an established character history, meaning that the burden of developing robust narratives and motivations falls squarely on the creators. While the show attempts to explore the backgrounds of its characters, they remain poorly defined and lack depth.
The potential for rich character development is evident given the diverse skill sets of the team. However, after several hours of screen time, viewers struggle to forge a genuine connection with these protagonists. Alarmingly, as the threat of mass casualties looms, the narrative fails to capture a sense of urgency. Rather, the overall atmosphere feels mundane, with occasional references to the impending doom—dulling the stakes for the audience.
Visually, the anime does not distinguish itself prominently from other offerings in the genre. The characters lack allure, and the pacing contributes to a generalized sense of lethargy. Although the initial concept and potential of the team suggest a unique viewing experience, Lazarus has yet to fully leverage these elements in its first five episodes. With substantial time for narrative development, there’s a risk that the audience may lose interest before the plot surrounding Dr. Skinner truly unfolds.