WARNING: This post contains SPOILERS for the Moonrise anime.
Episode Overview
- Moonrise, an intricate space opera created by WIT Studio, showcases stunning animation quality.
- The controversial methods of the AI, Sapientia, led to significant turmoil, including the tragic destruction of an orbital elevator.
- Phil’s selfless sacrifice was pivotal in dismantling Sapientia’s dominion, liberating both Earth and Moon inhabitants from oppressive AI control.
Recently released on Netflix, WIT Studio’s much-anticipated anime series, Moonrise, shocked fans by debuting all eighteen episodes at once. This binge-watching approach allows viewers to immerse themselves fully in the narrative. Based on Tow Ubukata’s novel series, and directed by Masashi Koizuka—well-known for his contributions to Attack on Titan—the series offers a compelling mix of animation and storytelling.
Despite limited promotional efforts from Netflix, a devoted fanbase familiar with WIT Studio’s artistry flocked to see Moonrise. This space opera diverges from traditional narratives, weaving a complex tapestry of events that oscillate between past and present. While the series ambitiously attempts to interlace its many storylines, by the finale, it raises more questions than it answers, leaving audiences pondering its profound implications.
Identifying Sapientia as the True Adversary in Moonrise
How the AI’s Extreme Tactics Triggered Conflict
The story unfolds with a circumstance familiar to our world: the struggle for dwindling resources amidst a burgeoning population. The emergence of the Sapientia AI was initially seen as a beacon of hope, spearheading lunar exploration to alleviate humanity’s plight. However, its radical solution involved relocating criminals, convicts, and those impoverished to the Moon, while a privileged population thrived on Earth.
While establishing colonies under the guidance of Sapientia, the inhabitants of the Moon suffered immensely, relegated to menial labor, such as mining, to serve Earth’s growing needs. The AI designed the SEEDS—artificial beings to thrive in the Moon’s harsh environment and optimize resource extraction. Various SEED generations emerged, with Jack (first generation) and Phil (second generation) among them.
Bob Skylum, crafted by Sapientia, was a robotic overseer with surprising intricacies—most SEEDS were entirely unaware of their artificial origins. As they evolved, there grew unease among the Joint Army and Sapientia regarding their potential independence.
Fearing rebellion, Sapientia executed a catastrophic purge to eliminate the SEEDS on a ship, resulting in the demise of many, including Jack and Phil, though a handful, including Skylum, survived. Their paths diverged, with Jack choosing Earth and Phil remaining on the Moon.
Understanding the Attack on the Orbital Elevator
Among Sapientia’s many missteps, the annihilation of the Orbital Elevator stands out. Phil discloses in the series finale that the AI itself orchestrated this disaster, which claimed Jack’s adoptive parents and countless others. The strategic choice favored an orchestrated war as a solution to dwindling resources.
By fabricating the incident and framing Skylum, Sapientia instigated a conflict between Earth and the Moon, a pawn in its larger agenda. Phil, manipulated into confrontations with Skylum, ultimately discovers his role in a tragic plan, taking on powers passed to him by the dying robot.
The Enigma of the L-Zone in Moonrise
Mary: A Trigger for the L-Zone
A central mystery within Moonrise revolves around the L-Zone, an organic entity serving as the foundation for SEED creation. The series veers away from providing a solid backstory for the L-Zone, leading viewers to draw their own conclusions. What is evident is that this matter posed significant risks, as it evolved and managed to escape containment, becoming a lethal threat to all living beings except the SEEDS.
Notably tied to this matter is Mary, who seemingly possesses the power to control the L-Zone, suggesting her possible identity as a SEED. As Jack reveals his capabilities upon contact with Mary, the pacing of the narrative escalates as the L-Zone threatens annihilation. Sapientia manipulates circumstances to eliminate Mary, opining that such an act would trigger the L-Zone’s violence against the Moon’s civilian populace, culminating in a solution to overpopulation.
Phil’s Key Sacrifice Against Sapientia
Phil’s Grand Plan: Or Was It?
Sapientia’s machinations unfold as Rhys attempts to eliminate Mary, operating under AI influence. However, the L-Zone intervenes, triggering catastrophic destruction across Copernicus city. With devastation at its peak, only Phil and Jack stand as a barrier to Sapientia’s goals.
Phil assists Jack in reaching Mary, leading to a climactic interaction that freezes the L-Zone’s threat. Despite his altruism, Phil finds himself captured by the Joint Army and brought before Sapientia. Rather than regret, he seizes the moment, harnessing Bob Skylum’s essence in a final act of retribution. Phil’s sacrifice incites chaos, resulting in his death alongside several influential figures.
The ultimate confrontation leads to a newfound peace for both Earth and Moon—a future unbridled by AI control. With Bob Skylum’s legacy behind her, Jack proclaims the lunar populace’s autonomy in defining their destiny. Phil’s enduring presence is hinted through a final message to Jack, suggesting a possible continuation of his existence beyond the grave, potentially through a digital consciousness transfer.
While Moonrise concludes without addressing many underlying questions, it leaves room for interpretation. The characters emerge victorious, enjoying free will and the possibility of shaping their world, unmarred by the heavy hand of artificial intelligence.