Cowboy Bebop - Session 6 (1999)

Cowboy Bebop: Session 6 The final four episodes of the unique animated series "Cowboy Bebop" closes the door on the characters by resolving their main story-arcs, or simply writing them out of the series. Although I'm a sucker for happy endings, what we get here is in keeping with what's been set up during the series' darker moments. (For all the levity, Spike was a gangster and he is on the run from some pretty nasty characters, and the same is true of the girl he's been pining for, Julia. "Cowboy Bebop" ends as it began--as a sci-fi series of exceptional quality and unique nature. It's worth seeing for fans of anime and space-operish sci-fi alike. Even if you're one of those who claim to hate everything that is "anime", I think you'll like "Cowboy Bebop." Episode 23: Scratch The leader of a bizarre cult that advocates people "upload" their minds into the computer network has been indicted for murdering those who follow his teachings, and Faye attempts to catch him by infiltrating the cult while Spike cheerleads Ed in an attempt to locate him through the computer. Will they manage to unlock the mysteries of this digital age suicide cult in time to save Faye (or at least collect the bounty)? This episode is partiuclarly noteworthy, because it marks the first time we fully see Ein's superior intelligence and "data-dog" abilities in use. Episode 24: Hard Luck Women The Bebop travels to Earth where Faye finally unlocks the clues to her past, while Ed is reunited with her father. Unfortunately, both learn that one can never go home again. (Ed and Ein are written out of the series at this point. I was sad to seem them go, even if they depart on a high note and with a distinct sense their adventures are just beginning. However, as I continued watching, I could see why it was important for the innocent comic relief characters to be "out of the way.") Episodes 25 and 26: The Real Folk Blues The Bebop returns to Mars as Spike's old foe Vicious attempts to seize control of the criminal syndicate they both once worked for. A war between the old guard and Vicious's forces ensue, and the crew of the Bebop become targets of both sides. As the gangwar rages, Spike finally catches up with his old love Julia... but will they survive their final confrontation with Vicious? (The two episodes present the most dramatic and sad moments of the series. They are more "cyberpunk"/"film noir" than any of the previous episodes.)