Tag: Black Lagoon

Black Lagoon: The Second Barrage

Not many shows can survive without their lead protagonists front and center (the only successful one that comes to mind is “The Wire,” and even then it was only for a season), and though the producers of “Black Lagoon” should be commended for trying something so radical, the second season just isn’t the same without the Lagoon Company constantly in the mix. They’re always a part of the action, mind you – whether it’s hunting down a pair of vampire assassins or protecting a money counterfeiter from an army of bounty hunters – but the stories never truly revolve around them like they did in Season One. Granted, we get to meet some pretty interesting characters as a result of that, but by the time Rock and Revy head to Japan on a contract job for Hotel Moscow, you’ll be sorely missing Dutch and Benny, both of whom rarely appear throughout the season. The team-based antics may be gone, but the show is still packed with wall-to-wall action, and it even offers more complex storylines than before. Still, with rumors that a third season is in the works, here’s hoping the show gets back to its roots, because without the Lagoon Company to cheer on, it simply isn’t as fun.

Click to buy “Black Lagoon: The Second Barrage”

Black Lagoon: Season One

In the world of anime, it’s a little too easy to write off a new series as a mindless clone of a classic show. I’m sure the makers of “Black Lagoon” wouldn’t mind being compared to something as timeless as “Cowboy Bebop,” but that simply isn’t the case. The popular sci-fi noir wasn’t the first anime based around a group of modern day pirates, and “Black Lagoon” definitely won’t be the last. Plus, while “Cowboy Bebop” was as meticulously constructed as its smooth jazz soundtrack, “Black Lagoon” shoots first and asks questions later. This is a series that doesn’t waste any time in getting to the point, as evidenced by Japanese businessman Rokura Okajima’s decision to become a full-time member of the pirate crew known as Lagoon Company within minutes of being kidnapped by them.

Though Rokura is clearly the protagonist of the story, however, it’s trigger-happy Revy who is the main draw. Shooting and swearing her way through every job (whether it’s recovering a painting from a sunken Nazi U-Boat or fending off the viperous protector of a kidnapped boy), Revy quickly proves that she’s the key to the group’s success; because without her, well, nothing would get done. Packed with just enough plot and character development to curb any criticisms that it may be too shallow, “Black Lagoon” is typical anime fare executed in the style of a Hollywood action film. In fact, the first six episodes would make for a great movie, with Samuel L. Jackson as the group’s hard-boiled leader. Hey, it could happen.

Click to buy “Black Lagoon: Season One”

© 2023 Premium Hollywood

Theme by Anders NorenUp ↑