This show lives on its own ideas about humanity, individualism, “God”, social issues, mythology (many of the characters borrow from Celtic, Norse and ancient Greek pre-Christian mythology), identity, civilization, social hierarchy’s and so much more. It only slightly borrows pre-existing philosophical ideas, and when it does, it expands on them. It’s easy to say it’s pretentious if you don’t get it, but if you can grasp the subjects at hand and realize they’re not what the show is primarily about - and rather simply a backing to it - then it’s easy to enjoy this for what it is. It’s one of the finest pieces of science fiction I’ve seen.

Also, I agree that this is very aesthetically pleasing. The animation is some of the most unique and experimental I’ve come across.

Lastly, it’s interesting to take note that a few of the main robots/AutoReivs are named after Edmund Husserl, Jacques Lacan, and Jacques Derrida. If you’re familiar with their philosophical and educational subjects, it really adds a lot of depth to the series (concepts about deconstruction, structuralism, epistemology). This form of “covert intellectualism” (for lack of a better word) reminds me a lot of Boogiepop Phantom and Serial Experiments Lain, which had lots and lots of subtle ideas planted into the show that really need a conscious mind to notice and interpret.

Don’t give up on the series yet! Also, the music/sound of this is amazing.

@Outlawstar: yeah, the increased emphasis on Vincent really helps in connecting with his character. In the first volume he just ran around squinting a lot but now he seems to have a goal and personality too.

@Karura: it’s a recurring worry that I don’t have the faintest idea about what’s going on either! I have my vague theories but that’s all they are at this stage.

@berkles: I need to think more about that pretention issue really because this is one of those shows that seems to be throwing up jargon and philosophy left right and centre but it’s enjoyable enough for that to be only a minor issue. I can’t comment on the later episodes though, since I’m following the UK DVD release (and getting a bit behind with it too!).

I wondered about that too, cos in retrospect not much happens honestly. Guy leaves city, girl follows him, they meander around for a while, and it’s fairly obvious that the serious must conclude at Romdeau.

The philosophical ponderings are interesting enough to keep me, even the textbook philosophy nerd wide-eyed and deep in thought.

Also I wouldn’t put all my eggs in the gritty animation basket. There are a few very americanied cartoonish episodes.

I agree with your thoughts the images of Vincent and Pino floathing through Romdo, really got the point across excellently, and I really enjoyed these parts.

As a real fan of dystopian sci-fi, and more importantly, competent intruiging storytelling, Im loving ergo proxy, theres just so many intruiging side issues to be ironed out, Raul Creed, those freaky talking statues, Re-ls grandfather, and Vincent is one of the most intruging characters Ive come across, cant wait to find out what happens next.

Volume 3 here I come.

I wish I had the funds to buy the DVDs and rewatch it as you blog. It’s one of the ultimate ‘rewatch’ anime; not only because it’s complicated storywise, but the hindsight enhances all the simple things, too. Reading through this entry reminded me of all the outstanding moments that are coming and how my attitudes towards certain characters changed dramatically throughout the journey. I won’t spoil, but Pino is a good example of this.

It’s odd - I hasten to even consider Ergo Proxy one of my favourites, yet in terms of lingering memories and fondness it stands up there with FLCL, Eva, GitS and suchlike. I reckon I should just bite the bullet and accept it.