Lazarus Season 1: A Thrilling Sci-Fi Anime That Delivers Style but Falls Short of Watanabe’s Best

In the ever-evolving world of anime, Lazarus Season 1, which premiered on April 6, 2025, on Adult Swim’s Toonami block and TV Tokyo, marks a notable return for acclaimed director Shinichirō Watanabe, known for masterpieces like Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo. Produced by MAPPA and Sola Entertainment, with action sequences choreographed by John Wick director Chad Stahelski, Lazarus promised a high-octane, globe-trotting sci-fi thriller. While it delivers stunning visuals, a gripping premise, and a jazzy soundtrack, the series struggles to match the emotional depth and originality of Watanabe’s earlier works. With 13 episodes, Lazarus Season 1 is a kinetic ride that, despite its flaws, offers enough intrigue to keep viewers hooked.

The Premise: A Race Against Time

Set in the utopian year 2049, Lazarus introduces a world free from sickness and pain, thanks to Dr. Deniz Skinner, a Nobel Prize-winning neuroscientist who develops a miracle drug called Hapna. This analgesic, hailed as a cure-all, brings unprecedented prosperity. However, three years later, in 2052, Skinner resurfaces with a chilling revelation: Hapna has a three-year half-life, and everyone who took it faces imminent death. As panic looms, a task force of five agents, codenamed “Lazarus,” is assembled to locate Skinner and develop a vaccine within a 30-day deadline. The stakes are apocalyptic, setting the stage for a high-stakes chase across the globe.

The Team and Characters

The Lazarus team is a diverse ensemble, each member bringing distinct skills and personalities to the mission:

• Axel (voiced by Mamoru Miyano in Japanese, Jack Stansbury in English): A 23-year-old Nigerian coordinator and physics graduate who once idolized Skinner. Intelligent and calm under pressure, Axel’s pride and attention to detail drive the team’s efforts.
• Christine “Chris” Blake (Maaya Uchida/Luci Christian): A cheerful Russian gun specialist with a rough, big-sister vibe. Her optimism and firearm expertise make her a standout, though her past as a Russian spy adds complexity.
• Doug (Makoto Furukawa/Jovan Jackson): A skilled operative whose background remains less defined but contributes to the team’s action-heavy sequences.
• Leland (Yuma Uchida/Bryson Baugus): A younger agent with a knack for getting into trouble, often paired with Axel in key missions.
• Eleina (Manaka Iwami/Annie Wild): A genius hacker with a mysterious past, whose leads often propel the team forward.
• Hersch (Megumi Hayashibara/Jade Kelly): The commanding leader, an older woman with ties to the U.S. government and a no-nonsense demeanor.
• Abel Andersen (Akio Otsuka/Sean Patrick Judge): The NSA director, whose calm rationality borders on robotic, sparking rumors of him being a “human AI.”
• Dr. Deniz Skinner (Koichi Yamadera/David Matranga): The enigmatic antagonist, a brilliant scientist turned harbinger of doom, whose motives remain shrouded in mystery.

While the cast is talented, critics have noted that the characters lack the depth and relatability of Watanabe’s past creations, often coming across as “too cool to care” or cliché archetypes. This detachment sometimes undermines the emotional weight of the story.

Plot and Pacing

Lazarus unfolds as a fast-paced thriller, with the team chasing leads across locations like Istanbul, Islamabad, and a secluded commune tied to Eleina’s past. Key episodes involve splitting the team to investigate Skinner’s whereabouts, confronting local thugs, Russian operatives, and even an assassin hired by INSCOM after a Pentagon inquiry threatens the team’s future. Notable moments include Chris’s captivity on an arctic oil rig and a fake cure staged by Delta Medicinal’s president, disrupted by a hacker named Popcorn Wizard.

The series’ 13-episode run, shorter than Watanabe’s typical 26-episode format, keeps the narrative tight but leaves some storylines underdeveloped. The apocalyptic stakes are compelling, but the plot prioritizes action over nuanced social commentary or character growth, leading to criticism that the writing feels shallow at times.

Visuals and Action

Visually, Lazarus is a triumph. MAPPA’s animation is crisp and vibrant, with futuristic cityscapes and kinetic fight scenes that showcase Stahelski’s influence. The action sequences, from running chases to shootouts, are meticulously choreographed, earning praise for their intensity and smoothness. Fans on X have called the opening minutes of Episode 1 “cinematic,” with running sequences reminiscent of Watanabe’s dynamic style in Cowboy Bebop.

The series’ aesthetic leans into a gloomy, noir-inspired vibe, enhanced by religious imagery and musings on divinity, though some critics argue it doesn’t fully explore these themes. The futuristic settings, like a central tower crowned by a mechanical warrior, add a distinct visual identity.

Soundtrack: A Jazzy Highlight

True to Watanabe’s signature, the soundtrack is a standout. Composed by Kamasi Washington, the opening theme “Vortex” sets a jazzy, nostalgic tone that evokes Cowboy Bebop. The Boo Radleys’ ending theme, “Lazarus,” and insert songs like Bonobo’s “Dark Will Fall” and “Beyond the Sky” amplify the series’ emotional and atmospheric depth. Fans and critics alike have praised the score for enhancing the show’s moody aesthetic, with X posts highlighting its “phenomenal” impact.

However, the English dub has received mixed feedback. Some viewers found it jarring, breaking the immersion of the series’ gloomy tone, with suggestions to opt for the Japanese sub for a more cohesive experience.

Reception and Critique

Lazarus Season 1 earned a 91% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics lauding its “entrancing atmosphere” and “provocative ideas.” However, it’s not without flaws. Ryan Gaur of IGN gave the first five episodes a 5/10, calling it a disappointing return for Watanabe. He criticized the lack of energy and joy compared to Cowboy Bebop or Samurai Champloo, noting that the characters’ invulnerability to danger feels unconvincing. Still, he acknowledged the intriguing concept and creative action scenes, suggesting potential for redemption in later episodes.

Fans on X have been more enthusiastic, with posts praising the “cinematic” premiere and “phenomenal” score, though some echo critics’ sentiments about shallow writing and clichéd tropes. The series’ originality—lacking a manga source—has been a point of intrigue, as it keeps viewers guessing without source material to spoil the outcome.

Where to Watch

Lazarus Season 1 is available on Max, Adult Swim, and Channel 4 in the UK, with episodes streaming the day after their Saturday night/Sunday morning broadcast on Adult Swim. It’s also available for purchase on Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home. The series runs through June 28, 2025, with no mid-season break.

Final Thoughts

Lazarus Season 1 is a visually stunning, action-packed anime that captures Watanabe’s signature style but doesn’t quite reach the heights of his past works. Its apocalyptic premise and stellar soundtrack keep it engaging, but underdeveloped characters and a reliance on action over substance hold it back. For fans of Watanabe or sci-fi thrillers, it’s a worthwhile watch, especially for its nostalgic vibes and creative flair. Whether it will be remembered as a classic or fade like the live-action Cowboy Bebop remains to be seen, but Lazarus offers enough to justify locking in your Saturday nights.

For those eager to dive in, check out Lazarus on Max or Adult Swim, and consider the Japanese sub for the full immersive experience. With only one season confirmed, the race to save humanity wraps up conclusively—making it a contained, thrilling ride.