If you’re looking for a gritty, action-packed anime that dives headfirst into the darker side of the criminal underworld, “Black Lagoon” is a series that should be on your radar. With its pulse-pounding action, morally ambiguous characters, and a storyline that keeps you hooked from the first episode, “Black Lagoon” sets the stage for a thrilling ride. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at Season 1, Episode 1, titled “The Black Lagoon,” and explore how it introduces us to the chaotic world of Roanapur and the infamous Lagoon Company.
Setting the Scene: A World of Chaos and Crime
The episode opens with a quick dive into the life of Rokuro Okajima, a mild-mannered Japanese businessman whose life takes a dramatic turn when he’s sent on a seemingly routine assignment to Southeast Asia. It’s not long before we see that Rokuro, who later adopts the nickname “Rock,” is thrown into a world far removed from his corporate life—a world dominated by violence, corruption, and survival of the fittest.
Rock’s world is shattered when the ship he’s on is hijacked by the Lagoon Company, a group of mercenaries operating out of Roanapur, a fictional crime-ridden city in Southeast Asia. The Lagoon Company, consisting of the fearsome Revy, the laid-back Dutch, and the tech-savvy Benny, takes Rock hostage, believing he’s carrying valuable data that could be worth a fortune.
Character Introductions: Meeting the Lagoon Company
One of the standout elements of this episode is the introduction of the Lagoon Company’s crew. Each member of this motley group brings a unique dynamic to the table:
- Revy, also known as “Two Hands,” is a ruthless and highly skilled gunfighter with a penchant for violence and a nihilistic outlook on life. Her character exudes a fierce independence and a disdain for the weak, making her an intriguing, if not terrifying, presence.
- Dutch, the leader of the group, is a former U.S. Navy officer who now works as a mercenary. Calm, collected, and strategic, Dutch’s leadership style contrasts sharply with Revy’s impulsiveness.
- Benny is the brains of the operation, handling all things technical. A former hacker who found himself in trouble with the law, Benny now uses his skills to keep the Lagoon Company’s operations running smoothly.
The Lagoon Company’s dynamic is established quickly through their interactions with Rock. It’s clear that while they are mercenaries motivated by profit, they also adhere to a certain code of honor—or at least, their own version of it.
Rock’s Transformation Begins
Rock’s transformation from a corporate cog to a member of the Lagoon Company begins in this very first episode. Initially, he’s terrified and completely out of his depth, trying to cling to his former life and the safety it represents. However, as the episode progresses, we see the seeds of change being planted. The turning point comes when Rock is abandoned by his company, which chooses to cut its losses rather than negotiate for his release. This betrayal forces Rock to confront the harsh reality of his situation and begins to shake his loyalty to the corporate world that once defined him.
By the end of the episode, Rock is still far from becoming the hardened character we’ll see later in the series, but the episode lays the groundwork for his eventual evolution. It’s a journey that’s as much about survival as it is about self-discovery.
Action and Atmosphere: A Signature Blend
“The Black Lagoon” sets the tone for the entire series with its intense action sequences and atmospheric setting. The episode’s standout moment is undoubtedly the high-speed chase on the South China Sea, where the Lagoon Company’s torpedo boat, the Black Lagoon, takes on a military helicopter. The sequence is thrilling and showcases the series’ commitment to high-octane action and its willingness to push the boundaries of what’s possible in an anime.
The gritty, realistic animation style complements the story’s dark themes, and the music enhances the tension, making every gunshot and explosion feel impactful. Roanapur, though not fully explored in this episode, is depicted as a lawless city where anything goes—a perfect backdrop for the story that’s about to unfold.
My thoughts:
I’m immediately hooked based on two facts: business and water. Ironically I identify with the struggle to desire financial freedom and to not want to work for someone else. The water part is just random but I like fish and this seems to have an ocean / water vibe to it.
It’s a bit twisty and confusing but at about the halfway point the main character Rokuro, or as his captures call him for short Rok. Ironically his captures so far seem to be very hospitable and friendly and simply want to collect a check for him.
Near the end he randomly gets told he will be assumed to dead by all his friends and family, his ransom is off the table and he might as well become a ghost and “disappear into the China Sea”.
The guys he got taken hostage by seem to have some serious enemies of their own and ultimately end up on the spot recruiting Rokuro to help fight against this pseudo military faction hunting them down.
I’m starting to wonder is Rokuro is hiding something; like maybe a huge public bounty on his head. I guess we will wait to see and find out.
Watch Season 1 Episode 1 of Black Lagoon here
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