The Big O

Plot synopsis:
The Big O is set in the fictional city-state of Paradigm City (パラダイム・シティ, Paradaimu Shiti). The city is located on a seacoast and is surrounded by a vast desert wasteland. The partially domed city is wholly controlled by the monopolistic Paradigm Corporation, resulting in a corporate police state. Paradigm is known as "The City of Amnesia" (記憶喪失の街, Kioku soushitsu no Machi) because forty years prior to the story, ""The Event" (何か, Nani ka, lit. "Something") destroyed the world outside the city and left the survivors without any prior memories.
The city is characterized by severe class inequity; the higher-income population resides inside the more pleasant domes, with the remainder left in tenements outside. Androids coexist with the human inhabitants of Paradigm City; while they are rare, they are sufficiently numerous that denizens of the city do not consider them unusual.
Several episodes show inhabitants of Paradigm City practicing some form of Christianity: people congregate in meeting places with crucifixes prominently displayed. The practice appears to be based on custom, because no one clearly remembers any doctrine associated with the practice. A ruined cathedral remains unused, although some elderly people occasionally stand in front of it and sing incompletely remembered hymns. In episode 11, it appears that only Alex Rosewater, CEO of the Paradigm Corporation that runs the city, remembers or observes Christmas. A holiday commemorating the founding of Paradigm City, "Heaven's Day", is observed on December 25. Though citizens decorate with generic Christmas decorations, they are ignorant of their original meaning. Dastun mentions that Rosewater had in his possession fragments of a "Book of Revelation", although neither Dastun nor Roger had heard of it before.
Although the textbook definition of memory is a record stored in the brain of an organism, the citizens of Paradigm City use the term more loosely; "Memories" (メモリー, Memorī) can refer to forgotten knowledge, records or artifacts from before The Event, or partial forms of recollection including hallucinations and recurring dreams.
The first season is episodic. Each episode (referred to as an "Act") relates a separate instance the resurgence of lost "memories" and how the citizens cope with their collective amnesia. The final episodes introduce elements that come into play during season two, like the discovery of people living outside of Paradigm City, the true nature of the Event, and something obliquely described as "the Power of God wielded by the hand of man".
While the majority of the first season's episodes are self-contained stories, the second season comprises a single serialized story arc. Alex Rosewater becomes a direct antagonist to Roger, and a mysterious group known as "The Union" is introduced, containing agents of a foreign power working within the City.
=== Ending ===
The series ends with the awakening of a new megadeus, and the revelation that the world is a simulated reality. A climactic battle ensues between Big O and Big Fau, after which reality is systematically erased by the new megadeus, an incarnation of Angel, recognised as "Big Venus" by Dorothy. Roger implores Angel to "let go of the past" regardless of its existential reality, and focus only on the present and the future. In an isolated control room, the real Angel observes Roger and her past encounters with him on a series of television monitors. On the control panel lies Metropolis, a book featured prominently since the thirteenth episode, with the cover featuring an illustration of angel wings and gives the author's name as "Angel Rosewater". Big Venus and Big O physically merge, causing the virtual reality to reset. A white flash subsides, and the first scenes of the first episode of the series play out. New versions of Dorothy and Angel watch Roger drive down the street as he delivers again his first speech of the series ("My name is Roger Smith. I perform a much needed job here in the City of Amnesia"), although he is a little hesitant this time. The ending title card, "We have come to terms," appears, and the credits roll.

Tags: suspenseful, neo noir, murder, haunting, sci-fi

Review:
Sweet....
I am a fan of the Cartoon Network anime lineup, and by far this is the best show out of them all.Unlike the other, more 'famous' anime shows (hence the Dragonball series), this show actually has realism in it.
It isn't all action-packed.
The show mostly surrounds negotiator Roger Smith uncovering information related to the jobs that his clients often give him or uncovering deep secrets about the forgotten past, in which an event forty years ago erased everyones' memory.
It's pretty much talk, but it's interesting talk, because the talk that goes on throughout the show really relates to real-life situations--political corruption, the love for lost ones, and the desire to know the truth.
Though this would bore an adrenaline-junkie, it would catch interest to those that I'd like to call 'down-to-Earthers', especially with the most wonderful music that is just too good to be put in a cartoon series.But that doesn't mean that there isn't action.
The battles that premiere in the series have enough action to supply that adrenaline junkie with all the sweat he needs (and all within just about five minutes, too).Big O is by far the most successful amongst the dying robot-themed shows.
Though the Transformers series seems to be long-lasting, it too is dying out as animators grow tired of constantly putting in the details of machinery and head to using computers as a way to 'build' the robots and give them movement.
This type of animation doesn't blend in with the rest of the animation, thus fails (as seen in Transformers Energon).Which brings up another point.
Notice how the animation throughout the entire series remains constant.
Sure the lighting changed, but the animation overall has remained the same.
It shows that the people who drew up the series were determined to have the animation remain constant and nearly flawless (unlike in the Dragonball series when different animators draw separate episodes).
This (especially when having giant robots battling) requires a lot of patience and loyalty.
And let me assure you that they have not gone unappreciated for their loyalty to the animation.
Kudos, animators!Overall: life-like characters that grow throughout the series; life-like situations; incredible animation; dazzling battles; and (most importantly), the most wonderful music for a cartoon ever.Rating: 10 out of 10.
The battle music still makes my neck hair stand up....
Red Balloons and Red Tomatoes.
Big O is not like any other show I have ever seen.
The writers clearly have extensive knowledge concerning Greek mythology and even Christianity.
It is a cartoon sure, but the depth of the show is very subjective.
The show itself gives the viewer just enough clues to allow one to believe that all of the other unending parade of questions will somehow be answered, but apparently, they won't.
The show walks a profound balance of story and probability and divine vagueness.
I saw a few episodes of this show and became hooked like no other show I have ever seen.
The overall themes are far from light.
Two of them being memories and ultimately attempting to define life.
What is the value of one's life without memories?
What separates humans from androids in a futurist world without knowing which actually came first?
And that is assuming who and what each character actually is, which is far from a given.
My obsession with the show did eventually wane, largely because the show itself is rather slow at times.
There are plenty of action scenes with enormous robots, also representing something I'm sure, to balance the pace, but those battles rarely excited me.
The truly strange aspect of this show is that the majority of it for me is window dressing.
It's the symbolism that is scattered throughout each episode that elevates this show to atmospheric levels.
This show is just smart enough and just open ended enough for each little mysterious detail to have some profound meaning.
This show has everything within it to be the basis of a new religion in and of itself, seriously.
The fact that all the answers can plausibly be answered, but aren't, makes Big O that much more life-like in nature..
Anime for beginners or veterans.
The Big O.
An anime series that has appeal to those that don't like anime.
But don't be fooled!
The series can be appreciated by anyone that has half a brain.
I will give you three reasons to see The Big O for yourself: #1: The characters.
Each one unique, and they all interact with each other very well.
The voice actors for the English version are superb.
It is hard to believe that the series was originally in Japanese.#2.
The depth.
The series is as deep as any I have seen which makes it good for second and third viewings.
There are subtle nuances that really set this series apart.
The depth you will find in The Big O is impressive, but it is a show that you can enjoy completely on the surface as well.#3.
The music.
The soundtrack for this series is simply breathtaking.
Of course there are some tracks that are a little silly, but they fit the scenes well.
The main tracks are ones that will rope you into the series even if you don't like the story.
Finding music of this quality is not common at all.The only thing I regret about this series is that more people haven't seen it.
I would love it if this series was one that all people at least tried out.
Then maybe the producers would make additional acts for our viewing pleasure.
The story is left open for additional seasons to be added, let's hope that they do..
The Big O is one of the most creative efforts to ever come out of Japan.
Combining the rather dark style of Batman: The Animated Series in animation, the giant robot action of yesteryear, and combining some really surrealistic elements, it manages to entertain such people.
It is not your fast paced show with action at every minute, but it has rather impressive fight sequences with cleverly designed mechs I might add.
Then you add the rather interesting characters that somehow develop during it's 13 episode run, and you've got a rather impressive series.It's not for everybody, but I'd recommend Big O to even the most avid fan of animation.The only bad part is that it's only 13 episodes and it stops rather abruptly, so let's hope it can get more soon..
Great but Short Series.
This series is extremely well crafted.
They have commented on Cartoon Network that this show is mix of Batman: The Animated Series and Blade Runner.It is, but more.
This show showcases true hardcore Science Fiction world, with mysteries, drama and element of imagination that hasn't been seen in rather long time.
Dark look on the future, what may happen.Also resurrects old Giant Robot theme, which has virtually disappeared from American Television.However, the show as it show now, in April, is lacking in only one thing.
A ending.The show was released without any additional episodes.
Only 13 and blunt and sudden ending.
We can only hope that more episodes will released soon..
Big O, Season II: American Ending.
Thru pure determination, Big O has lived up to its catch phrase...
"Big O, its Showtime!"Second Season of Big O (Which should be considered a second series) has arisen due to the efforts of Cartoon Network in the United States.The series was re-edited to be more a Big Robot show than the more sophisticated show it original was for Japanese audience.However, despite it being changed, it still a winner of series with Season 2 coming out swinging (literally) as first episode of season 2 starts off with the battle which had begun at very end of Season 1's last episode.However, due to Time (1998-99) Now it was redone in (2002) the series has been made bit more clearer for the American audience which is made for.
Sadly the old future or direction of the show which it was going in season 1 is without a doubt has been changed radically.
I believe,this is due to the limitation of 13 additional episodes for Big O.
The series' timeless one off episodes which leaves a clue on what world is about and where series is going has been put into OVERDRIVE, sped up to resolve rest of the series.
(2003) Series, deals with Roger dealing with fact his life maybe not his own but of someone else, elaborate stage to relive the live of original Roger Smith and his giant Robot, Big O.
Whom for some reason has been given to him to resolve the cities biggest problems.Without spoiling anything, the series resolves itself in way that will throw a long time viewer off their rocker or throw away any ideas they've been given on what has been going on for entire 2 seasons.The show is still a fantastic ride, even if its Americanized.
It is a down right well put together.
The series is a nicely done mystery/action series that will suck you in and makes you think.If you are able to get this series on DVD, I'd grab it.
Please don't let the fact original first season being re-done for American Audience scare you off.
Its still down right very good show..
Big O is a big success by this great critic.
Big O 2001 by Sunrise and Bandai Entertainment who brought Gundam Wing, and who made the Macross and Gundam games is one of the greatest cartoons I've seen in the year 2000.This is a great series, one of the newest Japan Anime in 2001 and surely one of the best cartoons out there.American animators cannot emulate the Japan Anime cartoons and Big O is proof.It's gritty, romantic, touching, action packed and full of stories, and that is in every episode!!The star is Roger Smith who is the head negotiator in breaking or sealing criminal cases or any cases where the police or military is afraid to get involved in.He lives in Paradigm city, a dark city that has been torn by crime, military action and corruption.In only his first days on the job, he catches the idea of an attractive and elegant young lady called "Dorothy".Dorothy is not you're average woman, she is a whiz on the piano and has a certain way with people.
Oh yeah Dorothy is a robot.She is virtually indestructible,yet her softness in characters reveals she is not made entirely of metal.Dorothy is cared for by her Grandfather.
The Grandfather knows Dorothy is a robot but he protects her like his own daughter.A hoodlum by the name of Beck Gold plots to steal Dorothy and Smith (having suspicions about Dorothy) tries to intervene.
Dorothy's Grandfather is shot and Beck kidnaps Dorothy .Smith rescues her eventually and they develop a mutual friendship between man and machine.The series works because of it's likeable characters, musical soundtrack which uses the piano to produce a feeling of what's going on in a scene,and above all incredible animation.
The musical scences with the piano also convey a soothing feeling to a long day.Smith controls an undercover machine knows as "Megadeus" which is Big O.The series reminds me of Voltron because Megadeus fights many bosses in every episode in spectacular fashion.The series has been dubbed in English and currently showing in Cartoon Network's lineup.The dubbing is amazingly good.
It's one of the best dubbing jobs, I've seen so far.
David Lucas (Roger Smith), Lia Sargent(Dorothy) lend their great voices to this anime.
Made through Bandai and Sunrise which produced Gundam Wing and Macross, these guys just keep making the hits.Take it from this great critic, Big O is a big success..
The Big O is once again a big success with this great series.
Well 13 new episodes arrived in August and I have to say theyre are the same level or higher than the first 13.Roger and Dorothy combat new enemies including copycats of Big O and Roger must again combat his former enemies and learns that his memories as a child in Paradigm city.The only real complaint is that the son of a bitch, City Executive from last season is now portrayed as this wuzzy, weaking who didnt get along with his dad.
LOL Who the hell cares besides that.
The new episodes are great, they answer some question and leave a couple open..
I love Big O.
I was up watching Cartoon Network late one night and came across this show.
I've been hooked ever since!
It comes on EXTREMELY late where I am, but it is definitely worth me getting up at 5 am to watch, take another 1 hour nap and get up for work.
I'm not a big Anime person, I'm a 33 year old professional female with no kids, yet the characters are extremely engaging and I love the ending credit song.
I've been trying to find out how to actually get it on my Ipod.
I don't know much about the difference between the version from Japan and that in America, yet whatever I have been watching in the US has been excellent!
I hope everyone tunes to Cartoon Network to watch!!!.
This show just seemed to try to hard to make the story surprising..
I liked this show for the most part, the main problem I had with it are the strange ending episodes of both the first and second season as it were.
I was disappointed with the way the first season ended or the series wrapped up as a whole.
I think the show was supposed to have ended after the first season, but Americans wanted more so it came back and was interesting again until it neared the end and once again it got a bit to muddled for my tastes.
The show had it all though, James Bond kind of action and espionage and giant robots duking it out.
Though most shows had a pattern of some sort of little mission for the main character Roger and then some super robot would come and he would summon his own little robot Big O and they would of course clash.
Granted it does seem repetitive written here, however it played out very well and there were certainly some interesting story arcs going on.
I was so interested to see how it all wrapped up, but it in the end did not work as I just thought Dorthy was not involved enough and Angel became this super important character out of nowhere.
Still it looked good and for the most part most of the other episodes was very entertaining, just did not care for the cause of the strange city known as amnesia..
"The Big O" returns with all-new episodes on August 31, 2003.
In the meantime, you can enjoy re-runs of Season 1, now showing on Cartoon Network.
It's gonna be a long, hot summer; let "The Big O" cool you down!
Check your local listings..
Once you filter out the giant robot battles, which although important to the story, are mainly included for commercial considerations, Big O can best be viewed as an allegory for man's search for identity, and an exploration of the relationships between memory, imagination, and knowledge.
As such, it doesn't always make rational sense, which is something we are conditioned to expect by Western cinema.
When watching Big O, focus more on the ideas presented than the events.One of the most remarkable aspects of the series is the character of R.
Dorothy Wayneright.
Rarely is such a fascinating character drawn with so few strokes.
Her interplay with Roger is compelling and at times quite comical.In all, despite the often shoehorned appearance of mecha battles, Big O is a remarkable work of art both stylistically and intellectually..
Cast in the Name of God, Ye Not Guilty.
Cast in the Name of God, Ye Not Guilty.
When I was a little kid I watched this show like crazy.
I picked it up recently and re watched the series.
It was a superb show with a very Gothic and noir feel.
The characters were very interesting and had a good bit of development.
The anime has been loved and ridiculed but for me it will always be my favorite mecha anime ever.
I would say not to watch season 2 it was very strange and I didn't enjoy the ending.
I also found the action was the focal point of the second season and not the mystery of Paradigm City.
The animation however was good and the dubbing was also very well done.
Overall I found this anime to be the best and most nostalgic anime I watched.
I suggest picking it up and watching it.