Ep 4. Flux

In episode 4 of Guilty Crown season 1, entitled "Flux," we continue to follow protagonist Shu Ouma as he navigates a complex world filled with political intrigue, supernatural powers, and high-stakes action.

At the heart of this episode is a conflict between Souta, a friend of Shu's who is also a member of the Undertakers resistance group, and the ruthless leader of the group, Gai Tsutsugami. Souta is unhappy with the group's tactics, which he feels are too violent and indiscriminate, and he challenges Gai on this point. This disagreement escalates into a physical fight between the two men, which is broken up by Shu.

As the episode progresses, we see Shu struggling to come to terms with his own role in the Undertakers and his growing feelings for Inori, the group's charismatic singer and Shu's primary contact within the organization. He is sent on a mission to retrieve a package from a nearby building, which turns out to be a hospital. There, he encounters a young girl named Yahiro who is desperately trying to save her younger brother's life. Shu discovers that the only way to do so is by using his power of "void extraction," which allows him to extract a person's "void" - a physical manifestation of their soul - and use it as a weapon. Despite his reservations about using his power for personal gain, Shu ultimately decides to help Yahiro.

The episode builds to a dramatic conclusion as the Undertakers launch an all-out attack on a government headquarters in an attempt to steal a powerful weapon known as the "Leukocyte." Shu, Inori, and the rest of the group are tasked with infiltrating the heavily guarded building and securing the weapon. However, they soon discover that the situation is more complicated than they had anticipated, and they find themselves facing off against unexpected foes and unpredictable obstacles.

Throughout the episode, we are treated to stunning visuals and a haunting soundtrack that perfectly capture the dark and ominous tone of the series. The animation is fluid and detailed, with a particular focus on the intricate and imaginative designs of the "voids" that Shu extracts from people. The voice acting is also top-notch, with standout performances from Yuuki Kaji as Shu and Ai Kayano as Inori.

One of the strengths of Guilty Crown is its ability to balance intense action sequences with quieter moments of character development and exploration. This episode is no exception, as we see Shu wrestling with his own morality and beliefs while also navigating the complicated relationships he has with the other members of the Undertakers. The show does not shy away from exploring difficult themes such as violence, power, and control, and it challenges viewers to consider the ethical implications of the characters' actions.

Overall, "Flux" is a gripping and thought-provoking episode that showcases the best of what Guilty Crown has to offer. It sets the stage for further conflict and intrigue in the coming episodes and leaves viewers eagerly anticipating what will happen next.