Watch Patlabor The Mobile Police

In the near future, robots known as laborers or "labors" become pervasive in society. However, as with any technology, there are those who abuse it, leading to labor-related crime. To combat this, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department creates the Special Vehicles Section 2, a unit comprised of officers tasked with operating Patrol Labors, or Patlabors for short.

The story follows Noa Izumi, a cheerful and passionate officer who dreams of one day becoming a mecha pilot. She is assigned to the SV2 unit, where she quickly befriends the other members. There's the unit commander, Gotoh, a pragmatic and no-nonsense veteran who commands the respect of his subordinates. There's Asuma Shinohara, the hot-headed and impulsive son of a major corporation, who uses his position to provide the SV2 with the latest and greatest Patlabor technology. There's Kanuka Clancy, a tough-as-nails American who brings a fresh perspective to the unit. And lastly, there's Hiromi Yamazaki, a nerdy and timid rookie who provides comic relief.

Throughout the series, the SV2 unit deals with various labor-related crimes, ranging from rogue labor pilots to terrorist attacks. The Patlabors themselves are an integral part of the series, as they are highly customizable machines that can be equipped with a variety of weapons and tools depending on the mission at hand. The series also explores themes of government corruption, corporate influence, and the potential dangers of technology.

One of the standout features of Patlabor is its tone. While there are certainly serious moments, the show is often lighthearted and comedic in nature. The characters are all well-developed and have distinct personalities, which leads to many memorable interactions and moments of levity. The animation is also noteworthy, as it was among the first anime series to utilize both hand-drawn and computer-generated animation techniques.

Another unique aspect of Patlabor is its approach to world-building. The show takes place in a near-future version of Tokyo, and the city itself is essentially a character in its own right. The architecture, fashion, and technology all reflect a distinctly 80s/early 90s aesthetic, which adds to the charm of the series.

Overall, Patlabor is a classic anime series that still holds up today. It strikes a great balance between action, comedy, and drama, and features a lovable cast of characters that viewers will root for from beginning to end. The series has spawned multiple sequels, movies, and spinoffs, cementing its place in anime history.