Stage 04, The Name is Zero



This episode starts off with the interrogation of Suzaku, who is tied up in a white straight jacket. The interrogator is Jeremiah, who has the gun from Stage 1 and asks Suzaku if he recognizes it. He tells Suzaku that the gun was used the one used to kill Clovis. Jeremiah has done a background check on Suzaku and he reveals that Suzaku has plenty of motivation as the son of the last Japanese Prime Minister. Suzaku denies the accusation, saying that he has never seen the gun before. He gets knocked down as Jeremiah states that his fingerprints are on it and that he is also a suspect in the slaughter of the Special Forces in Stage 1. He refuses to confess, even when Jeremiah tells him that he will get judged as an honorary Britannian instead of an Eleven if he does so.

We go to Lelouch, who is helping his sister, Nunnally, go to bed. She asks if it was Suzaku was the one who was on the TV (refer to Episode 3). Nunnally comments on how they were separated after the war and asks Lelouch if it was true. Lelouch ironically says it wasn't; it was some sort of mistake. The scene changes to a resistance member arguing with the leader, Ohgi. He demands that they should have claimed responsibility for what happened to get the acknowledgment. Ohgi is silent as the member leaves. He talks a picture, which includes Kallen, Ohgi, and a person called Naoto, and tells it that he can't be a leader after all.

Quick flash to Lelouch who is using his Geass on the old man who was playing with the noble from Stage 1. He is reporting some info to Lelouch and commenting on how all that's left is to erase the evidence. Another flash to a public broadcast about Clovis' death and turning it into strength. Meanwhile, Lloyd is commenting how the essential part to Lancelot is gone and how no one can replace Suzaku as a pilot. Cecil brings up the idea of defending Suzaku but the Lloyd counters with how the Purity faction is in control of the military now. Scene change to Shirley, who is asking Lelouch about the same faction. He tells her that it is a group who believes that only Britannians should be in the military. We go back to Lloyd, who talks about how he isn't able to do anything about Suzaku and how he most likely will not be found innocent. Back to Lelouch, who tells Rivalz that he's not gambling anymore since he's found a stronger opponent. Kallen is walking by, in her school uniform.

The scene changes to a museum, where a speaker talks about how Britannia's victory over Japan was because of the ignorance of the Japanese government. Kallen is in the museum, identified as Tokyo Tower. She and the resistance have a meeting with someone at 16:00. The PA goes on, saying that Kallen has a lost item waiting for her at the service counter. It is a cell phone with a call from Zero (Lelouch), who tells them to get on the 5th Kanjou train line. Scene change to, Jeremiah, who comments on Clovis's memorial to a TV producer (Diethard, you'll see more of him later). He offers Diethard a position in the military but he refuses. Jeremiah then asks him to do the broadcasting of Suzaku's transport to the military courtroom. Diethard accepts. Villetta, the Knightmare Pilot who Lelouch stole the Knightmare from in Stage 2, comments on how some Elevens consider Suzaku as a hero. Jeremiah decides to personally escort him in a Sutherland.

The scene changes, and Kallen is on the train with the other resistance members. She receives a call from Zero, telling Kallen to look to both sides of the train and to tell him what she sees. One side is the Britannian city while the other is the run down city where the Elevens live. Zero then commands the group to head to the first compartment. As they walk by, we see that the people on the train are under the influence of Geass. They arrive, asking Zero a bunch of questions like is he really him and why they were ordered to ceasefire. Zero instead asks them on what they thought about the tour of the city. Ougi assumes he is talking about the gap between the Britannians and the Elevens. Instead, Zero is telling them that they cannot defeat Britannia with terrorism only. He tells them that their enemy is not Brittanians. Rather, it is Britannia and that they should not involve civilians. Kallen and the others demand that Zero takes off his mask since they cannot listen to someone who doesn't show his face. Zero says that he would show them his power instead and asks, if I make the impossible possible, you'll believe me won't you?

"The enemy is not Britannians. It's Britannia!"

- Zero

The Japanese resistance in Kyoto are arguing about Suzaku. They ask their leader Toudou about what he thinks and he tells them that they have no obligation to watch Suzaku's execution. We go to Lloyd, who is visiting Suzaku and telling him that the two people he asked about are not on the casualties list. Lloyd tells Suzaku that there is no one on his side but Suzaku says the courtroom is a place where the truth is revealed. Lloyd, however, thinks that the truth is covered up most of the time. Suzaku then says, if that's really how the world works, I don't want anything to do with it!

It is nighttime, and Suzaku is being transported. There is a huge crowd lined up on the side of the road. Suzaku tied up on the top of a vehicle as he is escorted with several Sutherland surrounding him. The crowd is insulting him. Lloyd and Cecile are in their lab as they discuss how their testimony was dismissed. We are told that Jeremiah has taken control as second in command while Zero is dressing up in his outfit. Some resistance members are shown, saying that there's no way they can do it with 3 people. Ougi is thinking internally about how Zero says he will rescue Suzaku. The escort is continuing as they are interrupted by a vehicle, which appears to be Clovis's personal vehicle. Jeremiah allows that vehicle to pass as he halts the escort's procession.

Kallen is driving the fake vehicle while having some lingering doubts. A flashback occurs, with Kallen, Ougi, and Zero meeting up earlier, at what appears to be sunset the day before. Ougi asks for more time to get the others to come but Zero says two is enough. He tells them to make a replica of Clovis's vehicle. The flashback ends as Kallen stops the vehicle after approaching Jeremiah. Zero is revealed, standing on top of the vehicle. Everyone is surprised as Zero announces, "I am Zero."

Everyone is wondering who he is. Suzaku is wondering if he is an Eleven while Zero says to himself "Suzaku, I will repay my debt to you". Jeremiah then tells Zero that he is finished and commands him to remove his mask. Zero then snaps his fingers, as the gas capsule is revealed to be hiding in a box behind him. Zero is explaining his logic. Jeremiah has not seen the inside of the capsule so he would think that the capsule does contain poison gas. Suzaku tries to speak but his collar thing restrains him.

Jeremiah is frightened as he considers how Zero is taking the Britannian crowd as hostage, without the crowd's knowledge. Jeremiah prepares to shoot Zero as Diethard tries to get sound and close-ups for the TV broadcast. Jeremiah does not want to harm the crowd and asks Zero for his terms. Zero demands an exchange, Suzaku for the poison capsule. Jeremiah refuses, saying that Suzaku is charged with treason for Clovis's murder. Zero tells him that he is mistaken as announces "The one who killed Clovis is me."

Everyone is shocked while Kallen and Ohgi are afraid for their lives. Zero tells Jeremiah that "For the life of one Eleven, you can save many Britannian lives." Zero calls Jeremiah "Orange" as everyone is puzzled again. Zero moves the vehicle forward as his mask opens a slit in his left eye, showing that his Geass is active. He uses Geass on Jeremiah, commanding him to give him Suzaku and to "Let us go, with all your strength!"

Under the influence of Geass, Jeremiah shocks everyone; he commands Suzaku's release as his underlings question his orders. Villetta tries to interfere as Jeremiah stops her personally. The capsule releases a purple gas as the crowd flees in horror. Zero takes Suzaku as he and Kallen jump away. Another soldier, Curel, tries to stop the escape but Jeremiah stops him too, saying all actions opposing his command will be treason.

The other resistance members are seen again as they comment on Zero. Ougi is with them as he comments on how they must acknowledge Zero and how the war on Britannia might be possible with him. Meanwhile, Zero is talking close by with Suzaku, asking him to be his ally. Suzaku doesn't want to join him despite knowing how rotten Britannia is. Instead he explains "That's why I'm going to change Britannia into a worthwhile country from inside out." He adds "I don't think that the end justifies the means."

Suzaku leaves, going to the military trial, which is about to start in an hour. He knows that the trial is rigged but he tells Zero, "If I don't go, the accusations against Elevens and honorary Britannians will begin." Zero calls him an idiot as Suzaku comments on how his friend used to call him an idiot in the past. Suzaku tells Zero that he wants to capture him but he cannot in fear of retaliation. He walks out on Zero, after thanking him for saving his life.

"If I'm to be killed, then I would rather die for the sake of others."

- Suzaku

Back on school ground, Nunnally listens to a news report. Suzaku has contacted the military but there are now doubts on who Clovis's murderer is. Suzaku might be acquitted. The episode ends as the girl from the gas capsule (C.C.) shows up behind Nunnally.

Rating: 4/5

Comments/Review: Suzaku is such a traitor to his own country. As the son of the Japanese Prime Minister, he should be in the resistance rather than fighting to stop it. His plan on changing Britannia is ideal but it will not get very far. Overall, it was a pretty good episode. Poor Jeremiah is now labeled as Orange-kun for the rest of his miserable life. The only thing I don't like about Zero's costume is that the purple in it seems a bit mismatched but I guess the purple is supposed to represent his royal lineage. -ryaiden


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