Netflix’s Cowboy Bebop ends with a rather shocking twist, one that completely changes Spike and Vicious’ story. The penultimate episode of season 1, “Supernova Symphony”, mirrors the events of “Ballad of Fallen Angels” to a certain extent, but does not follow through in terms of Spike Spiegel’s fate. In the anime, Spike’s existence comes to a bittersweet end, whilst resolving key plotlines revolving around Vicious, Julia, and the Syndicate. This marks a significant departure for the live-action spin-off.
These artistic decisions stem from a range of factors, starting from the live-action’s format of continued seasons to the need to introduce fundamental changes to key characters. The greatest change in terms of character motivation and arc is how the live-action presents Julia, along with her actions that impact the overall ambit of the storyline. Julia in Netflix’s Cowboy Bebop is not only more integral to the plot but also harbors motivations that differ greatly from her anime counterpart.
While Spike and Vicious’ rivalry, in many ways, forms the frenetic core of Cowboy Bebop, the original anime was primarily about capturing the essence of a vagabond existence lined with sprezzatura and ennui. This element of “easy come, easy go” is essentially absent from the live-action, as it is framed more along the lines of a fast, action-filled extravaganza. Here are some of the ways in which the ending dramatizes several character traits, while also completing changing and subverting complex and established storylines.
The Absence of the Syndicate Power Tussle in Spike & Vicious’ Relationship
While Julia was the seminal reason behind Spike and Vicious’ rivalry, the Syndicate power tussle contributed greatly to the growing divide between the two. Although the anime does not reveal too much about how Spike and Vicious meet, it establishes the fact that despite having worked together as partners for years, Vicious’ ruthless cruelty gradually alienated Spike. Never aspiring to covet power or influence, Spike believed in a certain set of personal principles, which is also reflected in the live-action, such as when he tells Vicious he would never harm a child. Both in the anime and the live-action, Vicious is hungry for power, eager to rise up the ranks of the Syndicate and eradicate anyone who stands in the way. However, Vicious in the live-action is more of a coward, hiding behind the accomplishments of better men and aching to take over with brute force.
Moreover, unlike Vicious in the anime, who considered Spike a threat to his claim to the top, Vicious in the live-action only wishes to kill Spike out of feelings of frustration, inadequacy, and spite. In Cowboy Bebop episode 9,“Blue Crow Waltz”, Vicious and Spike are extremely close, sharing an almost-familial bond, wherein Spike is ready to take the fall for Vicious’ transgressions on more than one occasion. While their mentor Stax wishes Vicious to take over as Capo, he is acutely aware of his tactless and volatile nature, trusting the level-headed Spike to reign him in when things go awry. Keeping this in mind, there is no true conflict between Spike and Vicious, as the former is hardly interested in power, and seems genuinely supportive of his friend’s potential ascension. The only bone of contention between the two is Julia, who Vicious views more as a possession than a human being deserving of freedom and making her own choices.
How Julia’s Direct Involvement Impacts The Show’s Central Rivalry
In the original Cowboy Bebop anime, Julia makes the choice of going into hiding rather than seeing Spike dead, sacrificing her chance of a life with him and her freedom to live life on her own terms. While it is hinted that Vicious and Julia potentially shared an intimate relationship at some point, she never chooses either of the men in the end, although she had decided to leave the Syndicate with Spike. However, in the live-action, Julia is forced to stay with Vicious the night she chooses to run away, and Spike’s death cements her fate to endure his abuse over the years. This makes her an active part of Vicious’ desire to take over the Syndicate, as her actions are fueled by the need to be free of his abusive hold. Julia hatches a master plan for the coup, shrewdly making a side deal with Mao Yenrai to have Vicious killed instead. Unfortunately, the plan fails, prompting her to take drastic measures to ensure her freedom.
A series of events lead to Spike, Vicious, and Julia meeting at the church, which is a radical departure from the tone of the anime. Spike and Vicious’ clash in the church was originally a culmination of their long-standing anger towards one another, wherein both men were forced to live life without the woman they loved - Julia. There is no sense of shared loss between the two in the Netflix adaptation, as Spike simply wishes to punish Vicious for having attempted to kill him 3 years back and putting Jet’s daughter, Kimmie’s life in danger. On the other hand, Vicious is drunk on his recent victory over the Elders of the Van, wishing to put an end to what he started, egged on by misguided jealously and the fear of losing his golden girl, Julia. With Julia arriving and shooting Spike instead, Spike’s trajectory changes drastically, especially when Julia’s words utter “it’s time to wake up”, subverting their original meaning in the anime.
An Inevitable Entanglement of Fates - Spike, Vicious, & Julia in Season 2
Any potential Cowboy Bebop season 2 will be continuing the tale from where it is left off, with Julia assuming control of the Syndicate and Vicious being chained by her, at her mercy. This dynamic has never been explored before in the original, paving way for interesting plotlines that might further complicate Spike’s role in the grander scheme of things. While it is justified for Julia to covet power after being subjected to years of helpless resignation, it is utterly cruel on her part to punish Spike for her circumstances, putting a bullet into the fabric of what they shared. The moment Julia shoots him, the audience experiences the death of Spike Spiegel’s deepest hopes and dreams, rendering him broken on a more fundamental level due to this ultimate betrayal. On the other hand, Vicious’ fate remains uncertain, and it is unlikely that he will not attempt to reclaim the throne or challenge Julia’s newfound authority. It also remains to be seen how Spike will cross paths with the two again, and how things will play out amidst the fact that each one of them must carry that weight.