“Lazarus,” the gripping anime series by Shinichirō Watanabe, continues its thrilling narrative with Episode 9, titled “Death on Two Legs.” As the series races towards its finale, this episode plunges deeper into the conspiracies surrounding Hapna, Dr. Skinner, and the true objectives of the shadowy forces at play. Here’s a detailed recap and analysis of the events that unfolded.
Release and Broadcast Details
Episode 9 of “Lazarus” aired on June 1, 2025, on Adult Swim’s Toonami block at midnight EST. For viewers in Japan, it was broadcast on June 2, 2025, at 11:45 pm JST on TV Tokyo and affiliated networks. The English dubbed version became available for streaming on HBO MAX on June 1st, with the Japanese subtitled version following on June 12th.
A Cold Opening: The Introduction of HQ
“Death on Two Legs” deviates from the usual narrative structure, opening with a mysterious man meticulously enjoying a steak. This man, later revealed to be HQ, emphasizes the importance of perfect protein intake for maintaining his ideal physique. The scene unfolds against a backdrop of urban chaos, as a gunman indiscriminately shoots civilians in the street. HQ remains unfazed, walking through the carnage with an unsettling calm, highlighting his detached and dangerous nature. The sequence concludes with the gunman being swiftly eliminated, hinting at HQ’s lethal capabilities.
The Pentagon’s Inquiry: Lazarus Under Scrutiny
The episode shifts its focus to the aftermath of Team Lazarus’s daring rescue of Christine from her former Russian spy unit. Abel, the NSA director and founder of Lazarus, along with Hersch, face a disciplinary hearing at the Pentagon. Government authorities question the team’s progress in locating Dr. Skinner, especially given the international conflict sparked by Christine’s rescue.
Axel and Doug, meanwhile, engage in a somber conversation about their uncertain future. They suspect that once their mission is complete, they might be eliminated to protect the government’s secrets regarding Skinner and the Hapna drug. This growing paranoia underscores the moral ambiguities and potential betrayals that permeate the series.
Leland’s Betrayal: A Mole Revealed
During the Pentagon inquiry, it’s revealed that Leland is a mole, secretly reporting Team Lazarus’s activities to the authorities. This betrayal adds another layer of complexity to the team’s already precarious situation, as they realize their every move is being monitored and potentially sabotaged from within.
Schneider’s Plot: Hiring an Assassin
Army Intelligence officer Schneider, increasingly aware that Lazarus’s true objective is concealed, decides to take matters into his own hands. He seeks out HQ, the agent for the infamous assassin known as Twin Dragons (Soryu). HQ demands an exorbitant fee and arranges a demonstration of Twin Dragons’ capabilities. The assassin effortlessly massacres a unit of special forces, showcasing their ruthless efficiency and establishing them as a formidable threat.
Skinner’s Announcement: A Countdown Begins
Adding to the urgency, Dr. Skinner releases a new video announcing that he will be the first to die from Hapna in ten days. This declaration injects a renewed sense of urgency into the mission, as Team Lazarus faces the imminent threat of Skinner’s death and the potential loss of any chance to develop a cure.
Christine’s Discovery: A Mysterious Pill
As Christine recovers, she reveals a pill she found in Skinner’s apartment. While its origins and purpose remain unclear, the team suspects it’s connected to the antidote for Hapna. This discovery provides a glimmer of hope amidst the growing chaos, suggesting that Skinner may have left behind clues to counteract the deadly drug.
The Hunt for Axel: A Personal Vendetta
The episode also delves into Axel’s past, hinting at hidden connections and enemies within the government. Schneider, determined to eliminate Axel, uses HQ to hire Twin Dragons, setting the assassin on a collision course with the protagonist. This personal vendetta adds another layer of danger for Axel, who must now confront both external threats and his own mysterious history.
Analysis: Themes and Implications
“Lazarus” Episode 9 masterfully escalates the stakes and introduces new layers of intrigue. Key themes explored include:
- Government Conspiracy: The episode reinforces the idea that Team Lazarus is caught in a web of deceit and manipulation, with powerful figures pursuing their own agendas.
- Moral Ambiguity: The characters grapple with difficult choices, questioning the morality of their actions and the trustworthiness of their allies.
- Personal Sacrifice: The episode highlights the personal sacrifices made by the characters, as they risk their lives and confront their pasts in pursuit of a greater good.
- The Value of Truth: The search for Dr. Skinner becomes a quest for truth, as Team Lazarus uncovers the hidden motives and dark secrets surrounding the Hapna crisis.
Episode 9: “Death on Two Legs” – Key Moments
- Introduction of HQ and Twin Dragons: The episode introduces the lethal assassin Twin Dragons and their agent, HQ, setting up a dangerous new threat for Team Lazarus.
- The Revelation of Leland as a Mole: The discovery of Leland’s betrayal undermines the team’s trust and creates internal conflict.
- Skinner’s Death Announcement: Skinner’s declaration of his impending death intensifies the pressure on Team Lazarus to find him and develop a cure.
- Axel’s Targeted: The focus on Axel’s past and the attempt on his life suggests his central role in the unfolding conspiracy.
Final Thoughts
“Lazarus” Episode 9, “Death on Two Legs,” is a pivotal installment in the series. It sets the stage for the final act by introducing new adversaries, revealing hidden agendas, and raising the stakes for Team Lazarus. As the team races against time to find Skinner and uncover the truth about Hapna, they must navigate a treacherous landscape of betrayal, conspiracy, and personal vendettas. With only a few episodes remaining, the fate of humanity hangs in the balance.
