Episode 12 of Lazarus, titled “Close to the Edge,” throws our protagonists into a desperate scramble as the clock ticks down on Skinner’s apocalyptic threat. With alliances tested, backstories revealed, and the specter of the Ghost Assassin looming, the episode sets the stage for a climactic showdown. Here’s a breakdown of the key events and developments:
Scattered and Wounded
The episode opens with the core team members reeling from the events of the previous episode.
- Axel: Axel awakens in a hospital bed, miraculously alive after being impaled by Soryu, the Ghost Assassin. Chris is watching over him.
- Eleina: Eleina is recovering in Popcorn Wizard’s van, still suffering from the effects of Hapna poisoning. She discovers Doug is still alive.
- Doug: Doug is in a hospital in Islamabad, under surveillance by INSCOM (US Army Intelligence and Security Command).
- Hersch: Hersch is detained by INSCOM after attempting to leverage information about the Arizona Prison experiments.
- Leland: Leland is at Lazarus headquarters.
The team is fractured, and the urgency of their mission is amplified by the rapidly approaching deadline. Only one day remains before Skinner’s cryptic prophecy is set to ignite.
Unexpected Alliances and Revelations
Despite their weakened state, the team presses forward, forging unexpected alliances and uncovering crucial information.
- Popcorn Wizard’s Connection: Lin, also known as Popcorn Wizard, reveals her connection to Skinner. She explains that Skinner saved her people, who were affected by Analgesia (the inability to feel pain), by buying their island.
- Finding Skinner: Lin helps Eleina locate Skinner using his artificial heart. They discover he may be hiding in the homeless camp seen earlier in the series.
- Doug’s Escape: Popcorn Wizard and Eleina help Doug escape from the hospital in a somewhat cartoonish sequence involving a dummy in the bed and a hacked, runaway hospital bed.
- Abel’s Intervention: Abel, the founder of Lazarus, arrives and works to counter INSCOM’s interference, seeking to free Hersch.
Character Moments Amidst the Chaos
“Close to the Edge” takes time to explore the relationships between the characters, adding emotional depth to the unfolding crisis.
- Axel and Chris: In a quiet moment in the hospital, Chris confesses her feelings to Axel and kisses him. Axel reveals that the necklace he wears is a reminder of a group of friends who protected each other, all of whom are now dead.
- Eleina and Popcorn Wizard: Despite being on opposing sides previously, Eleina and Lin form a bond, recognizing their shared goals.
- Schneider’s Downfall: Abel confronts Schneider, and INSCOM’s plans begin to unravel.
The Ghost Assassin’s Grudge
The episode reminds us that the threat of the Ghost Assassin is far from over. He is revealed to be still alive and driven by a personal vendetta against Axel. The assassin’s Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) is revealed, and it’s also revealed that he is part of Project Hundun.
Climax and Cliffhanger
As the episode nears its end, the team closes in on Skinner’s location. Chris and Leland investigate the homeless encampment, while Abel confronts the situation at INSCOM. The episode ends with the promise of a final showdown, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats.
Themes and Analysis
- The Meaning of Lazarus: The episode reinforces the double meaning of the title Lazarus. It refers to the team assembled to stop Skinner and hints at the possibility of resurrection or rebirth.
- Personal vs. Global: The episode highlights the conflict between personal desires and the fate of the world, embodied in Schneider’s willingness to sacrifice the Lazarus team to protect his position.
- Hope Amidst Despair: Despite the grim circumstances, the episode offers glimmers of hope through the characters’ resilience, their newfound alliances, and their determination to fight for a better future.
Season 2?
As of June 2025, there is no official word on a Lazarus Season 2. Given that the series is an original anime, it faces an uphill battle for renewal. Original anime are riskier investments than adaptations, and Lazarus‘s reception in Japan and the West has been lukewarm. However, the involvement of renowned creators like Shinichirō Watanabe and Studio MAPPA could sway the decision. If a second season were to happen, it would likely not arrive before 2029.
“Close to the Edge” serves as a compelling penultimate episode, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion to Lazarus. The episode balances action, character development, and thematic exploration, leaving viewers eager to see how the team will confront Skinner and save humanity from the brink of destruction.
