REVIEW: ‘TRIGUN STARGAZE’ Episode 4 — “From Order to Chaos”

TRIGUN STARGAZE Episode 4, “From Order to Chaos,” sees Vash (Yoshitsugo Matsuoka, Solo Leveling) and his friends catch their breath as they enjoy their reunion. But while they rest, Knives’ minions continue their work to restore their master’s body, which will point them directly at Home.

This episode spends its time introducing new elements and exploring its familiar cast members. This lands the entry firmly in the setup category of episodes, but it delivers this setup with more than enough punch to make it an entertaining journey that distracts from its core nature extremely well. 

On the villain’s side of TRIGUN STARGAZE Episode 4, we learn the details about why the plants are being abducted, as well as introductions to some of Knives’ new minions. These introductions craft a disturbing blend of personalities for the villains.

TRIGUN STARGAZE Episode 4 is a set-up episode more than anything else.

Blood thirsty to the extreme, these characters frequently delight in torture and imbue their scenes with an unhinged quality that is sure to make their confrontations with Vash brutal for the peace-loving protagonist. They seem like the perfect squad to try to push Vash to the breaking point. 

Another intriguing element of this group is the nature of their current activities. That they are sacrificing plants to restore Knives’ body is a choice that the group acknowledges will likely see their leader murder them upon his rebirth, yet they move forward anyway. This level of commitment to their cause, that they would even risk the rage of their merciless master, speaks to a special kind of fanaticism. 

These portents of what this group will bring to the coming conflicts with our heroes reach their zenith when they make their latest smash-and-grab for another plant. The visceral way the human defenders are dispatched is a horrifying moment of wanton cruelty. As the sequence plays out, the brutality escalates, accentuated through the panicked cries of the victims as they are squeezed to a pulp. 

“From Order to Chaos” doesn’t shy away from showcasing violence.

The other half of TRIGUN STARGAZE Episode 4 creates an extreme tonal contrast with the villains’ psychotic behavior. Even as the atrocities play out, we see our protagonists recovering in the quiet beauty of Home’s gardens. Feasting on excellently executed omelet rice from Jessica (Eri Suzuki, Kotaro Lives Alone), the group bonds in ways that are heartfelt and at times playful. 

The warmth of these moments comes with a tinge of pain. While the delicious meal is appreciated, the simple fact that such a basic feast is so eagerly enjoyed speaks to the conditions of the world the show depicts. That anything beyond the most basic necessities is a luxury of the rarest form underscores what humanity goes through just to survive on its unintended home. 

Perhaps the most important element of this side of the narrative will be Vash’s visual transformation. Along with getting his prosthetic arm repaired and his trademark gun returned, Vash gets a new jacket and haircut to freshen his look. These visual changes bring him much closer to the iconic look of the character long-time fans have been itching to see. 

“From Order to Chaos” sets up the horrors that are waiting for our heroes.

As TRIGUN STARGAZE Episode 4 draws to a close, Home comes under attack by Knive’s goons. With Vash’s arm still being repaired, Wolfwood (Yoshimasa Hosoya, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth) steps up to defend the sanctuary from the onslaught that is coming. Given what the episode shows about the power levels and ruthless nature of his foe, one cannot help but worry about the fighter’s welfare. 

TRIGUN STARGAZE Episode 4 sets up its coming conflict by laying out the stakes and introducing new characters. It brings these elements together beautifully, crafting an engaging narrative that makes it perfectly clear what is at stake and the horrors that await the heroes if they fall short of victory.

TRIGUN STARGAZE Episode 4 is streaming now on Crunchyroll.

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