Ep 2. The Awakening White Knight

In Code Geass season 1 episode 2, entitled "The Awakening White Knight," the story continues to follow Lelouch as he navigates his new, hidden identity as the masked rebel leader Zero. After his successful hijacking of the Specially Administrated Zone of Japan's (SAZ) flagship, the ‘The Avalon’, Lelouch finds himself in possession of a powerful new weapon - the experimental Knightmare Frame, Lancelot.

Determined to ensure the freedom of the Japanese people, Lelouch and his new partner C.C., must continue to work towards their goal of toppling Britannia. Meanwhile, Lelouch’s former schoolmate, Suzaku, becomes the new pilot for Lancelot under the command of Princess Euphemia.

As Lelouch prepares for his next move, he hides out in a secret underground hideout with members of the Black Knights, a group of rebels fighting for Japanese liberation. The group is comprised of characters with various backgrounds, including a former soldier and an idol starlet, and they all look up to Lelouch as their leader.

During a televised announcement, the new Governor of Area 11, Clovis la Britannia, reveals a "poison gas massacre" within the ghetto region of Japan. In reality, this was a cover-up for a confrontation between Clovis and Lelouch near the Shinjuku Ghetto, where Lelouch asserts his authority while disguised as Zero.

As the episode continues, the Black Knights work together to take a stand against Britannia’s tyranny, despite Lelouch’s absence. Meanwhile, Suzaku’s allegiance to Britannia is tested as he struggles to come to terms with the truth about his homeland’s actions and the price they have paid for their conquest.

"The Awakening White Knight" is an action-packed episode that showcases the thrilling mecha battles of the series, as well as the political intrigue and moral dilemmas that underpin the story. It also lays the foundation for future conflict, setting up the characters and their motivations for the remainder of the season.

Overall, "The Awakening White Knight" is a strong follow-up to the series opener, delivering on the promise of exciting action and complex characters. It sets the stage for a tense and thrilling ride as Lelouch and the Black Knights work towards their ultimate goal of Japanese liberation.