Ep 4. The Name Is Zero

In Code Geass season 1 episode 4, titled "The Name Is Zero," the viewers are introduced to a character named "Zero." Zero is a mysterious figure who wears a mask and leads a group known as the Black Knights, who are fighting against the Holy Britannian Empire.

The episode begins with a flashback of Lelouch, the main character, and his sister Nunnally's childhood. They are happy playing until suddenly a group of terrorist attacks their home. The terrorist reveals himself as a member of a group that seeks to eliminate all Britannians, irrespective of their age. Lelouch tries to save his sister and himself, but the terrorist is about to kill them when suddenly the terrorist himself is shot by another group of terrorists. The shooter is none other than Zero.

In the present day, Lelouch attends Ashford Academy, and he is shocked to hear the news that the terrorists behind a recent attack on unarmed Japanese civilians call themselves the "Japanese Liberation Front." This news strikes Lelouch as their actions are counterproductive to the popular opinion of relieving Japanese people from their suffering.

Lelouch uses his Geass power to get information about the terrorists from a Britannian soldier. Geass is a supernatural power that enables Lelouch to give orders that others must obey. Lelouch uses this power to learn about the terrorists' next moves.

While watching the news, Lelouch discovers that Zero has appeared publicly and is taking responsibility for the attack. Lelouch realizes that Zero is the person who saved him and his sister from the terrorist all those years ago. He decides to attend Zero's next appearance, disguised as a journalist. He gets a chance to meet Zero in person and learns about his motives and desires. Zero wants to create a Japan where everyone is equal, and the government treats all its citizens fairly, regardless of their origin.

Meanwhile, Suzaku, Lelouch's childhood friend, has joined the Britannian army. He believes that he can change the system from within, but his actions are seen as a betrayal by Lelouch.

Lelouch finds Zero's ideals compelling and decides to join him. Zero tests Lelouch's resolve by giving him a mission. Lelouch has to get information from an influential Britannian noble, who is holding a party. Lelouch's sister, Nunnally, is attending the party, and Lelouch has to make sure that she is safe. If Lelouch succeeds, Zero promises to reveal his true face.

Lelouch attends the party as a guest and meets again with Suzaku, who is providing security for the party. Separated, Lelouch and Suzaku continue their disagreement about their conflicting viewpoint. Lelouch gets the information he needs but is then identified by Suzaku. The two engage in a fight until Zero arrives and saves them both from the troops that have arrived to capture them.

In the end, Lelouch is tangled with fighting for Japanese liberation while protecting the people who matter the most to him. The episode ends with the group already posing a threat to the Holy Britannian Empire. This episode is significant as it sets the stage for Lelouch's character development. Lelouch shifts from being self-serving to having a sense of purpose and duty. Moreover, it showcases Zero's goals and ideals, which will drive most of the episodes in the series.