Ep 4. The Scaffold of Counterattack

The Scaffold of Counterattack is the fourth episode of the second season of the anime series, Code Geass. This episode takes place in a world where the Holy Britannian Empire has taken over a significant portion of the world, and Japan, now renamed Area 11, is under their rule. The protagonist, Lelouch Lamperouge, is a former Britannian prince who, after being exiled, has taken on the identity of the masked revolutionary known as Zero.

The episode begins with Lelouch and his allies, the Black Knights, planning their next move against the Britannian Empire. They are aware that their actions have consequences, and it is not just them that will face the repercussions but also the innocent people caught in the crossfire. They carefully consider their options before deciding to carry out a mission to destroy the Sutherland Production Plant, which will help them level the playing field against the Britannian military.

Meanwhile, Lelouch's childhood friend, Suzaku Kururugi, has become a Knight of the Round, the twelve elite warriors who are the most powerful military assets of the Britannian Empire. Suzaku's duty is to capture or kill Zero, his friend turned enemy. In the previous episode, Suzaku had come close to achieving his goal, but he was unable to apprehend Zero due to unforeseen circumstances. In this episode, he receives orders to capture the Black Knights associated with the recent terrorist attacks which have been attributed to Zero.

As the Black Knights proceed towards the Sutherland Production Plant, they are met with resistance by the Britannian military, which has been alerted to their presence. Zero's custom-made Knightmare Frame, Lancelot, engages in an intense battle with the Sutherland's. However, Suzaku arrives and challenges Zero to a one-on-one fight. Though Zero initially escapes, Suzaku manages to corner him. However, before Suzaku can apprehend him, they are interrupted by a third party, who causes Suzaku to withdraw from the battle.

The episode also delves into the psychological ramifications of the characters' actions. Lelouch is forced to confront the consequences of his decision to become Zero and lead the Black Knights' rebellion. Though he is motivated by a desire to help the oppressed people of Japan, he is also aware that his actions could result in more innocent lives being lost. Suzaku is also conflicted, as his duty as a knight is to protect the empire and its people, while his friendship with Lelouch compels him to spare Zero's life.

In this episode, the audience is also introduced to new characters, such as Ogi, an ex-soldier turned member of the Black Knights, and Sayoko, a maid who works for Lelouch's family but is secretly a spy for the Black Knights. The episode also lays the groundwork for future plot developments, as it hints at the presence of a larger conspiracy involving the Britannian Empire's leadership.

Overall, The Scaffold of Counterattack is an action-packed episode of Code Geass, which advances the plot and delves into the emotional turmoil of its main characters. It features high stakes battles and moral conflicts, which make for an engaging viewing experience. The episode's pacing is well-balanced, and it manages to keep the audience invested in the story without letting the action overshadow the character development. It is a must-watch for fans of the series looking for an adrenaline-fueled ride.