Ep 1. At the End of Our Travels, We Meet

In the first episode of Gankutsuou: The Count Of Monte Cristo, titled "At the End of Our Travels, We Meet," we are introduced to the world of the show, which is a futuristic, spacefaring adaptation of Alexandre Dumas' classic novel, The Count of Monte Cristo. The titular character, known as the Count (or Gankutsuou in Japanese), is a mysterious figure who has made a name for himself as a wealthy and powerful man with connections to high society.

The episode begins with the arrival of two young aristocrats, Albert and Franz, to the planet Luna for a visit. The two men are eager to see the sights and indulge in the decadent lifestyle that the planet is known for, but their plans are soon derailed when they encounter the Count. He invites them to a lavish party at his mansion, where the two are immediately taken by his charm and charisma.

As the night goes on, Albert and Franz become increasingly intrigued by the Count, who seems to know everything about them despite never having met before. They also notice that he wears an extravagant and unusual outfit made of shimmering fabric, which they find both fascinating and unsettling.

Meanwhile, we learn more about the Count through a series of flashbacks and conversations with his servants. We see that he was once a humble sailor named Edmond Dantès, who was betrayed and imprisoned for a crime he did not commit. While in prison, he encountered a fellow prisoner who taught him about the power of revenge and the importance of manipulating those around him.

After his escape from prison, the Count began to accumulate wealth and power, using his knowledge of society's secrets to get what he wanted. He also developed a strange and unsettling attachment to the young aristocrat Albert, whom he sees as a symbol of the life he lost.

As the night wears on, Albert and Franz begin to notice some strange things about the party and the guests. They also begin to suspect that the Count may not be the friendly and charming host he appears to be.

The first episode of Gankutsuou: The Count Of Monte Cristo sets the stage for a highly dramatic and engaging series. The animation is beautiful and unique, with a distinctive visual style that sets it apart from other anime. The characters are complex and intriguing, and the story is full of mystery, intrigue, and betrayal. Fans of the original novel will appreciate the nods to the source material, while newcomers to the story will find plenty to be fascinated by. Overall, "At the End of Our Travels, We Meet" is an excellent opening chapter to what promises to be a captivating and thrilling series.