Ep 2. Until the Sun Rises on the Moon

In Gankutsuou: The Count Of Monte Cristo season 1 episode 2 titled 'Until the Sun Rises on the Moon,' the story continues to develop as the young Viscount Albert and his friend Franz attend the opera. The two are delighted with the performance by the famous singer Peppo and are looking forward to meeting him backstage after the show.

Meanwhile, the mysterious Count of Monte Cristo arrives at the opera accompanied by the alluring but enigmatic Madame Danglars. On their way to their private box at the opera, they cross paths with Viscount Albert and Franz, and the Count immediately recognizes the young Viscount as the son of his old friend, the late General Morcerf. He introduces himself to Albert and makes a striking impression with his charisma and elegant manners.

As the story progresses, the Count of Monte Cristo invites Viscount Albert and his friend to his opulent mansion in the country. The mansion is a lavish and beautiful place, complete with a serene garden and an antique piano. The Count reveals to the young men that he has returned to Paris after traveling the world and has come to settle down. He also reveals that he has a deep connection to the Morcerf family, hinting at a past friendship with the late General Morcerf.

As the night goes on, the three men dine together and enjoy a pleasant conversation. However, things take a dark turn when the Count shows them a bizarre device that he has created. The device is a revolving room that alters one's perception of time, creating the illusion of a much longer period having passed. The Count demonstrates the device, and Franz finds himself trapped inside the room, experiencing hours of disorienting and bewildering images and sensations.

Viscount Albert and the Count are finally able to rescue Franz from the room, but they realize that the Count of Monte Cristo is far from the charming and benevolent man he has seemed. His true motives and intentions are unknown, and he is clearly playing a dangerous game with their lives.

The tension builds as the episode progresses, and the characters' relationships become increasingly complicated and fraught with danger. The visuals of the show are stunning, with intricate costume designs and a dazzling use of color and light. The electronic soundtrack adds a haunting and ominous atmosphere to the story, making it a compelling and memorable experience.

Overall, Gankutsuou: The Count Of Monte Cristo season 1 episode 2 is a captivating installment in this intriguing and stylish anime adaptation of Alexandre Dumas' classic novel. The episode manages to maintain the tension and intrigue established in the pilot while introducing new and fascinating elements to the story. Fans of the original novel and anime enthusiasts alike will find much to enjoy in this episode and the series as a whole.