Ep 4. Mother's Secret

In the fourth episode of Gankutsuou: The Count Of Monte Cristo, titled "Mother's Secret", the story takes a dramatic turn as the Count declares war against Baron Danglars, who he believes has wronged him. As the Count begins his plan for revenge, his past is slowly uncovered and it becomes clear that there is more to his story than we first thought.

The episode begins with the Count being invited to a party hosted by Villefort, the prosecutor who had placed him in prison years ago. At the party, the Count meets with Albert's mother, Mercedes, who recognizes him and reveals her knowledge of his true identity. However, she also reveals a shocking secret from her past that could jeopardize everything.

Meanwhile, Albert and Franz attend the party and are introduced to some of the influential people in Parisian high society. However, upon returning home, they find that their families have become embroiled in scandal and political intrigue. The two friends must navigate these dangerous waters, while trying to understand the Count's true motivations.

Throughout the episode, the Count's true identity and motives are slowly revealed. While seeking revenge against those who wronged him in the past, he is also dealing with the emotional trauma caused by his wrongful imprisonment. As the Count's world begins to unravel, it is clear that he is a complex character and not just a simple hero seeking justice.

The animation style of Gankutsuou: The Count Of Monte Cristo is truly unique, using a mix of computer-generated imagery and traditional hand-drawn animation. This gives the show a very distinct look and feel, and adds to the mystery and intrigue of the story.

Overall, "Mother's Secret" is a visually stunning and emotionally charged episode of Gankutsuou: The Count Of Monte Cristo. It is a masterclass in storytelling, as the characters' secrets and motivations are slowly revealed, leaving the audience on the edge of their seats. Fans of the novel or any iteration of The Count Of Monte Cristo will not be disappointed by this captivating anime adaptation.