Ep 12. Diablo

Vash the Stampede is the Humanoid Typhoon, known for the destruction and chaos he leaves in his wake. However, as the show Trigun progresses, we learn that Vash is far more than that: he's a pacifist who tries to avoid violence whenever possible and has a deep-seated respect for all life. Season 1, episode 12 titled "Diablo," showcases Vash's character as he navigates a difficult situation.

In this episode, Vash and his companions, Meryl and Milly, end up in a town that's being terrorized by a group of bandits. The people of the town have hired a skilled gunman named Frank Marlon to take out the bandits and restore order. Frank is a revered marksman who's known to be merciless, but his reputation precedes him. Vash, having heard of Frank's skills, is immediately intrigued and seeks him out to learn more.

As they meet, Vash and Frank engage in a conversation that reveals the stark contrast between their personalities. Frank is a cold-blooded killer who takes pride in his ruthlessness and sees himself as a force for justice. Vash, on the other hand, abhors violence and believes that any life is worth saving. He tries to convince Frank to handle things without resorting to bloodshed, but Frank insists that the bandits won't stop until they're dead.

As the conversation ends, the bandits attack the town once again. Frank and Vash agree to work together, Frank seeing Vash as representing the moral high ground. They split up, with Frank taking on the bandits on the ground and Vash covering from a distance with his trusty revolver, the Angel Arms. When they meet up again, Frank has killed the bandits, and the town is now safe.

However, Vash is visibly shaken by the events that transpired. He knew that he couldn't stop Frank from killing the bandits, even though he tried. This shocks him as he is seen to feel a sense of futility in his efforts to maintain peace through non-violent means. Frank sees Vash's reaction as a form of surrender, which frustrates him as he thinks that Vash could have saved lives if he took life a little less seriously.

The episode ends with the townspeople wondering if they made the right choice in hiring Frank to handle things. Vash, having seen what goes down when people resort to violence, leaves the town, steadfast in his belief that all life is worth saving.

Overall, season 1, episode 12 of Trigun highlights the contrast between the two main characters, Vash and Frank Marlon, and sets the stage for the show's exploration of the dangers of violence. It's an emotionally charged episode that forces the viewer to grapple with difficult questions about how to navigate complex situations, and the lasting impact of resorting to violence.