So, I’ve just finished binging the entire Steins;Gate saga, in this viewing order:
- Steins;Gate episodes 1-22 (at this point, the only anime series I’ve re-watched more times in their entireties are Cowboy Bebop, Cinderella Monogatari, and Code Geass)
- Steins;Gate OVA: Episode 23 (β) – “Open the Missing Link”
- Steins;Gate 0 episodes 1-23 (my first re-watch of it; this time, on English dub)
- Steins;Gate episodes 23-24
- Steins;Gate OVA (i.e. episode 25)
- Steins;Gate: The Movie − Load Region of Déjà Vu
And the experience was just as terrific as I remembered it being for the first time. I
When I first reviewed the original anime series, I called it a “flawed masterpiece.” Part of it because there’s something about it that feels “messy” to me. Now, either there’s a legit flaw with its technicalities that I just couldn’t put my finger on or I’m just not smart enough to follow and piece together everything. It remains my feeling with each re-watch. But at the same time, with each re-watch, it feels more and more of a masterpiece to me. It doesn’t matter anymore if it has a real or imagined flaw. I utterly love it, regardless.
Is it now my most favorite anime ever? Not yet. But it’s getting there.
Gripping storytelling. Lovable characters and beautiful interactions between them. Amazing voice acting (both in Japenese and English). Riotous comedy. Heart-crushing drama. Stimulating romance. Shocking twists and turns. Compelling sound design. Stirring direction. Everything about it is great.
But, I think, a huge reason why it resonates so much is because of the inspiration it can bring. It definitely shares nuggets of life lessons that become more meaningful to us fans as we grow older and become expectedly more and more cynical with the world.
Never give up. No matter how many times you fall, keep on standing back up and continue to press on. Yes, it’s pure motivational cliché. But that’s a message that Steins;Gatesomehow tells with much more impact.
At its core, Steins;Gate is a story of a man who pursues an impossible goal. Along the way, he fails countless times. And these failures aren’t mere setbacks; they’re genuine haymakers that completely knock him down. They are utterly heartbreaking and traumatic. But despite the unimaginable mental agony and emotional distress to him, he grits his teeth and grinds his way toward it. For, first of all, it’s for the sake of the people he loves. And, second, the actuality of its attainment makes the suffering worth it.
Indeed, if there’s one thing we can reflect on from Okabe Rintaro’s arc, it’s this: the journey may be painful and success may seem unlikely, but if the goal is something we truly deem precious, then shouldn’t it be worth struggling and being relentless for nonetheless – especially when it’s noble and out of love? In this case, quitting can never be an option.
Moreover, there are two things that I think serve Okabe well while he’s undertaking such daunting task. First is the fact that he has loyal, loving friends. There are many moments where he succumbs to despair and contemplates giving up – and even does so, a few times. But from his friends, he draws the strength to resume his mission. If it weren’t for them, his resolve would have long expired.
Steins;Gate teaches the importance of showing kindness to everyone, and being there for our friends when they need us. For when we find ourselves on rock bottom, it’s often the people we’ve touched that will also be there to help us back on our feet.
The second thing that has helped Okabe is humor. The seriousness of the situations does get to him. He can’t help it, and it’s only understandable. Nevertheless, it is actually when he maintains his goofy, delusional “Hououin Kyouma” persona that he starts earning wins. It’s probably because it produces in himself a cheery, light-hearted disposition, which in turn fuels optimism and hope in him and in the people around him. And won’t those who have hope in their hearts be able to function better in a hopeless situation than those whose attitude reflects the situation?
Life’s a bitch. As you pursue that important goal, expect life to kick you in the balls. Murphy’s Law will apply. When it rains, it will pour. So, if this is already a given whether you dwell in misery or crack jokes and laugh, then why not opt for the latter? For not only is it more likely for solutions to arise from a positive state of mind, but even if you ultimately go down, at least, you get to have some fun along the way.
But, hey, that’s just me.
El psy congroo!
El psy congroo!
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