In 2024, a new sequel to the legendary Code Geass franchise quietly arrived. If this is the first time you’re hearing about it, you’re not alone. Code Geass: Rose of the Recapture flew under the radar for many fans, largely because it released exclusively on Disney+.
But limited availability isn’t the only reason this sequel didn’t explode in popularity. While the series has strong ideas, memorable action, and an interesting new cast, it also suffers from one major flaw: it simply didn’t get enough time to tell its story.
What Is Code Geass: Rose of the Recapture About?
Rose of the Recapture is a 12-episode sequel series that takes place after the Code Geass movie trilogy and Lelouch of the Resurrection. The world has changed, but not completely healed. While the Britannian Empire is gone, a new threat called Neo Britannia has taken control of Hokkaido, throwing part of Japan back into chaos.
The story follows Sakuya Sumeragi, the daughter of former governor Jugo Sumeragi and Sherry V. Britannia. After surviving Neo Britannia’s takeover, she hides her identity by disguising herself as a boy named Rose. To fight back, she joins the resistance and works alongside an elite pilot named Ash.
Like Lelouch before her, Sakuya wields Geass, the terrifying power that allows her to give absolute commands.
The Relationship That Carries the Series
One of the strongest parts of the show is the relationship between Rose and Ash. Early on, it’s revealed that Ash was the first person Sakuya ever used her Geass on. He caught her fleeing her home after her father’s death, and she controlled him in order to escape.
Here’s the twist: Sakuya plans to use Ash’s skills to fight Neo Britannia—and kill him afterward to avenge her father.
This creates a tense, emotionally charged dynamic that feels very much in the spirit of classic Code Geass. It’s tragic, complicated, and full of moral conflict. For fans who enjoy enemies-to-lovers stories or intense character bonds, this relationship is easily the heart of the series.
What About Lelouch?
For many fans, Lelouch not being the main character is a dealbreaker. And that reaction makes sense. Lelouch is iconic.
However, keeping him out of the spotlight is likely the right choice. His original ending was powerful, and turning him into the lead again could have undone that impact. Instead, Lelouch appears briefly, acting as a catalyst rather than the focus.
This allows the new cast to stand on their own, rather than constantly competing with characters whose arcs were already completed.
Action, Music, and the New Mecha Style
Ash serves as the series’ ace pilot, and his combat scenes are some of the best in the show. His fighting style is fast and aggressive, and the music that accompanies his battles is used sparingly but effectively.
The Nightmare Frames are now largely CG, which can be hit-or-miss in anime. Here, it mostly works. The CG allows for smoother movement, faster choreography, and more dynamic camera angles. Some enemy designs are overly detailed and feel out of place, but the main units—especially the Apollo—avoid that problem by keeping their designs clean and readable.
Overall, the CG is a net positive and helps the action feel fresh.
The Biggest Problem: Too Few Episodes
The show’s biggest weakness is also its most obvious one: 12 episodes isn’t enough.
There’s barely time to explore:
- How Neo Britannia formed
- How the massive barrier around Hokkaido works
- The political consequences of isolating an entire region
- The technology behind the new weapons and Nightmare Frames
None of these ideas are bad. They’re just underexplained. The story keeps all the important moments but cuts out the details that would normally give the world depth and clarity.
This series needed 24 episodes, minimum.
A Familiar Sequel Problem — Handled Better Than Most
The return of a defeated empire and the appearance of new super-weapons may remind viewers of The Force Awakens. The difference is that Rose of the Recapture doesn’t erase the original story’s accomplishments.
The Britannian Empire is still gone. The Black Knights still exist. The world Lelouch fought for largely remains intact. Only Hokkaido has fallen backward, even if the show doesn’t fully explain why.
While unanswered questions are frustrating, they’re still better than bad explanations that undo past character growth.
Final Verdict
Code Geass: Rose of the Recapture is a series full of strong ideas that never get enough room to breathe. The action is exciting, the music is memorable, and the core relationship between Rose and Ash is genuinely compelling.
Despite its flaws, it’s good enough to rewatch—and good enough to leave you wondering what it could have been with more time.
If you enjoy emotionally complex stories, intense rivalries, or shipping-heavy dynamics, this sequel is absolutely worth checking out.
