Is Spike really dead? The writers were clever enough to finalize the series while also leaving it open for Spike's return.
After about four years since the series originated in Japan, and the recent movie taking place before the character separation, I honestly think this is the "end" of Bebop. But it does not have to be. If the series had gained more popularity, it might have been asked to come back for another season. With the way it ended, that could have been possible. Someone could have called an ambulance and Spike would survive, going back onto the Bebop with Jet and Faye. Maybe they would run into Ed and Ein again. Jet did say to "pay close attention" to the last two episodes, close attention to the fact that Spike is not dead, perhaps? They could think up some more bounty hunting stories, but seriously folks, there is no more antagonist. The characters have been developed fully, what more can be done?
I think the way the series ended was proper. How many times did someone end up dying at the end of an episode? It is only fitting that the series ends the same way. All the foreshadowing, all the little hints add up to the fact that Spike will die soon. Yes, he has this ability to live through amazing feats, but this one finally wore him out. He defeated his enemy, got revenge, and gained freedom from his past. He even went out with a Bang, and how many times have you seen people do that?
In terms of those romantics who were hoping that Spike and Faye would get together, well, that would be hard since Spike is dead. Perhaps they could have had something go on between them if Spike had lived, but then again, Faye isn't exactly the type of woman a man wants to come home to. Faye and Jet are a better pair, and with both of them sharing the same experiences with Spike, they will have a bond between them, a bond that will most likely grow into some sort of romantic affection. And frankly, I am glad the viewer does not see this, because Bebop was never a mushy show. It shows the hurt and broken relationships not the happy ones that make viewers want to gag.
Even so, for those of you who still hope that Spike is alive, he could be, but they chose not to tell that story. The point is that all things, no matter how good or how special they are for a time, end. But the memory remains. And doesn't it remain always in the mind of the audience? It sure has remained prominent to me.
Comment by Albert on 9:47 pm 02 Jul 2006:
Hey, Spike could have just fallen asleep. The guy does sleep all the time.Actually, I agree. I feel that the only way the show could have ended was with the death of Spike. That is not to say I was not bummed for the rest of the month. In reference to the possible comeback, if Shinchiro Wantanabe wanted to have an encore, they should make another movie. As you said, the characters are developed, and altough there were action-packed bounty hunts and fantastic chase scenes, the strength of the show lay in that very development.
In a movie however, much more could be done in the way of drawing on flashbacks from the series and introducing some crazy new story, and they could open it with Spike awakening in a hospital bed, hooked up to IVs and breathalizers, with Jet and Faye in the waiting room... Anyway, just a few thoughts. Man, this was a great show.