Even the staff behind Cowboy Bebop pushed again on his end

In the identical interview with DT, Watanabe said that he’s uncertain whether or not Spike was useless or alive, which additional provides to the open character of the ending:

“I by no means formally mentioned he’s useless. At this level I can inform you I’m undecided if he’s alive or useless. I believe so, relatively than being shouted at for killing Spike , I believe … individuals are extra upset that I may be making a sequel. “

Though Watanabe declined to present a agency reply about Spike’s demise, there are particular key phrases and thematic parallels to regulate through the scene. The white doves resemble these flying upward when Spike sees Julia die in his arms, additional enhancing his existential ennui and breaking all needs to reside a full, significant life. Spike’s demise is undoubtedly outrageous to “Cowboy Bebop” followers, however his destiny was all the time linked to Julias and Viciouss, which introduced issues into orbit from a story standpoint.

Subsequently, it’s positively a stomach-churning ending, however it’s one which sums up what Spike stood for all alongside. A damaged coronary heart, green-haired bounty hunter, with the enjoyment of life disadvantaged of him, existed in a state of limbo till he needed to do what wanted to be finished. We all the time have to hold that weight – the one which comes with killing our darlings.