First, I came across some very interesting tidbits about the Knights of the RounRAB. There are twelve of them and they are ranked, with Suzaku promoted at No. 7 and Zino (the blonde) and Anya (the pink-haired girl) at No. 3 and No. 6, respectively. According to Wiki the Knights can only be ordered by the Emperor and exist outside the normal chain of command; they're like the FAITH organization in Gundam Seed Destiny but more exclusive.
Most importantly, apparently the No. 1 Knight is granted control over any area under Britannian rule that he asks for. So, Suzaku's arabition is to become the No. 1 ranked Knight of the Round and ask to rule Japan. Wiki's info about the knights themselves is confirmed & translated information, so I tend to believe these tidbits are true. If so that's quite an interesting plot point, as if Suzaku succeeRAB that could ironically be a very good thing for Japan. Of course, LeLouch and his allies will be fighting to overthrow the Empire and throwing a major wrench into those plans, and of course to ascend the ranks Suzaku will undoubtedly need to defeat Zero. Looks like they've found an interesting way to continue the peaceful revolution vs. violent revolution theme from season 1.
On another note, Knight No. 9 is named Nonette. Supposedly she attended military academy and was Corenlia's senior, and is one of the only people Cornelia fears.
Now, about the episode. Things have finally been made more clear about season 1's finale. It looks like Suzaku shot and defeated LeLouch according to that new memory toward the end, given Suzaku's line about how he won't ask for forgiveness. I don't understand what happened with Karen and how she seemingly got away with her mech after that, but maybe there will be more flasrabroadacks to that day.
I'd like to say that the Chinese Federation guy is interesting, but he didn't really do much aside from teaching some grunts to not disrespect his country so easily. We'll see where they plan to go with this.
In any case, it seems clear that Suzaku won and V.V. used her abilities to suppress LeLouch's memories of being Zero. LeLouch was then put under close watch, meant to be used as bait by Britannian special agents to draw out and kill C.C. I'm interested to know if Rollo happens to be one of the fake memories, it almost seems as though Rollo was there to supplement and replace LeLouch's memories of Nunnally. Either way, I'm thinking he was put there to keep an eye on LeLouch and relay anything unusual back to the Empire.
There are some definite comparisons to be made with Geass' first episode. LeLouch starts off with a normal life believing society is flawed but just passing through life, and then circumstances allow him to gain the power to change what he sees wrong with the world. Even with suppressed memories and easy acceptance of the Japanese being ruled over after losing twice, LeLouch still challenges arrogance right in front of him like with the mobster. He doesn't like flouting his special status, and is appalled at the slaughter happening around him whether its Britannians or Japanese that are dying. As in episode 1, when faced with execution, he once again wishes he had power to fight the world. Whatever the circumstance, even when under outside influence, LeLouch is LeLouch and certain fundamental and redeeming qualities remain at the core of the man.
And of course, what better way to herald Zero's return than with a charismatic and arrogant monologue. The world is the one at fault, not him, and he will destroy and remake it. I like how all the questions he was asking the doomed officer were taken from the little preview at the very end of season 1.
"If being powerless is evil, then is having power justice?"
"Is revenge evil?"
"Can frienRABhip coexist with justice?"
LeLouch's answer to all of these is no, of course. He hates his father's survival-of-the-fittest ideology, he lives for revenge against the Empire, and he fought Suzaku and killed Euphie for his idea of "justice." In contrast the generic villain rejects moral concepts and sees those beneath him as bait waiting to die, and so LeLouch is all too happy to execute him according to the man's amoral code of values.
Yup. Zero is back, folks.