Cowboy Bebop has been not only a staple for millions of anime fans worldwide but loved by many non-anime fans as well, and for good reason. The story is deep, the character development is top-notch, the soundtrack is stellar and the animation -- although nearly 25 years old -- looks amazing to this day.
So in 2021, when Netflix released a live-action adaptation of the beloved anime, fans were worried -- and these worries, at least in the eyes of many critics, were warranted. Common complaints of the adaptation are that it lacks the soul of the source material, looks cheap at times and can even be too campy. Some praise was given regarding the casting, especially regarding the performances of John Cho as Spike Spiegel and Mustafa Shakir as Jet Black, but after only one season, the Cowboy Bebop live-action series was canceled, with no signs of a season two release despite a fan petition of over 100,000 signatures.
While some of the criticism of the live-action series is deserved, one aspect of the show in particular is a saving grace: the relationship between the crew of the eponymous Bebop. In the anime, the Bebop crew seem more like begrudging partners, in it just for the money or because they have nowhere else to go. Their emotions and secrets are kept close to their chests, unwilling to open up to the ones they live with.
When it comes to the live-action adaptation, some secrets are kept (especially regarding Spike and his history with organized crime), but for the most part, there's more of a sense of camaraderie. The Bebop crew is closer to a family than just partners in bounty-hunting in the Netflix series. It's a dysfunctional family, but a family nonetheless.
A few examples are in order. While starting as enemies who are constantly at each other's throats, Spike and Faye show growth and can be seen enjoying spending time together. The two of them are witnessed exchanging bounty stories and being thoroughly impressed with the work and battle the two of them share.
There's even a humorous scene where Faye, who uses up all the hot water on the Bebop, tells both Spike and Jet that she utilizes the ultimate cleaning method of "shower-bath-shower." At first, Spike views such a waste as the stupidest thing ever, but when he tries it for himself, he comes back to Faye and, like an excited kid, tells her that it's one of the most amazing cleansing experiences he's ever had. To see two usually cynical characters come together over such a simple pleasure is charming in its own goofy way.
As far as the anime is concerned, Jet and Spike have a tenuous partnership at best. However, in the live-action series, although the two of them get into constant arguments, it comes more from a sense of concern than it does pure irritation. Jet seems more like a caring older brother in the Netflix series than an exasperated business partner. Spike and Jet are even shown to share stories about a bounty that has turned into an inside joke -- a moment that the two can reminisce about, sharing a good laugh.
Moreover, in the anime series, Spike keeps his past with the Red Dragon Syndicate as something on the down-low because Spike is trying to run away from his past. In the live-action, however, this is only partially true; the other part comes from the fact that Spike, in his own aloof way, doesn't want to hurt Jet with knowledge of his past dark deeds.
The crew of the Bebop in the Netflix show also show concern for one another's well-being, whether that's during a fight or in a near-death situation. There are even moments where Jet will hatch plans that will, in his mind, reduce any potential damage and save the lives of his crew, such as their fight with the twisted Pierrot le Fou. Conversely, in the anime version, Spike is, for the most part, left to his own devices.
Is the live-action version of Cowboy Bebop flawed? Absolutely. But for all the fast and loose choices it took with its source material, the relationship between the Bebop crew is a welcome change. It's charming to see a crew that, in the anime, could barely stand each other, but who find a sense of family in the live-action adaptation. After all, in a corrupt and dangerous galaxy such as that of Cowboy Bebop, a cowboy needs all the help they can get.