Cowboy Bebop is exceptional on so many levels and it overshadows probably 99% of every other animated shows out there. In its 25 minute format it, most of the times, builds a complete story arc with emotions, suspense, delightful humor. It is amazing to see that Bebop doesn't go the conventional sci-fi route that focuses mainly on big action sequences, but rather focuses on the universe it builds, it wants to convince us that the rotten, desperate and brutal dystopian future it creates is believable. The western elements from the show like the gun slinging, bounty hunting and the search for a woman stylize the show to the perfect extent, it creates an incredibly inventive and original atmosphere.
And the Jupiter Jazz episodes encompass everything there is to love about the show, they focus on human drama. The sci-fi aspect is never in the spotlight, it's the dark past of the characters, their relationship or hatred. It takes place in an alternate universe, which the show doesn't need to explain, and that is phenomenal. When you as a viewer feel comfortable in this world without knowing all too much, that is where the show shows authenticity, it creates an image of an alternate reality which actually works and it does that by just ignoring it. It is so well designed, from the aircraft to the costumes, that you completely buy into it.
I won't go into details, because I try to keep this 'reviews' as spoiler free as possible, but it is exceptional. We learn a little bit more about Vicious' and Spike's past. For the first time we see that Jet, Faye and Spike really depend on each other. The unfortunately short lived character Gren is probably one of my favorite characters from the whole show. It ends on a very poetic and peaceful note that's being accompanied by probably the most beautiful song in the whole soundtrack, it will give you goosebumps. And there's no need to mention that the soundtrack is just as big of a masterpiece like Cowboy Bebop itself.
This is not just anime. It's superior storytelling and fascinating filmmaking on almost every level. Episodes like this make Cowboy Bebop one of the most enjoyable, human and original shows there are. I'm usually not a big fan of anime shows, but everyone reasonable enough will embrace and love this show just as much as I do.
10/10, it truly is excellent