View source for Ergo Proxy

{{Short description|Japanese anime television series}}
{{Infobox animanga/Header
|image          = Ergo Proxy Set 1 cover.jpg
|caption        = Cover of the limited edition DVD Set 1 released in 2012
|genre          = {{ubl|[[Cyberpunk]]<ref name="About"/><ref>{{cite web|last=Bonthuys|first=Darryn|title=The Best Cyberpunk Anime for Newcomers|url=https://sea.ign.com/feature/161503/the-best-cyberpunk-anime-for-newcomers|website=[[IGN]]|access-date=September 13, 2020|date=June 27, 2020|archive-date=July 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729021325/https://sea.ign.com/feature/161503/the-best-cyberpunk-anime-for-newcomers|url-status=live}}</ref>|[[Apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction|Post-apocalyptic]]<ref name="Complete-about.com"/>||[[Psychological thriller]]<ref name="Complete-about.com">{{cite web|last=Yegulalp|first=Serdar|title=Ergo Proxy: The Complete Series|url=http://anime.about.com/od/ergoproxy/fr/Ergo-Proxy.htm|website=[[About.com]]|access-date=January 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120830084508/http://anime.about.com/od/ergoproxy/fr/Ergo-Proxy.htm|archive-date=August 30, 2012|quote=What begins as a bleak dystopian noir thriller mutates not just once but several times over—through post-apocalyptic action, psychological-thriller territory, and finally a climactic orgy of destruction.}}</ref>}}<!-- Genres should be based on what reliable sources list them as and not on personal interpretations. Limit of the three most relevant genres in accordance with [[MOS:A&M]]. -->
|creator = [[Manglobe]]
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Video
|type           = tv series
|director       = [[Shūkō Murase]]
|producer       = {{ubl|Akio Matsuda|Satoshi Fujii|Hiroyuki Kitaura|Takashi Kōchiyama}}
|writer         = [[Dai Satō]] 
|music          = [[Yoshihiro Ike]]
|studio         = Manglobe
|licensee       = {{English anime licensee
|AUS = [[Universal Pictures Home Entertainment|Universal]]/[[Sony Pictures Home Entertainment|Sony]]
|NA = [[Crunchyroll]]
|UK = [[MVM Films]]
}}
|network        = [[Wowow]]
|network_en     = {{English anime network
|AU = [[ABC2]]
|CA = [[G4 (Canadian TV channel)|G4techTV]] ([[Anime Current]])
|US = [[Fuse (TV channel)|Fuse]], [[Funimation Channel]]
|ZA = [[Animax#South Africa|Animax]]
}}
|first          = February 25, 2006
|last           = August 12, 2006
|episodes       = 23
|episode_list   = List of Ergo Proxy episodes
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Print
|type            = manga
|title           = Centzon Hitchers and Undertaker
|author          = Yumiko Harao
|publisher       = [[Shogakukan]]
|publisher_en    = 
|demographic     = ''[[Seinen manga|Seinen]]''
|imprint         = Sunday GX Comics
|magazine        = [[Monthly Sunday Gene-X]]
|first           = February 18, 2006
|last            = November 18, 2006
|volumes         = 2
|volume_list     = 
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Footer}}

'''''Ergo Proxy''''' is a [[Japanese cyberpunk]] [[anime]] television series, produced by [[Manglobe]], directed by [[Shūkō Murase]] and written by [[Dai Satō]]. The series ran for 23 episodes from February to August 2006 on the [[Wowow]] [[satellite television|satellite]] network. It is set in a post-apocalyptic future where humans and AutoReiv androids coexist peacefully until a virus gives the androids self-awareness, causing them to commit a series of murders. Inspector Re-L Mayer is assigned to investigate, discovering a more complicated plot behind it that involves a humanoid species known as "Proxy" who are the subject of secret government experiments.

The series, which is heavily influenced by [[philosophy]] and [[Gnosticism]], features a combination of 2D digital [[cel animation]], [[3D modeling|3D computer modeling]], and digital special effects. After its release in Japan, the anime was licensed for a DVD release by [[Geneon Entertainment]], with a subsequent television broadcast on [[Fuse (TV channel)|Fuse]] in the United States. The show was also distributed to Australian, British and Canadian anime markets. Since its release, ''Ergo Proxy'' has received mostly favorable reviews which praised its visuals and themes.

==Synopsis==
{{Main|List of Ergo Proxy characters}}

===Setting===
The series is set in a [[post-apocalyptic]], [[dystopia]]n future. After an [[Environmental disaster|ecological disaster]] thousands of years prior rendered the outside world inhospitable towards life, domed cities were built as safe havens for the population. Inside these domes, one of which is the city of Romdeau (where the series takes place), humans and androids called AutoReivs coexist peacefully. Romdeau's city government adopted a [[Bureaucracy|bureaucracy system]], in which the government is divided between several entities such as the Intelligence Bureau, the Information Bureau, the Health & Welfare Bureau, and the Security Bureau, all under the control of the Administration Bureau led by an Administrator referred to as the "Regent".

The primary AutoReiv types are referred to as either "Companion"—(AutoReivs who physically possess a human-like appearance)—or "Entourage"—(AutoReivs with a robotic appearance)—depending on their role. There are others designed for leisure or combat. AutoReivs seem to be constructed of varying degrees of bio-cybernetic complexity to fit their specific functions. The humans in the city are grown in artificial wombs but are still biologically related to their ancestors. Throughout the series, it is shown that the humans living in the domes believe they cannot reproduce naturally. Likewise, when a new person is grown, they are done so to fulfill a specific purpose, thus ensuring that person's role in society through a "''[[wikt:raison d'être|raison d'être]]''".

===Plot===
A series of murders committed by AutoReivs infected with the Cogito virus (which causes them to become self-aware) begins to threaten the delicate balance of Romdeau's social order. Behind the scenes, the government has been conducting secret experiments on a mysterious humanoid life form called "Proxy"; these beings (often described as god-like and immortal) are said to hold the very key to the survival of humanity.

Re-l (pronounced {{IPAc-en|r|iː|ˈ|ɛ|l}} or "Ree-EL"; also represented by the spelling "R.E.A.L." in the Romdeau citizen database) Mayer, the Regent's granddaughter, is assigned to investigate the murders with her AutoReiv partner, Iggy. She encounters two unknown and highly powerful humanoids. She later learns that these humanoids are the Proxies. The other central character, an immigrant named Vincent Law, is revealed to be connected in some ways with the Proxies. After being hunted down, Vincent temporarily lives in a commune on the outside of the dome. During the massacre of the commune by Raul Creed of the Security Bureau, Vincent leaves the area for Mosk, his birthplace, in an attempt to recover his memories. Re-l later rejoins him to try to discover the truth behind the Proxies and the domes. It is revealed, among other things, that the domes are all created by Proxies and cannot function without their presence within the domes.

==Production==
{{quote box|width=30%|align=right|quote=It is set in the future. A group of robots become infected with something called the Kojiro {{sic}} virus, and become aware of their own existence. So these robots, which had been tools of humans, decide to go on an adventure to search for themselves. They have to decide whether the virus that infected them created their identity, or whether they gained their identity through their travels. This question is meant to represent our own debate over whether we become who we are because of our environment, or because of things that are inherent in us. The robots are all named after philosophers: [[Jacques Derrida|Derrida]] and [[Jacques Lacan|Lacan]] and [[Edmund Husserl|Husserl]].|source=[[Dai Satō]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.japansociety.org/resources/content/2/0/5/4/documents/sato_mcgray%20interview.pdf|title=US-Japan Innovator's Project|work=Japansociety.org|date=November 29, 2005|access-date=June 22, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150226115639/http://www.japansociety.org/resources/content/2/0/5/4/documents/sato_mcgray%20interview.pdf|archive-date=February 26, 2015}}</ref>}}

''Ergo Proxy'' was directed by [[Shūkō Murase]] with Dai Satō serving as chief writer and Naoyuki Onda as character designer.<ref name="production-crew">{{cite news|url= https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2005-11-10/ergo-proxy|title= Ergo Proxy|work= [[Anime News Network]]|access-date= June 22, 2014|date= November 10, 2005|archive-date= July 29, 2021|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210729021328/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2005-11-10/ergo-proxy|url-status= live}}</ref> The anime was originally announced at the MIP TV Trade Show in France as a 23-episode TV series.<ref>{{cite news|url= https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2005-04-19/ergo-proxy|title= Ergo Proxy|work= [[Anime News Network]]|access-date= June 22, 2014|date= April 19, 2005|archive-date= July 31, 2013|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130731013514/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2005-04-19/ergo-proxy|url-status= live}}</ref> Manglobe initially approached Shūkō Murase with a bare-bones vision for a futuristic detective thriller, which included the title, a plot outline for episodes 1–3 and a design concept for Romdeau. Beyond that they let him develop the idea towards a more existentialist slant.<ref name="Murase">{{Cite magazine|last=Wong|first= Amos|title= Profile: Shukou Murase|magazine= [[Newtype USA]]|pages= 50–53|date= December 2006}}</ref>
<blockquote>
"There was almost too much freedom", he laughs. "A show slated to be on a commercial network carries restrictions according to the time slot", he explains. "Sponsors often have requests intended to help propel the work to hit status; and merchandising entails another set of requirements altogether. By comparison, all Ergo Proxy had to deal with was a DVD release and a TV broadcast over a pay satellite channel."<ref name="Murase" />
</blockquote>

When asked about how he devised the title ''Ergo Proxy'', Satō simply replied "[I]t sounds cool".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://themedium.blogs.nytimes.com/tag/japan/?scp=9|title=Ergo Proxy: The Official Language of the Internet|author=Virginia Heffernan|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=March 7, 2008|access-date=June 22, 2014|archive-date=August 26, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826114925/http://themedium.blogs.nytimes.com/tag/japan/?scp=9|url-status=live}}</ref> Murase explained he originally wanted to use the concept of everyone having another self inside of themselves: the idea that there are two personalities inside a person and noted that [[René Descartes]]' phrase "''[[cogito, ergo sum]]''" was the inspiration for it. Satō stated that they originally did not want to explicitly express the concepts of [[Gnosticism]] in the anime. However, their personal beliefs ended up reflecting the ideas of Gnosticism and realized how well these terms fit and decided to use them.<ref name="Mechademia4-interview">{{cite book|date=September 3, 2007|title= Mechademia 4: War/Time|chapter=Interview with Murase Shūkō and Satō Dai|publisher=[[University of Minnesota Press]]|author1=Scally, Deborah|author2=Drummond-Mathews, Angela|author3=Hairston, Marc|pages=330–333|isbn=978-0-8166-6749-9|doi=10.1353/mec.0.0064|s2cid= 121528786}}</ref>

At first they intended to have Vincent as the leading protagonist and Re-l as a supporting character; however, as they fleshed out her character, she became a much stronger character and began to steal the spotlight from Vincent. This gave them the opportunity to split the narrative between the two characters instead of having a single protagonist lead the story.<ref name="Murase" />

==Media==
===Anime===
{{Main|List of Ergo Proxy episodes}}

In [[Japan]], ''Ergo Proxy'' aired on pay-TV satellite broadcasting network [[WOWOW]] from 25 February 2006, concluding on August 12, 2006.<ref name="tv.com">{{Cite web|title=Ergo Proxy Season 1 Episode Guide|url=http://www.tv.com/ergo-proxy/show/67854/episode.html|publisher=TV.com|access-date=21 May 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101225122520/http://www.tv.com/ergo-proxy/show/67854/episode.html|archive-date=25 December 2010}}</ref> ''Ergo Proxy'' was then released by [[Geneon Entertainment]] onto nine DVD volumes from May 25, 2006, to January 25, 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://db2.geneonuniversal.jp/contents/hp0003/list.php?CNo=3&AgentProCon=10238|title=Ergo Proxy I〈初回限定版〉|language=ja|publisher=[[NBCUniversal Entertainment Japan]]|access-date=June 22, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202011354/http://db2.geneonuniversal.jp/contents/hp0003/list.php?CNo=3&AgentProCon=10238|archive-date=February 2, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://db2.geneonuniversal.jp/contents/hp0003/list.php?CNo=3&AgentProCon=10797|title=Ergo Proxy IX〈初回限定版〉|language=ja|publisher=[[NBCUniversal Entertainment Japan]]|access-date=June 22, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202011131/http://db2.geneonuniversal.jp/contents/hp0003/list.php?CNo=3&AgentProCon=10797|archive-date=February 2, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> The series was licensed by Geneon Entertainment for [[DVD region code#Region codes and countries|Region 1]] release, which began on November 21, 2006, and spanned six volumes. The [[Dubbing (filmmaking)|English dub]] of ''Ergo Proxy'' premiered on pay-TV channel [[Fuse (TV channel)|Fuse]] from June 9 to November 24, 2007, in the United States.<ref name="click">{{cite news|title= The Click: June 9–15.|work= [[Anime News Network]]|author= Hanson, Brian|url= https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/the-click/2007-06-09|date= June 9, 2007|access-date= August 16, 2007|archive-date= May 17, 2021|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210517214808/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/the-click/2007-06-09|url-status= live}}</ref> and a complete DVD collection was later released in December 2008.

On July 3, 2008, Geneon Entertainment and Funimation Entertainment announced an agreement to distribute select titles in North America. While Geneon Entertainment still retains the license, Funimation Entertainment assumed exclusive rights to the manufacturing, marketing, sales, and distribution of select titles which included ''Ergo Proxy''.<ref name="Fun-Gen">{{cite press release|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2008-07-03/funimation-entertainment-and-geneon-entertainment-sign-exclusive-distribution-agreement-for-north-america|title=FUNimation Entertainment and Geneon Entertainment Sign Exclusive Distribution Agreement for North America|website=[[Anime News Network]]|date=2008-07-03|access-date=2008-07-22|archive-date=2021-07-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729095535/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2008-07-03/funimation-entertainment-and-geneon-entertainment-sign-exclusive-distribution-agreement-for-north-america|url-status=live}}</ref> As of March 29, 2012, the series has been fully licensed by Funimation and re-released the series under their Anime Classics label on July 3, 2012.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ergo Proxy: Box Set - Classic| date=29 March 2012 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjTPHVz6OOg |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211222/WjTPHVz6OOg |archive-date=2021-12-22 |url-status=live|publisher=Youtube.com|access-date=30 March 2012}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Geneon also released a four-disc complete [[Blu-ray]] box collection on September 25, 2012,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://db2.geneonuniversal.jp/contents/hp0003/list.php?CNo=3&AgentProCon=18036|title=Ergo Proxy Blu-ray BOX [初回限定版]|language=ja|publisher=[[NBCUniversal Entertainment Japan]]|access-date=June 22, 2014|archive-date=August 12, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150812001335/http://db2.geneonuniversal.jp/contents/hp0003/list.php?CNo=3&AgentProCon=18036|url-status=dead}}</ref> and two DVD box collection on September 25, 2012, and August 22, 2012, respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://db2.geneonuniversal.jp/contents/hp0003/list.php?CNo=3&AgentProCon=18069|title=Ergo proxy SET1 <期間限定生産>|language=ja|publisher=[[NBCUniversal Entertainment Japan]]|access-date=June 22, 2014|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304081157/http://db2.geneonuniversal.jp/contents/hp0003/list.php?CNo=3&AgentProCon=18069|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://db2.geneonuniversal.jp/contents/hp0003/list.php?CNo=3&AgentProCon=18134|title=Ergo Proxy SET2 <期間限定生産>|language=ja|publisher=[[NBCUniversal Entertainment Japan]]|access-date=June 22, 2014|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304084615/http://db2.geneonuniversal.jp/contents/hp0003/list.php?CNo=3&AgentProCon=18134|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In Australia and New Zealand, the ''Ergo Proxy'' DVDs were distributed by [[Madman Entertainment]], the first volume released in March 2007. The first volume of ''Ergo Proxy'' was released in the United Kingdom by [[MVM Films]] on August 6, 2007. The English dub of ''Ergo Proxy'' aired on [[ABC2]] (the national digital public television channel) from July 3 to December 4, 2007.<ref name="abc.net.au">{{Cite web|title=Ergo Proxy - Awakening|url=http://www.abc.net.au/tv/guide/abc2/200707/programs/ZY9080A001D3072007T210000.htm|date=3 July 2007|access-date=May 21, 2011|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|archive-date=5 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110305131622/http://www.abc.net.au/tv/guide/abc2/200707/programs/ZY9080A001D3072007T210000.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> In Canada, the English dub aired on pay-TV digital channel [[G4 (Canadian TV channel)|G4techTV]]'s [[Anime Current]] programming block from July 26 to December 27, 2007.<ref>{{Cite web|title=G4 Canada continues exclusive anime programming with six new concurrent series|url=http://www.g4techtv.ca/aboutus/press/p_20070625_release.shtml|date=25 June 2007|publisher=G4 Canada|access-date=21 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110519022441/http://www.g4techtv.ca/aboutus/press/p_20070625_release.shtml|archive-date=19 May 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=G4techTV Canada Continues Exclusive Anime Programming with Six New Concurrent Series|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2007-06-25/g4techtv-canada-continues-exclusive-anime-programming-with-six-new-concurrent-series|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=June 27, 2018|date=June 25, 2007|archive-date=June 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180628065407/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2007-06-25/g4techtv-canada-continues-exclusive-anime-programming-with-six-new-concurrent-series|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Manga===
A [[manga]] spin-off, titled {{nihongo|''Centzon Hitchers and Undertaker''|センツォン・ヒッチャーズ&アンダーテイカー|Sentson Hitchāzu & Andāteikā}}, by Yumiko Harao, was serialized in [[Shogakukan]]'s ''[[Monthly Sunday Gene-X]]'' from February 18 to November 18, 2006.{{efn|The manga was serialized from the March 2006 to the December 2006 issues ([[cover date]]s),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://websunday.net/gx/sakuhin/harao.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070102180928/http://websunday.net/gx/sakuhin/harao.html|archive-date=January 2, 2007|script-title=ja:manglobe＋原尾有美子|publisher=Monthly Sunday Gene-X official website|access-date=June 4, 2015|language=ja}}</ref> released on February 18 and November 18, respectively, of the same year.<ref>{{cite web |script-title=ja:月刊 サンデーＧＸ (バックナンバー) |url=http://www.s-book.com/plsql/com2_magback?sha=1&zname=04125&type=s&keitai=0&page=2 |website=s-book.com |access-date=April 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071014074131/http://www.s-book.com/plsql/com2_magback?sha=1&zname=04125&type=s&keitai=0&page=2 |archive-date=October 14, 2007 |language=ja}}</ref>}} Its chapters were collected in two ''[[tankōbon]]'' volumes, released on August 18, 2006,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ergoproxy.com/release/book01.html|title=Centzon Hitchers and Undertaker|publisher=Ergo Proxy official website|access-date=June 4, 2015|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120910040948/http://www.ergoproxy.com/release/book01.html|archive-date=September 10, 2012}}</ref> and February 19, 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ergoproxy.com/release/book02.html|title=Centzon Hitchers and Undertaker II|publisher=Ergo Proxy official website|access-date=June 4, 2015|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120910040534/http://www.ergoproxy.com/release/book02.html|archive-date=September 10, 2012}}</ref>

===Soundtracks===
{{Infobox album
|name        =Ergo Proxy OST opus01 and opus02
|type        =soundtrack
|artist      =[[Yoshihiro Ike]]
|cover       =
|released    =May 25, 2006 (opus01)<br/>August 25, 2006 (opus02)
|recorded    =
|venue       =
|studio      =
|genre       =[[Anime|Anime Soundtrack]]
|length      =57:00 (opus01)<br/>53:46 (opus02)
|label       =
|producer    =
}}
Two soundtracks of the anime series, titled ''Ergo Proxy OST opus01'' and ''Ergo Proxy OST opus02'', have been released by Geneon Entertainment in Japan on May 25, 2006 and August 25, 2006, respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://db2.geneonuniversal.jp/contents/hp0003/list.php?CNo=3&AgentProCon=10206|title=Ergo Proxy OST opus01|language=ja|publisher=[[NBCUniversal Entertainment Japan]]|access-date=June 22, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202010740/http://db2.geneonuniversal.jp/contents/hp0003/list.php?CNo=3&AgentProCon=10206|archive-date=February 2, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://db2.geneonuniversal.jp/contents/hp0003/list.php?CNo=3&AgentProCon=10369|title=Ergo Proxy OST opus02|publisher=[[NBCUniversal Entertainment Japan]]|language=ja|access-date=June 22, 2014}}</ref> Both soundtracks feature compositions of Yoshihiro Ike. The first soundtrack, ''opus01'', contains several tracks including the opening and ending themes: "Kiri" (by [[Monoral]]) and "[[Paranoid Android]]" (by [[Radiohead]]). The second soundtrack, ''opus02'', was initially packaged with a special edition of the first Region 1 DVD.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2006-11-14/best-buy-ergo-proxy-exclusive-eligible-for-signed-sketch|title=Best Buy Ergo Proxy Exclusive Eligible for Signed Sketch|website=[[Anime News Network]]|date=November 14, 2006|access-date=June 22, 2014|archive-date=February 6, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206214656/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2006-11-14/best-buy-ergo-proxy-exclusive-eligible-for-signed-sketch|url-status=live}}</ref>

{{Track listing
|headline       =Ergo Proxy OST opus01
|title1         =awakening
|length1        =1:46
|title2         =kiri
|length2        =1:46
|title3         =new pulse
|length3        =3:14
|title4         =No. 0724FGARK
|length4        =3:15
|title5         =prayer
|length5        =2:53
|title6         =raging pulse
|length6        =3:26
|title7         =autoreiv contagion
|length7        =2:33
|title8         =Romdo overshadows
|length8        =2:26
|title9         =RE-L124c41+
|length9        =2:55
|title10        =deal in blood
|length10       =3:13
|title11        =wasteland nostalgia
|length11       =4:02
|title12        =vital signs
|length12       =3:11
|title13        =written on clouds
|length13       =3:22
|title14        =WombSys
|length14       =3:22
|title15        =last exit to paradise
|length15       =3:38
|title16        =he the empty
|length16       =2:56
|title17        =Centzontotochtin
|length17       =2:59
|title18        =Fellow Citizens
|length18       =2:46
|title19        =[[Paranoid Android]]
|note19=performed by [[Radiohead]]
|length19       =6:23
}}
{{Track listing
|headline       =Ergo Proxy OST opus02
|title1         =futu-risk
|length1        =2:45
|title2         =mazecity
|length2        =3:02
|title3         =bilbul
|length3        =3:20
|title4         =confession
|length4        =1:55
|title5         =wrong way home
|length5        =2:49
|title6         =busy doing nothing
|length6        =3:22
|title7         =cytotropism
|length7        =3:13
|title8         =angel's share
|length8        =3:15
|title9         =hideout
|length9        =3:01
|title10        =ophelia
|length10       =1:53
|title11        =domecoming
|length11       =3:33
|title12        =terra incognita
|length12       =3:22
|title13        =deus ex machina
|length13       =3:30
|title14        =eternal smile
|length14       =1:57
|title15        =life after god
|length15       =3:14
|title16        =Goodbye Vincent
|length16       =2:49
|title17        =shampoo planet
|length17       =2:28
|title18        =kiri
|note18=performed by [[Monoral]]
|length18       =4:18
}}

==Reception==
''Ergo Proxy'' received mostly positive reviews, with critics praising the series for its intricate visuals, cyberpunk aesthetic and intellectual themes; while criticizing the uneven narrative and its over reliance on philosophical references. ''[[Newtype USA]]'' stated that they were "excited by the premise of the show, which features complex drama surrounding the strikingly beautiful crime investigator Re-l Mayer, and an intricate sci-fi setting, incorporating robots, living in human society and a grotesque array of unique monsters". ''Newtype'' went on to praise the "tremendous supporting cast and carefully woven plot".<ref name="NewtypePreview">{{Cite journal|title=New Anime 2006|journal=Newtype USA|page=51|date=March 2006}}</ref> ''Newtype USA'' featured the first ''Ergo Proxy'' DVD in their "DVD of the Month", describing it as a "show that rewards viewers with a deep, believable, and above all thoughtful sci-fi story instead of simply bashing robots together".<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Gifford|first=Kevin|url=http://www.newtype-usa.com/reviews/index.php?itemid=328|title=Ergo Proxy Volume 1|magazine=Newtype USA|volume=5|issue=11|page=148|date=November 2006|issn=1541-4817|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070105141748/http://www.newtype-usa.com/reviews/index.php?itemid=328|archive-date=January 5, 2007}}</ref> Katherine Luther of [[About.com]] praised it for its cyberpunk themes and mix of 2D and 3D animation as well as its deep psychological storyline, calling it creepy, intense and "edge-of-your-seat-delightful".<ref name="About">{{Citation|last=Luther|first=Katherine|title=Ergo Proxy Series Profile|newspaper=About.com Guide|url=http://anime.about.com/od/ergoproxy/p/ergoproxyprof.htm|access-date=March 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130401183738/http://anime.about.com/od/ergoproxy/p/ergoproxyprof.htm|archive-date=April 1, 2013}}</ref>

THEM Anime Reviews praised the visuals and pacing of the plot while noting that the greatest flaw in the series is that the designs can be inconsistent at times.<ref>{{cite web|first=Aiden|last=Foote|url=http://themanime.org/viewreview.php?id=1377|title=Ergo Proxy|publisher=THEM Anime Reviews|access-date=June 22, 2014|archive-date=June 23, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140623111832/http://www.themanime.org/viewreview.php?id=1377|url-status=live}}</ref> Zac Bertschy of [[Anime News Network]] gave it an overall score of B+ and criticized the characters, stating "It's an unfortunate stain on an otherwise excellent series." However, he praised the animation stating "The backgrounds in particular are breathtakingly detailed and beautiful, which is a surprise given the bleak, dystopian surroundings"<ref name="ANN review 1">{{cite web|first=Zac|last=Bertschy|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/ergo-proxy/dvd-1|title=Ergo Proxy DVD 1: Awakening|website=[[Anime News Network]]|date=November 10, 2006|access-date=June 15, 2011|archive-date=May 11, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511151201/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/ergo-proxy/dvd-1|url-status=live}}</ref> Carlo Santos, also from Anime News Network, criticized the middle and ending of the anime, stating "Some of the middle episodes fall back on experimental gimmicks and fail to advance the story, while the finale becomes a towering mess as it desperately tries to resolve every single plot point. Even the animation has embarrassing moments of inconsistency." However, Santos continued to state "for trying so hard to scale the heights of a difficult genre, ''Ergo Proxy'' still deserves credit. It accomplishes more than most other anime series ever hope to, flaws and all."<ref name="ANN review complete">{{cite web|first=Carlo|last=Santos|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/ergo-proxy/dvd-complete-series-anime-classics|title=Ergo Proxy DVD - Complete Series [Anime Classics]|website=[[Anime News Network]]|date=September 11, 2012|access-date=June 28, 2014|archive-date=September 19, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140919142419/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/ergo-proxy/dvd-complete-series-anime-classics|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[IGN]] contributor D. F. Smith reviewed the series DVD box set in 2008, giving the series a 7.0 out of a possible score of 10. Smith overall found the visuals, music and voice acting of ''Ergo Proxy'' to be exceptional, but stated that the overall story was too complex and relied too heavily on philosophical references rather than a strong narrative. In conclusion, D. F. Smith wrote "''Ergo Proxy'' isn't without its share of disappointments, but even so, it has a heck of a lot going for it. What it lacks in the way of a truly gripping, involving story, it makes up for in part with a powerful soundtrack, some powerful visuals, and the occasional powerful insight. If those are the sort of things you go to Japanese animation looking for, you might not find this series disappointing at all".<ref>{{cite web|last=Smith|first=D.F.|title=Ergo Proxy - The Complete Box Set|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/11/11/ergo-proxy-the-complete-box-set?page=2|website=ign.com|date=11 November 2008|publisher=IGN|access-date=7 June 2016|archive-date=8 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808024047/http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/11/11/ergo-proxy-the-complete-box-set?page=2|url-status=live}}</ref> Another IGN columnist, Ramsley Isler, placed ''Ergo Proxy''{{'}}s opening as the 10th greatest anime opening. Isler praised the opening's use of dark visuals juxtaposed with the opening theme song's optimistic tone, comparing it to a [[Nine Inch Nails]] or [[Lifehouse (band)|Lifehouse]] music video.<ref>{{cite web|last=Isler|first=Ramsey|title=Our 10 Favorite Anime Openings|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/01/25/our-10-favorite-anime-openings|website=ign.com|date=25 January 2014|publisher=IGN|access-date=7 June 2016|archive-date=9 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160609002837/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/01/25/our-10-favorite-anime-openings|url-status=live}}</ref>

On June 12, 2015, the [[Chinese Ministry of Culture]] announced that they had listed ''Ergo Proxy'' among 38 anime and manga titles banned in China.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sbs.com.au/popasia/blog/2015/06/12/china-bans-38-japanese-anime-manga-titles-including-attack-titan|title=China bans 38 anime & manga titles including ''Attack on Titan''|publisher=[[Special Broadcasting Service]]|date=2015-06-12|access-date=2018-08-31|archive-date=2018-08-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831174910/https://www.sbs.com.au/popasia/blog/2015/06/12/china-bans-38-japanese-anime-manga-titles-including-attack-titan}}</ref>

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Wikiquote}}
* {{Cite journal|last=Jackson|first=P.|doi=10.1353/mec.0.0080|title=Paradise Lost . . . And Found?|journal=Mechademia|volume=4|pages=315–318|year=2009|doi-access=free}}
<!-- * [http://www.ergoproxy.com/ ''Ergo Proxy'' Official Website (Japanese)] -->
* {{Official website|https://www.funimation.com/shows/ergo-proxy/|''Ergo Proxy'' official website at Funimation}}
* [http://www.myspace.com/relmayer Geneon ''Ergo Proxy'' MySpace (English)]
* {{IMDb title|0791205}}
* {{Anime News Network|anime|5115}}

{{Manglobe}}
{{Monthly Sunday Gene-X}}
{{Authority control}}

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