Cowboy Bebop and The West

We are finally cowboys.
Cowboy Bebop is a mishmash of genres and styles from film, art and music. One of the most prominent is the classic Hollywood Western, so I scrambled some eggs to try and make that mean something.
Twitter - / steakbentley
Patreon - / steakbentley
FULL TRACK LIST:
jeb bush equals my nuts - sluggerville louis
Coler of the Wind - Bizen
Go Go Cactus Man - The Seatbelts
Muladhara - Shoji Meguro
N.Y. Rush - The Seatbelts
left handed shoota - sluggerville louis
清水 嶺 - Night bard
Digging my Potato - The Seatbelts
American Money- The Seatbelts
Welcome to this Lateshow(メインメニュー) - 来兎
NITORI IN JAZZ - SOUND HOLIC feat. Swing Holic Band
Jake Marshall ~ Vagabond Detective from the Wild West - Masakazu Sugimori
Swamp Stage - Tetsuya Shibata
We Are Finally Cowboys - Masafumi Takada
タイトル未定 - 紅い流星
Ask DNA - The Seatbelts
Gotta Knock a Little Harder - The Seatbelts
Cats on Mars - The Seatbelts
SOURCES:
Murdoch, David Hamilton. The American West: the Invention of a Myth. University of Nevada Press, 2001.
“32483b: Ronald Reagan Presidential Library - National Archives and Records Administration.” 32483b | Ronald Reagan Presidential Library - National Archives and Records Administration, www.reaganlibrary.gov/researc....
Staff, PopMatters. “West By East By West: The Influence of Kurosawa on the West and Vice Versa.” PopMatters, PopMatters, 25 Feb. 2018, www.popmatters.com/131926-wes....
Schatz, Thomas. “Cowboy Business.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 10 Nov. 2007, www.nytimes.com/2007/11/10/ma....
Nodjimbadem, Katie. “The Lesser-Known History of African-American Cowboys.” Smithsonian.com, Smithsonian Institution, 13 Feb. 2017, www.smithsonianmag.com/histor....

[@werewolfbf]

"More often than not, the message doesn't seem to be, 'Be honest with yourself about your emotions. Vulnerability is worth it.' Because the characters aren't rewarded for that vulnerability. Instead, the message is, 'You are vulnerable. It's not a choice.' No matter how tough you are, you have a squishy human heart. Sooner or later, you are going to lose someone and you're going to be pretend it doesn't hurt. But it will. The way you handle that is not swallowing your emotions, it's accepting and processing them. And maybe you won't be able to move on, and if that's the case, See you Space Cowboy."

[@docteroh]

And when you do move on, you aren't free. That pain will always be there in you. You're gonna carry that weight.

[@Dibbz_TV]

Exactly ❤ The theme is a somber one

[@finnanimator1699]

I LITERALLY WAS JUST IN THAT PART WHEN I READ THIS

[@nyetloki]

Okay Misato shuttttup

[@KVKomics]

you are like me

[@EthanBolli]

Metal Gear Solid 4 was a Mistake Was released 1 year ago, I C H E C K E D

[@Exigentable]

Time to rewatch the entire thing for the 6th time I suppose

[@michaelbrister6856]

@@Exigentable I'm really glad to see this and that I'm not the only one that watches that video periodically

[@fatboyvladimir1555]

@@michaelbrister6856 at least once a week for me

[@Sifeus]

It's a VERY good video for leaving on and playing a relaxing game.

[@tehcrazGaming]

@@michaelbrister6856 I watch it like once a week. Taking out the subject, that is an example of script writing and editing that is near unparalleled in the essayist world.

[@jackpollard550]

“I’d like to talk about Spike’s third rival. That’s right - **SOLIDUS SPIKE**”

[@MrSpontanicus]

"Surely the Light Yagami of appreciating electro swimg" Has got to be one of the best lines I've ever heard in a youtube video.

[@8ball279]

I wish I had a mini steak to talk media with 24/7

[@tezpokemonmaster]

made me laugh out loud

[@shiromakoto]

Fuck, I did not expect that line and I just lost it when I heard him say it

[@achocolatephilosophy]

I can smell the microwavable tater tots from here

[@arthurduncan5838]

I don’t get it , can someone explain ?

[@anon2234]

Steak the world needs you man. Talk about some stuff some more, we'll listen.

[@zayannajam6691]

give him a full year bro

[@m00se37]

He could talk about his favorite porn for 4 hours and ill listen.

[@w3tmonkeykingofnothing5]

@m00se for sure I'll be there

[@ThatGamerDude9000]

@@zayannajam6691 it's been a full year. I need my fill of Steak.

[@LAK_770]

He really is the absolute best out there. I've seen ALL the long form video essay shit out there, and nobody talking about anime/video games is as intelligent or as funny as Steak. He's like the cool older brother of anime youtubers. He's the Moby Dick of youtubers.

[@ToonCrate]

It's not 3.5 hours long? 0/10 My whole year is ruined

[@Abdega]

And my disappointment is immeasurable

[@mastermeme]

Real shti

[@dracodeanglicus3857]

*_JAJAJAJAJA!!!_*

[@MetalUpYourAss441]

2020: Haha, how cute!

[@caseywest9668]

@@MetalUpYourAss441 lol came here to post this shit.

[@dantevitale5714]

Someone please tell me how this guy isn't a professional? You're not allowed to throw out the line "surely the Light Yagami of appreciating elctro-swing" and then just not become a sensation. Plus the entire MGS4 video that I've watched in it's entirety like 6 times because it's so fucking incredible and well written and actually funny and there are honest nuanced opinions. It's incredible

[@prospect8245]

His commentary is probably the best I've seen on youtube and his witty humor makes his videos so addictive. I also find myself rewatching the MGS4 video every few months, I must've watched it about 6 times myself too

[@Cute___E]

@@prospect8245 What happened to him? Is there a reason he stopped posting?

[@prospect8245]

@@Cute___E He kinda mentions it at the start of this video but nothing concrete. I aasume just life stuff.

[@Guitar-Dog]

Not watched this guy before but I like longform stuff, will check out those vids in bed tonight.

[@mercury2157]

"THANKS NETFLIX. CAN'T WAIT FOR 45 PERCENT ON ROTTEN TOMATOES." Congratulations, you're a prophet.

[@The-Big-Boss]

It's not hard, its Netflix they don't know what they're doing either.

[@Astral_Armadillo]

Kept us waiting huh?

[@Toanon]

It’s kinda odd how for as often as I see people discussing Cowboy Bebop, I never see people talk about the actual COWBOY aspect of it. I mean it’s in the title of the show. So this is a refreshing video to see. I liked your MGS4 critique and seeing this was a pleasant surprise in my notifications.

[@sam4744]

True, pretty much every video essay channel, even Wisecrack, have only focused on the themes of loneliness and existential dread of the series without ever talking about the themes and influence of the American Western. Also he does a good job at explaining the origin of the Western and the realities of it. This vid is half history lesson and half anime deconstruction and it's done well.

[@UnitingMilk]

I just finished Cowboy Bebop again tonight for the first time since I was like 14 and I can't believe how much that series affected me now that I'm older. This video essay really pushed me to give it a second watch and really made me think about a lot of new things that I wouldn't have!

[@djobnoxious6407]

Keep reading the classics, young person :3

[@joshuam2714]

As of the live action's release it sitting at 48% on rotten tomatos... This dude saw the future 2 years ago, come back dude!

[@nullskull6860]

bro he's a time traveler

[@matthewgallaway3675]

You don’t need to see the future to know that a live action adaptation of an anime defaults to bad

[@nullskull6860]

@@matthewgallaway3675 i mean like it could be done but not with the lack of talent in hollywood rn.

[@matthewgallaway3675]

@@nullskull6860 I don't have the hope you do. I can't see it as a possability. Also I don't know if that show was made by hollywood or anyone in california?

[@nullskull6860]

@@matthewgallaway3675 eh it's all connected. when i say hollywood i mean the entire american industry

[@AstroNotTheBoy]

You're a loose cannon steak. But by god do you get results.

[@bligaderski]

He’s the best operative there is.

[@chichichichilling4822]

Lmao best way to describe him

[@viljamtheninja]

"Surely the Light Yagami of appreciating electro-swing" is the Dark Souls of self-identification.

[@arthurduncan5838]

I don’t get it

[@cyan.6399]

@@arthurduncan5838 the joke is that gaming critics really like relating everything to dark souls if it is difficult, which is a nonsensical comparison. so, it's a joke where a nonsensical comparison is made to a nonsensical comparison

[@AndTheStoryGoes]

Underrated comment

[@KnjazNazrath]

Finally, someone having a go at Bebop without using the whole "Spike is cool, also sadness" angle. Good stuff.

[@alpaslanpata6657]

Ed's fathers name is a play on "Afedersiniz hesap lütfen" which means "excuse me check please" in Turkish. Fitting, considering the fact that the guy constantly forgets his assistants name, names his daughter Edward, and calls her Fransoise when they meet in the episode. The anime has many little surprises here and there like this and this is what makes it so special. It is definitely a classic.

[@BTCforlife]

Françoise was Ed's real name. The name she gives the crew is one she made up herself.

[@alpaslanpata6657]

@@BTCforlife Does'nt matter. It still shows the attitude of that family towards names. They do'nt care or give any importance to names.

[@Exigentable]

Steak, my main man, thank you for this 40 minute treat

[@beepbeep2174]

Dad is back. And kino is back on the menu.

[@mugsmcratmin6842]

That's so raw that I turned into a skeleton

[@PKMidori]

"Many grow out of this, most don't. I didn't." I felt that.

[@michaelr.4406]

I jut want to say that your essays on MGS4 and Cowboy Bebop are fantastic. I watch a lot of video essays on all sorts of topics but I think these two alone place you among the best. I'd ask for you to do more work but maybe it's for the best you do this stuff at your own pace because it clearly pays off, so I'll just say I hope you can produce more works on this level in the future. If not, thank you for what you have produced; It's a real treat what you put together here.

[@bligaderski]

I watch a lot of essays too and you’re right. He’s up there with the best and we miss him but I hope this king is well.

[@ProfessorViral]

Honestly, thank you for this video. For years now I've been more caught up on the existential finale of the series, and the blending of the everyday menial lives and deep backstory of the main four. This was so prominent to me, I didnt even look for more out of the series. I'd never have given a second thought to Andy, or Hex, or how any of the others played into the greater themes, outside of maybe Vicious. As someone struggling with my own sense of my ideal self and life versus the real, the latter portion was especially poignant. Seeing such a deep love and understanding for a series, and respective video, honestly always inspires me to keep at it myself, and shows me an even higher goal to strive to. It's great to see another video from you, especially one that could give me an even greater respect and love for an all time classic

[@zaep2791]

A year since this released. Gonna chronically watch this like I do 'Metal Gear Solid 4 was a mistake' on a semi-nightly basis. Heh. 'Semi'.

[@ZLFT]

Where is he tho?!?

[@rickardkaufman3988]

@@ZLFT He's still active on Twitter.

[@fancycrafts7774]

I don’t think Ed and her dad are oblivious at all. They’re solid, and they know what they value. Where the other characters go with the flow of the world (water), they stand their ground (stones).

[@Luisfagostini]

Listening to this while shaving my balls made it a much more wholesome experience for me

[@cyan.6399]

you shaved your balls for 40 minutes?

[@sam4744]

THANK YOU, for being the only person to say that Lupin the 3rd was a direct influence to Cowboy Bebop.

[@cabnbeeschurgr6440]

Spike is somewhere in between lupin and goemon with a big side of apathetic depression

[@riftster313]

Only one edit- The host from Big Shot? His Mom moved in with HIM-- not the other way around. Their whole initial exchange was about how she felt guilt/shame bc her Son had't found a new job yet, and she didn't want to burden him... Aside from that minor caveat, this is one of the best and most in-depth synopses of CB I have ever heard/seen. GREAT work, Steak !

[@cabnbeeschurgr6440]

Point still stands, he's a human being not just a goofy bit for the show.

[@NelsonStJames]

Who would have thought somebody could have something new to say about Cowboy Bebop in 2019 (40 minutes worth), and still keep me completely interested? Salud Dude!

[@jaimedeleon1194]

That was glorious! I'm gonna replay this on my television with a bunch of friends and count the number of times they talk over it and miss the point

[@brentmessina7016]

I'm not saying steak bentley is the best youtuber BECAUSE OF the doge feet meme, but it definitely helps him get there

[@Abdega]

I didn’t even know “doge feet” was a thing

[@notaboutit3565]

No feet?

[@lostuser1094]

One of the most interesting people on KZbin strikes again!

[@robertstitches9517]

If I was google I would throw money at him to do video essays on what he wants He gives credibility to the platform unlike so many other lazy youtubers and steamers

[@JR-hc6ur]

I am still laughing at the intro, "stories not rooted in reality" and "Hollywood" while a scene from El Topo is showing. There is so much meta to unpack there. I just discovered this channel from the Venture Bros video. There may be many "media analyst" youtubers out there, but Steak is truly a master of the craft. Even if there is only one video every 2 years, they are incredibly well done. I will support this.

[@matthewgallaway3675]

Once every two years implies a regular schedule which isn’t how steak does things

[@HeavyWeapons52]

5:00 Uh actually, it stands at 46% as of right now, so uhh guess who got proven totally wrong? Better luck next time, CHUMP

[@Sins...]

I just realised at 28:04 the song playing is "we are finally cowboys" from no more Heroes, steak you genius

[@greensmurf221]

"Cowboy Bebop is the anime for the broken hearted and those unable to let go of past." -Random Internet Comment

[@spiff4168]

So on point with the Netflix spin off.

[@superluigi6968]

"KZbin decided it would be funny if..." Yeah it be like that sometimes. KZbin blesses (or curses) almost whimsically.

[@robertmarsh5322]

Although true it can be a by design thing to both have a back log and an update schedule to keep viewers after one of your videos wins the youtube lottery and goes viral.

[@ChawedMirthPrattEnterprise]

I HAVE NEVER CLICKED ON A NOTIFICATION FASTER

[@zaep2791]

Mirthy I DUCKING KNOW RIGHT?!?!?

[@NarWallPeople]

seriously though I don’t remember what I was doing earlier but I literally stopped for a ten minute break

[@Ugo_Goglu]

5:00 wow you called it

[@fruustles]

man everything about cowboy bebop just gives me the chills, it's just so godamn good.

[@aSUGAaddiction]

I find this video 2 years after it was release ans it is one of the best ones I've watched in a long time.

[@Noogi302]

you make cool things, hope you continue

[@Tsukasa4692]

Oh good, I feared the mgs movie was the last thing you'd make

[@jesseosborne51]

See you, steak cowboy

[@Twice_Baked_Potato]

Steak, you're my favorite video essay creator. Even if you never come back I'm glad you stuck around long enough to give us these few gems

[@revplaysminecraft8981]

One day he will return and we will all be waiting. We await your return king Steak

[@Poxyquotl]

Honestly I felt wayyyy too high for certain parts of this video and I am entirely sober

[@0robouros]

When Steak's word-salad somehow perfectly encapsulates the way, I too, feel about stuff and things.

[@sawkchalk6966]

I feel so validated in Cowboy Funk being my favourite episode

[@toysoldier6093]

Update from the future: the Netflix adaptation's Tomatometer score sits at exactly 45%. HE'S A WITCH!

[@BDCMatt]

Holy shit, he's Jason Borne....

[@post9025]

4:56 relevant

[@bonezone2150]

I don't know if I have ever heard a better final line of a video essay. It really encapsulated everything and left nothing out. Incredible

[@Q269]

I've never been so angry *ᴿᵃʰᵎ*

[@zaep2791]

Funniest clip in the video

[@fnkyron]

It's weird hearing you say words that aren't (the entire 3.5 hr MGS script that I've watched 87 times a day)

[@LukePeiffer]

Beautiful. Bebop is a hefty thing to understand. And you helped me understand the show better. Still my favorite anime ever. Its setting is awesome, its animation stylish, its characters nuanced, and its themes complex and timeless. Truly a masterpiece. And whenever there's someone making hour-long videos breaking down Cowboy Bebop, helping to give new insight on all it has to offer, I can't help but watch and shed a tear at my newfound perspective. Cheers.

[@dramaexterminatus]

5:02 The fact that cowboy bebop sits at 46% fcking slayed me.

[@hailonyourparade]

Rewatching Cowboy Bebop for the new year and that means I'm rewatching this vid. Something new to understand every time I see it. Terribly curious what your thoughts are on Samurai Champloo. I'd listen to any video essay you want to put out, tbh

[@k3rb3r0us3]

Glad I'm not the only one with an unhealthy love for cowboy movies.

[@Haadi42]

And music

[@phoenixsplash135]

Man this is now super relevant

[@zaep2791]

'Alfred and the Fettuc’... That obscure AVGN reference tho.

[@ethanhunter10]

Hey Steak... So uhhh.... The live action came out today.... Wondered if.... You had anything to say bout it 😅

[@LAK_770]

Steak, the world needs your 3.5 hour "MGS3 Was The Shit" video. I will legit donate money toward that and offer 24/7 on-call moral support

[@evansearch7935]

this video essay is legitimately one of the best ones i’ve ever watched, to the point where i’ve watched it like four times now. it’s incredible, your channel is incredible, and i hope that you continue making stuff.

[@annaroser]

25:06 - I laugh 25:08 - I laugh harder than I've ever laughed from any KZbin Video

[@Dibbz_TV]

Cowboy Andy might be my favorite episode of Bebop... Even more than Ballad of Fallen Angels which is pure art. Just the fact Andy is the "one person" Spike can't forgive is INCREDIBLY telling of Spike. Cracks me up lmao

[@twopointjumper]

please come back, we need the Steak Bentley back

[@AngelofEresos]

Thanks for coming back to us, Steak. Please never leave again.

[@jamesoclaire4512]

HA

[@anasg007]

Annddd hes gone…

[@swagaholic.]

@@anasg007 Annddd he's back...

[@machitoons]

i fucking miss this man.

[@Jobe-13]

I’m watching Cowboy Bebop for the first time on Netflix. On episode 18 and I’m loving this anime. Especially watching it as a young adult makes me love all the mature themes and storylines in it and the world is so cool. The show is super funny too.

[@prospect8245]

These essay videos you make are easily *the* best I've ever watched, and I say this as someone who watches those kinds of videos very frequently. Your writing, commentating, humor and editing is golden, and give your videos a charm that make them extremely addictive and enjoyable to watch, that I haven't seen anyone come close to match for me. I honestly really hope you come back one day to drop another banger because these videos have a deep impact on me, but if not then thank you for these incredibly well made essays, and I hope you have a nice life.

[@birdnoir5841]

Please come back :'(

[@BiteSized_]

It’s crazy how a show from 1998 still looks this clean.

[@quietbatperson]

I absolutely love watching videos like this where I can tell the person who made it is just far more intelligent, eloquent, funny and talented than I could ever be myself. Steak, you are master at what you do. I acknowledge your brilliance.

[@MisterF0oT]

I cannot believe how big brain this is.

[@dizzyRUSH]

Holy shit that was amazing. You made me feel feelings. You honestly kinda inspired me to further break out of my shell. Thank you. You do really good videos, the emotions you put behind them really come through, it's really clear that you care about these shows and Metal Gear. Thank you for doing this one in particular. Gonna watch the Cowboy Bebop movie and cry like a little bitch tonight, it's gonna be great

[@BananaPhoPhilly]

The animation quality of OVA's and anime movies during the Japanese economic bubble will never be topped, you're right. It's not dumb to say that

[@milkman6218]

This is one of my new favorite videos. You gotta make more man.

[@TheWorkingPeople]

Please come back!

[@koatsmagoats7145]

Dude thanks. I can't wait to watch. I had JUST rewatched this series.

[@MrMW-vm1cm]

This was a really enjoyable video to listen to. These types of videos, especially on Cowboy Bebop, are great since everyone has their own view on it's messages, themes and stories. Your own thoughts along with your interest in western movies gives a fun look at it all in a different lens from mine and others. I really hope you keep making stuff like this. They're genuinely nice.

[@drhoads9]

Your essays are really something special; I'll always be looking forward to the next one!

[@icecatti]

Steak Bentley, you are a fuckin cowboy, or at least a pioneer. This is a very specific kind of brave and contemporary analysis from such a talented writer and editor and critic. I want to one day write fiction that will be combed through with such passion and thoughtfulness as this. Thanks again for another transformative and inspiring work.

[@UnoriginalMR2]

"Kept you waitin', huh?"

[@mekoleko3942]

just realized that ed being into technology and being an earthling is perfect, because both are continuously changing

[@cronoesify]

I totally forgot I subscribed to you. And who you even were. This video has reminded me that you DO exist, although I still forgot who you were. And that's ok. Because this has been a good video. So far. I haven't finished watching it. EDIT: Even YOU don't remember what you've done! So I am justified! Glad I am subbed to u, tho, bb

[@AngelofEresos]

Something about this comment just feels emblematic of the video's themes. XD

[@markbolinder5235]

Back again for another watch. Watched Ping Pong and Cowboy. Great vids. Hope you're well man.

[@David-hx4be]

dude dont stop making videos PLEASE! these two videos are amazing i love everything about them. the humor, the editing, its all so good. if anything just make em longer and more often!!

[@Smallshock]

I've never seen a single episode of Cowboy Bebop and yet I have a tear in my eye whenever I see "see you space cowboy..."

[@JioFreedOfOphan]

Mate. I've watched plenty of analysis videos on Cowboy Bebop. That being said, your analysis and narrative speaks volumes about a series that has no inherent meaning but is entirely human. Instead of saying, "Great job," I want to say, "Thank you for your example of humanity, it was a pleasure. Also, are you living the real life?"

[@InfiniteLilith]

Hey this is one of the best videos I've ever seen Not even kidding, this is a top 5 video essay for me. Holy shit this was incredible

[@benchambers1439]

Literally what I was think except for his take on mushroom samba, Ed in Arizona is art

[@RandomPinoyGamer]

You're very down the rabbit hole. You're back mah man! Please make more incredibly long videos just because I feel so bad I've been blatantly oblivious to your content for years. FRICKIN YEARS.

[@SoundWaveSam]

Watched this many times in the last 3 years. Miss you, steak. Come back to us.

[@Exigentable]

I was hyped as hell for this after seeing the notification and boy did it live up to it. Well done.

[@pacnb]

I honestly can't believe I'm not the only human who still references "Alfred N the Fettuc"

[@helmsy20]

5:00 So i just checked and it has a 47 pecent on rotton tomatoes. crazy accurate.

[@ActuallyCirce]

Ive probably seen close to every cowboy bebop video essay by now and this one has to be my favorite by far. Plz plz keep making videos the writing is amazing!

[@OyasumiBlerd]

Video essays on Cowboy Bebop always get me in the feels...

[@cihattekin562]

they are always good and not "too far"

[@forgot7en]

I could go for some steak bentley right about now.

[@andreychernov4104]

This is one of the best channels youtube algorithm advised to me. I CHECKED. Thank you man, it's really a pleasure to watch your videos

[@emmamancini5141]

this is one of my fav video essays ever. i love rewatching it. so nice to have all my big feelings about cowboy bebop explained.

[@rockstickcomics]

That video was incredible. You did my favorite anime justice!!