[[Worldmaking]] The animated series *Æon Flux*, created by Peter Chung, is a complex and avant-garde work that blends science fiction, dystopian themes, and surrealism. Originally aired as a series of shorts on MTV’s Liquid Television in 1991 before evolving into a half-hour show, *Æon Flux* is known for its unconventional storytelling, striking visual style, and lack of dialogue in many episodes. ### Story Overview #### Setting *Æon Flux* is set in a futuristic dystopian world characterized by two warring nations: Monica, a society valuing individuality and chaos, and Bregna, a totalitarian state emphasizing order and control. The series primarily revolves around the interactions between these two societies. #### Main Characters - **Æon Flux**: The protagonist, a skilled and acrobatic secret agent from Monica. Æon is often seen on covert missions to undermine Bregna’s authority. She is a complex character, embodying both anarchistic tendencies and a personal moral code. - **Trevor Goodchild**: The antagonist, a scientist and the leader of Bregna. Trevor is characterized by his Machiavellian schemes and philosophical musings. His relationship with Æon is ambiguous, fluctuating between adversarial and romantic. ### Structure #### Shorts and Episodic Format The series began as short films, each running for about two to five minutes. These shorts were largely silent, focusing on visual storytelling and often ending with Æon’s death in various situations. This unique approach emphasized the experimental and non-linear nature of the series. #### Full-Length Episodes When *Æon Flux* transitioned to half-hour episodes, it retained its unconventional narrative style but expanded on character development and plot complexity. The episodes do not follow a strict chronological order, and each one can be seen as a self-contained story, often exploring different philosophical and ethical dilemmas. ### Key Themes and Episodes 1. **Existentialism and Identity**: The series frequently explores themes of existence, identity, and reality. Æon’s repeated deaths in the shorts symbolize the impermanence of life and the futility of her missions, questioning the nature of her existence. - **Example Episode**: "Thanatophobia" deals with themes of death and the human desire for freedom, showing Æon’s complex relationship with a Breen foot soldier. 2. **Power and Control**: The conflict between Monica and Bregna reflects broader themes of anarchy versus authoritarianism. Trevor’s character often represents the seductive nature of power and its corrupting influence. - **Example Episode**: "Utopia or Deuteranopia" showcases Trevor’s attempts to create a perfect society through manipulation, highlighting the ethical implications of such control. 3. **Surrealism and Symbolism**: The series employs a surreal and abstract visual style, using symbolism and imagery to convey deeper meanings. The animation is characterized by its fluid, exaggerated movements and often grotesque visuals. - **Example Episode**: "The Demiurge" delves into religious and metaphysical themes, featuring a god-like entity and questioning the nature of divinity and human perception. 4. **Human Relationships**: Æon and Trevor’s relationship is central to the series, filled with tension, attraction, and philosophical discourse. Their interactions often blur the lines between love and hate, highlighting the complexities of human emotions. - **Example Episode**: "End Sinister" examines the culmination of their dynamic, exploring themes of destiny and the cyclical nature of their interactions. ### Narrative Techniques - **Non-linear Storytelling**: Episodes often present events out of chronological order, requiring viewers to piece together the narrative. This approach reflects the fragmented and chaotic nature of the series’ world. - **Minimal Dialogue**: The early shorts relied heavily on visual storytelling, with little to no dialogue. This technique draws attention to the animation and action, allowing for a more immersive experience. - **Philosophical Monologues**: In the longer episodes, Trevor’s monologues often serve as a vehicle for exploring complex philosophical ideas, adding depth to the series’ narrative. ### Conclusion *Æon Flux* is a pioneering animated series that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. Its intricate narrative, philosophical depth, and distinctive visual style have made it a cult classic. By exploring themes of power, identity, and human relationships in a dystopian setting, *Æon Flux* challenges viewers to engage with its complex world on a deeper level.