Is Lelouch's "joke" towards Euphy the worst written plot device ever used in an actually good anime?

It wasn't supposed to be a "joke" though. He used that line to explain the power level of the Geass and giving such an outrageous example had the chance to convince her more easily, since it was the polar opposite of her character to do.

Actually, you know what, I kinda agree with most of the points you mentioned here, but I accept all of them positively. This is a tragedy afterall. Was it a shock factor? Yes, but one of the well executed ones that is actually emotional, unlike some of the newer ones (*ahem* Jujutsu Kaisen). Did it undermine Lelouch's intelligence for not predicting something like that could happen? Not so much. Lelouch isn't a god, he was just having a casual conversation and had no idea his Geass would become uncontrollable at such a time. I disagree that it undermines Euphy's character however, it absolutely did not because despite the consequence, she tried to resist the "command" showing us viewers how opposite it is to her character. Or do you mean something different like how she was done away with so early without being given a bigger role?
This incident was a very important one that led to a turning point in Lelouch's character, so I do like it despite it being very emotionally heavy for me, not unlike how someone would like Takopi's Original Sin despite it being filled with mindfuck over and over.


I don't wish to change your mind since this is fiction and open for interpretations. If it's your opinion that this incident was poorly handled, so be it.

I actually disagree on that point. It took the emotion out of the equation for me because it made no sense (in my mind at the very least of course). In order for something to have emotional impact on me I need to have at the very least some suspension of disbelief.
I still think that it is a piece of bad writing. Lelouch isn't a god, but he is a very intelligent and level headed person most of the time, and I simply refuse to believe that anyone in that situation (let alone Lelouch himself) would resort to mentioning such an stupid example that under the worst circumstances (the one that the show had) would make Euphemia a genocidal maniac. Lelouch never before or after that time acted in that way or had such a slip up when in his talking or train of tought. Imo it is a clear example of an author not knowing how to continue the main conflict of the story after writing themselves into a narrative hole and needing to use a gravely exaggerated (and thoughtless) plot contrivance.
I think I didnt explain myself well enough in that one. I rather meant that it basically made (for me at least) Euphemia's character (and her journey) meaningless to me. Everything she did up to that point was erased by a badly written part of the show. I wouldn't call it character assasination, but it did ruin the experience I had with her character.
I do have to competely disagree in this one as well. Yes, the repercusions of the act were indeed a good part of the show, but the reason behind it always (imo) diminished them. Like as good as any payoff is I think the setup needs to make proper sense for the characters and/or the story. Payoffs are at least partially dependant on how good the setup is. And regarding Takopi's Original Sin, it is a much different situation. The themes and acts inside of Takopi are very heavy indeed but they all make sense.

Just another bad moment in a horrible anime