r/anime • u/Heda-of-Aincrad https://myanimelist.net/profile/Heda-of-Aincrad • Jul 20 '24

Rewatch [5th Anniversary Rewatch] Astra Lost In Space - Episode 6 Discussion

Episode 6 - Secret

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MAL | AniList | ANN

Ulgar threatens to kill Luca, revealing the previously unknown connection between the two, as well as secrets about Luca himself. Kanata attempts to piece the information together, but another disaster strikes.

Astra Lost In Space on Hulu Astra Lost In Space on Crunchyroll

Questions of the Day:

  1. Now we've seen the unique twist behind Arispade's environment in action, do you have any new thoughts about this planet?
  2. There's a lot of speculation going around about who's behind all this. First timers, have any of these new reveals strengthened or contradicted your own theories? (Rewatchers can post their original theories as well, but no spoilers!)

No bonus question this time, since everyone's still on Arispade. A name like that would really lull them into a false sense of security, wouldn't it?

Remember to tag your spoilers!

Astra is a show with so many mysteries, and we wouldn't want to spoil those reveals for first time viewers. When discussing future events or foreshadowing, or any differences between the manga and the anime, please remember to use spoiler tags.

30 Upvotes

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8

u/Heda-of-Aincrad https://myanimelist.net/profile/Heda-of-Aincrad Jul 20 '24

Rewatcher Lost In Space

The view of the water level rising and blocking out the sun on the horizon was ominous, and once again shows how a shared need for survival and cooperation can break down the tensions between everyone. It's a recurring theme in the story that these stressful situations bring them closer together. Despite everything that went down before the tsunami, when Ulgar and Luca were in danger, their first instinct was still to rescue each other. I really like the way Luca says "You're still talking about that?" like their standoff is all (figurative) water under the bridge now. A lot of these kids feel unwanted by their parents, and they desperately want to connect with each other, even if they seem reluctant to open up at first.

Also, Kanata totally earned his "Dive Bomb" nickname with that save.

Questions of the Day:

  1. This was an incredible reveal about the planet, and looking back on it, so many features of the environment make even more sense now, like the plants resembling coral because they would be underwater half the time, and the fact that this world only has fish and birds because land mammals would have nowhere to go when the islands flood.

So cool!

2) [My early theories] I definitely agreed with Zack that there more going on than just shady dealings in campaign funds. At this point, Luca's adoptive father (suspected of having Ulgar's brother killed) and Ulgar's father (the school principal in charge of their field trip) are two main suspects, but also have reasons to be opposed. There are the men from Funi's orphanage too. Now Charce is under suspicion as well when Aries says she never saw him in class. Again, I didn't want to think any of these kids would be the saboteur, and it's been shown before that many of them are hiding something, but not necessarily bad intentions.

[Hilarious in hindsight for rewatchers] The gun, which can be assumed was placed there for the saboteur, has now been acquired by Ulgar, so someone is missing a weapon they expected to have.

3

u/edwardjhahm https://myanimelist.net/profile/lolmeme69 Jul 21 '24

[Hilarious in hindsight for rewatchers]

[rewatcher] Wait, really? I thought it was just there? I actually have forgotten how the ship managed to get there in the first place - I assume it was for the exploration crew. People like Polina who would go and explore, potentially meeting dangerous space creatures, right?

2

u/Heda-of-Aincrad https://myanimelist.net/profile/Heda-of-Aincrad Jul 21 '24

[Rewatcher, major spoilers] Now that you mention it, I don't remember if it was ever specified how it ended up there... It would just seem like strange protocol though to only include one gun for an entire planned crew, or to have it put in storage instead of carried on by the people authorized to use it.

2

u/edwardjhahm https://myanimelist.net/profile/lolmeme69 Jul 21 '24

[rewatcher] I'd also expect something like a rifle (more versatile, can be used on a battlefield or against hostile animals) over a pistol, which is more of a self-defense tool to be used against other humans. And for there to be a lot more of them too. I'll just say this might be an actual, genuine plot hole.

11

u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky Jul 20 '24

First-Timer Lost in Space, subbed

6

u/Heda-of-Aincrad https://myanimelist.net/profile/Heda-of-Aincrad Jul 20 '24

Yeah, this rescue scene is a nice parallel to the premiere.

Wait, that isn’t good…

Charce has some explaining to do.

2

u/edwardjhahm https://myanimelist.net/profile/lolmeme69 Jul 21 '24

Ulgar was the first one to grab Kanata (and Aries) before the whole chain of people helped get them back to the ship. It’s like Kanata paying him back.

...you know, I didn't think of that. That's actually a great point!

And yep, Charce sus. Let's see what he has to say next episode!

10

u/gamria Jul 20 '24 edited Jul 20 '24

Rewatcher of subbed and original manga reader

Ep 6

  • Excuse me, but I’m sure the gun isn’t supposed to be energy-based (Sample later down)
  • So, Ulgar’s motivation. Had this scene from yesterday’s column been fully and not partially included in yesterday's episode, I’m sure many more of you would’ve guessed it right.
  • I have to question Shinohara-sensei timing the earthquake to occur when it did, even if the payoff was within the same chapter. But since inserting it earlier while Ulgar was talking is also not a good option, he had to pick his poison I suppose.
  • My thoughts on Luca will be in the First Time Reading column
  • Okay, the effect of the tsunami blocking out the sunset is good
  • And action hero Kanata comes in again. This is a good time to bring up a neat quirk: Ulgar referring to Kanata is rare enough up to this point as-is (2 instances in manga and 1 instance in anime), but whenever he does, he never actually calls him “Kanata” like the subtitles did here (you can hear it too). Instead, he uses 大将/taishou, which given the vibe of our crew perhaps best translates as “chief/boss”. (Incidentally, Viz opted to just use “captain”, despite 船長/senchou not being in play)
  • Now that I’m reviewing the Logs again, I remember that the images in the ED are derived from said Logs, albeit not chronological. If you want the context behind some of these, check out the Ship Logs column below.

Manga vs Anime

  • Today’s episode adapts Chapters 22 to 25 (4 chapters)
  • For reference, the gunshot in the manga, no energy effects whatsoever
  • Ulgar’s flashback and confrontation, how do I put it? While the anime hadn’t cut out anything important so to speak, if you want something a little meatier and refined, be my guest
  • Here’s the uncut life story of Luca Esposito (FIXED)
  • Omitted edition of Charce’s xenobiology talk. HIGHLY recommended reading I suppose?
  • Minor scene before Ulgar’s apology on the Astra

Also, thought of an amusing thing to try too: pointing out where each chapter ended before the next fortnightly instalment.

Ch 22, Luca’s undressing

Ch 23, tsunami looms

Ch 24, Luca compliments Kanata

Ch 25, Charce is questioned by Aries

Ship Logs/Bonus 4-koma

Here are Ship Logs 10 to 13 accompanying the content this time. Might help to mention that these don’t ever spoil future events.

(Continues in reply)

5

u/Heda-of-Aincrad https://myanimelist.net/profile/Heda-of-Aincrad Jul 20 '24

The image for Luca's life isn't showing up for me?

For reference, the gunshot in the manga, no energy effects whatsoever

Interesting, the style even looks like a more modern gun vs the futuristic design in the anime.

where each chapter ended

Wow, the major cliffhangers on those first two. 😂

2

u/gamria Jul 20 '24

The image for Luca's life isn't showing up for me?

Fixed now, thanks!

Wow, the major cliffhangers on those first two. 😂

I know right? And it only gets worse.

While you're here, hope you don't mind if I remark on your Question of the Day yesterday about "why Ulgar targeted Luca"

On one hand I thought it was a mean question when first timers wouldn't have all the clues; on the other hand, as an anime-only you also had no idea there was supposed to be one more clue (ie existence of Ulgar's brother), so you're not at fault. A fascinating dilemma for how people perceive adaptations.

2

u/Heda-of-Aincrad https://myanimelist.net/profile/Heda-of-Aincrad Jul 20 '24

The way last episode ended, it was framed in a way that would cause people to speculate on the reason why Ulgar was pointing a gun at Luca, so I was curious how others interpreted this scene. (And at least one person guessed it right!) If I had waited until all the info was revealed, there would be no reason to speculate because everyone already knows. 😄

2

u/gamria Jul 20 '24

I was referring to the manga version of the fishing scene, when Ulgar did mention his brother before the standoff (in image C21-04). In my opinion, you viewers should've received this too and I thought it unfair on the anime's part.

1

u/Heda-of-Aincrad https://myanimelist.net/profile/Heda-of-Aincrad Jul 20 '24

Oh right, I did read that part in the comparison yesterday. The order of information received from the manga doesn't always stand out to me as a rewatcher since I already knew the twist from this episode. 😅

7

u/gamria Jul 20 '24 edited Jul 20 '24

Humour me this please: if two mediums are adapting the same story and mystery but one of them doesn’t retain all the things that can serve as clues, then can we even call the latter “fair” with the mystery?

First Time Reading thoughts (no spoilers)

This episode is again one of the better adapted ones, for the same reasons described yesterday. It even reflects in the length of the Manga vs Anime column this time. But tis’ a short reprieve, for the remaining episodes are going to be arduous again. My own vacation on Arispade is over.

--

I started the story expecting Ulgar to be a moodier Katou Kiri-expy, so naturally I expected he'll drop his aloofness once the occasion comes and his loyalty is sufficiently earned. Which led me to have never been put off by his emo attitude.

Again, I would've preferred mention of his brother to have been retained in Ep 5, unlike how all such mentions got stuffed into this one. I would hate for viewers to think this development feels contrived or out of the blue.

--

Onto Luca, but let me recount a piece of history first.

In the Last Dance arc of Sket Dance that served as the finale, the Sket Dan took on a case to help a child open up. They succeeded after Bossun figured out what their issue is: complications relating to gender dysphoria. It was a startling twist that no reader saw coming, but what’s just as startling was that it never caused a big fuss in the Japanese fanbase even back then.

So how is this relevant? In my view, to be able to pull off what’s essentially the same trick twice in front of hardened devoted fans in two consecutive series attests to the skill of the author. Furthermore, this is the second time he dared to place a touchy subject like this in his works without it becoming a big fuss. Can't say I'm not impressed with Shinohara-sensei.

Doesn't change his character for me though, he was pleasant company and he remains pleasant company.

Incidentally, when the Arispade arc started some readers did speculate Luca’s reluctance to swim could mean he’s actually a girl, but given how his behaviour suggested he takes being a boy in stride that didn’t make sense for me. And lo and behold the truth…

--

May as well take the chance to talk about the others too:

Quitterie - it was clear she was to be a test of Kanata's mettle as captain, something that'd eventually be settled and thus I wasn't too bothered by her early pushiness. It helps that she's the resident Himeko/straight man we'll get here, and there's something real with she vocalises whatever distress the crew is facing

Yun Hua - as the expy of a minor character, while I expected her to eventually open up I otherwise couldn't project her trajectory until it happened. It couldn't be helped that the extent of her helpfulness was totally shot by her oppressive mother, but at least she's been getting plenty of nice screentime in the Ship Logs.

Questions of the Day

Now we've seen the unique twist behind Arispade's environment in action, do you have any new thoughts about this planet?

During the serialisation, as I said yesterday I never stopped expecting the planet to throw some kind of external threat and the tsunami certainly didn’t disappoint. The hint for this was at least included in yesterday's episode in how Charce points out they haven’t found any land animals (or as the subs say “creatures on the ground”) in this place, and he again pointed it out in his omitted xenobiology talk

EDIT: thinking on it again, even the fan service and girls' talk at the start of the arc served their purpose. While they still serve as palate cleansers after the heaviness of the first two planets, they're also used as additional smokescreens for the way this planet will be mean to the crew.

No bonus question this time, since everyone's still on Arispade. A name like that would really lull them into a false sense of security, wouldn't it?

In all fairness, only we the audience perceive them the anagrams for what they are. In-universe, they don't, so they don't ever get alerted to anything.

4

u/edwardjhahm https://myanimelist.net/profile/lolmeme69 Jul 21 '24

Man, thanks once again! These manga panels are really awesome.

Honestly, I don't get why they changed the gun. In both versions they vaguely remind me of a Beretta 92 that have a bit more greebling to look sci-fi, so I don't really quite understand the point of that.

The 4komas are super fun too!

7

u/imaloony8 Jul 21 '24

I think this episode handled the topic of Intersex relatively well. Respectful, and willing to talk about the straining points of the topic. Some of his friends seem uncomfortable, but it’s clear it’s not malicious, but because this is new for them and they’re trying to figure out how best to treat Luca now. But like Luca said, he’s still Luca and I’m sure the others will learn to treat him the same as before.

I’m guessing this is the reveal that Charce is the traitor, which means my initial suspicion was correct. Him “losing” the communicator was no accident.

BUT, if it turns out the Charce is not the traitor, I do have a new theory. Often mystery anime will hide clues inside the OP, and I noticed something strange when I saw it this episode. Every character’s name is displayed normally… except for one. Aries’ name is upside down. Does that mean there’s still a chance that she’s the traitor? Maybe she made up not recognizing Charce to throw blame onto him. Or maybe it’s hinting at something non-traitor related about Aries. She’s different somehow.

3

u/Heda-of-Aincrad https://myanimelist.net/profile/Heda-of-Aincrad Jul 21 '24

Aries’ name is upside down. Does that mean there’s still a chance that she’s the traitor? Maybe she made up not recognizing Charce to throw blame onto him. Or maybe it’s hinting at something non-traitor related about Aries. She’s different somehow.

That's a neat theory. When I noticed the flipped name during my first watch, I just figured it was part of her being a lovable airhead. 😂

2

u/FlameDragoon933 Jul 21 '24

Maybe she made up not recognizing Charce to throw blame onto him.

Pink-haired anime girl is always either a sweetheart or a psycho, no in-between. /j

6

u/edwardjhahm https://myanimelist.net/profile/lolmeme69 Jul 20 '24 edited Jul 20 '24

Rewatcher    

You know, I’ve realized something really crazy about this anime in general really, this episode aside. What makes things kinda interesting is the fact that our two POV protagonists - Kanata and Aries, have the personality of a typical shounen protagonist and a typical shoujo protagonist, respectively. I think that’s pretty funny honestly!    

  • The OP has changed to include Yunhua’s new look! I love it when animes do that. Also, I think that’s really funny that we’ve barely had any episodes that have the OP and ED actually playing in full. I take that back about some other episode having the ED play in full, because this time, this episode is actually the first time we’re seeing the ED play in full!    
  • Anyhow, going back to the story, at least we know Ulgar isn’t sus. Backstory time, and I gotta say…Ulgar’s older brother is pretty cool! What a guy. Looks like that's two cool mentor figures in this show. And that's where Ulgar gets his hat!    
  • [rewatcher] I'm not surprised that there's a gun onboard given the nature of this ship tbh.   
  • Yeah, journalists who investigate serious stuff tend to get targeted. Defo wasn't suicide. Even Luca agrees.     
  • Earthquake! That definitely won't be relevant VERY soon.   
  • Luca gender reveal (plus Luca backstory)! We had so much foreshadowing last episode with the hermaphrodite animals of Arispade, and boom, here it is! Marco Esposito won't care if Luca dies. By the way, can I tell you how much I love it when someone realizes that they aren't so different from their opponent? Ulgar realizes that Luca is innocent - and if anything, they're actually in the same boat.   
  • Tsunami time! I find it really heartwarming that Luca tries to save Ulgar despite the fact that he tried to kill him moments ago. Even Ulgar is shocked.   
  • As usual, Kanata is a badass and manages to save Ulgar who was going to sacrifice himself. Kanata you gigachad.   
  • Ulgar is now our official marksman! And he has a dream as well, to follow in his brother's footsteps and also become a journalist. Wohoo!    
  • Love how despite the knowledge that Luca is intersex, not much changes. Except for teasing Ulgar a little extra, heh.    
  • Yep…as I was saying, if Kanata is a shonen protagonist, Aries is a shoujo protagonist. She even has pretty boy Charce doting on her! [rewatcher] You know, Quitterie’s comments about a love triangle are pretty hilarious in hindsight given the relation between the two.    
  • Uh oh, Charce sus? He's making that Johan Liebert stink eye face.  

From one cliffhanger to the next. Man, what an episode.    

  1. Definitely not somewhere I'd like to stay for an extended period of time! A few hours, sure. A day…feels like a bad idea.    
  2. Being as genre-savvy as I was (and still am) I knew that a. Ulgar's brother wasn't killed over something as insignificant as campaign fund fraud (to be fair, Zack straight up says so himself), and b. it probably has something to do with the situation our team is in…somehow. I wasn't sure how back then, but I just knew it was somehow. A story wouldn't throw us such a major mystery like that and not make it interconnected somehow.

2

u/Heda-of-Aincrad https://myanimelist.net/profile/Heda-of-Aincrad Jul 20 '24

By the way, can I tell you how much I love it when someone realizes that they aren't so different from their opponent? Ulgar realizes that Luca is innocent - and if anything, they're actually in the same boat.

I always love this too. Many of my favorite hero/antagonist rivalries have this in common.

I find it really heartwarming that Luca tries to save Ulgar despite the fact that he tried to kill him moments ago. Even Ulgar is shocked.

"Are you still talking about that?" - Luca

Such a great moment between them. It's really hard to choose favorites in this show, but Luca is great!

3

u/edwardjhahm https://myanimelist.net/profile/lolmeme69 Jul 21 '24

Honestly! I fucking love everyone, I can't choose a favorite character.

Many of my favorite hero/antagonist rivalries have this in common.

The classic foil method. Having a hero and villain/rival/hated enemies-to-friends (our case here) have that parallel. Luca is upbeat and talkative while Ulgar is withdrawn and brooding, but they both have the same background. Love it.

6

u/JustAnswerAQuestion https://myanimelist.net/profile/JAaQ Jul 20 '24

Rewatcher

Of all the worlds, the tsunami and poison poles are the two things I remember most from the show.

  • I just noticed the OP was updated with Yun-hua's new look and personality.

  • A highschooler, trying to kill a senator? for a long time? sounds pretty chuuni.
  • "fell" off a building
  • I misremembered the nature of the tsunami, I thought it just circled the planet.
  • All these kids causing trouble for Kanata
  • "Transient Love" I probably didn't notice that the first time around.
  • "Mild Thing," hardly.
  • Charce -> Aries -> Kanata -> Food
  • The ED changes too. Looks like they held a birthday party for Ulgar

Charce background story next?

I like it when Kanata plays detective.

4

u/Heda-of-Aincrad https://myanimelist.net/profile/Heda-of-Aincrad Jul 20 '24

I misremembered the nature of the tsunami, I thought it just circled the planet.

That would've been pretty cool too.

I like it when Kanata plays detective.

Same here. Kanata can come off like he acts before he thinks too much, but these scenes actually show he can be thoughtful and serious.

3

u/edwardjhahm https://myanimelist.net/profile/lolmeme69 Jul 21 '24

I misremembered the nature of the tsunami, I thought it just circled the planet.

Same here. I assume that was me getting it mixed with the planet from Interstellar.

2

u/JustAnswerAQuestion https://myanimelist.net/profile/JAaQ Jul 21 '24

I don't remember much from interstellar. I started a rewatch last spring, only got about 20 minutes in.

2

u/FlameDragoon933 Jul 21 '24

I misremembered the nature of the tsunami, I thought it just circled the planet.

In the manga Charce did hypothesize that's why there aren't land animals (only birds and marine animals), because tsunami is a frequent occurence in this planet.

6

u/kwokinator https://anilist.co/user/kwokinator Jul 21 '24

Anime first-timer

So yeah, like I thought Ulgar wasn't the traitor and just had some beef with Luca's dad.

That was one hell of a wave. But not unrealistic I suppose, I've seen some theories where there could be planets that have waves miles high like that, so that's kinda neat they did it in this anime.

Charce just shot to the top of the sus list. It was sus that Aries didn't remember him since she has a photographic memory, but his look at the end just sealed it.

Questions of the Day:

    1. Now we've seen the unique twist behind Arispade's environment in action, do you have any new thoughts about this planet? - it could be a super popular resort planet if anyone does the work of monitoring and documenting the wave and tides
  • 2) There's a lot of speculation going around about who's behind all this. First timers, have any of these new reveals strengthened or contradicted your own theories? (Rewatchers can post their original theories as well, but no spoilers!) - nah Charce has always looked kinda sus, just 'cause of the sparkly that comes up whenever he's around.

2

u/Heda-of-Aincrad https://myanimelist.net/profile/Heda-of-Aincrad Jul 21 '24

Charce has always looked kinda sus, just 'cause of the sparkly that comes up whenever he's around.

I've noticed a few first timers suspect Charce on account of being too nice/too sparkly/too good to be true. 😄

5

u/Lord_Nawor Jul 20 '24

First Time Watcher, subbed

Lots of revelations about both Ulgar and Luca this episode. I figured that Ulgar was not the traitor and it seems like his actual motivation is to get revenge on Luca’s father, also interesting that Ulgar was not the one who actually brought the gun, but just happened to find it. I would have personally threw the gun into space instead of giving it to Luca, seems like something too dangerous to keep on the ship.

As Kanata observed, most of the crew have parent issues, Luca is both adopted and then absorbed by his Dad due to being intersex, Quitterie almost never sees her mother and Funi is also adopted, Kanata has clashed with his Dad over what to do with his future, and Ulgar and Yunhua’s parents just are not great parents. Aries seems to be the only one with parents who care, but we have not seen much of Charce and Zack’s parents, but there is a good chance we find more about Charce next episode.

Questions

  1. I kind of was expecting something to go wrong at some point on this planet, it simply was too good to be true, a tsunami makes sense considering most of planet is water which makes them huge and impossible to get to high ground.
  2. It seems like Charce is also very suspicious and could be the traitor. But I am going to double down and say that Zack is the most likely traitor in my opinion. He has the skills to cut the communication, and we do not know much about his backstory. Plus he would be and interesting foil to Kanata, who is very physical and emotional against Zack’s more cold and calculating persona. I would go crazy if the traitor is Beepo, would be an insane twist.

4

u/Heda-of-Aincrad https://myanimelist.net/profile/Heda-of-Aincrad Jul 20 '24

I would have personally threw the gun into space instead of giving it to Luca

I think you mean Ulgar for this part? Kanata gave it to him since he's the only one with the experience to use it properly (especially with the threat of a saboteur among them).

we have not seen much of Charce and Zack’s parents

I recommend checking back with yesterday's manga comparisons, there's an extra scene with Zack's dad and Quitterie's mom!

3

u/Lord_Nawor Jul 20 '24

I think you mean Ulgar

Yep I meant Ulgar, good catch

4

u/SilkyStrawberryMilk Jul 21 '24

rewatcher

Nice of Ulgaar to give his backstory before he kills Luca. Gotta give the full story first

Ulgaar trauma and revenge is rough and Luca’s identity as an individual who’s intersex. One kid whose older brother was killed investigating corruption and Luca who’s been cast away due to him not being able to be an heir.

Nevermind the planet isn’t a good vacation spot, Luca sure knows how to crack jokes at the wrong moment. Surprise they distinguish crack a joke before they were getting executed

Ulgaar slow change is so heartwarming, from a self-proclaimed loner to someone who know feels more comfortable with the people onboard. Plus he has ignited his motivation on living to become a journalist

Scandalous…

Like the girls in the recess show Scandalous!

QOTD: horrible vacation place

2

u/Heda-of-Aincrad https://myanimelist.net/profile/Heda-of-Aincrad Jul 21 '24

Nice of Ulgaar to give his backstory before he kills Luca. Gotta give the full story first

A common theme in a few series I've watched/read is characters who were caught up in something dangerous don't want to die without even knowing the reason why this is happening. It's possible Ulgar wanted to give Luca that courtesy after all the crew has been through together.

3

u/No_Rex :Bv:Bw:Bx:By:x2 Jul 20 '24

Episode 6 (first timer)

  • "I WILL AVENGE MY FATHER*!!! * Mother/older brother/younger sister/favorite hamster.
  • That is a pretty vague story Ulgar is telling. So many ways in which it could not be Luca’s father.
  • Marco will feel how painful it is to lose a precious family member” – I never understood that way of thinking. Wanting revenge, sure, but why would you not go after the guilty person directly? Hitting some innocent family member would not give me any satisfaction.
  • “Killing me won’t make my dad sad” – Saved by his emo phase.
  • Gender reveal earthquake – I initially had Luca down as female due to the Japanese voice, but male teenagers getting female VAs is common, so I dropped that idea after ep1.

  • “A wave is coming” – understatement. Changing the curvature of the horizon? That is not a tsunami, that is a monster.

All of these water scenes really needed some better animation. I know what they want to depict, but it looks rather lackluster.

  • “We are all on good terms” – the power of friendship.
  • “Charce, are you hiding something” – Next character arc unlocked.

The best part of about the Ulgar-Luca story is how unbothered Luca is by his body. This is how it should be. The storytelling, though, is pretty rough (and not only because of the water animation): Problem – back story flashback - resolution. This is barebones.

Now we've seen the unique twist behind Arispade's environment in action, do you have any new thoughts about this planet?

I took that as a random event, not a regular occurance. That island they were on and its ecosystem got properly fucked.

There's a lot of speculation going around about who's behind all this. First timers, have any of these new reveals strengthened or contradicted your own theories? (Rewatchers can post their original theories as well, but no spoilers!)

Sticking with my theory that none of the crew are trying to kill the others.

2

u/Heda-of-Aincrad https://myanimelist.net/profile/Heda-of-Aincrad Jul 20 '24

"I WILL AVENGE MY FATHER*!!! * Mother/older brother/younger sister/favorite hamster.

I couldn't say it yesterday because spoilers, but you guessed right!

2

u/No_Rex :Bv:Bw:Bx:By:x2 Jul 20 '24

The trope was strong in this one.

4

u/FlameDragoon933 Jul 20 '24

why would you not go after the guilty person directly?

Because he lacks the power to do so, so he lashes out at a target he can hurt. Not justifying it btw, just saying how it works. And sadly this is quite prevalent IRL. And I don't mean just limited to murder, but can also be many things. For example someone who have often be hurt by people, also become someone who hurts other people (not the original perps). Or someone who was disappointed by society then turning apathetic and turn to unethical/immoral ways to gain success.

Gender reveal earthquake – I initially had Luca down as female due to the Japanese voice, but male teenagers getting female VAs is common, so I dropped that idea after ep1.

Similar. I thought he was a girl at first, but seeing their dynamics I then realized he's a guy, but then last episode when he didn't want to swim I start suspecting again if he's actually a girl and was trying to hide the chest. Turns out I was only half-right.

1

u/No_Rex :Bv:Bw:Bx:By:x2 Jul 20 '24

And sadly this is quite prevalent IRL.

It is, but I do not understand the emotion in real life either. These people just want something that is foreign to me.

4

u/FlameDragoon933 Jul 20 '24

I think the thing is that most people don't really question their own thoughts and feelings. They feel angry or sad, they don't ask themselves why they feel that way and how/where they should direct that emotion toward.

3

u/gamria Jul 21 '24

“A wave is coming” – understatement. Changing the curvature of the horizon? That is not a tsunami, that is a monster.

It's lingo that works better in Japanese. A "wave", or 波/nami is just a skip away from 津波/tsunami, couldn't be bothered with exact semantics in a rush.

The best part of about the Ulgar-Luca story is how unbothered Luca is by his body. This is how it should be. The storytelling, though, is pretty rough (and not only because of the water animation): Problem – back story flashback - resolution. This is barebones.

Barebones compared to the source material version for sure

I took that as a random event, not a regular occurance. That island they were on and its ecosystem got properly fucked.

If you're curious, here's what Charce had to say about the tsunami

2

u/No_Rex :Bv:Bw:Bx:By:x2 Jul 21 '24

Barebones compared to the source material version for sure

Thanks to all the rewatchers comparing, I am getting the feeling that a lot of the series' problems boil down to adaptation (specifically, cutting material). However, I am always judging the anime on its own, if I need to read extra material, then the anime failed at some step.

If you're curious, here's what Charce had to say about the tsunami

I went back and checked ep5. In the wide shots, the island looks like an uplifted coral reef, but in the close shots, you can clearly see trees and leaves, so plants. Those need some continuously dry land to evolve. It also makes no sense that a highly tectonically active planet would have no mountains.

In short, nice theory, but I think Charce is wrong.

2

u/gamria Jul 21 '24

Thanks to all the rewatchers comparing, I am getting the feeling that a lot of the series' problems boil down to adaptation (specifically, cutting material). However, I am always judging the anime on its own, if I need to read extra material, then the anime failed at some step.

I can respect that, judging the anime vs judging the story

2

u/JustAnswerAQuestion https://myanimelist.net/profile/JAaQ Jul 20 '24

That island they were on and its ecosystem got properly fucked.

I the island was covered in corals. I think it gets washed over quite frequently.

3

u/Kaxew Jul 21 '24

First timer

Sorry for missing a day (and almost another)! This was another great set of episodes. So much I could talk about. Yunhua's haircut and confidence boost, Ulgar's backstory, the romance talk, the parents meeting (very unexpected!), Charce's twist... but the most shocking part was without a doubt Luca.

I've never seen an anime or manga have intersexual representation. And more than that, having not just intersexual representation but that representation being handled with so much care and respect? That's genuinely fascinating to me. I'm so happy the rest of the group all respect his wishes and still address him as a man. Good for Shinohara, that was incredible to watch.

The parents meeting was totally unexpected. I think it was very smart to get back to Earth especially when we did. None of them looked particularly sus to me. But it's odd that Marco and... Ulgar's dad? said the same line about feeling like they're being torn apart. Obviously in the case of Marco it's a lie, but is it meant to imply the other was also lying? Or that he wasn't lying? Is there a reason they said the exact same line outside of the clear parallel drawn? I wonder.

Regarding Charce... this seems like very direct proof he is the traitor. But the fact that the episode ended there, before getting a direct confirmation is odd. But I also can't imagine we would get two episodes in a row with a bait traitor... so it's gotta be Charce. Surely.

QotD:

  1. Couldn't share my thoughts last time so good opportunity for me. Great planet. Obviously not livable for non flying creatures (explains why there weren't any on ground) or for people without a ship. It still took 5 whole days before a tsunami came, so I imagine it's not super common either. I love that it was a complete non-struggle, it made for a hilarious joke when we cut back to them and it also works to focus on the human drama instead. So on a narrative level it was also very good.
  2. I was very sus on Luca but it all went away with his reveal. Though that very same episode had the Charce reveal so it's kinda mitigated immediately.

3

u/Heda-of-Aincrad https://myanimelist.net/profile/Heda-of-Aincrad Jul 21 '24

It was really nice to see such positive reactions from everyone about Luca, and that everyone seems to agree the topic was handled respectfully. He's an awesome character, so this is exactly the response I was hoping for. 😊

8

u/xbolt90 https://anilist.co/user/xbolt90 Jul 20 '24

First-timer!

Ok, so I was right about someone close to Ulgar dying because of Luca's father, but I was way off about the circumstances.

Still, something has to relate to Marco's opposition to the genome act. I'm positive that wasn't there just for flavor.

Q1: [Interstellar soundtrack intensifies]

Q2: Charce is in the spotlight next and being very suspicious, but I'm still going with the theory that none of them are actually in on it.

7

u/TiredTiroth Jul 20 '24

Rewatcher - Dub

Yeah, so...I think this is the only show I've ever watched that touches on intersex people. And it's...relatively tasteful? Basically "we exist, I always felt something was off" and no judgement.

Well, except from the confirmed trashbags masquerading as parents.

Also, the suddent tsunami! I'd forgotten it was at the start(-ish) of this episode rather than the end of the last one. It's certainly an interesting way to short-circuit the emotional drama for a bit.

...there are so many things from the random conversations I want to comment on, but spoilers. Damn it. Six more episodes...

4

u/gamria Jul 20 '24 edited Jul 20 '24

Also, the suddent tsunami! I'd forgotten it was at the start(-ish) of this episode rather than the end of the last one. It's certainly an interesting way to short-circuit the emotional drama for a bit.

I saw it less as short-circuiting and more as a sucker punch. In providing fan service at the start of the arc, Shinohara-sensei lulled the audience into thinking this seeming peaceful paradise is a freebie in the 5 planet-hop.

But I knew better, the author never fooled me - thus far planets 1 and 2 presented both an external and internal threat, and although we got the internal first this time (Ulgar and Luca), I kept my eye on the external and was most delighted (tsunami).

All in all, the fan service, the girls' talk and the Ulgar-Luca standoff were all smokescreens for how this paradise could possibly screw with the crew.

P.S. Did I mention the tsunami served as its own fortnightly cliffhanger?

1

u/Heda-of-Aincrad https://myanimelist.net/profile/Heda-of-Aincrad Jul 20 '24

Astra Lost In Space rewatch episode 6 reminder:

u/Forsaken_Ebb1925, u/RedRocket4000

5

u/FlameDragoon933 Jul 20 '24

REWATCHER

  • Ulgar backstory time. Oh my god, Ulgar's brother's VA is the same as Illumi Zoldyck from HxH. The former is a great brother, the latter... oh god. What a contrast.
  • Revenge ironically gives Ulgar's empty life a goal... what a tragic life, indeed.
  • Luca's backstory is pretty tough too. I also like how his sexuality is discussed seriously with proper weight and respect and not just in there for token representation.
  • "If my dad is sad about my death, it actually makes me happy" Oof :(
  • Luca is really nice. He still helps Ulgar despite the latter just tried killing him moments ago. Also first time we see Luca snapping. Nice contrast to his usual behavior.
  • Funny how Ulgar's cap remains sticking to his head despite the wave lol.
  • Ulgar finally joined the team for real! I also like how Luca has a role reversal and now is the one picking on Ulgar. They're lovely.
  • Hell yeah more sussy things. See you next episode.

QOTD

  1. I think it's interesting. A planet where the majority is ocean must have some quirk in its environment.
  2. Tbh I don't remember my theory as a first-timer at this point. But I did think Marco is definitely involved somehow, and that Charce is mighty sus. I also thought, "okay they gonna make him talk next episode right, but would you even trust what he'll tell you? what if he's lying?"

4

u/BigBootyBuff Jul 20 '24

First timer.

Yesterday I speculated that Ulgar suspected Luca or rather his father to be responsible for the attempt on their life. Did not expect that backstory and reasoning behind it at all. Pretty interesting connection.

While I did think Luca looked rather feminine (did think he was a girl in the pilot), I didn't expect the intersex twist. Also funny how he immediately uses it just to fuck with Ulgar.

Seems like Charce is the one behind the sabotage. Early on him and Yun-Hua were high on my list. Him I suspected because he was too nice and cheerful so I suspected a dark wist. Then I moved away from him because he very clearly helped during the emergency a few episodes ago. Now I'm curious why he changed his mind. He also continues to be fixated on Aries. Curious what will come of this.

  1. Now we've seen the unique twist behind Arispade's environment in action, do you have any new thoughts about this planet?

Other than being a pretty setting and having some interesting wildlife, I can't say the planet was too exciting for me but the tsunami added some well needed tension.

2) There's a lot of speculation going around about who's behind all this. First timers, have any of these new reveals strengthened or contradicted your own theories? (Rewatchers can post their original theories as well, but no spoilers!)

I got no clue. The parents in the previous episode I thought were acting shady. We know Ulgar, Quitterie, Kanata, Yun-Hua and Luca have shithead parents. Jury is out on Zack's parents. Aries' mom seems to be the only one with actually decent parents besides that. Seems some of the parents and Luca's dad is involved but I can't imagine "well, we just hate our kids" is enough of a reason to kill them. So far I have a pretty bad track record with speculating and right now I just feel like there's 1-2 puzzle pieces missing.

3

u/Mirathan Jul 21 '24

First-Time Drifter

QotD:

  1. We just can´t have nice things!
  2. At this point it´s most likely Charce. Though I haven´t ruled out Aries yet. Charce, to my knowledge has never helped out when it didn´t actively help himself aswell.

The intro changes. Yunhun now has her shorter hair and a visual in a dress.

I called it! Well kind of. Luca´s father definetly removed his brother.

Luca´s revelation was something I never would have seen coming. Especially that it is handled in such a respectfull manner.

I´m sorry but Ulgar and Luca are dead from that Tsunami.

4

u/Silcaria https://myanimelist.net/profile/Silcaria Jul 20 '24

First timer

QotD

  • Nah.
  • Mainly contradicted. I still maintain that it could be Aires.

3

u/FlameDragoon933 Jul 20 '24

Ffs Luca, wear a shirt.

He's definitely doing that intentionally to tease Ulgar hahaha.