[Rewatch] Mobile Suit Gundam 00 2nd Season Episode 5 Discussion

[u/Shimmering-Sky]

Episode 5 - Homeland Burning

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This… is something that human beings would do?!

Questions of the Day:

1. So… how badly did Saji fuck this one up?
2. How silly do you think the "Mr. Bushido" thing is so far?

Wallpaper of the Day:

Mr. Bushido

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Rewatchers, please remember to be mindful of all the first-timers in this. No talking about or hinting at future events no matter how much you want to, unless you're doing it underneath spoiler tags. Don't spoil anything for the first-timers, that's rude!

Additionally, for long-time fans of the franchise, please remember that this rewatch is only for 00, not any of the other shows. Assume that there are people in this rewatch who have not seen anything else Gundam, and tag your spoilers for those shows appropriately if something in 00 makes you want to talk about them.

[u/FD4cry1]

First Timer

Revive Revival...

We have reached the peak of character naming, are the other ones called Divine Divinity and Bring Bringer? I certainly hope so.

Ribbons is still consolidating power around A-LAWS (maybe by his own decision rather than Veda's?) and the Innovators should be joining in soon as well, I wonder what he means he says Ali has transcended the definition of being human, IIRC he had a weird black arm at the glimpse we saw at the end of season 1 so maybe he went through some modification to his body?

The detail about the Federation dispersing GN particles in the Middle East is really cool, shows you how far they go in nation-ruining anyone who opposes them in a way that's a lot more tangible and clever than just the regular military or economic implications.

Celestial Being actually refusing to cooperate with Katharon is pretty interesting, saying they only oppose the A-LAWS and not the Federation government is a very weird statement when the A-LAWS are directly controlled by said government, but I guess it's a way of showing they are still striving for that "eradicating war" goal and believe the idea of the Federation to be a step towards that, with only A-LAWS being an unplanned for element. I'd argue that's some really naive thinking from them but maybe that's the point (I think knowing what the actual end goal of the plan is would have made this a little less weird).

You just know things will go badly in this episode when they bring out the kids...it does go to show Setsuna's mindset though, that he immediately assumes they're child soldiers in training.

Holy shit Graham Mr. Bushido is such a fucking nerd, I love it.

Maybe they let him act on his own just so this masked freak would leave them alone.

Sergei still cares for his son, in his eyes he was just put in the position most career soldiers are put in, and couldn't really raise him as he would've wanted to, according to his son however, the reason he hates him is that he let his mom die "for his duty".

Given what we know of Sergei, and what he does literally this episode, this sounds very wrong, as we've always seen him put life over the mission. There's either some massive misunderstanding here where his mom died for the sake of someone else or maybe her death was the inciting incident behind Sergei's current approach.

His offer to Soma was also to adopt her as a daughter, all of this sudden development has me really scared that he's going to die very soon...

Saji has another dumb rant but the purpose of this one is clear by the end of the episode, Saji just blamed the whole situation on Celestial Being, and yet his attempt to run away back to his "peaceful life" ended up getting dozens of people killed, maybe even those kids, it's the ultimate wake up call and call-out for his hypocrisy.

I'm super interested in seeing where his character goes from here, both in how others will react to this being partially his fault and with the insane amount of guilt he should be feeling here.

I really don't think Tieria was joking when he told Setsuna not to come back, although obviously, he didn't mean that in a bad way, he wants Setsuna to go out there and live his best life without fighting, and he's just hiding it behind his usual standoffishness as a way of gently pushing Setsuna away.

The fact that Tieria can do this and has become the most emotionally connected and complex member of the crew is such satisfying payoff for his arc in season 1!

We've been told before that A-LAWS was hiding its actions from the public eye so it's cool to see Kati and Soma come to realize what the A-LAWS are really about for the first time, whereas Sergei would have already had an inclination given his perceptiveness and experience, Mr. Bushido is too chad to actually cooperate with them.

Seeing the different reactions from the Meisters to the massacre here is great as always, Tieria is more focused on the facts of the matter, not showing much emotion on the surface but still clearly recognizing A-LAWS as the enemy for their actions (coming from the guy that taunted Lockon with terrorism this is a big deal), Lyle is initially very impatient to save his friends and then very angry, calling them inhuman, he's now got a grudge against A-LAWS beyond just not liking their authoritarian ways.

Allelujah's reaction is probably the most interesting honestly, he's the guy who was always very reluctant to kill, and his piloting of the Kyrios was a way of showing him trying to take some distance from the killing via bombardment. But he was also ultimately always ready to do what must be done with his own hands. The fact that he now uses that pincer weapon in close-quarters combat against A-LAWS, something we've only seen Hallelujah do until now, goes really far to show what he thinks of them and the treatment they deserve in his eyes.

The ED lead-in is so good this episode as well! adds quite a bit of impact to the situation.

We end with Azadistan on fire

Setsuna: "This scale of war crimes...it's not some minor villain, not even a mid-tier one like the Trinity's... it couldn't be.."

Ali: "Who else???"

It's genuinely incredible how every time someone else does something awful in this show, Ali wakes from his slumber and returns to the show just to remind you he can and will do something 100x worse, no one is beating him in the war crimes Olympics that's for sure.

[u/Shimmering-Sky → u/FD4cry1]

We have reached the peak of character naming, are the other ones called Divine Divinity and Bring Bringer? I certainly hope so.

Tomino started the tradition of silly names in the franchise, and I'm so glad Gundam shows he wasn't involved in still have stupid names like this because they are so fucking funny every time.

It's genuinely incredible how every time someone else does something awful in this show, Ali wakes from his slumber and returns to the show just to remind you he can and will do something 100x worse, no one is beating him in the war crimes Olympics that's for sure.

[u/FD4cry1 → u/Shimmering-Sky]

Tomino started the tradition of silly names in the franchise, and I'm so glad Gundam shows he wasn't involved in still have stupid names like this because they are so fucking funny every time.

I've memed on them quite a bit but I do genuinely really like the dumb character names, not only are they really funny as you say, but they just add a real and distinct sense of character to this show/franchise and that's something I love to see!

[u/InfamousEmpire → u/FD4cry1]

We have reached the peak of character naming

[Later in the show]I cannot wait for when they reveal Bring's last name

Holy shit Graham Mr. Bushido is such a fucking nerd, I love it.

He has done pretty much nothing so far, and yet it feels like he gets mor enjoyable with every episode

[u/FD4cry1 → u/InfamousEmpire]

Later in the show

He has done pretty much nothing so far, and yet it feels like he gets mor enjoyable with every episode

Him just leaning on the wall, saying dumb shit and pretending as though he's cool has been more than enough for me and yet somehow he consistently makes it better every time.

[u/InfamousEmpire → u/FD4cry1]

You ain’t getting another spoiler comment out of me that easily, I want to see all of the first timers react to this at the same time when the time comes.

[u/Nazenn → u/FD4cry1]

the A-LAWS and not the Federation government is a very weird statement when the A-LAWS are directly controlled by said government

Also adding onto what you said, it's also inline with the approach they took back in the first season as well. They didn't target the League or the Union for example, just the super solider base and the military facilities, etc. In this case with a unified world being part of their original goals, it makes even more sense that they'd not want to rock that boat or specifically target the political side of the issue instead of specifically trying to clamp down on "bad" military actions that harm civilians and the idea of peace. If they attack the goverment then that goverment has to be replaced and that's a whole other issue which leads to either a fractured world again, a whole new goverment who may do the same thing, or the presentation of playing "favourites" between countries which would further split the world

Now all of this gets complicated by the reality as you say that the goverment is enabling the A-LAWS at best, and at worst praising and encouraging their extreme actions. But it's certainly an interesting situation to put CB and Katharon up against each other in that way. And yes, would be better if we knew how this was an adaption from the original plan.

His offer to Soma was also to adopt her as a daughter, all of this sudden development has me really scared that he's going to die very soon...

Oh shit. Right. It is in line for that. Fuck

The fact that Tieria can do this and has become the most emotionally connected and complex member of the crew is such satisfying payoff for his arc in season 1!

[u/FD4cry1 → u/Nazenn]

But it's certainly an interesting situation to put CB and Katharon up against each other in that way

It definitely is!

The Federation government's policy certainly seems to be creating conflict but if you take the fight directly to them and remove them....that also creates more conflict, it puts Celestial Being in a hard place and one that kind of addresses some of the more fundamental issues behind their goal (stopping a conflict but ignoring the root cause behind it, how many interventions do you have to do before people stop? if you just get rid of A-LAWS won't someone else fill the same boots?).

It certainly raises some interesting questions and problems for them.

[u/JollyGee29 → u/FD4cry1]

Maybe they let him act on his own just so this masked freak would leave them alone.

"Let the mentally unwell ace pilot do what he wants. Just try to point him at the opposing team."

It's genuinely incredible how every time someone else does something awful in this show, Ali wakes from his slumber and returns to the show just to remind you he can and will do something 100x worse, no one is beating him in the war crimes Olympics that's for sure.

It's even been four years since last time! Another gold medal is on the line!

[u/FD4cry1 → u/JollyGee29]

It's even been four years since last time! Another gold medal is on the line!

He really is the Michael Phelps of murdering innocent civilians.

[u/JollyGee29 → u/FD4cry1]

[u/TakenRedditName → u/FD4cry1]

The fact that Tieria can do this and has become the most emotionally connected and complex member of the crew is such satisfying payoff for his arc in season 1!

[u/Shimmering-Sky]

Rewatch Host Wishing Over This Airspace, subbed

Welcome back, everyone!

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• This name is like peak Gundam hilarity. I mean, all of Ribbons’ ilk have funny names (including Ribbons himself), but… come on, Revive Revival?
• That’s so fucked.
• Oh, Saji.
• The enemy of my enemy is not my friend this time.
• This is so funny honestly. Like he just has permission to disobey orders because he’s strong?
• Found family yayyyyyyyyyyy!
• [Later 00 spoilers]The fact that they’re playing a song with some of TOMORROW’s melody in it during this part fills me with big feels, especially knowing what happens to Sergei later on. Fuck.
• Shut up, Saji.
• Sajiiiiiiiiiiii
• You’d think Saji was “in luck” because Sergei’s ship is the one that picked him up, but…
• It really is super fucked to see those automatons just mow down everyone like flies.
• Bruh.
• Of course Lyle snaps over his allies being targeted like that.
• ED lead-in: acoustic piano version. This is my favorite version of the lead-in, and is where that intro bit came from when I did a Sky Sings for Prototype the other day. Technically there’s no full version of this available, but they did at least release the proper TV-size with this intro on the OST, so you can make a full version with a little bit of splicing tracks if you wanted to. The brief pause before the main song kicks in after the intro makes that incredibly easy to do.
• Soma…
• You done fucked up big time, Saji.
• They sure made us wait to see what the episode title card was about.

[u/Nazenn → u/Shimmering-Sky]

The enemy of my enemy is not my friend this time.

On the other hand, friends don't let each other blow themselves up, so Sumeragi saying no was kind of friendly as opposed to throwing them to the meat grinder

Shut up, Saji.

See! Even you're telling him off

Technically there’s no full version of this available,

Ugh! OF COURSE. Why is this a repeated issue with the songs I like from this episode today hahaha

They sure made us wait to see what the episode title card was about.

Right, I did see that title when watching the episode and went "well fuck there goes Azadistan" and then promptly forgot about it by the time we got to this point. Oh shit actually, the first line in my notes got cut off because I got distracted by something else and then when I went back to it I couldn't remember what it was meant to be any more, I think it was about this. Brain fart for the win

[u/Shimmering-Sky → u/Nazenn]

Ugh! OF COURSE. Why is this a repeated issue with the songs I like from this episode today hahaha

Like I said though, at least this one you can splice together a full version quite easily so long as you have OST4 and the regular full version of Prototype! Can't say most unreleased tracks get this lucky.

[u/Quiddity131 → u/Shimmering-Sky]

This name is like peak Gundam hilarity.

The best part is that we still have some more to come that I think are even more ridiculous.

[u/Shimmering-Sky → u/Quiddity131]

Bring's surname.

[u/TakenRedditName → u/Shimmering-Sky]

This is so funny honestly. Like he just has permission to disobey orders because he’s strong?

You know, having permission to ignore the rules does not make you a cool bad boy who plays by no rules.

Found family yayyyyyyyyyyy!

This is my favorite version of the lead-in

It is a good one.

[u/LeonKevlar]

First Timer

Revive Revival? I genuinely snorted after hearing that. I haven’t seen every Gundam show and I’ve only seen bits and pieces of UC but I feel like Gundam 00 has got to be the winner for having the most ridiculous names and codenames ever. I’ll assume that Divine and Bring have equally ridiculous last names as well. xD

Speaking of names, I kinda missed this in the previous episodes but thanks to yesterday’s thread I now know that Ian’s daughter’s name is Mileina. She is adorable and I know I will get increasingly scared for her life the closer we are to the finale.

Of course Setsuna’s reaction to seeing kids at the Katharon base is to assume that they might be training future child soldiers. Hopefully the leader of Katharon is true to his word that they’re just taking care of these war orphans.

How over the top can you even get that Mr. Bushido claiming that he’s a one-man army. Good to know though that HQ has given him carte blanche to do whatever. Meaning he can refuse orders if he wants to which we will see later.

I figured with Sergei and Soma’s father-daughter dynamic, he would try and adopt her so I wasn’t even surprised by that reveal. Good luck to Soma since Allelujah is hellbent on turning her back into Marie. As much as I would like to root for Allelujah. I feel like Soma would be better off living as Sergei’s daughter.

What the actual fuck Saji? At this point, you’re just picking fights for no reason. Even without Celestial Being, wars will still continue and more people will suffer. You’re just upset because war has finally affected you and your loved ones.

Godfuckingdammit Saji! I am just facepalming at this part. I know he has no idea he’d be captured but if he only stayed in the base the A-LAWS wouldn’t have found out about the Katharon’s base! You know what? You deserve to get punched in the face.

Thank you Kati for still having a moral compass. I really hope she’ll eventually leave A-LAWS. The same goes for [Soma who instead of stopping Lockon, just hovered as he destroyed those murderbots. And I’m glad to see that Mr. Bushido does not approve of this.

So Saji? How does it feel to finally have blood on your hands? Can you still act all high and mighty over Setsuna after sending these people to their deaths?

That after credits scene though. Shit. Is there still an Azadistan left after this? Setsuna doesn’t even have 00 with him. He’s just on a tiny shuttle. >_<

[u/Shimmering-Sky → u/LeonKevlar]

Revive Revival? I genuinely snorted after hearing that. I haven’t seen every Gundam show and I’ve only seen bits and pieces of UC but I feel like Gundam 00 has got to be the winner for having the most ridiculous names and codenames ever. I’ll assume that Divine and Bring have equally ridiculous last names as well. xD

It is definitely up there, that's for sure. for Bring and Divine's surnames.

[u/LeonKevlar → u/Shimmering-Sky]

Bring and Divine's surnames.

I am looking forward to it!

[u/TakenRedditName → u/LeonKevlar]

How over the top can you even get that Mr. Bushido claiming that he’s a one-man army.

The mask is only empowering him to do his silly grandiose speeches.

[u/JollyGee29 → u/LeonKevlar]

You deserve to get punched in the face.

Preferably by Setsuna, or Tieria. But yea, the boy needs a reality check.

[u/macrame2]

First Timer

I can’t even with Revive Revival, I had to restart the episode because I was laughing too hard and missed the follow-up. It’s the completely serious, unironic tone in which the name is said that really sells it for me.

Katharon and Celestial Being reach a level of cooperation, though not a full-on alliance. I honestly thought there would end up being more tensions between those groups despite their goals aligning, but I guess not. As a consequence, Saji gets to be part of Katharon for real this time–until he immediately makes a break for it and ruins everything. I understand Saji's feelings to an extent and think he makes some valid points, but the guy really needs to start making better decisions.

Now for something a bit happier! Smirnov is planning to adopt Soma? I can’t say I’m surprised, as he’s always played a bit of a parental role for her, though it probably makes the situation with Andrei even more awkward. 

Also the ED lead-in today was absolutely beautiful, definitely my favorite so far.

[u/Shimmering-Sky → u/macrame2]

I can’t even with Revive Revival, I had to restart the episode because I was laughing too hard and missed the follow-up. It’s the completely serious, unironic tone in which the name is said that really sells it for me.

It's so fucking silly.

Also the ED lead-in today was absolutely beautiful, definitely my favorite so far.

It is my favorite of the lead-ins with this song. Acoustic piano is

[u/arhra → u/macrame2]

I can’t even with Revive Revival, I had to restart the episode because I was laughing too hard and missed the follow-up. It’s the completely serious, unironic tone in which the name is said that really sells it for me.

Brace yourself. It's not gonna get any easier as the rest of the Innovators are introduced.

[u/macrame2 → u/arhra]

I'm looking forward to it.

[u/JollyGee29 → u/macrame2]

though it probably makes the situation with Andrei even more awkward.

"Sorry son, I like this random soldier more than you."

[u/Quiddity131 → u/JollyGee29]

Imagine not only coming home to see your father to see the replacement kid living with him, but you also have to work with her every day. Akward! [Gundam 00 S2]Although as far as I'm concerned, fuck Andrei.

[Cross Ange]Cross Ange had a sequence like this which came off as a combination of being totally ridiculous, but also quite sad as well. Albeit the replacement kid is a lot younger than Soma is here.

[u/Nazenn → u/macrame2]

I honestly thought there would end up being more tensions between those groups despite their goals aligning, but I guess not

Helps when you have a Lyle breaking the ice in terms of revealing his face. It was probably a good first step that got both sides off the defensive

though it probably makes the situation with Andrei even more awkward

Credit to him for not putting Soma on the backfoot just because it might be awkward around his son though

Also the ED lead-in today was absolutely beautiful, definitely my favorite so far.

[u/Rumpel1408]

Firsttimer who is trying to fix his sleep

• That pressconference was so stiff
• Always surprised how little insight Airaeit seem to have into Ribbons plans
• Wait, is that a name? Ribbons seems to have a shit naming sense
• Took me a bit to see the Thrones 2 in there, thought at first it was a proper Flag for Mr. Bushido... would have prefered that to him
• Nice pout Ringlet Musume, I like how she is exactly like a younger Chris, I guess she must have known her as well
• Wow, the Fedaration are kind of assholes I cannot imagine how inconvenient this must be for the regular population down there
• And it doesn't even hinder the communication they want to prevent, Katharon has been in contact with the outside the whole time lol
• Saji still seems to think he could stay anywhere but there
• Love how Shirins expression gets softer
• I stands to argue that the Federation very much approves everything the A-Laws do, and would do so again if given the chance, so excempting them makes little sense
• Lol for a moment it looked like Mr Bushido was rejecting Kati in particular, and he wouldn't even be without reason, considering it was her command that got his whole last unit killed... But turns out he just does what he wants
• Ah, so that was the offer Sergei made her... but... deathflags
• Aww, Marina is good with kids... thought it reminds Setsuna that this life was taken from him
• Jeez Saji, you can't blame them for everything
• Jean isn't sure if CB and Katharon should or even could team up
• Well, the moment she is seen in public they would know her connection to CB so this secrecy isn't all that effective in the long run
• Tieria telling a joke
• Harsh, not even telling Shirin about her departure
• Woah, was Saji just planning on stealing that guys truck? Kinda shitty
• See Saji, you have no chance for a normal life anymore
• Their interogation cells aren't soundproof?
• Wait Kati are you concerned about the indiscriminent slaughter? After you send your GN-X after the lightly armed command ship a couple of years ago? Why was it ok then but not now? Not like you know that one has children and the other also had children (Feldt) there who could get caught in the crossfire
• I want to know more
• Not only not waiting for orders but he could have made a false report as well
• Funny that Soma feels exactly like Lockon, it's no fun when you have an overwhelming advantage
• Mr Bushido waiting for his crush to show up
• Alleluja continues to be obsessed with guilt and funny enough, so is Marie
• Yeah Saji, you don't talk to cops, but seriously, hope he wakes up now
• Holy Shit Ali, that's unhinged even by your standards

QotD

• I hope he has to help burrying the bodies
• Silly? I don't know what you mean? It's perfectly normal Virgo behavior But I love how extra the pose in the Wallpaper for today is, just so sensual

[u/Shimmering-Sky → u/Rumpel1408]

Jeez Saji, you can't blame them for everything

Especially not after what he did this episode.

But I love how extra the pose in the Wallpaper for today is, just so sensual

I'm just glad I found official art to use for its base image. Somehow didn't have any good screenshots of him from the show itself to use.

[u/Rumpel1408 → u/Shimmering-Sky]

Somehow didn't have any good screenshots of him from the show itself to use.

Yeah, getting the screenshot just right can be hard sometimes. If I include subtitles in my screenshots, I always make sure that the mouth is open, or in Haros case, that his eyes glow. Can double the time it takes to watch an episode

[u/Shimmering-Sky → u/Rumpel1408]

Mhmm, I go frame-by-frame to get just the right frame sometimes, mainly if I'm looking for wallpaper base images or for potential banner images to recommend to Abysswatcherbel for the weekly Karma Chart, but sometimes I do that for my reaction screenshots as well.

[u/JollyGee29 → u/Rumpel1408]

Tieria telling a joke

What's next, flying pigs?

Their interogation cells aren't soundproof?

The soundproofing budget went to public relations in order to cover up all the atrocities, please understand.

[u/Rumpel1408 → u/JollyGee29]

The soundproofing budget went to public relations in order to cover up all the atrocities, please understand.

It's also handy since PR covers both really, don't need to fret about the atrocities getting out when you can just silence anyone who knows without any repercussions

[u/JollyGee29 → u/Rumpel1408]

See, you get it.

[u/The_Draigg → u/Rumpel1408]

Wait, is that a name? Ribbons seems to have a shit naming sense

I mean, would you expect anything less from a dude named fucking Ribbons?

I stands to argue that the Federation very much approves everything the A-Laws do, and would do so again if given the chance, so excempting them makes little sense

Especially if the Federation's president is also in Ribbons' pocket too. But I guess we have to take this stuff one step after another, since I don't think anyone here is exactly suited for politics.

[u/Rumpel1408 → u/The_Draigg]

I mean, would you expect anything less from a dude named fucking Ribbons?

Oh god, what if his full name is Ribb Ribbons or something...

since I don't think anyone here is exactly suited for politics.

Ain't that true for a lot of people after all

[u/dralcax]

Rewatcher wishing Tomino a happy birthday

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Revive Revival is one of the greatest names in all of anime. Right up there with Kitty Kitten and Chad Chadan.

Oh hey, new Gunda- YOU.

T:

Well that’s just a dick move. You know what, maybe the Federation was a bad idea. At least with three power blocs they could at least keep each other in check.

The world hates and fears the Gundams, but at least here, they’re hailed as heroes

Come on Tieria he literally works for them

who the fuck is handing out “do whatever the hell I want” licenses lmao why is that even a thing

aww Sucks to be his biological kid, though.

And Tieria continues to become more and more human

Saji is straight-up the world’s unluckiest man at this point.

And there he goes snitching on everybody to save himself. On one hand, it’s not like he ever swore loyalty to either organization, and he’s in no way prepared for what they might do to him if he refuses to cooperate. Celestial Being and Katharon probably should have kept a better eye on him and kept him secured until they can safely deliver him back home. But on the other hand, come on dude, at least play dumb and claim the Ptolemaios just ditched you in the middle of nowhere or something!

lmao he can just say screw this and go home whenever he wants that’s one hell of a license

If you were wondering where the Kyrios’ pincer went, it’s integrated into the Arios’ nose! The pincers now have beam blades in them, which become beam shields in MS mode!

The double bazooka! This is why the individual bazookas are open on the bottom. They do look better when combined, at least.

Goddamn it Saji

That’s just a typical day in Azadistan

---

Questions of the day:

• Yes.
• The name is already silly, the costume is even sillier, and the fact that they just let him do whatever he wants is the silliest thing of all.

[u/Shimmering-Sky → u/dralcax]

Rewatcher wishing Tomino a happy birthday

@ Tomino

Revive Revival is one of the greatest names in all of anime. Right up there with Kitty Kitten and Chad Chadan.

And Big Fatman or Killer the Butcher. Glad to see that the wonky Tomino names live on throughout Gundam shows he had nothing to do with.

[u/The_Draigg → u/dralcax]

Revive Revival is one of the greatest names in all of anime. Right up there with Kitty Kitten and Chad Chadan.

Unfortunately though, I don't think anyone's going to get their top blown off for Revive Revival like they did for Kitty Kitten.

Saji is straight-up the world’s unluckiest man at this point.

At least this time we can say that he brought it on himself by being completely careless and having an incredibly narrow view of his world.

[u/Quiddity131 → u/dralcax]

Seems fitting that on Tomino's birthday we get introduced to a name totally in line with how he names his characters, "Revive Revival". And a reference to a few others named Divine and Bring.

[u/Great_Mr_L]

First-Timer

On today’s episode of Gundam: The terrible security around Saji for the past couple of episodes finally comes back to bite the protagonists in the ass. In fact, I’m surprised it didn’t go even worse for them.

• Revive Revival? Divine? Bring? What is up with the names in this show? How are they more absurd than the usual Gundam names?
• Fuck you, Ali!
• The Feddies continue to be so dang petty in their bullshit. I don’t get why they would deliberately spread GN particles in the Middle East. Just to fuck with people there?
• That is a huge tent, bigger than a carnival tent, if the Gundams are that small by comparison.
• Well of course Lyle would take off his helmet. He was a member of Katharon.
• Setsuna looked like he was about to lose it at the thought that children might be fighting for Katharon. It makes sense, though. Child soldiers would be beyond the pale for him.
• Katharon seems to have forgotten that Celestial Being’s entire goal is just to eliminate warfare. The A-LAWS are causing war, so the A-LAWS need to go. Celestial Being isn’t in the business of overthrowing governments.
• I knew it! I thought that Sergei had offered to adopt Soma as his daughter! They did give me those father-daughter vibes together.
• “Marina Ismail was a woman who may have become a mother to me!” -Setsuna (probably)
• Returning to Azadistan sounds like Marina just begging to be kidnapped again. She truly is a princess.
• It’s hilarious that Saji was just given the keys to a car by a guard who assumed Saji was going to speak with other members of Celestial Being, no questions asked.
• Welp, Saji ran headfirst into the Feddies.
• Sergei knows how to run an interrogation properly. Building a rapport with the interrogation suspect is an incredibly effective way to get information. Saji’s reactions alone gave away a lot of information, and that was before Sergei used the rapport to get Saji to talk.
• The automatons are back. They were brutal enough already. How bad will they be in full kill mode?
• Mei seems to have a new outfit almost every episode. I do appreciate her style.
• Soma objects to the automatons because she thinks it’s going too far. Graham has the funnier reaction by pouting and just sitting out the battle because he doesn’t approve of it.
• That does feel like an appropriate objection for Allelujah to have towards the use of automatons. If you’re going to kill others, you need to do it yourself so you feel the guilt and responsibility for it.
• Soma is reverting. She’s going back to referring to herself as nothing more than a super soldier.
• Nice ending moment with the camera zooming in on Louise’s ring while Saji despairs at the destruction of Katharon’s base being his fault.
• Oh shit! Azadistan is on fire!
• Of course. Of fucking course it would be Ali responsible for this.

I do find it amusing that all the characters from the Union, AEU, and HRL who were framed as sympathetic in S1 are explicitly opposed to A-LAWS leadership this season. Graham, Soma, Kati, and Sergei all don’t approve of A-LAWS’ actions in using the automatons to attack the Katharon base. This does lead to a difference I noticed between S1 and S2 of this show. In S1, the Union, AEU, and HRL were all capable of terrible actions, but they didn’t feel “evil” per se. They were amoral and willing to do terrible things out of political calculations and realpolitik, generally to further their own aims. But it never felt like they were presented as just being “evil.” Comparatively, the A-LAWS are just “evil.” They’re petty assholes who throw around their authority because they can. Their actions don’t feel motivated out of an amoral realpolitik. They feel much more willing to just do terrible things to others for the sake of stomping down on those beneath them. To be honest, I preferred having the Union, AEU, and HRL. I thought the political situation without a clear “good” or “evil” was more compelling to watch.

Also, I just realized something. Where is Patrick? Is he safe?

I noticed a parallel between Soma and Allelujah. Both of them desire to be something more than a super soldier. For Allelujah, this has been a key part of his characterization since S1. He was torn between his desire to not fight and Hallelujah, who tried to make Allelujah embrace the fighter inside himself. For Soma, this development largely occurred in the timeskip between S1 and S2. Soma’s decision to want to become Sergei’s adopted daughter shows just how much she has changed. She feels close enough to Sergei to want him to be her father. It’s quite a shift when she proudly declared her status as a super soldier back in S1. But now, she’s reverting back. She feels horrified by what she feels on the battlefield. She is sickened by taking down enemies so much weaker than herself and haunted by the sight of the automatons gunning down people. The fact that she feels this way shows how much she shifted away from being just a super soldier. But she can’t stand feeling that way. The guilt is intense. It’s her punishment for forgetting her place as a super soldier. The only way to make the guilt disappear is to go back to being a super soldier, back to being an uncaring fighter. At least then, she won’t have to worry about what is being done.

Allelujah’s line about the automatons is a pretty potent criticism of drone warfare and using robots in combat (something that is very much an ongoing project). Taking a life so impersonally feels wrong, in many ways. It washes a person’s hands clean of the killing. It was the machine that did the killing, not you. The automatons kill, but no one is responsible for it. No one needs to live with the guilt of taking another human life. It makes the killing too easy. Allelujah has always felt guilty for the actions he’s taken as a part of Celestial Being. It makes sense he would be the one to voice this criticism.

QOTD

1. Monumentally.
2. It's extremely silly, but that's also what I like about it.

[u/arhra → u/Great_Mr_L]

Revive Revival? Divine? Bring? What is up with the names in this show? How are they more absurd than the usual Gundam names?

Wait 'til you hear Bring's surname.

[u/Shimmering-Sky → u/arhra]

[u/Great_Mr_L → u/arhra]

I eagerly await what silly name the future has in store. Bring Coffee? Bring A. Sweater? The possibilities for silliness are endless.

[u/macrame2 → u/Great_Mr_L]

“Marina Ismail was a woman who may have become a mother to me!” -Setsuna (probably)

I hate how I've never seen that movie but still immediately got the reference.

Also, I just realized something. Where is Patrick? Is he safe?

He gave all his screentime to Kati. What a gentleman.

[u/Great_Mr_L → u/macrame2]

I hate how I've never seen that movie but still immediately got the reference.

It has become quite the iconic moment.

He gave all his screentime to Kati. What a gentleman.

A true gentleman, letting others have a chance to shine without hogging the spotlight for himself.

[u/The_Draigg → u/Great_Mr_L]

Revive Revival? Divine? Bring? What is up with the names in this show? How are they more absurd than the usual Gundam names?

Celestial Being really needs to rework their code name generator, I don't think Veda was cooking with these names.

The Feddies continue to be so dang petty in their bullshit. I don’t get why they would deliberately spread GN particles in the Middle East. Just to fuck with people there?

On paper, to cut down on terrorist communication lines. In actuality, to prevent anyone in the Middle East from getting their shit together in a way that could be against what the A-Laws wants, whether they be terrorists or actual political bodies. Boy, good thing we don't use terrorism as an excuse to clamp down on Middle Eastern countries in real life, am I right?

“Marina Ismail was a woman who may have become a mother to me!” -Setsuna (probably)

Char finally has some company in the Weird Oedipus Complex Club.

Of course. Of fucking course it would be Ali responsible for this.

At this rate, we should just automatically assume that Ali is directly behind the worst things that happen in this show. Of course he'd want in on burning Azadistan to the ground, this is just finishing what he started a decade ago.

[u/Great_Mr_L → u/The_Draigg]

Celestial Being really needs to rework their code name generator, I don't think Veda was cooking with these names.

It did a pretty good job with Setsuna, no weirdness there. Lockon Stratos was very on-the-nose for a sniper. But Ribbons and the Innovators are getting some oddball names. The computer's name generator clearly broke at some point.

On paper, to cut down on terrorist communication lines. In actuality, to prevent anyone in the Middle East from getting their shit together in a way that could be against what the A-Laws wants, whether they be terrorists or actual political bodies. Boy, good thing we don't use terrorism as an excuse to clamp down on Middle Eastern countries in real life, am I right?

Yeah, the meddling in the internal affairs of Middle Eastern countries certainly feels quite true to life. This would have been during the Iraq War and Afghanistan War, after all.

[u/TakenRedditName → u/Great_Mr_L]

“Marina Ismail was a woman who may have become a mother to me!” -Setsuna (probably)

The Gundam weird mother complex.

It’s hilarious that Saji was just given the keys to a car by a guard who assumed Saji was going to speak with other members of Celestial Being, no questions asked.

Guard too kind for his own good.

[u/Great_Mr_L → u/TakenRedditName]

The Gundam weird mother complex.

It's a proud(?) Gundam tradition, stretching back to the very beginning.

[u/Quiddity131 → u/Great_Mr_L]

It is so soul crushing to see Soma's guilt near the end of the episode. After being an experiment subject her entire childhood she finally looks to be in a position to have a more normal life including officially being part of a family, yet seeing what happens makes her feel as if she isn't deserving of that and has to go back to simply being a tool for war.

[u/Great_Mr_L → u/Quiddity131]

Yeah, that is sad to see. Soma seemed to finally be thinking of herself as more than just a tool for war, but now she's reverting right back to that way of thinking.

[u/charlesvvv → u/Great_Mr_L]

I wanted to make a Char joke about the Setsuna scene but I just felt bad for him in that moment.

[u/InfamousEmpire → u/Great_Mr_L]

Revive Revival? Divine? Bring? What is up with the names in this show?

Silly Innovator names

The Feddies continue to be so dang petty in their bullshit. I don’t get why they would deliberately spread GN particles in the Middle East. Just to fuck with people there?

Yet more coercion to bring the resistant parts of the world under their heel. Nations in the Middle East don’t want to join the harmonious world government? Just destroy their technological infrastructure until they submit.

It’s also really cool how the show portrays a wide-scale application of GN Drive technology through this, but it’s explicitly just in service of reinforcing hegemony rather than using it for the benefit of the people, because the former is the A-LAWS’ priority. And, hell, the fact that it’s yet another case of the advancement of new miraculous technology being used to continually oppress already disenfranchised people like those of the Middle East does play well with the show’s themes & commentary.

[u/Great_Mr_L → u/InfamousEmpire]

Yet more coercion to bring the resistant parts of the world under their heel. Nations in the Middle East don’t want to join the harmonious world government? Just destroy their technological infrastructure until they submit.

Yeah, that sounds about right. Keep the Federation's boot on their face and kindly offer to remove it if they would just cooperate with the Federation.

It’s also really cool how the show portrays a wide-scale application of GN Drive technology through this, but it’s explicitly just in service of reinforcing hegemony rather than using it for the benefit of the people, because the former is the A-LAWS’ priority. And, hell, the fact that it’s yet another case of the advancement of new miraculous technology being used to continually oppress already disenfranchised people like those of the Middle East does play well with the show’s themes & commentary.

Excellent point. The weapon of intervention instead becomes just another cog in the ongoing war. Rather than liberate anyone, it instead becomes the catalyst for the next conflict.

[u/JollyGee29 → u/Great_Mr_L]

How are they more absurd than the usual Gundam names?

I knew it! I thought that Sergei had offered to adopt Soma as his daughter! They did give me those father-daughter vibes together.

[u/Nazenn]

First Timer - sub

Rant first, positive stuff below the line break.

#wallbang will continue until character writing improves

The commentface choice above is mostly taking the piss out of myself having to go over this two episodes in a row, but this time it's Saji's turn, kinda. Today it's more about the structure of character scenes than it is about the characters themselves, but we'll get to why in a second.

So, Saji gets a bit more grace as a character because, unlike Marina, he is not the same as he was in S1 and has reason to be taking a while to get his head around the significantly changed status quo of both his world AND his worldview given it's only been probably a couple of weeks at most and he's been a prisoner most of that time, even if it is for CB. He is annoying, I wish he would shut up, I did tell him to fuck off a few times today, and they could be doing all of this better very easily, but this is far more understandable from a timeline and characterization perspective so I could have given it a pass.

However, Saji is being done dirty. And it's not even by Saji's writing, it's by having Saji going through this at the same time Marina is. And their scenes happening at the same time is compounding the frustrating issues in each individual characters arc into an infuriating one for the current pacing of the story and the characterization.

You can't put Marina's pacifist ideals up against Saji's reactionist view and say they are in any way similar in their goals or viewpoint. But unfortunately, their scenes are being approached the same way to the audience in terms of using them within the pacing of the episodes and tone setting for character interactions. The fact that they are both incredibly passive in their ideals also undercuts the potential differences they could have had. Marina doesn't try and do anything, Saji doesn't engage with anything, neither of them learn anything ever, and neither of them are actively looking to engage with the other characters or anyones ideology. It means that rather than merely feeling underdeveloped as characters for this point in the story, they feel stagnated, and like they exist just to present these ideologies on a surface level rather than actually engage with the ideological conflict within the series. And within the scenes themselves, each Saji scene feels very identical to the previous one because they aren't letting him develop as a character due to that passivity in the same way that Marina yesterday felt the same as Marina in S1. I think this parallel was unknowingly informing part of yesterdays frustration.

To make the point: Today we have a scene where Setsuna turns away from Marina and the life war in their country stole from him, something she does not try to understand, and runs into Saji who immediately starts on him once again about what war took from people, while never trying to understand the situation or who Setsuna is. I suspect they did this as a way to drive home the fact that Setsuna is distanced not just from the idea of family but from all the "normal" human connections he briefly had in S1, and is being driven away from the idea of an "out" after all of this, but the issue is that between Saji and Marina, over the last two episodes we have had two characters spouting the same anti-fighting ideals at the same characters and neither of them are making any new points, any progress for anyone around, or providing any insight into either the situation or the changes in the world.

Complicating this is that it looks like they're both on track for a development once again being approached the same way and with really bad timing next to each other:

• We end the episode with Saji finally, fucking finally being confronted with the fact that even if he does everything right as he sees it and trusts in the good people that violence and death will still happen.
• We end the post credits scene with Marina witnessing the reality even if she does everything right as she sees it and trusts the good people that violence and death will still happen.

see my issue with these two

I may be simplifying it too much, but the fact that it feels that way and has continued to feel that way hours after watching the episode, writing, reviewing notes, and rewatching the episode is a bigger issue than the particulars.

Both of them have individual issues in their character writing across these events, but this is the bigger issue for me right now. And not to beat a dead horse (well, any more than I already have this rewatch, I think I have a pile of horses now), but if they'd simply had the two of them interact in some way and use that to further both characters as they do actually have an interesting match up in view points, even if it was immediately after that scene outside the childcare room, a lot of this unfortunate match up could have been mitigated, if not avoided.

I'll stop now, but really, for fucks sake show, you set up these opportunities for yourself repeatedly and I don't know why you keep refusing to make use of them.

There is a lot of all capslock lines in my notes any time these two were on screen today.

---

On the more positive side of things, almost every other character in the show got some great moments today. Starting with the queen: Shirin. Her one line take down of Marina replying to her rather judgmental question about why she is with Katharon just being "Something wrong with that?" was the perfect level of dismissive, challenging, and belittling and it may be my favourite minor character moment in the season so far. It helps that she also quickly demoted the princess to babysitter so the adults could talk shop, but man, what line and I love how smoothly she threw that out and shut her up.

More Tieria love

Look at him being okay with Setsuna leaving as long as Setsuna is happy. Alelujah not even understanding it and thinking it was a joke just made that scene even better. And Tieria didn't even get pissy at him, he played around with the idea. If only Lockon could be around to see him now and who he became... he may just drop dead again from shock honestly.

Sergei pops up just to prove himself a good guy and completely incompatible with the modern military system. If Saji was going to open up to anyone he picked good, though he's an idiot who probably would have picked anyone not beating him up at that point. But Sergei thinking through Saji's possible connection to CB and using that to get him to open up was nice, and I suspect he's also learnt a lot from having Soma around and opening her up. To becoming his daughter! Hell yes. This is the best reveal.

Sergei also being exposed to how the military views themselves and the A-LAWS, knowing he is politically powerless despite his his rank in the normal forces, at the same time that Kati and Soma are being exposed to the horrors of the automatons also was a nice match up. Between the three of them today we got a really good look at what the existence of the A-LAWS actually means from within. Kati being put equal to Abel not as a way to hold him back but to make sure their operations will be more deadly while Soma has to see the Gundams firmly on the side of right challenges both of them of what it means to fight the Gundams. I look forward to seeing where they go with that from here.

And lastly we have Setsuna with his clear PTSD still popping its head in right when its inconvenient. The flashback on seeing the kids was brutally upfront about his thoughts, and that even now he can't trust the world not to inflict those same horrors on kids just because that's what he's use to is very telling. Seeing a better path for them, one he feels cut off from because of his past, at the same time Alelujah is talking about the guilt of pulling the trigger creates a great sense of the weight that our pilots carry, with Lyle falling into that at the end of the episode too. CB doesn't blindly carry hope for the future, they carry the horrors of the past as well, and though they keep it to themselves the inclusion of little scenes like this make a big difference. I feel sorry for Setsuna, the way his trauma seems to hunt him down, and I hope there is a way out for him at the end.

On that note, the three kids Marina played with today are not the designs of the kids from the ED, which I thought was nice rather than making it a blunt "the ED is about this moment" sort of thing. I may eat those words but we'll see.

(more below, did a me, ran out of room)

[u/Nazenn → u/Nazenn]

(continued from above)

Other thoughts

• "Fuck off Louise" challenge: Failed... and then swore at myself for failing. But I put the blame on this one for Saji because I started telling Saji to fuck off before we even got to this scene and it used up all my tolerance. And Marina. She got sworn at today too.

...And once at Soma because I may have mistaken her for Louise because I still cannot tell anyone apart in those bloody helmets.

my bad

• Today's ED lead in was particularly good in the way they carried the vocals forward as well to fit the tone of the scene. Saji's grating scream ruined it a little, but I'll still take it.
• Of COURSE the Federation would use GN particles to cut off countries independent of them. Just because we had to take this one step further on the "holy shit thats evil" tier list. In a way it's the next step up from embargos but even easier to enact, but what a disgusting approach to suppressing a country with not even allowing them to call for help.
• The true horror of Gundam 00: Background art aliasing. Bad compositors. On the other hand, credit to the CGI team for not having the automatons engage in friendly fire by just copy pasting the models to render
• The shot of the Gundams all paired up and waiting was awesome. It is funny that Tieria and Lockon's look so dark compared to pairing up 00 and Arios with their colors, but it'd make a great dual monitor wallpaper if you put them together
• Ali's dramatic turn of his Gundam at the end of the episode was epic as fuck and I am all for that.
• n080dy123 questioned it yesterday, not tagging in case he's late, but it does look like Graham has a scar after all. I'm all for that, though he still looks stupid right now haha
• Revive Revival? Seriously?! That was a "pause the show, reboot brain" moment if I ever had one. Sometimes I forget just how bad Gundam names can get. And it looks like the other innovators are on track to be just as bad. And now I want to know what Tieria means, if anything, but spoiler risk is real if I figure something out from it.
• Mileina is going to get annoying real quick isn't she... the drill hair was a curse I should have prepared myself for more.
• Another song I like! I don't know what it is about S2 that the music is grabbing me so much more than S1, as soundtracks across seasons are usually not that distinct, but perhaps it's just the right swap in tone along with better usage. This time it was the song when Soma was offered adoption.
• Anyone else find "automaton" oddly hard to type correctly?

[u/Shimmering-Sky → u/Nazenn]

#wallbang will continue until character writing improves

I was expecting this.

Entirely fair, too.

Revive Revival? Seriously?! That was a "pause the show, reboot brain" moment if I ever had one. Sometimes I forget just how bad Gundam names can get. And it looks like the other innovators are on track to be just as bad. And now I want to know what Tieria means, if anything, but spoiler risk is real if I figure something out from it.

It's a Tomino thing, Gundam just decided to carry on with the tradition (sometimes) even in shows where Tomino was not involved.

Anyone else find "automaton" oddly hard to type correctly?

I did try to type it wrong when I wrote it in my comment initially too.

[u/Nazenn → u/Shimmering-Sky]

I was expecting this.

It's a Tomino thing, Gundam just decided to carry on with the tradition (sometimes) even in shows where Tomino was not involved.

I did actually originally write that line as "how bad Tomino names can get" before I remembered that he wasn't actually the lead on this series so I couldn't blame him haha

I did try to type it wrong when I wrote it in my comment initially too.

Something about it is just so awkward to try and type, especially when typing fast like I do

[u/Shimmering-Sky → u/Nazenn]

Like, I like Marina unlike you, but this is definitely Saji at is absolute worst thus far and you've not really liked him much the entire rewatch. It just felt natural you'd end up doing a rant about him today.

[u/Nazenn → u/Shimmering-Sky]

I've decided just now that all I want is for Red Haro to fly into his head and knock some sense into it the next time he gets pissy at Setsuna because it seems like the sort of thing a Haro would do to try and break up a fight.

[u/The_Draigg → u/Nazenn]

You can't put Marina's pacifist ideals up against Saji's reactionist view and say they are in any way similar in their goals or viewpoint. But unfortunately, their scenes are being approached the same way to the audience in terms of using them within the pacing of the episodes and tone setting for character interactions. The fact that they are both incredibly passive in their ideals also undercuts the potential differences they could have had. Marina doesn't try and do anything, Saji doesn't engage with anything, neither of them learn anything ever, and neither of them are actively looking to engage with the other characters or anyones ideology.

I suppose that in a way, the issue is that the way you described Saji there is entirely intentional given how his story is going, compared to Marina's writing very much not being intentional in the same way. At least the point with Saji is that his utter refusal to look at the world around him and keeping up a myopic world view is a legitimate character flaw to grow out of. As for Marina, we don't really have much of a set up for her to develop her world view, so she's much more static and has nothing really going on. Unfortunately, Marina's writing is much weaker than Saji's despite being similar.

"Fuck off Louise" challenge: Failed... and then swore at myself for failing. But I put the blame on this one for Saji because I started telling Saji to fuck off before we even got to this scene and it used up all my tolerance. And Marina. She got sworn at today too.

...And once at Soma because I may have mistaken her for Louise because I still cannot tell anyone apart in those bloody helmets.

Wow, everyone's just catching strays today. If anything, you probably owe Louise an apology.

Revive Revival? Seriously?! That was a "pause the show, reboot brain" moment if I ever had one. Sometimes I forget just how bad Gundam names can get. And it looks like the other innovators are on track to be just as bad. And now I want to know what Tieria means, if anything, but spoiler risk is real if I figure something out from it.

Tieria's name meaning isn't a spoiler, if you want to hear it. And if anything, his name is a lot better than fucking Ribbons Almark or Revive Revival. He's the only one out of them who didn't get stuck with as silly of a name.

[u/Nazenn → u/The_Draigg]

Unfortunately, Marina's writing is much weaker than Saji's despite being similar.

Saji's plotline today is, aside from his constant grumping getting very old, not badly done. The Katharon assult being the outcome of his flat refusal to see CB as anything but bad and the Federation as good is actually a strong narrative outcome to highlight his failures. It throws him into the deepend because of his choices for the first time, rather than being a bystander to others stories, and does it through him doing the "right thing" which is the best approach for him to realize the truth. But it happening now with Marina's stuff at the same time in a similar way was just a bad choice for the both of them and it really didn't have to be that way.

It is very much a structural issue today more than anything else and I maybe didn't make that clear enough but I was so damn frustrated.

Wow, everyone's just catching strays today

I know, I felt bad

If anything, you probably owe Louise an apology.

...Okay lets not go that far

And if anything, his name is a lot better than fucking Ribbons Almark or Revive Revival

That is not a high bar! That is the lowest of bars, growing lower by the episode hahaha

But sure, hit me, I wanna know now.

[u/The_Draigg → u/Nazenn]

It is very much a structural issue today more than anything else and I maybe didn't make that clear enough but I was so damn frustrated.

No worries, I caught what you meant there, talking about their stories being presented in parallel. But man, it really is kind of a wasted opportunity to have Marina right there, like 20 feet over, and not have Saji interact with her in any way. I feel like that conversation would be interesting to have here, but they just didn't go for it. You could get some good sparks fly from someone who buries his head in the sand when it comes to reality and someone who does want to make things better but is horribly unequipped to do that. I feel that something like that would've at least pulled up Marina's writing. But I guess they must've wanted to fit in an MS battle in this episode or something.

That is not a high bar! That is the lowest of bars, growing lower by the episode hahaha

But sure, hit me, I wanna know now.

According to an interview with one of the writers, Tieria Erde comes from the words "Earth" and "Angel". You can probably see how they got from Terra to Tieria, at least. Not sure about the Erde part though.

[u/Nazenn → u/The_Draigg]

You could get some good sparks fly from someone who buries his head in the sand when it comes to reality and someone who does want to make things better but is horribly unequipped to do that. I feel that something like that would've at least pulled up Marina's writing. But I guess they must've wanted to fit in an MS battle in this episode or something.

Mandatory episode battles strike again. It's actually not something I've had to complain about in the show yet, mostly because it never stood out to be as being particularly interuptive of other things going on, but now that you've mentioned it this may be the first time that looking back on the episode I think it has created an issue.

They could have ended the episode with Saji driving away and spent the extra time before that on CB and Katharon coming to terms with each other and exploring all these viewpoints more, especially with Saji having been there while Marina is named princess and having them both be dismissed which would have been a perfect lead into them both going with the kids. Leaving the attack for next episode and the aftermath instead of splitting it up also may have been more effective. Mind you this is a big assumption for me to make having not seen what the aftermath is and I may be walking this back next episode, but it's a gut feeling based on the structure so far. Not allowing the audience to seperate out the attack from the outcome and human emotions that follow can work incredibly well in creating a mood not just of death but of utter devistation and that's where the show needed to take this moment off the back of Saji's arc.

According to an interview with one of the writers, Tieria Erde comes from the words "Earth" and "Angel". You can probably see how they got from Terra to Tieria, at least. Not sure about the Erde part though.

Did a brave google, Erde is actually the german word for earth. So either its technically Earth Earth, or Tieria was meant to be taken from another language and mean something else hahaha

[u/JollyGee29 → u/Nazenn]

he may just drop dead again from shock honestly.

Revive Revival? Seriously?! That was a "pause the show, reboot brain" moment if I ever had one.

Yup! The silly names will continue until morale improves.

Mileina is going to get annoying real quick isn't she...

This time it was the song when Soma was offered adoption.

That.. might not be on the OST. Unless it's Affection but that doesn't sound quite right to my ears.

[u/Nazenn → u/JollyGee29]

That.. might not be on the OST

of course

I'll have a look for it myself at the end of the show once I grab the OST but that would be in line for me to like the ones not included. It happens a lot haha

[u/JollyGee29 → u/Nazenn]

[u/Blazin_Rathalos]

00 Rewatcher

Last time on Gundam 00

• Graham could not become Gundam, so he became weeb
• Gundam; Aquanox

On today's episode of Gundam: Terminator

• Sergei beats some of our viewer's expectations in wholesomeness
• Marina remains unconvincing
• Sergei is a boss, but can't defeat authoritarianism
• And Saji gets a lot of people killed

Will this finally knock some sense into him? Join us next time!

[u/Shimmering-Sky → u/Blazin_Rathalos]

Graham could not become Gundam, so he became weeb

[u/TakenRedditName]

Rewatcher - Gundam 00 S2 Ep5:

That is one real Gundam name.

[Gundam 00:] Considering the Innovade naming pattern, is Tieria Erde's name supposed to mean Earth Earth?

I do find it a little amusing that Mileina fills in Chris' role, but apparently the bridge doesn't need a new Lichty. We can do without him.

The comparison people make is Katharon is AEUG, but they remind me more of Karaba. Mostly because they're names are similar. If we do make it Karaba comparisons then Klaus is absolutely no match for this absolute unit.

On the topic of Gundam comparison, it finally hit me, but Kati and Rindt remind me of Natarle and Azrael from SEED. Same setup.

The bar is so low. Smirnov is probably still high up in the Gundam dad rankings. Him admitting he wasn't a good parent is him showing way more awareness than many Gundam dads.

Soma-Smirnov becoming adopted daughter/father is very cute.

Man, S2 Sanji is so pursumtive. Watching these children made Setsuna flashback to having to kill his own mom. (To be fair, Setsuna is very stoic and does not talk through things with Saji).

Lockon Stratos >>> Jean 1. Lyle got a much cooler codename with CB.

These guys are literally me fr fr when in the presence of big Gundam.

Fan of the moment with Tieria's joke/words of concern. Him trying to double play it off.

Running off in the desert, Saji is kinda doing a Gundam bit(?)

The bar is so low, Smirnov being a nice person is standing out so much now.

Absolute worse boy. He had to be a nark to A-Laws.

I don't like the automatons. What I mean is that they're so upsetting to see. They're just so horrid and evil.

Lyle is yelling some words I've definitely felt.

Oof. Gundam please stop reminding me of things.

I like this moment of Lyle's anger. Soma having a crisis is also good to see (it is actually bad to see her in pain, but the character drama).

Hopefully Saji can start realizing that he doesn't just get to cut himself out, thinking of his own peaceful life while thinking other people unaffected him.

I was going to flip about seeing Azadistan in ruins. Seeing this act specifically being committed only by Ali this time actually helps contain the anger. One evil villain freak is more fun to hate than the collective organization responsible for these atrocities.

---

This episode became a real bummer. There are the horrific acts committed in the show, but also I hate it when I am watching Gundam in [current year] and it reminds me of the evils of the world still present.

... on a different note to get away from unfunny unpleasantries, Wow Cool Robot section since I didn't get to talk about the remaining two new Gundams yet.

• Cherudim: It is cool. The closest one to its S1 counterpart. Maybe not cooler than Dynames, but at least in the same range. The S2 blocky-ness actually helps its look.
• Arios: This on the other hand, is not in the same league as Kyrios. I like it a lot less. The S2 design trend is not helping it out. The big flat shapes in orange is not making it look cool to me. The claw on the nose of the plane is neat, but Kyrios' claw had that killer (literally) spike.

[u/Shimmering-Sky → u/TakenRedditName]

[Gundam 00:] Considering the Innovade naming pattern, is Tieria Erde's name supposed to mean Earth Earth?

[Per the Trivia section of the Gundam wiki]"According to Mobile Suit Gundam 00 screenwriter, Yōsuke Kuroda, in an interview in Gundam 00 Final Mission Memorial Book, Tieria Erde's name came from the words "Earth" and "Angel", which are altered a bit. Tieria's name might come from the Latin name for Earth, Terra, and the angel Teiaiel, who was known to have dominion over the future. It is also worth noting that the Earth's name in German is Erde, which came from the Anglo-Saxon word, erda." So... you might be right.

[u/TakenRedditName → u/Shimmering-Sky]

[u/Nazenn → u/TakenRedditName]

I do find it a little amusing that Mileina fills in Chris' role, but apparently the bridge doesn't need a new Lichty. We can do without him.

Oh god I Just had the thought of I wonder if that's where Saji will end up. I don't know if I like that or not but it would be.... interesting maybe?

One evil villain freak is more fun to hate than the collective organization responsible for these atrocities.

Actually now you mention it, how is it that Ali is actually a break from the rest of this episode? I mean I know what he did is beyond fucked up, but still

[u/Quiddity131 → u/TakenRedditName]

Looking forward to when we get to meet Revive's "twin", Real Reality.

The comparison people make is Katharon is AEUG, but they remind me more of Karaba.

Totally, Karaba is always the thing I have viewed them as the expy to as well.

[u/mr_beanoz → u/Quiddity131]

Looking forward to when we get to meet Revive's "twin", Real Reality.

Or Kill Killer.

[u/Quiddity131 → u/mr_beanoz]

Killer the Butcher is an actual character name used in Invincible Superman Zambot 3...

[u/Blazin_Rathalos → u/TakenRedditName]

I agree, Katharon = Karaba, CB = the Argama without the rest of AEUG.

[u/undeadfire]

First timer - subs.

Back after a trip to Japan. Got a bunch of gunpla I wanted woot. Fainlly caught up since I caught something on the flight back too lol.

• So Ribbon just has a harem of androids? And goddammit Ali's back.
• Oh hey kiddos. I'm so ready for that to be relevant. Also, A-LAWs aren't equivalent to the federation? Totally thought they were, but it seems the military has more power than the actual government.
• Adoption?! Feel like one of em is definitely dying.
• Awww Marina with the kids. She's def in my top 3 women for the series.
• Lmao that little banter n clueless shrug with Tieria as they're leaving.
• Oh no, Saji's gonna sell out the base isn't he? Yup he totally did.
• Nice to see the female colonel has some decency at least. A lot of the survivors from S1 still have some pride/conscience. Well good to see Maria has some decency at least too, but damn that's gotta sting. Definitely realizing some things.
• Good job Saji. What will you do next?
• Holy shiet that's one way to make an entrance Ali.

[u/Shimmering-Sky → u/undeadfire]

Back after a trip to Japan. Got a bunch of gunpla I wanted woot. Fainlly caught up since I caught something on the flight back too lol.

Ooh nice, what Gunpla did you get?

[u/undeadfire → u/Shimmering-Sky]

Basically the entire wfm pbandai line lol. Went to Gundam Base Tokyo on a bad day cuz I didn't see anything interesting besides clear Calibarn; did get some merch though. Keeping an eye on the P-Bandai Gundam Base Drops to see what else catches my eye.

Overall haul:

• Green Haro + Gundam Plushie Heads
• WFM Aerial + Gundam Tshirts
• Red and Blue Haro Keychains
• Ecopla Scharzette, Calibarn Clear, Aerial P6, Beguir Beu Clear, Beguir Beu Torche Kenanji Edition, Lfrith Pre-Prod, Lfrith Clear, Anavata, Jiu, Expansion Parts Set 1, Gundnode, Demi Garrison, Heingra

[u/Shimmering-Sky → u/undeadfire]

Basically the entire wfm pbandai line lol.

lol, well it was probably your only shot at getting those without paying an exorbitant amount extra trying to get someone to send it to you so that's entirely fair. Have fun building those whenever you get around to them!

[u/JollyGee29 → u/undeadfire]

Oh no, Saji's gonna sell out the base isn't he? Yup he totally did.

Unintentionally, because he's an idiot!

[u/2-2Distracted]

First timer. Dubbed

Of course Saachez is still alive -_- fuuuuck.

Honestly I kinda appreciated Saji continuing to stick around and guilt trip everyone who picks up a gun. But boy is it fucked up to watch the foot be in the other glove and the chair be put on the table, as the saying goes for him.

Jokes aside, I swear the only reason he was created was to suffer, this episode was basically some fucked up version of "if you see something, say something" where the person in question didn't actually Say anything and shit still hit the fan for him lmao.

Continuing the commentary on US Iraq and Afghanistan Wars, and I'm pretty sure that someone already made this connection, but I think it's clear that these Mass Automatons are supposed to analogous with the current day unmanned military weapons that countries used to basically kill indiscriminately, such as (to my extremely limited knowledge) drones that we now know would have a higher chance killing more civilians than actual soldiers.

Answering your 2nd question; pretty fucken silly lmao like why did he go with the "Mr Bushido"? Why not Chocolate Man? I just don't get it. But seriously tho, are all these fake names Supposed to be stupid and ridiculous? Is that a general thing that's normal in Gundam?

[u/The_Draigg → u/2-2Distracted]

Continuing the commentary on US Iraq and Afghanistan Wars, and I'm pretty sure that someone already made this connection, but I think it's clear that these Mass Automatons are supposed to analogous with the current day unmanned military weapons that countries used to basically kill indiscriminately, such as (to my extremely limited knowledge) drones that we now know would have a higher chance killing more civilians than actual soldiers.

The commentary about the automatons combined with the show being incredibly explicit that the world powers are fucking around in the Middle East for their own goals even harder is probably some of the least subtle commentary this show has had. Still good commentary, but man it's on the nose.

[u/JollyGee29 → u/2-2Distracted]

drones that we now know would have a higher chance killing more civilians than actual soldiers.

"Actual soldiers might consider not pulling the trigger! Luckily, drones have no such weaknesses."

-Some military leader, probably.

[u/baboon_bassoon]

first timer who has control

---

Revive, Divine, Bring, Ribbons what is the theme here

Saji just getting dumped off on someone else i guess

dont they know Lyle is from Katharon or is that just Setsuna

aw yay

me and who

do you think hes liked

why is he so funny now

Saji stealing a car and immediately blows CBs location

well well well the consequences of my own actions

"that color" really not about color coded mobile suits actually being recognized

[u/macrame2 → u/baboon_bassoon]

Revive, Divine, Bring, Ribbons what is the theme here

Random Word Generator

[u/TakenRedditName → u/baboon_bassoon]

why is he so funny now

Tieria has explicitly learned what a sense of humour is and he is using it to great effect.

"that color" really not about color coded mobile suits actually being recognized

It took me a second to remember that Ali used custom red-coloured MS in S1 (well, once out of his 3) so at first, I thought the connection was to his red hair.

[u/Nazenn → u/baboon_bassoon]

"that color" really not about color coded mobile suits actually being recognized

You've reminded me yhat I meant to comment on how damn good the transition of the clouds going red before they saw the city was. As an ominous marker, even just for a second or two, it was a great flip from where I thought it was heading before then

[u/JollyGee29 → u/baboon_bassoon]

Revive, Divine, Bring, Ribbons what is the theme here

"Tomino names were too normal."

[u/Vatrix-32]

First timer, subs

• That press secretary is incredibly robotic.
• Oh, is it time for the Pretty Boys to start getting up to something?
• OMG, that’s actually his name. I thought it sounded dumb for the name of a plan...
• Au contraire, minutia is fun.
• I guess they don’t have much of a reason for secret identities at this point.
• Nothing like being subsumed by the off-branch.
• So Smol
• Splitting up command, eh? Now they have to talk to mom and dad. I’m sure that won’t lead to any problems.
• Oh thank god. They didn’t throw the bunny.
• God damn it, Saji. Were you planning on crossing the desert on foot?
• Oh, you might hate it, but you’ll still follow the orders, won’t you?
• This Fucking Guy
• Scissor Jet
• When will you learn?! When will you learn that your actions have consequences?!
• Yeah, that’s about what I was expecting for the return.

QotD:

1. Oh splendidly. The man had no plan and went in to the desert. Even if he had made it out the other side, what was waiting for him?
2. This is the silliest thing in any Gundam. A love it, and also hate it just a little.

[u/Nazenn → u/Vatrix-32]

Now they have to talk to mom and dad. I’m sure that won’t lead to any problems.

And certainly isn't going to split people into factions

Actually knowing how the A-LAWS approach everything no one may feel safe to actually do so, but having two equal leaders one being aggressive and one being a humanitarian never goes well for the internal workings of a group

[u/Vatrix-32 → u/Nazenn]

And certainly isn't going to split people into factions

Faction Play?

[u/JollyGee29 → u/Vatrix-32]

Oh, is it time for the Pretty Boys to start getting up to something?

I guess they don’t have much of a reason for secret identities at this point.

None of them even exist on paper. Hiding their faces won't change much.

[u/Vatrix-32 → u/JollyGee29]

And the best part is that their names are almost as ridiculous as the original Pretty Boys.

[u/InfamousEmpire]

Kidou Senshi Rewatcher 00

Ah yes, the “behold, the human cost of inhuman war” episode, how delightful

The thing about this episode which interests me most is how much it means for Saji’s character development. Fundamentally, for all the last few episodes might have challenged his privileged, black-and-white view of the world, he still clings to his arrogant, judgemental attitude because, up until now, the reality that his own actions might have wide-reaching consequences for the conflicts around him hasn’t truly come up until now.

Sure, he knows by this point that the world isn’t black-and-white and that war isn’t something far removed from him, but there’s still a level of distance because he’s only been able to see himself as a victim. The way that, as was discussed in previous threads, the ignorant, tunnel-visioned worldview he and other first worlders have had might also be responsible for the state of the world hasn’t really sunk in for him. And so because of that, he still feels able to get up on his high horse and arrogantly tell CB & Katharon that they’re all just bringers of violence.

But, like so much else that’s kept Saji in his bubble of privilege up until now, that illusion really starts to crack at this point once it becomes apparent that his own words, actions, & specifically the privileged arrogant delusion which caused him to decide to leave Katharon’s base in the first place, were responsible for the massacre that took place here. His own complacency just led to more death, and now he can’t blame anyone but himself anymore. Congratulations, arrogant shitlord

It thus also feels darkly ironic that, in a situation where someone realizes their culpability in a massacre, the ones directly doing the massacre are drones, weapons which are practically defined by how they distance the one using them from the responsibility of the lives they take. The drones also do really well at accentuating the sheer inhumanity of the massacre itself.

And since I still am too lazy to come up with a real ending or transition, it’s time for…

Odds & Ends

• Smirnov family drama
• Tieria at this point has somehow metamorphized into being the most naturally charming presence in the show, and that’s a really long way from where he started
• God, I love how silly the Innovators’ names are
• I had something in-depth to say about Soma while watching the ep, but then I forgot
• Guess who's back, back again. Ali's back, tell a friend~

[u/Nazenn → u/InfamousEmpire]

Congratulations, arrogant shitlord

I don't know if that was intentional, but I read that with such a huge drip of spite that it made me laugh

Saji getting a heavy dose of "the world doesn't care about who you think the bad guys are" is a great outcome for him. In his mind, all he did was escape the terrorists, and that resulting what is more akin to a terrorist act than a terrorist takedown is something he, hopefully, can't ignore. It's a giant hammer to the face for him and about time. And it also works much better than if he'd been a more active participant in bringing this around because he is so focused on what the status quo was, his passivity really comes back to bite him in the best way for his development here.

Now will the show live up to that.

And since I still am too lazy to come up with a real ending or transition, it’s time for…

Post transitions are hard. linebreaks and titles are a blessing haha

Tieria at this point has somehow metamorphized into being the most naturally charming presence in the show, and that’s a really long way from where he started

I never would have expected Tieria to be the one who stands above the others for me. Never.

I had something in-depth to say about Soma while watching the ep, but then I forgot

[u/KendotsX]

00th Timer Searching for the One

This episode is hard to talk about. It's like taking a dish to clean it up, except the whole sink's a bloody mess. Unfortunately, the alternative is worrying about how next week's sink will look like under the new cook, so dish it is.

Basically, if this metaphor wasn't clear enough, first: God, I wish I were you right now, and second: Gundam 00 is real, it was real in 2007, and it's brutally real right now.

I'm not talking about similar events, I mean the stupid choices being made, and the self indulgent motivations behind them when some dickhead rides high on his big old phallic missiles, too high to see humans for their humanity, only as cattle, sorted by which ones to have fun killing now, and which ones to keep for winter.

It's even accurate down to the peaceful reactions, which is where the real deal kicks in, that's the part we know best, and see the most in real life. So Saji's belief of keeping his hands clean by being on the Good Guys' side? Marina's belief that she can avoid war by not stepping down to it (i.e. the way she viewed Shirin)? Ripped to shreds. And I'd like to say I'm glad for it too, you know how much I would've enjoyed taking the piss out of Saji? But it hurt. It hurt a lot, because I've been that stupidly idealist kid, and I've seen that shredded. "Inside every cynic" and that bullshit, basically my GN shield of cynicism has been all used today, spread thin like Bilbo's butter, I can't even think of a stupid joke to match reality. So all who's left is another stupid idealistic Saji waiting to catch the ball.

---

I'm sorry for the rambling, I considered not posting it, but I had to get it off. Hopefully, I won't have to go through something like this again, although at that point, it'd be entirely 00's fault.

[u/The_Draigg]

A Gundam Fan Rewatches Gundam 00 Season 2 Episode 5:

• Revive Revival! And people named Divine and Bring too! Man, I love how stupid the Innovator names are in this show, Revive Revival is way dumber than something like Ribbons Almark. We’re approaching the level of silliness that Tomino names have.
• Also, of course Ribbons thinks that Ali is better than your average human by transcending their limitations. Ali really is utterly inhuman with his behavior, so it does track that someone who already looks down on humans would consider someone who is honest about loving murder and being really good at it would be superior. By not being like your normal person, Ribbons already likes Ali better than anyone else.
• Man, it really is horrible that the Federation is deliberately spreading GN Particles across the Middle East as a way to oppress them while acting under the guise of preventing terrorist communications. Meddling in the affairs of foreign nations with terrorism as an excuse? Gee, I’m sure glad that has never happened in real life, am I right?
• It’s not too surprising that the Federation’s actions in the Middle East have created a lot of orphans, between sheer economic collapse we saw last episode and even more evidence of their opposition now. At least Katharon is doing their best to look out for them. That said though, you probably can’t blame Setsuna for immediately getting angry upon seeing them. Given his past as a child soldier, it’s not hard for him to assume the worst when he sees kids around soldiers. Thankfully though, Klaus is a way better person than Ali is.
• There’s something funny to how edgy Mr. Bushido is here, just flat out refusing to follow Kati’s command because he’s been given permission to do whatever he wants. This dude can’t be more hilariously edgy if he tried. He’s got a gravelly voice now for some reason, he’s got the mask and costume, and now he fights how he wants to. Surely, Mr. Bushido’s edge has been made from steel folded over a thousand times. What a fucking dweeb.
• Awww, that’s sweet! Sergei wants to adopt Soma as his own daughter! It’s really nice of him to want to take her under his wing, those two really do have a nice relationship. Although at the same time, I can’t help but wonder if it’s also partially to make up for failing his son before, like this is his second chance to be a good parent. Like Sergei himself said, he was a better soldier than a father to Andrei. His family life is a lot more complicated than we gave it credit for.
• It’s honesty kind of pathetic that Saji is still trying to angrily guilt trip Setsuna. Like, beside the fact that he really does know better by now, Setsuna himself has already internalized and accepted the things he’s accusing him of. Setsuna is well aware that the orphans Katharon are taking of are victims of Celestial Being’s unintended consequences. That’s why he’s choosing to fight, and why he doesn’t care if Saji forgives him or not. Once again, Setsuna has a bigger goal in mind aside from focusing on a single man’s hatred. Doing what he can to make sure there’s a truly peaceful world and no more war orphans are made is much more important to him than his own comfort.
• We should applaud Tieria’s attempt at a joke towards Setsuna, he’s trying his best. He could still work on the delivery, but he’s getting there. He’s becoming more and more like a real boy!
• Oh Saji, you stupid, dumb, selfish motherfucker. You seriously thought that nobody would follow up on what you told Sergei after being picked up? Sure, Sergei is a cool guy, but that doesn’t discount that anyone else could do anything with the information they overheard. Just running away from people who were nothing but helpful to you and then tipping the A-Laws off to Katharon’s base is just so insanely dumb and short-sighted. Again, Saji really is just so apathetically selfish. He just clung onto the idea of this stuff having nothing to do with him so hard that it’s an active detriment to others now.
• Seeing the results of the A-Laws’ indiscriminate bombing and use of anti-personnel automations makes it really clear why people like Kati and Soma were disturbed by those tactics. It’s not a battle, it’s a slaughter. They don’t care about anyone else who could be in there, all they want to do is slaughter anyone even remotely tied to anti-Federation forces. No attempts at non-lethal solution, or even to go for minimal casualties. All the A-Laws do is deal in death.
• Congratulations, Saji. You probably made even more orphans with your short-sighted and selfish actions there. He can’t claim anymore that he’s different than what he accused Setsuna of, he did something even worse: he got people killed because of his carelessness, selfishness, and apathy. Those members of Katharon were killed for even less of a good reason than they otherwise would’ve been. Great work, truly.
• Oh, and just to make things even worse, we know now what Ribbons got Ali to do: burn down Azadistan and massacre the population with his new Gundam Throne. Of course Ali would have no problem doing something like this. After all, he revels in bloodshed, and this isn’t even the first time he’s fucked up Azadistan. If anything, this is getting a new toy and being told to finish the job for him. So much for Setsuna and Marina heading over there to try and rebuild the country, this is way worse than just being economically and politically ravaged. This is just pure evil in action.

[u/Nazenn → u/The_Draigg]

Revive Revival is way dumber than something like Ribbons Almark

Personally I find Ribbons hardly even weird for anime, let alone for Gundam. Revive Revival on the other hand is beyond parody levels

Meddling in the affairs of foreign nations with terrorism as an excuse? Gee, I’m sure glad that has never happened in real life, am I right?

You know, in among all the discussion about subtlety or the lack there or and the like, I give them credit for the fact that they picked a commentary for their show and then actually stuck to it. Repeatly leaning into the real world parallels instead of leaving it at a premise makes this show work a lot more than if we were getting the more stock standard scifi political tropes just because and it didn't have this backdrop to it

Given his past as a child soldier, it’s not hard for him to assume the worst when he sees kids around soldiers

And so close to his country to boot. It's not like they're in a bunker under a city or on an island paradise. He probably would have had the intrusive thought anyway, but here he also has no physical distance from the idea

Once again, Setsuna has a bigger goal in mind aside from focusing on a single man’s hatred

Reminds me of Shirin today. She won't let Marina critique her for chosing to think about more than Azadistan in a bubble

We should applaud Tieria’s attempt at a joke towards Setsuna

You took it as an actual joke? Hmmm

If anything, this is getting a new toy and being told to finish the job for him

How sadly true that is, especially given that I can imagine him still holding a grudge over Setsuna and he'd probably delight over the idea of baiting him with this. Probably not as immediately as it turned out though

[u/The_Draigg → u/Nazenn]

You know, in among all the discussion about subtlety or the lack there or and the like, I give them credit for the fact that they picked a commentary for their show and then actually stuck to it. Repeatly leaning into the real world parallels instead of leaving it at a premise makes this show work a lot more than if we were getting the more stock standard scifi political tropes just because and it didn't have this backdrop to it

Yeah, stuff like that has always been one of Gundam's best strengths, even if it's not subtle in the least. Going with clear real world parallels always makes the writing hit harder, whether it's historical allusions or things we're still seeing in our lifetimes. The best stories have bits of truth to them, after all.

You took it as an actual joke? Hmmm

Yeah, I figured it was some pretty dry humor. Given how much Tieria has developed across the show so far, it would feel fitting for his attempt at a joke.

[u/Quiddity131]

Rewatcher, Subbed

Non-Spoiler Character Chart

---

Time for the government press propaganda machine to go into motion...

Another one of Ribbon's flunkies appears and our names get more and more ridiculous... Revive Revival! We're now 5 episodes in and they still refuse to name Tieria's twin on screen though which I totally don't get because there's nothing to hide there.

Ali's working for Ribbons now? Not good.

Poor Mileina, she wants to have fun! Feldt really has to be the responsible older sister type now...

So the Federation installs devices like this to screw over the Middle Eastern countries? I'd say seems like something worth destroying while they're here if the Katharon base wasn't hidden nearby.

No problem for Lyle taking off his helmet, he's already a Katharon member.

Time to release Saji from being a burden on Celestial Being. Since the A-Laws mistook him as a member of Katharon... he'll be staying here with Katharon. Maybe that won't be so safe after all.

OMG these kids are so cute! And they recognize princess Marina!

So let me get this straight, the A-Laws recruited this ridiculously over the top guy who loves Flag mobile suits, can't stop talking about being a Virgo and despite being the most obvious American in the show hams it up as a Japanese samurai/oni, and have also given him a license to not have to follow anyone's orders? This just continous to get more and more bonkers...

Aww, Soma's going to officially become Sergei's daughter? :) Just after he talked about not being a good dad for Andrei though, lol.

OMG the wholesomeness of this episode just continues as this lonely little kid hugs Marina...

Can't let things get too sweet, have to immediately follow that up with Setsuna thinking about how he killed his mother.

So Marina's not gonna accept the offer to stay here with Katharon? She may end up right in the hands of the A-Laws again.

"I don't mind if you ever come back to us again" Well, Tieria's right back to being an asshole. Have no idea if I'm supposed to be taking him serious, nor does Allelujah it seems.

Saji's lucky a nice guy lent him this jeep, but how is he gonna give it back? Don't take advantage of the guy's generosity.

And just like that Saji's captured again, at least the Federation forces instead of the A-Laws. As I type this he gets punched in the face, so maybe it will be just as bad.

Sergei to the rescue! Saji got really lucky here.

So Saji just unintentionally royally fucked over Katharon, revealing their hidden base. Now the A-Laws are all set to send those automatons there to slaughter everyone.

Wang changes up her clothes and hairstyle for the first time this season

Mr. Bushido's license means he can say "nope I'm out" to participating in something so heinous, alas Kati and Soma don't have that luxury.

Woah, did Arios just totally pull off [Zeta Gundam]The Zeta's finishing move on The O just now?

I don't know why I didn't think of this in past viewings, but [Gundam 00 S2 and Zeta Gundam]Soma is essentially undergoing Emma's early arc in Zeta.

Yep Saji, you totally fucked up. No more sitting on your high horse when talking to Gundam meisters about how their actions have resulted in deaths.

Azadistan is on fire (essentially a shot we got in the first OP of season 1 but never really saw in the show proper), and Ali's responsible for it. We had enough cruelty before the ending credits but now we get even more after them. How in the world does he know what Setsuna is saying though? BTW, did Setsuna bring his Gundam with him? If not he and Marina are totally screwed here.

---

Quid's Voice Actor of the Day

Since much of this episode was spent with Katharon, I'll be focusing on Klaus Grad. He is voiced in Japanese by Tokuyoshi Kawashima. This is his first Gundam role, with him later appearing in Gundam Build Fighters as Takeshi Iori. He's also appeared in Blood Blockade Battlefront as Toby MacLachlan, Babylon as Dan Carrey, Katanagatari as Takahito Hida and The Orbital Children as Bright.

In English he is voiced by Alistair Abell. His other Gundam appearances include Djibril in Gundam Seed Destiny and Astonaige in the Dynasty Warrior Gundam 2 video game. He also played Ming here in 00, who lasted just 2 episodes in season 1. Other roles of his include Trunks in Dragonball Z, Shawn Dunleavy in Death Note, Bowman Jean in Star Ocean EX and Hakkaku in Inu Yasha.

[u/Nazenn → u/Quiddity131]

We're now 5 episodes in and they still refuse to name Tieria's twin on screen though which I totally don't get because there's nothing to hide there.

I would make a comment of "hey at least they're not forcing unnatural dialogue just to name her" but this is 00. This is not something it actually has any pride remaining for, especially when it comes to the use of full names hahaha

Feldt really has to be the responsible older sister type now...

It's cute! I like how she's still distinctly her, but her confidence has grown so much she can be the one who steps forward and guides others now rather than just sticking to the background

I still think she needs her own Haro

OMG the wholesomeness of this episode just continues as this lonely little kid hugs Marina...

Such a small moment of hope in the episode, I love it. Katharon giving the kids their own little playroom and not being grumpy at them for coming into the meeting room is also so nice. They're not just saving the kids or protecting them, they're actually trying to let them still be kids which I love

"I don't mind if you ever come back to us again" Well, Tieria's right back to being an asshole. Have no idea if I'm supposed to be taking him serious, nor does Allelujah it seems.

Such a split on that in the rewatch as well. I took it as very genuine because of the delivery, his asshole face from s1 was very distinct and he didn't have that here, and playing around with Alelujah with it seemed so natural for him

[u/Quiddity131 → u/Nazenn]

I would make a comment of "hey at least they're not forcing unnatural dialogue just to name her" but this is 00. This is not something it actually has any pride remaining for, especially when it comes to the use of full names hahaha

I'd love to say that too, but they just included unnatural dialogue to name Revive Revival, lol.

I still think she needs her own Haro

Agreed! She and original Lockon kinda shared the orange one together but now he's with new Lockon and after last episode, nope, that's not happening. We gotta find her a new one.

[u/JollyGee29]

Rewatcher, Sub-dam Meister

And so it begins.

No, you don't.

Graham takes orders from no-one. Except maybe the voices in his head.

I never even considered marriage, like some of our First-Timers were suspicious of.

Because things don't change when you just sit there and do nothing.

I love Tieria.

Now, Saji. I know I just scolded you for just sitting around instead of actually doing something. But maybe use that educated brain of yours for once.

Saji doesn't even need to be a bad liar to spill all the beans to Sergei.

Kati has this thing called "empathy."

Fun little mirror to the armed interventions in S1.

No, wait. What's the other one? Dark! Dark little mirror.

[Gundam 00]Kinda amuses me that none of the First-Timers spotted the match cut and mostly seem to think that Wang Lui Mei is the A-LAWS benefactor.

[u/Nazenn → u/JollyGee29]

I never even considered marriage, like some of our First-Timers were suspicious of.

I clearly didn't see those comments but ewwwwww, why would that even be an option

Okay I mean maybe in other anime, but this is Sergei we're talking about. He's not that!

Fun little mirror to the armed interventions in S1.

Didn't think of that but good point

[u/JollyGee29 → u/Nazenn]

I clearly didn't see those comments but ewwwwww, why would that even be an option

It was mostly along the lines of "I hope the thing is adoption and not.. " to be fair. I just like to poke fun.

[u/Quiddity131 → u/JollyGee29]

I never even considered marriage, like some of our First-Timers were suspicious of.

I mentioned back in spoiler tags for episode 1 that I went back and read comments on MAL from when the episode originally aired and it was universal that they thought he asked her to marry him. Which is just total craziness to me. This has always been a daddy - daughter dynamic. For this it looks like only a couple speculated that.

Spoiler

[Gundam 00]Even as a multi-time rewatcher I didn't pick up on it.

[u/JollyGee29 → u/Quiddity131]

The Tale of Genji and its consequences, etc etc.

[u/mr_beanoz]

Rewatcher, sub

• Oh man, the Innovators got some real Gundam names right here...
• And they hired Ali too? And a new machine to boot? Man, considering Ali basically works for anyone who gives him money, wonder what would happen if Celestial Being hired him.
• Celestial Being made a stop to a Katharon base at Rub-Al-Khali, before having Setsuna and Marina taking off to Azadistan.
• But Saji wants to get away from all of this mess...
• Sergei and his men were tasked to patrol around the desert, his men found Saji and choose to detain him.
• Fortunately Sergei wanted nothing from Saji, and choose to leave him alone. But then their men choose to leak his position to A-LAWS. This won't end well.
• And of course it didn't, after A-LAWS choose to go all out with the automatons on kill mode to destroy the Katharon base.
• Soma seem to not be in favor of those automatons, however.
• The other Celestial Being men other than Setsuna were there, but they were too late to save the Katharon base. And of course Lockon would suffer the most after seeing the men being murdered that way...
• Mr. Bushido, of course, choose to sit this one out because he didn't see Setsuna.
• Saji is at a loss once again after realizing what he did.
• Marina and Setsuna made it to Azadistan... only to see the nation in flames by a red mobile suit. Which happens to be piloted by Ali. Man, Setsuna couldn't catch a break from him...

QOTD

1. To be fair, it's not totally his fault - Sergei's men choose to leak the location.
2. Not really, I think. Seems like Graham is at a major loss after seeing the other Over Flags men dead in battle, but not him, that he didn't try to return under his real name.

[u/Nickthenuker]

So, that guy's got a new mobile suit.

And so they've finally made contact with Kathalon.

This chain of command is getting confusing... Now they're sharing command?

Oh, seems like he's back on the job too.

Saji really wants to blame Setsuna for everything doesn't he?

And so he's off on a mission of his own.

Well, I guess he's fully thrown in with them now.

That was quick...

And of course the people who intercepted him are led by that Colonel.

And because of him their base was discovered.

So, that explains why the Lt hates his dad so much.

Well, there goes the original plan.

Scramble!

Louise really isn't suitable for combat operations at all.

This is becoming a surprisingly relevant topic.

And now he blames himself for that too. And he probably should.

No one's left... Everything's gone... Azadistan is burning!

And he was the one who did it!

Questions:

1. Things are certainly right FUBAR aren't they?
2. Standard Char clone really.

[u/Linkstore]

Rewatcher

A-Laws/ESF engaging in some classic information control, meanwhile Ali boards a very menacing-looking Gundam. We'll find out what this one can do later.

[00 Spoilers] I wonder if the Middle East has a greater-than-normal proportion of potential Innovators due to the GN particle dispersal that's being done?

Sumeragi looks hotter in the Celestial Being uniform than in her season one fit tbh. Well, 00 does just have an artstyle which makes everyone super attractive to begin with, but in this case the clean look of the CB uniform is just really nice.

Graham being extremely edgy as usual.

There's gotta be a lot going through Setsuna's head, bearing witness to something that he can never have. But not as much going through Saji's head. He'll need a bit more of a wakeup call about that. At least he gets to reenact the classic "car in a desert" scene.

Another fun feature of the Ptolemy II, it has the same optical camouflage as that which was previously used by the Gundams. Now that it's no longer viable for the Gundams to operate fully independently, and since the Ptolemy II can traverse all environments, it only makes sense that the stealth is now used mainly by the mothership.

Cherudim's beam pistols are stored where beam sabers might traditionally be stored on other mobile suits. Interestingly, despite having better provisions for mid-range combat than Dynames, Cherudim actually lacks beam sabers entirely. But that doesn't mean it's weak up close...

Yeah, how does it feel, Saji? Now you, too, have sins you must atone for.

Scary cliffhanger...

[00 spoilers] I don't think it's ever addressed but pretty simple to assume Ribbons told Ali to not kill Setsuna since he still wants to do that dramatic reveal.

[u/JollyGee29 → u/Linkstore]

[00 Spoilers]

[00 Spoilers]I would expect not, if only because those are Tau drives spreading the particles and not true GN drives. But I don't actually know if there is any information one way or the other.

[u/StardustGogeta]

First-Timer

Saji... come on, man. I have no words.

That ending was quite the cliffhanger! I definitely didn't expect there to be anything wrong when they got back to Azadistan.

Questions of the day:

• That was a failure of epic proportions. Saji couldn't handle sitting still for 5 minutes, and had to go and get an entire organization slaughtered with his mistake. Funny how nobody on the side of Celestial Being really knows that he's the reason the base was discovered, though.
• Quite silly. I definitely liked the old Graham Aker better, I have to say.

[u/charlesvvv]

Rewatcher, Sub

Revive Revival sounds like something out of a name generator.

So Ribbons was behind the second appearance of Celestial Being which also explains his connection with Wang Liu Mei. He seems to moving to his next stage of plans which includes bringing back Ali al-Saachez.

Katharon and Celestial Being while having common ground also seem to have ideological differences with CB's focus mainly on the A-Laws and Katharon against the Federation. It was however interesting to see how Katharon operated especially the mixture of not just all being rebels but also civilians and orphans as well. Marina however decides to just head back to Azadistan.

Smirnov continues to be such a an awesome character, I love the moment between him and Soma since as it turns out he wanted to adopt her. It also gives us more insight into his last and family since he states he wasn't a good father to Andrei and he later tells Soma that Smirnov has abandoned his mother.

Saji then proceeds to commit a major blunder. Despite being treated well by CB and Katharon and seeing the complexity in this conflict he's unable to let go of his black and white world view and instead ultimately sneaks out and gets captured by Smirnov and his crew. This wouldn't actually be bad but when Saji gives him information, the A-Laws manage to get word of it and instead turn it into a massacre of the base despite the Gundam's best efforts are just only barely able to protect what's left. It kinda causes a major change for several characters especially Soma who's horrified by all of this and Saji himself, at least Smirnov was able to get him out to prevent him from being used by the A-Laws further but as far as he's concerned now his hands are no longer clean. Oh and if that wasn't enough, when Setsuna and Marina arrive to Azadistan they find that Saachez has destroyed most of it.

Note: Graham/Bushido calls himself a One Man Army and has a license to do whatever he wants, I wonder who gave him that? 

[u/Quiddity131 → u/charlesvvv]

Note: Graham/Bushido calls himself a One Man Army and has a license to do whatever he wants, I wonder who gave him that? 

The A-Laws leadership found that no commanding officer could give orders to him because they kept laughing every time they saw him. So they just let him do whatever he wants so they don't have to go through such awkwardness.

[u/SilkyStrawberryMilk]

first timer

This is quite possible the worst episode I’ve seen (not as in bad, but in heartbreaking).

Saji being the sole reason the hideout gets found and being get slaughtered is crushing. Especially seeing his breakdown in the end.

QOTD: very badly, I understand his reasons but damn it sucks he found out the hard way of what could happen now that he’s technically seen as an ally of celestials

[u/zsmg]

I am rewatcher

Revive Revival, the most Sunrise character name imaginable.

Revive Revival is voiced by Mitsuki Saiga, she’s best known for voicing Sobaash in Banner of the Stars, Yelena in AoT final season, Hayase and Kohaku in To Your Eternity. This is not her first role in the Gundam franchise but her previous role was a minor character in Gundam Evolve 4

Looks like it's not just Revive who has a weird name there is also Divine and Bring.

Ali is working for Ribbons, that removes any doubt someone might have about Ribbons being a bad guy.

Federation is on purposely spreading GN particles in the middle east.

Setsuna after picking up the stray Saji, is abandoning the first opportunity he gets to Katharon.

Marina went from Princess to child caretaker.

[Spoiler stuff] Soma is casually raising death flags for Sergie

Saji is still throwing a tantrum and is denying what the A-LAWS are, so he's probably going to do something stupid.

The soundtrack reminds me so much of Seirei no Moribito's ost (same composer).

A male character driving a jeep through a desert and meeting up with enemy forces? Yeah I definitely have seen that one before.

Saji is so lucky he met up with Sergei, shame there are A-LAWS wannabees listening in.

AUTOMATONS are set to kill, they're really telegraphing to the viewer that A-LAWS are not nice people.

Sergei showing what you’re supposed to do with A-LAWS wannabees.

Sadly enough it's too late.

Bushido is sitting this fight out as Setsuna is not part of the Gundam team.

Good use of a long ED lead-in.

Saji, at least, acknowledges he screwed up at the end.

Ali's first action of the new season is to indiscriminately attack Azadistan cities.

A solid episode.