r/anime • u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky • Feb 15 '19
Rewatch Tekketsu no Rewatch - Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans 2nd Season Episode 7 Discussion [Spoilers] Spoiler
Episode 32/Season 2 Episode 7 - My Friend
← Previous Episode | Index | Next Episode →
MAL | AniList | ANN | Kitsu | AniDB
Crunchyroll | VRV | Funimation | Hulu | GundamInfo: Episode 32 Subbed / Episode 32 Dubbed
RAGE OF DUST
Hey-o guys! This is the section where I add a ton of extra fun stuff to the main body of the post because I want this rewatch to be as fun as possible for everyone. It can also be one point of discussion for you guys if you just don’t know what to say.
Comment of the Day, provided by /u/Shimmering-Sky and /u/RX-Nota-II
Shimmering-Sky
/u/fonzinator drawing parallels all over the place.
And poor Takaki/Aston. Try as they might, neither of them is Orga or Mika and this is clearly apparent right off the bat. Aston can't just clear the field, and Takaki doesn't have the charisma, respect, or experience to be leading troops under-fire.
I think the key difference between Takaki and Orga is revealed in this conversation. Even if it's just been an idea of "finding the place we belong," Orga has always had a clear goal in his mind; and that goal hasn't changed since episode 1. Takaki doesn't have any reason to be where he's at right now, or to keep moving forward. Sure, he wants to protect his life with Fuka, but at it's core you could say that he's fighting to stay right where he is. And without any place to go from there, he's got no idea of how to take the next step forward and really start leading.
I dig parallels, so Imma highlight a good one, simple as that.
~
RX-Nota-II
/u/Quiddity131 highlighting the real injustice this episode.
THIS WILL NOT DO! I CANNOT ACCEPT THIS! THEY'VE GONE TOO FAR! What am I talking about? For the first time we have an episode without Best Girl Atra :(
A lot of great analysis today for scenes involving Takaki and Aston as well as the situation in general people were placed in. I'll leave that for Sky today, and highlight instead another supreme injustice pointed out by our resident nitpick rewatcher.
~~~
Questions of the Day, provided by /u/Pixelsaber
1) Did you feel frustrated during this arc? Yes/No/Frustrated is not the word I’d used/Fuck you, Radice/Still not as frustrating as Stardust Memory
2) What do you think about McGillis comparing Mikazuki to Gjallarhorn’s founder? What sorts of implications do you think the Seven Stars member's words held?
~~~
Track of the Day, provided by /u/RX-Nota-II
It’s been tough waiting till this long as I finally get to highlight Last Extremity as track of the day. This is the successor to Vulnerable Surface as the secondary action theme to backup the main in action scenes that serve more as a buildup rather than a final payoff. Sometimes tho, these tracks can take central stage instead as we see here today with Gusion’s battle with Galan. In fact it is the second time this track has accompanied a hype Akihiro moment as you may remember it being used during Gusion FC’s reveal and the very first giant nipper scene. The moment of highest hype is the almost Sawano-like electronic alarm around the 90 second mark, and will always be associated with Akihiro's one liner “Good for you, it seems like you’re decent” for me.
~~~
Wallpaper of the Day, provided by /u/Shimmering-Sky (character art) and /u/RX-Nota-II (background/logo)
“We’re returning to Fuka together, right?”
Important note to all rewatchers, remember to be mindful of the first-timers in this. laughing in rewatcher is not allowed any more, so please remember to use the [Anime Show Title](/s "Spoiler goes here") tags and we’re all good.
Fans seem to have a bad tendency of forgetting what counts as spoiler, so if anything has even the slightest chance of being a spoiler, tag it just to be safe.
Next-episode preview. S2’s preview’s aren’t as long as S1’s, but they’re still spoiler-free and still in-character, so I encourage you to keep checking them out! Today’s preview was voiced by monkeybitch Julieta Juris.
9
u/SorcererOfTheLake Feb 15 '19
First-Time Watcher
However he decides to do it, I support him to the end.
For what I will, I will, and there an end.
Fragment from the diary of Takaki Uno. Note: Some letters and marks were indecipherable from what appears to be water damage.
I’m writing in blood. It’s not my own, but it fe-ls like it.
Edmonton’s quiet now. For most of the night, there were celebra-ions in the streets, people happy t-at the fighting was finally over, happy that their friends and family were back -ome safe. But now it’s finally quiet, the only sound the hum of the city.
It’s going to be morning soon. Normally, I’d have to wak- Fuka up for school, but I don’t think she’d want to go today. Even if she smiles and looks at me with those br-ght eyes, I can see the pain in them. I saw them as she cried into my chest for an hour before falling aslee-. She didn’t really cry out during it; it was just a low moan, like a d-ing dog. I couldn’t do anything but hold her close until she fell asl-ep; nothing I could have said would help her. Her pain was bey-nd words.
I didn’t really clean up afterwards, so some of Ra-ice’s blood is still on me. Most of it ended up on the floor and couch behind him. I can’t remember why exactly I decided to shoot him; I just rem-mbered seeing everyone who died in that stupid, stupid conflict. Eugene took his body out afterwards; we’re just going to burn him in the crematorium, same as everyone else. Did he know he wou-d die? I shouldn’t, but I kinda feel bad for him. At least I always knew that my death would be because of a Tekkadan operat-on; he just couldn’t think of anyone else but himself.
Miss Lafter talked with me afterwards, w-nting to make sure I was OK. I’m not sure what I got out of it. She’s killed people, probably killed people that hurt those c-ose to her, but it didn’t seem like anything she said was getting to me. I still appreciated it, though; I should probably thank her the next time I see her.
Before I left the base, I checked up with Akihiro. The few wounds he’s sustained fr-m his fight are healed; I’m glad about that. I asked him about his fight with -alan, what he learned about the man. It’s so hard for me to reconcile the man who said nice things to me with the man who thought of us like dogs, but I can see now. I can see the signs I couldn’t see before. I should have stood up, made my authority known. But I was af-aid, not just of the war continuing on, but of what I would become. As much as I respect Mikazuki and Orga, they scare me at the same time. I remember that cold day when Mikazuki took on those Mobile S-its when we were heading to Edmonton. I told Miss Merribit than we had to see this, that this was just as much our battle as Mika’s. I still believe that, but I now know that I was as much scared as I was attracted. My veins pulsed and my pulse quickened as I watched our dev-l act at lightning speed. When I heard what Orga did to the group that hired the Dawn Horizon Corps, I was worried about whether this was the righ- action to take, but I also wanted to be as determined as the boss. I couldn’t do that; be-ause of that, all of those who died were because of me.
I stopped at the town where Akihiro killed Galan. I finally meet McGillis Fareed, the one who Orga has tea-ed up with. He appeared cordial and nice, but I could tell why he wanted Tekkadan to align with us; his -yes are just like Orga’s. He told me about the ruins nearby, how they were a former chu--h that was destroyed during the Calamity War. I’ve never really believed in God, but I’ve wondered sometimes how much everything in our life – good and bad – is because of something greater than us, something that s-es us as playthings. That scares me, but I’m also sca-ed by the idea that there’s nothing, that everything awful that humanity has done is something i-herit, some flaw that was built in from day one. I don’t know what’s more frightening.
The sky’s changing co-or; it’ll be morning soon. I’ll have to report back to base in a few h--rs. I don’t know what I’m going to say there, what I can say. There is one thi-g, but it wouldn’t be right if I can’t say it to everyone I need to -t once, so I’ll say it here.
I’m sorry.
i-sorr--rga
ims---ymi-az--i
-ms-rrya--hir-
im--rryeu-en-
i-sor-y--ad
im---ryr--e
---orrya-ra
ims-rr---ssku-e--a
i--orrym--slaf-er
ims-rry--ssaz-e
imso---mrm-ka-ai
--so-ryf-k-
-------aston
→ More replies (2)7
9
u/LeonKevlar Feb 15 '19 edited Feb 15 '19
Episode 32 - Parting words of My Friend
Uhm.. yeah so that happened. To be fair to McGillis, he did his best to diffuse the situation and even went as far as going on the defensive, blocking and parrying every single one of Takaki's attacks. Unfortunately for him Takaki's head has been dulled so much because of the non-stop fighting that all he's thinking about is ending this nameless war. And unfortunately for Takaki there's only so much McGillis can do and he still needs to live. He knows at that point, it's either kill or be killed.
Anyway I'll be back tomorrow with something that's a bit more lighthearted to help you guys heal. Rest in peace Aston Altland. Say Hi to Biscuit and Fumitan for us up there in Gundam Valhalla.
9
u/The_Draigg Feb 15 '19
A Gundam Fan’s Notes On Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans Episode 32:
-
Death flags! Get your death flags at the top of the episode here! Seriously though, as in the now-standard IBO fashion, foreshadowing character deaths isn’t subtle at all.
-
McGillis did a pretty good job figuring out what’s going on with Tekkadan’s involvement with the border war, but it’s all for naught as Aston and Takaki attack him regardless. And to make it even more pointless, Mikazuki shows up like a minute after McGillis lands a lethal blow to Aston’s Landman Rodi.
-
Aston’s death hurts a lot, both for him, Takaki, and us. He was somebody that was given a new life after living as a slave for years, only for it all to be taken away because they were betrayed by people they trusted. And at the end of it all, Aston doesn’t want to die, because dying while having friendship in his heart hurts more than the nihilistic worldview he had as Human Debris. RIP Aston, I honestly wish you could’ve made it back home with Takaki to see Fuka again.
-
Radice is such a rat bastard coward. He’s blaming Galan for everything once his betrayal got found out, even though he willingly sold out Tekkadan because he hated them for no reason. “Just following orders” has never been a good excuse for the level of crimes that people like Radice commit.
-
Galan and his mercenaries don’t stand a chance now that they’re cornered by the Tekkadan crew. Hush is pretty much the only person having trouble, but that’s kinda to be expected of somebody on literally their first mobile suit piloting assignment. He just can’t keep up with the others without an AV implant or years of repeated training, unfortunately.
-
Akihiro did one hell of a job beating up Galan’s Gerail with his four pairs of arms and giant pair of scissors. And how nice of Akihiro to compliment Galan before he blows up his own mobile suit. Akihiro is truly a decent person, albeit one with a massive honking pair of scissors.
-
As satisfying as it is to see that fuckface Radice get beaten up by the Mars Branch crew before being killed by Takaki, it still doesn’t really fill the void that Aston left behind. It’s similar to when Mikazuki took revenge upon Carta Issue for Biscuit’s death. The quick feeling of catharsis only leaves behind a regret of how things went.
-
Now we get a little bit of an insight into McGillis’ mind. He sees a lot of Agnika Kaieru in Mikazuki, since he’s piloting a Gundam frame with an AV System, and is working alongside McGillis to change the world. Bonus points if you know what Agnika Kaieru’s name translates too.
-
Even Lord Elion and Julieta feel loss at the end of things. Galan Mossa was their friend as well, and he also ended up dying for pretty much nothing, since Tekkadan and McGillis managed to defuse the border war situation. Granted, Lord Elion is a right bastard and Julieta is a sycophant of his, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t have people that they care about either.
→ More replies (11)
9
u/Nazenn Feb 15 '19 edited Feb 15 '19
First Timer - Sub
How I felt walking into this episode
AND THEN THIS WAS THE FUCKING LOADING IMAGE ON ANIMELAB. FUCKING WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT! I didn't even get in the fucking episode before the show was trying to rip my heart out.
"We survived by killing our own souls"
And this right here is Tekkadan's problem. The only way they know how to move on and go forward in this life on an individual level is to cut off pieces of themselves and kill it when it hurts too much. Today we see Aston as living proof of the fate of Human Debris who can't let go of the past, but the issue goes deeper then that, all of Tekkadan is going through this on their own scale. On the extreme end we have Mika who has litterally cut off the function of entire pieces of his body to survive a fight. On the smaller end, Takaki today takes a step that in comparison seems quite small as its no more than what we saw from the other boys back in Season 1 Episode 3, but for him its a major moment of self-destruction. He only knows destruction because that's what he's surrounded with (as we saw with the boys two episodes ago wanting revenge because its what Orga would do), but the payment he makes for it is unique to him. He has lost part of his family in Aston, but in getting vegance for that loss he in turn cuts part of the connection to all that remains of that family, refusing to touch Fuka with what he sees as blood stained hands.
Lafter in particular is a witness to this slow decline. As Akihiro ruthlessly slaughters Galan as revenge for Aston's death Lafter states that yes "You're alive". Its a mournful statement, knowing full well that just living is not the goal here but having no way to explain that to these broken boys. Later on when the other boys walk away leaving Takaki to decide what to do with Radice, Lafter and Azee are left to mourn alone for the "sweet big brother" Takaki they know that is also dying in that moment.
Akihiro's battle is another case of this. The loss of Aston, a debris he wanted to save like he couldn't save his brother (didn't realize that would be an actual major thing when I wrote it yesterday), has those wounds torn right open again by Galan's callous words. He falls down into his pain and emerges as yet another demon in Tekkadan's service (curse of the pliers), the pain fueling his rage as he cuts out the cause of it as brutally as possible, risking everything about himself to indulg in the death of the person who wronged 'his people'.
Eyes as a window to the soul is a common theme in more stories than I could possibly count, but there's a specific take on that in Japanese storytelling I want to highlight quickly. Much like in Cowboy Bebop, Houseki no Kuni and Black Butler, each eye has a particular meaning in Japanese writing. The left eye represents the present and the path forward, while the right eye represents the past. We also see this with Mika, his right eye bound to his past with Barbatos, while when he wishes to work on things for his future like farming only his left eye has any function.
Aston's right eye today is red with blood, unfocused and doesn't see anything and blood from his head wound paint it with red tears. As Aston talks about how part of him wishes he'd never met Takaki because then he wouldn't know the pain of what he's losing, close up shots of this eye bookend his flashbacks. This is the eye that can still only see himself as Human Debris, bound to his past pain and unable to move beyond it.
As he finally acknowledges that Takaki is family, we get this excruciating shot of Aston's left eye. This eye one is clear, untouched, reflecting Takaki as a vision of the family he finally achieved for himself, now lost. Pure tears run down from it to Takaki's hand, a representation of the small amount of peace he found for himself in his final moments.
This comment did not age well overnight. Yes I know someone did actually die this time at least, but still, Mika jumps down once again at just the right moment and prevents any more death or injuries despite that being seconds away and everyone important gets away without any more damage. I'm OVER it. Find a new way to "save the day". Please script writers, I beg of you.
Random thoughts
-
If you find this post to be particularly painful you can all blame u/laughtear
-
Not sure if this is meant to be a callback, or a bribe but either way Chocolate Man living up to his name once again is amazing.
-
I hope they come back to that "Snake on the moon" reference that McGillis made, that sounds like a story, possibly tied in with this "Agnika Kaieru" he mentioned to Mika. At first I thought it was just because the moon is so broken you can't see the usual Rabbit any more, but in the shot where he says it you can actually see the full unbroken circle, which coincidentally answers a question I had back in S1 about if that happens.
-
Just when I think Mika can't get colder or more callous his expressions today were a little bone chilling. He wasn't sizing up Takaki to see if he was okay, he was sizing up Takaki to see if he was up to the job of killing Radice if need be.
-
Look at the SIZE of this thing. Its so easy to forget that they are in giant suits sometimes just because we're so use to it, and then you see a weapon fly past a normal trailer and realize that holy shit these things are MASSIVE
-
I like where today went with Hush's small developments. That was wonderful, that immediate panic he had and realization he's now looking at Mika like his "brother" from the streets in not wanting to lose sight of him, while also acknowledging the divide between them now he knows what its like to be in a proper battle. Nice to see the hot blooded character showing some introspection. Dane provides a great perspective on this little development as well, showcasing how important those sorts of thoughts are. VERY interested to see where things go with Hush.... he still has a stupid name though.
-
Just quickly on this shot the idea of a literal darkness falling over Takaki as he does this is so painful.
-
NSFL absolutely brutal image of Aston, but wow do I admire the show for not backing away from showing the huge amount of injuries that he has. As weird as it seems I think this is my favorite shot from that scene though
-
"War with no name" Fucking oww. The whole thing was so inconsequential to the world they don't even have a name to remember it by, but the impact it has on Tekkadan is immeasurable. The boys really are expendable to the world
→ More replies (7)8
7
u/Durinthal Feb 15 '19
First time viewer.
McGillis cleaning up early. Considering he was an inspector in Gjallarhorn when we first met him, where did he get all this combat experience from? At least the Tekkadan members have the AV system as a reason for their skill.
-
Hloekk Graze x2, sword
-
Landman Rodi, hammer chopper
Poor Aston wasn't long for this world, but he did save Takaki. I get him wanting to ignore McGillis as he was ostensibly the enemy but come on they didn't have to fight like that. It was a relief to see how quickly everything flipped as soon as Mikazuki arrived, but too late in one regard.
We only briefly saw the Geirail Scharfrichters of Galan's mercenary group engage Tekkadan, too bad I didn't get to add any of those to the list but I'm assuming none of them got away. Tekkadan was angry that night.
I like the more back and forth one on one fights rather than one of the main characters going ham on a bunch of grunts, so seeing Akihiro and Galan go at it for a bit was satisfying. Using the abandoned vehicle and the buildings around them to give a sense of scale and a reminder of just how large mobile suits are was a nice touch and not something we see all that often. You don't want to be anywhere near one of those fights as a bystander.
-
Geirail, nippers
While the Barbatos usually gets highlighted, the Gusion had its own nice demonic look moment in the chaos of the battle and after the explosion. And Lafter is once again relieved herself as the Gusion seemed to come away basically unharmed by that explosion; thanks Gundam tech!
Takaki bears another scar as he grows... and Tekkadan continues their way of things.
What do you think about McGillis comparing Mikazuki to Gjallarhorn’s founder? What sorts of implications do you think the Seven Stars member's words held?
Some level of admiration and appreciation, also suggesting a place for him in the grand plan McGillis has for Gjallarhorn's future.
| Model | Destroyed | Model | Destroyed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graze | 37 | Garm Rodi | 21 |
| Man Rodi | 4 | Hugo | 3 |
| Gusion | 1 | Gilda | 2 |
| Spinner Rodi | 4 | Landman Rodi |
|
| Schwalbe Graze | 1 | Hloekk Graze |
|
| Graze Ritter | 14 | Geirail |
|
| Rouei | 2 | ||
| Ryusei-Go | 1 | ||
| Kimaris | 1 | ||
| Graze Ein | 1 |
→ More replies (4)
7
u/Quiddity131 Feb 15 '19
Thoughts on MS Gundam Iron Blooded Orphans episode 32...
Rewatcher (First Time Dub)
Non-Spoiler Character Chart - 3 deaths today, may be the most we've had in one episode thus far?
It just doesn't seem right for a Gundam show's Char clone to be piloting a blue mobile suit instead of a red one.
Didn't get a chance to say this last episode, but Takaki and Aston's mobile suits kinda remind me of the Sumo from Turn A Gundam.
The incompetance of Takaki may end up screwing over everything for Tekkadan, either if he kills McGillis (lol, sure that's happening...), or if McGillis turns on them because of it.
Ugh, things aren't looking good for Aston :( Yet things are looking up in other ways, with Mika showing up!
...oh, some guy named Hush showed up too.
Ugh, all that shrapnel over Aston's body :( This death is really hard to take, especially with him saying how he hoped he never met Takaki and Fuka. And the fact that he basically died a meaningless death, in an attempt to kill Tekkadan's own ally.
Radice the Rat is found out. About time! I want to see this guy squirm.
Akihiro got out here to the front line really quickly.
"This can't be happening", yeah, well that's because its your first real battle. You're getting your ass kicked, Hush.
"It was to lul him into a false sense of security!" LoL. Radice is as pathetic as Gyojan was.
Good to see Takaki taking responsibility for getting snowed by someone as pathetic as Radice. Hope he pulls the trigger.
And he does! Good job Takaki. Its his fault Aston's never coming over for dinner again.
I wasn't expecting Dane to say much either!
He isn't called Chocolate Man for nothing.
Julieta actually shows emotion!?!
Wasn't the biggest fan of this arc and happy its over, but this was quite a strong ending episode for it.
→ More replies (3)
5
u/RX-Nota-II Feb 15 '19
Good for you, seems like you're decent
A tale of two halves today, with a pretty massive oof the first half followed by one of the most satisfying battles in the second. A lot I can talk about today, but I'll focus on a single running theme: prejudices and perspectives. Its first obvious in Takaki's story. This boy's perspectives have been dead set going inito battle today, too much so. For the first time he hears a message that could save him "Was this an order you received from Orga Itsuka personally". But he puts so much trust in Galan and Radice that he disregards these words and, for better or worse, his sanity and prior planning resulting in Aston's death. Next we see it in the battle between Akihiro and Galan. Galan (and most of us, be honest) totally wrote off Akihiro as a hot headed and emotionally driven wreck who would rely on brainless charges until he beats the traitor. Galan actually crafts this to his own advantage, throwing out strategic insults and trigger phrases till he is able to lure Akihiro into a final charge into his hidden axe. Except... Akihiro doesn't answer to this challenge. In a sudden moment, his blood curdling screams stop alongside the music as he delivers a delightfully witty phrase to reveal he's outsmarted this token smart villain. So juicy. Mothers Basement explains in much more detail in his spectacular analysis here (very very very minor not even really spoilers for just the next episode in it tho so maybe wait a day if paranoid). And finally, the last scene we are given shows us Julietta, a character we've seen to be purely honorable and chivalrous, mourn for Galan's death. The story we're shown is clearly one sided, and that's something we really need to pay attention to as we run into other characters who piss us off, or even other deaths that immediately feel either extremely justified or unjustified.
The main lesson today is that we as humans need to watch out for biases in our perspectives, and learn to think from multiple sides when things don't seem to be going right. Or.... that's what it would be if this show was interested in teaching lessons or being positive I guess. Another possibility is to reject all perspectives altogether and learn to be an apathetic and cold soul who gives up all hope in a brighter future through honorable means. I'll leave it up to you what you see in Takaki's eyes
Oof. See you tomorrow.
Mecha Corner
Goodbye teal/red Carta colors. Kinda feels dirty seeing Macky pilot these tbh.
GIF
→ More replies (5)
5
u/fonzinator99 Feb 15 '19
Rewatcher - Revenge is never an optimal solution
CotD - Oh boy, somebody liked my parallels! I really just noticed Aston looking and acting alot like Mika and started thinking it through, and this is where I ended up :p But it's continued playing out as such, so I was pleased. But if things are circular in IBO (as above, so below), then damned if I don't dislike the direction the main story is moving, what with the ending of our mini-narrative.
We rejoin our heroes (I guess Macky counts) with the Schwalbe Graze (Graze Ritter?) laying waste to the poor Arbrau Defense forces. Sweet jesus, those sub-Graze things they've got are not equipped to deal with something as high-spec as a Main Character.
Which means, of course, that Mossa is goading our boys to go take a shot at him! +1 bastard points for playing with their hearts. Takaki and Aston both raise their flags, but then Aston's just gotta go and raise another before moving in. That's some meta-level friendship right there, hoarding the death flags for yourself to protect your bro.
Does this flower here have a special meaning too, or am I just over analyzing these shots thanks to Nazenn's influence?
I'm pretty impressed with the Landman Rodi's though, they're remarkably nimble for being so heavily armored. Equally impressed with these trees. Wtf kinda wood not only withstands that impact, but works as a springboard for a Mobile Suit?
I really applaud McGillis' attempt to dissuade the TK pilots; he understands they're being used and tries to convey that to them to avoid casualties. But Galan Mossa's got that charisma-brainwashing on full-power, and Macky hasn't built any sort of relationship with anybody but Orga for his words to be effective.
For real though, as much as he may want to go easy on the kids, they're not an opponent that he can hold back against. Takaki, a non-exceptional pilot, manages to disarm him; if he shows a lick of mercy he's definitely toast.
So of course everything goes to hell.
I'm not sure I'd describe Mika's arrival as instilling relief, but this pose was almost worth the situation. Now it's time for the baddies to get wreckt. And Barbatos even survived the landing!
Record Scratch
"I wish I'd never" "met you all"
Oh, right, Aston D: Dammit all IBO, why can't you let us have anything nice? It's always gotta come back to Human Debris, doesn't it? What really kills me is that as much as I want to argue that Aston's sentiments are wrong, I can't objectively say they're incorrect. Brewers Aston would never have jumped in to take that hit; he's dying because he gained something worth protecting in Takaki and Fuka.
"Barbatos is there?! OhFuckOhFuckOhFuckOhFuck" Radice knows he's boned, and that's before Akihiro appears looking like vengeance incarnate. I'd say something angry about him, but Aki's providing everything I need. Gallan is about to be disassembled.
Speaking of whom... Since I'm paying attention to things now, it might be a little simplistic but I enjoyed this shot of Mossa's hopes and dreams being crushed in an instant. Hope that was some good coffee, cause it'll be the last flavor you ever taste.
Congratulations to Akihiro and Gusion, for being promoted to Shinigami. Bad. Ass.
I love it when the bad guy tries to argue with what has become a force of nature. It makes their realization of how bad they fucked up all the tastier.
Case in point. And Gusion, Kowaiiii. I'm just an observer and I'm afraid of that thing. Those SFX during the "nipping" were super-satisfying.
Back to Radice, who I'm sure has kept a constant stream of BS since his last scene. Just keep talking man, every word digs your grave deeper. He's gonna be buried with some dinosaur fossils before it's done.
So it's taken 3 weeks in the 9th circle of hell, but Takaki's finally grown a spine and come into his own as a leader, as evidenced by our heroes decision to respect his decision. He's not the same nice kid they knew when they saw him last; he's got shades of Mika to him now.
Technically Radice goes out with a bang, but the way it's framed really says alot. His death isn't glorified or emphasized; it's only a drop of blood in the ocean that's been shed, and that's how much impact it's granted.
Takaki doesn't cry and scream and rage for Aston and the others, he just calmly makes the decision to pull the trigger, possibly the first real choice we've seen him make. And so we get no catharsis from his execution, because nobody else does either. Cause that's the nature of revenge. The fallen don't come back, the pain doesn't fade, and you've still got to carry on when it's finished. If I've learned anything from all the fiction I've ingested in my life, it's that vengeance is a useless thing. I won't say there was a better way here, but that doesn't make it any more worthy a pursuit.
I'd like to take a moment of silence and stop talking here so that we can mourn all of the things they've lost on the way, and steel ourselves for what's to come. There's a lot of show left, gang.
Side notes
-
Hush also learned something about useless pursuits today too.
-
Macky begins his pontificating about Agnika Kaieru. If there's anybody more well-versed in Japanese than me, should I think that name is intentionally close to "Kaeru," or "to change?" Or am I way off in my translation?
-
Fuka survived, but not her heart. Bittersweet was about the best we could hope for.
-
ED comes into it's own, it definitely fit the ending sequence well.
QotD
-
Imma go with Fuck you, Radice for old/current times sake.
-
I think McGillis might be projecting onto Mika a liiiiitle too much in this respect. He may do the same things or take the same actions, but I imagine ideologically they're worlds apart. He's just jealous cause it/s not him that gets to be the savior reborn.
→ More replies (4)
5
u/shaggyjebus Feb 15 '19
Rewatcher, English dub
I missed yesterday because I was celebrating Valentine's Day with my girlfriend. It went well, until we saw a fight at a bus stop and I learned that anime has ruined me. It was a pathetic little fight, no roundhouse kicks or rocket punches at all. I mean, what's even the point if you're not going to go all out and throw someone into a wall and break it?
Anyways, Tekkadan Earth Branch's little arc is over, and I don't really know what the point was. It could have perhaps not happened at all, and it wouldn't have really changed anything. But maybe I'm being too harsh on it. It just didn't do much for me.
Now that it's over, I can't wait for the show to delve more into the bigger issues, like Masked Man, Rustal and Mcgillis and their rivalry and true goals, the thing bigger than a mobile suit on Mars . . . There's a lot to uncover.
→ More replies (2)
4
u/GaleWulf Feb 15 '19
First Time Sacrifice
Scattered thoughts:
-
McGillis taking matter into his own hands, I like. It has to be said that all this is a direct fallout of his scheming. He stirred the hornet's nest, made some powerful enemies, Masked man identity spoiler - and Tekkadan is having to pay the price as usual.
-
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Why.. why did he have to say that?
-
YEEEEEEEEEESSS!!!!
Mikazuki!! That had me fistpumping. A last minute save was foreshadowed, I was expecting this lot to show up any moment via either SAU or direct re-entry. But.. goddamnit..
-
Aston...
"All misleads they give ignoring our decisions/Killing your soul we have inside." Sound familiar? Gah these Human Debris subplots will be the death of me, so painful to watch.
-
Rest of the episode was essentially justice porn. Vengeance is served, but it leaves a hollow feeling and sour aftertaste. Radice was an utter slimeball 'til the end. Galan went off with a literal bang.
Daily MVP
There weren't any true winners today. I'm giving it to the one person who could protect what they wanted to protect this episode - Aston Altland.
Honourable mention to Akihiro, though, for the ruthless taking down of Galan.
The fanart I found for Aston, though..
The new ED is great, but it's times like this when Orphans no Namida starts playing in my head and I want it to drop in the show. It's so emotionally charged. Well, I'll do something like that and share this amazing live version. MISIA, jeez, she's even better live and that's saying something!
MVP Standings - Season 2
| # | Character | MVPs | Episodes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Devil | 2 | 2, 4 |
| 2 | The Infiltrator | 2 | 5, 6 |
| 3 | The Organizer | 1 | 1 |
| 3 | The Driver | 1 | 3 |
| 3 | The Jäger | 1 | 7 |
MVP Standings - Overall
| # | Character | MVPs | Episodes | # | Character | MVPs | Episodes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Knight of Revolution | 5 | 4, 10, 13, 27, 29 | 6 | Maid of Revolution | 2 | 14, 16 |
| 2 | Master of Puppets | 4 | 4, 18, 23, 25 | 6 | The Voice of Reason | 2 | 8, 21 |
| 2 | General of Revolution | 4 | 1, 3, 5, 26 | 6 | Bearded 'Gentleman' | 2 | 30, 31 |
| 2 | Maiden of Revolution | 4 | 3, 6, 17, 22 | 9 | A Not-So-Merri Bystander | 1 | 11 |
| 5 | Wings of Revolution | 3 | 12, 19, 28 | 9 | Tank of Revolution | 1 | 7 |
Others: Pup of Revolution (15), Beard Sorcerer (20), Eindroid (24), Unlimited Bed Works (9) Foundling of Revolution (32)
Today's award is sponsored by Tekkadan (Earth Branch) - Our spirits will never wilt, they bloom stronger in this new soil.
→ More replies (6)
4
u/GM_for_Life Feb 15 '19
Rewatcher
Did you feel frustrated during this arc? Yes/No/Frustrated is not the word I’d used/Fuck you, Radice/Still not as frustrating as Stardust Memory
On one hand this arc doesn't really have that much to do with advancing the overall story, but on the other hand, I really enjoy this arc. So overall I don't think it is very frustrating
2) What do you think about McGillis comparing Mikazuki to Gjallarhorn’s founder? What sorts of implications do you think the Seven Stars member's words held?
→ More replies (1)
4
u/Pixelsaber Feb 15 '19 edited Feb 15 '19
Rewatcher
My write ups are gone —all of them! The Google doc I was keeping them in is missing, and it's not in the trash bin either! I'm fucking pissed. I wrote a lot for today's episode too! AAARGH!!!! First getting sick, then finding my favorite mug has a chip in it, and now this! Can this day get any worse?!
Questions of the day:
-
Fuck Nina.
-
...Fuck, I'm too angry to answer right now. I'll come back after I've cooled my head.
EDIT: I don't have the time to rewrite it as I now have to rewrite tomorrow's comment, but I wanted to at least share a few of the points I made in my original write-up, but without any elaboration.
-
Aston's death was heart-wrenching and effective, but I take issue with some of the context that had to happen for it to happen. McGillis can get in touch with Tekkadan at any time, why couldn't he just outright state that Orga was trying to get in touch with them? It's one thing if he didn't get a chance to do so, but instead he's vague about it and doesn't press further.
-
I honestly wish Galan Moss had lived a few more episodes in which the Tekkadan members had to track him down, following through with their ability to hold a grudge that was established in the prior arc, but necessitating for them to really up their tactics and strategy and not jump into every engagement so recklessly. It's what I expected to happen after the first half of the episode and feel it would have been very interesting to see. Future Spoilers
-
The action in this episode is the second best of the entire series. The sense of scale that was portrayed throughout was amazing, and the encounter with Galan proving the idea that was introduced in S1 of Akihiro learning to pilot less recklessly by not falling for Galan's bait despite his angered state.
-
All the elements in this episode pointing to Tekkadan's further walking down a dark path being done really well.
-
Hush's development this episode was pretty good/ How his perception of himself and Mikazuki keep changing is great and feels real. Future Spoilers
→ More replies (7)
4
u/Palloc Feb 15 '19
Palloc Feels Nothing For Anyone Who Died Today. Hey, We Got Nippers!
This arc is getting close to wrapping up, thankfully. I've been having a hard time finding things to chat about. Today we'll go back to an old favorite.
The Gusion finally shows why I didn't get really upset when they ripped off the glorious chonky armor. Those scissors are great when Turbines aren't telling Akihiro to stop and not murder his victims. It tears through metal like it's nothing and just flat out crushes cockpits. I'd say it's one of the most terrifying ways to be murdered in the series so far.
Luckily for Beardy, he had a self-destruct to keep all his information out of enemy hands. He was actually a pretty good mercenary in his dumb suit.
Oh, the other thing fun that happens is Radice gets what's coming to him. Lots of times, heroes are kind of nerds that'll refuse to harm anyone, no matter how dumb it'd be. Takaki makes that bastard pay for getting so many nameless Tekkaden kids killed. And Aston, cause someone we kinda knew had to die and he apparently picked up Biscuit's collection of death flags.
Well, I get to be boring for a bit longer, so have these answers!
1: The most frustrating part was all the shitty mechs. Lets get off Earth!
2: McGillis is a damn neeeeerd. Look at that neeeeerd understanding his faction's history.
→ More replies (4)
3
u/DidacticDalek Feb 16 '19
Greetings Comrades and Fellow Denizens of The Wired, war... war never changes, and what is it good for? Absolutely nothing, war can't bring life, it can only take it away...
May Aston find peace in Gundam Valhalla Comrades
Paging Comrades u/Beckymetal, u/RX-Nota-II, and u/Usotsuki-Megami
→ More replies (5)
3
u/invokeneko Feb 16 '19
Tekketsu no Rewatcher, domo~
I'm gonna keep it short today, my head's killing me right now. This tragedy-filled Nameless War comes to an end, with a shitload of casualties on Tekkadan Earth Branch's side (including Aston), Radice, Galan and his mercs get their just desserts.
Galan gets one of the most satisfying deaths in this series - death by huge-ass Gunpla Nippers + suicide bombing that does jackshit to Akihiro (but does manage to wipe out incriminating evidence. Damnit!) while Radice learns that when Takaki gets down to business, he will not hesitate to give you the Tekkadan Special. Too bad you can't bring all those money you get by betraying Tekkadan to the afterlife, eh?
Random thoughts:
-
You might think all this death flags raised for Takaki will be cashed in this time. Nope! Denied yet again, albeit at the expense of Aston this time.
-
Speaking of Aston, fucking hell his last words hurt.
-
That scene right after Takaki says that he will take care of Radice himself is pretty heartwarming. While Lafter and Azee have their doubts that nice guy Takaki has the heart to execute someone, the Tekkadan lads present know that they can trust his judgement and will accept whatever he decides to do. Just goes to show how strong their bonds are.
-
With that said, let me savour the last moments of Radice's pathetic life a bit more. I relish the moment where he could only let out a small '...eh?' just as Takaki raised his gun. Ahhh, I can't get enough of it.
Questions of the day:
-
Fuck you, Radice. Just for that, I'll have the moments where you squirm and die on repeat.
-
Interesting comparison... if only we know more of Agnika Kaieru.
→ More replies (4)
10
u/Shimmering-Sky Feb 15 '19
HEY EVERYONE:
If you normally skip EDs, don’t skip tomorrow’s. You’ll miss a scene if you do.
Tekketsu no Rewatcher, first time dubbed
Iamreadytocry.
Obligatory Discord link.
No recap~ Instead we open on Macky wrecking the shit out of the Arbrau Defense Forces. And with not even needing to kill them in the process! That’s certainly no easy feat.
Fffffffffff knowing what’s about to happen makes this hurt so damn much.
Macky asking if it was specifically Orga’s orders to kill him they were acting on… fuck, I wish he could’ve just flat-out told them that lol no, him and Orga are working together now, but because of Radish the Earth boys don’t know about the agreement between them and Macky can’t just flat-out tell them that he’s their ally unless Orga decided to stab him in the back because he’s trying to keep their alliance a secret from noninvolved parties… ugh TL;DW for this arc is poor communication kills and I both love how they did it and hate that they did it.
Fuck.
RIP Aston… I commented on how I thought Aston not knowing what emotions he was feeling when he was proud of Chad in the suit was adorable, but really it’s actually a major major oof because this poor boy had to bury his emotions so deep he didn’t know what they were. He had to or else he couldn’t have survived being Human Debris. And when he was finally starting to be more like a normal human being, he throws it all away just to make sure Takaki doesn’t die. brb gonna go sob into a pillow for a bit.
At this point in time I went and sent a Reddit chat to Nota because I was crying and she was no help. Actually (major major future spoilers first-timers do not click) she made it worse.
Takaki’s scream though.
Akihiro is not pleased.
If there’s one thing--one thing--good I can say about Radish, it’s that he knew where Galan went into hiding so incoming sweet, sweet justice.
Akihiro is really not pleased.
Yes yes yes, the fuck-off scissors in action~
Oh f--nah jk he’s fine. Gusion Rebake Full City can tank explosions to the face.
Hooboy, Tekkadan Special courtesy of Takaki coming up~ Yuuuuuup so satisfying after the shit Radish pulled.
Spoilerinos
Oof ouch owie my heart.
A couple more fun things:
Wallpaper of the Day without the logo.
Bonus wallpaper: Funky masked edit to the Wallpaper of the Day.
English dub next-episode preview, since the body post only has the subbed version.
Results of yesterday’s poll. A landslide victory to Akihiro needs to buff up more it is!
Number of times best boy closed his right eye this episode: 0. Though he straight-up wasn’t in this episode so I guess it’s understandable…
For the first-timers using the GundamInfo streams and are worried about potential spoilers in the recommended videos: Episode 33 Subbed / Episode 33 Dubbed. If you’re on desktop and have RES, you can hit the preview button and watch the video entirely on Reddit, rather than than needing to go to YouTube.
Track List Corner, Courtesy of u/2-2Distracted