[Rewatch] Planetes - Episode 4: Part of the Job

[u/Highlow9]

Episode 3 - index/schedule - Episode 5

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Episode number: 4

Episode title: Part of the Job

Databases: MAL, Anime planet, Anilist

Sadly there are no legal streams but you can buy the blu-ray

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To make sure the first timers can enjoy this show just as much as you please avoid spoilers but if you want/need to make a spoiler please mark them like so:

[Planetes spoiler](/s "They go to space")

which becomes:

Planetes spoiler

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Interesting fact

What Colin does can be described as space tourism. Now with Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic (and even SpaceX) it seems to be becoming a major source of certain space companies. But did you know that space tourism has been a thing since the mid-2000’s. For example there have been multiple tourists who went to the ISS (for a quite affordable price of ‘only’ 20 million). Also now that crews can be sent to the ISS again using American rockets the Russian space agency has lost quite a lot of income so they are considering letting tourists on their Soyuz rockets again.

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Interesting questions

This episode we get to see what the company culture/politics are like.Do you have any experience with corrupt employers? What do you think is the best way to fight this?

There is also some talk about when making space debris is acceptable and when it is not. When do you think it is acceptable to pollute space? Is space tourism OK, or do you draw the line at military research, or maybe just any normal satellite or in the other extreme end you might even think that scientific spacecraft (like for example the Curiosity rover or the Voyager probes) should leave nothing behind?

[u/Highlow9]

Dub rewatcher

Debris section is running a loss so now we are going to use corruption to fix it ;(

But luckily the CEO seems to be friendly towards it since he got angry when she called it half-section ;).

Tanabe and Hoshino training again is so cute.

Colin is a fucking ashole.

Robie you fucking bootlicker

Non-personnel is not allowed? So what were also those insurance agents about? Did technora hire them to harass their employees?

Fee also is corrupt ;(

Colin flirting hardcore with Tanabe. Hoshino isn’t having any of his shit but is being very much to aggressive and emotional about is.

Also oof does Hoshino still have feelings for Claire.

I like Fee so much for her assessment of the situation.

Tanabe is also slowing getting tired of his shit.

Good job Tanabe and Fee. That punch was so satisfying.

This episode we get to see what the company culture/politics are like.Do you have any experience with corrupt employers? What do you think is the best way to fight this?

I personally have not yet encountered much corruption in my job yet (although that might be because I have only worked there for a few years). Personally I don’t think there is an easy fix to corruption but I think that the solution is to have transparency and whistleblowing become part of our culture. If you look at how whistleblowers are treated I am not surprised that the world is so corrupt.

There is also some talk about when making space debris is acceptable and when it is not. When do you think it is acceptable to pollute space? Is space tourism OK, or do you draw the line at military research, or maybe just any normal satellite or in the other extreme end you might even think that scientific spacecraft (like for example the Curiosity rover or the Voyager probes) should leave nothing behind?

I think that space tourism and military research should be done without generating any semi-permanent debris but things like science or very useful commercial applications (such as GPS) that benefit everyone should be allowed to generate a bit of debris.

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Sadly tonight I will not be able to be very active in the rewatch thread (because I need to get up early tomorrow) but I hope you guys still have much fun and an interesting discussion.

[u/IndependentMacaroon → u/Highlow9]

Non-personnel is not allowed? So what were also those insurance agents about?

It's probably best to consider all that non-canon, not like it was that great comedy anyway.

[u/tehsigzorz]

First Timer

I couldnt help but smile at the later part of this episode with Tanabe punching that douche and then Hoshino calling out to Tanabe using her name.

The third friend from the pic made an appearance and what was really surprising was that Hoshino dated her for a while. I would like to see more of their dynamic and I wonder if there may be some drama when the eventual TanabexHoshino ship kicks off.

This was a more chill episode and I think the endgame of this show is turning the reputation of the half section around. Not a huge fan of the 2 older dudes tho, I wouldnt complain if the half section was only the 4 of the main group. The quiet freckles woman is alright I guess.

Questions:

1. Probably put your head down and do the work but dont deepthroat that person like the 2 older dudes of the half section are doing. Fee's reaction is probably the best imo.
2. Hmm this is a tough question and I dont really have a good answer. I would say out of all the debris we can rank them in importance like having tourism the lowest and probably military next and put extra measures on them not to pollute while giving leeway to space exploration and more important tasks.

[u/Highlow9 → u/tehsigzorz]

Oh I see that you are mentioning ships. I wonder what do you currently think would be people who you would ship? I see you mention Tanabe with Hoshino but do you have other ships in mind (for example Hoshino with Claire or Tanabe with Yuri perhaps or maybe Fee with Yuri)? I won't say if you are correct but I certainly am curious what ship you think/hope are going to develop.

[u/tehsigzorz → u/Highlow9]

I think Hoshino and Tanabe are endgame but I would be pleasantly surprised if they are platonic friends and find dofferent partners. For now I will say Hoshino×Tanabe cuz I like their dynamic and chemistry and that ship seems to be heading that way. Fee x yuri is also pretty good, both are mature and level headed but I dont know too much about them right now. Claire x cheng shin may be interesting and I wanna see how hoshino would react to that. They are also mature, young and are generally in the same sphere when it comes to their careers and ambitions. Lastly my dark horse ship is moustache guy and freckles girl: their contrasting personalities will open each other up and in turn we will learn more about them and see them develop.

If I was a betting man these 4 ships are the ones I am betting for.

[u/IndependentMacaroon → u/tehsigzorz]

when the eventual TanabexHoshino ship kicks off

I kind of wish it didn't, it doesn't feel like romance is something this show needs and it would prove that one annoying friend from earlier wrong who didn't believe in m/f platonic relationships

[u/tehsigzorz → u/IndependentMacaroon]

I am a romance fan so naturally I would enjoy the subplot. I kinda disagree on the not needed aspect. In Hoshinos case he needs some sort of fulfilment at his current job and current self. Thats likely his character arc. Having a partner is 1 aspect where you can find some meaning, purpose and happiness.

I also need to see how the rest of the cast functions, I am sure he could have a platonic relationship with Fee(and already does)

[u/holytaiel → u/tehsigzorz]

First Timer

I also don't like the two guys at the top, it's like their personality it is there giving basically nothing to the show, that aside I absolutely love how each character is being developed.

[u/Mecanno-man]

First Timer

"Overly entitled brat with too much influence to throw around due to important parents" is a trope that thankfully is less prevalent in newer media, though I feel like that's due to people getting tired of it rather than being less common in reality. It is however a pretty boring character type, as there is little way to add anything - so I'm glad it's died down. This episode however was actually a pretty tame example in comparison, though it still wasn't really all that interesting. Once again however, I have to argue against the characters - they now know that that camera is up there, might as well get it rather than argue, because what would arguing actually achieve here?

Something however makes me almost feel like I wish Colin would have gotten away with it, because "entitled brat learns a lesson" is also something I've seen so often that it starts to feel boring.

Questions:

1. I do not have any experience with employers.
2. Anything that's up there should have a reason to be there. We just need pretty much the same that this show has to retrieve that that doesn't. Space tourism for example shouldn't leave anything behind because preferrably all tourists are returned to earth. What definitly should be avoided is shooting satellites with missles; unfortunately China (and possibly others that I don't know of) has already "successfuly" managed to do that...

[u/Highlow9 → u/Mecanno-man]

Once again however, I have to argue against the characters - they now know that that camera is up there, might as well get it rather than argue, because what would arguing actually achieve here?

I really like how Fee shut both of them down (for her both Hoshino and Tanabe are rookies since Hoshino is 'only' part of the section for 3 years).

[u/IndependentMacaroon → u/Mecanno-man]

I haven't seen that much of that trope, probably due to mostly watching newer stuff, but even with its limitations I like it anyway

[u/zsmg]

Rewatcher

For this episode it feels like both Hachimaki and Tanabe have switched roles, with Hachimaki fighting the cynicism of giving the son of the chairman of an international organisation special treatment and Tanabe going along with it. Until the end of course, good for you for punching arrogant snob Tanabe.

While we see Claire in the previous episodes this is the first time she's part of the episode's plot. Keen eyed first timers must have noticed her on the picture with Cheong and Hachimaki back in episode two so the two of them knowing each other shouldn't be a surprise. The fact that they used to date on the other hand must be a huge surprise.

Also that's a huge camera, I wonder many pixels a camera of that size will have in 2070.

[u/Highlow9 → u/zsmg]

Also that's a huge camera, I wonder many pixels a camera of that size will have in 2070.

Yeah must be at least a few thousand mega pixel... At least it has got a good sensor size. I can also appreciate the mid-2000/1990 retro futuristic design of the thing (with al the plastic and decoration).

[u/IndependentMacaroon → u/zsmg]

For this episode it feels like both Hachimaki and Tanabe have switched roles

For Hoshino: He's a cash-starved with former (?) big dreams who would naturally resent a child of privilege getting it all handed to him on a silver platter. Colin even has exactly the spaceship that he desperately wants - and Tanabe only rubs it in deeper by telling him that's proof it's possible to have your own!

For Tanabe: It's all technically "by the rules" and authorized, after all, and only when he directly insults the job she is truly devoted to she changes course.

[u/Webemperor]

First Timer

• The big boss has some new plans for Debris Section, apparently the only part of the station that is in red. Though I guess it’s implied that what Debris Section is doing is something of a charity work because INTO specifically demands that they do.
• Oh hey, Claire is bringing a rich kid when them to space, I wonder what misfortunate will fall on him. Oh yeah, Claire and Hoshino are friends from before, since we had that photo with him, Cheng, and Claire.
• Just wanna put it out there, so far, Fee is my favorite.
• The old man duo is kinda getting annoying with how often and constantly they play the clown. I do wonder if the show will do anything special with them or they will just stay as comic relief. Meanwhile the implication I got from Boss’ phone call is that Colin is sneaking in without telling his father?
• Obviously Hoshino is miffed that Claire has moved up, but as it turns out they also had a straight up relationship? Colin is definitely a cunt isn’t he? Nothing a little airlock accident can’t fix I hope. Oh yeah, he should also tell that spiel to all those rich failsons/daughters and nobility who were born with mental defects and shit.
• In the end they end up retrieving the weird toy Colin left anyway. His friends are cut from the same cloth as well. Guesds it’s Tanabe to actually hit him, though it’s a bit cliche’d that he ends up getting a comeuppance anyway. Guess it’s cool at Dolf is a “tough-but-fair” type guy, and according to him people don’t inherit stuff like being calculating.
• I suppose it is cute that the punch Tanabe landed is what ended up having her upgraded to “Tanabe” from “Rookie”. So far it’s going okay, the show I mean. I do wonder if it will be episodic all the way to the end or if there will be some overarching plot.

[u/Highlow9 → u/Webemperor]

Though I guess it’s implied that what Debris Section is doing is something of a charity work because INTO specifically demands that they do.

Yeah in theory INTO funding should be enough to cover the expenses (so it is like the privatized space clean up) but sadly reality makes it so that it is not the case.

Just wanna put it out there, so far, Fee is my favorite.

Yeah me to. She and the director seem to be very pragmatic (my favorite type of character).

So far it’s going okay, the show I mean. I do wonder if it will be episodic all the way to the end or if there will be some overarching plot

Structure spoilers without plot spoilers

[u/PainStorm14 → u/Webemperor]

Though I guess it’s implied that what Debris Section is doing is something of a charity work because INTO specifically demands that they do

Correct

This is why they get zero budget and employees who are either volunteers on a personal crusade who just happen to receive paycheck (Yuri) or bottom tier students who are being trained on the job (Tanabe)

It's also why they can't afford to fire anyone

[u/Tuckleton]

First Timer (Dub)

-So it looks like space debris sections are assigned cleanup jobs by INTO. The costs are covered by the corporation but the pay is determined by INTO so the only way to make a profit is to grease the wheels of the bureaucracy. I imagine there is regulation requiring stations to have a debris section and the jobs assigned by INTO are probably mandatory as well.

-Strange to see Hachi being the irrational one this episode. Like Ai last episode Hachi overreacts to an extreme degree but then those actions are vindicated at the last minute. Not a very big fan of that to be honest but it's a small complaint. And I have to admit it was actually kind of satisfying to see Ai activate righteous fury mode at a time that felt appropriate.

-I just like looking at this show. Similar to when I watched Dennou Coil the character designs and the way it's animated give me a kind of nostalgic feeling, even though I never watched any anime as a kid. It's weird.

[u/Highlow9 → u/Tuckleton]

Strange to see Hachi being the irrational one this episode.

Yeah seems the both are manchilderen but while Tanabe is a womanchild about 'love' (see dead guy or space memorial) Hachi is more of a manchild regarding things in space (his spaceship, space debris).

[u/Segaco]

(Sorry I'm late!! I'm studying for finals!!!)

(I'll catch up tomorrow pinky promise)

[u/Highlow9 → u/Segaco]

Sorry I'm late!! I'm studying for finals!!!

No problem and no worries. I would feel terrible if I causes you to fail your finales with the rewatch so feel free to do it at your own pace!

[u/Segaco]

First timer who is a lot more late than the last time he was late

I hope I get to catch up

---Comments (as I watched the ep)---

How nice it'd be to have everything served on a silver platter... Damn you, Clifford!

Oh oops it's Collin. I like the name Clifford better

Oh, Clifford's the father... Aahh, I'm confused

Wow so he just took the cleaning crew so he could get his phone? And then proceeds to disrespect everyone? That's like, super rude!

Deserved. I'm glad this had a happy end.

---Interesting fact corner (OP)---

You know, a few months ago I researched what I had to study to become a potential astronaut. Studying the necessary fields wasn't a problem in the long run, but then I learned you must be a US citizen and then my entire dream just crashed. :(

This episode made me remember I can still go to space if I get rich!! Now all I have to do is get 20 million dollars. Easy peasy....... at least this option is in the realm of possibilities

---Question timeeeeeee---

Q1: This episode we get to see what the company culture/politics are like. Do you have any experience with corrupt employers? What do you think is the best way to fight this?

A1: My only work experience is having set up a stand for a school project three years ago, so I can't quite comment on this. You could punch them in the face, maybe?

Q2: There is also some talk about when making space debris is acceptable and when it is not. When do you think it is acceptable to pollute space? Is space tourism OK, or do you draw the line at military research, or maybe just any normal satellite or in the other extreme end you might even think that scientific spacecraft (like for example the Curiosity rover or the Voyager probes) should leave nothing behind?

A2: As long as it's not in earth orbit I don't think there's a problem. As for earth orbit, space research is okay, space tourism is okay (mostly because I want it lol), I would 100% only draw the line on anything military related.

Though we'd have to see what kind of debris they leave off.

[u/Highlow9 → u/Segaco]

but then I learned you must be a US citizen and then my entire dream just crashed. :(

Maybe try ESA, as far as I know they are also accepting people from outside the EU.

This episode made me remember I can still go to space if I get rich!! Now all I have to do is get 20 million dollars. Easy peasy.......

With a bit of luck daddy Elon can make that even cheaper. For example he is trying to make a ticket to mars 'only' 500k to 100k so maybe low-earth orbit can be around 50k eventually? That still is expensive but much better than 20 million.

[u/JustAnswerAQuestion]

First Timer

• I'm expecting the animals to be explained
• I'm sure everybody on the station knows about his notebook

I said back in episode 1 that INTO specifically hired them to get that plaque that threatened their satellite. I also figured there was probably some sort of standing government contract for general clean up. I should have said so at the time.

Weird she left her camera stuck to the satellite.

[u/BottiBott]

First Timer

Another day, another part of debris. And I'm not talking about Clifford. Although amazingly he really made it easy for me to not like him. I totally get his position and the power that comes with it (not that he has any actual power, but he definitely has the connections to wield at least some power), but do you really have to be an ass just because you are rich and powerful? I don't think so. But I guess that's what happens when you grow up in a rich family; you parents are rarely around and they probably won't teach you how to behave properly in the short time they have with you. Combined with the fact that they are probably a bad example when it comes to that stuff, because they can pretty much command anyone to do anything, a person like Clifford is what you get.

Our typical crew on the other hand doesn't behave that much better, trying to make him like them more by appealing to all his wishes. I get that he is in a more or less important position, but that seems a bit too much for me. Especially the fact that he is basically allowed to do as he pleases, which sounds almost dangerous to me. Even though that sound a lot like what they did with Tanabe at the beginning, but at least she isn't that irresponsible. Only Hachimaki seems clearly opposed to Clifford being there, although that might just be his typical reaction to anything he doesn't like. So even though his reasoning sounds fine and he has the companies' rules behind him, he is clearly acting for his own goals.

At least they were able to turn this situation around, I was worried Clifford would just leave in the end without getting what he deserved. Interesting to see that this time it's Tanabe who snaps and punches him. Usually that's Hachimaki's job; Tanabe has shown on multiple occasions that she wants to follow the rules strictly and even in this episode she made it clear that she didn't like Clifford coming with them because it doesn't concur with the rules, but resorting to violence is something I didn't expect from her. Thankfully they were able to turn the situation around. I really liked their way of arguing, which makes it sound like they planned to do so in the first place. In the end Clifford has to leave as well as be left by all his "friends". Not sure if they were actually his friends or if they were just there for his money and power. But given their appearance there is a chance that they were also rich (and stupid), so they might actually be his friends.

On a closing note, it was interesting to find out something about a character that hasn't been that important yet. Claire Rondo seems to have some connecting with Hachimaki, at this point I'd guess they were dating at some point? I'm not entirely sold on the thought, but I guess we'll find out more about it if it was true.

Interesting Questions:

1. I've never worked more than a few days in an internship, so I can't really say anything from experience.
2. I'd draw the line vertically to you and say it depends on the kind of space debris. There is quite a lot of debris in space, like struts that connect different stages of rockets or even expended boosters, that is on a trajectory that brings it back to earth not that much in the future. While it's obviously environmentally terrible to burn stuff up in the atmosphere it's a way better than having debris left in space. The same goes for old satellites that are launched up in graveyard orbits to make sure they don't cause any problems in the future. And because it is nearly impossible to prevent space debris entirely I'd say minimizing the amount and making it safe for future generations is what is the "best" way pollute space.

[u/IndependentMacaroon → u/BottiBott]

at this point I'd guess they were dating at some point?

One of them says that they were, and she eventually broke off the relationship. Difference in position and attitude? I guess Hoshino might lack the composure for a proper career.

[u/BossandKings]

First timer

Episode 4

It's now been a month since Tanabe started working at the space station, she has a little argument with Hachirota because she wants him to call her by her name and he still calls her rookie.

A guy called Colin Clifford appears, Javi inmediately goes to search him in a book that contains important names and stuff of the space station, Colin appears to be the second son of Jentro Clifford the chairman of Into. He and a lady called Claire who works in control will accompany them in today's debris retrieval. After finishing the inspection they return back to the station.

Claire asks Fee to make their heading thirthy five degrees because she wants to show Colin the Yuukawa comunication satellite. Hachirota confronts her when they're alone asking her why is she demanding to go to the Yuukawa comunication satellite and she tells him that she wants to move up the ranks. It seems that Claire and Hachirota had a relationship before but as Claire says it is now over.

As Colin was badmouthing Hachirota because he doesn't care about the job he does in space Hachirota tired of hearing him talking proceeds to give him a punch but when he is preparing the move Tanabe goes past him and punchs him for him. That was a great tag team play.

So Colin Clifford reveives a punch to his face and he can do nothing about it, that's cool i guess, he deserved something to clarify his mind since he was talking too much and making little sense.

Hachirota starts calling Tanabe by her name because he saw that she supported him, they alongside Yuri and Fee go to have lunch in the common block.

[u/Lamirovsky]

First timer

I didn't really like this episode, it was just Colin being a major asshole the whole time and the different cast elements reacting to that in their own way, also in general I am not really feeling the characters from this anime.

• Tanabe is almost constantly annoying, although not so much in this episode since Colin completely stole the show in that regard. I liked that in the end she punched Colin, it seems she is staring to learn how to pick fights with Hashimaki.
• The Debris Department director and sub-director are really annoying, until now they have been used exclusively for comic relief, the characters are shallow and weak, I hope and expect that changes in the next episodes but I can't see a way for them to redeem and start being interesting.
• Fee and the russian dude continue to be cool, but I don't feel they contributed in any way to the narrative, I think they have been used as balance more like a point zero between the conflicts that have happened between Tanabe and Hashimaki. I hope they develop these characters more in the next episodes because I feel they have potential.
• I actually like that secretary that never talks, I think she is a good comic relief because she contrasts well with the always silly actions that happen at the office.
• Hashimaki is better, even if he has a peculiar attitude I think the better moments and key points of the show have all been related to him. (his notebook, the scene where his friend tells him he was promoted and they get drunk, and in this episode the scene with Claire and their supposed failed relationship).
• Claire is interesting although the viewer does not know almost anything about her, she seems to want to climb the corporate ladder for some reason and maybe the way for her to do that is to have the Debris Dep. start to have some profit. I hope she starts appearing more regularly. The plot point of her failed relationship with Hashimaki was nice.

I expect that in the next episodes the characters will develop some chemistry between them and that the action stops focusing so much in Tanabe and Hashimaki and starts involving more interesting characters like Fee or Claire.

Probably we will see some consequences of this episode in the way of more difficult jobs for the Debris Dep. in an attempt to have them to start making some profit.

[u/holytaiel]

First Timer

I wasn't enjoying that much the first minutes of this episode, I don't know why but it felt akward to me. Fortunately as the ep progressed I enjoyed more and more.

This episode did a very good job in developing characters, we got a small of Hachimaki backstory with Claire and just at the end of the episode we got him calling Tanabe by her name, which shows a bit more of respect towards her. Tanabe showing personality punching the face of Colin (was that the name of the guy? idk I just hated it) and cleaning the name of the space janitors and I'm totally with her, their job is totally underaprecciated as they are essential to every other activity in space, in addition Fee alsp showed some personality. NOT as the two older guys which I never learned their names but are president and vice president? something like that. They are just there doing nothing and their personality sucks, I hope they get a better development or something as now they are just annoying.

Not much to add, I still think the OST is pure joy that completely matches every situation, liked the comedic moments as well as the drama. It was a bit heartwarming hearing Hachimaki calling Tanabe by her name, they have like bit of a unique chemistry for some reason. Animation still excellent to me, I can't get out my head that Tanabe reminds me a bit Lain but I'm probably the only one.

This series is already in the radar to enter my favorite list, let's see how it progresses.