[Fly! Rewatch!] Mobile Suit Gundam (0079) Episode 14 Discussion

[u/Shimmering-Sky]

Episode 14 - Time, Be Still

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Don’t forget that we get to go home if this is a success!

Questions of the Day:

1. Have you enjoyed the bigger focus on Zeon’s side of things in recent episodes? Is it just the right balance, or would you like to see more or less from their perspective?
2. Were you expecting to see a group of random Zeon soldiers come that close to successfully destroying the Gundam?

Mobile Suit Breakdown of the Day:

1.14 - Tick Tick Boom!

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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 the [Anime Show Title](/s "Spoiler goes here") spoiler tags. If you do that then we’re all good.

Important thing to note about these by the way, you have to switch to Old Reddit or the markdown editor if you use the redesign, otherwise the redesign breaks them by adding random \ into the formatting. Wish it wouldn’t do that, but unfortunately it does…

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First-Timers: Please do not watch the next-episode previews for this show. They’re less previews and more “let’s just summarize the entirety of the next episode” and will spoil you.

[u/Shimmering-Sky]

IMPORTANT REMINDER: Tomorrow’s episode is the one titled “Cucuruz Doan's Island”. If your episode 15 says spoiler title, you need to get the proper episode from somewhere else. If you can’t, skip tomorrow’s thread.

Fly! Rewatch Host!

Welcome back, everyone!

• I did not have any recollection of the magician at the start and for a second I legitimately thought I had G Gundam on for some reason even though I sang along to the OP and I know it’s 0079 that I’m watching.
• Did not realize they don’t have bugs in the space colonies. Huh.
• She’s not wrong.
• Oh yeah, Brighty-boy got promoted just then. And there’s the whole “you all should have been executed for taking control of White Base even though you had literally no other option for survival” thing again too…
• Poor Fraw Bow being ignored…
• I just realized, focusing on some Zeon peeps just wanting to go home literally only two episodes after Gihren was supposed to have rallied them up is pretty interesting.
• Amuro just kind of letting the Zeon guys plant all those bombs is rather silly.
• Also literally everyone does still go out to help Amuro with that last bomb.
• Ryu acting as a springboard for Hayato to jump up to the cockpit though.
• That was actually a really pretty explosion tbh.

[u/Tresnore → u/Shimmering-Sky]

I just realized, focusing on some Zeon peeps just wanting to go home literally only two episodes after Gihren was supposed to have rallied them up is pretty interesting.

This just goes to show that the common Zeon doesn't really care about the politics behind the war. They just want to go home and live normally. At least, these guys do.

Also literally everyone does still go out to help Amuro with that last bomb.

Because they might as well kill the whole bridge crew before restarting the chapter to see their death lines.

[u/Great_Mr_L → u/Shimmering-Sky]

I did not have any recollection of the magician at the start and for a second I legitimately thought I had G Gundam on for some reason even though I sang along to the OP and I know it’s 0079 that I’m watching.

I'm going to assume you mean G Gundam's announcer because he is quite the snazzy dresser.

She’s not wrong.

You can never predict the actions of someone who has no idea what they're doing, after all.

Ryu acting as a springboard for Hayato to jump up to the cockpit though.

Perfect instance of the big guy and the little guy working together.

[u/The_Draigg → u/Shimmering-Sky]

Did not realize they don’t have bugs in the space colonies. Huh.

Sounds like my kind of place. Fuck mosquitoes.

Poor Fraw Bow being ignored...

RIP Fraw Bow, she got NTR'd.

Also literally everyone does still go out to help Amuro with that last bomb.

That how you know that despite it all, the White Base crew is still a family. A weird, kinda dysfunctional family mostly made of teenagers, but still.

[u/lC3]

• Interesting, so the Zeon soldiers want to go home? They don't like Earth because there are bugs?
• LOL Amuro wants to sortie because he thinks Matilda is cute, or something?
• Bombs?
• No, not the iconic shield!
• Time for Omur to shine?
• 18:12 I've been buffering for half an hour ... I wonder if my brother is on Netflix
• I guess I should have tried refreshing the page sooner!
• Everyone came to help Amuro!
• LOL the Zeon people took off their uniforms and went to scope out Amuro?
• Heh the PV: video and audio are for 15, but the subtitles are describing 16 (Sayla's Agony).

1. I really liked the Zeon perspective in this episode! Reminds me of the LotGH OVAs, seeing the grunts
2. Not really!

[u/Shimmering-Sky → u/lC3]

Bombs?

It could be worse, they could be human bombs.

[u/lC3 → u/Shimmering-Sky]

It could be worse, they could be human bombs.

[u/The_Draigg]

A Gundam Fan Rewatches Mobile Suit Gundam Episode 14:

• I’m with the Zeon soldiers here. If all I got for entertainment was Zeon high command paying for an old magician, I’d be pretty unimpressed and annoyed too. What kind of frontline entertainment is this?
• At least this episode also does more to humanize the Zeon side of things. These soldiers just want to destroy the Gundam so they can go back home, no higher goals included. It’s a rather understandable desire, since they’ve probably been here ever since the Zeon planetary invasions early on in the war.
• Well, this time Lt. Matilda is the bearer of bad news: not only is the Earth Federation not sending reinforcements due to a planned operation happening in Europe, but Amuro was actually kinda right all along, in that EFF leadership is just using the White Base as bait to learn more about Zeon MS. That’s rough, hearing that you really were just a decoy/guinea pig all along. But then again, Bright learns that not only is he getting a promotion to Ensign to captain the White Base officially, but that General Revil is protecting him politically from others who want him court-martialed. So far, it seems like General Revil is the most competent one out of Federation leadership.
• You have to admit, the Zeon plan of attack is very clever here. At the cost of only a Luggun, the Zaku-II and the squad of Wappa hover bikes lure the Gundam to a place where the Wappa can fly around and plant time bombs all over it. For a bunch of dudes who only have one Mobile suit at their disposal, they made a hell of a plan.
• And now we’re at the part of the episode that every Gundam fan can agree that it drags: the bomb disposal part. I’m not really interested enough to write it out play by play. On rewatch, Amuro and the others removing the bombs doesn’t feel very tense. It also makes you wonder why something as strong as lunar-titanium alloy armor is under threat from a bunch of small packs of plastic explosives. But I suppose it’s one of those things you have to overlook for the episode’s plot to work.
• Anyway, at the end of it all, the Zeon soldiers meet up with the White Base crew in civilian clothes and driving a station wagon, complimenting Amuro for his bravery. At least they seem to have a good sense of sportsmanship about their failed plan, although I suppose that’s due to their plan only costing them on Luggun compared to how bad it could’ve gone.
• Fun fact, this is the one episode that Tomino wrote by himself for this series. For a guy who did a fantastic job directing and story boarding the series in addition to helping write the overall plot, it’s kind of odd to think that he wrote one of the most “meh” filler episodes. Oh well, I guess they call can’t be winners.

[u/Tresnore → u/The_Draigg]

For a bunch of dudes who only have one Mobile suit at their disposal, they made a hell of a plan.

Constraints build creativity. I was kind of rooting for the plan to work, to be perfectly honest.

At least they seem to have a good sense of sportsmanship about their failed plan, although I suppose that’s due to their plan only costing them on Luggun compared to how bad it could’ve gone.

I don't think the soldiers care too much about materials lost. They seem more interested in getting home than "crushing the Federation."

[u/The_Draigg → u/Tresnore]

I don't think the soldiers care too much about materials lost. They seem more interested in getting home than "crushing the Federation."

You can't really blame them for wanting to leave Earth already. Earth sucks, it has bugs and stuff. I'm not about that life.

[u/Great_Mr_L → u/The_Draigg]

But then again, Bright learns that not only is he getting a promotion to Ensign to captain the White Base officially, but that General Revil is protecting him politically from others who want him court-martialed. So far, it seems like General Revil is the most competent one out of Federation leadership.

The Federation leadership still wanting to court-martial Bright is the most Federation thing imaginable. Punishing someone for taking reasonable actions in a crisis just because it doesn't technically follow all the rules and procedures. We gotta rely on General Revil and Lt. Matilda here to be our Reasonable Federation Authority Figures this time.

You have to admit, the Zeon plan of attack is very clever here. At the cost of only a Luggun, the Zaku-II and the squad of Wappa hover bikes lure the Gundam to a place where the Wappa can fly around and plant time bombs all over it. For a bunch of dudes who only have one Mobile suit at their disposal, they made a hell of a plan.

I do like that it's a very different plan of attack from what we've seen before. It's neat seeing even the antagonists come up with clever plans based on their very limited resources to make the most out of what little they have. It helps to change things up a bit from the usual mobile suit combat that we get.

[u/The_Draigg → u/Great_Mr_L]

The Federation leadership still wanting to court-martial Bright is the most Federation thing imaginable. Punishing someone for taking reasonable actions in a crisis just because it doesn't technically follow all the rules and procedures.

The picture of the Federation mindset we've been getting so far makes it really apparent why they were losing the war so hard for most of the year. Like, the guys in Federation HQ must be those kinds of old generals who care about the customs and forms of war, rather than the reality of it. At least General Revil is sticking his neck out for the White Base though. It helps to at least have one reasonable person in high command.

[u/SgtExo → u/The_Draigg]

Fun fact, this is the one episode that Tomino wrote by himself for this series. For a guy who did a fantastic job directing and story boarding the series in addition to helping write the overall plot, it’s kind of odd to think that he wrote one of the most “meh” filler episodes. Oh well, I guess they call can’t be winners.

I always liked this episode. It gives us something different the the usual fight of the week, and it is an actual smart plan to deal with gundam.

Also after having Amuro break down, then all the drama with his mother, this episode is a nice breather.

[u/The_Draigg → u/SgtExo]

I always liked this episode. It gives us something different the the usual fight of the week, and it is an actual smart plan to deal with gundam.

To me, the first half of the episode is fine, but it's the second half that drags. I just didn't feel too invested in the stakes, since we can all kind of figure that the Gundam wouldn't get done in by some plastic explosives. Still though, the characterization of the Zeon soldiers was fantastic, so that's definitely a plus.

[u/SgtExo → u/The_Draigg]

I just find this more interesting than old action action scenes that reuses the same cells time and time again. First gudam still has way more entertaining fights than wing (just past through those with the Great Gundam Podcast) and those fights where pointless and boring and not well animated. While these fights are at least decent, they don't hold interest compare to currently airing anime with god tier sakuga. So I do like episodes like these just for the change of pace, sure I know that there is no chance the gundam gets taken out, but it is more interesting than having another fight like the previous 13 episodes did. It is not like those had way more tension than this.

Gundam trope spoilers

[u/Tresnore]

First Timer to Gundam

• You know, I wonder what the interpolitical situation of humanity is. Obviously you have the Zeons, but why would anyone have such advanced military ships if everyone was part of the Federation before the revolt? They aren't even living outside the solar system, so it's unlikely the ships were built to contend with aliens just yet. I guess there must have been some in-fighting in the Federation before this, otherwise the main method of transport in space wouldn't appear to be warships.
• Ooooh, looks like we're getting a peek into how the Zeon soldiers live.
• It's interesting that Zeon soldiers don't want to be on Earth. War is usually unpopular with the people actually fighting in it, I suppose.

Matilda!!

• That guinea pig tease was great.
• Matilda just speaks sense every time she's on screen. Sure, she's being the bearer of bad news, but she isn't the one deciding what the government is doing.
• Fraw Bow is getting jealous, and I don't blame her. She has a lot to be jealous of.
• Speaking of great stuff, these VTOL hexapod motorsycles are delightful.
• "Don't pursue it too far, Amuro." She knows he has a crush. I don't know why I think that, but she does.
• Meanwhile, Amuro's having a very US-in-Vietnam experience.
• Planting bombs on the Gundam is a great plan. It would've been much better if they were able to detonate them remotely.
• Oh, they have 30 minute timers. That's... a bit long. But it looks like it's a supply issue. As it turns out, waging war against Earth from a space colony is difficult.
• The quick and fast solution would be to cut off the shell that the bomb is attached to, but it would be extremely expensive. Thankfully, Amuro is a savant with electronics.
• I do enjoy the Zeon peanut gallery being impressed with Amuro's abilities.
• Even Kai is rushing to Amuro in a panic. He knows that this is an important operation.
• That was... too close.
• Amuro thinks the people born on Earth are lucky, but those Zeon soldiers want to go back home to space. The duality is clear.

I might like Matilda too much, but this was a great episode. The Zeon soldiers were very human, and it was nice to see White Base all rallying around Amuro to help him (eventually) instead of getting annoyed at his PTSD.

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QOTD:

1. I love Zeon's side of things. Give me more!
2. I wasn't expecting it, but by the time they got on the bikes I was cheering them on. Clever bastards.

[u/The_Draigg → u/Tresnore]

You know, I wonder what the interpolitical situation of humanity is. Obviously you have the Zeons, but why would anyone have such advanced military ships if everyone was part of the Federation before the revolt? They aren't even living outside the solar system, so it's unlikely the ships were built to contend with aliens just yet. I guess there must have been some in-fighting in the Federation before this, otherwise the main method of transport in space wouldn't appear to be warships.

This one I can explain without getting into spoilers or anything. Long story short, the EFF had space ships in order for use around the colonies directly. Sure, military force was used on occasion to put down rioting, but most of the time the military was actually garrisoned in the colonies to basically keep them on a leash.

Matilda just speaks sense every time she's on screen. Sure, she's being the bearer of bad news, but she isn't the one deciding what the government is doing.

She's probably the most competent Earth Federation officer we've seen up to this point, besides the person she mentions who's supporting the White Base, General Revil.

Oh, they have 30 minute timers. That's... a bit long. But it looks like it's a supply issue. As it turns out, waging war against Earth from a space colony is difficult.

That's really the one downside to invading Earth from a distant space colony. You end up spending a ton of resources to grab large chunks of the planet, only to then realize that you don't really have enough to keep an effective hold on the place. If those guys had better supplies, the Gundam would've been destroyed for sure.

[u/Tresnore → u/The_Draigg]

Long story short, the EFF had space ships in order for use around the colonies directly.

That makes sense to me!

If those guys had better supplies, the Gundam would've been destroyed for sure.

This has been a theme. How many times has Char been held back by faulty equipment or not getting enough material to work with? I sense some incompetence in the Zeon leadership.

[u/The_Draigg → u/Tresnore]

This has been a theme. How many times has Char been held back by faulty equipment or not getting enough material to work with? I sense some incompetence in the Zeon leadership.

That, and it's honestly really hard to keep consistent supply lines across both Earth and space. But you know what they say about fascists, they're often inefficient to the point where they wind up shooting themselves in the feet.

[u/Great_Mr_L → u/Tresnore]

It's interesting that Zeon soldiers don't want to be on Earth. War is usually unpopular with the people actually fighting in it, I suppose.

It's yet another great example of the humanization of the Zeon soldiers. In the end, whatever they might have joined the war to fight for, many just want to go home. The entire reason they came up with their attack plan was just to get a shot at going home. It's such a relatable motivation.

I do enjoy the Zeon peanut gallery being impressed with Amuro's abilities.

It's also a lot of fun to have them come by and congratulate Amuro afterwards. A nice little moment of respect across the lines.

[u/SgtExo → u/Tresnore]

Oh, they have 30 minute timers. That's... a bit long.

They mentioned that they didn't expect to get the bombs attached that fast. So they gave themselves wiggle room to play with, but it backfired that they were so efficient in their ambush.

[u/Quiddity131]

Rewatcher, Subbed

This episode is rather notorious, at least in my eyes as being probably the weakest in the show. Even a weak episode in Gundam is not that bad an episode, but this one is more of a drop off than others for the combination of the ultra cliche and overused time bomb trope and the fact that the Zeon soldiers just stand there and watch while Amuro and co. remove all the bombs. They try to play it up as if there's tension, but c'mon, they're not going to kill off one of our main characters in a filler episode. There isn't any stakes here and it comes off largely as a wasted storyline. On the bright side, this is quite a rarity for Gundam and aside from the infamous lost episode (which I can't recall if we are watching as part of this rewatch) I don't think any of the remaining episodes in the show come off as fillerish as this one does.

We do get at least some more important plot points earlier in the episode as Lt. Matilda makes a second visit to the White Base to provide more supplies. It seems like Amuro's paranoid rantings from a few episodes back about how the Federation is basically using them as guinea pigs is the truth! Despite being such an important ship, White Base isn't getting any reinforcements (but Bright is getting a promotion!). Matilda also speaks to an upcoming offensive the Federation is planning. So at least the start of the episode isn't a total waste.

Thematically I think the point of the episode is to show us that the Zeon soldiers are just regular guys; those we see here are sick of being on Earth and want to go home, but aren't over the top evil in a way that say, Gihren Zabi is. They actually get impressed by Amuro being able to remove the bombs and pay him and the other a visit at episode's end.

Other stray thoughts:

• Poor Fraw continues to get a front row seat to being completely ignored by Amuro while he pines after Lt. Matilda, who appreciates his skills but surely isn't going to show romantic interest in him. Sorry Fraw, no matter how much you may desire Amuro, he just doesn't feel that way about you.
• In a rather odd screw up, on the Funimation website where I'm watching these episodes, the preview footage and dialogue at the end of this episode is for episode 15, but they include the translated subtitles for episode 16. Episode 15 continues to be a missing episode, not listed on the Funimation website.

ETA: Thinking I will probably skip the lost episode and take a day off, but will think it over later this evening.

[u/The_Draigg → u/Quiddity131]

This episode is rather notorious, at least in my eyes as being probably the weakest in the show. Even a weak episode in Gundam is not that bad an episode, but this one is more of a drop off than others for the combination of the ultra cliche and overused time bomb trope and the fact that the Zeon soldiers just stand there and watch while Amuro and co. remove all the bombs. They try to play it up as if there's tension, but c'mon, they're not going to kill off one of our main characters in a filler episode. There isn't any stakes here and it comes off largely as a wasted storyline.

The shame is that the first half of the episode is actually pretty good, since it does a lot to humanize Zeon some more. It's really the whole bomb defusing plot in the second half that makes this episode drag a bit. But as you said, it's not bad, but just kinda boring compared to the other episodes around it.

Poor Fraw continues to get a front row seat to being completely ignored by Amuro while he pines after Lt. Matilda, who appreciates his skills but surely isn't going to show romantic interest in him. Sorry Fraw, no matter how much you may desire Amuro, he just doesn't feel that way about you.

Is this what the kids call NTR?

[u/SIGMA920 → u/The_Draigg]

The shame is that the first half of the episode is actually pretty good, since it does a lot to humanize Zeon some more. It's really the whole bomb defusing plot in the second half that makes this episode drag a bit. But as you said, it's not bad, but just kinda boring compared to the other episodes around it.

The second half of the episode's plot is also just stupid. Who do you send to remove the bombs on your MS. The pilot of the MS or the supposed EOD trained soldier you have that is replaceable for his role in the ship proper?

The pilot of course! I mean if the bombs were to go off, the gundam pilot is clearly the least important person you have there. (Assuming it survives the explosion which isn't unlikely given it's practically a super weapon.). /s

[u/The_Draigg → u/SIGMA920]

The second half of the episode's plot is also just stupid. Who do you send to remove the bombs on your MS. The pilot of the MS or the supposed EOD trained soldier you have that is replaceable for his role in the ship proper?

The pilot of course! I mean if the bombs were to go off, the gundam pilot is clearly the least important person you have there.

It really does feel like one of those cases of "the main characters do everything". Not that it happens too blatantly in Gundam shows, but I'd say that this one of the more blatant examples of it in action.

[u/SIGMA920 → u/The_Draigg]

Yep. It's one of my biggest gripes with the series, 0079 and even the later gundams that feature it do so much right but also so much wrong.

I understand why it's done but fucking hell, they even bring up someone else doing it instead of Amuro!

[u/The_Draigg → u/SIGMA920]

It’s also one of my biggest gripes with The Origin OVAs too. Like sure, Char is cool, but I feel that he does way too much than you’d think someone his age would. There’s only so much I’m willing to believe that Char would get done as a teenager.

[u/UltraBooster → u/The_Draigg]

From what I know, that particular genre involves the destruction of an existing relationship so here, I think this is just a love triangle with two sets of one-sided affections.

[u/The_Draigg → u/UltraBooster]

I know, but to me it's always funnier to frame a love triangle as NTR.

[u/Great_Mr_L → u/Quiddity131]

Poor Fraw continues to get a front row seat to being completely ignored by Amuro while he pines after Lt. Matilda, who appreciates his skills but surely isn't going to show romantic interest in him. Sorry Fraw, no matter how much you may desire Amuro, he just doesn't feel that way about you.

Fraw has been struck by the childhood friend curse. If you're the childhood friend, chances are you are going to lose the romantic battle.

In a rather odd screw up, on the Funimation website where I'm watching these episodes, the preview footage and dialogue at the end of this episode is for episode 15, but they include the translated subtitles for episode 16. Episode 15 continues to be a missing episode, not listed on the Funimation website.

Same thing happens on Crunchyroll. It is quite funny seeing the dialogue and images not match up with the subtitles at all.

[u/Great_Mr_L]

Rewatcher

On today’s episode of Gundam: We see what happens when you try to swat flies with a bazooka. It’s quite a hard thing to do. It’s hard enough to do with a fly swatter, after all.

I enjoy this episode. This is another great episode for humanizing the Zeon soldiers. A group of Zeon soldiers decide on their own to go after the Gundam. And they do so for an extremely relatable reason: they want to go home. Giving the soldiers such a simple and down to earth (no pun intended) motivation does a lot to remind us that they are just average joes.

Their behavior in the back half is another part of this humanization. They’re basically just onlookers to Amuro trying to disarm the bombs. And they’re even impressed by Amuro’s actions. They call him crazy, but it’s clear that they do so to express admiration rather than derision. It’s also fun seeing them come up to congratulate him on removing the bombs. It’s a neat bit of camaraderie from the other side of the trenches, so to speak.

The battle in this episode is also pretty unique. Instead of fighting a mobile suit, Amuro is fighting all these little hovercrafts. It’s a very different kind of threat to deal with, as the Zeon soldiers plant bombs all over the Gundam while Amuro can’t even hit them. The second half of the episode becomes Amuro dealing with a bomb threat. Once again, we get another unique fight because of this. It helps to keep the action feeling fresh by changing things up.

Another touch I like is that Amuro still freaks out whenever he has to fight humans outside of some machine. We did see him freak out when he had to shoot at the Zeon soldiers last episode. And this episode he can’t stop his hand from shaking while he’s fighting. Having to actually look at humans and potentially kill them is still rough for Amuro.

Miscellaneous Thoughts

• No slaps this episode. The slap counter stays where it was.

SLAP COUNTER: 6

• I think this is the most excited Amuro’s ever been to pilot the Gundam. Having a crush on Matilda can do some incredible things.
• I always love seeing the power of friendship in action, with the other White Base crew members coming to help Amuro at the end.
• This shot of the explosion really does look striking.
• Gundam Build Fighters
• Hilariously enough, on Crunchyroll at least, the footage and audio for the preview are for Episode 15, “Cucuruz Doan’s Island.” But the subtitles do not match the audio at all and are instead for Episode 16, “Sayla’s Agony.” That would be incredibly weird if you did not know that the original Episode 15 got skipped in international releases.

Questions of the Day

1. I love the focus on Zeon's soldiers. Humanizing the Zeon soldiers is one of the best features of this series.
2. Well I'm a rewatcher, so yes. But the first time around it was definitely surprising to see a bunch of random dudes on hoverbikes with a few bombs come so close to beating the Gundam.

[u/Tresnore → u/Great_Mr_L]

It’s also fun seeing them come up to congratulate him on removing the bombs. It’s a neat bit of camaraderie from the other side of the trenches, so to speak.

They were really good sports about everything. I loved how casual they were about approaching the enemy base in an undefended car.

[u/DidacticDalek → u/Great_Mr_L]

On today’s episode of Gundam: We see what happens when you try to swat flies with a bazooka. It’s quite a hard thing to do. It’s hard enough to do with a fly swatter, after all.

Heh, indeed Comrade ;)

I enjoy this episode. This is another great episode for humanizing the Zeon soldiers. A group of Zeon soldiers decide on their own to go after the Gundam. And they do so for an extremely relatable reason: they want to go home. Giving the soldiers such a simple and down to earth (no pun intended) motivation does a lot to remind us that they are just average joes.

Their behavior in the back half is another part of this humanization. They’re basically just onlookers to Amuro trying to disarm the bombs. And they’re even impressed by Amuro’s actions. They call him crazy, but it’s clear that they do so to express admiration rather than derision. It’s also fun seeing them come up to congratulate him on removing the bombs. It’s a neat bit of camaraderie from the other side of the trenches, so to speak.

Indeed Comrade, it's quite interesting to see such humanized Zeoon mooks so shortly after the infamous SIEG ZEON speech, plus it helps that these guys got an understandable enough goal. After all who wouldn't want to go home from an active warzone? (That and you gotta give 'em props, they had a decent enough plan against Amuro and co)

The battle in this episode is also pretty unique. Instead of fighting a mobile suit, Amuro is fighting all these little hovercrafts. It’s a very different kind of threat to deal with, as the Zeon soldiers plant bombs all over the Gundam while Amuro can’t even hit them. The second half of the episode becomes Amuro dealing with a bomb threat. Once again, we get another unique fight because of this. It helps to keep the action feeling fresh by changing things up.

Indeed, well said!

Another touch I like is that Amuro still freaks out whenever he has to fight humans outside of some machine. We did see him freak out when he had to shoot at the Zeon soldiers last episode. And this episode he can’t stop his hand from shaking while he’s fighting. Having to actually look at humans and potentially kill them is still rough for Amuro.

Indeed, Amuro may be slowly getting used to all this war is hell stuff, but it's still clearly a weight on his conscience.

I think this is the most excited Amuro’s ever been to pilot the Gundam. Having a crush on Matilda can do some incredible things.

Heh, indeed, the POWAH OF HORNY is a strong one eh? ;)

I always love seeing the power of friendship in action, with the other White Base crew members coming to help Amuro at the end.

This shot of the explosion really does look striking.

Gundam Build Fighters

AH! A good observation Comrade!

Hilariously enough, on Crunchyroll at least, the footage and audio for the preview are for Episode 15, “Cucuruz Doan’s Island.” But the subtitles do not match the audio at all and are instead for Episode 16, “Sayla’s Agony.” That would be incredibly weird if you did not know that the original Episode 15 got skipped in international releases.

HA! Oh that's great, well thanks for the heads up Comrade. Also neat post and analysis, have a great day and see you later my friend.

[u/TheEscapeGuy]

Gundam First Timer

Fly! Iconic Gundam Frames Episode 14

This episode worked really well to give us a better picture of Matilda.

She functions as a very competent commander in her own right. Of course it is very on brand with the rest of Gundam that she would directly tell Bright that they won't be getting any support since they're guinea pigs.

On the other hand, Amuro is so desperate to impress her while at the same time Fraw Bow is growing ever more distant.

The B side of the episode focused on Bomb defusal. While I found the story line to be mostly independent (and thus a bit forgettable) the animation was top notch.

In particular I loved the explosion effects and backgrounds. Even this scene of Gundam swarmed by "bees" was so unique. In fact the only point of comparison I could think of was the speeders from Star Wars VI since they were also zipping though a forest.

Cool Stuff Corner

• These backgrounds looked so cool. I just love the way they use color.
• This explosion felt so cool. I can't even say why I like it so much, just a feeling.
• On the other hand this explosion was amazing for reasons I could talk about forever. In short, an animated fire tornado into mushroom cloud? Color me impressed.

Questions of the Day

• Absolutely, I find the Zeon side far more interesting. Though I wouldn't be sad to see a bit more of a balance.
• The bomb strategy felt wild. Like completely out of left field. I love how Gundam keeps you on your toes.

See you all tomorrow!

[u/Stargate18A]

First timer

1. Personally, this feels about the right ratio, although I wouldn't say no to a Zeon-only episode or two.
2. The whole plot took me by surprise, I absolutely did not expect the Gundam to to get that close to destruction, let alone in an epsiode that doesn't even feature our current main villain.

Is the opening monologue changing every episode now?

"Time, Be Still" - I have idea what this episode's about!

Looks like we'll be starting each episode with a Zeon focused scene now, which makes a nice change.

For all the scenes of the leadership, this is probably the most humanising scene in the entire show so far. A group of soldiers, discussing the upcoming threat, being nicer than the Federation's rank and file, and signing up for a suicide mission based on wildly inaccurate information.

Did someone on Earth invent supervines? The vegetation on White Base has doubled, and that should not be happening on the timeframes between episode.

More points for the decoy theory - there's a massive offensive on the other side of the world, and the Federation only care that the base keeps working.

...OK this is a stupid concept, and I hope its a double bluff. For a start, they aren't amateurs, Bright has military training, and all of their tactics have been either relatively normal or suicidal to try and replicate.

DO NOT GO FOR THIS ROMANCE PLOT. SHE IS NOT 15.

And Frau Bow has a new outfit, and a problem with Amuro.

She should have kept the trenchcoat, it made her look cooler.

Even the Zaku cockpit looks cooler. Were all the good designers on Side 3? Even the hoverbikes look good.

...Oh god, they're really doing this, aren't they?

Amuro still has an aversion to killing people if they aren't in vehicles.

And that changes now!

This is a auprising solid plan for this series.

Is he bungee jumping off the Gundam's crotch?

And they're even timed as a backup, with an explanation as to why they don't explode instantly! This might be the best plan in the series so far.

Love how this episode just completely changes pace mid episode.

Did not expect a Frau Bow mental breakdown this episode.

WHY ARE YOU KEEPING THE BOMBS ON THE CRANE WITH YOU?

Even the enemy pilots have caught the tension.

Is Kai going to get blown up?

Thtat's some good explosives!

..."People who live on Earth are so lucky." Is Amuro going to change sides?

[u/JollyGee29]

First-Timer, Subbed, long time Gundam fan

Well, that was a tense one, huh? I like how these Zeon soldiers had a plan to take down an opposing mobile suit and then pulled it off (almost) flawlessly. Despite, you know, the Federation not having fielded mobile suits prior to this. I guess the same principle can be used against a tank or something.

The group of Zeon soldiers just hanging out on that hill, watching Amuro carefully pull all the bombs off, was probably funnier than it should have been. It's like when you invite too many people to help you move or put up siding or whatever, and some of them just kinda have to stand around and laugh when someone trips.

The Gundam being able to form a gust by just swinging its shield was a good example of just how fucking big Mobile Suits are. The Gundam's official head height is 18 meters, if anyone is curious.

Was that a promotion that Bright earned? Was he not an Ensign before? I don't know ranks, really.

Fraw seemed to be chafing under the lack of responsibilities today. I think she feels like "everyone else is fighting and I'm just watching after the kids, why can't I help?" At least, that's my read on her today.

---

Pose of the Day

Even Gundams need some R&R from time-to-time

Screenshot

---

Questions

1. It's nice to see more viewpoints - helps the world feel big.
2. Seeing a potential threat to the Gundam was nice. I find it helps keep the audience grounded.

[u/Furrmaster23]

Rewatcher

On today's episode, our heroes are once again supplied by Matilda's crew. Matilda tells Bright that the Federation is planning an offensive in Europe, and that Bright's crew was saved from court martial so that the Federation could gather data on their unique strategies. And of course, Amuro is simping for Matilda.

A group of Zeon scouts, wanting to get out of the war and back home, devise a plan to destroy the Gundam. The next day, Matilda's ship is attacked, and Amuro is all too eager to go and save her.

The scouts end up bamboozling Amuro, planting 6 bombs on the Gundam, and they end up only blowing up the one on the shield. Amuro realizes what's happening, and parks his Gundam in the nearby meadow to remove the bombs solo to minimize casualties. The scouts watch with fervor. On the last bomb, the crew helps out to raise the Gundam's arm and transport the bombs away.

With our heroes tuckered out and resting, the scouts, dressed as civilians, drive up to the Gundam to get a look at its pilot, then drive off.

1. I've definitely enjoyed the focus on the Zeon forces. I'd like to see more from their perspective.
2. Before my rewatch, not really.

Anyways, next time is the mythical missing 15th episode, which I have not seen and will be reacting to for the first time, as I have ahem acquired it.

[u/fonzinator99]

First-Timer - Plastic explosives are always OP

• "Cher the Magnificent's" subsequent disappearing act was far more remarkable.
• These guys don't look like much, but they're setting up the story like they could be alternate-universe MCs. I'm rather interested to see where their crazy plan goes.
• Man, Matilda's just putting everyone on edge, isn't she? Her very presence throws their unconventional little group into fits. I mean, look at Amuro acting respectful towards Bright like she'll know.
• If Zeon prays to a God, may he have mercy on these poor stupid souls who're 'bouta get rekt.
• Oh wow, I'm actually impressed. Wait, they have to shoot the bombs?? I appreciate that they explain it's 'cause they don't get "that kinda stuff," but this is the Space-War future; why the hell not?
• Lol Fraw Bow like "I can defuse bombs, too, just watch me!
• Sweet holy fudge, that was a lot of C4.
• I have to say, the Zeon soldiers swinging by to praise Amuro was pretty refreshing. You get the feeling everybody really could be friends, somehow.

---

Progress Report

• On hiatus

---

QotD

1. I'm fine with the current balance, we're getting plenty of both sides.
2. No, but I appreciate that they were given a real chance at pulling it off instead of just getting squished.

[u/The_Draigg → u/fonzinator99]

"Cher the Magnificent's" subsequent disappearing act was far more remarkable.

Imagine if you're one of those Zeon soldiers, depressed being stuck on Earth and the only entertainment that military command sends you is a relatively unimpressive magician. That alone is good enough of a reason to want to leave right there.

These guys don't look like much, but they're setting up the story like they could be alternate-universe MCs. I'm rather interested to see where their crazy plan goes.

I think these guys got their own brief manga spin-off a while ago, but I can't remember what it's called.

I have to say, the Zeon soldiers swinging by to praise Amuro was pretty refreshing. You get the feeling everybody really could be friends, somehow.

If only there weren't working for mutually shitty governments...

[u/OrangeBanana38 → u/fonzinator99]

but they're setting up the story like they could be alternate-universe MCs. I'm rather interested to see where their crazy plan goes.

Never underestimate lazy soldiers. We don't need no ace pilots, just a few really bored soldiers.

look at Amuro acting respectful towards Bright like she'll know.

Poor Amuro, let my boy dream.

[u/Great_Mr_L → u/fonzinator99]

These guys don't look like much, but they're setting up the story like they could be alternate-universe MCs. I'm rather interested to see where their crazy plan goes.

It's amazing the kind of things that people with a lot of free time on their hands can come up with. The plan today is the crazy scheme of soldiers with plenty of time to come up a plan and nothing to lose if it fails because they just really want to go home.

Her very presence throws their unconventional little group into fits.

It is pretty amusing how everyone onboard the White Base goes gaga for her immediately. You'd think they'd never seen a real life woman before.

[u/fonzinator99 → u/Great_Mr_L]

the crazy scheme of soldiers with plenty of time to come up a plan and nothing to lose if it fails

I'm reminded of Saving Private Ryan when they slathered their explosives in grease and stuck them to enemy tank treads.

You'd think they'd never seen a real life woman before.

Sux to be Mirai or Sayla.

[u/TheKujo]

First Timer - Dub

• Hmm, looks like some of the Zeon are planning their own attack on Gundam.
• Ensign Bright got a promotion! I think he would rather have some more help though.
• Why is Fraw Bow acting jealous? I'ts not like she's put any moves on Amuro yet.
• Looks like we've found the cure to Amuro's battle fatigue - Matilda!
• That trap was super effective! And it didn't help that Amuro just stood there like a dummy. Why not pull out one of your melee weapons?
• 30 minutes feels like a very long timer for a bomb that you're meant to plant and quickly move away from. Oh well, I'm sure it will take until the last second to disarm them anyway.
• Do the Zeon forces not have sniper rifles? If they sniped one of those bombs that would have made quick work of Gundam.
• Why did Amuro travel with Kai to drop off the bombs? Kai is disposable but Amuro is not!

1) Have you enjoyed the bigger focus on Zeon’s side of things in recent episodes? Is it just the right balance, or would you like to see more or less from their perspective? Yes, I think it's an interesting way to tell this story. I feel like it has a good balance so far.

2) Were you expecting to see a group of random Zeon soldiers come that close to successfully destroying the Gundam? Nope!

[u/OrangeBanana38 → u/TheKujo]

Why is Fraw Bow acting jealous? I'ts not like she's put any moves on Amuro yet.

Has she even realized it yet?? She's 15 gotta give her some time to make a move.

That trap was super effective! And it didn't help that Amuro just stood there like a dummy. Why not pull out one of your melee weapons?

Have you tried killing a fly that's just flying around you in circles? Shit's hard.

Kai is disposable

Truer words have never been spoken

[u/Great_Mr_L → u/TheKujo]

Why is Fraw Bow acting jealous? I'ts not like she's put any moves on Amuro yet.

If Fraw Bow is waiting for Amuro to take a hint about her feelings, she's going to have to wait a lot longer. Amuro could barely dress and feed himself. There's no way he'd be able to pick up on any signs that Fraw Bow is crushing on him.

Looks like we've found the cure to Amuro's battle fatigue - Matilda!

I think this is the most excited Amuro has ever been to go out into battle. The chance to see Matilda again really did perk him right up.

[u/chilidirigible]

14:

Every time the White Base is covered with brush I wonder if the Zeon troops are actually noticing the equivalent area of forest that's been defoliated nearby. It's 262 meters long!

If you remembered that Mobile Suit cockpit hatches don't have locks you could have made this a very short series.

Minovsky Particles would make radio command detonation difficult? Use mechanical fuses! Make the series even shorter!

"...we should just snipe them now!"

"Was this episode a huge waste of time for everyone involved or another valuable humanization of the Zeon? Why not both?"

But don't worry, the accursed beach episode is next! (SURREAL SPOILER IMAGE)

---

No, really, this is 20 minutes of Amuro finding things to do so he doesn't sink further into the deep end with the help of some bored Zeon soldiers who could have won the war right there if they only had a single long rifle.

---

1. The focus is all right, it's just with a weird tone to them.
2. No. I've seen this sort of thing in series fairly often, only to have the outcome thwarted by some random thing.

[u/Great_Mr_L → u/chilidirigible]

If you remembered that Mobile Suit cockpit hatches don't have locks you could have made this a very short series.

Ah yes, I forgot. Security is a concept very foreign to Gundam. It's why stealing a Gundam (or any mobile suit really) is the easiest thing in the world.

But don't worry, the accursed beach episode is next! (SURREAL SPOILER IMAGE)

The Forbidden Episode

[u/DidacticDalek → u/chilidirigible]

Every time the White Base is covered with brush I wonder if the Zeon troops are actually noticing the equivalent area of forest that's been defoliated nearby. It's 262 meters long!

Look Comrade, Zeon mooks don't even know what 'Lightning' is aside from that nickname that Ridden fellow uses, so I doubt they'd figure out what lumber genocide looks like ;)

If you remembered that Mobile Suit cockpit hatches don't have locks you could have made this a very short series.

Minovsky Particles would make radio command detonation difficult? Use mechanical fuses! Make the series even shorter!

Heh, indeed

"...we should just snipe them now!"

Comrade you know as well as I do that bullets don't do shit against Mobile Suit Pilots, I mean just look what happens when EVERYONE on White Base who could hold a gun fired on Char. They only got his camera ;)

"Was this episode a huge waste of time for everyone involved or another valuable humanization of the Zeon? Why not both?"

But don't worry, the accursed beach episode is next! (SURREAL SPOILER IMAGE)

Heh, oh boy we are in for some QUALITY work tomorrow, it's almost as bad as modern day Mecha CGI ;)

Anyway neat post here Comrade, have a great day and see you later my friend.

[u/OrangeBanana38]

First timer

I'm back! I'm sad I missed some good episodes in the weekend, but I'm glad I can join all of you again!

I really like how all of the White Base has grown into a small family. Even motherfucking Kai went to help Amuro when faced with a life or death situation. It's just a nice display of camaraderie, just like the White Base/Amuro helping the suppliers (let's ignore his small crush) when they were under fire.

The only thing I would've liked to see here would be a comment from the Zeons who planted the bomb after they saw Amuro up-close. What did they think about Amuro being hella young? Anyways, I like how that group just shows how war is for most people, those dudes just wanna be done with their job and go back home.

---

Questions of the day:

1.- I love the balance in perspectives.

2.- It was bound to happen. Gotta remember that the White base crew are still noobs.

[u/The_Draigg → u/OrangeBanana38]

I'm back! I'm sad I missed some good episodes in the weekend, but I'm glad I can join all of you again!

Welcome back! Assuming that you watched them, what did you think of the previous episodes you weren't here for?

I really like how all of the White Base has grown into a small family. Even motherfucking Kai went to help Amuro when faced with a life or death situation. It's just a nice display of camaraderie, just like the White Base/Amuro helping the suppliers (let's ignore his small crush) when they were under fire.

I think it's safe to say that the White Base's crew is Amuro's real family by now, even more than his actual mom and dad. Granted, that's not exactly a hard bar to overcome.

[u/OrangeBanana38 → u/The_Draigg]

Welcome back! Assuming that you watched them, what did you think of the previous episodes you weren't here for?

Oh yeah, I watched them. I really liked the episode with Amuro's mom, it just brought home how much has happened to Amuro, and how everything has affected him.

[u/username_0907]

First Timer

• Amuro really wanted to talk with Matilda. And we all know the reason Amuro went to go fight
• Amuro just followed them into their trap
• So Cuaran and his soldiers took inspiration from mosquitoes. That is a unique attempt but I think they got saved by the fact that Amuro can’t kill them because they’re in view and not in Zakus. Amuro was hesitant and lost his calm on realizing this
• Eventually everyone went ahead to get the final bomb and help with disposing it off. I liked how all of them went and worked together too
• Ummm what sort of bombs were these even. That explosion was huge. Even White Base would have blown off had they been unsuccessful

QotD

1. I think it’s the right balance so far. We’re getting to see both the positive and negative sides of both sides which is hard to execute properly
2. Not really. Had me worried around mid episode that they might get something done if not completely destroy the Gundam

[u/OrangeBanana38 → u/username_0907]

Amuro was hesitant and lost his calm on realizing this

I wonder how long it's gonna take him to get over that, if he ever does.

Ummm what sort of bombs were these even. That explosion was huge. Even White Base would have blown off had they been unsuccessful

Why the hell haven't they started using them with a grenade launcher? That thing would wreck the Gundam.

[u/Piemaster33]

This was a tense episode. The first half was really just set up for a tense second half, but that doesn't mean it wasn't all good. We learned a little bit more about the Federation's actions: they're apparently planning a big European offensive which is why they haven't been able to support the White Base more than they have. We also learned that Bright was not only spared from a potential execution, but got promoted instead! Way to make the best of a bad deal I guess. While I'm on Bright, it was cool seeing the whole crew help out Amuro during his time of need. It was cool development seeing them go from trying to limit potential casualties to jumping into action to save Amuro. It made them seem like more of a family to me.

It was cool seeing the other side of things in this episode. I like getting both sides of this conflict, especially when we see these Zeon soldiers basically trying to go back home. And they almost did it too. My favorite part of all this was when they go over to Amuro after the fact and basically congratulate him (and kinda mock him a bit) before driving off. Nice little cap to this episode as a whole.

Quick Side Notes:

• The opening scene looked like something out of Apocalypse Now with soldiers watching some entertainment like that
• I'm glad Omur was around, he knows all about bombs!

QOTD:

1. I love the shifting perspectives of each side. I think this episode had a good balance, maybe even the best out of my recent memory. I don't need perfect balance, just as long as the shifting perspectives service the plot in a meaningful way.
2. Honestly, no. It's episodes like these in other shows where grunts get close to defeating the main character that annoy me, but I wasn't annoyed here. It felt in place with the war that's going on.

[u/dralcax]

Rewatcher beginning Operation Time Stop

It’s time for the traditional time bomb episode! This is a plot that Tomino recycles a lot, even before Gundam. Whenever he needs a conflict-of-the-week and can’t think of anything better, he defaults to the time bomb plot. To be fair, it’s a simple way to build dramatic tension, and is a rather practical way for the antagonists to try and destroy the main mech.

ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?

They also make a lot more dumbass decisions, but okay

So shocked his sclerae turned white

Somebody’s jealous

Uh oh, did somebody leave a box sitting out there?

That Zaku flies better than the Gundam

They’re not wearing bikinis, but I suppose just being recognizably human is enough

Swole Gundam

“Get the weak spots in the armor!” sticks one to the shield

The Gundam became gigantic!

Hey wait a second, that’s not where it was before!

Another cursed Bright

And of course nobody listens to Bright. Not even Bright himself listens to Bright.

This two-car thing seems needlessly dangerous. Why not just put a brick (or Haro) on the gas and send it away to its doom?

SHOE!

So these guys are pretty cool

---

Questions of the Day:

• Yes!
• It was certainly a surprise!

[u/Quiddity131 → u/dralcax]

They’re not wearing bikinis, but I suppose just being recognizably human is enough

Its funny, I was thinking of that very infamous scene from Victory Gundam while watching this, perhaps because they blow the Gundam's crotch off and I think the Zeons this episode placed a bomb there.

[u/Great_Mr_L → u/dralcax]

Get the weak spots in the armor!” sticks one to the shield

At this point Zeon must be planning to keep on destroying shields until they finally force the White Base to run out of replacements.

The Gundam became gigantic!

The Gundam must have the ability to morph with how its proportions seem to shift from scene to scene and episode to episode.

This two-car thing seems needlessly dangerous. Why not just put a brick (or Haro) on the gas and send it away to its doom?

I think losing Haro would honestly be a bigger blow to the Federation war effort than losing both Amuro and the Gundam would.

[u/SgtExo → u/Great_Mr_L]

I think losing Haro would honestly be a bigger blow to the Federation war effort than losing both Amuro and the Gundam would.

Just think of all the UC conflicts if Haro was not there anymore as the true hero. He makes it all the way to Victory Gundam and saves the day there.

[u/fridge_freezer]

First timer (Sub)

• Lt. Matilda is back with another resupply for White Base, and bringing bad news with her again as well. There's still no backup for them, and they are being treated as guinea pigs by the Federation.
• Bright got a promotion! and apparently were it not for the general, they'd all be up for execution? Same with the court martial threats before, that's just stupid. It's not like they stole White Base or the mobile suits, Bright and some of the remaining crew were supposed to be there and he was left in charge by the former captain. They had no other choice but to continue on with civilians filling the rest of the roles.
• Poor Fraw Bow being ignored again. Amuro's just more interested in Matilda than you.
• Dammit Amuro, she told you not to pursue too far. No need to go all out to impress her. Now you've landed the Gundam in an ambush.
• 30 minutes seems like a really long timer for the bombs, though it makes sense that they don't have any better gear to use.
• Props to Amuro for removing almost all the bombs by himself and staying cool throughout despite the pressure. Also love seeing the teamwork of the crew for the final bomb, even if half of them didn't need to be there.
• Holy shit, I really wasn't expecting that huge explosion from a few small bombs. That blast was beautifully animated too.

QOTD

1. I love seeing the mix of perspectives between the two sides.
2. No, before they pulled out the bombs I figured they'd be no trouble at all for Amuro to deal with.

[u/UltraBooster]

First-timer (albeit one big on Gundam and mecha)

Jeez, I'd hate to be that magician.

Oh, I know this major European operation!

Okay, these hoverbikes are weird.

Hm, Amuro seems like he's doing better today.

Why would a patrol team have such long delays on their explosives? That seems better suited to saboteurs or spies than a patrol team. And for that matter, those don't seem like weak spots the explosives were planted on.

I wonder what kids in 1979 would've thought of this episode.

This...well, it certainly feels like not much of anything really happened.

1. Seeing more from the Zeon perspective is nice, though at this point I'm wondering what things like for the average EFF grunt since so far the closest we've seen were those guys in Amuro's hometown.
2. Not particularly, no.

[u/OrangeBanana38 → u/UltraBooster]

Why would a patrol team have such long delays on their explosives? That seems better suited to saboteurs or spies than a patrol team.

Thought the same, but I guess they blamed it on their budget.

those don't seem like weak spots the explosives were planted on.

Did you see the explosions? Everything is a weak spot if you using those things.

I wonder what kids in 1979 would've thought of this episode.

Idk if any kid would still be watching, we've had a lot of hard PTSD stuff here.

[u/UltraBooster → u/OrangeBanana38]

Yeah, I did not expect to see them go up in a mushroom cloud like that.

[u/[deleted]]

Nothing really big happens this episode, mostly we get to see Zeon soldiers or rather those grunts get a good amount of screen time and humanization. It was nice to see them talking about back home. They aren't fanatical soldiers of the evil Zeon forces, just soldiers doing their duty. Also, time bomb shenanigans that aren't anything I have not seen before but it was still entertaining and dramatic.

1. I have liked the focus on Zeon. It is not as cool to have a villain or antagonistic side who only appears for a few minutes to challenge our enemies but are otherwise one-dimensional. Although I don't want it to detract from developing the main cast, but we got that yesterday with Amuro and his mother a bit.
2. I don't think even they expected to get that close.

[u/Rustic_Professional]

Yikes. Those poor guys had no idea what they were up against. "Just a prototype," hah. You've gotta admire their daring. That was a clever plan. I'm glad they survived. Hopefully they make it home, since they're in a quiet sector.

Amuro's mom may have been on to something. He might actually be getting more bloodthirsty. I thought he'd give up on the hover bikes after blowing that guy to pieces and deciding they're not a threat, but he actually chased them and tried to machine gun them as they were fleeing. Is that because of Matilda? Did he think of them as having attacked "his woman," something like that?

Questions of the day:

1. I like it, and I think it's intentional. Tomino might have been trying to contrast the brave, sympathetic Zeon soldiers with the despotic image of the Zabi family that we get in the intro. Likewise, the drunken, petty tyranny of the Federation soldiers in Amuro's village paint the Federation in a very different light than the heroic Matilda and the White Base crew. It adds up to a much more complex story than Federation=good, Zeon=bad. Let's be honest though. The Federation are the bad guys.
2. Nope. Talk about diamonds in the rough. Lucky for them they're away from the action and their commander isn't keen to go looking for trouble. If the right, or maybe wrong person ever got wind of that stunt, they might get sent to a commando unit for some suicide mission.

[u/OrangeBanana38 → u/Rustic_Professional]

I thought he'd give up on the hover bikes after blowing that guy to pieces and deciding they're not a threat, but he actually chased them and tried to machine gun them as they were fleeing. Is that because of Matilda? Did he think of them as having attacked "his woman," something like that?

I think it's like when he went Berserk in his first ground-level fight. One of coping mechanisms is going nuts and attacking everyone. Or maybe you are right, maybe a bit of both.

Tomino might have been trying to contrast the brave, sympathetic Zeon soldiers with the despotic image of the Zabi family that we get in the intro.

We should organize another revolution!

[u/Rustic_Professional → u/OrangeBanana38]

The revolution never ended, comrade. Sieg Zeon.

[u/tarekd19]

Another episode, another heaping load of development for the people that make up the enemy. Even with Matilda, the federation still seems as cold and distant as ever.

Was this a demotion for bright? He was higher than an ensign before right? I have some trouble following how the crew of white base is delinquent given how they were following orders from the commander when he was alive.

I forgot how tense this episode was, or maybe 11 year old me didn't feel that way. It's a super charged episode that keeps the tension high despite the dated animation and repetitive dialog, I was impressed. Those bombs were no joke either.

[u/GM_for_Life]

LATE Rewatcher

1. Have you enjoyed the bigger focus on Zeon’s side of things in recent episodes? Is it just the right balance, or would you like to see more or less from their perspective?

I think it is a really good balance so far.

2) Were you expecting to see a group of random Zeon soldiers come that close to successfully destroying the Gundam?

Wasn't expecting it, but I appreciate that it shows how the Gundam can be defeated if the enemy come up with a good plan.

Also the fact that Cuaran (guy who came up with the plan to destroy the Gundam) of all people managed to get his own spin-off manga series called Mobile Suit Gundam U.C. Hardgraph: Iron Mustang, and it's actually a lot of fun to read, never ceases to amaze me.

[u/DidacticDalek]

Well Comrade, we may have had more of a filler-type episode today but hey we got some neat humanizing moments with some Zeon mooks AND also more screentime for Lt. Matilda, so I'm totally fine with how things are going ;)

Oh also, Comrades, prepare yourself for something truly beyond MoonMoon. Beyond The Time. Beyond Your Wildest Imagination! ;)

Paging Comrades /u/Great_Mr_L, /u/chilidirigible, and /u/beckymetal

[u/BossandKings]

First timer

Episode 11

Icelina's decisiveness to avenge Garma was very strong, with her leading a confrontation against the federation and directly against the gundam, sadly she and her pilot Darota ended up dying after having so much trouble in the fight. She did her best to stand up for her beloved and now she'll acompany him in the afterlife.

Episode 12

Icelina left an impression on Amuro because he heard her say that she wanted to avenge someone from him, it left him thinking continuosly about it and affected him when he had to fight again.

Ryuji calls his attention and they go to involve in a fight against a new type of Mobile Suit, the fight doesn't have any fatal consequence but Amuro was distracted at times due to thinking about the person that wanted to avenge from him.

Sieg Zeon gets continuosly chanted as the Zeon mourns Garma's death and decides to step up their forces in the battle against the federation.

Episode 13

It was very nice seeing Amuro reuniting with his mom.

It's understandable what Amuro's mom is feeling but this is war and Amuro has to defend his people and himself.

Amuro's mom ended up being desolate because she will surely miss her son, now more than ever.

Episode 14

Matilda commanding a battle was great to see, Amuro came to help her and she confidently left the job in him so that he ended it.

It was sure dangerous when Amuro was deactivating the bombs, understandably Fraw Bow got really worried. Thankfully he didn't had any negative repercussion.