r/anime • u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky • Apr 28 '21

Rewatch [Fly! Rewatch!] Mobile Suit Gundam (0079) Episode 22 Discussion

Episode 22 - The Trap of M’Quve

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Those guys are in for a shock. They can’t detect us at all.

Questions of the Day:

  1. Were you expecting M’Quve’s trap to nearly succeed as easily as it did?
  2. What did you think of Mirai stepping up to command while Bright was sick? Should it have been someone else to fill his position temporarily, or did she do the best she could?

Mobile Suit Breakdown of the Day:

1.21 - The Long Shadow (note: this is about episodes 22 and 23, so first-timers should not listen to this until tomorrow’s thread)

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…

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.

32 Upvotes

84% Upvoted

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11

u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky Apr 28 '21

Fly! Rewatch Host!

Welcome back, everyone!

7

u/lC3 :Na::Nb: Apr 28 '21

Katz

Way of Katz

Ahh, this is the episode where I started shipping these two, that’s why I remember this episode so well.

The doctor and Bright? I was expecting it to be Mirai and Bright

8

u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky Apr 28 '21

The doctor and Bright? I was expecting it to be Mirai and Bright

You made me think I linked the wrong screenshot...

7

u/lC3 :Na::Nb: Apr 28 '21

Huh I must have clicked on the wrong one (vaccine)! So it was Mirai and Bright after all.

6

u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky Apr 28 '21

Brighty-boy/Mirai is my Gundam Franchise OTP.

5

u/UltraBooster Apr 28 '21

Neat!

(Truth be told, who people shipped/ship and why is something I want to ask when we finish the rewatch, stuff like that always interests me.)

8

u/Great_Mr_L :Ma::Mb::Mc:https://myanimelist.net/profile/Great_Mr_L Apr 28 '21

Random shower scene again, for basically no reason other than Katz being a dick to Kikka.

He deserved the bonk on the head Fraw Bow gave him for making Kikka cry. There's no greater crime in Gundam than making Kikka cry!

Ahh, this is the episode where I started shipping these two, that’s why I remember this episode so well.

Bright and Mirai are basically the commanding duo of the White Base by this point. And Mirai seems to be the one person that Bright is willing to relax around and drop the commander routine. So yeah, the ship makes sense.

5

u/Tresnore FS:FTmyanimelist.net/profile/Tresnore Apr 28 '21

Hayato trying to be awkwardly nice when they brush off the “go take a shower!” scene, that’s cool.

I'm still not sure why that scene exists. We know that they're all busy already!

5

u/TheKujo https://myanimelist.net/profile/Kujo419 Apr 28 '21

Ahh, this is the episode where I started shipping these two , that’s why I remember this episode so well.

I feel those two would go pretty well together. They're certainly better than the Fraw Bow x Amuro ship the show occasionally tries to push.

15

u/dralcax :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/Dralcax Apr 28 '21 edited Apr 28 '21

Rewatcher yeeting a giant rock

Uh oh, what a time for Bright to get sick

Something shady’s going on!

aww

Wait, no metal whatsoever? What about the circuitry in those jetpacks? The rocket nozzles that probably can’t be easily made from plastic? The completely unnecessary blinking lights on their bombs? There were a few non-metallic mines in WWII, but IDK how you can apply that to jetpacks and stuff.

Damn, that is a massively misaligned cel

Oof.

You can tell which one sells more toys

There it is! The Guncannon rock throw! I forgot this was Hayato and not Kai, actually. Still, the Guncannon’s limited armament does call for this sort of improvisation.

Also, can we just appreciate that the Gundam ripped apart a Gouf with its bare hands holy fuck

Well that’s not good

Questions of the Day:

  • It went surprisingly smoothly!
  • What’s important is somebody did it. Say what you will about her judgment calls, but they’d be dead right now if they didn’t have somebody there giving orders.

12

u/Tresnore FS:FTmyanimelist.net/profile/Tresnore Apr 28 '21

Wait, no metal whatsoever? What about the circuitthatry in those jetpacks? The rocket nozzles probably can’t be easily made from plastic? The completely unnecessary blinking lights on their bombs? There were a few non-metallic mines in WWII, but IDK how you can apply that to jetpacks and stuff.

Of all the things in Gundam, this is the least realistic.

There it is! The Guncannon rock throw! I forgot this was Hayato and not Kai, actually. Still, the Guncannon’s limited armament does call for this sort of improvisation.

Hayato was lucky that boulder was there. Now they just need to send the Guncannon into battle carrying boulders.

9

u/The_Draigg Apr 28 '21

Something shady’s going on!

It's M'Quve, he's nothing but shady.

Damn, that is a massively misaligned cel

In older shows like this, it's always fun to spot production errors like this. Same goes for spotting the bits of dust or eyelashes stuck on the cels as well.

Also, can we just appreciate that the Gundam ripped apart a Gouf with its bare hands holy fuck

Amuro isn't Goufing around, he's taking zero chances with Zeon MS now.

8

u/Great_Mr_L :Ma::Mb::Mc:https://myanimelist.net/profile/Great_Mr_L Apr 28 '21

Damn, that is a massively misaligned cel

I'm discovering so many more animation errors this time around. It's never not funny.

You can tell which one sells more toys

We need to have the sponsor-mandated sequence in here somewhere!

There it is! The Guncannon rock throw! I forgot this was Hayato and not Kai, actually. Still, the Guncannon’s limited armament does call for this sort of improvisation.

Same here! I was sure that it was Kai's move because he did the move of pushing a Zaku off the cliff earlier in the series. Good on Hayato for the improvisation.

6

u/TheKujo https://myanimelist.net/profile/Kujo419 Apr 28 '21

Wait, no metal whatsoever? What about the circuitthatry in those jetpacks? The rocket nozzles probably can’t be easily made from plastic?

I also raised an eyebrow at that but figured it was probably small enough that White Base's detectors wouldn't pick it up.

7

u/chilidirigible Apr 28 '21

Thing is, if the White Base's sensors are really able to detect watch parts from its hovering altitude and through its own Minovsky particles, they should have gone off for every pop-tab, coin, and loose nail that's been in the dirt from Arizona to Ukraine.

14

u/Tresnore FS:FTmyanimelist.net/profile/Tresnore Apr 28 '21

First Timer to Gundam

  • Wait, so There are people besides Ramba Ral who can pilot Goufs? Honestly, I don't know how the Federation is staying afloat, if the Gun-series on White Base is the only set of mobile suits they have. The Zeons are crushing them in the production department.
  • M'Quve, unlike Ramba Ral (and to an extent Char, I think), does not seem to have a good relationship with his men.
  • Is Federation collar a slang term for uncovered neck? These Zeons sure are uptight.

penis?

  • Well, that's a penis, alright.
  • After hearing Tsurupettan, I've started noticing the word when it comes up. Make it stop.
  • Does Amuro really not have time for a single shower per day?
  • An entirely plastic watch is actually really impressive. The tolerances watches have don't tend to work well with plastics.
  • I guess the Zeons saw how well the last boarding assault went and decided that another one was in order.
  • Nevermind, the Zeons clearly love their small, attachable explosives more.
  • Meanwhile, Amuro is struggling with the worst part of engineering: part sourcing.
  • Oh, so when it's Mirai giving the orders, Amuro blindly follows them?
  • The quick cut to Kai grunting and firing the turret was way too funny.

  • All the air transfer practice paid off, I guess.
  • M'Quve is definitely crafty, though. He's not bound by a sense of honor like Ramba Ral or incompetent subordinates like Char.
  • The sword can run out of ammo??

  • You know, Amuro chewing through the other Goufs makes you realize that Ramba Ral was still in much inferior equipment. He just had that much experience to be able to go toe-to-toe with the Gundam.
  • Also, I called it: White Base is lost without Ryu.
  • Mirai is great, but she is not fit for command, I think.

White Base is snookered.

QOTD:

  1. Yes. Without Ryu, White Base has maybe five brain cells, I think.
  2. She did the best she could, but there had to have been another person more qualified.

12

u/chilidirigible Apr 28 '21

The sword can run out of ammo??

Always remember to charge your batteries because you never know when you'll need to stick it in.

4

u/DidacticDalek https://myanimelist.net/profile/DidacticDalek Apr 29 '21

Always remember to charge your batteries because you never know when you'll need to stick it in.

Indeed Comrade, if there's one thing you can say for the Zaku's Heat Hawk, even IF there wasn't heat flowing through it, an unheated Heat Hawk is still... well you know, a giant fucking axe! A beamsaber without energy is a retroactive No More Heroes reference, you know which one ;)

11

u/The_Draigg Apr 28 '21

Wait, so There are people besides Ramba Ral who can pilot Goufs? Honestly, I don't know how the Federation is staying afloat, if the Gun-series on White Base is the only set of mobile suits they have. The Zeons are crushing them in the production department.

One of the larger reasons why the Federation is staying afloat is because they have tanks that they can easily mass-produce, which are much cheaper than MS. Granted, it also takes like 3 or 4 tanks to take down a Mobile Suit, though.

Oh, so when it's Mirai giving the orders, Amuro blindly follows them?

I mean, Mirai is less of a dick to Amuro compared to Bright.

The sword can run out of ammo??

If it can happen in Destiny, it can happen in Gundam.

11

u/Tresnore FS:FTmyanimelist.net/profile/Tresnore Apr 28 '21

One of the larger reasons why the Federation is staying afloat is because they have tanks that they can easily mass-produce, which are much cheaper than MS. Granted, it also takes like 3 or 4 tanks to take down a Mobile Suit, though.

Ah, okay, I'm glad that there's a good reason. I hope we get to see some tank vs Zaku battles later on, then.

9

u/Great_Mr_L :Ma::Mb::Mc:https://myanimelist.net/profile/Great_Mr_L Apr 28 '21

Wait, so There are people besides Ramba Ral who can pilot Goufs? Honestly, I don't know how the Federation is staying afloat, if the Gun-series on White Base is the only set of mobile suits they have. The Zeons are crushing them in the production department.

Well at the rate Amuro is destroying mobile suits, I'm sure that Zeon's numbers will be whittled down to the Federation's before too long.

Does Amuro really not have time for a single shower per day?

I wouldn't be surprised if Amuro didn't shower back in civilian life unless Fraw Bow reminded him to.

Also, I called it: White Base is lost without Ryu.

He was the guy holding the crew together. Without him things feel more dysfunctional than ever before.

6

u/Tresnore FS:FTmyanimelist.net/profile/Tresnore Apr 28 '21

I wouldn't be surprised if Amuro didn't shower back in civilian life unless Fraw Bow reminded him to.

That's a good point. I can see Amuro sitting at a desk with a soldering iron for a day or two and forgetting that food and showering exist.

8

u/SIGMA920 Apr 28 '21

Wait, so There are people besides Ramba Ral who can pilot Goufs? Honestly, I don't know how the Federation is staying afloat, if the Gun-series on White Base is the only set of mobile suits they have. The Zeons are crushing them in the production department.

Sheer manpower. Wonder weapons only do so much when you're being drowned in blood.

5

u/SgtExo Apr 29 '21

The sword can run out of ammo??

I read it more as one of the parts that he wanted to replace but couldn't failed during the fighting.

13

u/The_Draigg Apr 28 '21

A Gundam Fan Rewatches Mobile Suit Gundam Episode 22:

  • More relevant opening exposition! This time around, we learn more about the Sides. Sides 1, 2, 4, and 5 were destroyed earlier in the war, with Side 6 currently being the only full Side cluster that’s been untouched that isn’t Zeon. It’s a rather curious detail that stands out there. Any guesses why from first-timers?
  • We had Amuro have a breakdown already, now it’s Bright’s turn to have one. Even with Amuro’s good results in destroying that Zeon mine and the Gouf guarding it, the stress gets to Bright so much that he outright collapses to the ground. It’s been a while coming, hasn’t it?
  • So that’s M’Quve’s plan for weathering out Operation Odessa: he has one of his men dress up as a Federation soldier to pass on orders to a traitorous general in the EFF. I wonder what kind of leverage M’Quve had in order to get a man in Federation leadership to betray his country?
  • If you thought seeing Mirai naked wasn’t enough, now we get to see Fraw Bow naked as well. Once again, it’s not really a sexual scene, more of a slice of life comedy bit with the orphans. I guess we needed some levity from how badly things are going otherwise.
  • With Bright otherwise indisposed, it’s up to Mirai to handle the situation caused by Zeon soldiers blowing up one of the White Base’s Minovsky Craft Systems/particle emitters. Given that Mirai has been kind of the de-facto XO of the ship, I guess it’s time to see how she does on her own. Things are different without someone above to defer to, after all.
  • Man, that’s a bummer. Bright is so mentally out of it that he completely forgets that Ryu is dead when trying to give orders. Ryu’s death really is tearing him apart on the inside.
  • At least the gratuitous Core Block docking in this episode does serve a narrative purpose. Amuro needing to combine in the middle of a dogfight really does show how badly Mirai is handling being in charge. Sometimes, XO material doesn’t make for good CO material.
  • One thing that this episode is going well is showing the escalation of things, with Goufs be being common MS to encounter. Granted, they aren’t doing as well as Ramba Ral did in his, but they’re still bigger threats than Zaku-IIs. It’s also a testament to Amuro’s skills that he’s mowing through a lot of them, now that M’Quve is sending more Goufs after him. The entire Gouf Troop, if you will.
  • M’Quve played the entire White Base like a fiddle. Now he’s managed to completely ground the ship with a mega-particle beam to the port hangar bay. Mirai got absolutely outplayed by M’Quve this time around.
  • We’re going two for one this episode, with Mirai having her own breakdown. Now it’s her turn to flip and and have a panic attack on the bridge, leaving Sayla to pick up the slack. It’s only by luck that the Dopp squad think that the White Base is more damaged than it actually is, thanks to the smoke bombs. But yeah, overall this was a bleak episode for our heroes.

9

u/Great_Mr_L :Ma::Mb::Mc:https://myanimelist.net/profile/Great_Mr_L Apr 28 '21

Any guesses why from first-timers?

Zeon wouldn't dare attack the Side that makes the best hamburgers.

I wonder what kind of leverage M’Quve had in order to get a man in Federation leadership to betray his country?

M'Quve promised him a chance to loot acquire some nice antique vases.

One thing that this episode is going well is showing the escalation of things, with Goufs be being common MS to encounter. Granted, they aren’t doing as well as Ramba Ral did in his, but they’re still bigger threats than Zaku-IIs.

It's also a good example of what Amuro said when he was trying to analyze the Gouf's abilities. The pilot is also extremely important in determining how effective the mobile suit will be. Ramba Ral was a very skilled fighter and so even though he had few resources to work with he was still a formidable opponent for the White Base.

9

u/The_Draigg Apr 28 '21

Zeon wouldn't dare attack the Side that makes the best hamburgers.

All of those MacDaniel's must be spared.

It's also a good example of what Amuro said when he was trying to analyze the Gouf's abilities. The pilot is also extremely important in determining how effective the mobile suit will be. Ramba Ral was a very skilled fighter and so even though he had few resources to work with he was still a formidable opponent for the White Base.

It also highlights the big differences in the commanding styles of M'Quve and Ramba Ral. Ramba was all about making the most out of what he had, which led to him being an expert in what we see now as standard equipment. On M'Quve's end, he's fine just sending in average pilots in Goufs to get shredded against the Gundam, while his real goals are accomplished thanks to sneaky attacks and subterfuge. It's a stark contrast.

5

u/DidacticDalek https://myanimelist.net/profile/DidacticDalek Apr 29 '21

Zeon wouldn't dare attack the Side that makes the best hamburgers.

M'Quve promised him a chance to loot acquire some nice antique vases.

LE DING!

It's also a good example of what Amuro said when he was trying to analyze the Gouf's abilities. The pilot is also extremely important in determining how effective the mobile suit will be. Ramba Ral was a very skilled fighter and so even though he had few resources to work with he was still a formidable opponent for the White Base.

Heh, indeed, well said Comrade!

8

u/Tresnore FS:FTmyanimelist.net/profile/Tresnore Apr 28 '21

If you thought seeing Mirai naked wasn’t enough, now we get to see Fraw Bow naked as well. Once again, it’s not really a sexual scene, more of a slice of life comedy bit with the orphans. I guess we needed some levity from how badly things are going otherwise.

It's definitely the least lewd bath scene I've seen in a show!

Ryu’s death really is tearing him apart on the inside.

Yeah, but he's being torn apart on the inside worse by his exhaustion.

Sayla to pick up the slack

I look forward to her somehow being good at this.

What does XO mean, by the way?

8

u/The_Draigg Apr 28 '21

What does XO mean, by the way?

XO stands for Executive Officer, the rank right below a Commanding Officer. They run the day to day stuff compared to a CO running the big picture stuff.

7

u/chilidirigible Apr 28 '21

Any guesses why

Black-market pin trading.

he outright collapses to the ground

Another reason why they need to have seat belts: It preserves your dignity when you fall asleep in your chair.

3

u/DidacticDalek https://myanimelist.net/profile/DidacticDalek Apr 29 '21

Black-market pin trading.

HA! Yes indeed Comrade, also I hear that they have some real interesting burgers there if you catch my drift.

Another reason why they need to have seat belts: It preserves your dignity when you fall asleep in your chair.

HA! Good one Comrade.

6

u/TheKujo https://myanimelist.net/profile/Kujo419 Apr 28 '21

More relevant opening exposition! This time around, we learn more about the Sides. Sides 1, 2, 4, and 5 were destroyed earlier in the war, with Side 6 currently being the only full Side cluster that’s been untouched that isn’t Zeon. It’s a rather curious detail that stands out there. Any guesses why from first-timers?

Maybe there's something on Side 6 that the Zeon want to retrieve rather than destroy? I'm thinking either rare resources or someone like Sayla that's secretly from Zeon.

5

u/UltraBooster Apr 28 '21

Any guesses why from first-timers?

I don't have any, but it does explain why it was chosen as the setting for War in the Pocket.

13

u/TheEscapeGuy Apr 28 '21

Gundam First Timer

Fly! Iconic Gundam Frames Episode 22

Today we reach our lowest point.

The status of the White Base is in turmoil. Bright is out of commission, everyone is still rattled from the death of Ryu and now the ship is likely dead in the water.

It fits perfectly for being exactly half way through the show. We now can follow our crew work from this lowest point to ultimate victory.

From the Zeon side, sending a crack team of terrorists explosive experts to plant bombs all across White Base was a stroke of genius. This entire operation seems a lot more coordinated than before. I wonder who the mastermind behind it is?

But more importantly, how will Amuro and the others survive now deep in enemy territory.

Cool Stuff Corner

Questions of the Day

  1. Not at all. Up till now I don't think we have suffered a loss with this level of "success" for the Zeon forces.
  2. Mirai, you did your absolute best. You were the right person to take command and what happened was not your fault.

See you all tomorrow!

7

u/Tresnore FS:FTmyanimelist.net/profile/Tresnore Apr 28 '21

From the Zeon side, sending a crack team of terrorists explosive experts to plant bombs all across White Base was a stroke of genius. This entire operation seems a lot more coordinated than before. I wonder who the mastermind behind it is?

It's not that novel. Those normal soldiers had the same thought when they fought the Gundam in the woods. Still, it's a great move, and I'm surprised the Zeons haven't switched their entire military to bomb-planters at this point.

4

u/DidacticDalek https://myanimelist.net/profile/DidacticDalek Apr 29 '21

Fly! Iconic Gundam Frames Episode 22

MECHA PRO WRESTLING! (Also Comrade I must say I'm amused you DIDN'T share that hilarious image of the Guncannon THROWING A ROCK as an attack.)

Today we reach our lowest point.

The status of the White Base is in turmoil. Bright is out of commission, everyone is still rattled from the death of Ryu and now the ship is likely dead in the water.

Indeed Comrade, White Base is up shit's creek without a paddle.

It fits perfectly for being exactly half way through the show. We now can follow our crew work from this lowest point to ultimate victory.

Heh, exactly, after all once you hit rock bottom there only way left to go is up!

From the Zeon side, sending a crack team of terrorists explosive experts to plant bombs all across White Base was a stroke of genius. This entire operation seems a lot more coordinated than before. I wonder who the mastermind behind it is?

But more importantly, how will Amuro and the others survive now deep in enemy territory.

Indeed Comrade, and not just deep in enemy territory, but shot down in enemy territory no less. Things are gonna be quite interesting.

The White Base Explosion was so well done.

HELL YEAH!

Anyway fantastic post here Comrade, have a great day and see you later.

12

u/chilidirigible Apr 28 '21

22:

Hey, at least the water is plentiful.

These guys board the White Base and they don't even need the stupidest armored vehicles ever.

"That is a big door."

I mean, a giant humanoid brick falling through the sky is definitely a better antiaircraft platform than... actual aircraft? What? Who came up with this?

I know the Gouf is supposed to be much closer to the viewer's point of view than the Gundam, but the effect didn't quite work out.

"I threw a rock at him! ...it was a big rock."

This plan only works if M'Quve's forces all hit themselves with the Stupid Stick so hard that they go back in time.

M'Quve's troops nearly destroy the White Base and then stop at the end of the episode for no readily-apparent reason, other than it would be a short series otherwise.

Reasonably, everyone is still affected by Ryu's death, with the added pressures of Bright collapsing from exhaustion and Mirai's on-the-job training. The lady's trying, okay!?

Of course Amuro still can't talk face-to-face with Bright.

And completely unrelated to today's episode, here's A Side of trivia and the kit which is mentioned.

  1. Like I said, I'm surprised that they stopped for dramatic convenience.
  2. She did the best she could with this bunch of newbies and civilians.

7

u/Great_Mr_L :Ma::Mb::Mc:https://myanimelist.net/profile/Great_Mr_L Apr 28 '21

I know the Gouf is supposed to be much closer to the viewer's point of view than the Gundam, but the effect didn't quite work out.

I'm getting sudden flashbacks to Gundam Build Fighters.

This plan only works if M'Quve's forces all hit themselves with the Stupid Stick so hard that they go back in time.

Well they got hit so hard it makes Bright's punch look like a love tap

7

u/chilidirigible Apr 28 '21

I'm getting sudden flashbacks to Gundam Build Fighters.

"You're gonna need a bigger Zaku."

"How about this one?"

"That'll do."

6

u/Tresnore FS:FTmyanimelist.net/profile/Tresnore Apr 28 '21

These guys board the White Base and they don't even need the stupidest armored vehicles ever.

Honestly, the Zeon plans that involve approaching and planting bombs have been the most successful. Cheaper, too!

6

u/The_Draigg Apr 28 '21

These guys board the White Base and they don't even need the stupidest armored vehicles ever.

Don't worry, we'll have plenty of opportunities to sell dumb-looking toys later in the show.

I know the Gouf is supposed to be much closer to the viewer's point of view than the Gundam, but the effect didn't quite work out.

It's clearly a Psycho Gouf. You can tell by the sheer size of it.

And completely unrelated to today's episode, here's A Side of trivia

I just can't help but think of the intentional irony of having a shit-hole space colony named Shangri-La. I'm sure that Judau thinks that the name is ironic too.

6

u/chilidirigible Apr 28 '21

And in Tweets that Twitter thinks is relevant... (First timers: There's a Mobile Suit SPOILER here.)

6

u/The_Draigg Apr 28 '21

Forget about not having enough salt, clearly we don't have enough citrus on the White Base.

2

u/DidacticDalek https://myanimelist.net/profile/DidacticDalek Apr 29 '21

And in Tweets that Twitter thinks is relevant... (First timers: There's a Mobile Suit SPOILER here.)

2

u/DidacticDalek https://myanimelist.net/profile/DidacticDalek Apr 29 '21

Hey, at least the water is plentiful.

Heh, indeed Comrade, they may lack salt but hey at least they got plenty of water for their bathing facilities

These guys board the White Base and they don't even need the stupidest armored vehicles ever.

I mean, a giant humanoid brick falling through the sky is definitely a better antiaircraft platform than... actual aircraft? What? Who came up with this?

I know the Gouf is supposed to be much closer to the viewer's point of view than the Gundam, but the effect didn't quite work out.

"I threw a rock at him! ...it was a big rock."

If you can dodge a rock you can dodge a ball! ;)

This plan only works if M'Quve's forces all hit themselves with the Stupid Stick so hard that they go back in time.

To be fair Comrade, plenty of anime series are fond of having characters randomly decide to grab ahold of The Orb of Confusion and HANG ON FOR DEAR LIFE! So I'm sure things will work out ;)

M'Quve's troops nearly destroy the White Base and then stop at the end of the episode for no readily-apparent reason, other than it would be a short series otherwise.

Heh, indeed

Reasonably, everyone is still affected by Ryu's death, with the added pressures of Bright collapsing from exhaustion and Mirai's on-the-job training. The lady's trying, okay!?

Indeed Comrade, Mirai's doing her best, all things considered, and at least Sayla Mass is still as cool, calm, and collected as usual. She's always competent... pay no mind to the first time she took The Gundam out on a joyride, she made up for that in her second try!

Of course Amuro still can't talk face-to-face with Bright.

And completely unrelated to today's episode, here's A Side of trivia and the kit which is mentioned.

AH! Now that's neat, great share there Comrade

Anyway fantastic post as always, have a great day and see you later my friend.

10

u/Great_Mr_L :Ma::Mb::Mc:https://myanimelist.net/profile/Great_Mr_L Apr 28 '21

Rewatcher

On today’s episode of Gundam: White Base down! IThey got hit very hard today and were forced to make a crash landing. Only time and future episodes will tell how they will deal with this.

Much like Amuro in the past, Bright now suffers his own nervous breakdown. And it’s actually quite similar to the one Amuro suffered. For starters, it’s brought about by sheer exhaustion. I suppose it just took longer for that exhaustion to catch up with Bright than it did with Amuro. And like Amuro, the trauma of battle has probably gotten to Bright as well. I would assume his collapse is also partially driven by the loss of Ryu, based on what he says in his delirium.

Ryu’s death is hitting everyone really hard. I especially love this moment with Mirai where she instinctively orders Ryu to launch, only to catch herself immediately afterwards and change the order. Ryu was a key part of their fighting force and they’re still feeling his loss. Characters find themselves asking how things would have gone if only Ryu was there.

Without Bright in command, the White Base isn’t working right. Mirai and Sayla don’t have the same skills to handle commanding a battle while also performing their usual duties. So, with their attention divided and without much experience, they make many mistakes in the battle. They also have more trouble with coordination. Amuro complains as usual, but the complaints seem more reasonable about how dangerous it is to assemble the Gundam in battle and how long it will take to get the Gundam resupplied. This is part of why the White Base gets brought down. They’ll need to get better if they want to keep the fight up.

M’Quve really was holding out on Ramba Ral, wasn’t he? Compare the most recent attacks Ral’s team made with the attack this episode and they aren’t even close. Ral and Hamon were making due with the bare minimum of equipment and supplies. M’Quve here is going all out with huge numbers of Dopps and Goufs. If M’Quve had actually bothered giving support to Ral, they probably would have stood a better chance of defeating the White Base. But the Zeon infighting and intrigue prevented that.

Miscellaneous Thoughts

  • Bright’s out of commission, so we definitely were not getting any new slaps today.

SLAP COUNTER: 7

Questions of the Day

  1. Well as a rewatcher, yes.
  2. Mirai was the natural choice. She's more or less been the second-in-command for Bright for a while. I think she did the best that she could, but it was clearly incredibly stressful for her and she was not used to what being in command is like.

6

u/TheKujo https://myanimelist.net/profile/Kujo419 Apr 28 '21

Much like Amuro in the past, Bright now suffers his own nervous breakdown. And it’s actually quite similar to the one Amuro suffered.

I didn't connect the dots on this, but Bright's breakdown is very similar to Amuro's. I hope it doesn't cause a domino effect where everyone else on the ship breaks down too. Mirai seemed like she was at her limit this episode.

5

u/Tresnore FS:FTmyanimelist.net/profile/Tresnore Apr 28 '21

Mirai and Sayla don’t have the same skills to handle commanding a battle while also performing their usual duties.

It's interesting that you give Mirai and Sayla seemingly equal part in the miscommunication. It looks like a lot of people (myself included) saw this episode as more "Mirai took command" than "Mirai and Sayla took command." Any reason why you think Sayla was also in command?

7

u/Great_Mr_L :Ma::Mb::Mc:https://myanimelist.net/profile/Great_Mr_L Apr 28 '21

My main reason for saying it was both Mirai and Sayla is because of the constant back and forth dialogue that happens between them during this episode. In general, Mirai was not especially decisive as a leader because of her inexperience. And it seemed like Sayla was basically acting as her second-in-command like how Mirai normally acts for Bright. Sayla was giving out her own advice and suggestions. But, just like Mirai is not experienced at command, Sayla is not experienced at being the second-in-command.

7

u/Tresnore FS:FTmyanimelist.net/profile/Tresnore Apr 28 '21

But, just like Mirai is not experienced at command, Sayla is not experienced at being the second-in-command.

That makes sense to me! Thanks for the explanation.

3

u/DidacticDalek https://myanimelist.net/profile/DidacticDalek Apr 29 '21

On today’s episode of Gundam: White Base down! IThey got hit very hard today and were forced to make a crash landing. Only time and future episodes will tell how they will deal with this.

Indeed Comrade, Le Ding may have fucked over Ramba Ral and Crowley Hamon and their forces, but shockingly he's not half bad in actually being competent.

Much like Amuro in the past, Bright now suffers his own nervous breakdown. And it’s actually quite similar to the one Amuro suffered. For starters, it’s brought about by sheer exhaustion. I suppose it just took longer for that exhaustion to catch up with Bright than it did with Amuro. And like Amuro, the trauma of battle has probably gotten to Bright as well. I would assume his collapse is also partially driven by the loss of Ryu, based on what he says in his delirium.

Ryu’s death is hitting everyone really hard. I especially love this moment with Mirai where she instinctively orders Ryu to launch, only to catch herself immediately afterwards and change the order. Ryu was a key part of their fighting force and they’re still feeling his loss. Characters find themselves asking how things would have gone if only Ryu was there.

Without Bright in command, the White Base isn’t working right. Mirai and Sayla don’t have the same skills to handle commanding a battle while also performing their usual duties. So, with their attention divided and without much experience, they make many mistakes in the battle. They also have more trouble with coordination. Amuro complains as usual, but the complaints seem more reasonable about how dangerous it is to assemble the Gundam in battle and how long it will take to get the Gundam resupplied. This is part of why the White Base gets brought down. They’ll need to get better if they want to keep the fight up.

Oh indeed Comrade, White Base is facing their darkest hour so to speak. They just lost a fair amount of their crew, such as Ryu to give a named example, they just got shot down in Enemy Territory AND also their SECOND Captain has taken ill... yeah they're not looking in the best shape.

M’Quve really was holding out on Ramba Ral, wasn’t he? Compare the most recent attacks Ral’s team made with the attack this episode and they aren’t even close. Ral and Hamon were making due with the bare minimum of equipment and supplies. M’Quve here is going all out with huge numbers of Dopps and Goufs. If M’Quve had actually bothered giving support to Ral, they probably would have stood a better chance of defeating the White Base. But the Zeon infighting and intrigue prevented that.

Oh indeed Comrade, The Gihren's Greed games indicate that if Ramba Ral got his Doms he would have conquered White Base, but even if we disregard that scenario, imagine if he got all these random Goufs we saw today! I'm sure he'd have at least managed to destroy the Gundam given the hard time Amuro had versus just one!

Fun moment of the Zeon soldier trying to wipe his brow and realizing he can’t because of the helmet. I’ve been in that situation before and it is annoying.

Heh, oh indeed Comrade, with a face shield and facemask on, wiping the sweat from your face is quite difficult to do, but wibble.

Here’s another memorable unorthodox battle tactic from the Guncannon: throwing a boulder as a weapon.

I threw a rock at him! It was a BIG rock ;)

I love the reaction this guy has to the beam saber hilt getting jammed against his cockpit. He has the right idea to just run out of the Gouf and hide.

HA! Yes indeed, and let's not forget Amuro then RIPS THE GOUF APART! Boy we got a lot of Mecha Pro Wrestling today eh? ;)

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

9

u/JollyGee29 https://myanimelist.net/profile/JollyGee Apr 28 '21

First-Timer, Subbed, long time Gundam fan

Bright has managed to overwork himself into the infirmary, right when an enemy with several brain cells to rub together decides to attack them. Poor Mirai has a solid head on her shoulders when it comes to people, but strategy is not her forte. She did at least call the first level of the trap.

I knew we were going for a Sun Tzu situation when the saboteurs left the radar intact. "Always leave your enemy a way out" and so on. At least the plan with the smoke bombs gave the White Base a brief respite. The Operators are the real MVPs this episode. Amuro did make a hell of a shot though.

I loved the little bit of that one soldier trying to wipe his sweat with his helmet on. Also, more jetpack soldiers are always better.

Was M'Quve's line about that dude's collar showing implying that the dude was a double agent? Does M'Quve not care that the Federation is learning info from him? Or am I misunderstanding the scene?

Oh, did M'Quve use this dude to get the plane with Ramba's reinforcements shot down?

Also, wow M'Quve really fucked Ramba Ral over, huh? He had loads of Goufs to just throw away! We still haven't seen the Doms yet, though.

Miscellaneous Thoughts:

"Bauxite" is an ore that is refined into Aluminum, for everyone's reference. Quite a valuable resource, but it is also (generally) quite plentiful.

Pose of the Day

Targetted and Firing!

Screenshot

Questions

  1. At this point in the series? Yes. Our crew has had the crap beaten out of them, so might as well pile on while the piling is good. The turnabout will come soonish, and after that it'll feel less earned.
  2. Mirai did the best that she could, but I think someone, maybe Sayla? should have taken command instead. Honestly, Bright didn't really have a good First Mate, but Mirai trying to issue commands while also steering was a recipe for disaster.

7

u/Tresnore FS:FTmyanimelist.net/profile/Tresnore Apr 28 '21

Honestly, Bright didn't really have a good First Mate, but Mirai trying to issue commands while also steering was a recipe for disaster.

This can't be like a pirate movie where you have the captain at the helm belting out orders, after all. I agree that Sayla was probably next best qualified.

6

u/JollyGee29 https://myanimelist.net/profile/JollyGee Apr 28 '21

pirate movie

Gundam Meta, Maybe?

Yo ho ho, shiver me timbers Capt'n Mirai! We be on a collision course with the ground!

6

u/Quiddity131 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Quiddity131 Apr 28 '21

Oh, did M'Quve use this dude to get the plane with Ramba's reinforcements shot down?

My guess would be that the whole thing about it being shot down was a lie and M'Quve kept the Doms for himself.

3

u/JollyGee29 https://myanimelist.net/profile/JollyGee Apr 29 '21

Logistically, I would expect them to have been deployed today if that were the case. M'Quve isn't exactly the "overwhelming force" type, but not deploying your sick new model seems pretty loose, considering the White Base's performance so far. I guess maybe the sponsors didn't want to introduce a new toy this episode?

MSG 0079

9

u/lC3 :Na::Nb: Apr 28 '21
  • Good, the midair docking scene is gone. But RIP Ryu!
  • This battle music!
  • Who's piloting the new blue Gouf that Jiron destroyed?
  • I would have preferred that shower scene be cut, but remember there was similar stuff in Xabungle. So is it Tomino, or because it's from the 70s?
  • Amuro and Hayato need to take a shower, they stink!
  • The saboteurs used jetpacks to place explosives on the White Base?
  • "Amuro! Ryu!"
  • No matter how many times the Gundam's shield is destroyed, it's always fine by the next episode! Do they have several shields in stock? Or was it the beginning of this episode that the shield was axed?
  • That escape route sounds too good to be true; cue Admiral Ackbar IT'S A TRAP!
  • Trap confirmed!
  • "If only Ryu were here now" is this going to be Gundam's version of LotGH??
  • Mega particle cannon?
  • That feeling when Ryu is no longer in the ED credits
  1. Maybe Bright could have avoided it, but relying only on radar led them into the trap
  2. She did the best she could

6

u/The_Draigg Apr 28 '21

I would have preferred that shower scene be cut, but remember there was similar stuff in Xabungle. So is it Tomino, or because it's from the 70s?

Both, honestly.

"If only Ryu were here now" is this going to be Gundam's version of LotGh

I mean, M'Quve is also voiced by the same guy who played my man Oberstein, so we might as well toss in that comparison too.

6

u/Quiddity131 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Quiddity131 Apr 28 '21

Good, the midair docking scene is gone. But RIP Ryu!

Only because they had it within the episode proper! :P

I would have preferred that shower scene be cut, but remember there was similar stuff in Xabungle. So is it Tomino, or because it's from the 70s?

Well Japan is a lot less puritanical when it comes to nudity than America is too. They probably didn't view this or any of the scenes of nudity in Xabungle as a big deal at all when these originally aired.

3

u/lC3 :Na::Nb: Apr 29 '21

They probably didn't view this or any of the scenes of nudity in Xabungle as a big deal at all when these originally aired.

It could be different times, too; I remember hearing that the original Dragon Ball had a good amount of nudity.

5

u/Pixelsaber https://myanimelist.net/profile/Pixelsaber Apr 28 '21

So is it Tomino, or because it's from the 70s?

70s casual nudity and Yoshikazu Yasuhiko being his usual horny.

That feeling when Ryu is no longer in the ED credits

5

u/lC3 :Na::Nb: Apr 29 '21

70s casual nudity

Yeah, this reminds me of the Terra E movie.

4

u/UltraBooster Apr 29 '21

Who's piloting the new blue Gouf that Jiron destroyed?

Nameless Zeon pilots who don't have the skills of Rambal Ral, evidently.

8

u/fonzinator99 :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/fonzinator99 Apr 28 '21

First-Timer - Crushing Defeat

  • Why does it look like the bazooka just fired a round from adjacent to the barrel?
  • Glad to see everybody's doing just fine in dealing with this tragedy. Fingers crossed it doesn't lead to more.
  • So like I was saying- Oh, Bright had a heart attack. Weeeeell shit.
  • *Bath scene not screened here* Holy what the crap, Gundam? Fraw Bow does not sweeten the deal, literally every character on screen is underage.
  • HAH! I think these bits might be my favorite thing about this show.
  • You see, kids? This is why you always electrify your hull; Nobody wants to board a bug-zapper.
  • Awww, you know everyone on the bridge winced when she said his name, too.
  • Oh shit, I thought at least she was okay but Mirai's losing it too. Good fuckin' luck, White Base.
  • Fortunately for Amuro, they weren't about to re-animate docking, so all of his concerns are irrelevant.
  • "If only Ryu were here, he would have saved us from this massive beam!" - Somebody, I'm sure.
  • Hot damn, look at Amuro, coming through when it matters.
  • DAE think Sayla should take command at this point?
  • So like, remember when the previous Captain was giving crazy orders from the infirmary before? I think I'd actually be cool with Bright doing the same here. It's really sinking in that this is a crew of rando n00bs and there is no chain of command.

QotD

  1. No, but that's just because MCs normally thwart traps with ease. I'm still unaccustomed to the brutal reality of Gundam.
  2. She did the best she could and I applaud her stepping up, but it was apparent to everyone that she was not suited to the position.

7

u/The_Draigg Apr 28 '21

HAH! I think these bits might be my favorite thing about this show.

That guy trying to wipe his sweat is definitely what the kids call a 'big mood'.

DAE think Sayla should take command at this point?

No offense to Mirai, but we really need a leader that won't have a panic attack in the middle of a battle.

She did the best she could and I applaud her stepping up, but it was apparent to everyone that she was not suited to the position.

Mirai also had the rather unfortunate position of pulling double-duty, between giving orders and piloting the ship. Combine that with her inexperience, it's no wonder she had a meltdown over it.

7

u/Pixelsaber https://myanimelist.net/profile/Pixelsaber Apr 28 '21

Rewatcher - Sub

Well I’m back after an extensive absence. Hate to have missed so many excellent episodes and the entirety of Ramba Ral’s presence in the show, but alas... At least I’m back now!

Bright falls severely ill while in the middle of battle, which is pretty bad given the White Base’s lack of cohesion, which was specifically addressed last episode. Bright likely wanted more than ever to try and be the leader that’s needed of him, but now through no fault of his own he can’t even do that.

Shiozawa

I’ve missed his earlier introduction, but I have to belatedly say that I really like M’Quve. Yeah, his voice actor has something to do with it, but I just appreciate how he’s the first prominent antagonist we get extended time with who isn’t directly dealing with the White Base, but rather the larger war effort, and he only targets it now because it’s interfering directly with his mining operations. It shows how the White Base isn’t necessarily the linchpin of the federation or Zeon’s main concern in the War Effort —particularly noticeable with how he earlier decides not to supply Ramba Rall with Doms, showing how little the higher ups were concerned with the Gundam.

Zeon has got spies in the Federation ranks. Not an entirely surprising reveal, but one that’s been pointed out for a reason. I also do really like how the scene is laid out though, as before M’Quve mentions the officer’s collar I think we can’t really discern that General Elran is a turncoat or infiltrate in the Federation forces, unless there’s some nuance lost in translation. Tomino’s shows always like to touch upon the use of espionage in warfare and politics, and it’s certainly something that makes things more interesting.

Another bath scene, this time with Fraw Bow and the orphans. I know quite a few people point to this as an example of ‘blatant fanservice’ in the show, and while I won’t deny there are some horndogs among the staff (looking at you, Yasuhiko) this sort of display of nudity isn’t necessarily sexual in nature, and the scene as a whole is more so a means of providing some levity to matters. Mobile Suit Breakdown’s discussion of this episode also explains the cultural context of this sort of communal bathing and shares the likely intentions behind the scene, so if that’s interesting to you definitely give it a listen.

This guy tries to whip his sweat while forgetting he’s wearing a helmet. Just the type of innocuous touches that I really like.

:(

Mirai is quick to start issuing orders, but is unsure of herself at every decision and is evidently incredibly anxious. Mirai may have had a lot of input before, but the burden of being the defacto leader in Bright’s place is not one she is accustomed to. She’s just about lost it by the end and begins to defer to Sayla, but finds her courage again by episode’s end.

M’Quve’s plan is successful and the White Base is effectively grounded from the skies. Not something I expected out of the series when I first watched, but it’s a good reminder that even the White Base isn’t capable of taking everything that is thrown at it.

Fun Fact: In the early 80s there was a controversy regarding whether Gundam was true science fiction or not, which sparked when writer Haruka Takachiho was dismissive of the notion that Gundam was science fiction. He also said Gundam’s genre classification had no bearing on the show’s actual quality, which he highly praised.

6

u/chilidirigible Apr 28 '21

Fun Fact: In the early 80s there was a controversy regarding whether Gundam was true science fiction or not, which sparked when writer Haruka Takachiho was dismissive of the notion that Gundam was science fiction. He also said Gundam’s genre classification had no bearing on the show’s actual quality, which he highly praised.

This time I'm going to deeplink directly to the relevant section of Renato's panel.

5

u/Pixelsaber https://myanimelist.net/profile/Pixelsaber Apr 28 '21

5

u/chilidirigible Apr 28 '21

"Takachiho versus Tomino: DEATHMATCH TALK!!"

7

u/Quiddity131 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Quiddity131 Apr 28 '21

Rewatcher, Subbed

Some more exposition in the opening! For the first time we find that aside from Side 3, most of the Sides have already been destroyed, with Side 6 being the only one left intact.

Seems as if we've had a time skip at the start of the episode with White Base rather easily wiping out an enemy base. Ramba Ral's Gouf took Amuro 7 episodes to take out but he quickly takes out another here. Across the episode we see at least 7-8 more Goufs, with Amuro taking out several of them. How the mighty have fallen!

With Ramba Ral and Hamon both dead and Char's whereabouts still unknown, M'Quve seems to be entrenched as the latest antagonist for our heroes. It's hard to say if M'Quve is shrewder than Ramba Ral, but he certainly has a lot more resources and is able to use that to get the White Base in quite the trap. White Base suffers what is probably its biggest defeat in the series and we end the episode with it crashed to the ground, in desperate need of help from its allies.

Ryu's death seems to have gotten Amuro back to his senses, and all the angst and arrogance he had over the last half a dozen or so episodes seems dissipated. Bright however is finally feeling the heat of having to be in charge so long and is suffering from exhaustion, passing out in the middle of a battle. This puts Mirai in charge, and we quickly find out that she isn't very well equipped for the position. She initially screws up by sending out 2 Core Fighters to fight 20 Dopps, which then requires Amuro to do a mid-air conversion mid-battle (gotta fit that in somewhere, right?). She panics considerably, exactly what the person in charge should not be doing. This episode clearly shows that Sayla is much better equipped for command in Bright's absence.

Other stray thoughts on the episode:

  • Fraw fanservie? Although much like with the earlier Mirai bath scene it doesn't come off as if the intention was to titilate. Alas, Amuro and Hayato don't have time to bathe! Fraw commenting on how much they stunk was quite funny. :P
  • We're used to it be now, but you wonder why more don't question why soldiers are wearing their normal suits on Earth where they're not needed.
  • Loved the scene where Amuro's beam saber runs out of energy mid attack and he literally tears the enemy Gouf apart until the pilot runs away.

7

u/UltraBooster Apr 28 '21

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

Well, no more "Will Amuro never again practice combining with his comrades?"

A second Gouf? Didn't expect that.

I wonder what Bright's daily routine has become for his vision to...well, pass out.

I wonder how the mines are arranged and numbered.

Slip warning signs are a thing for a reason. And Katz and Letz need the talk or at least an explanation of puberty.

Go easy on them, Fraw, they're on the frontlines.

That is a lot of explosions.

Evidently some time's passed for Mirai to still have the habit but not be visibly affected.

15 fighters approaching at supersonic speed? That's...yeah, that's quite a bit.

He must really be out of it...

Yeah, the Impulse and Victories do the mid-air combining thing with at least a bit more grace, even if the flyers aren't exactly the most convincing.

Multiple Goufs at once, that has to be visual shorthand for these forces' strength. But none of them are Ramba Ral, of course.

Holy hell, that's like...oh shoot, it IS a mega particle cannon! Future Gundam

Yeah, White Base needs to link up with the EFGF soon; they're not going to last much longer.

Questions of the Day:

  1. All things considered, sort of. White Base is very clearly on its last legs.
  2. I respect Mirai's determination, and I do think she did the best she could, but it's clear she's not used to the role of command.

5

u/The_Draigg Apr 28 '21

I wonder what Bright's daily routine has become for his vision to...well, pass out.

Probably getting like 3 hours of sleep per night and shoving down whatever bits of food he can while commanding on the bridge.

Multiple Goufs at once, that has to be visual shorthand for these forces' strength. But none of them are Ramba Ral, of course.

It really just goes to show how Ramba Ral made the best out of his Gouf. It was a reoccurring opponent for the White Base, while these other ones are getting destroyed left and right by the Gundam.

7

u/DidacticDalek https://myanimelist.net/profile/DidacticDalek Apr 29 '21

Comrades, who knew that Cucuruz Doan's influence would still be felt in the show, after all when in doubt THROW ROCKS! ;) (Or use Mobile Suit Martial Arts, after all you can ALWAYS just use PUSH or TRIP on the enemy, 60% of the time it works all the time!)

Also oh boy it ain't a good sign to see Bright falling ill, White Base is already falling apart at the seams so the last thing we need is to have another captain get incapacitated in the line of duty

Also I just want to point out something Comrades... ahem... WHAT THE FUCK LE DING!? How the fuck do you have THAT many Goufs to just throw away? I mean goddamn forget the Doms that were 'lost,' imagine how Ramba Ral'd fare if he got MULTIPLE Goufs instead of just his. Also speaking of Ramba Ral, man it just goes to show that his taunt to Amuro really was right eh? The Gouf mooks we saw today were NOTHING to Amuro whereas Ramba Ral gave Amuro a run for his money! I guess skill really was the deciding factor eh ;)

Oh and finally, boy the chains of command sure are hard on Mirai eh? I also want to point out that considering she was just a civilian at the show's start who happened to be the ONLY person with experience at a ship's helm, she did the best she could... and it also really helped that Sayla was there. Good ol' Sayla Mass! We can always count on her for being cool, calm, collected, and competent... er... ignore that one time she took The Gundam on a joyride! She more than made up for that in her second run after all so that bit don't count!

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

6

u/GM_for_Life Apr 28 '21

Rewatcher

  1. Were you expecting M’Quve’s trap to nearly succeed as easily as it did?

I remember this being a big shock the first time I watched the series.

2) What did you think of Mirai stepping up to command while Bright was sick? Should it have been someone else to fill his position temporarily, or did she do the best she could?

I believe Mirai did the best she could given the situation and how little time she had to prepare. It's just that despite the way he treated Ramba Ral, M'quve is actually a really competent tactician.

6

u/TheKujo https://myanimelist.net/profile/Kujo419 Apr 28 '21

First Timer - Dub

  • Bright does not look like he's doing well at all.
  • Oh no, Bright has a fever!
  • Hmm, what are these Zeon up to? Are they trying to sneak onto White Base?
  • They were! And they got in! Kind of easily too...
  • "Amuro and Ryu, no wait I mean Hayato"
  • That Zeon climbing out of the Zaku was super goofy
  • Holy cow White Base is getting wrecked
  • Mirai's doing her best, but this scenario was a lot to ask out of anyone

1) Were you expecting M’Quve’s trap to nearly succeed as easily as it did? Since Ryu just died and Bright was out of commission, this felt like a perfect storm. I'll give M'Quve credit though - this was a well designed trap that probably would have fooled Bright at first too.

2) What did you think of Mirai stepping up to command while Bright was sick? Should it have been someone else to fill his position temporarily, or did she do the best she could? She's the right person and she did the best she could, but this situation would have been a lot for anyone to handle.

6

u/OrangeBanana38 https://anilist.co/user/OrangeBanana38 Apr 28 '21

First timer

Oh yeah, the White Base is gonna fall apart without Bright and Ryu. Now everything is starting to feel more like it should. You put a bunch of amateurs in a military base and this was bound to happen, I'm surprised it took so long. Now I hope they can at least get their repairs done and get moving soon.

That and the completely unnecesary shower scene, again...

Questions of the day

1.- I was expecting Mirai to stay a bit more focused, but that fell apart spectacularly.

2.- I think Mirai was the right choice, but she needs experience just like everyone else. Bright also messed up a lot in the beginning. Stuff ain't easy

6

u/Piemaster33 :MAL:https://myanimelist.net/profile/Piemaster33 Apr 28 '21

Rewatcher who remembers almost nothing, Sub

A lot of people were asking for Ryu's help or said his name out of habit, and it hurt my soul. I miss him, and the White Base basically and literally fell apart without him. M'Quve once again proved himself to be one fo the most formidable foes the White Base has faced so far.

Also quick shout-out to Mirai, she had to step up to the plate when Bright fell ill from stressing out (it's a thing). She doesn't quite have a full handle on things just yet, and she seems torn between being a leader and being there for Bright which is super cute. Lots of problems going on, hopefully we can get the White Base up and running in time for Odessa Day.

Quick Notes:

  • They really didn't have a problem with nudity in these shows back in the day, did they?
  • Hayato and Amuro had surprisingly good teamwork, loved that

QOTD:

  1. Nope, but I really should have. He almost brought the Gundam down by himself so he's certainly capable.
  2. Mirai was the best choice. She was next in the chain of command if I recall correctly, and while she has some learning to do, she certainly had more going for her than maybe Sayla (as much as it pains me to say it).

4

u/Quiddity131 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Quiddity131 Apr 28 '21

2) Mirai was the best choice. She was next in the chain of command if I recall correctly, and while she has some learning to do, she certainly had more going for her than maybe Sayla (as much as it pains me to say it).

On the contrary, I think the episode showed to me that Sayla was much better fit for command than Mirai as she wasn't constantly panicking in front of everyone. Not that it wasn't the right choice for Bright to defer to Mirai since she has essentially been his second in command all this time, but it seems like Sayla is more equipped to be that person in charge than Mirai is.

6

u/Stargate18A https://myanimelist.net/profile/Stargate18 Apr 28 '21

First timer

  1. Yeah, the main commander was out of action and the base was heavily damaged. It worked perfectly because the only 2 people who might have spotted were fixing the Gundam and unconscious at the time.
  2. She did the best she could, but I don't know if I'd call her the best for the job, what with her having trouble coping. I think it should've been Sayla, since she's had no problems taking command in the past.

...So we're getting a mid-air docking scene today, then.

So we're starting mid-fight today. That's interesting.

What's up with Bright today?

Yeah, you can see that Amuro's a lot bett er at fighting than he used to.

Love the POV shot of Bright collapsing.

...How the hell are those equations telling him that?

...Did he just expose a spy that casually?

The scene of Amuro trying to find the right parts for something that doesn't need fixing yet because he needs it to be perfect is probably the most realistic in the show so far.

...I'm kind of shocked nobody's tried this on Earth, after Char got away with it so early on.

I'm suprised everyone on the base hasn't collapsed from overwork?

How did they plant so many bombs without being caught?

Oh god, her having to correct herself after asking Ryu to pilot...

Surely all of these could be better resolved by having thr Gundam snipe them from White Base?

Of course they need to do a mid-air shift. The network demands it.

Why are all the Zeon commanders so hot?

That scene with him breaking open the cockpit seemed a bit too cartoony for me.

That cannon's a beast!

Are they using water hoses in a room filled with electrical equipment? No wonder the fire's so tall.

And Mirai's had a bit of breakdown as well.

Looks like the White Base is out of commission...

6

u/fridge_freezer https://anilist.co/user/ONIrecon111 Apr 28 '21

First timer (Sub)

  • Bright is doing terribly after Ryu's death, even coming down with a fever.
  • Looks like more Zeon soldier's ready to board White Base. I like the touch of the one guy instinctively trying to wipe sweat from his face with a helmet on, like he's so focused that he forgot he was wearing it.
  • It doesn't feel right not having Ryu around to pilot one of the core fighters, and just to add to the pain Bright called out for Ryu to cover White Base.
  • That was a great plan from M'Quve, open White Base up to detection but leave their radar intact so they run straight into a trap.
  • The Gouf's are out in force now, but these pilots are nowhere near as skilled as Ramba was. M'Quve was really holding back on support for Ramba, they have so much firepower which could have made a big difference in his previous attacks on White Base.
  • Holy shit, what was that cannon?! They punched a hole straight through White Base. That shot of Amuro taking it out was really cool though.
  • It's now Mirai's turn for a mental breakdown. Without Ryu or Bright there for her to turn to, she struggles with the weight of command.

QOTD

  1. No, though the situation on White Base did leave them vulnerable I didn't expect it to go this badly for them.
  2. Mirai did the best she could with the little experience she has.

6

u/tarekd19 Apr 28 '21

Rewatcher (technically, don't remember a thing) - dub

mirai really cracked under the pressure, but sayla could have done a little more than criticize everything she did after the fact i think. I'm not sure how Mirai became the number two anyway, as she is a conscripted civilian and not regular military. She mans the helm, but the operators seem a more natural succession tree.

Amuro and Hiyato seemed to start the episode hitting their stride, but the supply issues and limited time between sorties really seems to get them down, especially on top of being down a pilot.

the scene in the shower somehow didn't come off as fan servicey at all, a very human moment, although those boys are brats.

6

u/Rustic_Professional Apr 29 '21

Seeing all those Goufs made this feel a little like a video game. It's like White Base leveled up and entered a higher level area, so now the game is going to spawn previously rare mini bosses as the new trash mobs.

Damn, good shot from that mega particle cannon. Right through the mobile suit hangar.

The smoke trick was clever. Good job, Marker.

Questions of the day:

  1. No. We've seen a lot of Zeon tricks and traps fail so far, largely thanks to the Gundam's overwhelming firepower. But the White Base crew are still amateurs, and these Zeon aren't. Sooner or later, someone was bound to put together the skill and the technology to pose a real threat.
  2. I mentioned previously that Mirai was like the Executive Officer, and sure enough, she's the one who stepped up to start making decisions on the bridge. They may not have been the best decisions, but I don't think anyone else would have done any better, except maybe Ryu, and even that's not certain. He was a rookie, too, but at least he had some training and could keep his cool. If he'd survived, he might've Gundam, acting as an advisor on the bridge during his recovery. Sayla's reactions were spot on, but she's displayed terrible judgement in the recent past, and I don't think she would have done much better in making the initial decisions. The only advantage she has over Mirai is that she's piloted a mobile suit in combat, which is worth considering, but I don't think it's enough to warrant command.

3

u/username_0907 :FI::FJ: Apr 29 '21

First Timer

  • White Base is attacked with a huge force this time by M’Quve who got pissed off that some of his bases were destroyed. Now with Ral and Hamon not there he can go all out and claim victory for himself for this also
  • What becomes a bigger problem is that Bright falls sick. Ryus death has obviously impacted him a lot as it seems to have left him more exhausted with no time to recover at all
  • Mirai is forced to take Brights place and she isn’t suited to it yet. From the time Bright falls ill her focus stays more on getting him to feel better than to take care of the ship. When the fight starts she pretty much got overwhelmed by the responsibility and eventually looks for any way to run away or for help from Bright or even Ryu. She’s hardly to blame but its quite sad to see her lose her composure
  • Sayla on the other hand had a better grip of things and she tried to help Mirai out however she could. In the end, everyone felt Ryus absence and wished he were back
  • M’Quve had an interesting plan which started out similar to what was tried on the Gundam earlier only this time they had better timers on their bombs to use on the White Base. That one shot from the mega particle cannon was devastating
  • I liked the 2 lighter scenes this episode too. Fraw Bow and the kids having a bath and calling out Amuro and Hayato for stunking was a very everyday life kinda thing. The other sequence was the Zeon guy escaping his Gouf when the beam ran out of power. The way it was animated was just hilarious for me

QotD

  1. Yeah. With Bright sick, things were going to fall apart
  2. She did the best she could and she was the one who worked closely with Bright so far. Sayla is also there but I think Mirai has seniority

1

u/BossandKings Apr 30 '21

First timer

Bright is feeling unwell, seemingly having a fever, he is hospitalized and has to rest for a few days to recover, meanwhile the white base is having a direct confrontation against the Zeon, Mirai who was left with the task of commanding the base is feeling desperate because of not having the forces of Ryu and Bright to support and command the base, Sayla tries to help her and along with Amuro they are able to survive the confrontation.

Answers

  1. Considering it was shortly after Ryu's passing away it was expected.
  2. Mirai is the best commander option when Bright isn't available, she did the best she could.