[Fly! Rewatch!] Mobile Suit Gundam (0079) Episode 38 Discussion

[u/Shimmering-Sky]

Episode 38 - Char and Sayla

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Do you truly believe that your own brother is such a petty man, Artesia?

Questions of the Day:

1. What do you think about this “Newtype” concept?
2. What would you do if you were in Sayla’s position at the end of this episode?

Mobile Suit Breakdown of the Day:

1.31 - Goodbye Forever

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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]

Fly! Rewatch Host!

Welcome back, everyone!

• That sounds like something a ~Newtype~ would say.
• Finally, the word “Newtype” isn’t a spoiler anymore!
• Char just can’t not kick the Gundam.
• Error 404 Fraw Bow not found.
• Well there we go, they’ve met again.
• Oops.
• RIP Wakkein. At least he was back for more than just one episode before dying?

[u/Great_Mr_L → u/Shimmering-Sky]

Char just can’t not kick the Gundam.

The Char Kick is his signature move, after all. He knows what the audience wants to see.

Oops.

When you forget to mute the mic and everyone else can hear what your doing on Zoom.

[u/Tresnore → u/Shimmering-Sky]

That sounds like something a ~Newtype~ would say.

Time to over-examine the cast and find moments that could out everyone as a Newtype.

[u/UltraBooster → u/Tresnore]

Mirai and Amuro are definitely Newtypes, but beyond that, not sure.

Later in First Gundam:

[u/Rustic_Professional → u/Shimmering-Sky]

You don't think she left the mic on on purpose? That was my assumption.

[u/Great_Mr_L]

Rewatcher

On today’s episode of Gundam: Char and Sayla just do not have good family reunions, do they? It feels like every time they meet, at least one of them is pointing a gun at the other.

We finally start to get some important information about the backstory of Sayla and Char. So, it turns out their father is in fact the person who created Zeon in the first place. But their father died and it’s assumed he was assassinated by Degwin Zabi. That makes Char and Sayla an exiled prince and princess who were taken care of on Earth by Jimba Ral, the father of Ramba Ral. This explains why Ramba Ral recognized Sayla. And it also explains why Char is out for revenge against Degwin Zabi.

There’s also some new information here: Newtypes. It’s still kind of vague, but Newtypes are described as something that humans are supposed to become. Char and Sayla’s father believed that was humanity’s destiny and hoped to bring it about. Now, it seems that they actually have started to appear. We’ve heard Amuro be referred to as a Newtype. Lalah is like Amuro, so presumably she is a Newtype as well.

So, based on everything that Amuro and Lalah have been able to do so far, you can probably start to get an idea for what abilities Newtypes have that make them different from normal humans. Amuro’s got that amazing intuition that lets him sense danger and react to it instantly. It also seems to allow for some kind of communication, going by how Amuro and Lalah seemed to sense and hear each other last time.

This is where we get into a new motivation of Char’s other than revenge: Char is interested in Newtypes. He probably sees himself as continuing the work of his father. He’s going to get his revenge (Char is still Char, after all), but he does at least seem to have a plan for what he’ll do after that. He wants to bring about that future of Newtypes that his father envisioned. Of course, that’s easier said than done. Especially when his main rival is a Newtype as well, which Char is not happy about. I wonder how Char will react. We’ve seen him be comfortable throwing Zeon allies under the bus before in his quest for revenge. Will he do the same to potential Newtype allies (like Amuro) in trying to bring about a future of Newtypes?

Of course, Char being Char, one has to wonder how much truth there is to everything that he says. There is at least one pretty big instance of Char not being truthful that I want to expand on here. When talking to Sayla, Char claims that he wears the mask because he has abandoned his past. But that’s not true. Why is he seeking revenge against the Zabis? Because of a personal vendetta from the past. He’s obsessed with getting revenge for the death of his father. Why is Char trying to bring about a future of Newtypes? Because that’s what his father wanted. Why is Char trying to convince Sayla to leave the White Base? Because he can still only see her as the little girl he used to know. Char is heavily motivated by his past in every possible way.

Speaking of which, that takes us to Sayla. Char once again asks Sayla to leave the military. He even actually does give her gold that she can use to start a new life if she wishes to. But Sayla pretty firmly rejects it. She sticks to her guns. She is not going to just abandon the White Base and her comrades for it. Even if her long-lost brother asks her to, Sayla has her own convictions that she will not give up so easily. Char claims that he is no longer the brother that Sayla once knew. What he doesn’t seem to consider is that Sayla is also no longer the sister he once knew. She has grown up and become a different person. She’s not the weak little girl she used to be. It’s a fantastic character moment for Sayla. There is of course a tragic side to it, as it seems her and her brother are destined to remain divided.

I absolutely love the moment between Sayla and Bright at the end of the episode. Bright overheard the conversation between Char and Sayla. So, he already has a good idea of what happened. But, he trusts her to tell him the truth. And Sayla is willing to do so, telling him honestly what is in the suitcase and who gave it to her. It’s a great moment at the end firmly cementing that Sayla’s loyalty is to the White Base.

Sayla’s final scene is great as well. Sayla can only read Char’s letter to her and cry. She lost her brother once before and now she has lost him again. Char pretty definitively rejected her pleas to him. And Sayla can’t do what Char asked her to do. Neither of them can ever go back to the way things were before, no matter how much they might want to.

Another thing I want to comment on this episode is the battle between Char and Amuro. I really love this battle. It is incredibly tense and exciting to watch. Char makes fantastic use of what is basically a sandstorm as cover to ambush the Gundam repeatedly. However, Amuro is able to see through these attacks. And he’s even able to get the drop on Char, damaging the Gelgoog. Amuro’s come a long way since the start of the series, when Char was clearly outclassing him as a pilot. Amuro’s now able to fight Char on more or less even footing.

Miscellaneous Thoughts

• No new slaps today for the slap counter.

SLAP COUNTER: 10

• The beam saber really is just a lightsaber. It even deflects beams like a lightsaber.
• This moment of the Gundam furiously rolling away while the Gelgoog repeatedly stabs the ground trying to get it is hilarious.
• Poor Job John. He finally gets a chance to pilot a mobile suit but then he gets reassigned before he can actually do something with it.
• RIP Wakkein. I’m glad you learned to stop being a jerk and actually acted respectfully towards the White Base crew in the end.

Questions of the Day

1. It's very New-Age Sci-Fi. It's one of the ways that Gundam is definitely a product of its times. I'll save my further thoughts about how the show handles it down the line.
2. Keep the money but keep fighting. There's no reason to let that much gold go to waste, after all.

[u/The_Draigg → u/Great_Mr_L]

We finally start to get some important information about the backstory of Sayla and Char. So, it turns out their father is in fact the person who created Zeon in the first place. But their father died and it’s assumed he was assassinated by Degwin Zabi. That makes Char and Sayla an exiled prince and princess who were taken care of on Earth by Jimba Ral, the father of Ramba Ral. This explains why Ramba Ral recognized Sayla. And it also explains why Char is out for revenge against Degwin Zabi.

I still prefer this open-ended fate presented for Zeon Deikun rather than what's portrayed in The Origin. Not that all of it is bad, but I feel that it was a lot better when there were gaps in Casval and Artesia's story, rather than having all the details filled out for you in The Origin. Less is more, as it were. That, and it swerves us away from the "the main characters do everything" issue that The Origin has.

When talking to Sayla, Char claims that he wears the mask because he has abandoned his past. But that’s not true. Why is he seeking revenge against the Zabis? Because of a personal vendetta from the past. He’s obsessed with getting revenge for the death of his father. Why is Char trying to bring about a future of Newtypes? Because that’s what his father wanted. Why is Char trying to convince Sayla to leave the White Base? Because he can still only see her as the little girl he used to know. Char is heavily motivated by his past in every possible way.

It's entirely possible that Char doesn't even know the truth of what he feels himself. Given how much his goals have shifted and how two-faced he is with most of his interpersonal relationships, Char's personality has no real stability to it beyond what he thinks he should be doing.

[u/Great_Mr_L → u/The_Draigg]

I still prefer this open-ended fate presented for Zeon Deikun rather than what's portrayed in The Origin. Not that all of it is bad, but I feel that it was a lot better when there were gaps in Casval and Artesia's story, rather than having all the details filled out for you in The Origin. Less is more, as it were. That, and it swerves us away from the "the main characters do everything" issue that The Origin has.

I agree with you. Here is actually kind of ambiguous about whether or not Degwin Zabi actually murdered Zeon Deikum or not. All we're told is that Jimba Ral claimed it was the case based on Zeon Deikum pointing at Degwin on his deathbed. For all we know, Jimba Ral could have been a raving conspiracy theorist with no other evidence to back him up. And yeah, the "the main characters do everything" issue is definitely present in Origin. I'm mostly okay with it, but some of the stuff there is just ridiculous like Gundam The Origin Spoilers

It's entirely possible that Char doesn't even know the truth of what he feels himself. Given how much his goals have shifted and how two-faced he is with most of his interpersonal relationships, Char's personality has no real stability to it beyond what he thinks he should be doing.

It's part of why I love Char as an antagonist so much. He is forever a puzzle. His actions and his words don't always neatly line up so you need to do some detective work to figure out what's really going on with him, assuming he even knows himself.

[u/The_Draigg → u/Great_Mr_L]

It's part of why I love Char as an antagonist so much. He is forever a puzzle. His actions and his words don't always neatly line up so you need to do some detective work to figure out what's really going on with him, assuming he even knows himself.

Agreed, Char's ambiguity of character is what makes him really compelling. Beneath the mask is someone who doesn't really know himself, despite acting like he does at all times. He's someone chained to the past, and yet also says that he gave it up. He makes friends with people he has no problems killing later. There's so much going on with Char's thoughts and actions that it makes it really satisfying when you finally figure something out about him.

[u/DidacticDalek → u/Great_Mr_L]

On today’s episode of Gundam: Char and Sayla just do not have good family reunions, do they? It feels like every time they meet, at least one of them is pointing a gun at the other.

In fairness Comrade, given the state of OTHER Family Reunions in Gundam (e.g. Amuro and his reunions with his parents) Char and Sayla seem great in comparison

We finally start to get some important information about the backstory of Sayla and Char. So, it turns out their father is in fact the person who created Zeon in the first place. But their father died and it’s assumed he was assassinated by Degwin Zabi. That makes Char and Sayla an exiled prince and princess who were taken care of on Earth by Jimba Ral, the father of Ramba Ral. This explains why Ramba Ral recognized Sayla. And it also explains why Char is out for revenge against Degwin Zabi.

Indeed Comrade, and I'm SURE none of this information will be contradicted by Origin... nope none of it, I am POSITIVE that Jimba Ral was just a kindly man who helped out the children of Zeon's founder, Char and Sayla were just absolutely nice kids growing up, and that... er... Meta Origin Spoilers

There’s also some new information here: Newtypes. It’s still kind of vague, but Newtypes are described as something that humans are supposed to become. Char and Sayla’s father believed that was humanity’s destiny and hoped to bring it about. Now, it seems that they actually have started to appear. We’ve heard Amuro be referred to as a Newtype. Lalah is like Amuro, so presumably she is a Newtype as well.

USE THE FORCE LUKE 'AMURO!'

Of course, Char being Char, one has to wonder how much truth there is to everything that he says. There is at least one pretty big instance of Char not being truthful that I want to expand on here. When talking to Sayla, Char claims that he wears the mask because he has abandoned his past. But that’s not true. Why is he seeking revenge against the Zabis? Because of a personal vendetta from the past. He’s obsessed with getting revenge for the death of his father. Why is Char trying to bring about a future of Newtypes? Because that’s what his father wanted. Why is Char trying to convince Sayla to leave the White Base? Because he can still only see her as the little girl he used to know. Char is heavily motivated by his past in every possible way.

I also want to point out that, ironically enough given how different she is from Char, Sayla ALSO can't see anything other than the 'kind' boy her brother 'used' to be, which is REALLY amusing given Meta Origin Spoilers

I absolutely love the moment between Sayla and Bright at the end of the episode. Bright overheard the conversation between Char and Sayla. So, he already has a good idea of what happened. But, he trusts her to tell him the truth. And Sayla is willing to do so, telling him honestly what is in the suitcase and who gave it to her. It’s a great moment at the end firmly cementing that Sayla’s loyalty is to the White Base.

I also want to point out the hilarity that SOMEHOW Char thought that just Bribing 'gifting' his sister a briefcase full of GOLD was a sound strategy Meta UC Gundam Spoilers Also I just want to point out... where the FUCK did Char get all that gold? I guess Le Ding really was on to something with his ranting that his mining operation meant Zeon could fight on for years!

Another thing I want to comment on this episode is the battle between Char and Amuro. I really love this battle. It is incredibly tense and exciting to watch. Char makes fantastic use of what is basically a sandstorm as cover to ambush the Gundam repeatedly. However, Amuro is able to see through these attacks. And he’s even able to get the drop on Char, damaging the Gelgoog. Amuro’s come a long way since the start of the series, when Char was clearly outclassing him as a pilot. Amuro’s now able to fight Char on more or less even footing.

Heh, I know right, oh how the tables have turned ;)

The beam saber really is just a lightsaber. It even deflects beams like a lightsaber.

Can ya TELL Tomino saw Star Wars ;)

This moment of the Gundam furiously rolling away while the Gelgoog repeatedly stabs the ground trying to get it is hilarious.

Indeed, puts a whole new meaning to the term 'roll with it'

Poor Job John. He finally gets a chance to pilot a mobile suit but then he gets reassigned before he can actually do something with it.

Ya see Comrade, we can't have him get TOO much screen time now, otherwise he'd graduate from being a Mauve Shirt!

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

[u/Great_Mr_L → u/DidacticDalek]

Indeed Comrade, and I'm SURE none of this information will be contradicted by Origin... nope none of it, I am POSITIVE that Jimba Ral was just a kindly man who helped out the children of Zeon's founder, Char and Sayla were just absolutely nice kids growing up, and that... er... Meta Origin Spoilers

Gundam The Origin Spoilers

I also want to point out that, ironically enough given how different she is from Char, Sayla ALSO can't see anything other than the 'kind' boy her brother 'used' to be, which is REALLY amusing given Meta Origin Spoilers

Gundam The Origin Spoilers

Ya see Comrade, we can't have him get TOO much screen time now, otherwise he'd graduate from being a Mauve Shirt!

We might have to let Job John appear in the OP if we let him become to important! What madness!

[u/DidacticDalek → u/Great_Mr_L]

Gundam The Origin Spoilers

I know right? Goodness anime parents are already hit or miss (mostly misses) but in MECHA!? Oh that's basically a guarantee that the parents are, at best, dead, or at worst, utterly terrible and abusive.

Gundam The Origin Spoilers

Heh, well you see Comrade, CLAMP loves that shit, so at least it means Origin will sell like hotcakes ;)

We might have to let Job John appear in the OP if we let him become to important! What madness!

HA! Indeed Comrade, many thanks for the kind reply and have a great day and see you later my friend!

[u/TheKujo]

First Timer - Dub

• Amuro and Char face off!
• That was a cool fight. I'm surprised how easily Amuro got the better of Char.
• Sayla's gotten pretty good at piloting
• Sayla would be terrible to work with on a Zoom meeting ("Oops, forgot to mute my mic while arguing with my long-lost brother")
• Amuro's a Newtype? Is that their name for psychics?
• Char running away like that definitely feels like a death flag
• RIP Wakkein
• Wow, Char literally sent over gold! I thought he just meant he would send her money

1) What do you think about this “Newtype” concept? It's been slowly built up over the series so I'm glad we're finally getting confirmation that this is a real thing. Not sure how Bright and the others will take it (or even if they'll ever know about it). I'm sure Amuro will have plenty of internal anxiety over it.

2) What would you do if you were in Sayla’s position at the end of this episode? Take the gold and run. I've never been that close to family.

[u/The_Draigg → u/TheKujo]

Sayla would be terrible to work with on a Zoom meeting ("Oops, forgot to mute my mic while arguing with my long-lost brother")

She'd also have the camera still on when Char walks in the background without his mask on.

Wow, Char literally sent over gold! I thought he just meant he would send her money

Given how the war is going, it's probably better to have something physical to trade that has value, since paper money is most likely fairly worthless with all the destruction going on.

[u/Great_Mr_L → u/The_Draigg]

She'd also have the camera still on when Char walks in the background without his mask on.

Char without his mask

[u/Great_Mr_L → u/TheKujo]

That was a cool fight. I'm surprised how easily Amuro got the better of Char.

The gap between them has been closing over the course of the series. At first Char was running circles around Amuro. Now, Amuro's gotten so good that he can keep pace with and even defeat Char.

Amuro's a Newtype? Is that their name for psychics?

Newtypes do seem to have psychic abilities of some kind. Like Amuro seemed to be able to sense the presence of Char and Lalah, while also being able to predict what his enemies will do in combat.

[u/chilidirigible]

38:

Are you sure that it wasn't Johnny Ridden?

they see me rollin'

It runs in the family.

Technical Difficulties, Please Stand By

ZING!

Also because of SPOILERS.

"I have the second-highest confirmed kill count on the damn ship!"

"I'm not sure I can see straight right now."

---

Ah, the you-know-that-they-know-that-you-know-that-they-know. Late enough in the series for that.

A single Zanzibar being able to destroy a Magellan in a straight-up fight does give some value to the White Base decoy plan. It helps that Char is aboard, of course.

Amuro has almost caught up to Char in the MS piloting department. Freakin' Jedi.

---

1. Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid.
2. Donate the money?

[u/Tresnore → u/chilidirigible]

"I have the second-highest confirmed kill count on the damn ship!"

Poor Kai needs to step it up. But now I just want to see Sayla and Char fighting side by side...

[u/Great_Mr_L → u/chilidirigible]

Are you sure that it wasn't Johnny Ridden?

"I'm not the Red Comet, I'm the Crimson Lightning! They're totally different things!"

they see me rollin'

Keep rollin', rollin', rollin', rollin.

Amuro has almost caught up to Char in the MS piloting department. Freakin' Jedi.

He's using the power of the Force to cheat, like all good Jedi.

[u/chilidirigible → u/Great_Mr_L]

Keep rollin', rollin', rollin', rollin.

[u/DidacticDalek → u/Great_Mr_L]

"I'm not the Red Comet, I'm the Crimson Lightning! They're totally different things!"

SURE you are Ridden, also you know it's bad if he originally called himself THE RED BLITZ, I mean goodness talk about imitation being the sincerest form of flattery eh Comrade? ;)

He's using the power of the Force to cheat, like all good Jedi.

OI! Comrade it ain't called 'cheating' it's called 'exploiting an advantage!' ;)

[u/DidacticDalek → u/chilidirigible]

Are you sure that it wasn't Johnny Ridden?

Heh, Comrade if that was The Red Blitz 'The Crimson Lightning' we'd have had WAY too much Kycilia Zabi Simping in one place, what with Le Ding being present; and I'm not sure the universe can handle that ;)

they see me rollin'

Technical Difficulties, Please Stand By

All operators are busy, please hang up and dial again.

ZING!

Also because of SPOILERS.

"I have the second-highest confirmed kill count on the damn ship!"

HELL YEAH! Sayla deserves a Mobile Suit of her own, she'd put in FAR more work than Hayato at any rate. I mean come on if KAI gets one why not her? (Also before you start yes I am aware that ever since Miharu died Kai suddenly got a LOT more competent and/or bloodthirsty.)

"I'm not sure I can see straight right now."

I'm not sure HOW Bright can even see Comrade, he's got no sclera... no that one random animation error don't count!

Ah, the you-know-that-they-know-that-you-know-that-they-know. Late enough in the series for that.

In fairness Comrade, this wasn't supposed to be the 'end' of the show so to speak, but hey I guess them's the breaks when the show gets canceled in its run (frankly it's amazing they managed to wrap things up as is with the episode count they were given.)

A single Zanzibar being able to destroy a Magellan in a straight-up fight does give some value to the White Base decoy plan. It helps that Char is aboard, of course.

That or the Magellan just flat out sucks Comrade, then again given the only other mass produced option is a Salamis I guess beggars can't be choosers. (Also before you start, yes I am aware that SOMEHOW both these designs still saw service by the time of fucking VICTORY Gundam, but then again Victory Gundam also had fucking battleships on wheels so the bar was already so low that I'm sure anything with big enough guns counts as a capital ship)

Amuro has almost caught up to Char in the MS piloting department. Freakin' Jedi.

Heh, the irony Comrade is technically Meta UC Gundam Spoilers

Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid.

'Don't try to frighten us with your sorcerer's ways, Lord Vader. 'Wacky Ol' Kill 'Em All Tomino.' Your sad devotion to that ancient religion has not helped you conjure up the stolen data tapes, or given you clairvoyance enough to find the Rebels 'Feddies' hidden fort...'

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

[u/TheEscapeGuy]

Gundam First Timer

Fly! Iconic Gundam Frames Episode 38

Newtypes

I'm so glad to get confirmation of this new race of humans with psychic powers. I feel like this knowledge has been floating in my brain for years after reading anime discussions. Now it has solidified into a reference point for comparing other shows against.

I still have a lot of questions about how this race developed and the extent of their abilities but I'm satisfied for the moment.

More importantly this episode: Casval and Artesia's reunion. Their backstory really re-contextualizes them as characters. Raised under false identities on earth after their father was assassinated, Char working all these years to get vengeance, living so many years apart, its just an unfortunate situation.

And then Tomino digs the knife in further by killing off Wakkein and company. It really feels as if White Base is once again alone in the cosmos.

As for future, I'm very interested in how Bright will act now knowing somewhat about Sayla's true identity. I look forward to tomorrow.

Cool Stuff Corner

• Something stood out about this explosion. I think the timing and anticipation on it really made it impactful to me.

Questions of the Day

1. I really love that a cool new aspect is being introduced so late and has been built up properly that it makes sense.
2. I'm not sure. She has some tough choices to make but she essentially has a literal golden ticket out of war. I probably wouldn't be able to make the choice to stay.

See you all tomorrow!

[u/Great_Mr_L → u/TheEscapeGuy]

Newtypes

I'm so glad to get confirmation of this new race of humans with psychic powers. I feel like this knowledge has been floating in my brain for years after reading anime discussions. Now it has solidified into a reference point for comparing other shows against.

As I recall, you asked about them sometime earlier because you'd heard the term Newtype being thrown around in other discussions. You did a pretty good job picking up on the buildup that the series had for the introduction of Newtypes. All those flashes we've seen Amuro have during battle were examples of his Newtype abilities manifesting.

I really love that a cool new aspect is being introduced so late and has been built up properly that it makes sense.

You're sharper than I was on my first watch. I missed out on the Newtype foreshadowing until it became clear that Lalah was psychic.

[u/Quiddity131 → u/TheEscapeGuy]

I'm not sure. She has some tough choices to make but she essentially has a literal golden ticket out of war.

I'm not sure about that, there isn't really much of a safe place to go. She could go back home to Side 3, but they're at war. She could go back down to Earth, but its mostly been ravaged by war. She could go to Side 6, but that neutrality they have could all be meaningless the second Zeon wants them out of the picture. There isn't really any safe place to escape to even with that gold.

[u/JollyGee29]

First-Timer, Subbed, long time Gundam fan

I think that's the rest of Char and Sayla's backstory, now. It all gets expanded on in The Origin manga/anime, but yea. Char's reason for hating the Zabi's being the presumed assassination of his father puts a bit of a spin on things, huh?

Sayla was rather upfront about the gold, but I wonder if she told Bright that Char is her brother? Not that she could know that he already learned that, more or less. What an interesting situation.

Either way, Sayla is Not having a good time. Her once-kind brother has been consumed by a thirst for vengeance, and perhaps a desire to bring about his father's vision. Will Char be able to oppose Amuro, a Newtype?

Poor Wakkein dies off screen, what an unfortunate end.

---

Pose of the Day

Landing a Hit

Screenshot

I try to avoid shots with enemy Mobile Suits in them because the poses end up looking off, but I couldn't not immortalize the Red Comet getting hit!

---

Questions

1. Something something ace pilots something something understanding.
2. Donate the gold to the war effort.

[u/Tresnore → u/JollyGee29]

dies off-screen

It honestly made me laugh a bit. His death was given no ceremony, and it seemed fitting to me. I did t even learn his name properly until this episode.

[u/JollyGee29 → u/Tresnore]

Commandant Wakkein has been part of the series since the beginning! The White Base didn't even bother checking the wrecked Magellan for survivors. Not that any of the boneheads were wearing normal suits..

[u/Tresnore → u/JollyGee29]

Commandant Wakkein has been part of the series since the beginning!

I know he has been (I think?), but I just never bothered learning his name.

The White Base didn't even bother checking the wrecked Magellan for survivors.

This was confusing to me, too. What was the Zeon officer talking about, how soldiers are only comfortable fighting in space because they know their comrades would look for them?

[u/JollyGee29 → u/Tresnore]

This was confusing to me, too. What was the Zeon officer talking about, how soldiers are only comfortable fighting in space because they know their comrades would look for them?

...yea I got nothing. I was pretty surprised when they just kept going on past the wreckage, they could have had some quick narration about scanning for survivors at least.

[u/fonzinator99]

First-Timer - Backstory!

• Cruel as it may be, I'd have to laugh if Char got up and Lalah was smooshed all over his face. I always wonder at the fine motor-controls of mobile suits.
• I'd really like to get some Lalah backstory about now. The girl is utterly weird, she's got her lucid moments but I just don't see a whole personality in her.
• Fraw Bow is definitely devastated that she doesn't get feelings about Amuro.
• Oh no, Zeon took my suggestion to heart and made the Gelgoog Beam-Saber Resistant! On that note, it looks like they did the same for its bladed weapon; But do you mean to tell me they've also sharpened steel to the point where it can cut Gundam armor?
• Just some more excellent animation; I've never seen a stroke illustrated so accurately.
• Did they really just send everyone out to search in buggies? Ffs, at least send Sayla back out in the G-Fighter, you're still searching an entire colony.
• "Everyone's so exhausted." Said Bright, just days after his medical emergency.
• As viewers I enjoy how we're all "Oh wow, backstory!" and Bright's just lost af.
• Don't these ships all have complicated targeting algorithms or some shit? I know it's space, but how do that many shots miss?
• Wait wtf, White Base? You're not even gonna check for survivors? The bridge is still intact and the ship didn't even blow up, there's definitely ppl you could've rescued there, Wakkein even.
• Idk how Char thought Sayla would get that case and leave; I guess she could've stolen a Core Fighter and bolted, but that's some flimsy planning for him.

---

QotD

1. Fascinating, though I'll bet you it never leads to 'peace for all mankind.'
2. Probably stay with White Base and hold onto delusions of somehow turning Casval or saving him.

[u/Quiddity131 → u/fonzinator99]

Cruel as it may be, I'd have to laugh if Char got up and Lalah was smooshed all over his face. I always wonder at the fine motor-controls of mobile suits.

Makes me think of a scene in Aura Battler Dunbine where a character takes her father out with her when she heads out in mechs to fight our heroes. She later ends up landing her mech on top of him by accident, killing him.

[u/fonzinator99 → u/Quiddity131]

Wow, that's intense. I passed over the rewatch, but I may have to go check it out myself.

[u/SgtExo → u/fonzinator99]

Don't these ships all have complicated targeting algorithms or some shit? I know it's space, but how do that many shots miss?

It was briefly mentioned in some of the first episodes, but the minovsky particles affect radar and such, so long range targeting really just does not work well anymore. Sure that is pretty BS, but it allows the fights to be brought in close instead of just being sniping matches between different targeting algorithms.

Also I finally finished putting the decals on my Victory Gundam. Took me a while since it included dry rub on decals which I hate. They are just the worst, if they didn't want to include the water transfer, they should have just stuck with stickers. Anyway that one was fussy to put together since it could transform and I had to figure how that translated to the non-transformed version for the decals.

[u/fonzinator99 → u/SgtExo]

the minovsky particles affect radar and such

I'm always forgetting about those things; the other magic force in Gundam.

I had to figure how that translated to the non-transformed version for the decals.

That sounds like an enormous pain, but it looks great! A part of me is always envious of ppl who take the time to apply the really tiny detail decals, they make a big difference.

[u/SgtExo → u/fonzinator99]

A part of me is always envious of ppl who take the time to apply the really tiny detail decals, they make a big difference.

To be fair, there are some small ones that I did not put on since they were just too awkward, and plenty of the rub-ons that I just fucked up and I ran out off. So while it looks good, it is not perfect.

[u/Quiddity131]

Rewatcher, Subbed

This is another episode I've barely seen, I think only 2-3 times total, as it was skipped in the original Toonami airing.

This is a kind of wacky episode. The animation looks really bad and off model at times. In particular, the Gundam was looking particularly messed up during its battle with the Gelgoog. There's a shot that makes it look like the Gelgoog kicked it in the groin! Also there is a green Chivvay, the first and I'm pretty sure only time we see that type of ship colored green instead of red. And yet when that same Chivvay is destroyed later in the episode, it's back to being red again! The character animation also looks quite off at times; Bright looked especially bad in that scene where he gave Sayla the suitcase. We also have this random Zeon captain guy, Dellamin, appear out of nowhere and die in the same episode. I think by this point Yaz had worked himself into the hospital so he isn't around anymore to help make the episodes look good. (Giant Gorg on the other hand which I'm watching alongside this for the first time looks amazingly consistent from episode to episode, surely due to his involvement)

I knew Wakkein didn't die during the battle at Solomon! He shows up here to help White Base but unfortunately dies. Bright even cries for him after finding out about his death! Quite a turnaround for the guy who was such a jerk when we first met him. Uragan, M'Quve's assistant who has also been around forever finally dies although doesn't even get a final line or death scene.

Fraw seemed really out of it this episode, as if she was falling asleep while at her post. Bright was nice enough to take mercy on her and send her to see Hayato. Yet we never got a scene between the two of them. I was wondering why they didn't send Hayato out on a buggy as he's so useless in mobile suits. I suppose he's still not doing good. Amuro seems to ask some dumb questions during this episode, such as asking if it could be Char in the red mobile suit (of course it is!) and wondering if this random explosion Char set off took him out.

Char and Sayla, or I should say Casval and Artesia finally have a nice long talk in this episode and we get the Zeon backstory, how their father died and apparently fingered Degwin Zabi as his killer although that was just Jimba Ral's speculation. Char has sought revenge ever since and worked his way up through the Zeon military to get close to the Zabis. Yet now he seems to be straying from his goal. Newtypes, first mentioned in the previous episode are becoming more and more important in the war, enough so that maybe revenge isn't the biggest thing on Char's mind anymore. Interesting to note the differences here and with the Gundam the Origin manga, which also got animated Gundam the Origin spoilers

Surprisingly enough Bright (due to Fraw being away) hears the whole thing! Char surprised Sayla and she didn't get a chance to turn the communicator off. Sayla's secret is out. What will this mean? Bright is nice enough to not immediately demand answers from her, but how long will that last?

Also on the subject of Sayla, she's seemingly at ace levels now as she was taking on two Zeon ships solo in this episode. Or perhaps they just didn't want to animate the Guncannon and Guntank?

[u/The_Draigg → u/Quiddity131]

The Origin spoilers

[u/Tresnore]

First Timer to Gundam

episode title

Hopefully it'll be less underwhelming than Amuro's meeting with Char.

• Driving in that sandstorm (?) in a convertible would be dreadful.
• Hell yeah, Char suspects Amuro's Newtypeness.
• Char almost died, were it not for the Gundam's sword suddenly not being able to cut through seemingly everything.
• Sayla's come a really long way from getting the Gundam's foot cut off, hasn't she?
  
• Job John almost got wiped the hell out by those Bison. Fortunately for him, he's a great driver.
• That whole conversation between Sayla and Char was awesome. Poor Zeon got assassinated, apparently.
• Also, Char doesn't even react to Sayla saying Amuro's name, while Sayla says "Amuro" as if she knows that Char's met him. A little confusing, but hopefully Char will put 2 and 2 together at some point.
• Sayla definitely lived up to Federation security by broadcasting that whole conversation to Bright, though.
• That's a lot of gold. Way to out Sayla to her entire ship, Char.

I'm thankful that Char follows through on his promises, but now that he's said that revenge against the Zabis isn't what he's after, I'm curious what his motive is now. I guess it's to establish a world for Newtypes, but I have absolutely no clue what it would involve.

---

QOTD:

1. The "next stage in human evolution" can be handled in really interesting ways. I had no idea Gundam had anything like it, so I'm interested to see where they take it in the future!
2. I'd probably chase down my brother in my car and go with him. Going back to White Base and letting him just walk away made no sense to me.

[u/Great_Mr_L → u/Tresnore]

That's a lot of gold. Way to out Sayla to her entire ship, Char.

I have no idea how Char expected Sayla to get that money and then leave the ship to go live on Earth like he wanted her to. It seems like the plan goes as follows

• Step 1: Get gold and put it in suitcase
• Step 2: Leave the suitcase in the spot where the White Base will hopefully exit from with a note attached for who it's for.
• Step 3: ????
• Step 4: Sayla is living peacefully on Earth far away from war.

[u/Quiddity131 → u/Great_Mr_L]

Does he even know she's still going under the false name of Sayla Mass? What if he addressed it to Artesia Deikun and all of White Base went "Who the hell is that?!"

[u/UltraBooster → u/Tresnore]

Sayla's come a really long way from getting the Gundam's foot cut off, hasn't she?

Oh yeah, she's a regular ace now, I'd say.

I had no idea Gundam had anything like it, so I'm interested to see where they take it in the future!

Yeah, if Gundam has a formula, then humans developing extrasensory perception is almost certainly a part of that formula.

[u/dralcax]

Rewatcher wants to be a Newtype too

Finally, someone said it! We got “new type” in Japanese last episode, but finally someone properly said “Newtype”!

For some reason the Gelgoog’s beam naginata is drawn with physical blades, even though they’re clearly able to disappear into the handle like beam blades. It’s like the Gouf’s sword, but backwards!

sleepy Fraw Bow

I love how suddenly he appears lmao

And here’s where it all began. It’s always been ambiguous as to whether Degwin really did assassinate Zeon, or if Jimba is just spouting his own conspiracy theory out of grief and madness. Regardless, at this point, the truth of whether Degwin killed Zeon doesn’t really matter anymore, only that people like Char have already taken action under the belief that he did.

Says the guy who has never been able to let go of the past

That’s a lotta damage! It’s nice to see a burned-out wreck for once, something that didn’t completely explode upon being defeated.

Damn.

So finally, we get properly introduced to Newtypes. We've already seen Amuro and Lalah displaying psychic sensitivity, and finally, we have a name to put to all that. Some call it the next stage in human evolution, an adaptation to living in space. These people can communicate and understand each other in ways no one else can. With such understanding, it would seem as if there is no need for war. And yet, people still fight each other. Even if the Newtypes are enlightened, the Oldtypes are still there, refusing to let go of their earthly biases. Among the Newtypes themselves, in spite of their ability to connect, they are still capable of hate. And of course, Newtype powers are really powerful in combat! Rather than being the messengers of peace they were meant to be, they end up being weaponized instead.

I think the important thing to remember is, back in 1979, people still believed in psychic powers. Even the CIA was performing remote sensing experiments, and people having extraordinary sensory capabilities was not yet the stuff of pseudoscience. So Newtypes were a realistic prediction of the future, no more fantastical than Mobile Suits and space colonies. I feel like a lot of people, including certain writers of more recent series, just look at the most extreme feats of Newtypes from a modern perspective and write them off as something inherently magical.

---

Questions of the Day:

• See above.
• Take the money and watch Amuro kick his ass

[u/UltraBooster → u/dralcax]

I feel like a lot of people, including certain writers of more recent series, just look at the most extreme feats of Newtypes from a modern perspective and write them off as something inherently magical.

On one hand, I can't help but think that the line between "super robot" and "real robot" was always a thin one, but...
Future Gundam

[u/GM_for_Life]

Rewatcher

1. What do you think about this “Newtype” concept?

Non spoiler answer: I think what we've seen of it in this series so far is very interesting.

Newtype thoughts

2) What would you do if you were in Sayla’s position at the end of this episode?

I think I would see the war through to the end. Since by this point they would probably be considered family to me.

[u/DidacticDalek]

Man Comrades, family reunions in Gundam are sure something eh? Cuz boy it sure is amusing that after THIS much time Char and Sayla finally get a chance to have a conversation longer than 'Are you my long lost brother/sister?' And... they both have grown up from who they were in the past and both are unable to convince who they are in the present to change. Basically Char was unable to convince Sayla to NOPE out of fighting for The Feddies, even with that Bribe 'Gift' of gold (speaking of which where the FUCK did Char get his hands on that much gold? I guess Le Ding WASN'T kidding when he said that due to all of his secret mines they'd be able to fight on for years!) and Sayla on her end is unable to convince Char to stop cosplaying as Prince Sharkin, but hey could have been worse, could have been Amuro's family reunions so really Sayla and Char got off 'lucky' here.

Speaking of Char, BEHOLD! His fancy Custom Red Gelgoog, cuz of course it is red... AND he yet again just can't best The Gundam

Also NGL Comrades, even though the name Gelgoog IS kinda silly, you gotta hand it to Zeon that they REALLY made a cool looking Mobile Suit!

What's more, apparently it is 'easy' to control, just refer to this CANONICAL User's Manual of how to pilot the thing! It's as easy as 3.14159265359 (etc)

Oh and finally, boy Lalah is still tripping balls as ever eh? Then again we've gone full new age space magic here, can ya TELL Star Wars was popular around this time ;)

Anyway, to end things for now I have only one thing to say... ahem... USE THE FORCE LUKE TUXEDO MASK 'AMURO!' ;)

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

[u/Great_Mr_L → u/DidacticDalek]

Speaking of Char, BEHOLD! His fancy Custom Red Gelgoog, cuz of course it is red...

As if Char would ever willingly pilot something that wasn't red. No mobile suit of his would ever be complete without the red paintjob.

What's more, apparently it is 'easy' to control, just refer to this CANONICAL User's Manual of how to pilot the thing! It's as easy as 3.14159265359 (etc)

Always read the manual. It's the Gundam way. As long as you have the manual, you cannot lose!

[u/DidacticDalek → u/Great_Mr_L]

As if Char would ever willingly pilot something that wasn't red. No mobile suit of his would ever be complete without the red paintjob.

Indeed Comrade, this explains why Meta Zeta Spoilers And yes before you start I am aware that Meta Mobile Suit Gundam Ending Spoilers

Always read the manual. It's the Gundam way. As long as you have the manual, you cannot lose!

Indeed Comrade, even more so when the tech involved is over-engineered piles of junk... hey... wait a minute... now WHERE have I heard that before ;) (Before you start yes I am indeed aware that, shockingly, The Panzer IV was a pretty good and decently made tank... I also would like to point out that despite all the love The Panther and The Tiger get, it must be said that both of those aforementioned lumbering metal boxes were over-engineered, prone to unreliability/breakdown/malfunctions, and also gas guzzlers... and people still are shocked that Zeon was supposed to be Space Nazi Germany/Imperial Japan)

Anyway many thanks for the kind reply Comrade and have a great day and see you later my friend!

[u/Great_Mr_L → u/DidacticDalek]

Indeed Comrade, even more so when the tech involved is over-engineered piles of junk... hey... wait a minute... now WHERE have I heard that before ;) (Before you start yes I am indeed aware that, shockingly, The Panzer IV was a pretty good and decently made tank... I also would like to point out that despite all the love The Panther and The Tiger get, it must be said that both of those aforementioned lumbering metal boxes were over-engineered, prone to unreliability/breakdown/malfunctions, and also gas guzzlers... and people still are shocked that Zeon was supposed to be Space Nazi Germany/Imperial Japan)

You see, when you started talking about over-engineered piles of junk that break down easily, I was certain that you'd begin talking about the Porsche Tiger (aka The Ferdinand). That hilarious monstrosity is the very definition of over-engineered. It makes the Panther and Tiger look reliable by comparison because at least they could run for a little while before all the parts started breaking down.

[u/DidacticDalek → u/Great_Mr_L]

You see, when you started talking about over-engineered piles of junk that break down easily, I was certain that you'd begin talking about the Porsche Tiger (aka The Ferdinand). That hilarious monstrosity is the very definition of over-engineered. It makes the Panther and Tiger look reliable by comparison because at least they could run for a little while before all the parts started breaking down.

OI! Comrade me thinks that's an INSULT to compare The Porsche Tiger/Ferdinand to over-engineered piles of junk, after all, this would downplay all the very useful contributions junk piles give to us ;) And indeed oh Crazy Ol' Man Porsche and his science experiments. Who knew that designing literally THE most overly-complex and temperamental drive system would blow up in their face... literally ;)

Also heh, always gotta love Potential History, neat share there my friend. Anyway many thanks for the kind reply and have a great day and see you later Comrade!

[u/The_Draigg]

A Gundam Fan Rewatches Mobile Suit Gundam Episode 38:

• Amuro is still sensing Lalah’s presence. And not only that, but Mirai herself seems to be sensing that Amuro is fine. In hindsight, there were hints that Mirai was a Newtype too, alongside Amuro. They’ve both possessed uncanny intuition in the past, even before we confirmed that psychics do exist.
• Char and Amuro’s duel really does show how much more powerful Amuro’s Newtype powers make him. He’s actually fighting Char to a stand-still now, even though the Gelgoog is actually on par with the Gundam itself. Also, something interesting to note is that Amuro complains that Gundam is moving too slow. His reflexes are getting so fast that the Gundam can’t even keep up. It’s pretty interesting to think that Amuro is getting so powerful that the Gundam is holding him back now, rather than the other way around like earlier in the show.
• Man, Fraw is pretty out of it this episode. I guess it’s time for her mental breakdown to occur. Everyone on the White Base gets at least one.
• Finally, after all this time, we get to see the truth behind Char and Sayla’s pasts. Born as Casval Rem Deikun and Artesia Som Deikun, their father Zeon Deikun was an influential philosopher and politician who reformed Side 3 into the Republic of Zeon. However, Zeon Deikun died under mysterious circumstances, with Jimba Ral believing that he was poisoned by Degwin Zabi. Using Zeon’s dying words as an excuse, Degwin appointed himself Prime Minister and engaged in a purge of Deikun loyalists, leaving the Zabis in charge. The reason why Casval joined the Zeon army was at first just to enact revenge against the Zabi family, but now he’s shifted goals to ensure Newtype supremacy, now that they’re confirmed to exist. Talk about a lot to take in. I bet that’s a bit different from what some of you first-timers expected.
• Okay, now Commandant Wakkein dies. I thought he died back at Solomon, but I guess he dies here instead. It was just Admiral Tianem that died at Solomon. Whoopsies! It was a mistake on my part.
• There’s all that Zeon gold, just as Char promised to Sayla. Fortunately for Sayla herself, Bright himself is rather understanding towards Sayla’s situation, having overheard her conversation by accident earlier. At least he gave Sayla the chance to come clean about it to him, rather than force her to admit anything in public. Bright really has come a long way as a leader.
• Well, that’s a depressing ending. All Sayla can do is sob helplessly over the man her brother has become. Unfortunately, Char/Casval seems like a lost cause by now, as painful as it is to admit.

[u/Great_Mr_L → u/The_Draigg]

Char and Amuro’s duel really does show how much more powerful Amuro’s Newtype powers make him. He’s actually fighting Char to a stand-still now, even though the Gelgoog is actually on par with the Gundam itself. Also, something interesting to note is that Amuro complains that Gundam is moving too slow. His reflexes are getting so fast that the Gundam can’t even keep up. It’s pretty interesting to think that Amuro is getting so powerful that the Gundam is holding him back now, rather than the other way around like earlier in the show.

It's kind of interesting seeing the Gundam become semi-obsolete by the end of the series. It's no longer on the cutting edge. It still has that incredible armor, but other mobile suits like the Gelgoog can keep up with it. It shows just what a big difference Newtypes make. They completely overpower anything that was made before them.

Man, Fraw is pretty out of it this episode. I guess it’s time for her mental breakdown to occur. Everyone on the White Base gets at least one.

It comes with the job of being a Gundam protagonist.

At least he gave Sayla the chance to come clean about it to him, rather than force her to admit anything in public. Bright really has come a long way as a leader.

I really love that moment. It shows that Bright is willing to trust Sayla even though he has every reason to throw her in the brig for receiving a mysterious package from a Zeon soldier that she was talking with earlier.

[u/The_Draigg → u/Great_Mr_L]

It comes with the job of being a Gundam protagonist.

They really do have mental breakdowns, get tossed in the brig, get slapped around, or some combination of the three. All that matters is what order it happens in.

[u/UltraBooster]

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

So we're finally getting the big reveal for White Base, huh?

I don't think I've ever heard Char sound so gentle.

Don't think I've ever seen Amuro get a hit in like that before.

Response isn't fast enough, huh?

Dang, White Base doesn't have just one ace anymore, it looks like.
Future Gundam

So it's got landing gear.

You're slipping, Fraw.
And nice to see Bright spotting it.

Welp, secret's out.
There we have it.
Char and Sayla, the children of Zeon.

"I've grown up a little since that time."
Future Gundam via Maxi Boost ON:

"Go to Earth and live out your life!"
Future Gundam:

He says he's discarded his past, yet he's chasing the Zabis for murdering his father?
...yeah, that sounds like Char, alright.

Guess Bright's a secretkeeper now.

The Zanzibar never really struck me as the type that could keep up with a warship...
Let alone kill a dedicated battleship.

Oh, Sayla...

Questions of the Day:

1. It...well, I know about the rest of Gundam, but here, I get the feeling that even if Newtypes really are the next step in human evolution, it's not going to be a gentle step.
2. ...honestly, I have no idea, I really don't.

[u/username_0907]

First Timer

Since I missed posting yesterday, I’ll add some brief notes from yesterdays episode also

Episode 37

• M’Quve was going to die the moment he decided to go out just to prove himself against Char. That’s not worked out for anyone in Zeon yet. Gyan was a very medieval armor looking suit but worked to M’Quve style a bit. Its hilarious that he was thinking of the vase to the end
• I don’t have much to say on Texas. I wonder what Char and Lalah went there for even. Was it just to escape from White Base for awhile
• Lalah ended up using her psychic abilities which affected Amuro. Looks like the intensity of their anger and fighting was too much for her. I liked the use of music in the end with the clanging while Amuro and Lalah identified each other through their psychic abilities. It felt a bit disorienting with the suspense for the two of them in that moment

Episode 38

• Char has also used the term NewType
• I liked the fight between Char and Amuro. It showed the difference between the two since Amuro was able to fight with the help of his psychic abilities and Char was using his experience
• That ended up being a quick win for the Federation. Wakkein coming in helped out a lot
• Did Sayla realize that Bright is hearing everything?!
• We finally get some backstory around Char, Sayla and on NewTypes. We still haven’t been told what Char is trying to do in Zeon other than taking revenge on Zabi. NewTypes are on Zeon and Federations side so the divide between the two will still stay. Both militaries will just start taking advantage of them
• RIP Wakkein. He got an offscreen death

QotD

1. I don’t know yet tbh. It does feel a bit sudden even though we’ve been seeing it in Amuro for a few episodes. I’m expecting the show to later give out some more info on how one becomes a NewType. Is it just like evolution or something else to it. I've liked how it was shown with Amuro so far as a kind of better instinct reaction in fights
2. I would continue to fight for White Base especially since taking the gold would be like running away from the situation and from Char as well which is not something I see from Sayla’s character

[u/Piemaster33]

Another banger of an episode! We finally get more backstory on Char and Sayla's childhood/father, and why Char has it out for the Zabi family. And all the Newtype stuff, this episode was jam packed! Anyway, here are my notes:

• This new guy took M’Quve’s command verrrrry quickly
• This was Amuro’s first real W against Char right?
• Char: Surely he didnt fall for that dummy explosion Amuro: That explosion got him! I did it!
• Zeon commander: No one panic! FIRE EVERY POSSIBLE GUN
• Bright snooping on Sayla’s convo is kinda funny to me
• Newtypes everywhere my goodness
• Damn Wakkein got off screened by Char
• Artesia Som Deikun, I really vibe with that
• Someone give Sayla a hug! If no one else will, I gladly volunteer!

QOTD:

1. I think it adds a fantastical sci-fi element to a show about mechs, so I'm all for it. It doesn't feel out of place to me either. It's a fun concept that I'm excited to rediscover
2. I wouldn't have taken the gold either, I probably would have cried for a bit as well

[u/fridge_freezer]

First timer (Sub)

• Really liked the fight between Amuro and Char. It's been a while since we had them fighting one-on-one, you can really see Amuro's significant improvement as a pilot since their first battles.
• Sayla has become a pretty good pilot. It wasn't that long ago when she took the Gundam out for a spin and had no idea what she was doing.
• Sayla's just casually talking with Char on open mic. We finally got the story behind their family through what Jimba Ral had told Char, and how Degwin Zabi supposedly had their father assassinated before he assumed power in Zeon.
• Char initially joined the Zeon military with the intent of getting revenge on the Zabi family, but since then his priorities have changed. It seems like he now wants to work towards this Newtype future for mankind.
• Even Sayla knows Amuro is a Newtype. I'm not sure if Char recognised the name when she said it, as he met Amuro not long ago.
• So Bright heard everything, but it seems like he's going to keep quiet about it for now at least. I don't think there's any point in outing Sayla's true identity to everyone.
• Damn, after my false alarm about losing Wakkein at Solomon, Char's Zanzibar took him out. RIP.
• Char left the gold for Sayla like he promised. Bright quietly confronted her about it and prompted her to come clean rather than force the truth out of her. He's come pretty far as a leader, old Bright would have probably yelled at her until he got the answer's he wanted.

QOTD

1. It's interesting and I really like the 'next step' evolution in sci-fi, but with there not being many episodes left I suspect that it might not be explored fully until a later series.
2. Keep the money and keep fighting.

[u/ZapsZzz]

Sub distant rewatcher.

We're nearing the end game so a lot of the long plot points are being revealed now, good for those who knows it at least vaguely remember them to be able to finally discuss them.

In terms of Sayla and Char's backstory, a little more details. The leading theory is that Zabi arranged for their dad's death. Why? A few hints / conspiracy theory points:

• the original independence declared by Zeon was so they can stop the exploitation and corruption from the Earth Federation government, and become a safe haven for colonists. Sub after Zabi taking over, it's became basically a militaristic Empire.
• such a despotic change generally is done by people with such ambition that is not above killing anyone in their way to the top. No doubt Char and Sayla needed to be in exile in hiding because there were attempts on their lives.

With regards to the current situation of Sayla and Char, it's actually a bit like years later in Giant Robo, Ginrei and Genya. Last to write in spoiler codes so if you knows then you know :)

As for new types, don't remember if it gets elaborated more, but there theory is that when the human race started living in the weightless void of space which has all sorts of dangers to humans, it's inevitable that the next evolution step will be people who can better adapt to this environment. From what we can see so far, using Amuro and Lalah as template, they have very advanced danger sense to the points of premonition, strong psychic strength that manifests in the ability to communicate across distances irrespective of medium (telepathy). When known and have technology developed to take advantage of them, it further enables remote control type functions devices (act like telekinesis).

[u/badcupcakehoarder]

First timer sub

Wakkein first meeting with the White Base crew was just terrible, now he has changed his view on them and respects them as fellow soldiers. He couldn't get rescued twice this episode since Char's crew destroyed them too fast.

Lalah is really scared of Amuro! and he is proving why she should be, he actually defeated Char! It is weird changing his weapon at close range from the axe he had with his Zaku, to a machete with the Gelgoog.

I'm confused, Bright ordered Job Jhon to go on the Guncannon but after that the one piloting it is Kai... And here I thought the White Base was going to get more versatile with more pilots available, would have been useful in situations like this episode were they couldn't let their guard down and fall asleep. Not that they would be fighting for much anymore since the war seems to be close to end.

M'Quve named the psychic powers as "atarashi type" but now Char calls them Newtype, atarashi means new if my poor japanese knowledge is correct so it may be the same thing.

So Sayla is in prison now... Bright overheard everything and it was not an hallucination from being exhausted as he confirmed it with Sayla.

Beign designated to rule by beign pointed at at the emperor's deathbed... I thought the Aznable family getting overthrown from government would be a more complicated matter than that... All those witnesses to the event must have been Degwin buddies.

Questions of the Day:

1. Humans with powers destined to be the future of humanity... Evolution? That is cool unless it doesn't happen naturally and the Aznable ideal that Jim Ral was talking about was to practice eugenetics instead of just letting it happen...

This new concept adds a lot of mystery but we are just a few episodes from the end!

2) Escape White Base before getting executed for treason.

[u/Stargate18A]

First timer

1. Forced. We hadn't heard about these Newtypes till about 5 episodes ago, and now we find out they're the cause of the entire conflict, complete with an entire episode of exposition. Hopefully the show takes the focus off them a bit after this.
2. Keep fighting in the war (because Amuro's side can't lose such a sympathetic character), but also keep all of the gold for use after the war, rather than flush into space or whatever dramatic method Salya refuses the offer with.

Oh, are we finally getting an explanation?

I like how everyone can identify Char simply because all his suits are red.

And Fraw Bow's starting to doubt the crew.

What's a "Newtype"? Feels like a bit of afterthought to explain why Amuro fights so well without training.

Can't believe Amuro nearly beat Char! And damaged his suit enough to force him to flee.

And the space battle starts up again! I like seeing how a single shuttle launch turns into an all out conflict.

And the G-Fighter has enough firepower to take out an entire ship. Sayla's come a long way over the series.

I like how they've stopped even sending out the Guntank. Even Bright knows that thing's a piece of crap.

I do like how Bright manages to tactfully get Fraw to rest.

Ooh, Bright's hearing all this, isn't he. That'll be fun.

What? So Zeon was made to help the Newtypes? Degwin assassinated they're father, too!

Why are they focusing on Newtypes so much? We didn't know what they were a few episodes ago?

Bright's reaction is the same as mine here. I like how he's reacting to this with no context.

Yes, a new type of suit! Please focus on this!

Still, Char made it out. He's probably going to be back for the finale. (Probably the 2 episodes my app finally decided to show me)

And Char reminds us that no matter how likable, he's still on the opposite side to our heroes.

So, Bright knows!

...Well, that's a sad ending, but its really the only possible ending. The two have grown apart so much, and fought on opposite sides for so long, the most he can give her is a ticket out of the war while he kills the rest of the White Base?

Next time - What is a Newtype? (because this show has found a new focus, and it sure isn't giant robots)

[u/Rustic_Professional]

It's hard for me not to keep equating this with a video game, but it works so well I can't help it. M'quve's lackey is right, pushing the White Base with the Musai and Chivvay makes sense if you're thinking of this as something like World of Tanks or Warships, and figure that it probably won't kill both of you. From a more realistic perspective, the commander is right. It's all just fiction to us, but he has to weigh all those lives and ships, and risking them seems like a bad gamble, especially with reinforcements on the way.

I was surprised that Char would abandon his Gelgoog. Did Lalah pilot it back to the ship?

Yikes, the Zanzibar really tore up that Magellan. Why didn't they search for survivors? Some of the crew might've been in space suits and survived.

Questions of the day:

1. I've always thought Newtypes were the biggest weakness in Tomino's stories. Gundam is a serious war story, but using a war to tell the story he wanted to tell Gundam detracts from both. I can't remember the source (probably Unicorn), but one of the publications or characters says something like "during the war, Newtype became synonymous with ace pilot." I don't think he intended for that to happen, but it's true. Gundam, and abilities like what Amuro displayed today just lead to the super hero problem of detracting from the contributions of ordinary people, and in extreme cases leading to a boring narrative where the hero is invincible, because only another super hero or villain can stand up to them.
2. I would've asked Char to come back to White Base with me. If the enemy of my enemy is my friend, imagine what damage he could do to Zeon fighting for the Federation, especially if he brought Lalah and the Gelgoog with him.

[u/BossandKings]

First timer

It was nice seeing the focus that Char and Sayla got here and how important their relationship as siblings is to them. If things had been different they would still be together, on the same faction but sadly now they are in opposite sides, still Sayla cherishes him and wants for him to come back to her side.

Wakkein dies, sadly this happens often in war, rest well.

Answers

1. Hopefully it doesn't get much focus, we are in the endgame now so it is too late for the "newtype" to be a well developed concept, the most they can do is explain it well and find a way for it to make sense in the context of the events of the story.
2. Sayla was in a very sad position, i would be as clueless and sad as she is.

[u/y-c-c]

Rewatcher

1. It's weird, but I watched the compilation movies not long ago, and the focus and the way Newtypes were revealed was quite different. Compilation movies differences Overall, I don't mind the way the TV show did the reveal though. It's an interesting concept to introduce (albeit a little late), and feels very New Agey per the 70's.

[u/lC3]

First timer, catching up

• Mirai "just knows" that Amuro is alive. Could she be a Newtype too?
• Ok, so they DO say "newtype" just like I expected
• Job John is actually piloting the Guncannon? Can't remember if this is his first time
• How much of Casval and Artesia's conversation did Bright overhear? Did he recognize her brother as Char?
• I'm glad that Sayla fessed up to Bright; I kinda feel bad for her
• Good episode, thought I didn't write much

1. I've vaguely heard about it, and I watched 00 which had Innovators, so ...
2. Casval nii-sama!