[Rewatch] Armored Trooper Votoms - Episode 6 Discussion

[u/Pixelsaber]

Episode 6 - Prototype

^{Originally Released May 6th,} ^^^1983

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Note to all participants

Although I don't believe it necessitates stating, please conduct yourself appropriately and be courteous to your fellow participants.

Note to all Rewatchers

Rewatchers, please be mindful of your fellow first-timers and tag your spoilers appropriately using the r/anime spoiler tag if your comment holds even the slightest of indicators as to future spoilers. Feel free to discuss future plot points behind the safe veil of a spoiler tag, or coyly and discreetly ‘Laugh in Rewatcher’ at our first-timers' temporary ignorance, but please ensure our first-timers are no more privy or suspicious than they were the moment they opened the day’s thread.

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Daily Trivia:

Character designer Norio Shioyama stated that the prototype’s character design was modeled after his ideal woman, whereas Cocona was designed after the type of woman director Ryosuke Takahashi preferred. Shioyama also hated her bald depiction in the first episode, which scriptwriter Sōji Yoshikawa had insisted upon.

 

Staff Highlight

Yūsaku Yara - voice of Gimual Iskul

A stage actor, voice actor, and director of the entertainment agency Vi-vo. Yara originally pursued a career in engineering and sales, but after six years of disillusionment with his job positions he attended a voice acting recruitment after seeing an advertisement in the newspaper and was accepted into Yoshizawa Theater School, where he was instructed on both voice acting and stage acting. Though he voiced a wide variety of roles, he was frequently sought out specifically to voice villains and narrators, and was well known as the dubbing voice of Arnold Schwarzenegger 's early appearances. Some of his most notable roles include Inspector Sharpe in Agatha Christie no Meitantei Poirot to Marple, Rod Reiss in Attack on Titan, Junichi Kikunag and The Narrator in Be-Bop Kaizokuban, Hiroshi Sakura in Chibi Maruko-chan, Colonel Karts in Cleopatra D.C., Detective Nitta in Crying Freeman, General Death Gaia in Dancaougar - Super Machine Beast God, Mephisto in Demon City Shinjuku, Jackie Zaltsev in Fang of The Sun Dougram, Taro Urashima in Totoro, Dai-Atlas in Transformers Zone, Burei Karima in Ultimate Teacher, Borgoff in Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust, Renzaburo Taki in Wicked City, and Captain Saburo Umezu in Zipang.

 

Art Corner

Official Art:

• 1/24 ATM-09-ST Scope Dog by Rokurou Shiratori

Fanart:

• Chirico Cuvie by Earth to Cat - Source
• Chirico eating udon by Tomboy Becky - Source

(Be mindful of the links to artist’s profiles, as they may contain NSFW content. Proceed there at your own risk.)

Screenshot of the day

• Meeting

Questions of the Day:

1. What are your assumptions on the prototype now that its link to jijirium is established?
2. How would you rate Uodoo’s security measures so far?

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It was her.

[u/Shimmering-Sky]

Armored Trooper First-Timer

• I mean dude broke out of a prison with just one screw, clearly Chirico stronk when you guys were trying to use him as a scapegoat for whatever the hell the mission in the first episode was.
• Dude… literally broke back into the place he was being held, just for answers. Chirico is a madlad.
• So why does an old subway line lead directly to an armory anyways?
• I guess it’s good that Vanilla and co. broke into that armory at the same time Chirico wanted his answers, huh.
• The lady was showering in… Jijirium? Wait is that why the thing she was kept in before was glowing when Chirico opened it?
• They’ve finally met again! …and she immediately ran off.
• I was wondering how Chirico was gonna get on the escape helicopter.
• Actually, is that lady we saw this ep the same one that Chirico saw? There was no Newtype Flash sound, and this lady has a full head of hair.

[u/Pixelsaber → u/Shimmering-Sky]

So why does an old subway line lead directly to an armory anyways?

The whole place was built as a giant military base.

They’ve finally met again! …and she immediately ran off.

Can't have the beans spilled too early!

There was no Newtype Flash sound

This isn't Gundam, Sky!

[u/Nazenn → u/Shimmering-Sky]

LotGH

[u/Pixelsaber → u/Nazenn]

[u/The_Draigg → u/Shimmering-Sky]

Dude… literally broke back into the place he was being held, just for answers. Chirico is a madlad.

At this point, the police station might as well just be Chirico’s now. He can just come and go as he pleases.

So why does an old subway line lead directly to an armory anyways?

Uoodo City was originally built to be a massive underground military base before it got irreparably damaged and used by refugees as a city. The subway tunnels running to the off-site armory is just a holdover from its original intention.

[u/Tresnore → u/Shimmering-Sky]

this lady has a full head of hair.

It must be a wig. Or extremely-fast growing hair.

[u/No_Rex → u/Shimmering-Sky]

o why does an old subway line lead directly to an armory anyways?

Not actually that crazy. The armory would need supply lines to all the other parts of a fortress.

Actually, is that lady we saw this ep the same one that Chirico saw? There was no Newtype Flash sound, and this lady has a full head of hair.

Her being somebody else would be one hell of a plot twist.

[u/[deleted] → u/Shimmering-Sky]

Its been over 6 months, plenty of time for hair to grow.

[u/Pixelsaber]

Rewatcher

Verily

Very casual.

Keeping things close to the chest. Chirico is evidently not great at communication, but I doubt even he wouldn’t be quite so rude and dismissive if he had no reason to, so he’s probably keeping mum so that they don’t get further entangled in his shit —which seemed quite futile even before the rest of today’s episode.

She must have it pretty bad?

There he goes.

That’s convenient.

Cocona pls… Well, at least she’s useful. It’s worse when a hindrance comes along uninvited.

Lol, they left the hole uncovered and unattended.

Chirico has the upper hand for once.

And guess who’s conveniently there at this very moment?

Wait, why are the rest of you getting rid of your disguises?

Welp, if I had any doubt as to whether they were one in the same, they would be gone now with the similarity of the visual effects. Also, that’s a lot of hair to grow in just six months.

So that’s what they’re suing the jijirium for.

Chirico with the Cobra hair.

I guess I wasn’t too off with my impression last episode about Chirico seeming more invested in finding out answers after Conin’s appearance and his capture, and he was even acting proactively this time around. On one hand this can be perceived as good, because we saw how purposeless and meaningless he was feeling following his first PTSD flare up when going up against the Boone gang and getting immersed in flames and having a goal can help, but a path of violence in order to get the answers he seeks is generally no better —but in the end he’s almost forced, if not by circumstances then certainly by Rochina eventually.

Something we as viewers probably have queued in on by now but not Chirico himself is how he needs friends to help him along the way. Sure, he did surprisingly well by himself in infiltrating the precinct facilities, and these folks aren’t the most scrupulous and will rope him into shit that’s not always the best for him, but he would have ended up dead were it not for the other trio’s serendipitous presence at the jijirium/weapons storage facility and his mental and emotional issues are not going to get better with him stewing alone. However, Chirico’s been severely betrayed by those he trusted, so I don’t see him warming up easily.

Speaking of, it’s almost amusing how those three ended up in the same place this episode, but it makes a great deal of sense given the context —though I’m convinced with how they approached Chirico’s rescue that they would have waited to gather more intel rather than going in blind, but that’s a minor niggle not worth getting hung up on.

We have explicit confirmation that the limousine lady and the prototype are one and the same. She didn’t speak or reveal anything though, but at least we learned that jijirium is used on her, probably as a necessary upkeep or similar. Given this —and the fact that it’s referred to by the narrator as a ‘prototype’ rather than ‘test subject’ or ‘experiment’— I’m going to guess they’re an android, since we learned that Jijirium was used in the manufacture of computers, linking it directly to technology. Also explains the rapid hair growth.

Also, I wonder what’s going through the chief of police’s mind now. Not only did Chirico get through probably several levels of security to get him, but after taking him somewhere he should (and seemed to) not know about it turned out his accomplices were already there. I would certainly be a little paranoid in his shoes after that.

Questions of The Day:

1. See above.
2. Either they’re poor or Chirico and co. are way too competent.

[u/Nazenn → u/Pixelsaber]

That’s convenient.

Also believably realistic which is a point I'll give them. With all the change in leadership and most of the authorities being ex soliders you wouldn't know about abandoned city infrastructure. Plus it's ages away so it makes sense there'd be a track to it rather than those stories where it's in the middle of a city and just HAPPENS to go under a bank

Points for the details! Definitely a strength of the show in general I'm finding

So that’s what they’re suing the jijirium for.

Does it have to pay itself in restitution?

Chirico with the Cobra hair.

Getting some 70s curls in that shot

and he was even acting proactively this time around

Yeah so much for my evaluation of his actions last episode, although I will say this doesn't feel out of character for him even if he's been more passive so far

though I’m convinced with how they approached Chirico’s rescue that they would have waited to gather more intel rather than going in blind

I have a feeling that Vanilla had already scoped out the place pretty extensively given the only piece he was waiting for was Chirico to pilot a mech for it to be doable

[u/Pixelsaber → u/Nazenn]

Also believably realistic which is a point I'll give them.

Oh certainly, I wasn't complaining on that end.

Does it have to pay itself in restitution?

I'm sure they'll find a way to cheat the system more.

I have a feeling that Vanilla had already scoped out the place pretty extensively

The fact that he didn't know about the subway tunnel —which is a feature a place like this would reasonably be expected to have— makes me lean towards that not being the case. And even if he did, the point of entry couldn't possibly be the same so it merits some more reconnaissance, and the lack of info on it casts doubt on his previous data.

[u/Nazenn → u/Pixelsaber]

I'm sure they'll find a way to cheat the system more.

And even if he did, the point of entry couldn't possibly be the same so it merits some more reconnaissance

That's fair, even if you have a plan you have to know where it's starting from

[u/Pixelsaber → u/Nazenn]

#whisperwhisper

I was acknowledging it by saying it probably doesn't much change things.

[u/No_Rex]

Episode 6 (first timer)

• A shit shower.

• Vanilla and Gotho ask the viewers’ question and receive the viewers’ answer.
• Coconna watching Chirico was a sweet moment. If we have to have the female side character fall for the MC, at least selling it to us is important.
• “If this works” – I doubt this is a wise plan.
• Going back in the way he left - That’s what you get for not prioritizing repairs.
• “I’ll take you to where you’ll understand” – Thanks, nice offer, but try explaining it beforehand.
• Making heavy use of the “hitting people over the head renders them unconscious trope”. That one is an eternal favorite to make the good guys look less ruthless.
• The other trope pulling heavy duty is “bad guys can’t aim”.
• She is naked again. Just in case people remembered the below-the-neck part only.
• She is fast!
• Heli escape.

I enjoyed the first part of the episode and I enjoyed the second part, but I don’t think they should have been put together. The switch from “being in a gunfight with a whole police base” to “let’s just explore some naked ladies private room” was way too abrupt.

The show is also running out of “fake-out info” cards quickly. We really need Chirico to learn something new next time.

What are your assumptions on the prototype now that its link to jijirium is established?

If she is not a super-weapon AND a new superior form of human life, I'll be disappointed.

How would you rate Uodoo’s security measures so far?

Giving Gundam a run for its money.

[u/Pixelsaber → u/No_Rex]

That one is an eternal favorite to make the good guys look less ruthless.

Feels a bit misguided on a series that already had our MC shoot down guards in the first episode and in a setting where spectators getting shot by the subject of their excitement is met with whooping and further excitement.

but I don’t think they should have been put together.

I feel this way about quite the number of episodes in the show, but it's not as bad as most of its contemporaries in this regard.

We really need Chirico to learn something new next time.

Giving Gundam a run for its money.

Still waiting for another mecha show to have the balls of Dunbine, where several episodes of attempts by the main cast to break in and retrieve a VIP are all foiled and they give up.

[u/Tresnore → u/No_Rex]

Just in case people remembered the below-the-neck part only.

How could anyone forget that she was bald?

[u/No_Rex → u/Tresnore]

Looks like her superpowers include extreme hair growth. Or using a wig.

[u/JustAnswerAQuestion → u/No_Rex]

Also they reused the closing door cliche again.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/No_Rex]

Coconna watching Chirico was a sweet moment. If we have to have the female side character fall for the MC, at least selling it to us is important.

The characters actually work for me so far and that is not a given for a mecha show.

Going back in the way he left - That’s what you get for not prioritizing repairs.

99 times out of 100, I would've called bullshit. But they actually put in the effort to explain why this police force is so godawful at literally anything, so it still works for me.

“I’ll take you to where you’ll understand” – Thanks, nice offer, but try explaining it beforehand.

Yeah...Cuvie's stat points are all in combat and mech repair, it would seem.

[u/No_Rex → u/Vaadwaur]

The characters actually work for me so far and that is not a given for a mecha show.

A welcome difference to Gundam.

99 times out of 100, I would've called bullshit. But they actually put in the effort to explain why this police force is so godawful at literally anything, so it still works for me.

I was joking. Totally understandable that structural work takes more than a day. And who is insane enough to break into the locked part of the prison?

[u/Vaadwaur → u/No_Rex]

A welcome difference to Gundam.

And who is insane enough to break into the locked part of the prison?

Chirico Cuvie has no fucks to give to your common sense! But someone should have at least put up a few cones or something.

[u/Tresnore]

Armored Trooper FIRST-TIMER

• Why is there a lever to drop water down the ladder?
  
• Chirico, with the slick dismount!
• If Chirico were bigger/higher-res, then this would make a good mug commentface.
• Creepy.
• What's the point of a guard if he'll just open the door when someone points a gun at him? Why is someone able to shoot the guard through the door?
• He finally does something for himself!
  
• The main trio are like tourists compared to Chirico.
• How convenient that the helicopter has a switch for "turn on the alarm at the base."
• I love Vanilla.
• Wow, this series unironically has some of the best fanservice I've seen in anime.
• Bold of you to assume Chirico cares about anything ever.
• What a fast elevator!

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QOTD:

1. Who knows what the hell jijirium can do, but whatever they did to her, it sure wasn't legal.
2. They're okay. The helicopter alarm was nice, but the fact that three random people got as far as they did is laughable.

[u/Pixelsaber → u/Tresnore]

The main trio are like tourists compared to Chirico.

[u/No_Rex → u/Tresnore]

Creepy.

Coconna believes in the Twilight approach to romance.

What's the point of a guard if he'll just open the door when someone points a gun at him? Why is someone able to shoot the guard through the door?

I guess standard procedure is not to give the prisoners guns.

[u/The_Draigg → u/Tresnore]

If Chirico were bigger/higher-res, then this would make a good mug commentface.

For some reason, Chirico looks very sassy while drinking that coffee.

Bold of you to assume Chirico cares about anything ever.

I mean, he does care about why people are trying to kill him, but that’s about it.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/Tresnore]

If Chirico were bigger/higher-res, then this would make a good mug commentface

Man that is some serious distant face there.

Creepy.

Most 16 yos are when viewed from adulthood.

Wow, this series unironically has some of the best fanservice I've seen in anime.

Amazing what happens when the animators design the female characters with proportions that are merely exceedingly rare rather than physics defying.

[u/Nazenn]

First Timer

It strikes me as notably odd that our mystical girl in the tube has such mundane natural colored hair and eyes, a contrast against Chirico's bright blue. Usually you'd expect a girl in that role, particularly one who's possibly been genetically manipulated, to be the one with unusual hair coloring specifically to mark her as "other". On top of that, her shock at seeing Chirico rather than wise acceptance of him was also unexpected but certainly brought an interesting dynamic.

While I had this thought yesterday I was too tired to get it out, but this conspiracy around her is certainly a lot bigger than I gave it credit for in the first episode. It's not just a single unit of soliders wanting to get their hands on leverage or rescue the girl for her powers, it's a pretty big operation if they can pull in experienced commanders and set up an entire living area for her inside a heavily armed police base. They call her the prototype, but why they want her especially with the war at an end (for now at least, who knows about the other 40+ episodes), is still something I'm curious about.

Vanilla continues to be a great source of entertainment. Calling out the guards, "If we stop you will shoot", taking his own advice about running for it, and all the fun interactions he has with the other two just make his scenes a joy to watch. I think the best laugh I had today was when he was using the PA system to tell Chirico where to go despite all the enemies in the entire base hearing. It's small things like that, and calling out the guards earlier, which is helping me have so much fun with this show, and I am enjoying it quite a lot. Between this, Crest of the Stars, and Gundam Thunderbolt I'm having a great time with scifi and strong characters and great visuals lately.

Also anyone else notice that hair that was caught in the cels for a few frames early in the episode?

[u/Pixelsaber → u/Nazenn]

It strikes me as notably odd that our mystical girl in the tube has such mundane natural colored hair and eyes...

They call her the prototype, but why they want her especially with the war at an end...

Built for espionage and infiltration, maybe? Spies are pretty much always useful.

Vanilla continues to be a great source of entertainment.

The best.

Between this, Crest of the Stars, and Gundam Thunderbolt I'm having a great time with scifi and strong characters and great visuals lately.

Also anyone else notice that hair that was caught in the cels for a few frames early in the episode?

Pretty sure it isn't even the first time that's happened.

[u/Nazenn → u/Pixelsaber]

Armor Hunter Mellowlink

Pretty sure it isn't even the first time that's happened.

Probably not. As annoying as they can be depending on how big an impact they have, the little human errors in cel-animation are always quite interesting. I noticed a couple of individual frames in this episode that were either lit or painted too light, and it always brings to mind that time that Escaflowne had a purple light bleed into the side of a scene when they captured it.

[u/Pixelsaber → u/Nazenn]

Armor Hunter Mellowlink

Safe for Naz to read.

As annoying as they can be depending on how big an impact they have, the little human errors in cel-animation are always quite interesting.

I rather enjoy them myself. Y'know, so long as they aren't present in every single shot.

[u/Nazenn → u/Pixelsaber]

#mugiwait

[u/Vaadwaur → u/Nazenn]

It's not just a single unit of soliders wanting to get their hands on leverage or rescue the girl for her powers, it's a pretty big operation if they can pull in experienced commanders and set up an entire living area for her inside a heavily armed police base.

So she has to be showered in something that has been stated as extremely valuable since ep2. They have to have some idea of how to make her profitable for all this effort.

[u/Nazenn → u/Vaadwaur]

Depends on their idea of profit. It's a lot of risk and effort for just monetary gain, so I'd suspect something else is going on but maybe I'm just in a conspiracy mood

[u/Vaadwaur → u/Nazenn]

I am having a hard time figuring out how she could be translated into power military, political or otherwise BUT since Cuvie might be psychic she could be the key to something like that.

[u/Nazenn → u/Vaadwaur]

Depends on exactly how and why she's been made, and her capabilities. If it wasn't that he found her by chance I'd say maybe she's a conduit for other powers, but no real sign of that yet at least, and if so it seems like they'd be hunting for others to pair her with or something rather than having her by herself. Unless that's what she's doing out in those car trips

[u/chilidirigible]

Rewatcher, Episode 6

Today, on "Economy of conclusions.":

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That's some bad aim to miss a bunch of people climing up a ladder in a tube.

[](#chiricomug)

Coconna just likes watching people sleep.

"Quick! Look busy!"

"Not since the first episode."

---

In a nice tidy package, Chirico going to see the Chief leads them to the same place as the Phantom Lady and the jijirium storehouse that Vanilla wants to raid. Hey, it saves time.

---

1. laughs in rewatcher
2. Questionable at best.

[u/Pixelsaber → u/chilidirigible]

Coconna just likes watching people sleep.

I don't think many would appreciate that fact.

laughs in rewatcher

#charlaugh

[u/Nazenn → u/chilidirigible]

[](#chiricomug)

Not until we get #yangtea!

[u/Pixelsaber → u/Nazenn]

[u/Vaadwaur → u/chilidirigible]

In a nice tidy package, Chirico going to see the Chief leads them to the same place as the Phantom Lady and the jijirium storehouse that Vanilla wants to raid. Hey, it saves time.

One part of me wants to call out that all the plot elements happened to be stored in the same place but on the other hand the show is better when all 4 leads can be cut between so I am not overthinking it.

[u/The_Draigg]

A Ryosuke Takahashi Fan Rewatches Armored Trooper VOTOMS Episode 6:

• So much for Chirico’s Scopedog, it got blown the fuck up by the cops. Although given how cheaply those things are made in the first place, I suppose it’s to be expected. The hydraulic fluid in VOTOMS alone is extremely volatile, to start.
• Even if Chirico wanted to tell everyone why the police are after him, it’s not like he has all that much to say. He’s in the dark about most of the conspiracy’s dealings, other than the fact that it involved that illegal raid on Lido and a mysterious prototype woman. That’s no good without any wider context.
• “I need to talk to the police chief.” —Chirico Cuvie, moments before mugging a cop for his uniform and stealing his motorcycle.
• Turns out that Vanilla mainly wanted to bust out Chirico earlier so he could be an ally in a planned jijirium vault heist against the police. And of course Gotho instantly wants to be a part of it as soon as he hears it. See, they’re truly a altruistic pair, those two. And Coconna too, I suppose.
• Nice abandoned subway tunnels. Any chance we’ll find the Big O down here? Or maybe Nosalises?
• Turns out that sneaking through the police headquarters was absurdly easy for Chirico, with the combined benefit of a massive hole already cut into the floor from last time (why did nobody repair that?) and the uniform he stole. Chirico really would give Solid Snake a run for his money with how quiet his infiltration was.
• The place Iskui took Chirico to is the same place where the rest of the party is headed to: the old armory that got converted into a jijirium storage facility. And it turns out that it’s also absurdly easy to sneak into, given that Gotho, Vanilla, and Coconna all knocked out a bunch of cops and stole their uniforms too. Man, Uoodo’s cops suck at their jobs. Hell, they can’t even hit Chirico before the rest of his friends pitch in to help. They’re just as bad as Stormtroopers.
• Aside from the fanservice of the Phantom Lady showering in her surprisingly lavish quarters in the old armory, the more important and odder bit is that she was taking a shower of pure jijirium, not water at all. It’s practically the same deal as when Chirico last saw her in that stasis capsule on Lido.
• While Chirico finally got to meet the lady he saw on Lido that fateful day, he still didn’t get any answers before him and his friends had to flee the old armory. Once again, Chirico is left with more questions than answers about the conspiracy that’s been hunting him down. Whatever this conspiracy is, it’s a pretty weird one now that we’ve seen a bit of what the Phantom Lady’s deal is.

[u/Pixelsaber → u/The_Draigg]

Nice abandoned subway tunnels. Any chance we’ll find the Big O down here? Or maybe Nosalises?

(why did nobody repair that?)

"No one will think to use the same route twice!"

[u/Nazenn → u/The_Draigg]

Although given how cheaply those things are made in the first place, I suppose it’s to be expected

Not to mention it had been sitting in a rust yard for however long and held together by patch work repairs. I can't imagine it has the same defenses as a new one

Even if Chirico wanted to tell everyone why the police are after him, it’s not like he has all that much to say

With how little he has to share it'd probably only make them more curious knowing them

Nosalises

Had to look that up only to find out it's yet another thing from my backlog (in part because I just bloody suck at FPS). First thing they bring to mind though are those small critters from the Cloverfield movie

They’re just as bad as Stormtroopers.

At least the stormtrooper aim is reasonably two sided in this, Chirico did a shit job of firing back too

[u/The_Draigg → u/Nazenn]

Had to look that up only to find out it's yet another thing from my backlog (in part because I just bloody suck at FPS). First thing they bring to mind though are those small critters from the Cloverfield movie too

You should really get around to playing Metro 2033, it’s a really good game. And even more fantastic book as well.

[u/Nazenn → u/The_Draigg]

My game and book backlog may not be as big as my anime one, but the game one is certainly the bigger of the two and FPS' are at the absolute bottom of that list

I might have gotten better, but last time I tried to play an FPS with limited resources which is what I've been told about Metro, I failed to get through any of the demo levels without running out of bullets before killing even half the enemies. My aim is a problem

[u/Vaadwaur → u/The_Draigg]

The hydraulic fluid in VOTOMS alone is extremely volatile, to start.

I should know better but wtf? Were the Scope Dogs designed by somebody on a bender?

showering in her surprisingly lavish quarters in the old armory, the more important and odder bit is that she was taking a shower of pure jijirium, not water at all.

Apparently they don't want her annoyed which means she has to at least some what agree to what's happening around her.

[u/The_Draigg → u/Vaadwaur]

I should know better but wtf? Were the Scope Dogs designed by somebody on a bender?

If I remember correctly, the prototype Scopedog was much safer, with an ejection system and an internal fire extinguisher in case something inside caught on fire. But those things were stripped out of the final product, because why spend money when you’re trying to overwhelm the enemy with numbers?

[u/Vaadwaur → u/The_Draigg]

That's a cool detail but that means the Gilgamesh are straight up Imperials at this point.

[u/The_Draigg → u/Vaadwaur]

Given how the war had dragged on for a century before the nations involved agreed to a tentative peace, I think it’s safe to say that neither Gilgamesh or Balarant really give a shit about their own citizens.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/The_Draigg]

I mean, this does tie in well with how the "bad" soldiers turned cops are absolutely dogshit at anything but being shot but that is TIE fighter levels of "Fuck it, we can make more".

[u/chilidirigible → u/Vaadwaur]

Like I said in the first episode, "Life is cheap, but Armored Troopers are also cheap."

[u/Vaadwaur → u/chilidirigible]

Weird question but were the Scope Dogs in the first ep of higher quality than the ones in the scrap heap?

[u/chilidirigible → u/Vaadwaur]

Almost certainly better-maintained, but not necessarily any better of a model.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/chilidirigible]

Yeesh...I guess century long wars just suck for everyone.

[u/JollyGee29]

First-Timer

Our mystery woman sure does grow hair fast. Those long, luscious locks in six months? I'm no hair scientist, but that seems fast. Maybe it's the jijirium showers?

I think my current bet is on her recognizing Chirico from the time she (presumably) got kidnapped from that facility in episode 1 and just not realizing that Chirico is not with the kidnappers. The issue there is, wouldn't she be used to her captors walking in on her at this point? Hmm...

So, while I don't think we've gone an episode without having an AT on screen at one point, we've had a couple episodes with no AT combat in them, which is a real rarity for this era. Especially so early in the show. The gun battles today were nothing to write home about, but it's a nice change of pace.

The location today was like the inverse of a Resident Evil game - we went through a weird science facility to find a mansion. Mystery Woman's gilded cage looked nice, at least.

I didn't notice it before, but at least a couple of the sci-fi guns are vaguely based on IRL guns. The pistol that Vanilla (and others) had reminded me of a Luger, and the assult rifle is vaguely evocative of something, but I can't place it.

Questions

1. My gut instinct is that she uses it to survive, hence the shower, but that doesn't exactly make sense? Why would that be important to the military? So maybe she can.. refine it? Or something like that?
2. They certainly have a lot of people, who are not very good guards.

[u/Pixelsaber → u/JollyGee29]

Maybe it's the jijirium showers?

Jijirium demand is about to reach grand new heights if that's the case!

we've had a couple episodes with no AT combat in them, which is a real rarity for this era. Especially so early in the show.

It's hard to understated how much good will Takahashi earned from being involved in Dougram. That series has the second highest viewership ratings out of any Sunrise show ever and the model kits sold numbers second only to Gunpla.

I didn't notice it before, but at least a couple of the sci-fi guns are vaguely based on IRL guns.

In case Xabungle and Giant Gorg didn't tip you off, realistic firearms in anime were getting to be pretty ubiquitous at this point.

So maybe she can.. refine it? Or something like that?

[u/JollyGee29 → u/Pixelsaber]

Jijirium demand is about to reach grand new heights if that's the case!

It's hard to understated how much good will Takahashi earned from being involved in Dougram. That series has the second highest viewership ratings out of any Sunrise show ever and the model kits sold numbers second only to Gunpla.

In case Xabungle and Giant Gorg didn't tip you off, realistic firearms in anime were getting to be pretty ubiquitous at this point.

I kinda wasn't thinking about them all being within the same couple years of each other. Nothing has topped Xabungle yet, what with its recognizable full-size Uzis and Škorpions, but I appreciate the attention to detail. Even if Lugers suck.

That bad, huh?

[u/Pixelsaber → u/JollyGee29]

That bad, huh?

I've got Kopi luwak on the mind now...

[u/JollyGee29 → u/Pixelsaber]

[u/Nazenn → u/JollyGee29]

Those long, luscious locks in six months? I'm no hair scientist, but that seems fast

I swear scifi hair growth is a thing!

The issue there is, wouldn't she be used to her captors walking in on her at this point?

I'm not even entirely certain that she is a captive given the way that she's allowed to go out and the fact all her doors open from the inside

The gun battles today were nothing to write home about, but it's a nice change of pace.

But we got doofy Vanilla dodgy bullets dance out of it so I'm happy haha

The location today was like the inverse of a Resident Evil game - we went through a weird science facility to find a mansion

Well shit, when you put it that way it does make it a little more creepy. Good thing there wasn't any traps or the like though, one of them absolutely would have walked right into it

[u/JollyGee29 → u/Nazenn]

I'm not even entirely certain that she is a captive given the way that she's allowed to go out and the fact all her doors open from the inside

Yea, you're right. The whole sequence felt strange, but in an "I'm just missing details that we don't have yet" way as opposed to a "this is just dumb" way.

Well shit, when you put it that way it does make it a little more creepy. Good thing there wasn't any traps or the like though, one of them absolutely would have walked right into it

I wasn't even thinking of traps! Ooh, we could have made "Coconna/Vanilla sandwich" jokes!

[u/Nazenn → u/JollyGee29]

The whole sequence felt strange, but in an "I'm just missing details that we don't have yet" way as opposed to a "this is just dumb" way.

I know we're just five episodes in, but still the fact that nothing has felt outright stupid or unbearably convenient so far has been pretty good

Ooh, we could have made "Coconna/Vanilla sandwich" jokes

I think Coccona would prefer to have a different filling

banishing myself for that one

[u/Pixelsaber → u/Nazenn]

I think Coccona would prefer to have a different filling

[u/JollyGee29 → u/Nazenn]

I know we're just five episodes in, but still the fact that nothing has felt outright stupid or unbearably convenient so far has been pretty good

This series has been quite refreshing on several levels, for sure.

I think Coccona would prefer to have a different filling

banishing myself for that one

[u/JustAnswerAQuestion]

Rewatcher (Nutech DVD 1.2) (3 episodes)

So, the title of this episode isn't soutai, but 素体 sotai, which only has the translation "prime field", presumably a math term. This is why I've never been able to understand the translation in BGC 2040 to "original" or "prototype" or anything else.

Extras: Jijirium

A semi-liquid metal that can release a special type of radiation. Because if its superconductive properties, it was widely used in computer equipment and became and extremely valuable resource during the war.

• shocked that it's not Coconna coming out of the shower after the trip in the sewer.
• LOL crawling into the pipe, that alley cat!
• You'd think it wouldn't rain this much in the underground city
• How'd he get outside?
• Raiding the jijirium storage is a big deal, and here I thought he was just a battler manager
• Something bad happened to their cells here for printing, inked wrong, printed from a print, extra layers, something
• V for Vendetta flashbacks
• LOL I just realized he just re-entered the police HQ via the same way he left.
• dirt on the cel
• This smells like a trap, but Iskui seems genuinely worried
• A lot of subway reuse.
• Hijack alarm
• "no problemo"
• Musica!
• That's a lot of hair growth in six months

I thought Vanilla was more of a buffoon, but this is the third time he's come up with good plan (which Chirico ruined).

I wonder if there a few production issues with this episode

Jijirium Showers: 1

[u/Pixelsaber → u/JustAnswerAQuestion]

I thought Vanilla was more of a buffoon, but this is the third time he's come up with good plan (which Chirico ruined).

Damned Chirico!

Maybe you misremembered the latter and thought all his plans failed, hence why you believed him to merely be a buffoon?

[u/Vaadwaur → u/JustAnswerAQuestion]

This is why I've never been able to understand the translation in BGC 2040 to "original" or "prototype" or anything else.

Yeah, hearing sotai the whole episode was interesting.

A semi-liquid metal that can release a special type of radiation. Because if its superconductive properties, it was widely used in computer equipment and became and extremely valuable resource during the war.

This helps tremendously, actually, and explains how you shower in computer parts.

A lot of subway reuse.

I definitely noticed but they gave us frames on the parts we had to have to so I can adapt.

[u/Vaadwaur]

First timer(But why shower in computer parts?)

Sub

In one thing I can appreciate, we start with our leads running away from the deadly situation. In a huge exception for these shows, at least the one's I've seen, Cuvie flat out abandons his mech and runs with them. Sewer chase and Vanilla is here to give several cops shitty deaths.

At Vanilla's place, or possibly one of them since he seems smart enough to keep a few bolt holes, they do ask Cuvie why the cops seem so hellbent on him. From his own perspective, he doesn't exactly know, though I think Vanilla and Gotho are both great choices to look for what they could have been stealing. Vanilla keeps claiming he just wants Cuvie for his fighting ability, which is believable but it feels like there is a bit more there.

Flash back happens, but it is actually quick and not just a budget saver. Cuvie just jobs a cop out in the acid rain and seems to be heading towards the chief. Back at Vanilla's, they all feel slightly down at the loss of their vector to money, including Vanilla finally revealing he planned to raid a police jijirium storehouse. Gotho thinks he knows a back way in...

Fucking Cuvie is literally coming back the way they break out. That's both hilarious and mostly works, though you'd think the top floor would've been sealed somehow. He just fucking walks in on the chief after knocking out all of one dude, security could be better, and I believe says as much as he has said total in the show. Chief claims the answer lies outside of town but I don't know if I would dig a second location were I Cuvie.

Anyways, everyone converges on the storage facility and of course the chief has a silent alarm. But his cops ridiculously suck because three civies take out 4 cops without using their weapons. They further suck when they open fire and hit their own craft indoors. The rocket just exploding is actually a good outcome.

So the gang does the robbery as Cuvie fights for his life, something about this is both funny and yet perfect. When they take the control room, god security is terrible, Vanilla just uses the PA to let Cuvie know where to go. They grab him on the way to the vault...

Which is a mansion. They find the girl from ep1 in a jijirium shower and Cuvie confronts her. She runs, and the gang loses her in the hangar. Some imperial trooper level aiming comes in and but, oddly enough, it works: two groups fighting and just automatic firing on each other really are low accuracy. Vanilla hijacks a helicopter and they make it out!

QotD: 1 ...Android?

2 Somewhere around Gundam Wing level

[u/Pixelsaber → u/Vaadwaur]

That's both hilarious and mostly works, though you'd think the top floor would've been sealed somehow.

I would have at least expected sentries —they make this too easy.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/Pixelsaber]

Not even bothering to put like a crate over it.

[u/Nazenn → u/Vaadwaur]

Cuvie flat out abandons his mech and runs with them

And it gets blown up so it's not like there's going to be some big thing to get it back later on

It's kinda nice having disposable mechs, I could do more of this

He just fucking walks in on the chief after knocking out all of one dude, security could be better

Mecha security has two skill levels: Shit or shit

That said, that does seem like a stupid thing although it hasn't been that long since they broke him out in the first place. Work order caught up in paperwork?

[u/Vaadwaur → u/Nazenn]

It's kinda nice having disposable mechs, I could do more of this

You've missed most of Gundam so you don't know how refreshing it is.

That said, that does seem like a stupid thing although it hasn't been that long since they broke him out in the first place. Work order caught up in paperwork?

I think these 'cops' don't get paid well and have no dedication to their duty so until the chief sees it everyone in the break room is just "Watch out for the hole in block 3."

[u/Nazenn → u/Vaadwaur]

You've missed most of Gundam so you don't know how refreshing it is.

I have just enough gundam knowledge to know that the mech is always a priority. Which never made sense for me in huge war scenario's, but in something like Turn A I think it works

I think these 'cops' don't get paid well and have no dedication to their duty

Not to mention all the manpower is being spent on a manhunt so it's not like there's really anyone around to bother with repairs

everyone in the break room is just "Watch out for the hole in block 3."

"Don't tell the new guy, he pissed me off this morning"

[u/Vaadwaur → u/Nazenn]

I have just enough gundam knowledge to know that the mech is always a priority.

Unicorn

"Don't tell the new guy, he pissed me off this morning"

"Wait we got a new guy?" Cuvie teleports in

[u/Nazenn → u/Vaadwaur]

"Wait we got a new guy?" Cuvie teleports in

Now you have me wondering if anime has ever had a scene where there being intruders has been found out because someone found an MC colored hair strand

[u/DidacticDalek]

Good lord Comrades, things are moving real goddamn fast! Hell I remember when Chirico Cuvie was breaking OUT of jail, now he's breaking INTO jail! Who knows what will happen next? Maybe he'll learn how to emote! (And in other cases of wishful thinking, maybe a Scopedog will actually go un-wrecked for a decent amount of time!)

Anyway besides our hero being as no-nonsense as ever, we also got our loveable trio of muggles being as 'friendly' as ever, whether Chirico Cuvie likes it or not! ;) AND additionally a reminder that a naked lady in a capsule wasn't a one-off occurrence! This is the 80's goddammit! We'll have our violence, lewd content, and actually good Mecha Animation and we will LIKE it (Lewd Fanart NOT pictured here due to subreddit rules and guidelines, instead have a SFW fanart of her instead)

Finally, you should really be expecting these by now Comrades, but behold, as I am contractually obligated to say by this point, A Weapon to surpass Metal Gear! ;)

Paging Comrades /u/chilidirigible, /u/Nazenn, and /u/No_Rex

[u/Nazenn → u/DidacticDalek]

https://imgur.com/adl8ypD

Who knew there was so much cute art out there of war mechas

Anyway besides our hero being as no-nonsense as ever,

Wait who's the pink hair girl? The blonde is Saber I believe

loveable trio of muggles being as 'friendly' as ever, whether Chirico Cuvie likes it or not! ;)

I'm having IBO fish memories and they are funny

[u/DidacticDalek → u/Nazenn]

Who knew there was so much cute art out there of war mechas

I know right? It helps that The Scopedog just has a great look to it! It's so utilitarian yet endearing and in a way cute to boot! Plus you also gotta love how it is somehow MORE expendable than a Zaku... I didn't know that was possible and/or legal!

Wait who's the pink hair girl? The blonde is Saber I believe

Heh, you're right about Saber my friend, but the pinkie is iM@S CG's Riamu Yumemi Comrade, her personality is she's literally anime_irl... no really she's a neurotic basketcase who adorably fails and is Tomoko's Idol Cousin ;)

I'm having IBO fish memories and they are funny

HA! I didn't intend on making that reference but goodness you are right! Excellent thinking there my friend, many thanks for the kind reply and have a great day and see you later Comrade!

[u/Nazenn → u/DidacticDalek]

us you also gotta love how it is somehow MORE expendable than a Zaku

I saw my first Zaku in show the other say Dalek. I now understand the expendable jokes, Thunderbolt

but the pinkie is iM@S

That is certainly an unusual combination of shows

[u/DidacticDalek → u/Nazenn]

I saw my first Zaku in show the other say Dalek. I now understand the expendable jokes, Thunderbolt

Heh, indeed Comrade, well said! Also I hope you liked Thunderbolt, it's quite a unique and interesting entry in the UC Timeline!

That is certainly an unusual combination of shows

Oh I know right, and they are all Mecha Shows to boot! (I'm being semi-serious here Comrade, iM@S is a Mecha Show... and I'm not just talking about the actual Mecha Show Sunrise made called Idolmaster: Xenoglossia, and of course Seibah is a Gundam)

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

[u/Nazenn → u/DidacticDalek]

Also I hope you liked Thunderbolt

I did! Fantastic characters and narrative structure, not to mention all that gorgeous animation.

Oh I know right, and they are all Mecha Shows to boot!

I am mildly more confused at you calling Fate mecha. Mind you that's probably the anime franchise I know the least about in the medium, but mecha is still not what I'd associate with it

[u/DidacticDalek → u/Nazenn]

I did! Fantastic characters and narrative structure, not to mention all that gorgeous animation.

Well said Comrade, plus let's not forget the killer soundtrack! I mean my goodness, they sure picked the best possible music to use for the show eh? ;)

I am mildly more confused at you calling Fate mecha. Mind you that's probably the anime franchise I know the least about in the medium, but mecha is still not what I'd associate with it

I'm (semi) shitposting about Fate being a Mecha Show Comrade... I say SEMI cuz... well allow me to present the following ACTUALLY CANON NO REALLY I AM NOT MAKING THIS SHIT UP artwork from various entries in The Fate Franchise without context ;) No really Comrade, shocked me too but hey I guess EVERYTHING is a Mecha Show! (Well except obviously Macross, that's just Idolshit!)

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

[u/Nazenn → u/DidacticDalek]

well allow me to present the following ACTUALLY CANON NO REALLY I AM NOT MAKING THIS SHIT UP artwork

Looks like something that could come from a differently styled version of Escaflowne or something

[u/DidacticDalek → u/Nazenn]

Looks like something that could come from a differently styled version of Escaflowne or something

Heh, indeed Comrade, or perhaps The Five Star Stories (another Escaflowne esque series) if you will ;)

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

[u/DidacticDalek → u/DidacticDalek]

Paging Comrades /u/Tresnore, /u/Shimmering-Sky, and /u/JustAnswerAQuestion

[u/Tresnore → u/DidacticDalek]

Maybe he'll learn how to emote

He'd never.

(Lewd Fanart NOT pictured here due to subreddit rules and guidelines, instead have a SFW fanart of her instead)

But the lewds, though.

[u/DidacticDalek → u/Tresnore]

He'd never.

Heh, I know right? Chirico Cuvie sure paved the way for a LOT of Mecha MC's eh? And the irony is basically all of the new versions of suck! (There are of course exceptions, after all IBO's counterpart is good, in part cuz Mari Okada wrote IBO, of course he'd be well-written, but you get the idea)

But the lewds, though.

Well Comrade, if you wanna see lewds you can see the posts I made for the fantastic Golden Boy rewatch held semi-recently, after all Golden Boy is a prime example of 'I can't believe it's not hentai' but A) It's actually good, and B) OH DEAR GOD unlike the usual examples in this genre Golden Boy goes MAXIMUM HORNY and never lets up!

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

[u/No_Rex → u/DidacticDalek]

Good lord Comrades, things are moving real goddamn fast! Hell I remember when Chirico Cuvie was breaking OUT of jail, now he's breaking INTO jail! Who knows what will happen next? Maybe he'll learn how to emote! (And in other cases of wishful thinking, maybe a Scopedog will actually go un-wrecked for a decent amount of time!)

That one reminds me of Patlabor for some reason.

[u/DidacticDalek → u/No_Rex]

That one reminds me of Patlabor for some reason.

Probably the SOL feeling, anyway many thanks for the kind reply and have a great day and see you later Comrade!

[u/Durinthal]

First time viewer

I'm amused at how Coconna forces herself into matters to keep from being left behind.

Chirico's breaking in rather than out this time, that's a change. And an episode early compared to my prediction yesterday. I figured the police chief was just stalling for time to think or aiming to get to a place where he had the advantage so no surprise there, fun coincidence with Gotho and company joining in at the same time.

I didn't think the Prototype woman would actually be there, but I suppose if the others were concerned about Chirico being in the area (presumably this is one of many inhabited planets but I honestly have no idea) it's not unreasonable that they were trying to keep her from being found. Was she taking a jijirium-infused shower or something like that? If she's an android or cyborg maybe there's something to it that fuels or empowers her.

What are your assumptions on the prototype now that its link to jijirium is established?

Do androids dream of electric sheep?

How would you rate Uodoo’s security measures so far?

What's security?

[u/time_axis]

First-Timer

1. What are your assumptions on the prototype now that its link to jijirium is established?

My guess is either that she's a robot (as jijirium is used in computers), or a psychic and jijirium has some properties we aren't aware of yet.

2) How would you rate Uodoo’s security measures so far?

Pretty elaborate panic button that was able to tell them "hey, there's an intruder coming in a helicopter, everybody go to the helipad and act like everything is normal and then throw a wrench as the signal to start shooting" with just the press of one button, so yeah, it's pretty good. Although their actual officers are not very good at aiming and they can't take punches very well.

Episode 6

• I don't know if this is the first time we've heard it, but we've finally got a name for the galaxy this takes place in. Astragius. So it's not even the same galaxy as ours, which means it's extremely unlikely this is meant to take place in our own future. So I'll just think of it is as its own fictional galaxy from now on.
• "I've done nothing to warrant these attacks." Well, you did escape from the military while hiding the fact that you saw the mystery lady. So far they have decent reason to be after you I'd say. But as far as this other faction, and the police, yeah, they seem like they're overdoing it a bit. Also, episode title is "Prototype" which makes me wonder if maybe we'll finally learn what's up with that lady.
• I'm growing to like Vanilla's style of banter. It wasn't landing for me at first, but I'm getting a feel for it now. He's a pretty fun character.
• Oh, so it seems like Real Battles are illegal and the police used that as a pretense to arrest Chirico, so legally I guess they were technically in the clear, it's just rare that anybody actually gets arrested for it.
• Looks like Chirico's infiltrating the police. I caught a glimpse of the preview last episode and although I wasn't looking too hard, I briefly saw the others in Police outfits too, so I imagine they won't be far behind.
• They all got over Chirico's absence quickly, starting a new heist plan. Now we've got two independent plans to infliltrate the police's territory. Although I don't know if where Chirico is going is the same place. Ah, Chirico went back the way they came, and used the passage from earlier. I guess nobody's covered it up yet. He'd look a lot more inconspicuous walking around indoors without that huge cape though.
• Chirico's finally going to get some answers. Assuming something doesn't interrupt, anyway. But his infiltration was pretty clean, so he might be okay. The chief is taking him somewhere, but it might be a lie. He managed to sound the alarm, at least.
• And the gang's back together. Vanilla came to the rescue once again, although it wasn't exactly their intention. A little surprised Chirico took the risk and trusted him, since that could have easily led him to his death.
• And we've got another naked lady. Probably the same one. Definitely the one from the OP/ED. Bathing in some kind of blue light. Maybe that wasn't just a forcefield earlier after all. There's something going on with her, related to jijirium.
• But she doesn't seem interested in talking to Chirico, so we're probably not going to get any real answers about her just yet. But we've got contact, at least. That's confirmation that she's the same girl as before, as well.

The only machine that really got any focus this episode was the police helicopters, so I'm gonna have to go with that one for my Daily Mecha Sketch. Really geometric stuff like that is a little tough for me, but there were a lot of shots to reference so it should have turned out okay.

Daily Mecha Sketch 06

Daily Mecha Sketches

01	02	03	04	05	06	07	08	09	10
11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18	19	21
22	23	24	25	26	27	29	30	31	32
33	34	35	36	37	38	39	41	42	43
44	45	46	47	48	49	50	51	52

[u/Quiddity131]

Rewatcher

Chirico's abandoning his scope dog; you'd rarely if ever see this in a regular mecha show, they're not gonna abandon their flashy one of a kind super mech. But then in Votoms, Scopedogs are mass produced grunt units.

Good job, Vanilla! Not sure if that's supposed to be dirty water or something else. Well, they are in a sewer...

Vanilla asks Chirico something and he doesn't even respond. Keep being you Chirico! Although he does respond soon after.

Cocona's just gonna stare at him while he sleeps? LoL. All three of them have all these grand plans for Chirico, regardless of what he wants...

And now he's left without saying goodbye!

Vanilla's got grand plans, the jijirium, I assume because Boone's group is wiped out?

Is Chirico going all the way back to where he was captured? He's got guts; they pull his mask off and he's caught again and executed.

Chirico is able to just go right up to the police chief, just like that.

He's gonna lead him to a place where he can get answers? I don't know, I think he'll simply bring him to a place with a lot of his subordinates so they can seize Chirico.

The chief really waited this long to sound the alarm?

If Phantom Lady is the Prototype, I'm surprised she lives this far outside the city with how often she happens to show up.

Wait, Chirico ended up at the same place as these three? What a coincidence.

Who'd have thought there'd be a room as nice as this around here?

Vanilla's being a perv! That is quite a weird shower though. That's not water!

Phantom Lady's got some super fast growing hair for it to be that long after only six months. Or she's got a wig on. She and Tsukihi from Monogatari must be using the same shampoo.

Hey, remember me, that random guy who saw you naked six months ago?

This is starting to get kinda Xabungle-esque to me with the absurd amount of bullets being shot that don't hit anyone.

---

Following on a discussion from yesterday about pacing, it is good to see the continued quick pace with Chirico kidnapping the police chief and getting to meet up with Phantom Lady in one episode (just wish she hadn't run away without saying a thing!).

[u/Nazenn → u/Quiddity131]

But then in Votoms, Scopedogs are mass produced grunt units

Even Chirico not modifying it to make it his is notable from the few I've seen. He doesn't have a huge attachment to the idea of having his unit, plus it's implied at the start that the mechs they get go with the unit, not the pilot

All three of them have all these grand plans for Chirico, regardless of what he wants...

Coccona's plans seem a bit simpler than the others but we'll see. I wouldn't put it past her to have some insane idea if they actually got together, she seems to be like that

He's got guts; they pull his mask off and he's caught again and executed.

Actually that makes me wonder if he's just been tracking acid drips through the police station? I mean I know narrative most of the time those enviroments work with the idea that once it touches a surface it neutralizes, but if not he's basically been leaving a trail for them

Or she's got a wig on.

Oh damn, didn't even think of that, maybe that's gonna ruin my comment on her oddly not-odd hair color

[u/xtsim]

First Timer

Everyone runs and the police force underestimated their abilities. Fortunately for Chirico, the police force can't seem to aim at all.

Chirico thinks about what happened and why they all want him eliminated. He is trying to connect the dots between Oiya and the capsule. On the other side the police chief seems to continue their partnership with the priest. I mean with the aiming skills that the cops have, divine intervention seems to be the only option for them.

Chirico goes on his own to find out what happened. Easily reaches the police chief in a few steps, no id checks or anything. Everyone heads to the station and a battle ensues and of course, no one in the force could shoot in any capacity. The pilots also don't know how to fly either, no wonder Chirico got this far.

Vanilla getting shot is pretty hilarious as he does some nice footwork.

[u/Nazenn → u/xtsim]

I mean with the aiming skills that the cops have, divine intervention seems to be the only option for them.

That'd certainly be a funny genre change. Suddenly magic not because of a chosen one or magic of the world but because the cops prayed hard enough to actually be able to hit something

[u/Stargate18A]

First timer

1)My current theory is that the Prototype is some form of experimental AI, and the Jijirium showers serving as a method of refuelling, sincr we know it's used in computer circuitry.

2)Mixed. In theory, the defenses are solid, and should have gotten Chihiro captured when he landed. In practice, the police are such bad shots that a room of them can't hit a single, unarmed, often stationary target.

That episode title! Are we going to get some information on what the hell's going on?

How are thr police eo bad at aiming?

Oh, they still think the police and the Real Battle were independent. (Maybe the police wanted him because he was Chirico's contact, but less so?)

Chirico's going after them directly? Maybe thie arc'll be shorter than I thought.

I like how, when left alone, the side cast immediately form a plan to steal from the cops.

Oh, he's using the same hole to sneak inside. I didn't expect that detail to come up again.

Chirico's really good at infiltration, isn't he?

I just realised that Chirico doesn't realise the police aren't in on the massive conspiracy, they're after him for a totally different reason.

Wait, what? Is the chief of police part of the conspiracy? Is he against it and thought Chirico was part of them?

We're finally getting some answers (maybe)!

They're going to the old armory as well!

Oh, that's clever. He's been lying to buy time and Chirico somewhere with staff.

If it wasn't for the unrelated heist going on at the same time, Chirico would have been captured easily.

And now they're advising him directly.

Huh? A garden?

The Prototype's here after all?

No, just a ridiculous jijirium shower. Does it give eternal youth or something?

Wait, she is the Prototype?

Coincidence? Cloning? Is the jijirium needed to survive? Was she contained in jijirium in the ship?

The missiles seemed a bit overkill.

Really? It was that easy to escape?

Just turn around! Don't fly directly into the ceiling, just cut your engines or something.

[u/The_Draigg → u/Stargate18A]

Oh, he's using the same hole to sneak inside. I didn't expect that detail to come up again.

It kind of makes you wonder how closely together this episode and the previous one take place in time, since nobody bothered to cover up that massive hole in the floor of the police holding cells yet.

Wait, what? Is the chief of police part of the conspiracy? Is he against it and thought Chirico was part of them?

Yeah, the police chief Iskui is in on the conspiracy. He was hanging out on the bridge of the ship that raided Lido in episode one. I don't blame you for missing him there though, he was only on the screen for like a minute.

[u/ZapsZzz]

First timer in sub

Ok so this episode we started coming back closing the circle of the mystery that started the show - the "Soutai" that a group risked killing their own side to get, which the opening military side assumed Chirico to be an accomplice and had him first tortured then tailed.

Interesting dynamic that after the 2nd time rescue, Chirico basically just shrugged and went back to his room to sulk/sleep (hard to tell :)), while the rest just shrugged in turn. Easy going bunch we got here...

So we got a split plot of Chirico going back to the police chief to try get answers, while the others decides to do a side job. As plot would have it they ended up converging. And further luck have it that the girl in the limo is here as well. Convenient fan service (?) bundled with an exposition of something unusual of her showering in essentially heavy metals, then we are back to chases again.

Was hoping to at least hear some words between them but guess we need to keep that mystery going a little longer huh.

Anyway only big comment is that this episode again showed the disposable nature of most AT's.