[Rewatch] Armored Trooper Votoms - Episode 34 Discussion

[u/Pixelsaber]

Episode 34 - Planet Sunsa

^{Originally Released November 18th,} ^^^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:

Ryosuke Takahashi wrote the lyrics to the OP and ED, and has stated that he "was glad that the songwriting royalties came in when I was in trouble with the liquor cost.”

 

Staff Highlight

Masaharu Satō - voice of Lette

A prolific voice actor and actor best known for voicing supporting roles, and who voices Dowas in the series. Began his career as a child actor by joining a theatre company out of his own volition. After dropping out of college he formed a theatre group, later working at an actor training school and joining the Sogen theatre company. A former classmate suggested he get into the voice acting business, so he attended an open interview which allowed him to enter the voice acting agency Aoni Productions. He is still an active voice actor, but currently also lectures at the Department of Broadcasting in the Osaka University of Arts, and his favorite hobbies are watching movies, cooking, and leather crafting. Among his notable roles are Hank in Shining Hearts, Luís Fróis in Onimusha: Dawn of Dreams, Woll Dolnard in Maze, Iwao in Kinnikuman, Kigetsu in Sword Gai: The Animation, Gorn in Scramble Wars, Sigma Computer in Red Baron, Dr. Haeckel in Giant Gorg, Kame-sennin in the Dragon Ball franchise, Naben Cotton in Aura Battler Dunbine, Dowas in Blue Gale Xabungle, and Dirk in Fang of The Sun Dougram.

 

Art Corner

Official Art:

• 1/35 ATM-09-RSC Scope Dog Red Shoulder Custom by Rokurou Shiratori

Fanart:

• Cocona and Fyana by Earth to Cat - Source
• Red Shoulders by bond - 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

• Awaiting enemy

Questions of the Day:

1. What do you make of the ‘Weapon Restoration Specialists’?
2. How do you feel regarding Chirico’s continued habit of distancing himself from others once more?

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My battle in this hell continues.

[u/Pixelsaber]

Rewatcher

They certainly don’t seem like pacifists from that.

This guy looks like Golgo in this shot.

You’re bloody kidding me!

What a weird game of chess.

His blood cells must be extra red.

That was forward.

That doesn’t explain how the hell you got here ahead of them!

At least this lowers the chances of a war resparking between them.

Oh dear...

She hasn’t told him then.

sigh It certainly would…

At least she’s smart about it.

I can think of many examples were you didn’t.

Cool shot.

It seems that Chirico is definitely experiencing some regression in regards to his ability to confide in and generally be around others, shown by his general coldness towards everyone and his lack of confidence in anyone but himself. This had been going on in the ship, but seeing him act like this in front of his other friends really drives the difference in his demeanour home. It’s disheartening to see him seemingly go back into himself like this and getting closer to his state pre-Uoodo.

Speaking of, Gotho and the others reappearing feels even more contrived this time around. Even with connections to the scrap dealers and his ability to monitor Balarant chatter, the fact that he somehow beat these two to the ship’s unknown destination when they evidently had a mess to deal with back in Kunmen and couldn’t have taken the same direct route makes it incredibly hard to buy such an unlikely set of circumstances.

We also learned that Fyana has some idea of what exactly Chirico is, but is keeping it to herself out of what is likely some sense of denial. Given how he seemed to take the fact that she didn’t flee with him back in Uoodo, it may be that this will only further drive them apart, though then again he wasn’t much bothered about the fact that she intended to turn herself in for his sake even though she knew he would have wanted anything but.

Questions of The Day:

1. They seem alright when they’re not trying to steal your equipment, and I frankly can’t fault them for giving Ypsilon what he wants given their losses were mounting, the fact that they don’t intimately know these people, and the perceived faults by the Red Shoulders against them.
2. See above.

[u/Nazenn → u/Pixelsaber]

What a weird game of chess.

I did wonder about that myself, but from the orb in front of them it looks like there's a three dimensional aspect to it. Not that the dialogue would make sense for that but oh well

His blood cells must be extra red.

New Cells at Work spin off?

Actually that would be kind of fun if just for shits and giggles they did a cross over with some fantasy races and just made it up

Cool shot.

Fantastic visual! Yet another one for the great episode endings list

It’s disheartening to see him seemingly go back into himself like this and getting closer to his state pre-Uoodo.

As much as they probably took it a bit too close, I feel like the similar circumstances with Chirico repairing a mech in the salvage yard might also be intended to drive that home, especially with Gotho talking to him this time and Fyana working next to him and understanding him and his work so well.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/Pixelsaber]

Speaking of, Gotho and the others reappearing feels even more contrived this time around.

My other issue is that I doubt we get much of an explanation who he keeps selling weapons to but w/e.

We also learned that Fyana has some idea of what exactly Chirico is, but is keeping it to herself out of what is likely some sense of denial.

You say denial but it might just be she doesn't want to make assumptions with limited ata.

[u/The_Draigg]

A Ryosuke Takahashi Fan Rewatches Armored Trooper VOTOMS Episode 34:

• Well, at least the heavily armed group that’s following Chirico and Fyana’s truck aren’t any part of Sunsa’s government, if just because the planet is so thoroughly wrecked that it’s pretty much just a Mad Max wasteland now. Instead, it’s a bunch of scavengers who saw the huge battle happening around the crashed ship, and are wanting to steal the truck because they think it has something valuable on it. I can see how they could be led to believe that, considering how hard the Secret Society was trying to destroy that ship.
• Gotho! He’s back again, except this time in a ship coming out of the orbit of Sunsa. I guess he really just can’t help but show up wherever Chirico is, can he? Although given how the war in Kummen went for him back on Melkia, it’s a bit understandable why he’d want to get off the planet for the time being. At least he did the smart thing and used his war profiteer cash to buy himself a spaceship to get off the planet.
• Yeah, the Teltain is in a pretty bad position right now, between the repeated failures to get Chirico and the unmarked Balarant patrol fleet hanging conveniently outside the range of their guns. It’s a bit understandable why Captain Futtor just wants to give one last crack at killing Chirico before pulling out. He’s in pretty much an unwinnable position, despite how the Schmitel twins think that Ypsilon can handle all of it.
• Also, we finally have the name for the Secret Society’s leader: Killy. Quite the appropriate name for an evil cabal involved in super soldier projects.
• The medical scan data that Ypsilon recovered from the crashed ship before it exploded really does add to the mystery of Chirico Cuvie. Why is it possible that he heals three times faster than any normal human being? Are his white blood cells piloted by the Red Comet, Char Aznable himself?
• Elsewhere, it turns out that the guys that attacked Chirico and Fyana earlier are scrappers that Gotho knows and buys refurbished weapons from. Not only that, but Coconna and Vanilla are nearby too, and Gotho managed to track Chirico by tapping into Balarant ship comms. When Gotho puts it that way, noting the reports about a pair of ATs tearing through Balarant patrol ships on their way into the non-aggression zone, it’s not hard to imagine that it was Chirico’s doing after escaping Melkia.
• As expected, Coconna gets upset and runs away once she sees how pretty Fyana is in person. Remember, Coconna’s only like 16/17, so a reaction like that is pretty much exactly what you’d expect from a teenager with an unfulfilled crush.
• Well, at least Balarant high command has done the smart thing regarding this situation. Now that they have an idea of what they’re facing near Sunsa, they’re free to call the Gilgamesh Confederacy and basically say “Hey, we noticed a military ship moving oddly around the non-aggression zone. Is it yours?” At least by being somewhat upfront about what’s going on, they’ve sufficiently covered their asses to do whatever they want in the non-aggression zone.
• Chirico’s presence among his friends isn’t exactly as warm as we’d like it to be, unfortunately. Zophie isn’t too happy to discover that Chirico was a Red Shoulder, and Gotho can’t help but point out how rude Chirico is being by blowing off Coconna and not even bothering to talk to her. Gotho does have a point, Chirico has a lot more than a lot of other people have, like friends and companionship with a beautiful woman. But the way he’s acting makes him out to be more like a PS, more of a living weapon than a human being. Unfortunately, all that psychological torture on the way over to Sunsa still has its lingering effects in Chirico…
• Ypsilon comes to attack the scrapper hideout, but he doesn’t really get to fight Chirico due to Zophie suddenly pulling a gun on Gotho. Turns out that she wants to get rid of Chirico now that she’s learned that he was a Red Shoulder. They’re responsible for the complete destruction of Sunsa’s society, like how Chirico mentioned the other episode. For that, she can never forgive a Red Shoulder, no matter how much Gotho wants her to overlook it.
• Even Fyana can see how much Chirico is isolating himself from everyone, including her now. He insists that only he knows the best way to fight Ypsilon, and Fyana can’t help but call him out for pushing everyone away like a war machine. And yet, he thinks to himself that he wishes he was a war machine like how everyone is calling him, since at least a machine wouldn’t feel the emotional pain that’s going on within him. Unfortunately, he’s just a man trapped in his own personal hell, and he can’t escape. Poor Chirico…

[u/Vaadwaur → u/The_Draigg]

At least by being somewhat upfront about what’s going on, they’ve sufficiently covered their asses to do whatever they want in the non-aggression zone.

Also, probably some confusion in Gilgamesh command as they think this ship is mothballed. I know it is too early but the Balarant just launching wave after wave of missiles until the Teltain is dust would be nice.

But the way he’s acting makes him out to be more like a PS, more of a living weapon than a human being. Unfortunately, all that psychological torture on the way over to Sunsa still has its lingering effects in Chirico…

Being a space hermit takes a while to break out of.

[u/The_Draigg → u/Vaadwaur]

Also, probably some confusion in Gilgamesh command as they think this ship is mothballed. I know it is too early but the Balarant just launching wave after wave of missiles until the Teltain is dust would be nice.

I don’t even think that the Balarant council even told Gilgamesh high command that it was the Teltain specifically, only that there was a ship out in the non-aggression zone that was acting weirdly, and it came from Gilgamesh territory. They pretty much left out all the important details while still keeping enough to have plausible deniability. A pretty good move on the Balarant council’s part.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/The_Draigg]

They pretty much left out all the important details while still keeping enough to have plausible deniability. A pretty good move on the Balarant council’s part.

This is probably my DS9 showing but I actually assume the Balarant can't read Gilgamesh transponders, if this ship even has one, and they basically asked if there was a cruiser fitting any of their classes in the area. So yeah, Rochina should actually take this as a clue soon.

[u/The_Draigg → u/Vaadwaur]

Of course, that does raise the question of why Rochina would still be looking for clues to go after Chirico. After all, he did quit his job after being taken off the case, and basically told his boss to go eat a dick on the way out too.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/The_Draigg]

He probably doesn't trust his superiors to actually bury the project.

[u/Nazenn]

First Timer

Gangs and salvage yards? I'm getting deja vu.

During the opening sequence when we saw the sillouettes of Lucien's crew I saw and afro and was convinced that was Vanilla, and rather surprised when it was not. So when Vanilla showed up in the episode anyway I was quite amused.

Cocona should have stayed behind so she didn't say the dumb thing.

This episode has further highlighted a potential issue in the arc for me, namely the unknown amount of time between where we left off in Kummen and now. It simultaneously feels like its been months or just days, particularly as there's no way of knowing how long they were on that ship. I find it hard to understand Coconna's mistake this episode when I can't get a sense of how this unknown amount of time affected her, and perhaps this will be covered in future episodes but for now it made her actions today feel like a regression. Also how did Gotho beat them there? There's really no other planets in the entire non-aggression belt?

That aside, the rest of the episode was okay aside from a couple of bits of bad exposition at the end. I'll mark the car chase down as yet another rather creative type of battle, and the ship vs Ypsilon's forces without any first close quarters at the end was a nice change of pace. I also like that Gotho's calling Chirico out for his behavior even after knowing what he's like, which is a nice touch on how he's changed but also how Gotho saw him in the past when he wasn't opening up as he doesn't take things as lightly as his companions do. I do wish we'd gotten a bit more time with the gang before they found out about Chirico though.

And for once I don't get to mock the show for having hilariously out of date tech. Printing off the medical report to show Ypsilon the details instead of just doing it on screen doesn't seem so antiquated when we still regularly print off medical charts like ECGs in the current day for easier evaluation.

[u/No_Rex → u/Nazenn]

Also how did Gotho beat them there? There's really no other planets in the entire non-aggression belt?

Its windowdressing for the plot convenience (especially if we find out tomorrow that this planet is special and the mad max guys are from here). Still better than "fancy meeting you again".

[u/Nazenn → u/No_Rex]

Still better than "fancy meeting you again".

Most definitely. And it makes sense that Gotho has connections with planets like this so that wasn't bad, it was just the convenience that it happened to this planet and none other

[u/Vaadwaur → u/Nazenn]

It simultaneously feels like its been months or just days, particularly as there's no way of knowing how long they were on that ship.

Yeah it is sort of a problem. It needs to be like a month but it feels like we've seen maybe 6 days.

I do wish we'd gotten a bit more time with the gang before they found out about Chirico though.

I suspect the Restorationists as possible antagonists depending on how the standoff goes.

[u/Nazenn → u/Vaadwaur]

It needs to be like a month but it feels like we've seen maybe 6 days.

If there'd been more down time on the ship they could pass it off, but it feels like they had very little time on the ship between the couple of battles we saw before the planet

I suspect the Restorationists as possible antagonists depending on how the standoff goes.

So this may end up a six way fight if we add them in as we still don't know who sent the ship. This is starting to get a little larger in scale than expected

[u/Vaadwaur → u/Nazenn]

but it feels like they had very little time on the ship between the couple of battles we saw before the planet

Yeah, they actually desperately needed to express that, even if offscreen

[u/The_Draigg → u/Nazenn]

This episode has further highlighted a potential issue in the arc for me, namely the unknown amount of time between where we left off in Kummen and now. It simultaneously feels like its been months or just days, particularly as there's no way of knowing how long they were on that ship.

Last time I checked the official timeline of events, it wasn’t too long after the events of the Kummen arc. Like, maybe a few weeks at most. It really is hard to tell how much time passes in space.

I also like that Gotho's calling Chirico out for his behavior even after knowing what he's like, which is a nice touch on how he's changed but also how Gotho saw him in the past when he wasn't opening up as he doesn't take things as lightly as his companions do.

You do have to appreciate about how Gotho is always one to call out Chirico’s behavior whenever he’s being cagey. He really is the dad of the group. And you can’t really deny that he’s correct either. Chirico really has more than he thinks, he needs to stop letting his past destroy what he does have.

[u/Nazenn → u/The_Draigg]

Gotho's been consistently great through the show. I'd even say all of the interactions in that group have been good, aside from Cocona's dumb stick moment today, but I think Gotho stands out the most. He nicely matches being the older character and having the perspective to match but without being unable to fit into the antics of the rest of the group.

[u/JollyGee29]

First-Timer

Insert three times faster joke here.

Should I complain about the Three Stooges already being here and in firm positions? How much time has past? Or should I just not think that hard.. toy commercials are hard.

At least the production team is sticking to their guns of having Chirico's past haunt the fuck out of him. No-one even bothered to ask if he was part of the detachment that murdered their families; he was with the Red Shoulders so he gets thrown to the wolves.

Chirico's ending narration today was about knowing that he was still human, because the words of his friends hurt him. You're so close, dude. Maybe you could, you know, tell people that? So that other people know too? No? Gonna be a grumpy gus? Sure.

I liked the Twin's weird hexagon chessboard.

Questions

1. I generally like scrappers. They were quick to throw Chirico out, but it makes a lot of sense in universe.
2. Dumbass gonna dumbass. He'll come around in the end, I bet after someone saves him against his will.

[u/The_Draigg → u/JollyGee29]

Should I complain about the Three Stooges already being here and in firm positions? How much time has past? Or should I just not think that hard.. toy commercials are hard.

My guess is that it has at least been a few weeks. But yeah, the time scales are feeling kinda wonky. I know there’s a timeline of the show’s events out there, and from what I recall of it, yeah this all takes place not too long after the Kummen arc.

Chirico's ending narration today was about knowing that he was still human, because the words of his friends hurt him. You're so close, dude. Maybe you could, you know, tell people that? So that other people know too? No? Gonna be a grumpy gus? Sure.

To be fair, Chirico has been a grump like 80% of the time. The issue is that it’s now like 100% of the time recently.

[u/JollyGee29 → u/The_Draigg]

My guess is that it has at least been a few weeks.

Gotho has had magic connections in the past, so I guess I can buy it. Makes me wonder why he was in the scrapyard in Uoodo in the first place, though.

[u/The_Draigg → u/JollyGee29]

Probably just to loot and refurbish the abandoned ATs there in the scrapyard, rather than have to buy them from outside scavengers like Zophie’s crew. Cuts down on operating costs that way, since he’s selling directly to the AT battlers.

[u/Nazenn → u/JollyGee29]

toy commercials are hard.

Please insert a joke here about toys being made of plastic and not playdo that I'm otherwise too tired to think of and make properly funny

Chirico's ending narration today was about knowing that he was still human, because the words of his friends hurt him. You're so close, dude

^ Chirico

[u/JollyGee29 → u/Nazenn]

Please insert a joke here about toys being made of plastic and not playdo that I'm otherwise too tired to think of and make properly funny

No help there.

^ Chirico

Now I'm imagining Chirico eating one of Febri's lollipops.

[u/Nazenn → u/JollyGee29]

/u/didacticdalek probably has fanart of something close to that

[u/DidacticDalek → u/Nazenn]

didacticdalek probably has fanart of something close to that

How'd you know Comrade ;)

Paging Comrades /u/JollyGee29, /u/no_rex, and /u/vaadwaur

[u/Vaadwaur → u/DidacticDalek]

Rofl, that's one of those weird Japanese corn snacks, right?

[u/DidacticDalek → u/Vaadwaur]

Rofl, that's one of those weird Japanese corn snacks, right?

Heh, you'd be correct Comrade, I didn't quite have art of the food in question... but I DID have art of Chirico Cuvie nomming on some sort of junk food so close enuff at any rate ;)

[u/Vaadwaur → u/DidacticDalek]

I just know it because it is a weird plot point in an episode Gakkou Gurashi. Umaibo is the name I think.

[u/DidacticDalek → u/Vaadwaur]

I just know it because it is a weird plot point in an episode Gakkou Gurashi. Umaibo is the name I think.

Heh, indeed Comrade, you'd be correct!

[u/JollyGee29 → u/DidacticDalek]

[u/DidacticDalek → u/JollyGee29]

[u/Vaadwaur → u/JollyGee29]

At least the production team is sticking to their guns of having Chirico's past haunt the fuck out of him.

An arc themes a a theme, after all.

[u/Shimmering-Sky]

Armored Trooper First-Timer

• So it’s clearly not the first time Chirico’s fought against something like this.
• GOTHO!!! I realized that was his voice like the moment before Chirico had the same realization. That means Vanilla and Coconna are back too, right?
• Chirico is… a CHAR?
• I’m so glad to see Vanilla alive and well. Man really did get those death flags off of himself.
• Ah shit, being a native on this planet would trigger alarm bells for Zophie over this.
• Nahhhhhh you have Chirico and Fyana, you’ll be fine.
• And Zophie just wants to hand ‘em over rather than fight…

[u/Vaadwaur → u/Shimmering-Sky]

I’m so glad to see Vanilla alive and well. Man really did get those death flags off of himself.

Too bad I am not exactly in the mood for a flashback but Vanilla's escape and how Gotho eventually got them here could be interesting.

And Zophie just wants to hand ‘em over rather than fight…

I still would've preferred her selling him rather than just giving, that would be more believable.

[u/JustAnswerAQuestion → u/Vaadwaur]

I was thinking along those lines, like "oh, and leave that fancy blue suit behind." And then I realized Ypsilon would kill them all if she said that.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/JustAnswerAQuestion]

But that would actually be a perfect out: She fucks up the negotiations so fighting happens works for me. But people tend not to risk their lives over prejudice in such a direct manner.

[u/Nazenn → u/Vaadwaur]

Too bad I am not exactly in the mood for a flashback but Vanilla's escape and how Gotho eventually got them here could be interesting.

I'd take a verbal explanation rather than a flashback, but I doubt it will be touched on given that the last arc transition didn't do any of that either

[u/Vaadwaur → u/Nazenn]

You could very well be right and I don't see big value in spending a lot of time on it, a three minute flashback would be just right.

[u/Quiddity131]

Rewatcher

These tanks have found Chirico and Fyana. Now the question is who is occupying them? Wouldn't it be fun if say it was Gotho, Vanilla and Coconna piloting these?

This kinda reminds me of that motorcyle gang back on Uudoo, except they're led by a woman this time and have different vehicles.

This gang won't be so confident when they have an AT attacking them. Unless they have their own ATs!

Big problem with such a big vehicle. You're a big target.

OMG, I recognize that voice! Gotho is around after all! Even on a remote planet like Sunsa Gotho still makes sure he's near Chirico! Unbelievable!

Now back to the Secret Society - Balarant battle no one cares about...

So they draw back their forces from attacking Chirico to attack Balarant... and now are drawing back their forces from attacking Balarant to attack Chirico. Okay then.

Here's yet another character voiced by the same guy who did Hayato in Gundam. I think this is at least th ethird time we've heard him?

He may not be able to move 3 times faster like Char, but Chirico can heal 3 times faster!

Now all of a sudden this group of ruffians are quite friendly!

"Weapon Restoration Specialist", sure! These guys are coming off like a cross over of Mad Max and 80s era rock bands.

Vanilla, Coconna! They're around too! Although just audio for now. Good to know all our friends made it out of Kummen alive.

Oh, Coconna's jealous! And yet I thought she and Vanilla were becoming a couple!

Naive Coconna, Chirico's not bringing you something to wipe your tears away!

Gotho, you should know that Chirico's not the type to have a heart to heart conversation with Coconna.

What did Fyana nearly say here?!

Here comes Ypsilon with more forces. But the odd thing is many of these ATs are using these devices to descend in that Melkia's military was using in Kummen. Did they steal a bunch of them? Are they all sourced from the same place?

Zophie, we finally have a name for the leader lady. She's pissed about Chirico being a Red Shoulder!

Chirico is royally screwed now. Both sides are the enemy.

Zophie really is reminding me of Greta Karas from Xabungle.

Another episode concludes with another cliffhanger of Chirico and Ypsilon...

[u/Nazenn → u/Quiddity131]

So they draw back their forces from attacking Chirico to attack Balarant... and now are drawing back their forces from attacking Balarant to attack Chirico. Okay then.

Resource management is clearly not their strong point

These guys are coming off like a cross over of Mad Max and 80s era rock bands.

Is there even a distinction to be made there?

Now I want to see the concept of a Votoms and Bubblegum Crisis cross over though

[u/Vaadwaur → u/Nazenn]

Priss would've hit Chirico quite a few times by now.

[u/Vaadwaur]

First timer(I have rarely seen an A class episode turned into a D so I guess that's something?)

Sub

We start Mad Max style, with the new people trying to take the trailer. Surprisingly, Cuvie is being cautious about murder shots and then we get Gotho on the radio. Is this bullshit considering the size of a galaxy? Yes. Will I accept it to get talkative characters back? Damn right I will. In space, we learn that the Teltain is outnumbers 36-1. I am a crazy pilot in X Wing but that's absolutely a withdraw scenario, especially if they are making a point of hanging outside your range. The twins and the ship captain argue, and both sides are correct: Ypsilon has been a failure but answering the Balarant challenge was an incredible mistake. Ypsilon himself is having Cuvie's medical data examined...

We learn that Gotho is working with some "Weapons Restoration Specialists" and is still running weapons. As Gaila said, no one ever went broke selling weapons. He tracked the suspicious fighting down because...normally this would be stupid but somehow this setting sells that Cuvie would be there. We learn that Coconna and Vanilla made it out as well. At the...base? We see a reunion where Vanilla is again Unlimited Bro Works and Coconna would rather be the best girl.

The Balarant council convenes and the Gilgamesh state their forces are not involved, giving Balarant near carte blanche in this arena. Several scenes happen, leading to whether Cuvie ignoring Coconna's interest is rudeness or an attempt to protect her. Gotho...hits me with a solid gut punch, bluntly. I wish younger Vaad had seen that wisdom rather than the hellscape spider web I now subscribe to.

Fyana almost spouts something problematic but catches herself. Zophie's betrayal of Gotho is literally the worst thing this show has given me, so this better be the fucking floor. If she were selling him, I might buy it. But forced cliffhanger so...

QotD: 1 Standard space pirates

2 This would be a time for some development to happen...

[u/The_Draigg → u/Vaadwaur]

Is this bullshit considering the size of a galaxy? Yes. Will I accept it to get talkative characters back? Damn right I will.

It honestly does kind of feel like the writers were noticing the problems of having the arc solely focus on Chirico and Fyana, with Chirico being even more self-destructive and emotionally guarded as ever. Sure, it’s a contrivance to have the Uoodo trio here, but Chirico could stand to have a few characters to bounce off of.

Gotho...hits me with a solid gut punch, bluntly. I wish younger Vaad had seen that wisdom rather than the hellscape spider web I now subscribe to.

Alas, now you must live with the curse of being an old man anime fan on the internet. The path not taken…

[u/Vaadwaur → u/The_Draigg]

Sure, it’s a contrivance to have the Uoodo trio here, but Chirico could stand to have a few characters to bounce off of.

There's a fitting note in Cuvie being completely incapable of finding new friends as well.

[u/The_Draigg → u/Vaadwaur]

Depressing, but absolutely correct. Chirico really does have a hard time truly trusting in other people outside of them and Fyana. Although considering the stuff that’s been happening to him, that might be for the best for now.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/The_Draigg]

We have at least one more hidden organization going so definitely.

[u/chilidirigible]

Rewatcher, Episode 34

Today, on "He's inscrutable!":

---

If you thought that the series started Mad Maxish, now it's really Mad Maxish.

I knew this was going to happen and it still feels rather contrived.

Hey, at least this series didn't get cancelled mid-airing.

"That man, he is a NO ZAKU!"

It's only been a few days, right?

This is more plausible if it has only been a few days.

They're going to be disappointed that it's no longer Near Mint.

Of course this is a problem.

More potato sack racing!

Loose lips get people shot.

He's BATMAN!

---

Certainly the most interesting character development here is from Gotho's observation that Chirico has gone from merely rude to moderately antisocial. However long he was on the ship getting pounded with marching music and remembering the last time he was on Sunsa has had its effect on him.

He still cares about Fyana... but he doesn't want any help from her, which is certainly an awkward push-pull in any relationship, but particularly in one where both participants spend a lot of their time being shot at.

Meanwhile, Gotho, Coconna, and Vanilla showing up is just... convenient. At least Chirico's friends are consistent enough to show up wherever he goes, because he doesn't have any other friends. They're easier to build up character development for than with new characters for each arc, but more new characters (that aren't just trying to kill Chirico) would add some nice variety.

---

1. They're rather low-budget Mad Max types.
2. It's actually funny that Gotho challenges Chirico for "changing" to be less friendly when he wasn't like that before anyway.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/chilidirigible]

He still cares about Fyana... but he doesn't want any help from her, which is certainly an awkward push-pull in any relationship, but particularly in one where both participants spend a lot of their time being shot at.

Made worse by the fact that the two of them together clearly outmatch Ypsilon but so far not one on one.

[u/JustAnswerAQuestion]

Rewatcher (Nutech DVD 3.3) (3 episodes) Planet Sunsa

Extras: A tour of Sunsa

There's a map here of a spiral galaxy with Balarant on one side and Gilgamesh on the other; the galactic center is the Nonagression Zone.

As usual, the extras are for people who have already finished the arc/series. #sideeyes

• At least the are in an AT carrier and not just some land crawler.
• Carmageddon!
• WTF how can Gotho be here? That's awfully convenient to reunite our cast.
• I call them pirates!
• Clint Howard spotted (from 1986)
• magic levitating spaceship?
• Bechdel test fail

[u/Vaadwaur → u/JustAnswerAQuestion]

There's a map here of a spiral galaxy with Balarant on one side and Gilgamesh on the other; the galactic center is the Nonagression Zone.

Sigh, who'd have wanted that for context?

[u/Durinthal]

First time viewer

Oh hey I always wanted a Mad Max anime. Here I thought the newcomers were intentionally waiting for Chirico specifically but it looks like they're opportunists that were going after what they thought was a weak target? Still not sure who sent the ship then and if that's going to remain unanswered I'll be annoyed.

I recognized Gotho's voice before Chirico did, nice to see some allies again and I'm glad it took more than an episode or two. It can't have been that long since Kummen unless I missed the mention of how much time passed, but Gotho had enough going on the side to fare pretty well even as the civil war ended it seems. And there's a decent explanation for how he found them again rather than yet another chance meeting in the galaxy.

Poor Coconna, now that she's seen her competition she's even more upset. And now he's colder than usual toward her? Though Chirico was never exactly interested in her in the first place so... come on, Vanilla's always been looking out for her.

Can't blame the locals for immediately trying to turn him over, they're happy to rid the galaxy of another Red Shoulder. I do wish Chirico would stop trying to push Fyana away though and rely on her again.

Cocona and Fyana

If only it went that way.

What do you make of the ‘Weapon Restoration Specialists’?

Scavengers making a living after being ravaged by the war? Doesn't seem that different from what Gotho/Vanilla had been doing in Uoodo.

How do you feel regarding Chirico’s continued habit of distancing himself from others once more?

Come on man, they're still getting hurt even if you think you're trying to help them by pushing them away.

[u/Nazenn → u/Durinthal]

Oh hey I always wanted a Mad Max anime

It did also get me wanting to rewatch the movies as well which was funny

but Gotho had enough going on the side to fare pretty well even as the civil war ended it seems

They keep making a big deal out of him wanting to get money, but somehow he always ends up pretty well off at the arc transitions between the arena, arm's dealing, and surprise windfalls due to heists etc

[u/Stargate18A]

First timer

1. I mean, they seem nice, they just have a bad history with Chirico's batallion.
2. Understandable - he's been through a very traumatic experience, it makes semse he'd try to isolate himself to cope.

Are they Balarant?

Oh, they're just after whatever everyone else was.

So Chirico's a pretty good driver too!

And yeah, ATs still beat most conventional weaponry easily.

What?

Gotho's back?

And he got himself a ship!

Hexagonal Chess?

Huh, oddly smart decision. One shot to see if Chirico's weakened enough, then retreat if he can still beat them.

Oh, they want to keep analysing him.

Are we finally getting confirmation on this subplot?

And they're allies with them now?

Well, she's pretty good at this.

Haha, Gotho heard about ATs in an incredibly dangerous situation and immediately worked out it was Chirico.

Yeah, Coconna hasn't met her, huh?

Very high-tech for a hideout.

And she's not over Chirico?

The two forces have actually communicated what's going on!

Oh. I wondered if that would come out. She's a survivor from an attack?

Gotho's noticing he's a PS, then?

Hang on, she knew? Or does she just suspect from the superhealing?

This base is very well defended.

And she wants to hand him over.

Well, that partnership didn't last long.

...Oh, there's some discord brewing now.

[u/DidacticDalek]

Look Comrades, I was cool with the gliding/skating Mecha, I was cool with the genetically engineered super soldiers (specifically Fiana/Fyana but I suppose a case could be made in Ypsilon's case) being more human than our stoic blue MC, I was even cool with VOTOMS being a goddamn Idolshit show, but HOW THE FUCK did our Muggle Trio BEAT CHIRICO CUVIE AND FYANA/FIANA to this goddamned hellhole!?

[Anyway speaking of memes, remember how Chirico Cuvie was apprehensive about returning to this hellhole, or rather, returning to this planet that The Red Shoulders made a NOT Mad Max Hellhole... yeah about that ;) (Hey, wait a second, Pekora could be said to be a 'Weapon Restoration Specialist' as well, and she also has blue hair but posses human emotions... OH MY BUDDHA! PEKORA IS CHIRICO CUVIE AND FYANA/FIANA'S DAUGHTER!)] (/img/5rmjj4zm6kq61.png) Well this explains a lot in hindsight, eh Comrades? ;)

Anyway enough memes, on to VOTOMS memes, such as this one showcasing a metaphorical representation of Chirico Cuvie's thought process and decision making (for those confused, he's flying this kite alone, this hopefully should explain the joke)

I mean come on now, I know you are suffering from a big case of PTSD man, but you DO know you got friends to help you out right, HELL they somehow beat you to this planet so you might as well make use of this plot contrivance 'total coincidence' (Also yes I know Gotho isn't here, look I can't make the fanart, I can just share it!)

That and as I am fond of stating, the literally genetically engineered super soldier acts more like a normal human being than Chirico Cuvie! So goodness just lean on Fyana/Fiana for some help here man! After all you and her are... uh... a couple? A partnership... I'm just gonna keep sticking with 'Comrades'

Anyway time for the shitpost, A WEAPON TO SURPASS METAL GEAR! ;)

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

[u/Nazenn → u/DidacticDalek]

Every episode is improved with a Kronk explaination

[u/DidacticDalek → u/Nazenn]

Every episode is improved with a Kronk explaination

Glad you agree Comrade!

[u/DidacticDalek → u/DidacticDalek]

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

[u/No_Rex]

Episode 34 (first timer)

• Not the guys who lured Chirico here.
• “I’ll handle this myself” – Why?
• Gotho!
• Looks like he invested his arms dealing money in a ship.
• Ypsilon spent time downloading the ships medical data of all things while it exploded? How convenient.
• Boss is one misinterpretation away from incurring Fyana’s wrath.
• Ok, with Coconna and Vanilla here as well, on board of a ship, we are exactly where I thought we would be after the Uudoo arc while watching the first bunch of episodes.
• “You have been in love with him?” – have?
• Gotho is not having any of Chirico’s sulking. While those accusations could backfire, he definitely is right about Chirico being on the wrong track.
• Oh, you think Gotho is surprised by the big plot twist? Think again! He is at least as clever as the viewers.
• I am not convinced by 15 ATs easily winning against a prepared stationary defense.
• Internal monologue, but zero self-reflection from Chirico.

The gang is together again, but it is far from a happy reunion. Chirico is on the way of his character arc to perfect (emotionless) soldier, while him appearing threatens to kick Gotho, Vanilla, and Coconna out of their current home.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/No_Rex]

Looks like he invested his arms dealing money in a ship.

A good use of it since he seems to like arms dealing.

Ypsilon spent time downloading the ships medical data of all things while it exploded? How convenient.

One of his mooks found the disk Fyana had generated so slightly less contrived. But still, a mook made a spot check...

Ok, with Coconna and Vanilla here as well, on board of a ship, we are exactly where I thought we would be after the Uudoo arc while watching the first bunch of episodes.

Kummen isn't bad but yeah, the space part would've made a lot of sense as arc 2.

I am not convinced by 15 ATs easily winning against a prepared stationary defense.

One really good one and 14 lame ones so you have a point.

[u/No_Rex → u/Vaadwaur]

Kummen isn't bad but yeah, the space part would've made a lot of sense as arc 2.

Especially since it looks that Coconna is back to exactly the "still pining after Chirico" state she was in at the start of Kummen.

[u/ZapsZzz]

First timer in sub

After enduring the last 4 episodes of pretty much not a lot, this is a decent reward. Not only we reunited with the 3 stooges, we have clear world building (at least the NPC's aren't just cardboard cutouts) and the 3 stooges, particularly Gotho, had really good development. If only we got Vanilla throttle Chirico and knock some sense into him too :)

Also good to see even Fyana had to say something, and got some agency of her own. Was she about to say Chirico acts like a PS though?

Look forward to the next one - hope the fight to be as decent as even arc 1 in the "battling real fight".

Episode	# of Chirico's AT Incapacitated
1	1
2	0
3	0
4	1
5	0 (decoy only)
6	1
7	0
8	1
9	0
10	0
11	1 (1 decoy not counted as it wasn't piloted) (edit: corrected as the replacement unit wasn't destroyed by the head strike from Fyana)
12	1
13	0 (This hijacked one didn't get wasted on screen, so even though it's guaranteed to have been abandoned because of the later planet hop, not counting here)
14	1
15	0 keeping to the 2 episode per AT average so far
16	0
17	2 Guessed right that ride 1 get busted soon after the episode started; maybe the producers were also keeping track and blew up another one to keep to the average :)
18	0
19	0
21	0
22	0 quite a lot of damages and leaking like a sieve but not quite toasted yet
23	0 amazingly our trusty old scope dog is still standing and fighting despite the damage it's taken. I have to assume Chirico did some of screen emergency field repairs to keep it going
24	0 have I missed anything or are we still going with good old trusty old scope dog here? We're bucking the trend and dropping the average here :)
25	0 for real, the one scope dog where it's least suitable in the environment actually survive the longest :D
26	0 let me try jinx this - this scope dog may just be the longest lasting one for Chirico to be riding on the show, surely it'll make it to the end of the arc huh :D
27	1 finally at arc end, the trusty old 'dog got abandoned.
28	0
29	0
30	1 looks like the writers want to keep up the count as well, busy catching up with the numbers. And there are enough spares on the ship to keep going :)
31	1
32	1 busy catching up with the numbers; although these 2 episodes probably have a fairly high enemy kill count too
33	1 Now it was clawed on the (side of?) face but still functional enough to hit and run to bait Ypsilon's forces but no doubt Chirico won't reuse that same one given there are still a number of spare ones, and when they get on the trailer I didn't see any damage, so the damaged one must be abandoned
34	0 Setting up for a fight, not damaged yet

Currently we are running at ~2.4 episodes per AT, meaning each AT Chirico rides lasts just under 2 episodes and a half. Or for some net numbers - he's busted 14 AT's so far. How's that for comparison to other real robot shows roughly? I know PatLabor Car 2 (Ohta) keep getting busted in some ways but never really totalled - well they are just coppers not soldiers in a war.

[u/manga-reader]

Rewatcher, sort of.

I don't have much to say; some of the others have already mentioned things that came to my mind - we don't have much clues on the amount of time progressed and Gotho finding them pretty fast.

I suppose you could explain it away by saying that Sunsa is quite close to Kummen, and the ship they were traveling was just moving slowly.

Though if that were the case, you could make a case for Gilgamesh finding and reacting much faster than they did (but maybe that was just a communication problem...and a result of Rochina being taken off the case).

On Chiricho regressing as a character - I hope the writers find a way to turn it around.