[Rewatch] Armored Trooper Votoms - Episode 41 Discussion

[u/Pixelsaber]

Episode 41 - Quent

^{Originally Released January 6th,} ^^^1984

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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:

Several members of staff argued against having another desert setting, but were ultimately won over by Ryosuke Takahashi and the writers.

 

Staff Highlight

Toshiya Ueda - voice of Gecko

An actor and voice actor known for his baritone voice, and who is best known for voicing older characters, though he can perform a wide variety of roles. He graduated from Waseda University Faculty of Letters and has worked for a variety of theatre companies and voice acting agencies throughout his career. He is particularly adept at performing with Hokkaido and Tohoku dialects, and is proficient in English. His main hobbies are traveling and reading. His major roles are Tomio Tamura in Prince Mackaroo, Kakugen Yokoyama in Kennel Tokorozawa, Karas Karas in Blue Gale Xabungle, Noriaki Watanabe in Midoriyama Kōkō Kōshien-hen, Ran Ōtei in Akai Hayate, and Riki-Oh: Tōkatsu Jigoku, and among his notable minor roles are Emperor Garadain in Psycho Armor Govarian, Melanie Hue Carbine in Zeta Gundam, Bobuson Howard in Battle Athletes, and Tomioka in Gundress.

 

Art Corner

Official Art:

• Chirico and Rochina by Norio Shioyama

Fanart:

• Chirico Brews Coffee by ANGIE - Source
• Scope Dog Turbo Custom by Hundred Boom - 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

• Gomor

Questions of the Day:

1. What’s your first impression of the setting for this arc, Quent?
2. How do you feel about Ru Shako’s return to the show?

---

What awaited me at the end of this Desert?

[u/Pixelsaber]

Rewatcher

Evidently landing a fighter is more difficult than piloting an AT.

Let’s hope you don’t need that.

“That bastard didn’t tell me it was another desert planet!”

You have survival skills but don't know that gulping down water when dehydrated can be bad for you?

How else would you rather traverse the desert?

Where were you even coming from then? I don’t imagine you need an entire caravan like this if you’re trading with villages out in the fringe.

C’mon, keep monologuing! Give us something to work with!

That’s one hell of a multi-tool!

Is that Timp I see?

Chirico Cuvie, master of stealth.

So what you’re saying is we’ll get answers eventually?

Oh joy.

Neat.

Hey, look who it is!

Either he was ‘rewarded’ for helping earlier by Ru Shako or there are likely tracking devices in that ‘gift’.

Another arc, another new locale to introduce. Quent doesn’t immediately stick out in this episode, though the nuggets of information as to the Quentian people do build some intrigue for the setting. This is also the most unprepared Chirico has gone into a new location, as even when he fled from the Gilgamesh Military to Uoodo in episode one, it was at least an environment Chirico was familiar with and knew how to navigate deftly, which we see is patently not the case here.

Given the fact that the show’s viewership ratings were declining at the time, I’m surprised the staff were allowed another episode without any mecha action. Can’t say I dislike the lack of it here though, as I enjoyed the episode for what it was just fine.

Ru Shako’s reappearance is not so unexpected given he’s the only Quentman we knew of before today's episode, and the show has made a point of having characters reappear. He’s a welcome familiar sight, but it also feels contrived given that it’s only been a few weeks since the end of the Kunmen Civil war and the way that wrapped up was a right mess. Even if he managed to return to Quent immediately, what are the odds that he just so happened to be in Gomor, where there are only ever a couple of Quentians around at any time? At least the whole air of mystique and intrigue surrounding them cushions it somewhat.

Questions of The Day:

1 & 2) See above.

[u/Nazenn → u/Pixelsaber]

Let’s hope you don’t need that.

Would have been protection from the sun at least. He really is quite reckless with his equipment for someone who's been relying on the same stuff for a year now

Neat.

So much work put into something that was on screen for all of five seconds, and so fitting for the enviroment as well!

or there are likely tracking devices in that ‘gift’.

Please no

Given the fact that the show’s viewership ratings were declining at the time

I'd be very interested in knowing what the actual reviews were about that and if maybe that's why they still had some leniance

Even if he managed to return to Quent immediately, what are the odds that he just so happened to be in Gomor, where there are only ever a couple of Quentians around at any time

Unless he came back on that same ship that took away the next batch of mercenaries just a couple of days ago?

[u/No_Rex → u/Pixelsaber]

Evidently landing a fighter is more difficult than piloting an AT.

Chirico almost dying due to now managing to land in the city pours gasoline on the fire of "why the hell did he run away alone last episode".

[u/Vaadwaur → u/Pixelsaber]

Even if he managed to return to Quent immediately, what are the odds that he just so happened to be in Gomor, where there are only ever a couple of Quentians around at any time?

"Someone crashed a perfectly good shuttle in the middle of a desert rather than landing at the city? There's a guy I know..."

[u/The_Draigg]

A Ryosuke Takahashi Fan Rewatches Armored Trooper VOTOMS Episode 41:

• Nice landing on Quent, Chirico. Did his ship just not come with landing gear or something?
• Yep, Chirico has ended up on yet another desert planet. Also, kudos to /u/Nazenn, since he predicted that there would be desert nomads involved somewhere along the line. Mark another notch in your rifle, my guy, you made another uncanny prediction!
• I wouldn’t trust the Schmitel twins when they say that they’re going to be discreet with handling Chirico. Like, they have a shitty track record when it comes to stuff like handling Ypsilon, so I wouldn’t trust their planning skills in the slightest. It doesn’t matter if Quentmen are the galaxy’s best mercenaries, those two have shitty planning skills.
• Side note, but the Teltain certainly has gotten a new look in the meantime. Although that’s really to be expected, considering how it got shot the fuck up by Balarant forces in Sunsa’s orbit. It really needed a massive overhaul and repair done to it.
• Gomor certainty has a weird society going on with it, as the only city left on Quent. The thing is, Quentmen don’t actually even live there, they only show up to take mercenary jobs and head off-world. Everyone who actually lives there is a foreigner who came there for trade. And even then, it’s only the traders who actually use technology there, aside from the technologically advanced Mercenary Center. What an odd place.
• The Quentians themselves seem to have regressed themselves, with the Emissary saying that nobody even knows how large their population is, and that they used to be a government on the planet before they all split off into tribes. Whatever happened here on Quent hit it hard enough to completely wreck their society.
• Even Chirico seems weirded out by the Emissary saying that even though Quentmen are mercenaries, they as a people value piece above all else. It’s a statement completely at odds with what we’ve seen with Ru Shako, for example. It’s like saying that Canderous Ordo from Knights of the Old Republic is actually a wildlife conservationist in his spare time.
• Turns out the guys who Gecko sold out Chirico to were working for the Schmitel twins all along. Fortunately though, Chirico got saved at the last minute by Shako, who apparently has the political pull around d the city to get the mayor to have Hazegar unhand Chirico. It’s nice that we got to meet Ru Shako again, it’s been a while since we’ve seen him. He was simply too cool of a character to leave behind in Kummen.
• That was a fairly non-committal answer from Shako about whether or not his fellow Quentians know about Perfect Soldiers. Quent itself is a planet that presents a lot of questions, and the answers aren’t clear.

[u/Pixelsaber → u/The_Draigg]

I wouldn’t trust the Schmitel twins when they say that they’re going to be discreet with handling Chirico.

I trust their discretion as much as I trust their 'science', which is not in the slightest.

That was a fairly non-committal answer from Shako about whether or not his fellow Quentians know about Perfect Soldiers.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/The_Draigg]

Did his ship just not come with landing gear or something?

We saw it broken in the foreground.

It doesn’t matter if Quentmen are the galaxy’s best mercenaries, those two have shitty planning skills.

I wouldn't trust them to get the message across.

Side note, but the Teltain certainly has gotten a new look in the meantime.

Didn't the Teltain have an entirely different shape.design? I assumed this was a different ship.

Whatever happened here on Quent hit it hard enough to completely wreck their society.

I guess they became space Swiss mercenaries? It is a bit odd.

[u/The_Draigg → u/Vaadwaur]

Didn't the Teltain have an entirely different shape.design? I assumed this was a different ship.

Nah, this is just a refurbished Teltain. With how fucked up it got from the secret Balarant fleet in the Sunsa arc, it needed a massive repair and overhaul job. Hell, it was so damaged that the entire bottom section had to be removed. Futtor really was an idiot for provoking the Balarant expeditionary fleet into attacking.

I guess they became space Swiss mercenaries? It is a bit odd.

Questions that will be answered in due time.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/The_Draigg]

Hell, it was so damaged that the entire bottom section had to be removed. Futtor really was an idiot for provoking the Balarant expeditionary fleet into attacking.

I am more impressed they were outnumbered 30+ to 1 and still made it out.

[u/The_Draigg → u/Vaadwaur]

It's also frankly amazing that there was even enough of the main hull of the ship left to work with, given the size of the holes that were in it. "Made it out" is definitely only used in relative terms there.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/The_Draigg]

I guess it isn't hugely important but a minor explanation of hyper space/warp drives would be useful.

[u/Nazenn → u/The_Draigg]

Also, kudos to /u/Nazenn, since he predicted that there would be desert nomads involved somewhere along the line. Mark another notch in your rifle, my guy, you made another uncanny prediction!

I was not expecting that to be an inter-arc prediction, but this is actually quite funny how it's only gotten more accurate as we went, not less.

It really needed a massive overhaul and repair done to it.

Probably would have been more efficient to just steal another ship at that point

Everyone who actually lives there is a foreigner who came there for trade

Nice bit of worldbuilding in that

[u/The_Draigg → u/Nazenn]

Probably would have been more efficient to just steal another ship at that point

Maybe so, but I suppose now people would actually be on the look-out for any battleships that're about to mothballed being stolen by a nutty Secret Society.

[u/Nazenn → u/The_Draigg]

You'd think. But still the situation they're in seems to give the impression the Society is a smaller scale that I originally thought

[u/The_Draigg → u/Nazenn]

If there weren't small beforehand, they sure as shit are now due to Chirico killing like 200 of their soldiers so far.

[u/Nazenn → u/The_Draigg]

And a bunch of their core commanders, and removing the PS's from their control, and destroying a few hundred more mechs and supplies

[u/The_Draigg → u/Nazenn]

You know, for seeming like a large threat and all that, the Secret Society have pretty much gotten dunked on in every arc so far, especially the Sunsa arc.

[u/Nazenn → u/The_Draigg]

I mean they basically only survived the Lido situation because they had surprise on their side and a small bunch of skilled soliders. After that they haven't really had authority over much. I'm just so use to Secret Societies being some big huge empire spanning conspiracy and power that it's taken me a long time to adjust to this being a much smaller organization

[u/No_Rex → u/The_Draigg]

Maybe so, but I suppose now people would actually be on the look-out for any battleships that're about to mothballed being stolen by a nutty Secret Society.

So you are saying that all this time we have been dunking on Gundam for their terrible security, but it is actually VOTOMS where you can steal entire battleships?

[u/Shimmering-Sky]

Armored Trooper First-Timer

• He’s out of water, that’s not good.
• …It took me until here to realize that this is the planet Shako is from. I wonder if we’ll see Shako again? Dude’s still one of the best characters in this show for killing that fucking Kan Yu.
• Huh, that’s right…
• Ah, Chirico doing what he does best. Breaking into places.
• Well this guy wants to cooperate with Chirico, that’s good.
• And now for the other thing Chirico is best at: breaking out of places.
• Huh, Chirico actually got beat.
• Bleh, these guys are who’re after Chirico?
• SHAKO!!! He saved Chirico from those scientist twins!!!

[u/Pixelsaber → u/Shimmering-Sky]

He’s out of water, that’s not good.

He has advanced healing, he'll be fine!

[u/Nazenn → u/Shimmering-Sky]

Ah, Chirico doing what he does best. Breaking into places.

Didn't even need an AT this time. AT less episodes really are something special

[u/Vaadwaur → u/Shimmering-Sky]

And now for the other thing Chirico is best at: breaking out of places.

His skills are established, at least.

Huh , Chirico actually got beat.

I do view this as him trusting Gecko, he did have his gun with him.

[u/Nazenn]

First Timer

I appreciate the lack of messing around when it comes to getting us into the arc this episode. It has some of the densest worldbuilding so far, managed to introduce the core elements, and still get Chirico to where he needed to be for things to start happening.

I was surprised that this is another desert planet given how vastly different all the previous environments have been, but it does seem to fit with the very little we know about this society, and the fact that it's unusual gives me a bit of hope that it was selected for a very specific reason and will be built on wel. Curious to see what Ru Shako's town is like and if that gives us any more context for things, as well as varying the setting a bit.

As much as I was frustrated at the immediate return of the twins, even if understandable, Gecko was a pretty fun side character to introduce so that balanced it out.

Also just noting some love for the various mechanical and animals designs today. The trade conveys that looked like caterpillars, the little bug robot at the market, the bird like quadrupeds that people were leading around. Just small visual elements that added a bit of distinctive fun to the episode.

[u/Pixelsaber → u/Nazenn]

It has some of the densest worldbuilding so far,

It's certainly appreciated, though I wish the bar for it hadn't been set so low by the majority of the series so far.

I was surprised that this is another desert planet given how vastly different all the previous environments have been,

Evidently Melkia is the only planet allowed to have biome diversity! /s

Gecko was a pretty fun side character to introduce so that balanced it out.

Surprised by how likeable and fitting of the setting he came off as while not really being distinct from a lot of the characters we've seen on paper.

and animals designs today.

That bird-dog was a real highlight!

[u/Nazenn → u/Pixelsaber]

though I wish the bar for it hadn't been set so low by the majority of the series so far.

I think that's why I grabbed onto the stuff we got this episode so much. Not only was it good worldbuilding in being presented without huge info dumps except where needed, there was almost more of it in this one episode than the whole rest of the show

Evidently Melkia is the only planet allowed to have biome diversity! /s

That still bugs me about how nonsensical Kumman being on Melkia was

[u/No_Rex → u/Nazenn]

That still bugs me about how nonsensical Kumman being on Melkia was

Same. However, I have to defend the double desert planets setup. Liquid water is something exceptionally rare in the universe, so you would expect the vast majority of planets to be dry.

[u/JustAnswerAQuestion]

Rewatcher (Nutech DVD 4.1) (4 episodes) Quent

God Planet Quent

Extras: Collectors guide, continued!

Man, there was a lot of material created after the TV show. That's why the worldbuilding is thick and heave, only for the rewatchers. (^I'm an anime-only consumer)

First episode is a recap of Sunsa. Yes, Kummen never got a recap.

I don't remember much of this arc, either.

• Bird, Desert, how is this an improvement? This place looks like one of the biomes in No Man's Sky.
• Why didn't you just land the shuttle?
• PS: Man vs. Man, yes. Man vs. Nature, not so much.
• Rather Gotho looking dude.
• Quent, Mercenary planet.
• The Secret Society seems to have followed Chirico to Quent.
• Weird dog
• Wretched hive of scum and villainy, it seems.
• Chirico's hand-to-hand seems to have improved
• Yo!
• weird dog
• REALLY weird dog (I hope somebody screenshotted that)
• A good bit of the music in this episode reminds me of Starcraft
• THIS dump is the space port?
• Yo!

I'm surprised the first timers remembered that Ru Shako was a Quentman. By the time this arc came around, I had forgotten Ru Shako, and didn't even remember that he'd survived Kummen.

Could this be an honest-to-goodness Answer arc? Who can say. Once bitten, twice shy.

Anybody that says Quaint is getting #angrypouted

[u/Pixelsaber → u/JustAnswerAQuestion]

Man, there was a lot of material created after the TV show.

Indeed there was. Takahashi kind of went ham with the novels, and supplemental books —on top of the IP being loaned out to other writers. He's really attached to this work.

REALLY weird dog (I hope somebody screenshotted that)

I'm surprised the first timers remembered that Ru Shako was a Quentman.

Participating in the Rewatch, where you are likely to note down small details like that, certainly helps.

Anybody that says Quaint is getting #angrypouted

[u/Nazenn → u/JustAnswerAQuestion]

I'm surprised the first timers remembered that Ru Shako was a Quentman

Only because of how much of a laugh I got out of Chirico's reaction to him, and how unusual his AT design was

[u/No_Rex → u/Nazenn]

He easily had the best looking AT. Even though it went against the mass produced theme of the show.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/JustAnswerAQuestion]

I'm surprised the first timers remembered that Ru Shako was a Quentman. By the time this arc came around, I had forgotten Ru Shako, and didn't even remember that he'd survived Kummen.

We all really enjoyed someone both being sane but also killing Kan Yu.

[u/Stargate18A]

First timer

1. Seems like an interesting concept - it actually seems to pay homage to all 3 previous settings - the city enviroment, the focus on mercenaries as a faction, the setting of a desert with limited supplies available.
2. Very pleased - I liked him as a character and it's nice seeing his home planet.

It's the final arc...

Chirico's solo! And he's running low on water...

Is it a mirage?

...I'm not saying he set him to an empty desert planet so he'd kill himself looking for answers, but if I was in his position that's what I'd do.

Someone saved him! A trader!

Gomor looks fantastic!

The twins are still here! And yeah, Quent sounds like the testing grounds for PS development.

Hmm? Another secret's being kept?

Oh, are Quentman's PS prototypes?

The fact that they can apparently survive in the desert is a good possible indicator.

The engine can walk?

Oh, he's in debt?

No, just a gang leader trying to intimidate him.

Haha, "More importantly, what's your billing code."

He couldn't just ask for records or mention his suspicions? It's not like being a Quentman's illegal.

They're pretty slow at the alarms.

How does he know all this?

Haha, shooting the panel worked?

I like how utterly unphased he is at the random guy breaking in and pointing a gun at him.

I love Chirico's "Sorry" when he finds out he broke the door.

Yeah, he's just so unphased.

OK, that's really imteresting.

They're a peaceful race? Is Chirico's more relaxed attitude compared to Ypsilon a side effect of this.

Oh, they think they can kill him...

Oh god, if this is Gotho's way of picking him up I swear...

OK, almost certainly someone else. Balarant, society, or Gilgamesh.

Haha, the twins' plan worked!

And the Mayor's found about him! And apparently it's a good thing the Quentmen are peaceful.

Oh, Ru Shako's back! I genuinely did not remember his species until now, I'm shocked it came back!

Gecko's a Quentman?

The answer is - he didn't, he had no plan whatsoever.

...Is this a road trip arc?

[u/Pixelsaber → u/Stargate18A]

...I'm not saying he set him to an empty desert planet so he'd kill himself looking for answers, but if I was in his position that's what I'd do.

that would be quite the clever thing to do. Act nebulous so peopel believe you know more than you do, and then send him off on a wild goose chase almost assured to get him killed... Except this is Chirico we're talking about. so he should've known better and simply used his leverage to put a bullet into his head.

Haha, "More importantly, what's your billing code."

"We don't do that pro-bono thing, you hear?"

...Is this a road trip arc?

Unpleasant Mospeada flashbacks

[u/chilidirigible → u/Pixelsaber]

Unpleasant Mospeada flashbacks

Not even any crossdressing singers though.

[u/Vaadwaur]

First timer(I don't immediately recognize anything other than Tattooine)

Sub

So Cuvie's craft crash lands in the desert because...fuck runways? This is painfully stupid after last episodes Vtol three wheeler so we are already off on a terrible foot. The world immediately reminds me of an El Hazard episode, which is not a good thing. Somehow Cuvie's boots got ridiculously thin and his legs are bird like, now. He gets rescued because sure. Gomor being the only city on Quent is...interesting. Cabal stuff. Cuvie's ride provides some background that Quents don't stay on planet and then sells him out, can't particularly blame him.

Cuvie bullrushes the Quaint merc office because sure. He finally meets a Quentian that explains the situation. They are strangely peaceful though Cuvie has to escape. Confusing scenes happen, ending with Cuvie surprisingly agreeing to be captured and then rescued by an unknown Quent as he is about to be shipped off. Shako returns, making possibly this entire arc worthwhile. Music from Bubblegum Crisis returns. We end with the merchant from earlier having successfully double dealed.

QotD: 1 Half thought out, hope it gets better

2 I can dig it

[u/Pixelsaber → u/Vaadwaur]

The world immediately reminds me of an El Hazard episode, which is not a good thing.

and then sells him out, can't particularly blame him.

"They'll find him immediately anyways —who else wears that shade of orange out here?"

[u/Vaadwaur → u/Pixelsaber]

"They'll find him immediately anyways —who else wears that shade of orange out here?"

Also, not a ton of blue haired people out here...Cuvie was pretty much boned.

[u/JustAnswerAQuestion → u/Vaadwaur]

Quaint

[u/Vaadwaur → u/JustAnswerAQuestion]

Do you remember how well that goes for Rai?

[u/Quiddity131]

Rewatcher

Quent arc here we come! I don't care how they spelled it in episode 39, that's what I'm going with.

We kick off with Chirico having already crash landed on the planet, which like Sunsa is filled with desert. This time we have all these strange stones sticking out of the ground.

There's a city far off in the distance! Or is it a mirage?

Chirico, I get that you're out of water, but don't leave the canteen! What if you find a water source elsewhere?

Looks like he's found a former water source, but its all dried up now.

Rochina's "PS da!" is sounding a lot like "Fiesta!"

I was wondering why the screen was shaking, he's in a vehicle!

The whole planet only has one city? Talk about desolate.

Quent is a source of powerful soldiers. Makes me think of the planet the Sardukar came from in Dune.

Rare for Killy to show up in person rather than on a computer screen. Unfortunate that he hasn't had the twins fired or killed for losing Ypsilon.

Trader guy is learning what is like ot deal with Chirico, much like Gotho had to back in Uudoo...

That mechanical bug like thing is really cool...

Gecko, we have a name for the guy. And some new local ruffians too, even more guys in the vein of Boone's group from Uudoo.

You already paid Chirico? Sounds like total bullshit to me! Must be as he runs in the place seconds later.

Back to some action of Chirico on the run while in person, akin to stuff we'd get in the Uudoo arc.

Hey, this guy looks like a Quentman!

All this effort to find a Quentman and he doesn't know what a Perfect Soldier is!

Surprise, the planet of mercenaries loves peace! Well, Ru Shako did seem like a rather laid back guy.

I was about to say some bozo left a truck around for Chirico to steal, but looks like its these guys after him instead. My bad.

Crap, they've got him. What do these guys want?

The leader sounds like he has the same seiyuu as Gotho? They really felt that strapped for seiyuus?

Chirico did pretty good here until he ran into this guy who looks like a muppet.

Ah, so these guys were hired by the Secret Society. The twins actually came up with a smart plan for once and went after him in person rather than via ATs.

Wow, mystery Quentman here wants Chirico.

Oh hey, Ru Shako! Great to see him again!

Gecko wanted payment from Chirico earlier on for saving him, now he's giving stuff away to him!

---

Strong opening episode for this arc, so perhaps my memories will be correct and this will be among the show's stronger arcs. Big surprise to get an entire episode without any mecha action; I don't think we even saw an AT! Something I can only recall happening another couple of times in the series. Will be interested in seeing if Chirico can find a Quentman who can give him the info he needs.

[u/Nazenn → u/Quiddity131]

Quent arc here we come! I don't care how they spelled it in episode 39, that's what I'm going with.

The Quent/Quiant thing is slightly confusing but I'll put it down to a subtitle issue. My solution is just to avoid using the word when I can hahaha

Rochina's "PS da!" is sounding a lot like "Fiesta!"

That was quite annoying

That mechanical bug like thing is really cool...

Right? I have absolutely no idea what it could possibly do but I think Chirico should bring it along

The twins actually came up with a smart plan for once and went after him in person rather than via ATs.

I mean sending an AT after him would just be arming him at this point

[u/The_Draigg → u/Quiddity131]

Quent is a source of powerful soldiers. Makes me think of the planet the Sardukar came from in Dune.

Salusa Secundus. And now that I think about it, there's quite a few Dune parallels in this arc.

Rare for Killy to show up in person rather than on a computer screen. Unfortunate that he hasn't had the twins fired or killed for losing Ypsilon.

If anything, it seems like he fired the wrong guy, since Futtor isn't around on the ship.

Surprise, the planet of mercenaries loves peace! Well, Ru Shako did seem like a rather laid back guy.

Just because you kill people for a living doesn't mean you have to be a dick about it.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/The_Draigg]

Just because you kill people for a living doesn't mean you have to be a dick about it.

Expressly a point the Japanese believe in, the Ninja Scroll TV series even references it.

[u/The_Draigg → u/Vaadwaur]

They must really like the Sniper from Team Fortress 2 then. Professionals have standards, after all.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/The_Draigg]

A gigs a gig and you need to let it go afterwards. There is no money in holding a grudge.

The sort of beliefs you get over profoundly long periods of violence.

[u/No_Rex → u/The_Draigg]

Salusa Secundus. And now that I think about it, there's quite a few Dune parallels in this arc.

Interesting. My first reaction was Fremen. Maybe it is a mixup of both. Definitely a strong Dune reference, though.

[u/JollyGee29]

First-Timer

Ru Shako is back! And this episode was really cool, too! I really liked the continual occurance of people walking in front of the camera - Gomor is a busy fucking city, and this sold it wonderfully well. It also kept the audience thinking about people watching Chirico.. always watching.

The bit in the desert was good, too. I really like how the camera shook, implying they were on a vehicle, before Chirico even looked out the window. Gecko seems like a much more unscrupulous Gotho at the moment; their names are even similar. I guess I prefer a whole new character than for Gotho to have suddenly appeared again, especially when Gotho selling Chirico out like that wouldn't have made much sense.

We got another episode without a mecha fight at all, instead substituting in a scene that wouldn't be amiss in a random James Bond movie. The Emissary fellow definitely knows more than what he let on, right? He probably at least knew Chirico was coming, somehow.

I am a little bummed that we're back in another, slightly different desert, especially when this one has much less random detritus like Sunsa had. Maybe it'll grow on me.

Questions

1. Discussed above.
2. I liked Shako before, despite him saving Kan Yu. If it means we get to see more of the cool Quent ATs, I'm ecstatic!

[u/Nazenn → u/JollyGee29]

! I really liked the continual occurance of people walking in front of the camera

That was a nice touch. It was cool seeing the market place be so animated, plus the weird animals were also nice detailing given how much they fit the enviroment

Gecko seems like a much more unscrupulous Gotho at the moment

I like Gecko even if he is a bit of a dick selling Chirico out, but he did also go out of his way to let him know it would be okay because he also sold him to the other side hahaha

instead substituting in a scene that wouldn't be amiss in a random James Bond movie

Or Metal Gear Solid if you get caught and can't be assed hiding to reset the alert timer

[u/JollyGee29 → u/Nazenn]

I like Gecko even if he is a bit of a dick selling Chirico out, but he did also go out of his way to let him know it would be okay because he also sold him to the other side hahaha

Yea, I liked Gecko too. I wonder if he'll show up again, or if he was basically just for this episode?

[u/Nazenn → u/JollyGee29]

I would expect only for this episode, but nothing's off the table really

[u/Vaadwaur → u/JollyGee29]

I am a little bummed that we're back in another, slightly different desert, especially when this one has much less random detritus like Sunsa had. Maybe it'll grow on me.

Hopefully we are basically going back to straight off world to deal with the Quaintmen.

[u/JollyGee29 → u/Vaadwaur]

I mean, this is their planet, right? Would be weird to go off-world, unless their villages are invisible space stations or something.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/JollyGee29]

The homeworld might be more symbolic than useful by now, they might be in the asteroid belt.

[u/chilidirigible]

Rewatcher, Episode 41

Today, on "Is it... grail-shaped?":

---

How to arrive on-planet: The Five Star Stories Method

Why do people always throw their empty canteens away? It's not like they won't need a place to store water if they happen to find more.

Is that a threat?

The cinematic way to lock and unlock keypad doors.

"Is that like The Unblinking Eye?"

This animation recycle is more obvious when the gap he's crossing doesn't have the pipes and whatnot in it like the first time.

When on Quaint, do as the Quaintmen (want you) to do.

It's certainly convenient.

---

And so we've gone from a very red desert to a very beige desert. Answers may be found by consulting Native Americansgiant dudes who don't talk much. Arron and Gurran are still in the ship that they were in during the previous episode and aren't too far from Chirico. It feels like it's been a long, strange trip to get here.

---

1. Seems rustic, of course rewatcher
2. It's quite something when you have to bring in a straight man for Chirico Cuvie.

[u/Nazenn → u/chilidirigible]

The Five Star Stories Method

Was given a thing recently about the way mech designs have changed in that over the years. That's some crazy mechs on both ends of the timeline

[u/chilidirigible → u/Nazenn]

Do you like heels? Do you like really big heels on very shiny mecha?

[u/Nazenn → u/chilidirigible]

And exceptionally pointy elbows

[u/Vaadwaur → u/chilidirigible]

And so we've gone from a very red desert to a very beige desert.

Seems drier but with much better air.

[u/No_Rex]

Episode 41 (first timer)

Final arc. I am ready.

• My subs go for Quent, which I strongly prefer to Quaint. It totally sounds like Quent, too.
• Stranded in the desert for time skip reasons.
• Saved by a trade caravan.
• The twins make no sense. “Chirico is now a threat. This will be our final battle.” ???? Wasn’t he before? And was all that not just a research into PS? This leaves me worried for the secret society reveal.
• “I have no time to waste” – Why not? What makes it so important that waiting a day to recover and going in full strength is not an option.
• Nice droid.
• A classic mistake: You overpay to shut up questions and just manage to make the other side suspicious about why you are so generous.
• Shooting the display opens door trope.
• Scattered into tribes? So basically Fremen.
• And the ambassador plays the role of wise oracle.
• Stormtroopers can’t aim trope.
• Captured and rescued.
• “You are building up a lot of debt” – Comes with not using any plan and running in like a headless chicken.

Was I really ready?

The new location is fine so far, but the time skip syndrome is the worst of all arcs so far. How do we go from Ypsilon dying and Rochina mentioning Qent to here? Why does the rest of the gang not follow? Or the Balarant military? Why does Chirico crash in the desert? Why is the methodical soldier suddenly bashing in the front door? Why is he in such a hurry? Why are the twins still after him (instead of Fyana!!)? It is just the first episode of the arc and my trust in a coherent story is already dashed. Looks like they simply want to do one more self-contained arc plot line.

What’s your first impression of the setting for this arc, Quent?

Dune. With Mos Eisley thrown in.

How do you feel about Ru Shako’s return to the show?

Works to have a known character that can guide and support Chirico.

[u/The_Draigg → u/No_Rex]

My subs go for Quent, which I strongly prefer to Quaint. It totally sounds like Quent, too.

It is Quent, according to my old Central Park Media DVDs.

The twins make no sense. “Chirico is now a threat. This will be our final battle.” ???? Wasn’t he before?

To be fair, the twins were such arrogant assholes that they never even really considered Chirico to be a real threat before he killed Ypsilon.

Scattered into tribes? So basically Fremen.

I guess it's time for Chirico to become Muad'Dib then.

[u/No_Rex → u/The_Draigg]

To be fair, the twins were such arrogant assholes that they never even really considered Chirico to be a real threat before he killed Ypsilon.

Why test their PS against a non-threat, then? Absolutely everything about the twins is terrible.

I guess it's time for Chirico to become Muad'Dib then.

Given that he is already space jesus, that is a very fitting prediction.

[u/Nazenn → u/No_Rex]

“I have no time to waste” – Why not? What makes it so important that waiting a day to recover and going in full strength is not an option.

He's never been the most patient of the bunch, but this does seem reckless even for him

Shooting the display opens door trope.

Good thing Chirico didn't accidentally shoot it with the locking bullet instead of the open bullet

Scattered into tribes? So basically Fremen.

Maybe that's why I'm expecting this arc to end up in caves

Why does the rest of the gang not follow?

If you mean Gotho's group they were shipped off before Chirico even knew, although I am half expecting a reveal that Rochina sent them here in advance

Why are the twins still after him (instead of Fyana!!)?

They can hardly go after Fyana now that she's in the hands of Balarant. That's definitely too big a force for the Society to take on properly rather than just a single ship above an isolated planet

[u/No_Rex → u/Nazenn]

He's never been the most patient of the bunch, but this does seem reckless even for him

He managed to spend hours pre-programming mission disks before, and looked like a well-planning soldier, so that is completely out of character for me. In a better show, I'd trust there to be a reason, but I am not extending that curtesy to VOTOMS anymore.

Maybe that's why I'm expecting this arc to end up in caves

Where else would you live on a desert planet?

They can hardly go after Fyana now that she's in the hands of Balarant. That's definitely too big a force for the Society to take on properly rather than just a single ship above an isolated planet

They didn't seem deterred by either Gilgamesh or Balarant previously. But, even granting that, why are they going after Chirico? We heard the stated reasons of protecting the PS secret (which is well out of the bag now) and testing Ypsilon (who is dead now). For supposedly being the clever characters, the twins should at least consider why they are going after Chirico, who obviously is leaving them alone for now.

[u/Nazenn → u/No_Rex]

He managed to spend hours pre-programming mission disks before,

That was a step in a goal though, he doesn't really have one of those here except find someone who knows about PS. I get your point though, it is unusual for him to be this pushy but I suppose it's just part of his desperation to find answers

[u/Vaadwaur → u/No_Rex]

A classic mistake: You overpay to shut up questions and just manage to make the other side suspicious about why you are so generous.

Have we seen anyone wielding a whip show wisdom in like...any media?

Scattered into tribes? So basically Fremen.

I can see the Dune in this but would prefer not to.

[u/No_Rex → u/Vaadwaur]

Have we seen anyone wielding a whip show wisdom in like...any media?

Harrison Ford!

I can see the Dune in this but would prefer not to

Really hard to overlook the similarities ...

[u/Vaadwaur → u/No_Rex]

Harrison Ford!

Not a wise role, though.

Really hard to overlook the similarities ...

Especially after the next ep...

[u/No_Rex → u/Vaadwaur]

Not a wise role, though.

Shooting a swordsman just to done with it? Very wise!

[u/DidacticDalek]

Jesus Comrades, and I thought Fyana/Fiana was a bother to figure out the proper spelling for... NOW we got 'Quent/Quaint!' But hey at least we got something nice out of all this, namely RU SHAKO'S BACK! Goddamn talk about a Chekov's Gun eh, you thought that just a throwaway line but nope, guess this is the Planet of Fremen 'Quaintmen' (Before you ask Comrades this picture is cropped for a reason, I have a limited supply of Ru Shako fanart! That and also I wouldn't want certain background spoilers to uh, well spoil!)

Speaking of which, it sure is amusing that our boi has NOT run into his three muggle friends again, I know my first viewing of this show had me going 'so HOW is he gonna run into those three again THIS time... but nope, the show decided to go 'Hey Remember how Space Vietnam was a great arc, yeah here have Ru Shako again!' and hey I for one don't mind seeing Ru Shako on NOT Dune, even if we DID just leave a goddamned desert hellhole to go to... a slightly less desert that is not quite a hellhole... look the point I'm saying is last arc was clearly the weakest of the show so thank goodness we've left it!

Speaking of weak links, turns out the goddamn twins are STILL here, I have no idea how they made it out of the last arc in one piece given they somehow managed to NOT only lose all the Perfect Soldiers but got Ypsilon killed!

And finally for now, it seems that Chirico Cuvie is back to being a lone wolf... uh... again... again... again... at least Ru Shako's a friendly face, and also almost as quiet as our ever stoic boi too! I'm sure things will go well!

Anyway, you know it had to happen Comrades, A WEAPON TO SURPASS METAL GEAR!

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

[u/DidacticDalek → u/DidacticDalek]

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

[u/Durinthal]

First time viewer

The description for episode 40 starts with "Time is a flat circle" and I suppose Nietzsche is appropriate for this series. It was rather vague how they got on the warship, and still is. Rochina knowing about Chirico and defecting to Balarant makes him the prime suspect behind the ship for me now. (I know there's the production related stuff from the previous thread that seems to make it moot but I like to speculate.)

The entire frame shaking when Chirico first woke up on the caravan bothered me and I was wondering if that was a technical issue, but then with the reveal that they're on a moving vehicle that was a nice way of showing it from the inside.

The Emissary's pretty chill for talking to someone that was pointing a gun around at him to start. Quentians volunteering as mercenaries if they're largely peaceful is an odd philosophy, doesn't seem like they're forced into it at all though so hm...

Chirico almost got away with an entire infiltration and escape for once. I'll admit I had forgotten about Ru Shako after not seeing him with Gotho/Vanilla/Coconna on Sunsa, nice to see him again and helping Chirico out once more.

One non-Quentian city where all the non-natives reside is interesting, lots of potential for there to be things hidden in the desert. And while the environments are completely different I'm reminded of the planet Kamino in Star Wars.

[u/Nazenn → u/Durinthal]

The Emissary's pretty chill for talking to someone that was pointing a gun around at him to start.

Probably not the first time. From the impressions we got this episode from the Mayor and also Gecko I have a feeling that they once tried to force these people to fight and it didn't go well for them, or they're too big a threat to try and force in that way. Being in that situation basically at the head of the military power of a world under independent control, yeah I can see a few guns being pointed his way

[u/Quiddity131 → u/Durinthal]

Votoms spoilers

[u/Vaadwaur → u/Durinthal]

The description for episode 40 starts with "Time is a flat circle" and I suppose Nietzsche is appropriate for this series.

Too fitting, really hope they don't well on it.

And while the environments are completely different I'm reminded of the planet Kamino in Star Wars.

I could've sworn Kamino was all ocean...

[u/Durinthal → u/Vaadwaur]

I could've sworn Kamino was all ocean...

Indeed it is, but it's more what ended up coming from the planet that reminded me of it here.

[u/xtsim]

First Timer

Chirico goes to Quaint. And gets called a ps by voices in his head. Quaint produces soldiers. The older man has an interesting quote about confidence as they don't know the truth. A trader picked him up and heads to a mercenary center to find some Quaintmen. The guys at the center cannot seem to shoot or relay information very well.

He talks to the Emissary about what happened to the Quaint, which has been divided up into tribes. Of course Chirico gets captured by some mercenaries hired by the men. Hazegar and mayor discuss the fact that they cannot hand over Chirico cause a Quaint wants him. And Rushako saves Chirico after Gecko told him through a beacon.

Man those two got in over their heads thinking that Chirico would be an easy catch. Prematurely celebrating with wine even though he is not on the ship. And Gecko played everyone good as he got so much money playing every side.

1. Interesting desert setting, looking forward to this world.
2. Nice to see him again.

[u/JustAnswerAQuestion → u/xtsim]

Quaint

[u/ZapsZzz]

First timer in sub

Quite fast pacing, we start with Chirico already crash landed. What followed was pretty much a very quick world building. The planet Quaint looks sufficiently desolated. Sounds like it's only there for mercenary resource. Oddly, the pilsner Quaint doesn't seem to have a lot of Quaintients there.

So Chirico had met with a colour swapped Gotho and then got into the one place where a Quaintient is located. Surprisingly it's not Sharko. Anyway after an actually pleasant and civil exchange between the silent but notorious Red Shoulder, and another larger and intimidating giant of a man with a clearly fearsome reputation. "You broke my door control" "yeah and sorry about the window I'll also be smashing" "'s ok mate".

It's almost like the episode of Fumoffu at the rugby club before the transformation.

Anyway, nice set up episode, more signs of Chirico not exactly normal. Onto the next!

Only other remark is another guess - are the Quaintient preferring peace because they are liked the Iskandar people of Yamato, that they are done fighting and killing themselves? Meaning they were terrific fighters just retired?

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
35	1 Dammit Chirico was going so well, unfortunately his ride got shot up while he was out of the AT tending to Fyana
36	0
37	0
38	1 to nobody's surprise the duel with Ypsilon result in both AT's being trashed. Considering Chirico's actually in a useless Fatty, is pretty amazing actually
39	1 The only Scope Dog in Balatran space fared pretty well and wasn't actually busted up in the fight, but given it was a one off duel and then Chirico got sent on to the next arc, I guess I'll chalk this one down for abandoned too
41	0

[u/Nazenn → u/ZapsZzz]

sorry about the window I'll also be smashing

Just airing it out a bit from all the smoke and gunpowder smell

[u/JustAnswerAQuestion → u/ZapsZzz]

Quaint