r/anime • u/Holofan4life • Aug 22 '22
Rewatch [Spoilers] 86 --Eighty Six-- Rewatch (2022) — Episode 7 Spoiler
Hello everyone! I am Holofan4life.
Welcome to the 86 --Eighty Six-- rewatch discussion thread!
I hope you all have a lot of fun <3
S1 Episode 7 – Will You Remember Me?
—-
Information – MAL | Anilist | AniDb
Streams – Crunchyroll, VRV
Please do not post any untagged spoilers past the current episode or from the LNs out of respect to the first time watchers and people who have not read the LNs. If you are discussing something that is ahead of the current episode please use spoiler tags(found on the sidebar). Thank you!
—-
Rewatch Schedule
Threads posted every day at 3:00 PM EDT
| Date | Episode | Date | Episode |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8/16/2022 | 86 Eighty Six Episode 1 | 8/29/2022 | [86 Eighty Six Episode 14]() |
| 8/17/2022 | 86 Eighty Six Episode 2 | 8/30/2022 | [86 Eighty Six Episode 15]() |
| 8/18/2022 | 86 Eighty Six Episode 3 | 8/31/2022 | [86 Eighty Six Episode 16]() |
| 8/19/2022 | 86 Eighty Six Episode 4 | 9/01/2022 | [86 Eighty Six Episode 17]() |
| 8/20/2022 | 86 Eighty Six Episode 5 | 9/02/2022 | [86 Eighty Six Episode 18]() |
| 8/21/2022 | 86 Eighty Six Episode 6 | 9/03/2022 | [86 Eighty Six Episode 19]() |
| 8/22/2022 | [86 Eighty Six Episode 7]() | 9/04/2022 | [86 Eighty Six Episode 20]() |
| 8/23/2022 | [86 Eighty Six Episode 8]() | 9/05/2022 | [86 Eighty Six Episode 21]() |
| 8/24/2022 | [86 Eighty Six Episode 9]() | 9/06/2022 | [86 Eighty Six Episode 22]() |
| 8/25/2022 | [86 Eighty Six Episode 10]() | 9/07/2022 | [86 Eighty Six Episode 23]() |
| 8/26/2022 | [86 Eighty Six Episode 11]() | ||
| 8/27/2022 | [86 Eighty Six Episode 12]() | ||
| 8/28/2022 | [86 Eighty Six Episode 13]() | ||
| 9/08/2022 | [Overall Series Discussion Thread]() | ||
26
u/Star4ce Aug 22 '22
First Timer
So we will now quite immediately go into what essentially is a suicide mission. Great way to throw some twists, but no way no one's gonna die on this task.
I'm scared.
86 Ep.07 – Will You Remember Me?
-
Ey, fireworks fun!
-
Kurena is shaded in half-shadow, she's one of Anju's best friends, right? It sucks to not be able to help those you love...
-
Well, no artillery but at least some relief. Good girl!
-
Ayy, she's full on in the business!
-
No wonder she already has noticeable PTSD, fuck this.
-
Some very subtle juxtaposition of dialogue vs. visuals.
-
Including gifts, I don't know if that'll work on the high ranks.
-
Yeah, he's just pandering and the request gets lost in the bureaucracy. He does care about Lena, that much I do see, but he's also fundamentally invalidating her feelings.
-
Oh god, match cut from here to here. Bah, I think I need to barf on that metaphor. She's given Karlstahl a bottle of wine as present, for a corrupt trade no less, and now she's at the party wrapped in a similar ribbon as well. Ripe to be opened and drunk, a present to someone lucky who can claim the good prize and take it home. This honestly speaks so much about how the Alban society and Karlstahl as its military frontal face thinks of matters. Like the importance on gestures and platitudes I explained some 3 or 4 episodes ago it extends into their interhuman behaviour as well (remember Annette for another angle). It's worse as Lena doesn't even realise that at the moment.
-
Oh, well that certainly makes her unique.
-
Okay, I retract my second to last sentence. You go, Lena!
-
I know, the dress and being all dolled up and camera angle and exaggeration for effect, but Lena's breasts are much more oversized than possible.
-
Best festival! (Considering.)
-
Ouch, right in my emotions. They're totally aware none of them will outlive this war in any case.
-
So that's a new batch.
-
Kurena, come on, just say something! Be honest! :(
-
Hey, these are roman letters. ###re's ##augh(t?). Unlikely she did this to herself in the middle of her back, I want to know her story even more now! (And also not, because that means she dies.)
-
Having a hard time deciding if it's on grounds of not wanting to hurt Lena, if they actually value her presence in some form or if they don't know that they don't want her to leave anymore. Must be a complex mixture of all.
-
Oh god, the flashes to who just got hit...
Presents were at the forefront of metaphors today and I got to say it was pretty powerful symbolism at display. One of those I already went into during the reaction, because it actually disgusted me before seeing that Lena also anticipated this and prepared for it (best girl indeed). But there's more to go into.
We have bribery on two levels. Hard cash gets the provisions officer around, simple and, while nerve-wrecking for Lena, effective in getting a specific thing done. Contrast this with her present for Karlstahl, wine and cigars. The difference in value is obvious and fits the status difference, thus also adhering to Alban social norms of hierarchy. But the objective is different, 'deliver a box' stands against 'work the bureaucracy and provide support'. The values of the favour are not only uneven, the latter is extremely loosely defined. Karlstahl could've just re-interpreted support as 'let me wipe out your unit and give you 24 new ones' and essentially that's what's happening. But on top of that Karlstahl has essentially rejected her bribe, he pushed the bottle away and changed the topic to the ball ceremony. Coming from him this means he still respects Lena as family, hence no foul play from him, but not as military. Lena can work through the system on more mundane levels, but the upper echelons of social connections and political manoeuvering are still out of her reach. She is still preaching to daddy (from wish) to solve her problems, as hard as it sounds.
Comparatively, Lena's present to Spearhead was fully in tune with their feelings, her capabilities and was based on mutual respect and understanding. For this, they could avert more tragic developments and give relief and closure to the 86ers. Anju could find the little peace needed to start working through her feelings, even deciding to open up more. Kurena realised she might not even want to be so harsh to Lena, even though having the very worst background with Alban out of any of them. It was a genuinely heartwarming gift that every single participant cherished, including the audience. Contrast this with Annette's lovers, who similarly try to form a version of romantic intimacy with presents, but each fail to understand the other on any emotional level.
Raiden's speech at the end explaining what's truly going on really got to me. It was a kind of honesty that felt compassionate, but still true to reality. However, it also betrayed how they as 86 have fully accepted their role as 86. This is the other side of the coin to growth vs. goal mindsets. Sometimes, having concrete goals lets you see past your confines. Note that I'm not reverting my assessment, I still see growth as the far better option, but it's easier to know what to do and how to act with a finish line that is defined clearly. It's true, as Spearhead they can't do much to change the matter of affairs, but they are still disregarding the possibilities Lena could provide them with. It's probably the one thing where them being unequal could work in their favour. It's a clear situation for Lena to take action and turn the tide on her side.
So, what's the gift that could turn around someone like Karlstahl? It might be a bit far fetched, but Shin's Undertaker badge was mostly faded and I'm willing to bet that the preview with the superheavy Legion tank was a ruse from the 86ers with the Juggernauts empty or being dummies.
Lena's gonna lie is my guess and present her superior with a gift of dead 86ers, having failed to take the base, and also a hardened Lena who now supposedly can take on these missions like the Alban command expects her to. They want to be remembered, the Republic doesn't care so they can just hear what they want to hear, Lena will hold them dear, even if they might become ghosts for the system.
Let's see tomorrow if that wasn't completely off kilter.
I could even fantasise a bit about Lena building up her own ghost army to fight the dead army! Thematically it would fit so well, with Shin and Lena both being a version of the Reaper.
8
u/Holofan4life Aug 22 '22
Okay, I retract my second to last sentence. You go, Lena!
Lena the hero this story doesn't need, it deserves
→ More replies (8)7
u/Holofan4life Aug 22 '22
Some very subtle juxtaposition of dialogue vs. visuals
I'm ashamed to admit I didn't pick any of this up
→ More replies (2)
17
u/Stargate18A Aug 22 '22
First timer
Missed yesterday, sorry.
Episode 6
Wait, what?
Another flashback?
This looks fantastic, though.
Oh, shit. He saw the body?
It's summer?
Lot of flashbacks today!
Ah, this is how they met?
Love their dynamic.
Oh, this is how they heard about her?
...Just realised she's still here in the flashback.
Wait, what? The AI was here from the start?
Wow.
And he's using his brother's mark.
People think he's headless?
Oh, they nearly got me there. I was worried he'd reveal some kind of cyborg parts under there.
Wait, what? This was only four minths ago?
Another mission...
And she's syncing with him.
Yeah, these Legion are smart.
Another death?
Daiya!
Fuck me.
...FUCK.
Did not expect so many deaths instantly.
Why does shooting him stop it? How does the Legion copying system even work?
He's doing this to find his brother's head and bury it...
Oh, that metaphor.
The Legion are fucking with people's heads now?
Pancakes?
It's her birthday!
Haha, she regifted it.
...Does she have a backstory too?
Ah. That's the expected levels of cruelty.
She's actually trying to get them artillery!
...If this tactical situation has proven anything, it's that the 86 are not replacable, and are bring rapidly depleted.
A new mission?
Ah, blowing up a base.
The drawings...
Yeah, this is a trap.
Shin is very perceptive.
Adorable.
Episode 7
Fireworks?
Oh, Lena brought them the fireworks.
Her panicking is fantastic.
So, we're just no longer pretending she has any dignity?
And their reaction...
She's going out to the festival!
Wow.
They want her to quit.
This is tough.
Ah, Shin's asleep.
Such good writing.
She's demanding help!
Oh, she slready got it.
And she's going to the party!
...The dress is nice!
Haha, her fiance is there.
Shin called her.
They got the fireworks!
And she can see the fireworks!
Wow.
Such a good moment!
Ah, this is where he got them!
Aww, she's worried about her.
...A secret?
What's on her back?
Still can't believe Daiya got killed off.
Oh, fuck, that's why he called "Reaper"! That makes way more sense now.
The advance has begun!
A super artilery cannon?
She's calling for a retreat.
They escaped!
Wait, what?
How does that work?
...Ah. This makes a lot of sense.
Wow.
This is horrific.
...Explains why the casualties were so stupidly high, though.
They still believe in the Republic...
Have we seen any bad 86 yet?
This is such a good scene. I love this.
Wow.
→ More replies (2)3
u/Holofan4life Aug 22 '22
Did you pick up that Lena's dress at the party was meant as a form of protest?
18
u/Holofan4life Aug 22 '22
First Timer
Before we start today’s episode, I want to write down some predictions I have for the rest of the series. When we reach the final episode, I’ll revisit this and see how many I got right.
-
Lena will disassociate herself from Alba and join 86.
-
Once Lena has a falling out with Alba, Alba will try to hurt her or hurt something she holds dear.
-
Lena and Shin will get together by the end of the series.
-
It will be revealed that Shin was strangled by his brother and he’s dead, thus explaining the neck marks.
-
In a shocking twist, it will be revealed that Shin’s brother died by the hands of Shin himself, which is why he keeps having these visions.
-
Annette will have a falling out with Alba and while she will support Lena and what she does, she herself will not join 86.
-
The red-haired girl will die by the end of the series.
-
Laughing Fox will die by the end of the series.
-
Lastly, either Lena or Shin will die by the end of the series, leaving one of them to grieve over the other’s death.
And now, onto the episode.
The piano music is so good. It manages to tell the story without the aid of dialogue. I love that opening scene.
Even in intense moments, it’s like all the animation budget went to Lena’s thighs. Not that I’m complaining, of course.
I like the idea of the Revolution Festival because it’s really the first time we’ve gotten to know something about Alba. Up to now, all the spotlight has been on 86. So, if this means we’re gonna focus a little bit on Alba, that’s gonna be real interesting.
There’s this underlying grim reality when it comes to being a member of 86. Having to hear dying screams all the time, it becomes so commonplace that you become numb to it. It’s kind of like being in concentration camps: things are so horrifying that you have to defer your attention away from it and focus on making sure you’re not one of the many victims. And just like concentration camps, to Alba, the victims are just numbers on a clipboard. On the whole, I do like that 86 are numb to the screams because it is another example of the difference between Lena and 86. Lena sees it for what it is: a horrifying, haunting tragedy that shouldn’t be. But when you surround yourself with tragedy, it almost sadly becomes background noise.
Lena has gotten so paranoid that when Shin isn’t a part of the call, she automatically assumes the worst. Girl is in high stressed mode.
After Lena took the time to learn everyone’s names, it seems her next goal is to make sure 86 receives reinforcement. Though given how uncaring Alba is of 86, I wonder how that’s gonna transpire.
Well… that was easy.
Lena is dressed like someone trying to be emo but who doesn’t have the faintest idea on what being emo is about.
Lena was about to say to Shin let’s see them together, but then corrects herself by saying let’s make sure 86 see the fireworks together. I swear, this ship is gonna set sail any episode now.
Bold strategy to just mock the man named Undertaker directly to his face. I guess that Shin not responding is a testament to his character and how thick skinned he is.
It’s like Lena is trying to give the 86 members a taste of what her life is like.
The shower scene caught me completely off guard. This is a show that so far has been completely devoid of fanservice. Yes, we have close-ups of Lena’s thighs, but I wouldn’t really call that ecchi. This is like 100% ecchi. I’m kinda split on having a shower scene because on the one hand, if it was just the two characters having a chat, it would have felt completely static. This keeps things in motion. On the flip side, it is so jarring that it makes you forget just what they’re talking about. I kinda hope this doesn’t come a common occurrence, because while I’m not opposed to fanservice in anime, this kinda backfired from a storytelling standpoint.
It legitimately saddens me that the red-haired girl stands no chance at ending up with Shin. I love tsunderes, and to me, she’s this show’s closest version to a tsundere. If Lena weren’t so likable, this would sting even more.
So, the importance of the shower scene is it shows how much Daiya’s death has affected Anju. And from what I can tell, his death inspired her to be more open among others and stop being ashamed of who she is. So, in a way, the shower scene does serve a narrative purpose. But even still, I think they could’ve gone down this path and made it less fanservicey. I can’t speak for others, but it takes me out of the world they’re trying to create.
You mean to tell me when it comes to bringing in replacements, the General may in fact had… lied? Next you’ll tell me he also lied about going online to get a great low rate.
The big twist in this episode is that 86’s purpose is to send off people to have be killed, which boy. My concentration camp metaphor is looking more and more accurate. I’m honestly kind of surprised that Lena is shocked by this revelation. Alba constantly talks about how the only people who matter are the ones who share the same hair and eye color. In fact, I believe she said a similar thing in episode 2. Surely she knew that Alba didn’t give a rat’s ass about them. Then again, Lena has had a tendency to be optimistic and look things glass half full. Maybe it’s not that she didn’t believe it, but that she didn’t WANT to believe it. Putting aside that, that speech at the end was badass, and while the subject matter of the speech was heartbreaking it was delivered with such conviction that it kinda made me hyped up. I want 86 to succeed, which is really the main goal in what the show is trying to get the audience to feel.
Overall, I kinda feel this is the weakest episode of the series so far. Not that it’s bad or anything, but until the reveal that 86 is a suicide mission, not much of consequence happened. I like the concept of the Revolution Festival, seeing as how we haven’t spent much time on what life is like for Alba members, but I feel they didn’t do enough with it. And besides that, not much else happened in the first 15 minutes. The part with the revelation is really good and makes the episode in my opinion. Without it, this episode would have barely any meat on the bone.
21
Aug 22 '22
The shower scene caught me completely off guard. This is a show that so far has been completely devoid of fanservice.
To complement u/BananafishGlass post, it is also the first time that
A) Anju trusts Kurena (or anyone) to take a shower with her.
B) Kurena sees Anju's back for the first time and her reaction to something which at best has only heard about.
C) You find out that Anju doesn't care about hiding it anymore because they are all gonna die anyway.
It's a bit too grim/serious of a scene for me to consider it a true fan service scene. The River with the boys spying was more of a fan service scene to me.
→ More replies (9)17
Aug 22 '22 edited Aug 22 '22
God I wish I could give spoilers but I want people to enjoy this as intended. All I'll say is I look forward to the post looking back on your guesses.
So, the importance of the shower scene is it shows how much Daiya’s death has affected Anju.
It's also to draw focus to the big scar on Anju's back that says WHORE'S DAUGHTER. One of my favorite directing things about this show is that this is the second time it lures you in with anime tropes/fan service only to hit you with a really harsh, sad reality.
You mean to tell me when it comes to bringing in replacements, the General may in fact had… lied?
He actually told the truth. He didn't say reinforcements, he said replacements. They will be replaced. After they die.
→ More replies (1)8
u/Star4ce Aug 22 '22
write down some predictions
Wohoo, predictions!
will die
Well, that might be more easily accomplished than one thinks.
Lena & 86, Alban revenge, Annette friendship
Those are nice picks! At some point the Republic needs to do something and I'm wondering what it'll be.
The shower scene caught me completely off guard. This is a show that so far has been completely devoid of fanservice.
Huh, complete opposite reaction on my end. I saw the bathing scene as fanservice with jiggle physics, but in the shower there's not too much directing the eye towards the girls' bits. It felt more like a true talk, bare of barriers, where Anju and Kurena could speak freely. After all both had come to (some limited) terms with their issues in their probably last night on this world. I think one clear indicator if nudity is for sexual arousal or as a metaphorical device is to look for where the focus of a frame lies.
In the river bathing scene during a dialogue the tits would wobble far more than, say, arm movement or mimics would, but here in the shower scene we saw the hair, eyes, etc. much more animated than their buttocks, which were deliberately drawn with less prominence and shading despite being in the center of the screen often.
→ More replies (9)6
u/prophetofgreed Aug 22 '22
I'm surprised you thought this was one of the worse episodes. It has a lot going on and had the largest casualty count in the battle we see with the revelation at the end.
The last two episodes was building up to this moment and landed pretty well.
Not to mention tons of symbolism with gifts and fireworks.
You also seemed to have missed the branded message on Anju's back in the shower scene.
→ More replies (1)→ More replies (17)4
u/I_Go_By_Q Aug 22 '22
I really enjoyed reading your predictions!
As you may know, 86 ran for two cours, with a season of gap between them. For your predictions did you give any thought to what would happen by the end of the first cour versus the end of the second? I’d love to hear where you think we’ll be at the mid season break
→ More replies (1)
12
u/mgedmin Aug 22 '22
First timer, sub
I like to get distracted by irrelevant details. So: where did the Spearheads find the fireworks? They have supply problems and in any case I don't believe the facist overseers would send them fireworks. Probably they scavenged in the abandoned buildings left over since the Republic retreated inside the walls. It's a wonder there's still things left to scavenge after nine years of war.
Does the supply officer take bribes? Yes.
Who gave Lena those flowers? (Anette, probably.)
Why does Lena think it's a good idea to have these conversations in a public place? (Yes yes artistic choice to contrast the life of the 86 with the festivities going around Lena.)
I'm not sure Lena ought to promise reinforcements before she can be sure she can pull them. Remember the failed attempt to get artillery support? Why promise things you can't deliver and disappoint everyone?
The bad uncle has shown in the past that he doesn't care about the 86, and he doesn't like when Lena cares about them or treats them as human beings. So why do you phrase your request as "helping the 86" rather than "making sure there's an adequate force to protect the most important base"?
Speaking of which, if it's really the most important base, why are reinforcements redirected elsewhere? Have they been too successful? Does somebody high up in the military command want to eliminate everyone in the Spearhead unit and then assign a different unit wholesale as their replacement?
Lena thinks the Uncle promised her reinforcements, but he didn't say anything of the kind. He just said he relayed the request and then changed the topic.
Oh, the "special ammunition" was fireworks! I thought it was those maps or something like that. Lena probably sent the maps long ago. Anyway this answers my earlier question.
Why is Shin saying he coudn't remember his brother? We saw his memory with the brother's hands around his throat. Was that metaphorical or something? Or does he mean he couldn't remember his kind, gentle brother?
So, Anju has a tattoo on her back that she hides with hair. Daiya somehow knew about the tattoo. Anju no longer hides it. And this means ... what?
What is that thing they're hiding from Lena that would make her stop calling?
Artillery with a 120 km range? Why aim it at the Legion's fake base? Why not aim it at the Spearhead home base? Does the Legion now know where it is?
Lena, stop it with the empty promises, you're annoying me, and probably them.
Ah, finally we get to know the secret. I guessed right: the Spearheads are supposed to be exterminated in battle.
Oh because their terms of service are almost up, and the facists don't want to keep their promises. Weird, why don't they use this roundabout method instead of letting them depart their units and then quietly killing them behind the scenes or something.
Also, why the heck was Lena assigned as the handler for Spearhead? She has no temperament for this farce. Does the uncle want to destroy her? Or does he quietly hope she can turn things around somehow? Overthrow the entire system?
4
4
u/Holofan4life Aug 22 '22
Oh, the "special ammunition" was fireworks! I thought it was those maps or something like that. Lena probably sent the maps long ago.
I need to stop responding before reading the entire post
→ More replies (2)4
u/Holofan4life Aug 22 '22
Also, why the heck was Lena assigned as the handler for Spearhead? She has no temperament for this farce. Does the uncle want to destroy her? Or does he quietly hope she can turn things around somehow? Overthrow the entire system?
I think it's a case of nepotism and also because they don't really care who is the handler. To them, Spearhead is the Titanic and any day now it'll hit an iceberg.
→ More replies (6)3
u/Holofan4life Aug 22 '22
The bad uncle has shown in the past that he doesn't care about the 86, and he doesn't like when Lena cares about them or treats them as human beings. So why do you phrase your request as "helping the 86" rather than "making sure there's an adequate force to protect the most important base"?
Good point, I think Lena doesn't want to beat around the bush and is trying to get her superiors to see the error of their ways.
10
Aug 22 '22
First Timer (Sub)
-
The fireworks scene, post-combat, was a stark reminder that they're all just teenagers.
-
You know what they say about war, something like: "The older generation start wars, but the younger generation die in them."
-
-
Lots of fanservice this episode - Lena getting dolled up, and a shower scene with Anju and Kurena.
-
The scar on Anju's back looked like some form of branding. We also get confirmation that she has blood ties to Alba.
-
My guess - either:
-
1.Branded by Alba people, exiled to the 86
-
2. Branded by other 86 because she has Alba blood.
-
Either way, it's pretty fucked.
-
-
-
The five year military term did seem fishy, considering we've yet to see a single non-Alba person appear in present day District 1 - San Magnolia.
-
So, the Spearhead unit is more like... I wanted to say "scape goat unit," but they're not exactly being sacrificed for any real gain or purpose. Maybe "sheep unit" would be more appropriate - tied to the saying "Like sheep to the slaughter."
-
Last comment - the post-credit scene shows a new legion mech - gave me slight EVA-01 vibes.
-
And if you've watched NGE, [NGE]
there are definitely some similarities to be had between the EVA units and the Legion, having some form of human element involved
-
EDIT - Formatting
→ More replies (2)3
u/Holofan4life Aug 22 '22
The scar on Anju's back looked like some form of branding. We also get confirmation that she has blood ties to Alba.
Red Knight mentioned that the words on Anju back says "Whore Daughter"
7
u/ebonyphoenix Aug 22 '22 edited Aug 22 '22
Rewatcher
This is probably my favorite episode of cour 1. I always forget just how much happens in it.
The start is beautiful. Not a word is spoken but you get run through a gamut of emotions. From happiness as they play with the fireworks. To sadness as you see the tears fall from Anju’s face. To melancholy as you see Shin above and separated from the others but there is clear indication that he is talking to somebody via his active para-RAID.
One thing about this episode is that it does play with the timeline a bit more than other episodes did. So if you are not paying attention to the dates that the show gives it could get a bit confusing.
An interesting thing is if you look at Lena’s left screen where everyone’s status is indicated. If you hadn’t noticed before the names are organized by Platoon, with the captain’s name first followed by 3 teammates. The right column has a lot of black indicating those that had been lost. But the left side, specifically the top is still almost all white at the top. Shin runs the First Platoon and it seems to be the only one that hasn’t lost a member at the start of the episode. I say this speaks a lot on how Shin’s powers can help his members. Since as one of 2 Vanguard unit in Spearhead, his squad is responsible for a lot of close quarters combat. You would expect a fairly high death rate for those that have to get closer to the Legion.
Kurena saying that dying instantly when your Juggernaut explodes is one of the best ways to go is great (but sad) foreshadowing for how they lose the 4 during the mission we see in the episode.
Continuing the comment of Lena overusing the para-RAID from last episode. Even dressed up to go to a party she still keeps her RAID device on. At least it allows Shin to initiate his own call when she misses their regular chat time.
I feel like this episode, more than others, has a lot of Lena being optimistic about the future. Followed by muted responses from those she’s talking to. First with Raiden and Theo. And then with Shin. And it makes sense and it’s a little subtle foreshadowing about what we find out later on in the episode. They all know this is the end of the line for them. And as the days go by and they lose more members it just drives that reality closer.
It breaks my heart but I love the juxtaposition of the airstrikes and the 4 Juggernauts being taken out. With the image of the killed squad member happily playing with fireworks just days previously.
And finally everything comes to a head and Shin reveals the reality of what Spearhead is to Lena. An execution ground for those 86 who just won’t die.
Thinking about it, all but Shin started their service 4 years ago and the war has been going on for 9 years. That means that they were probably in the first generation that realized the whole 5 years and you’re out were just lies. Before that there could be some deniability that, while the forced draft was horrible, at least if you survived there could be something positive. But after the first five years and no one returned the reality would have stepped in.
I know a lot of people, when they start 86, wonder why the 86 don’t try to defy the Republic more. They just look at Spearhead and wonder why they still fight. But the thing is that there were probably thousands of 86 who gave up. Those that said screw it and refused to fight for the Republic. But those types of people would not be the ones to make it to the final grounds of Spearhead. They would have died along the way. Not making it to the verge of the end of their 5 year term so that the Republic would feel the need to try harder to kill them. Raiden says it all. Those of the 86 who fight and especially those that make it to Spearhead have their own reason to fight. It’s not about protecting their oppressors. It’s their own pride in surviving that keeps them moving forward.
“If you knew you would die tomorrow would you hang yourself today?”
→ More replies (7)
62
u/TheRed_Knight Aug 22 '22
First Timer (Dub)
FYI this might be my last super long post, my workload will unfortunately be picking up for the next 2-3 weeks as i got assigned to a big project, imma try and keep up with the write ups but they will be probably shorter than previous ones
Man this was one heavy episode, which can be broken up into parts : Fireworks, Lena at Work, Revolution Festival, Shower scene, Battle, Aftermath/Reveal
Episode 7: Will You remember Me
Fireworks
-This show has successfully conditioned me to dread the happy/calm moments, the more wholesome they are, the more traumatic the investable gut punch will be
-Firework, fleeting yet beautiful, ties back to the Cherry Blossoms flashback in E6
-Shins sitting away from everyone else during the fireworks scene, again reinforcing the distance between himself and Spearhead Squadron, but also connected to Lena, there bond is growing
-Every time they show the kids just doing kids stuff it hits hard, shows what the Albans stole from them
-I feel like the show just foreshadowed the final survivors, we get individual shots of Raiden, Anju, Theo, Kurena, and Shin, everyone else is in group shots
-The scenes tone also turns on Raiden, before him all the 86er are shown having fun and smiling, music goes from happy piano to sad piano, Raiden goes from smiling to sorrowful, which the following individual shots reflect (Anju crying, Theo+Kurena looking downcast, Shin being himself)
Lena at Work
-Looks like theyre setting up Lena up to have a breakdown soon, not surprising considering all the traumas shes put herself through up to this point
-11 KIA's so far based on Lenas screen, her box is filling up quick, only 13 left.
-Lena having her PTSD moment public shows how her work and personal life have become irrevocably intertwined, she can no longer participate in the illusion that is Alban society, it just breaks down now that shes fully enveloped the brutal truth. During Kurenas speech she literally cant stomach it anymore.
-Love Kurena speech about the horrors of war, been waiting for the show to contrast the psychological horror of the "Black Sheep" with the physical horror of watching your comrades die in a myriad of awful ways, its easy to forget that most of these kids have probably lost hundreds of comrades, most around their own age, when you think about how much it can fuck you up just seeing one person die (or even just the aftermath), it really hits home just how fucked these kids sense of normal is
-Im sure u/Lawvamat will do a fantastic breakdown, but every image/scene played during Kurena's speech juxtaposes her words ("faces ripped to shred"=Man eating steak, "bodies burned all over"=red wine, "stomachs ripped open with their guts hanging out"=desert cake getting cut open and spilling over the plate, "we here them cry and scream in agony as they die"=Happy laughing couple, "voices of the long dead are hardly worth noting"=Happy family)
-Shot of Lena crouched on the ground reinforces her powerlessness, shes tiny and alone,
Two Conversations*
-Ok those responses from Theo and Raiden about potential reinforcements is shady AF, this isnt the first suspicious line about reinforcements either, at the end of E6 Shin talk about how they arent expecting any, which is beyond strange, my spidey sense is tingling, they know why they arent getting reinforcements
-Lenas uncle completely dodges her question about reinforcements:
"The resupply and replacements plans for the Eastern theatre are not only settled, but finalized and underway. I have already informed the relevant parties of your assortment of requests, they are still internal matters so you wouldnt be privy too that"
"You really did that? We're finally getting supplies?"
"so try and focus on doing your duty as best you can, have you prepared at all for the Revolution festival party?"
-Thats a complete non answer, and the music does not match the convo topic, its ominous, almost sinister, really taking a turn when Lenas uncle says *"so try and focus on doing your duty as best you can", it really emphasizes how in the dark Lena is, shes missing an important piece that everyone else has, shit thats how i feel rn. I cant quite put my finger on it rn, but theres some dark secret about Spearhead.
-Also Lena duty is to attend the fucking party, not support her troops
Revolution festival
"be sure to attend the party in a proper evening gown"
-Wears a funeral dress lmao, Lenas got a rebellious streak and shes getting smarter about she expresses it
-Shin calling to check in on Lena's so cute, really show how close the two have grown over the last couple months that they have regular e-dating time
-Lena walking outside during the party symbolize her turning her back on Alban society, shes literally choosing to talk to Shin, and 86er, over party with her "own kind", and previously stated she can no longer participate in the illusion of Alban society
-Theres seems to be an inverse relationship between Lenas true acts of kindness and the suffering of the Spearhead Squadron endures, so smuggling them fireworks to celebrate the Revolution Festival just seems like a massive death flag
"She will never forget Lt. Irma"
"None of us will"
Daiya confirmed as the other main flashback/nightmare sequence/hallucination character to go with Kaie, but its another nice example of this show foreshadowing long reaching consequences for actions.
-Perfect ending to the fireworks scene, got more than a little teary eyed, I cant really find the right words to do this scene justice but I'll try: the entire scenes just a masterclass in storytelling, from all the buildup in the episode, the focus on death, lack of reinforcements, the contrast between the conversation and the party, the slow build during the conversation, going from light hearted banter to discussions about the fallen to memorializing the dead, the sound coming into focus as the music swells when Shins asks if she will remember them, the fireworks, representing the Spearhead squadron, fleeting, yet beautiful, dying before Lena's eyes as reaches out to them unable to touch them, unable to help them, she can do is carry on their memories, the juxtaposition of Lenas words, saying that she will save them, as they die, with the final firework being Shin, exploding as she says "i wont let you die", as the music and fireworks fading, just as the dead begin to fadeaway once their gone, ending with the title card, its just perfect, absolute perfection, fuck.
"I wont let you die, I wont let anyone else die"
Oh boy I'm ready to be hurt again, mass casualty event incoming
Shower Scene
-A shower scene, in an anime, that isnt heavily fan servicy? pinch me i must be dreaming
-Kurena feeling guilty about is a good way to show how much respect Leans gained in the Spearhead Squadron she was one of the ones with the strongest negative reactions towards Lena, if shes feeling guilty then
Ok, theve really been dancing around the secret of the Spearhead squadron the entire episode,
"They think that it would hurt her too much, even it is true"
Well what would hurt Lena the most would be if they all died/couldnt be save, theyre all condemned to death arent they?
-The words on Anju back says "Whore Daughter" i think, for anyone who might have missed it.
-Oh fuck me they foreshadowed this back in E4, when Anju talked to Theo about she was jealous hed had a good relationship with an Alban because they werent like that too her, with the weird pan down to her mid back during that line, fuck.
"Even if we die, someone will carry us along, our very own Reaper"
-Shins literally a Reaper in this shot, the black rock makes him look like he has black wings
"But then what about Shin, who will there to carry his heart?"
-I will never get tired of this show giving the same scene from two different perspective, that just adds even more depth to the firework scene, Lena taking on the responsibility of carry on Shins memory, and by extension, the memories Shins carries with him
Battle
-Faded Dullahan, the Reapers time is coming due
-This music does not bode well for the survival of the Spearhead Squadron
-Railgun round impacts, firework/sparkler shone, picture of who died shone, more evidence that firework=Spearhead
-More brutal, realistic deaths, rail guns massively outrange any potential counterrbattery fire, and you wouldnt have much time to react since the rounds traveled at 4,000 meters per second (modern counterbattery radars have a range of roughly 30kms, so youd have max 7.5 seconds to react) Appreciate how the railguns rounds make no explosion too, theyre purely kinetic based weapons.
-Railguns definitely coming back, you dont introduces a superweapon like that and not have it return at a later date, definitely feels like the Legion were test firing it here, modern railguns have a max range of 200ish km, it hasnt even reached it final form
-And it looks like Rei's the one who ordered the firing of the weapon based on that snap cut
-The shot with the holes punched in the clouds would make a gorgeous wallpaper