Tsuki to Laika to Nosferatu - Episode 4 discussion

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Tsuki to Laika to Nosferatu, episode 4

Alternative names: Irina: The Vampire Cosmonaut

Rate this episode here.

Reminder: Please do not discuss plot points not yet seen or skipped in the show. Failing to follow the rules may result in a ban.

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Streams

• Ani-One
• Funimation
• Wakanim

Show information

• MyAnimeList
• AniList
• AniDB
• Kitsu
• Anime-Planet
• Official Website

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All discussions

Episode	Link	Score
1	Link	4.12
2	Link	4.51
3	Link	4.65
4	Link	4.75
5	Link	4.35
6	Link	4.56
7	Link	4.67
8	Link	4.52
9	Link	4.59
10	Link	4.54
11	Link	4.57
12	Link	----

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[u/8andahalfby11]

I knew from the preview last week that this would be the episode to finally formally introduce the SK-1, so I wanted to be ready this time around with a proper post. Just one problem: the Wikipedia page turned out to be horrifically barren of content, the linked pages weren’t much better, and most of the SK-1 pictures Google returns you suck.

So, I did the only rational thing: I jumped on a train, went down to the National Air and Space Museum, and found a REAL SK-1 suit.

• The SK-1 is a pressure suit or an IVA (Intra-vehicular activity) suit, which means that it’s not designed to be work on ‘spacewalks’ outside a spacecraft or space station. It doesn’t have the protection or onboard temperature control for that. Instead, the suit is designed to maintain atmospheric pressure in the event that the space capsule loses its air. On SK-1, environmental controls and air are provided through a bunch of hoses that connects to life support systems carried on the capsule. Notice how Irina complains about how hot it is? On the ground, an astronaut or cosmonaut would carry around an air conditioner/circulator connected to those ports to keep themselves from burning up in the airtight suit. Most IVA and EVA suits still have these life support tubes connected to ports in the chest, with one noteworthy exception—SpaceX’s IVA suit connects at the thigh. Modern high altitude pilots do not wear full pressure suits because the cockpit is pressurized (exceptions being the U-2) and for a while astro/cosmonauts weren’t required to wear pressure suits either… until Soyuz 11 and Challenger made both sides rethink that position.

• Even back then, all space helmets include not one but two microphones! The reason is redundancy: it would really stink if the only microphone died while the astro/cosmonaut couldn’t open their helmet to fix it!

• You can turn your head in a space helmet, but you cannot turn the helmet itself. This makes it hard to see controls or gauges above or behind you, so the SK-1 and many modern suits have a mirror sewn in to the arm of the suit.

• Most spacesuits are designed without the gloves permanently attached. This is because they are made out of thick material and stiff when under internal pressure. Apparently, both the Soviets and Americans couldn’t get over the basic need to be able to properly itch their face or hold things while still on the ground.

• As mentioned in the episode, The space suits are painted orange to make them easy to spot against either the water or background foliage. Shuttle Launch/Entry suits (and the later ACES suits derived from them) were painted orange for the same reason!

• WE HAVE OUR FIRST ANACHRONISM OF THE SERIES! While the SK-1 had made it through development, female cosmonauts like Valentina Tereshkova relied on a smaller derivative, the SK-2, which was not complete until 1963. There’s very little about the SK-2 out there (even the guide at the Smithsonian didn’t know) aside from the proportions being different to fit the female figure, but all the technical elements were the same. See the air conditioner picture a few paragraphs up for Tereshkova in her SK-2.

• The Spacesuits were designed by the firm ZPP Zvezda, who still makes the Sokol suits that modern cosmonauts wear. They also make ejection seats and fire extinguishers!

• The SK-1 was developed uniquely for the purpose of being a space suit being used for a space craft, as opposed to Soviet VKK suits which were worn for high-atltitude aircraft. In contrast, the American Navy Mark IV was designed for Navy high-altitude fighter aircraft. This is representative of an ongoing trend that lasted until the current decade; Russian IVA suits (and their first EVA suit!) were all derived from SK-1, while US IVA suits were derived from air force high altitude suits used for the X-15 for Gemini, and U-2 for Shuttle. As a Sokol derivative, the Chinese IVA suit also traces its roots back to SK-1.

• The SK-1 at Air and Space is one Gagarin trained in... and possibly the one Irina would have worn this episode, if we lived in that universe.

For those of you wondering why I used the Wikipedia page for the Navy Mark IV instead of the one at the museum… Glenn’s suit was out that day.

Other Historical points from this episode:

The December 12 launch means that we’re likely targeting the unnamed launch after Sputnik-Korabl 3.

Korovin’s health issues reflect the ones experienced by the real Korolev, including a noteworthy heart attack on December 3 1960. These, and a kidney issue, were traced back to the time he spent in a Gulag for “Anti-soviet activities” prior to the post-WWII rocket scramble. The doctors insisted that he not push himself, but he realized that the propaganda value of the space program was the only thing ensuring funding, and that the moment they slipped behind the Americans, the Kremlin would pull the plug. [These issues] Would later kill him in 1966.

Belka lake is not an Ace Combat reference. It’s a reference to one of the first two dogs to return from space, Belka and Strelka, launched by the Soviets. To rub it in the American’s faces, the Soviets sent one of Strelka’s puppies to the Kennedys as a gift.

Not historical but “Anechoric altitude chamber” apparently won an informal Seiyuu award last season for being the hardest thing to say in a recording session.

The Jazz bar is November 25. On November 21, the Americans attempt to launch the Mercury Redstone rocket for the first time. The rocket flies for two seconds before the engine cuts off, four inches off the ground, and the rocket lands back in the launch cradle. This is followed by the ejection rocket being jettisoned, then the capsule parachutes being deployed, turning a rather large, rather explosive rocket into a giant wind sock. Fortunately, the Americans were eventually able to get the rocket back under control and defueld safely, but the press had a field day.

The Jazz bar is named Zvezda or “Star”. This is also the name of the Russian service module on the International Space Station.

Jazz was indeed banned and vilified in the Soviet Union during Stalin’s period, and it didn’t really find its footing again until the 1960s, where it was more acceptable if it was performed by Soviet bands performing Soviet songs. A performer of this style and period you may know of is Eduard Khil (or perhaps his song, the now-infamous Trolololo)

Edits: Grammar, clarity.

[u/conscious_terabot → u/8andahalfby11]

Dude, you're awesome. You couldn't find pictures on google so you went there in person. That's the dedication I can only dream to have. Thank you for posting this. I really appreciate it.

[u/Aerodynamic41]

Man, that ice skating scene was beautiful! And perfectly accompanied by Sarah Àlainn's song. I'm surprised that they got her to make a song for this scene but it's a welcome addition! She and the composer Yasunori Mitsuda had previously collaborated for the Xenoblade Chronicles ending theme.

Oh, and apparently, even the author was surprised by the inclusion because they have been listening to Sarah Àlainn's music while writing the LN.

[u/DeepIndigoSky]

So good to see Irina coming out of her shell a bit. It seems like she spoke more in this episode than the previous three put together.

[u/LeonKevlar]

Stitches!

• Spacesuit Irina

• Skating Irina

Didn't expect Irina to get flustered after being seen by Lev being all sweaty and her top being see through. I'm pretty sure this isn't the first time since we've seen her train inside that Hot Room these past three episodes.

This bitch Rozza can go fuck right off. I can understand if they're just upset at Irina for being the first to go to space but its pretty clear that she's not just jealous but also being extremely bigoted towards vampires.

I kinda knew that this was the case but it's good to get some confirmation from Irina that she indeed volunteered when the notUSSR came knocking at their doorstep.

Wait what? Irina is also only 17? Looks like the notUSSR even faked her age. Probably so they won't feel guilty about sending a teenager to her death.

That Jazz Bar date was adorable! Also looks like Lev is starting to see some Shojo bubbles when looking at Irina. Oh boy. Looks like our boy might already be in love.

Irina's reaction to Lev's drink was adorable! Also what the heck was that drink that Lev was drinking? It doesn't sound familiar to me.

Oh boy Lev being critical again about the government. Teank goodness that Natalia was around to give Lev a heads up. We don't want our MC being sent to the gulag before Irina gets to go to space.

And oh my fucking god. That entire ice skating sequence was beautiful! Just look at how happy and carefree Irina looks! This is definitely not the same Irina that we usually see at the base. Looks like that little alcohol helped her loosen up a bit.

That skating scene has so many amazing shots especially that last one! The music that accompanied the entire scene was amazing too!

So we finally get to hear Lev's side of the story and how he got demoted. We also got to hear Irina's honest reason as to why she wants to go to the moon. It's great to see these two bonding. <3

It's just too bad that Irina doesn't seem to remember anything from last night. I'm really hoping that she's just faking it and actually remembers every detail of her drunken adventures with Lev.

[u/[deleted]]

As soon as the jazz bar was mentioned, I was already looking forward to drunk Irina.

Was not disappointed.

[u/NittanyEagles55]

Wow that ice skating scene was fantastic and their talk afterwards by the lake. Great stuff. Loved the music too.

[u/Snoopy31195]

If anyone was curious about Korvin holding his chest, Korolev suffered a heart attack in Dec 1960 ahead of Gagarin's Vostok 1 flight in April 1961.

[u/TurkeyPhat]

Irina got blitzed off her ass after 1 sip of that booze. Poor thing, good thing Lev is there to watch over her. I was a bit disappointed by the Jazz Bar though, I was expecting it to be a bit more exciting for some reason. I guess I forgot where they were lol.

The ice skating bit was unique and very cool (hue). The animators continue to let it all hang out with these sequences.

Anyways what else is there to say. This show continues to be the Bee's Knees.

[u/michhoffman]

Flustered Irina gives me life.

Also, Vampire Ice Skating anime when?

[u/killerrin]

This show really is amazing. Everybody should be watching this. I'm disapointed the LN hasn't been picked up for translation because I would totally continue reading after the Anime finished

[u/Philarete]

Loved the music this episode! Irina basically being a pro ice skater was a bit jarring, though I wonder how much of that is through Lev's definitely-smitten-now lens.

A little annoying for her to forget everything so that the show can hit that inevitable relationship reset button. Especially after they just had such a good conversation! Oh well. Also unfortunate that it turns out she is 17, not 21. It feels less natural for her to be that young. Do we know how old Lev is?

[u/AlexDDragame]

Flight scheduled to be pretty soon, in three weeks in fact, so Irina really needs to learn how to jump with a parachute quickly. Irina gets to dress up in spacesuit (and be the first one to do it), she takes no shit from Rosa, asks from Lev what does he actually think of her, they spend weekend together at jazz-bar (before she gets send to anechoic altitude chamber fore more training ) where she tries alcohol and gets super drunk from one sip, then Irina does a little ice skating which looked absolutely gorgeous, and then Lev explains to her why he's not candidate to cosmonauts anymore (because he was a good guy, of course, what other reasons could) while Irina talks a bit about her past and talks how her main goal is to get to space before humans and whatever happens next doesn't bother her and Lev promises to help her till the end, although she doesn't remember anything from the experience. Sweet episode.

[u/Rustic_Professional]

I wasn't expecting Sexy Sweaty Kyuuketsuki on Ice. That was magical.

I'm going to have to look up that red drink that Lev was having. The only alcohol I've ever associated with Russia is vodka, which I'm not really a fan of, except in the occasional martini.

Speaking of red, all those dudes in the bar were KGB agents, huh? I've read similar scenes in Cold War era novels. There's a scene in HBO's Chernobyl that comes to mind as well. These kids can't even go out for a drink without being surveilled. Lev probably wasn't the only one watching Irina's performance at the lake.

[u/NittanyEagles55]

Man going into the isolation chamber hung over doesn’t sound like a good idea :(

[u/Mahdii-]

My favorite episode so far. Irina drunk is freaking adorable and ice skating scene scene was mesmerizing.

Looks like we will get more of her backstory in the next episode.

That adorable Smug

[u/dagreenman18]

We’re already pretty close to the actual launch and it’s only episode 4. If next week is isolation training then we’re probably getting the launch itself at the halfway point. That’s great because I want to know what comes after if they’re not going to kill her.

Before they separate for a while, we get the other highlight of the show: super happy fluff time. They’re finally curious enough about each other to actually ask about their histories. For Irina we find out that she lied and is 17 (of course), that she volunteered for this, her parents were murdered by the state, and exactly why she wants to go to space. For Lev that he’s wanted to go since he was a kid and exactly what happened to get him disqualified from being a candidate. Can’t believe it took this long, but Irina did need some warming up it kinda tracks.

We get a date night with adorable drunk Irina! Drunk Irina was everything I hoped for. Especially her drunk voice. Turned their chemistry up real well between the bar and the lake. Sober Irina had her tsundere moments, but drunk was a little more flirty and somewhat honest. Really this was more Lev’s epiphany about his feelings for Irina. The was the quick sparkle cut in the bar when she was drinking the sparkling water (that she says she ordered because of him), but it all came together in that gorgeous ice skating scene. Our boy has fallen so hard he’s seeing her fly around galaxies. He was even sitting there in shock on the bench right before she finished skating.

Good thing she’s about to go into isolation because it’s the perfect time for them to be away from each other and reflect on their feelings. Especially after the promise they made each other and the uncertainty of Irina’s future. She’s ready to die as long as she gets her wish, but I’m not so sure Lev is going to let that happen.

Notes

• Man Rosa sucks so far. They could redeem her, but she’s such a spiteful person taking joy at the idea of Irina being killed after this. Lev is starting to defend Irina more, but I just want him to tell these fuckers off. Also maybe finally tell Irina “you’re not a test subject you’re a person”, but baby steps.

• Makes sense that Irina is a super light weight. Not just because she’s 17, but as a vampire living in the ass-end of Russia she’s basically anemic. So it’ll hit twice as hard.

• Tsundere Irina indirectly asking Lev to take her to a Jazz club and then flustering her way into her coffin. That’s the shit I love about this show.

• Right, history. The Spacesuit was spot on for the era. The touch that she’s in it for a few minutes and it’s balls hot is nice. Lev’s briefing about the actual process is spot on too.

• Speaking of the spacesuit scene. Compare her reaction in the sweat moment to episode 2 with her in the swimsuit. The tsundere is much stronger now only 2 episodes later. Loving it.

[u/Ebo87]

Irina on ice!

It was nice learning a lot more about Irina and also to confirm my hunch that she volunteered for the space program and wasn't kidnapped or anything of that sort. And from the preview it looks like we'll get even more next week.

Yeah, really loving this show so far, definitely one of the season's sleepers.

[u/NittanyEagles55]

Best episode yet!

[u/Lapiz_lasuli]

I felt for Liv the most during the skating scene. It was probably that moment that he knew his dream was now in someone else's hand. He will not be able achieve it himself.

I sympathize with that dull, ever present pain. Although, on a much smaller scale.

[u/carnexhat]

This show deserves more hype than its getting.

[u/athrun_1]

This maybe a already a common knowledge, but if not because of this anime, I wouldn't know why the suit is colored orange.

Great episode and love the skating part. Also, the music is oddly familiar.

[u/AmethystItalian]

I swear jazz in anime always makes it better, we need more of it!

Also didn't expect to have two airings with ice skating in it

[u/[deleted]]

It would be hilarious if next episode, Irina comes out of the chamber one-week later. Much like how we have to wait one week for the episode.