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July 07, 2005

Gundam Seed Destiny episode 37 (review)

Well, I had hoped that Athrun would continue his resurgance to the character he should be in GSD. I hoped his seed mode would return to life in the battle against Rey and Shinn, and although he would lose in his inferior mobile suit, it would affect Shinn's attitude towards the Chairman.

For the first part of the episode, it looked like it might happen. We continue with Meyrin and Athrun in the Gouf Ignited, fleeing ZAFT to look for the Archangel. Very quickly, Shinn and Rey are ordered to pursue them in Destiny and Legend. However, although Athrun did try to convince Shinn that the Chairman was up to no good, he didn't really offer any specifics. This seems to be some bad plot writing in order to maintain some secret until the big revelation in coming episodes. In any case, it didn't make much sense that Athrun didn't try to talk to Shinn more and really state what Dullindal's plan is. He had plenty of time, even with Rey attacking.

Athrun also didn't hit seed mode, which was something of a disappointment. If this week's actions didn't reawaken him, what will?

In any case, Shinn and Destiny showed themselves to be a formidable weapon, and we're left to guess at the fate of Athrun (like he isn't going to live) and Meyrin (it was uncertain whether she would live long.... secondary characters in Seed didn't have guarrenteed lifespans). Although it looks like both live, we'll have to learn more in future episodes.

Meanwhile, Dullidal moves ZAFT towards Heaven's Base, the main EA base where LOGOS is hiding out. I'm not clear on the exact situation here: it appears from the ultimatum sent to Heaven's Base that the EA and ZAFT are working together against LOGOS, but if that is the case, then who is guarding LOGOS? They seemed to be more of a leadership caste than an army.

Also, what's up with Luna's reaction with Shinn? I realize she's upset about her sister "dying" and that Shinn is a comrade and fellow soldier, but they've never really shown her to be close to Shinn, and even more importantly, she's CRYING ON THE SHOULDER OF THE PERSON WHO MAY HAVE KILLED HER SISTER?!?!?!? That seemed a bit odd to me. I hope the writers don't try to force some sort of Shinn-Luna thing on us just because they feel like all the main characters need some sort of relationship. Shinn's tie to Stellar's death really gave him a motivation I could sympathize with, even if I'm not a big fan of him as a character.

I'm wondering how long it will take to reveal what is going on with ZAFT. They really need to clarify the sides soon or at least offer us reasoning for what is going on. While I have some idea of what is going on, most of the things that characters like Kira or Lacus or Athrun seem to "realize" aren't as obvious to me: they could simply be odd coincidences or misunderstandings. It's obvious to me that the Chairman really isn't as good as he'd like us to believe, it's not as though he's been overly evil. Yet, without us fully knowing what he's done, Athrun flees ZAFT, and Lacus and Kira are quick to distrust him. It would serve us viewers right if we found out the Chairman isn't evil, but its not going to happen. If Rey isn't the reincarnation of Rau (Raww) from Seed, I'd be shocked.

At least I now feel that Shinn is truly a powerful force for good or evil, no matter which way he goes. He truly had an evil look on his face as he took control of Destiny (no pun intended) and moved to stop Athrun. Still, Athrun's flight brings us ever closer to the return with a resurgent Kira and Athrun in Strike-Freedom and Infinite Justice, like a pair of avenging knights (yes, I love hyperbole). I guess this week though will be ZAFT's moment to shine.... although we don't know what LOGOS has up its sleeve.

Good episode, and it should get more interesting soon: Heaven's Base to be attacked next week.... looks like Orb is soon to follow....

Posted by Drylnn at 02:57 AM | Comments (0)