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September 07, 2005
Gundam Seed Destiny episode 46 (review) - "Song of Truth"
Well, the battle with the EA is essentially over. What will the Destiny plan end up being in reality? Will Shinn ever resolve his conflicting issues? Can Athrun and Kira stop the Chairman's evermoving plot? Perhaps these questions should have answers, but for today, we get an episode dealing with Meer and Lacus.
This is not to say that this is entirely a bad thing. It just seems odd to be dedicating an episode to Meer's captivity at this point. This is a plot thread that could have been handled much earlier.
Prior to the introduction, we get an update on the status of the EA and ZAFT. Shinn and Rey are shooting at targets in practice when Luna arrives. In contrast to last episode, she seems notably perturbed about the gun practice. I can't say for sure, but she seems to be trying not to talk in front of Rey. I still forsee that being a problem for her which might lead to her death by Rey's hands. Luna talks about Meyrin and Athrun being alive, but seems unwilling to discuss it further with Shinn. As they say, the "honeymoon" might be over. Cue up the intro music!
After the intro, Archangel arrives at Copernicus. It seems that during the flight, Athrun and Kira have been discussing Shinn. Kira explains how he lost to Impulse before. Athrun also offers what I think to be the most important comment on Shinn with reference to the Chairman and Rey: "In all likelihood, Shinn can't escape from there either... he also has a dream and he's the type that puts everything into it." I think this nails Shinn exactly: he's like Meer in many ways, the only difference being that he's still useful to them. But the Chairman and Rey will never let him leave, and will do everything to keep him under wraps. This does not bode well for Shinn, and Kira seems to realize this with a sad expression.
We join Meer in hiding somewhere near Copernicus. Her bodyguard tells her that Archangel has arrived at Copernicus and sort of plants the idea that although Lacus might be with Archangel, she considers Meer to be the "real" Lacus because she stayed with the Chairman and helped with the war. However, Meer seems to understand there's a problem with this...
Lacus, Kira, Meyrin, and Athrun go on a fluff trip to the shopping centers in Copernicus colony. This was a largely amusing set of scenes, as Athrun is dedicated to the idea of being a bodyguard and emphasizing that Lacus being in public is dangerous. Kira counters that they're prepared as much as they can be for what might happen. Meanwhile, we also get several amusing scenes with Lacus trying on outfits and Kira giving the same comment to each... Lacus gets mad at this and Kira apologizes. It's little moments like this that show how much the Lacus-Kira relationship has developed. They don't need to overtly show their love... it shows through character banter. Meer's little Haro arrives to give Lacus a note "Help! I'm going to be killed! Meer." Athrun wants to go meet her alone, but Lacus insists on going as well. Athrun appeals to Kira, but Kira decides it is for the best. I feel for Athrun... it's hard to protect someone who does crazy things, regardless of the emotion involved. Then again, Kira and Athrun are able bodyguards and Meyrin is apparently not a creampuff either.
Arriving at the ruins, Athrun talks to Meer as Lacus and the rest come up.... assassins lurk in the shadows, trying to aim for Lacus. There is somewhat of a contentious scene, as Meer insists she is the real Lacus... however, she reconsiders her statement as Lacus insists (paraphrased) "I'll give you my name and fame, but you are you and you can only be you." The assassins ready themselves, but Torii provides a warning, and the crew take cover. Lacus moves to Meer and tells her that things will be alright. Meer has made her decision, and she wants to live.
Mass gunplay ensues, with Athrun taking out most of the attackers. Mwu/Neo also arrives in Akatsuki. As he gets ready to take Lacus and Meer to safety, Sarah (the bodyguard turned assassin) takes aim at Lacus. Meer sees this... and moves to stop it if she can.
What follows is a sad scene that ends the episode. Meer gives Lacus and company a picture of her as she looked before being altered to look like Lacus. We end on a sad note.
This episode did add a lot of fill-in (the discussion of Shinn, the resolution with Meer), but it seems some of it could have been handled earlier in the series. From the preview, next week seems to be an episode on Meer's background, and I'll admit it: I do question the need for it at this point, although I suppose its possible it will give us insight into the Destiny plan and Lacus. We've got 4 episodes and a LOT of ground to cover, especially with a bunch being given to Meer next episode. I still hear rumors that there might be a third SEED series that would pick up after this one... maybe they're setting it up. I think Shinn is doomed because he is a pawn in the end, but we will see. I can easily see Rey killing Luna for some reason, then Angry Shinn (TM) lashing out at all before him. The episode provided much needed fill-in of characters telling other characters what is going on, and it also gave us some fluff moments that were worthwhile.
I haven't really gained any insight into Meyrin's role other than to deter her sister in the end battles. If the writers intend for her to forge some sort of relationship with Athrun, they're not showing it. If the writers do not intend a relationship, then why do they keep pairing her with Athrun in episodes like this? I still think they're leaning towards the "Athrun reunites with Cagalli at the end of the war, with both having learned a lot about themselves in the war", but its difficult to say. Of course, this also supposes that Athrun survives to the end...
The Mwu/Neo and Murrue relationship showed a little bit of development as well, but it was hardly worth mentioning. They still haven't fully revealed how Mwu survived and I don't know if he has come to grips with it. When Kira says to Mwu in Akatsuki "You're late, Mwu-san", Mwu/Neo seems disgruntled for some reason. I'm not sure if it was because Kira called him Mwu or because he was late. My Japanese isn't good enough to avoid using the fansub as a crutch.
Oh well, on to next week, "Meer"... if Ophelia (the tropical storm) doesn't knock out my power. The episode tagline leads me to believe we'll learn more about the Destiny plan as well....
Posted by Drylnn at September 7, 2005 01:16 AM