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September 18, 2005
Gundam Seed Destiny episode 48 (review) - "To a New World"
It's time to find out more about the Destiny Plan, and why its so bad for mankind!
Summary:
Prior to the introduction, we get a recap of the series in a nutshell, illustrating all the nutcases that have existed in Destiny and who has oppossed each set. The Chairman uses these as illustrations that mankind cannot get over repeated war. In addition, the Destiny Plan computers power up as the Chairman speaks. Just after the intro, we get a more detailed explanation of the Destiny Plan while others look on in a combination of happiness and anger. The Plan seems to consist of computers determining your genetic strengths and weaknesses and assigning you to the role you should be doing - your job or whatever. In that way, you'll be used most efficiently, you won't be unhappy, and the motivation for war won't exist. The characters discuss, the ZAFT people are confused, Rey reveals that he doesn't have long to defend the Plan because he's a clone, Orb and Scandanavia reject the Plan, the EA launches an attack. Of course, having taken Requiem, the Chairman fires on and destroys the EA forces. Dullindal orders Shinn and Rey to come to Messiah with their Gundams, while Orb, the Clyne Faction, and the remaining forces launch to attack Requiem and put a stop to its destruction.
At last, we've received an explanation of the Destiny Plan. I'm not really sure what was to discover at Mendel Labs in an earlier episode. The Chairman's plan on the surface, appears quite reasonable: put you for what you're best suited for. The problem, IMO, and in the opinion of the characters, is that by doing so, you eliminate the motivation to do better, the dreams of people to get to something better. While there is no war, there is no human spirit for those that the Plan and the Chairman have dictated will have a lower role.
The philosophical debate on that would be enormous, if it were presented in a sane way. However, the fact that the Chairman presents it by using a giant megadeath cannon to make his will known doesn't allow for much analysis and debate by his opposition. It's either take out Requiem, or let the Chairman have his way.
Shinn alternates between confused and understanding, but I think he's closest to accepting what the Chairman says. Luna tries to see him to convince him that something is wrong, but Rey doesn't allow that by telling Luna to essentially "Buzz off, we're busy."
It was really sad to see the EA reduced to almost a comic role. They really have been abused for almost the whole series. They weren't even a truly great power in this ep, because they were always beaten so easy compared to SEED.
It's good to see Talia continuing to doubt the Chairman, although she hasn't reached the stage of rebellion yet. As the Minerva learns of Requiem's firing and the mixed fleet coming to stop the Chairman, they are ordered to get ready for battle, as Rey says "They're coming... Archangel."
I'm also not sure how ZAFT missed all these cruisers and heavy warships being manufactured, but I'll overlook it. A lot of them seemed like brand new warships rather than stolen ZAFT ships.
The final battle begins in a week. Will Shinn turn? Will Requiem be stopped? Doesn't this seem like a repeat of the battle against Genesis in SEED, with Dullindal being a more reasonable Patrick Zala, Rey playing the role of Rau, and Shinn... well, there's no direct comparison for Shinn. Still guessing Rey will kill Luna and that might turn Shinn... but they might stick with the Anakin thing for Shinn.
It's been a long journey, but we're nearly home. Then I wonder what I'll do with the space on my webpages for reviews!
Posted by Drylnn at September 18, 2005 01:21 AM