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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 01:21 AM | Comments (0)

September 11, 2005

Gundam Seed Destiny episode 47 (review) - "Meer"

No tropical storm for me, and a new episode of Destiny to review! Saturdays can be great days sometimes.

Summary:
We enter with Meer's death, having sacrificed her life to protect Lacus Clyne. Arriving at Archangel, Athrun carries her lifeless body to lay to rest while the crew thinks about what she has done for Lacus. Meanwhile, Lacus digs through Meer's purse and finds Meer's digital diary, entitled "Progress Report". In it, Meer gives the story of her conversion and making into a copy of the pop idol Lacus. Meer has many difficulties to overcome, since Lacus never really sang in public on the television, and she also has some thoughts on Athrun Zala. Around this point, Athrun walks off, and Kira follows, while Lacus and Meyrin continue to read the diary. Having gained new understanding into Meer the person, the crew of the Archangel lays her to rest. Just then, Chairman Dullindal begins a public address, announcing that the solution to the world's constant march to war is the mysterios Destiny Plan, which involves genetics and a hierarchy of ability and best-fit-skills.

It seems very odd to take a step back, and as I have said before, I'm not against the exploration of the life of Meer, as her tortured existence at the end was interesting enough to merit a look. My problem is pacing: if they were going to have this episode, the Meer part should have replaced one of the recap-clipshow episodes, rather than being 4 episodes from the end of the series. Come to think of it, we could have had an interesting episode entitled "Origins and Beginnings", where we would have examined the origin of Meer and Rey, while also covering how Mwu survived to become Neo. That would have helped us out a great deal, and I wouldn't feel so cheated of necessary background development.

Most of the revelations about Meer aren't as much surprising as just sad. She's literally a barbie doll for the Chairman to use as his political pawn. Dress her up, have her sing, speak a few words. The problem with his plan: Meer is a living, thinking person. It's just fortunate for him that she didn't wise up to him earlier.

Other than the background, it seems the point of this episode is to give Lacus one more personal motivation to dislike Dullindal and his methods.... but then, she doesn't really need one as the Chairman begins to unveil the Destiny Plan. Although I expect more details next week, it seems (as suspected) that the Destiny Plan includes the determination of your genetic makeup and using that to determine your lot in life. So, this series is combining Gattaca with Revenge of the Sith and Top Gun - I jest, but only slightly.

As is typical for most of SEED and SEED Destiny's plans, the details are a bit nebulous, but I guess next week is suppossed to finish up the description. Until then, I join Kira, Lacus and the AA crew in looking angry.... very angry...

Posted by Drylnn at 01:05 AM | Comments (0)

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 01:16 AM | Comments (0)

September 01, 2005

Gundam Seed Destiny episode 45 (review) - "Prelude to Change"

I've decided to change up formats, based on some recommendations and some thoughts I've had. I'm not comfortable telling everything that happens in an episode, but I realize some people are reading because they cannot see the episodes. So I'll try not to give away too many plot surprises in the future while keeping a comprehensive review. Thanks to all of you who shared your thoughts.

Summary for this week:

We open the episode with ZAFT forces moving into position for an assault on Requiem's reflectors, while PLANT's damaged stations are being evacuated (You know, I have to ask... they show all those cars driving like its an evacuation... but... it's a space station. Where are they evacuating to in their cars??). We get a small bit of lecturing from the Chairman on how they can't negotiate with terrorists while the EA fleet moves to defend Requiem's critical first deflector. Cue the opening credits.

After the opening, we get some discussion by Athrun and Kira (with Meyrin looking on) about the state of affairs. It seems like the writers are trying to fill in for the problems last week in Archangel ignoring the Requiem by stating (as I suspected) that they knew ZAFT would handle it. Still seems a bit odd, but I'm willing to overlook it. The Minerva trio gets ready with a secret plan to engage Requiem while the ZAFT main fleet engages the EA fleet at the deflector (although if I were the EA, and certainly, if I were Djibril, and I didn't see the Minerva at the battle at the deflector, I would definitely wonder where they were). Requiem gets ready to fire as it recharges. Meanwhile, ZAFT and the EA go at it, full tilt. We get our obligatory Dearka and Yzak scenes (how the mighty have fallen).

The Minerva trio has a discussion on Djibril and Requiem and discuss their plan. Luna blames herself for Djibril's escape, Rey encourages them to look forward to this battle. From here, we intermix more battle, more recharge discussion, and more Shinn-Luna heartfelt discussion and hugging. Once again, Shinn promises to protect Luna and the ship no matter what - looks they're still setting that up as his Achilles heel. Impulse launches to engage as the EA detects Minerva near the Requiem. It was good to see that the EA actually has shield ships to guard the gun, but I was disturbed to see how ineffective they were when Destiny and Legend launch to distract the forces there. The EA launches some more Destroys, which last the obligatory 30 seconds before they're annihilated. I continue to wonder why the EA bothers with them. They probably spend millions to billions of dollars on each Destroy, and they're taken down faster than I can blink.

Meanwhile, the Emperor... I mean the Chairman sits in his Palpatine like seat aboard the Death Star... I mean Messiah... listening on.

I don't want to ruin for you the "plan" for the battle and who wins, but suffice it to say that if you think the main characters will go down 5 episodes before the end, then you're smoking some good crack. I will say this though... Sayonara Djibril!

Up to the end of the episode, we get more much needed speech between Kira and Athrun about the state of affairs, and Archangel prepares to launch. Cagalli lends Akatsuki to Mwu/Neo to use in space. As the rumors were swirling about what would happen between Athrun and Cagalli, I found it to be unsatisfying. I realize that they seem to be hinting at a "If you love someone, you have to let them go, and if they come back, it was meant to be", but I feel sorry for the character of Meyrin, who seems to slide back and forth between "friend" and "something more" to Athrun. I'm glad to see they didn't make Cagalli toss aside her duties to go with AA into space, and they have an interesting Cagalli-Meyrin discussion. The character development is excellent at times: Cagalli, Athrun, and Meyrin have become more than they were at the start of the series and that is a good thing.

Archangel launches to head to Copernicus Station on the Moon, and the episode ends. From the preview, it seems we'll get to resolve some of the issues with Meer next week. I can't wait.

Posted by Drylnn at 12:56 AM | Comments (0)