{"id":27852,"date":"2020-01-04T12:03:03","date_gmt":"2020-01-04T20:03:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/?p=27852"},"modified":"2020-08-17T13:41:40","modified_gmt":"2020-08-17T20:41:40","slug":"441a","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/441a\/","title":{"rendered":"Yamato 2202<\/em> Episode 7 commentary"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"2001icon\"<\/p>\n

Yamato<\/em> is barely alive, buried in rock on the 11th planet, as a large number of Gatlantis reinforcements gathers overhead. With its Wave-Motion Gun sealed, Yamato<\/em> has no way to break through. Will Kodai show his determination as a commander and break the seal?<\/p>\n

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by Kathy Clarkson<\/span> and Anton Mei Brandt<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Episode 7: A flash of light! The brilliance of the Wave-Motion Gun<\/h2>\n

<\/p>\n

The white comet moves through space, familiar organ music playing. Inside, a figure all in white stands at the base of a pedestal, fingers moving over a keyboard. This is Sabera, and her music echoes throughout the vast throne room. High above, Zordar sits on his throne while some of his officers stand at various points along the walkways. They are looking at a viewscreen showing an image of Yamato<\/em> with some Garmillas vessels fighting near the Ark of Tranquility. Sabera hits a discordant note and ceases playing. She turns, calling out for Chief Intel Archivist Gairen to bring up the records regarding Yamato<\/em>. <\/p>\n

A word about the spelling of “Zordar” herein: this is his Star Blazers<\/em> name, unabashedly frozen in time. The original Japanese name is very similar, with an additional vowel that turns it into Zuodar. This suggests that the intention is “Zwordar.” When paired with “Sabera” we get the interesting riff on “Sword” and “Saber.” There’s an additional wrinkle with the new character “Redrowz,” which is “Zworder” spelled backward. (Obviously meant as wordplay, since there is no genetic relationship between the two.) Funimation’s English version of 2202<\/em> went with “Zworder,” but since that’s in no way superior to “Zordar,” we’re sticking with the old favorite.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: This is an immediate follow-up of the last time we saw the Gatlantean high command in Episode 2, where they talk of Dagarm\u2019s run-in with Yamato<\/em> in Ark of the Stars<\/em>. Fitting, since they now review what footage they have from those events. It’s also our first really detailed look at Zordar’s throne room. It’s alien, ancient and covered in strange symbols. The pipes extend all across the walls as well, covering parts of the glassy roof. At the top sits Zordar, on his floating throne above the pipe organ. Surrounding him is a crescent moon shaped walkway.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

On one side stands Balsey, who in the original series was Gatlantis’ bigshot fleet commander (named for Admiral William Halsey<\/a> of the US Navy). On the other side stands Goenitz and Razera, the strategists. (Goenitz is named after Karl Doenitz<\/a>, supreme commander of the German navy.) They’re very focused on the material being shown, but the moment Zordar looks even slightly disinterested or worried, Sabera abruptly stops playing. It’s like they’re mentally connected.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: So the Comet Empire’s own theme music is now canonized within their universe. I love it. To continue with the Star Wars<\/em> references, this was also done with the Galactic Imperial March in Solo.<\/em> No objections there, either.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: It\u2019s an interesting addition not simply for style points, but for the story as well. And the superimposed image of the white comet trekking across the stars merging with the image of Sabera playing the organ is our first visual hint that the silver maiden is indeed controlling this quasar.<\/span> <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Gairen\u2019s eyes glow, and with a gesture not unlike a magic spell the image on the viewscreen changes to depict Yamato<\/em> using the Wave-Motion Gun at Balan (from 2199<\/em>). Balsey is in awe at the weapon\u2019s power, whilst Razera expresses alarm at the dangerous nature of the weapon, particularly on behalf of Admiral Mazer, whom they say is on his way to vanquish the Sol system. Zordar laughs away their concerns and assures them that there is nothing to fear; he is confident Yamato<\/em> will never fire the weapon, in spite of being able to. The scene closes with Sabera gazing at the emperor, lost in thought. Zordar gives off an unhinged laugh, echoing throughout the throne room as the white comet travels on.<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Closing the scene with a long spiteful laugh from Zordar as his visage fades into the white comet is a spectacular callback to Farewell Yamato<\/em>, it being a common practice of the great emperor. It takes some real voice acting skills to gradually build such a terrifying laugh, one that’s cemented into the minds of the first Yamato generation. This won’t be the first time we hear it, thankfully enough.<\/p>\n

[KC]: They\u2019re always so certain they have it all figured out. And since we know that Gatlanteans are engineered, not born, what is up with Gairen? He looks like a cybernetic wizard version of Zordar. I am getting ideas for another line of toys that Japan will never produce.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: No one ever questions Zordar, nor do they show any signs of distrust in his judgment. But Sabera has a quizzical look on her face, as if chasing a memory which could help her make sense of his statement. This will have some future importance. Something else worth pointing out is Zordar’s solemn expression after stating that Yamato<\/em> won’t shoot. Why wouldn’t they? And the answer is simple; at Balan Yamato<\/em> found a way to use the WMG without aiming it at the enemy, escaping while stranding the Garmillas fleet. He predicts Yamato<\/em> will find a similar way out again, but instead of preparing Mazer for this fact, he allows the admiral’s coming plan of absolute obliteration to test Yamato<\/em>. In other words, it’s a game.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are some notes about the Japanese voice actors introduced in this episode. Gairen\u2019s voice is Hidekatsu Shibata, renowned legend for his roles in Legend of the Galactic Heroes, Gundam<\/em> and Yamato<\/em>! (Bandebel in Yamato 2<\/em> and Gaidel in Yamato III<\/em>.) Balsey is Tomomichi Nishimura, equally famed for his roles as Jamitov in Zeta Gundam<\/em> series and lesser-known characters in Yamato<\/em>. Razera\u2019s voice (Kouki Harasawa) is a returning cast member from 2199<\/em>, where he voiced Yamato<\/em> crew-member Iwata.<\/span> <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Over the 11th Planet, Akira continues to contact Yamato<\/em> to no avail. The audience, however, sees Yamato<\/em>\u2019s bridge crew buried under tons of rubble and the Wave-Motion Shields one minute from failing. At Sanada\u2019s request, Analyzer determines the rock configuration necessary to maintain a protective cavity. They fire the magnetron probes, which successfully hold the rocks in place just as the shield gives out.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Splendid reuse of this technique, though it sounds like the rocks are about to give at any moment.<\/span> <\/p>\n

[KC]: They are creaking and shifting like every runaway mine car roller coaster I\u2019ve ever ridden.<\/span><\/p>\n

In orbit, the Gatlantean fleet arrives under the command of Admiral Mazer. He is informed that faint energy readings have been detected beneath the surface of the planet. It could be Yamato<\/em>, but Mazer doesn\u2019t care; the Emperor has granted him permission to fire the Legionnaire Cannon, and anything else is inconsequential.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Gatlantis’ tenacity is made clear again. The ships that fired on Yamato<\/em> last episode? They\u2019re seen burnt to a crisp, a high price to pay for using such a destructive weapon.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: More arrogance. Still, there is also more menace to these Gatlanteans than there was in their original villainous, but somewhat more comical, counterparts. Mazer isn\u2019t interested in monologuing, he’s there to do a job and he is going to do it.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Though his one bit of monologuing is almost poetic: \u201cThis is the final look of a fake sun, which sheds light on this remote planet.\u201d<\/span> <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Mazer is a returning character from Yamato 2<\/em>, though significantly changed for this outing. Back then he had a one-off episode where he was a pilot captured by Yamato<\/em>\u2019s crew. He turned out to be a trained spy and learned to respect Yamato<\/em>\u2019s warrior spirit. Sound familiar? This was the arc given to 2199<\/em>\u2019s Melda Dietz, and – as we will see – a whole different character in 2202<\/em>. <\/p>\n

[KC]: In the original journey to Iscandar, Yamato<\/em>‘s crew gets their hands on a Gamilas pilot, but they really only used that premise to establish their biological similarities.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Seeing as his original role has already been played out in this remake\u2019s timeline, it\u2019s fitting that he\u2019s been given a different purpose more suited for this version. Hopefully he learns to respect Yamato<\/em>\u2019s spirit this time around too! Fans of the Japanese voices who\u2019ve seen Gundam The Origin<\/em> will recognize his voice to be that of Ramba Ral. (Shigeo Kiyama)<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Parked in orbit, Klaus Keyman takes recon pics of the enemy ships continuing to warp in. He returns to the 11th Planet to share them with the other pilots. He inquires as to whether they\u2019ve been in contact with Yamato<\/em> and Shinohara informs him that the crew is okay, working on repairs. Once they\u2019re finished, Yamato<\/em> will launch. Klaus suggests that they share the images with Yamato<\/em> as well, but expresses his opinion that it will be a futile gesture. Kato approaches as Klaus is walking away and attempts to pick a fight, but Klaus doesn\u2019t rise to the bait. In response Kato seems remorseful, encouraging the other pilots to eat something and ordering Jiro Tsurumi to give Klaus rations from Kato\u2019s own supply.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: On the subject of Kato and Keyman\u2019s talk, it\u2019s worth noting that the bulk of it consists of Kato jabbing at Klaus\u2019 emotionless manner of speaking, and that \u201ctranslators already have difficulty conveying emotion.” By asking him to take the translator off, he\u2019s asking Klaus to open up his heart to the rest of the pilots. And as we all know, being able to trust and understand your comrades is especially necessary for pilots. In fact, I\u2019m more on Kato\u2019s side here since he just wants the Garmillan boy to lighten up and drop his negative attitude.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: I don\u2019t know that this is something that requires taking a side, but since I am all in for Garmillas I will just say that space operas need their cold, logical characters as well. And you know the payoff on this one is huge.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Speaking as a fan of both Sanada and Keyman, we’re in agreement.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Klaus is off eating by himself when he is approached by Akira, who apologizes for Kato\u2019s behavior. She starts to explain Kato\u2019s family situation, but Klaus cuts her off, certain that is not why Kato was being confrontational. He feels that it is because Klaus himself does not share the faith of Kato and the others that Yamato<\/em> will pull through. He repeats to Akira his belief that Yamato<\/em> isn\u2019t the same as it was last time. Everyone sees it, but no one wants to say it. So all of the pressure winds up on Kodai.<\/p>\n

Akira points out that Klaus was against this rescue mission from the start, but Klaus admits that people were saved and if they manage to escape then Kodai made the right decision. \u201cHe\u2019s stubborn, but not foolish.\u201d<\/p>\n

There’s a deep-cut easter egg here that’s so subtle it takes a true psycho-fan to spot it: Klaus is eating with his left hand. Story-wise, it means nothing. But as some may remember, the name “Keyman” originally belonged to the Dark Nebulan officer Alphon from Be Forever<\/em>, changed at the last minute. Thus, “Keyman” was available for a completely new character in 2202<\/em> while still belonging to Yamato<\/em> lore. The easter egg comes from the fact that, for whatever reason, Alphon’s original character design had the word “southpaw” written on it. For reasons lost to time, the intention was for him to be left-handed. And now you’re a psycho-fan.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: The fact that Keyman understood Kato\u2019s intentions makes me very happy. And through his venting with Akira, he takes that first plunge to opening his heart, which Saburo tried to encourage, albeit passive-aggressively.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: Of course, I love everything about all of this. Keyman is a classy guy. I feel this scene helps validate my theory that he exists as an apology to the fans for a substandard Dessler.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: I\u2019m going to take Klaus\u2019 example and ignore the urge to defend my handsome 2199<\/em> dictator. For now\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: You chose Gatlantis. The Garmillas are mine to over-analyze, and everyone – including His Majesty – knows that I will be eating crow soon enough. Although speaking of birds …<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: We’ll get to that bird soon enough. But yes, what Yamato<\/em> lacks is their first Captain, Juzo Okita. And Kodai, as of yet, can\u2019t match him. Yet everyone lays the burden to lead Yamato<\/em> on the young lad, unaware of the trauma that might result. Still, Klaus isn\u2019t entirely lacking hope this time.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Changing the topic to music, 2199<\/em> had a lot of new original tracks composed by Akira Miyagawa (as opposed to reworked versions of original score). The Garmillas National Anthem, the Clockwork Prisoner storybook, and more. This time around, the production couldn\u2019t handle as monumental a task as recreating the entire original score, since there was just too much music from both Farewell, Yamato 2<\/em>, and the Symphonic Suite. So the reduxes were limited to about 40 tracks and the rest was all new. Coincidentally enough, making the total number of tracks more or less equal to that of the original Farewell Yamato<\/em> score’s.<\/span> <\/p>\n

In this episode we get to hear the first completely new track composed for 2202<\/em>, Tsubasa ~ Life Fades<\/em>, a leitmotif for the Kato family drama. It was first heard back in Episode 2 as we\u2019re introduced to the family\u2019s sick boy, but this is perhaps a better time to mention it considering we\u2019re about to get many wonderful new tracks in the upcoming episodes. It\u2019s a beautiful melancholic piece which has shown itself in two different versions so far, piano and flute. Future tunes indulge in a melancholic feel, and those familiar with the original score can probably tell why.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Back on Yamato<\/em>, Klaus\u2019 reconnaissance photos are being assessed. What\u2019s shown is basically massive amounts of ships with a steady pace of additional warp-outs even as Keyman left the scene. As Sanada orders Analyzer to use Klaus\u2019 data to predict the enemy\u2019s next move, Saito humbly thanks Kodai for the rescue, only to then immediately berate him for not yet using the Wave-Motion Gun against Gatlantis. <\/p>\n

[AMB]: First off, the size of Mazer\u2019s fleet is quickly growing to become one of the largest we\u2019ve seen in the reboot series. How Yamato<\/em> could defeat them this time around is of growing concern. Second, Saito’s comportment in this scene is very much in-line with his portrayal in the remake; admiration for Kodai\u2019s daring plan in the form of a very respectful Japanese-style bow, unusual military behavior conveying to us that this is a personal thank you.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The followup is equally personal with Saito grasping Kodai\u2019s shoulders and staring him straight in the eyes. He pushes others away to question why Yamato<\/em>\u2019s game-changing weapon hasn\u2019t been used to turn the tide. Why is the enemy not facing Earth\u2019s wrath after the massacre experienced by the Cosmo Marines and the civilians they were supposed to protect? The rift between Hajime and Susumu is personal in ways it never was in the original. But the desperation hints at something deeper, too.<\/span><\/p>\n

Suddenly, a distress signal comes through from headquarters; Admiral Hijikata is alive! We then get a shot of Zordar himself, eyes widening in surprise as he seems to become aware of this information simultaneously.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[KC]: We\u2019ve already discussed this in the previous commentary, but I have to say that rewatching this scene knowing that Space Bear has been compromised by Gatlantis, I am ashamed not to have picked up on it with that random shot of Zordar\u2019s eye. I guess I still don\u2019t really pay attention to the Earthlings. Going forward, every Saito scene chills you to the bone if you just mentally picture Zordar standing in his place, taking in every word, and occasionally goading Kodai through his human meat puppet.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: It\u2019s understandable though, since that shot at first seemed to allude to something more mystical, like how the eye of Sauron is used in Peter Jackson\u2019s LoTR<\/em> trilogy. But upon rewatching it, yes, it definitely makes sense. The information gained by Zordar here is what confirms Mazer\u2019s next action, a direct attack on Earth in order to force Yamato<\/em> to use the WMG in defense. It\u2019s a marvelous directing choice, allowing the show not to cut to Mazer tediously explaining why he targets Earth. Unsurprisingly good stuff, considering this is one of two episodes personally storyboarded by 2202<\/em>‘s Chief Director Nobuyoshi Habara.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Saito immediately leads a Space Cavalry Team out to retrieve the EDF Admiral and accompanying survivors. Kodai, meanwhile, is communicating this to Kato\u2019s group. But it\u2019s cut short as Miki Saijo confirms their radar is back online. The first thing they see on their monitors is the in-orbit Gatlantean fleet – now numbering over 15,000 ships – increasingly warping in by the thousands. Sanada ponders this in silence while Analyzer provides everyone with the actual data. <\/p>\n

[AMB]: The visual feed mixed with one of the best musical tracks from Ark<\/em> sets the stage for the tension to build. We see each member of the bridge crew deal with their own expertise as well, Nanbu with weapons, Shima with navigation, Sanada with the techno-babble and so on. For those interested, the BGM used is called “Gatlantean Surprise Attack”, a high octane variation of the white comet theme which at the time of Ark of the Star’s<\/em> release was completely new for the reboot saga.<\/span><\/p>\n

We learn that a cylinder formation of 2.5 million Kalaklum-class ships can generate a blast with a 20,000 kilometer radius and cause a supernova. The crew is unsure what destroying the artificial sun would serve, until Sanada realizes that the formation constitutes a firing platform. He asks Analyzer to calculate possible targets based on their trajectory. There is only one thing in the weapon\u2019s path; Planet Earth. We get various shots of each crew member aboard the bridge in utter shock as Mazer\u2019s \u201cLegionnaire Cannon\u201d swirls toward finished form, capping off an exciting variation of the white comet theme.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[KC]: Because of course! Of course it is pointed right at Earth! He is there to attack the Sol system; he doesn\u2019t care about your puny boat! It\u2019s a shame that there isn\u2019t a scenery-chewing Dessler here to school Mazer on the consequences of underestimating Yamato<\/em>!<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Rather than underestimating Yamato<\/em>, he’s is testing their strength. Not in arms, but in morality. Can they take a weapon created from the seeds of salvation and use it to end countless lives? And if not, could the destruction of their home planet bring about an interesting turn of events? Mazer is certainly of the opinion that his Great Emperor cares little for Yamato<\/em>, but Zordar\u2019s interest in Kodai and the path these Earthlings have chosen is hard to deny.<\/span> <\/p>\n

And in all honesty, I prefer not having Dessler around in this part of the story yet. His bit in Farewell<\/em> was so pitch perfect and well-rounded to me that his Yamato 2<\/em> antics (where he\u2019s mostly stalled by incompetent commanders and Sabera\u2019s jealousy) really did him no favors. It\u2019s like he was constantly trying to break out of the show\u2019s own constraints, but rather than expand on his story they literally put him in a story prison for most of the show. But he sure was good at chewing scenery whenever he was around, not gonna lie. <\/p>\n

[KC]: He has some great dialogue and gets to have a pretty fun action scene with Talan, who has precious little character development anywhere else in the franchise, so naturally I see it as a highlight. In any event, I believe Mazer is simply a tool; he is there to fire the cannon. The test is Zordar\u2019s, and by the end of this episode we should know if he underestimated Yamato<\/em> or not.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Agreed! Onto the direction though. Those shots of the crew\u2019s shock interspersed with the constant Kalaklum warp-outs really amps up the stakes. Gatlantis means business and we really empathize with the crew\u2019s anguish here. The ships swirl around like they\u2019re mimicking the white comet as well as a shoal of fish (in fact, the CG studio Sublimation dubbed this the \u201caquarium shot\u201d). The massive wide shot as the cannon blocks the light of the artificial sun. Breathtaking. The shoal symbolism isn\u2019t random either, considering the reverence and absolute fealty Gatlantean soldiers are shown to have toward their Emperor. They\u2019re just swimming along, really.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Brushing past destroyed rescue shuttles, Saito and Nagakura arrive at U.N. EDF headquarters. They manage to locate survivors, Hijikata being one of them. The large marine joyfully runs up to the disheveled old commander, greeted by a smile.<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Whether it\u2019s the classical Japanese bowing style shown earlier or Saito\u2019s speech patterns here, this soldier is very much a Japanese man with old-fashioned sensibilities. He uses the Japanese term \u201c\u30aa\u30e4\u30b8\u201d (Oyaji) when referring to Hijikata. Most of the time it\u2019s used when talking about or with your father, but it can also refer to people of similar age or stature. So in a way, since their first harsh encounter three years ago, these two have formed a bond not unlike father and son. Might this be a good time to mention that the staff seems very fond of imbuing Japanese cultural aspects into this show?<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[KC]: I am certainly happy to see them, and I\u2019m also a big fan of the decision to keep the Japanese character names in the English dub.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Is there a consensus on whether or not fans in the US prefer this choice? Because if I can give the Star Blazers<\/em> dub a prop, it’s that the character names could be incredibly inventive. If any opinionated fans are reading this, gather your pitchforks in the comment section.<\/span><\/p>\n

On Yamato<\/em>, Kodai has once again made his way to the barrel of the Wave-Motion Gun and is haunted by a mixed chorus of Starsha and Okita\u2019s voices as they exchange the promise to never misuse wave motion energy again, ending with Okita\u2019s \u201cshow your resolve!\u201d Believing himself alone, Kodai cries out to Okita for guidance, begging him to show him the way. But he is not alone, and it is Sanada who answers, assuring Kodai that using the WMG is their only option. He states the ugly truth; if Gatlantis is allowed to fire their superweapon, the damage to Earth could be immeasurable. Kodai continues to struggle with the choice, openly expressing his feelings to Sanada about just wanting to do good and pouring out his grief and frustration as he comes to the same inevitable conclusion. From a nearby shadow, a mysterious blonde medic listens in.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: And with that, the premise of 2202<\/em> had me completely sold. People who figured out the medic’s identity during their first watch earn a gold star, because I swear some of my friends somehow didn\u2019t catch who it was.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: Hah! I have watched this story play out so many times in all its variations that when I was working on this episode I completely forgot that her identity is still supposed to be a secret.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: I used to watch this sequence on repeat back when only the first ten episodes had been released. Everything about it – subject matter, BGM timing, vocal performances – creates a neatly woven narrative hook that grapples with perhaps the toughest story element of this sequel: Princess Starsha, or How I Learned How to Wallow in Lack of Confidence and Hate The Wave-Motion Gun<\/em>.<\/span> <\/p>\n

[KC]: Okay, serious time, now. Just a few paragraphs up, I was joking about the Earthlings as usual, but this scene is one of those that transformed this reboot from a fun adaptation of a show I enjoyed as a kid into a space opera that I will love and treasure until the end of my days. When Kodai turns around to Sanada and says he\u2019s lost? Man. That gets me no matter how many times I watch it. I\u2019m getting choked up typing about it. Ah, this show is great!<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: We\u2019re all Kodai in this scene, in the modern world. We\u2019re just human beings who want to do good, who want to keep our promises and help people in need. But we\u2019re lost, thrust into a world which grows increasingly apathetic to common human decency, but revels in technological advances. And for what? So we can keep repeating the cycle of war and death? This scene is especially poignant to younger generations like my own, who now grow up in relative peace, casually letting technologies built to improve humanity consume our individuality instead.<\/span><\/p>\n

Just because something is efficient and beneficial doesn\u2019t mean we should willingly abandon our ethics or morals for an easier life. We can\u2019t keep abandoning yesterday\u2019s promises to fulfill selfish contemporary ambitions. It\u2019s not right. And that\u2019s why he\u2019s so scared of breaking this promise, because it could cost Yamato<\/em> its very soul. This is the reason they rejected the amoral workings of the military. What makes Yamato \u201cYamato<\/em>.\u201d And the end bit where Kodai chokes on his own words? That\u2019s where I could no longer tell whether Daisuke Ono was acting anymore. He became<\/em> the character.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[Tim Eldred, editor]: I will add that this seemed to become the first truly divisive moment in the story, turning some US viewers into permanent 2202<\/em> haters. Their basic retort seemed to be \u201cScrew your FEELINGS, Kodai, blow these green monsters away and don\u2019t look back.\u201d If you can\u2019t empathize with Kodai\u2019s plight here, the kindest response I can offer is that maybe this story wasn\u2019t written for you. Without this exact conflict, you don\u2019t have<\/em> a story. Instead, you have: Fire. Boom. Next. Yawn. Which would be a complete repudiation of the “victory tastes like ashes” revelation that elevated the first Yamato<\/em> series to a classic.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

We\u2019ll see plenty of \u201cblowing away\u201d down the road for sure, but we\u2019ll also see some very dark ramifications of the \u201ckill \u2018em all\u201d mindset. Earth is currently on a path to becoming a copy of what they\u2019re fighting against. This is a choice. But it\u2019s not the ONLY choice available. There is always a path between extremes, and Yamato<\/em> at its BEST is about finding that path. In fact, this is just about to happen\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

Klaus watches Gatlantis complete their formation. Kodai returns to the bridge, stepping into the frame with Okita\u2019s relief sculpture. He takes a good look at each member of Yamato<\/em>\u2019s bridge crew and we see they\u2019re all tense, desperately waiting for him to make a choice. He\u2019s then hailed by Klaus, who tells him what a marvel Garmillas\u2019 artificial sun is. Something occurs to Kodai and he smiles, the way suddenly clear; they will<\/em> fire the Wave-Motion Gun, timing their shot for when the artificial sun is enveloped by Gatlantis\u2019 formation. The crew\u2019s initial shock is broken by Shima, who starts up the process. The rest join in and Kodai turns to Tokugawa in disbelief, stunned. The old man just smiles and nods. Susumu then gazes longingly at Okita, lost in thought.<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Klaus being a cryptic poet, the crew sharing the burden of firing the WMG and Kodai\u2019s self-doubt turning to resolve\u2026 what a myriad of emotions we get to experience. Another masterfully directed scene, uniting a fractured crew and giving us some of those teamwork vibes that we all took for granted in 2199<\/em>. (Albeit tinged with a melancholic sting, as Kodai seems to internally ask his former Captain if he\u2019s making the right choice.)<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Saito and Nagakura are on their way back to Yamato<\/em> with Hijikata and company. Saito giddily recommends Yamato<\/em>\u2019s doctor to the old man when Yamato<\/em> suddenly breaks through the rubble! Still desperately impatient, Saito implores Kodai to fire, questioning if he\u2019ll even shoot when the enemy is right in front of them. But the seasoned Hijikata understands that Kodai will fire when the time is right. We\u2019re shown the cosmo marines, the refugees and Yamato<\/em>\u2019s crew in various shots as they brace for the coming shot. <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: My favorite part here is how Saito is completely unaware that Hijikata knows Dr. Sado already. It\u2019s a brief moment of glee, preparing the old man for a happy reunion. Then there\u2019s the fact that Ryu still trusts and understands his students all these years later, knowing full well that Yamato<\/em> would rise from the rubble again. The cool way they shade Hijikata\u2019s face is off the charts, an homage to how he was visually portrayed in the original!<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Cosmodart informs Mazer that preparations are complete. All that\u2019s left is to connect the sun to the cannon\u2019s core point and start the firing sequence. Yamato<\/em>\u2019s crew prepares their response. Kodai announces the firing sequence only for Touko Katsuragi down in the refugee section of the ship to say what we all know is coming: \u201cYamato<\/em> will fire!\u201d Sure enough, as the Legionnaire Cannon prepares to fire, Yamato<\/em>\u2019s Wave-Motion beam lances out at the artificial sun, destroying it and disrupting all of the Gatlantean ships! They begin tumbling out of formation, all systems fried. Mazer is visibly frightened by what\u2019s going on, with Cosmodart panicking over the communications line.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Every frame here was meticulously crafted to hype up the sequence for mecha enthusiasts and drama lovers alike, with half-corny lines thrown around on all sides. I mentioned it briefly last episode, but the scale and fidelity in the background work has really outdone itself, everything from the Legionnaire Cannon to the landscapes of the 11th planet are all beautifully depicted.<\/span> <\/p>\n

[KC]: Deeply fulfilling. Of course, I miss the extra enjoyment of His Majesty being catty, but I will accept this more nuanced tale. Keyman is not a bad substitute.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: We didn\u2019t get Dessler\u2019s return, but we did get to hear Nazca screaming in fear and disbelief, so that\u2019s a win in my book! Hearing such a veiled and cold man give in to his emotions was satisfying.<\/span> <\/p>\n

Some spoilery talk follows: All prior viewers know that Touko is a clone of the original Sabera, so upon rewatching this episode it suddenly makes sense on more levels than a dramatic one why she exclaims that Yamato<\/em> is indeed firing the WMG. She\u2019s confirming for Zordar via a telepathic wave (since Saito is not yet on-site)..<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Klaus watches the 8th Task Force tumble out of formation from the surface of the 11th Planet and is approached by Akira, who recognizes his strategy from when he used the special depth charge EMP during their dogfight in Episode 5. The resonance of the Wave-Motion blast, Klaus explains, creates interference that will render the Gatlantean ships immobile for some time. Akira credits Klaus with saving their lives again, but he points out that he only mentioned to Kodai what a marvel the artificial sun was at dawn.<\/p>\n

[AMB]: I can\u2019t stress enough how pretty the imagery is of the Legionnaire Cannon dispersing. So many shining lights of blue, green and red as millions of dots, ships disassemble without being destroyed. If this destroyed the artificial sun though, some visual implications hint at Keyman learning the cost of self-sacrifice. It was a beautiful sun after all, one which helped shine light on this faraway planet (as Mazer put it). That planet will now return to frozen wasteland.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[KC]: He helps save Earth, alleviate Kodai\u2019s moral dilemma, and refuses to take credit for any of it. This young man is no bird-murdering psychopath. Can we get a cape for him? Give him a Talan?<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: No Talan is available but would an Akira suffice? You know, until this viewing I completely managed to miss the detail that he used the same kind of countermeasure as in Episode 5. That\u2019s some neat setup. <\/p>\n

[KC]: This series is really great at planting slow-burning clues, though my perception is based on how long I had to wait between episodes the first time through.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Mild spoiler talk: We\u2019ll find out later that Garmillans can\u2019t live off their home planet for an extended period of time. This artificial sun hovering above the 11th planet seems to have been a recent technological advancement which worked pretty well, and Mr. Garmillan emissary just aided in sacrificing it for the sake of his new Earth friends. This is why he found the sun to be so pretty. This is why he looks at it with such cold eyes as it shuts down, because he seems to lament its destruction. He not only downplays his credit in this skirmish for humility points, he does so because it wasn\u2019t a net-gain for his suffering people. So in order to not disturb the good mood, he keeps his anguish hidden.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: How very noble of him.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Kodai contacts Admiral Mazer and gives him the opportunity to peacefully leave this sector with no further repercussions. \u201cAlthough we\u2019re from different planets, we\u2019re both human. I expect you\u2019ll make a wise decision.\u201d Keyman silently hangs his head. Saito is furious, believing the Gatlanteans to be unworthy of forgiveness. (Or is it Zordar, fuming that Kodai found a way around his first \u201cdevil\u2019s choice\u201d? It works either way.) Hijikata thinks it\u2019s the right move, but only if Gatlanteans are like Earthlings in the way that the Garmillas turned out to be. On this point, Hijikata remains unconvinced. <\/p>\n

[AMB]: \u201cThe enemy is different from Garmillas this time around,\u201d he says. And he\u2019s not wrong, having heard Nazca’s proclamation last episode of how only in death can there be peace, surrender being an incomprehensible concept. They\u2019re ruthless monsters, but at least they\u2019ve shown hints of human emotion. Perhaps Mazer and Cosmodart will learn something from this.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Reporting their failures to Emperor Zordar, Mazer and Cosmodart express their utter bafflement and disgust that Yamato<\/em> would allow them to simply leave. Their facial expressions then contort to convey fear. They can\u2019t even begin to understand what they\u2019ve just experienced. Zordar tells them it\u2019s \u201clove,\u201d a word which immediately captures Sabera\u2019s attention. Note that this doesn\u2019t imply that anyone from Earth \u201cloves\u201d anyone from Gatlantis. Yoshinobu Nishizaki famously evolved Yamato<\/em> into a series that explored the many facets of love. This particular facet would be \u201ccompassion.\u201d<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Fight and die is their mantra. And now they\u2019re allowed to do neither. They\u2019re told to run. Future context as to why the Gatlanteans are the way they are brings a different light to this scene. To continue the spoiler train, Gatlanteans aren\u2019t emotionless. They\u2019re more similar to children who never learned how to harness and use their emotions. As we\u2019ll see in a few episodes, feelings are taboo to them. It\u2019s hardly surprising when this turns menacing tools of war into shell-shocked children.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Sabera\u2019s reaction to hearing the word \u201clove\u201d is another subtle hint at what\u2019s to come, but she\u2019s not quite sure what it means. But from Zordar\u2019s half-formed smirk, you sure know he\u2019s in the loop. <\/p>\n

Shima and Sanada go to see Kodai in the engine room. Shima finds it quite admirable that Kodai figured out a way to stop Gatlantis by using the Wave-Motion Gun without killing a single person, but Kodai is unconvinced. Casualties or not, he has still broken the promise, and he did so by deceiving himself. He assures them that he\u2019ll keep his opinion to himself and accept his own deceit, since one must always start somewhere even if his self-deceit continues.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: In the end, Yamato<\/em> didn\u2019t win this battle. It survived, barely holding onto its spirit. Kodai knows this and entrusted the fact to his closest compatriots. It\u2019s a very mature and admirable stance, and I\u2019m happy he can recognize his own faults. It\u2019s what will eventually make him his own kind of Captain.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: One last thing I did want to bring up is that introducing Space Bear as a potential threat in this episode is a VASTLY improved parallel to Yamato 2<\/em> Episode 7<\/a>, where he and the other marines were depicted as nothing more than big, dumb, chauvinistic, disrespectful bullies who needed the ship\u2019s doctor to distract them (from assaulting Nova) with a holodeck program of tropical beaches and hula girls. This was also the episode where everyone\u2019s clothes started coming apart, Mark Venture bullied Homer out of his station so that he can talk to the mysterious space lady, and Trelaina only knew things because she was listening to ships\u2019 communications. It was the most garbage episode of that series I ever sat through.<\/span> <\/p>\n

[AMB]: It\u2019s\u2026 not the best, and admittedly I\u2019m not a big fan. Remember last episode when I talked about how Yamato 2<\/em> found ways to demystify Farewell<\/em> and tediously explain minutia? The Teresa communications bit was one of those I detested most. Cosmo Waves all the way for me.<\/span> <\/p>\n

Another bit of interesting trivia is that 2202<\/em> delves into some strange Yamato<\/em> roots for the episode naming conventions. Most episodes in 2199<\/em> had very artistic or intriguing episode names which weren\u2019t necessarily literal, but 2202<\/em> follows up OG Yamato<\/em>\u2019s slightly corny naming schemes by plainly stating what the next episode will be about right there in its title: The trap on Planet Stravase!<\/em> I adore the effort to keep authenticity, but we\u2019ll slowly move toward the more ambiguous naming conventions of 2199<\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The last thing I\u2019d like to mention is that final shot of Kodai as the camera circles around him. It was drawn by Nobuyoshi Habara himself, and it won\u2019t be the last time we see this technique.<\/span><\/p>\n

Bonus: click here<\/a> to see enlargements of a couple beauty shots from this episode.<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Coda<\/h3>\n

Theatrical release: Space Battleship Yamato 2202, Soldiers of Love<\/em> Chapter 3: Pure Love Chapter<\/em> contained episodes 7-10. It premiered in Japanese theaters October 14, 2017.<\/p>\n

Japanese video: Theater-exclusive Blu-ray October 14, 2017. Standard Blu-ray & DVD November 24, 2017<\/p>\n

First Japanese TV broadcast: November 16, 2018<\/p>\n

American debut: June 20, 2018 (streaming) March 15, 2019 (home video)<\/p>\n

The end title You, Petal<\/em> is performed by Shino Arima.<\/p>\n

Click here<\/a> for a complete BGM collection for Episode 7.<\/p>\n

Episode credits<\/em>
\nStoryboard: Takao Kato and Nobuyoshi Habara
\nEpisode Director: Tatsunari Koyano
\nAnimation Director: Hiroki Takaki<\/p>\n

Series credits<\/em>
\nWriter: Harutoshi Fukui
\nScriptwriter: Hideki Oka
\nDirector: Nobuyoshi Habara, Xebec Studio
\nAssistant Director: Makoto Kobayashi
\nArt Director: Yoshio Tanioka
\nCG Animation Director: Yuuto Uwabo, Sublimation Studio
\nMusic: Akira Miyagawa, Hiroshi Miyagawa
\nExecutive Producer: Shoji Nishizaki<\/p>\n

Continue to Episode 8<\/a>
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