{"id":28353,"date":"2020-04-21T16:39:35","date_gmt":"2020-04-21T23:39:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/?p=28353"},"modified":"2021-08-11T17:27:16","modified_gmt":"2021-08-12T00:27:16","slug":"461a","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/461a\/","title":{"rendered":"Yamato 2202<\/em> Episode 11 commentary"},"content":{"rendered":"

Yamato 2202<\/em> Episode 11 commentary<\/p>\n

\"2005icon\"<\/p>\n

Suddenly, Yamato<\/em> is surrounded by a wave of missiles sent by an instant teleportation machine. It is the start of a rematch with Dessler, who was revived by Gatlantis. With no time to realize this, Yamato<\/em> escapes by warping, but loses its way in a dimensional fault.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

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

Episode 11: Dessler\u2019s Challenge!<\/h2>\n

A light, like a beacon, and message from space; the transmission filled with static. \u201cThis is Susumu Kodai, Acting Captain of the Space Battleship Yamato<\/em>. We don\u2019t want to keep fighting. We want you to peacefully withdraw from this system.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The camera pulls back light years away from the 11th planet\u2019s sun and we hear someone cursing Yamato<\/em>. It is Admiral Mazer. The ships in his fleet are failing and erupting in a situation where they cannot expect reinforcements or repair. Cosmodart questions advancing further when Mazer cuts him off via the ship\u2019s holographic display. They WILL chase down Yamato<\/em>! After Yamato<\/em> defeated this fleet but left them alive, the warriors will continue to exist in a state of limbo, unable to live or die, unless they sink the ship that bested them. Even if it means disobeying the Emperor\u2019s orders and burning in the fires of hell for it, they have no choice.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Compared to last episode\u2019s opening shots, these are more visually stimulating, meant to create intrigue. We haven\u2019t seen these characters for two episodes and somehow they keep persisting in spite of their state.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: Schr\u00f6dinger\u2019s clones. I am very interested in what Gatlantean hell entails.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: In Mazer\u2019s estimation, it is seemingly worse than any punishment Zordar could give, so pretty rough.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll we can do is fight!\u201d Cosmodart agrees, and the fleet continues on.<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Through Nazca\u2019s response, we witness a core problem with humanoid warriors from Zordar\u2019s perspective: Cosmodart\u2019s reluctance to turn against the Gatlantean taboo of showing emotion. He gradually warms up to Mazer\u2019s mad rage, finishing the Admiral\u2019s declaration of vengeance with gusto.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are here to show us vindictiveness,\u201d speaks another voice. We see a single, purple eye, belonging to one Abelt Dessler, glance to his right where a young Gatlantean is speaking.<\/p>\n

[KC]: Also the twang. Of course they make the twang noise. I have always enjoyed the cool 70s space sound that heralds his arrival.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Like last episode, it\u2019s Miyagawa\u2019s 2202<\/em> orchestration, geared to sound like its original counterpart. We also see 2202<\/em>\u2019s introduction of the often-forgotten character Miru, reintroduced in his role as Dessler\u2019s watchdog. One note however about his opening line: the official translation is \u201cvindictiveness,\u201d but I much prefer \u201ctenacity.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo not think Emperor Zordar meant he wants that trait for our kind,\u201d Miru says. \u201cSuch emotions of that humanoid species are corrupting to us and work like a powerful drug. In fact, we are seeing its effects on a Gatlantean mind now. Driven by hatred for Yamato<\/em>, they are chasing her against orders. And thus, they\u2019re a contaminated unit, befouling his majesty\u2019s perfect army. They are waste, which must be purged.\u201d<\/p>\n

[AMB]: This poor boy had quite the fate in Farewell<\/em>, but in Yamato 2<\/em> he just vanishes from the story. Voiced by Kouki Uchiyama (Another Gundam UC<\/em> alumni, voice of protagonist Banagher Links), he\u2019s got a fittingly cold yet sassy voice to fit the character. I dare say he\u2019s one of the voice actors who plays best off Koichi Yamadera\u2019s Dessler, evolving from a cold performance to one quite stimulated by the events of this episode.<\/span><\/p>\n

During this exchange we get some glimpses of the bridge. It is mostly gold with large view screens, consoles and patterning on the walls reminiscent of the intricate detailing found on Garmillas vessels and previously within the palace itself. That same filigree detailing is also seen adorning a large mural behind Dessler with the symbol of his Empire in the center. <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: A fitting bridge for such a proud fellow. Ever heard the expression \u201call roads lead to Rome\u201d? The way the filigree spreads from the Garmillas symbol must be meant to symbolize how his nation previously stretched out across the galaxy, with him center stage.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMiru,\u201d Dessler addresses his watchdog. \u201cJust to be clear. I came all this way because I was told I could battle Yamato<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

[KC]: I love how casually obnoxious he is. He is as bored with Gatlantis as he was with Earth in the beginning.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: I wouldn\u2019t call him bored based on that grin, maybe dispassionate. Knowing what\u2019s to come, he\u2019s just trying to sell a performance to Miru, and by extension, Zordar.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, of course. How you treat the source of the contamination is your choice. I accompany you merely to report what I see to the Emperor.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dessler smiles and lets out a small chuckle. There is an announcement on the bridge. Ten seconds to warp out.<\/p>\n

\u201cPrepare to fire \u2026 The Dessler Cannon.\u201d<\/p>\n

[AMB]: And that chuckle right there, eyes concealed from us, is where Dessler first takes an interest in this boy. Just like him, Miru is dispassionately bearing witness to something inevitable, a trifling task. Like taking out the trash, there\u2019s no emotional connection here. So, he decides to educate the lad in the art of feels.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: Different head, slightly different uniform and as much of a Drama Queen as he ever was.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

A warp gate opens and Dessler\u2019s new flagship emerges. Built around the remains of his old flagship, it is tremendously large, covered in scrollwork and overwhelmingly packed with missiles. As it emerges fully into real space, four more gates open in flanking positions and a squadron of Gatlantean Lasceaux<\/em>-class ships emerge as Miru continues his lecture.<\/p>\n

Design note: Lasceaux<\/em> was one of three Gatlantean ships that first appeared in Yamato 2199<\/em>, a slimmed-down redesign of the original Goland-class ship from 1978. We\u2019ve already seen a different redesign of the Goland that beefed it up, so we can assume that the Lasceaux<\/em> is a smaller, less powerful version. The fact that Dessler would be given four of them, rather than their stronger big brothers, may indicate a reluctance to entrust him with elite resources.<\/p>\n

[KC]: Let me be the first to say that this flagship is a ridiculous eyesore, but I also love it, in a way. This series definitely uses overwhelming firepower as a lesson rather than a solution, and I wonder if the designer of the Neu Deusula<\/em> might want us to think it looks ridiculous.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: The slow pan from underneath the Neu Deusula<\/em> is quite reminiscent of a certain shot from the original Star Wars<\/em>, emphasizing the sheer size of this thing. Reacting with amusement isn\u2019t unheard of, it\u2019s what inspired Mel Brooks to parody that same shot in Spaceballs<\/em>, after all.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: Agreed, although I do not believe that the intent here is to satirize this ship\u2019s blatant aggressiveness for the sake of comedy. Overkill is a running theme with this series.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Wouldn’t call it overkill but I see your point. The design of Dessler\u2019s new ship is quite a treat, now adorned with those Garmillas scribbles, tons of detachable missiles, and Domel\u2019s miniaturized teleport system. It\u2019s a larger-than-life symbol of Desler\u2019s tenacity. So yes, it\u2019s definitely meant to catch our attention.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe (Gatlanteans) are not ruled by the emotions of the individual, which is precisely why we were able to rise up and thrive. Honestly, I don\u2019t care much for becoming deeply involved with humanoids.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: This line has some connotations lost in the official sub; Miru is trying to challenge the notion of Dessler being capable of influencing him by saying the equivalent of \u201cyou humanoids aren\u2019t as scary as I thought.\u201d Oh how he\u2019ll come to rue those words.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: If you look up \u201ccharisma\u201d in the intergalactic dictionary you\u2019ll find a picture of Dessler. Good luck, Miru.<\/span><\/p>\n

As Miru speaks, The Dessler Cannon charges and centers on its target. Back on the bridge, Dessler stands at the firing mechanism, his finger on the trigger. A voice announces that the Dessler Cannon energy charge is at 120%.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are times when it gets out of hand, after all.\u201d Dessler replies. \u201cBeing driven mad by emotions–by love, that is.\u201d<\/p>\n

[AMB]: The Dessler cannon\u2019s light syncs up to Dessler\u2019s emotional state pretty flawlessly here, going from a noble golden hue (in line with his demeanor) to that of a red destructive light (as he finishes off his lament of love). Just like this weapon, his life has been that of a trailblazer, driven to commit atrocities in the name of love. This cannon is a monument to his sins, and even now he\u2019ll keep pressing the trigger. A small glimmer of sadness flickers in his eyes as he finishes his sentence.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

In a way, I like to think of this line as Writer Harutoshi Fukui confirming the allusions 2199<\/em> made to Dessler\u2019s hidden motivations, in large part meaning his love for Starsha – a plot point that in the original saga didn\u2019t manifest until A New Voyage<\/em>. It\u2019s no surprise the inclusion of this fan favorite element of his character will greatly affect his portrayal going forward, and we can thank Director Nobuyoshi Habara for steering the character in this interesting direction.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: Dessler not in love with Starsha? It\u2019d be like not giving him his cape.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Or his Talan.<\/span><\/p>\n

He pulls the trigger and the beam lances out, shooting across space to Mazer\u2019s oncoming fleet. There is a moment of intense astonishment and confusion from the former admiral before he and everything with him is obliterated as he yells out \u201cWHY??\u201d<\/p>\n

[AMB]: And just like that, Dessler ends up causing the death of Nazca again. And Mazer, of course.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

On the other side of the conflict, Dessler and the four escort ships smoothly change course and head off, with the White Comet theme music brooding menacingly in the background. <\/p>\n

[AMB]: This scene\u2019s so quiet, emotionless. Just like the deed itself, the music reflects the act of forcefully eliminating emotion, a microcosm of Zordar\u2019s war on love. Committed by the once emotionally-compromised leader of Garmillas, Dessler\u2019s now but a tool of war for Gatlantis, told with the White Comet theme punctuating Dessler\u2019s departure. Even the visuals are darkly shaded to accommodate this dreadful mood, with an impressive shot of Dessler\u2019s fleet departing. The four escort ships appearing also help put the size of the Neu Deusula<\/em> into perspective.<\/span>\u00a0<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Back in Zordar\u2019s Throne Room, Goenitz stoically reports that the contaminated fleet has been purged by \u201cHis Excellency, Lord Dessler.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt would appear he has passed his first test,\u201d Sabera observes with a conspiratorial gesture to Goenitz. \u201cIs this a good faith attempt to repay his debt to the Emperor, or does he obey merely because he understands he has nowhere else to go?\u201d<\/p>\n

[AMB]: She raises a good question, what\u2019s his grand master plan?<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: I don\u2019t know, but I appreciate this small nod to the earlier version of this story, where those two conspired together to imprison Dessler.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: So they did, with Sabera using her womanly wiles to seduce him to her cause. This time however Goenitz is dressed with his Farewell<\/em> mannerisms, so he seems less excited to entertain Sabera\u2019s snide remark.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cSurely it\u2019s nothing so simple,\u201d Zordar cautions from above. \u201cYou had better watch carefully, and soon you\u2019ll see that which makes humans so very human.\u201d<\/p>\n

[AMB]: It\u2019s fitting that Dessler\u2019s first mission for Gatlantis was to purge an emotionally compromised fleet. Considering how he himself is set up to take vengeance on Yamato<\/em>, it might be seen as a Gatlantean power move to force his submission. Or maybe a hint at Abelt’s lack of interest in Yamato<\/em> itself? Zordar sure knows something we don\u2019t.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: He sure thinks he does, at any rate.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: I\u2019d even wager he goes so far as relating to Dessler in some way, respecting him much like how he did in Yamato 2<\/em>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: I think in every variation of this tale, Zordar respects him and Dessler is there for what he can get out of Zordar.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

On board Yamato<\/em>, the crew discusses an unknown form of energy with similar characteristics to anti-matter that Sanada picked up in Teresa\u2019s communication wave from last episode – along with a vast amount of data that they were able to decode. Information on Telezart: schematics of complex gravitational interference fields around the planet, and a defensive armada of heavily-armed ships. Using the data, a model of Telezart has finally been computed. It depicts the planet completely encased in crustal rock of starkly different composition from the planet itself, suggesting it was brought in later from other celestial bodies.<\/p>\n

[AMB]: As we know already, Goland\u2019s fleet is responsible for successfully dealing with that logistical nightmare. Just imagining the work that went into breaking apart planetary crusts and transporting the pieces across the universe is one huge task.<\/span><\/p>\n

There are enemy strongholds throughout the rock encasement, lodged within the rock bed. Based on the data, Telezart seems to be a hollow planet with incredibly high levels of unknown energy beneath its surface, flowing in from a dimension other than our own. Sanada wants to imply it might be coming from Teresa, with Kodai finishing off his sentence. Shima asks about the shell and Sanada admits that direct contact with Teresa may be impossible.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Hard to make physical contact with a being made from anti-matter…<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: I am so sorry, Shima. You are getting robbed this time.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: With future episodes in mind, Sanada\u2019s thesis will be confirmed as true, but it\u2019s scarier than he thinks. She\u2019s actually a God-like entity projecting herself to our universe, the alien rock bed trapping her residence in our dimension. The planet is a projection too, similar to planet Phantom in Yamato III<\/em>. Keep this in mind as we press on.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen how are we supposed to save her?\u201d Shima asks. Hijikata observes that the enemy\u2019s defenses look strong and that even landing on Telezart could prove incredibly difficult. To pull it off, Yamato<\/em> will need to combine its firepower with the mobility of the Space Cavalry and the airpower of the Air Corps. Saito and Kato share a jovial fist bump, but Hijikata cautions that it still may not be enough. He calmly pleads for the crew to consider using the Wave-Motion Gun.<\/p>\n

There is a pause and a look of great strife in Kodai\u2019s eyes, and Hijikata asks Sanada if the unknown energy is showing a declining trend, which Sanada confirms. He posits that if the rock structure was designed around Telezart to extract the planet\u2019s energy, then the data all makes sense. Gatlantis is drawing out the energy of Teresa to use for themselves.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: So glad last episode gave Saito and Kato the opportunity to lay down arms. This crew is starting to feel like a family again. On a more prominent topic though, one does wonder\u2026 is Gatlantis really drawing out Teresa\u2019s energy, or are they just trying to block her from interfering? Zordar seemed to imply the latter in the last episode, but Yamato<\/em>\u2019s crew insists on the former.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cThere may not be much time left,\u201d Hijikata says. \u201cIt\u2019s your call, Acting Captain. How do you want to fight?\u201d<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Finally stepping up to do Okita\u2019s job, Hijikata acts as a literal voice of conscience for Kodai, face huddled in darkness. By bringing up the reality of the situation, he takes Kodai back to the life and death situation they\u2019re about to face, without forcing one choice or another on the lad. No longer his teacher, he embraces the role of mentor to these children of Okita\u2019s.<\/span><\/p>\n

Kodai does not respond. The focus is on Keyman, who closes his eyes as Yamato<\/em> continues on course.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Some time later, Keyman is loitering in an empty bay with a dead expression, when he is approached by Katsuragi once again. He seems to be aware of her presence before she makes herself known, calling out to ask what she wants without looking at her or registering her appearance at all.
\n\u201cOh, you think I need a reason to see you?\u201d she responds. \u201cI was just thinking about what you did to Yamato<\/em>\u2019s engine.\u201d<\/p>\n

We flash back to Keyman releasing the lattice as he asks her why she chose to remain on the ship. \u201cFor this warmth,\u201d she claims, moving into his personal space in a boldly sensual way. As she does so, another image flashes; the woman with the Gatlantean infant. \u201cWho is it? Me?\u201d she asks herself.<\/p>\n

[KC]: Is she just being a femme-fatale or do these two have actual history?<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: I still think this part of the story is one large red herring to have us think they do, when in fact she\u2019s just projecting her motherly instincts from her past life onto Keyman. This incidentally makes her memories slowly start to resurface. The truth behind the Sabera clones will be discussed more openly next episode, their relationship deepening. I\u2019ve even seen some theories posit that she\u2019s projecting her image of young Zordar on Klaus, based on Keyman\u2019s stoic, handsome and noble features. In any case, the fates of these two are deeply interwoven, their growth as characters impossible without one another. Don\u2019t worry, Teresa will explain all this sooner or later. Based on that last line spliced with an image of her holding a baby, I\u2019d wager my mother-theory bears more credence.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Suddenly, missiles flash in from everywhere, accompanied by both a familiar warping sound and a familiar attack theme. Yuki reports enemy fire at four, seven and eleven o\u2019clock. Kodai orders all gun ports opened and Shima begins evasive maneuvers. More missiles appear. They wonder if they\u2019re surrounded, but there\u2019s nothing else in radar range. Kodai gives the order to use angle of fire to estimate the number and positions of enemy ships and raise the shields. Missiles now at five and seven o\u2019clock. Kodai orders Shima to get them out of there, full speed ahead! Sanada finds it strange that they would fire so many missiles from outside of radar range. <\/p>\n

[AMB]: When one of the first trailers dropped for Chapter 4 with Akira Miyagawa\u2019s 2202<\/em> rendition of Dessler Attack<\/em>, I had a moment of nerdy bliss. 2199<\/em>\u2019s version was perfectly fine, but the more melodically-chaotic violins mixed with intense and tribal drum beats really help elevate this iconic track closer to the original composition.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[KC]: I talk a lot of trash about 2199<\/em>\u2019s Abelt Dessler, but that attack theme triggers a Pavlovian response in me. Dessler is here! This is so exciting!<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Those warping sounds take me back as well, being exclusive to the short-range warp engines given to Domel\u2019s fleet in 2199<\/em> (and OG Yamato<\/em>)! This scene is one big reimagining of Dessler\u2019s assault on Yamato<\/em> in episode 23 of Yamato 2<\/em>, meaning his final confrontation in that series is happening right now, just as he\u2019s been reintroduced! This creates some intense subconscious intrigue for new and old fans alike, both groups wondering how he\u2019ll play with our expectations next. Considering his death in Farewell<\/em> has already been redone in episode 25 of 2199<\/em>, the writers of 2202<\/em> have a message to send in this episode: \u201cYou have no idea what we\u2019ll do with Abelt, but you\u2019re going to like it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Back aboard Dessler\u2019s command vessel it is reported that the target has increased speed by 70%. Distance from transfer point has been expanded and transfer has been temporarily suspended. There will be no more missiles for the time being.<\/p>\n

\u201cLooks like that battleship hasn\u2019t changed one bit,\u201d Dessler muses. \u201cWatch, Miru. I\u2019m about to show you something rather interesting. Keep your eyes fixed on tracking Yamato<\/em>\u2019s coordinates.\u201d Seeing a look of amused interest light up Miru\u2019s face, Dessler laughs again, then instructs his Instant Matter Transfer Device to recompute target points. <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Missiles come at Yamato<\/em> from all directions. Kodai wonders if there are still enemy ships ahead of them, but Shima believes that Yamato<\/em> should have shaken them all by now. Ota suggests a second wave. <\/p>\n

[AMB]: Just like Miru\u2019s cold and detached interest slowly warms up to Dessler\u2019s playful antics, so does the plot warm up to his interference in the story itself. Zordar\u2019s interested, Miru\u2019s having fun, and Dessler nostalgically indulges in challenging Yamato<\/em> once more. And Miru can track Yamato<\/em>? What is he, a psychic? *wink wink*<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust how big is this enemy fleet?\u201d Nanbu cries as Yamato<\/em> takes another hit on the shields. <\/p>\n

[AMB]: Iconic music pieces sync up with the scenes perfectly, and we realize that this man was not only brought back to amuse Zordar, he\u2019s here to play the wild card role he was always known for. Even Abelt\u2019s design has gone back to looking more mature and dignified, with a rounder face and taller stature.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: Three years later, we are seeing a different Dessler.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: A different Dessler? Or one who\u2019s finally allowed to be himself? From both a story and meta point of view, this will be explored later on.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: Those two things are not mutually exclusive.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Sanada points out that it\u2019s as if the enemy can anticipate exactly which way they will move. Yuki announces a new wave of missiles coming in; Yamato<\/em> is completely surrounded. Hijikata then arrives on the bridge and Kodai tells him they are calculating an escape route while Analyzer makes the final calculations; in eighteen seconds there will be a six-second window of escape. Hijikata points out to Kodai that it may well be a trap. Kodai does not seem to disagree, but follows through with his orders and Yamato<\/em> warps out just as the missiles converge on their location.<\/p>\n

[AMB]: The trap Dessler\u2019s sprung is delightfully devilish. There\u2019s a quick glance back and forth between Hijikata and Kodai that I really appreciate, where Kodai acknowledges that this might be a trap, but he\u2019ll act on it with Hijikata\u2019s belief in him as a capable Captain. A big Okita moment, pushing forward with great risk to achieve great things.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

On Dessler\u2019s flagship, Yamato<\/em>\u2019s warp is confirmed by the onboard computer. Miru\u2019s eyes are staring fixedly in bewilderment, filled with excitement, mouth open.\u00a0 We see that Dessler\u2019s command chair has been salvaged or recreated here, as he reclines in it with Miru standing beside him, looking surprised. \u201cTaking advantage of such a marginal window of opportunity…\u201d the Gatlantean boy observes.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cFinding that small sliver of hope. That\u2019s Yamato<\/em> for you.\u201d Dessler proclaims.<\/p>\n

[AMB]: I see what they\u2019re doing here, and I love it. Miru is going to become Dessler\u2019s student of love. Through his teachings, the boy will grow to mature as a humanoid himself, learning to both understand and express feelings. That line Zordar had about \u201cyou had better watch carefully, what makes a human so human\u201d? I think he was addressing Miru with his closed eyes, which brings me to the next topic.<\/span><\/p>\n

Just like with Saito, Klaus and Katsuragi, it would do us good to just say it like it is: Miru is the next Zordar, a clone based on the Emperor. One of the reasons Zordar put Miru with Dessler, is because he wants the boy to see what wretched things humans will do for love, gearing Miru to understand his own warped perspective. He sent his son to school, the teacher being Dessler. Miru has the same telepathic capabilities as Zordar, acting as his literal eyes. And as some savvy viewers can see\u2026 he\u2019s got a similar aura to a certain Garmillas spy aboard Yamato<\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Yamato<\/em> comes out of warp with all scans coming up empty. Shima and Kodai share the same familiar feeling. As Sanada explains, Yamato<\/em> has been pulled down into a dimensional rift. Hijikata can smell where this is going. In the Engine Room, the Wave Coefficient is stuck in alignment and the Energy Conversion Rate is still accelerating. The Chief asks them to check on the Pressure Reduction Unit, but Sanada knows that\u2019s not it, and he orders them to shut down the engine. Yamato<\/em> is about to be destroyed!<\/p>\n

Once the ship has stopped, Sanada explains that the space they are in is filled with the remnants of a supernova. High-energy atoms with accelerated electrons and protons are causing a rapid chain of particle reactions all around them. As the Wave-Motion Engine constantly draws in energy from the vacuum of space, doing that here and continuing energy conversion would trigger a reaction that would blow Yamato<\/em> up from the inside. As Nanbu explains in plainer terms, it is as if Yamato<\/em> has been placed in a powder keg and her engine is a match.<\/p>\n

[KC]: Which is, of course, exactly what Dessler planned.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Ah, not only is it a brilliant plan to knock out Yamato<\/em>\u2019s wave-motion capabilities, it\u2019s a strong thematic reversal from 2199<\/em>. If you remember, this is exactly the same kind of space Yamato<\/em> last fought Dessler in, where the Deusula II<\/em>\u2019s overloaded Dessler cannon blew itself to kingdom come.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: And poor Tokugawa has to deal with the fact that his precious engine might blow up. I like Nanbu\u2019s layman\u2019s explanation of what\u2019s going on, too. It\u2019s a blessing in scenes like this. Omitting such generalizations might be the better choice, but it\u2019s always best not to lean too heavily into techspeak.<\/span><\/p>\n

There is another explosion outside the ship. Kodai wants to know where their enemy is, but the radar is still down. Nanbu points out that their enemy\u2019s radar should be down, too. Hijikata expresses their need to get moving and asks if the sub engines still work, which the Chief confirms. He immediately goes into Captain mode, ordering Nanbu to load the rear torpedoes and prepare to fire on the Acting Captain\u2019s command. Kodai nods and starts giving his own orders. Shima takes evasive maneuvers and they begin navigating through the rift, blasting any missiles that come near. <\/p>\n

[AMB]: Seeing that the situation is too much for Kodai to handle on his own, the old man steps up in a more active role again, just like at Stravaze. If Okita was the stern but softhearted dad, then Hijikata is the lesser uncle trying his best to step in the shoes of who he deems to be the better man. Kodai sure is blessed with good elders, isn\u2019t he?<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Behind them, Dessler and his squadron are in pursuit, missiles grazing Yamato<\/em>. His ship announces that their engine pressure is also rising, as are the engines of the four support ships with them. The computer cautions that continued fire is dangerous, but Dessler orders them to keep firing. Miru seems to be staring at the monitor, watching the battle unfold, but then we see Katsuragi\u2019s image superimposed over his own troubled face. <\/p>\n

[AMB]: There\u2019s a shot from behind the throne here showing us the spectacular view granted to those on the bridge, with Yamato<\/em> in the middle of the viewscreen. We can see more of the stellar art design put into making this truly feel like a royal ship, as well as the fact that Dessler\u2019s crew is composed of Garmilloids. We also see a very premature hint at a secret connection between Touko and Miru, the link through which he\u2019s tracking Yamato<\/em>. That image of original Sabera holding a baby should start ringing bells by now.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m impressed. That\u2019s a neat little trick you have,\u201d Dessler suddenly comments. \u201cIt works not only at vast distances but through different types of space as well.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Miru seems shocked that Dessler has figured out the link between these Gatlanteans, but he admits that is the advantage of the Cosmo Wave.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks to that, we\u2019ve had no trouble tracking Yamato<\/em> across the stars,\u201d Dessler muses. \u201cAt least so far.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

Miru looks outraged but says nothing.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cHigher dimension communication utilizing telepathy,\u201d Dessler states, getting a reaction from Miru again. \u201cIf I recall, the prayers of Teresa have been described that way, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

[KC]: Dessler always seems to have an advance copy of the script, even if it rarely does him much good.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: He sure does, or he\u2019s just really good at pretending like he does. In this case, he seems to be achieving some mutual respect with Miru, who\u2019s beginning to crack under the pressure of this situation. It\u2019s also very intriguing to me that Teresa\u2019s prayers share the same means of communication as Miru\u2019s, perhaps the Jirel race did too.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

On Yamato<\/em>, Katsuragi is listening to radio transmissions from the bridge. There is a panicked report on the effectiveness of their enemy\u2019s weapons systems. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you answer?” Katsuragi thinks to herself. On the bridge, Assistant Navigator Ota notes that the enemy fire is completely missing them now, the ships shooting randomly around this space.<\/p>\n

Two of the support ships implode due to excessive energy conversion. \u201cLike your great leader Emperor Zordar, you seem to be a special sort of Gatlantean with extraordinary skills,\u201d Dessler observes. \u201cThe spy that\u2019s infiltrated Yamato<\/em> is, too.\u201d Miru seems shaken.<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Read like a book, played like a fiddle. With no care about his Gatlantean escorts, Dessler seems fully aware of what\u2019s going on, and Miru\u2019s bewilderment is hilarious. The observer has become the observed!<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[KC]: Clearly taunting. While this is a significantly different plot from last time, they have kept the animosity between Dessler and the tween snitch Zordar burdens him with, and it is very entertaining to watch.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Indeed it is! Though I\u2019m more inclined to believe Dessler is more amused with Miru than anything else. He goes from originally being a burden to someone Dessler wants to nurture. Nobuteru Yuki\u2019s new Miru design certainly helps him look less bothersome too.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: I wouldn\u2019t put it in such parental terms. Dessler may see an advantage in getting Miru to respond to human emotion, but ultimately he cares about one thing. We already know it isn\u2019t Yamato<\/em> and it is not Miru\u2019s personal development, either.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Based on later events I’d still say he’s not wasting his time with the boy. A young lad being forced to inherit the responsibilities of his father without any real say because of his lineage? Should sound familiar.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Yamato<\/em>, meanwhile, has come upon a tube structure, artificial in origin. Not built by some undiscovered alien race, as Aihara suggests. Sanada tells them that the style is remarkably similar to Akerian ruins, and if the tunnel was designed by them its technology could help, but it will be risky. Kodai orders a course into the tube, at the end of which we see a brightly glowing light.<\/p>\n

[AMB]: In Episode 12<\/a> of Yamato 2<\/em>, the ship was led into a similar tube structure during the space firefly crisis. Dessler planned to fire the Dessler cannon and fry Yamato<\/em> while it was trapped, zapped by intense electricity coming from traps placed inside the tube. Back then, Yamato<\/em> used the Wave-Motion Gun to push them backward out of the tube, similar to Okita\u2019s tactic in 2199<\/em> at Balun. This time the tube\u2019s an old Akerian structure inside the remains of a supernova, a perfect prop for one of Dessler\u2019s modern schemes.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Dessler speculates on the light being the core of the dimensional rift they have all entered, and wonders aloud if it is interfering with the Cosmo Wave Miru is using. In fact, the closer they\u2019ve gotten to that light, the less stable Miru\u2019s connection has become. <\/p>\n

\u201cNow, the tricks you\u2019re so proud of won\u2019t work,\u201d he boasts, much to the boy\u2019s chagrin.<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Later on in the series we\u2019ll find out that the Gatlanteans were created by a race called the Zemulians, direct descendants of the Akerians. Some Gatlanteans were granted the power of telepathy, the \u201cType Zordars.\u201d Touko, a copy of the last living Zemulian, has the same Cosmo Wave. But similarly to the Jirellians, her original counterpart was referred to as a “witch”…<\/span><\/p>\n

Why bring this up now? Because the closer Miru gets to Akerian tech, the more it interferes with his telepathy, meaning something in his programming as a Type Zordar is being countered by Akerian tech. In fact, we\u2019ve heard of this earlier in the episode, a similar type of blocking against Teresa\u2019s ability to use her Cosmo Wave earlier this episode.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dessler states that they will have to rely on more conventional methods. When prompted by Miru, he says they will use their eyes to search for their prey. And with that, the two remaining support ships head off in pursuit of Yamato<\/em>.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Miru seems to struggle internally, his eyes closed. \u201cA waste of effort,\u201d Dessler informs him. \u201cThose telepathic waves won\u2019t reach your Emperor from here either, Miru.\u201d<\/p>\n

[KC]: The original Dessler was often portrayed as being pretty scientifically-minded, and I think that\u2019s what they\u2019re going for here. The groundwork is being laid and the lines are beginning to blur. I\u2019ve been skeptical, but will take the ride with them. Give me a Dessler I don\u2019t want to see airlock himself.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: My interpretation is that he\u2019s bad-mouthing Miru for relying on supernatural abilities, just as he had an averse reaction to the Jirellans doing the same in 2199<\/em>. He\u2019s a man who wins with his own efforts, not wanting to rely on technology or the dark arts.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: I am talking more about Dessler\u2019s overall understanding that Miru\u2019s supernatural abilities would be interrupted by Akerian tech, but I understand that I\u2019m in a very small subgroup within the fandom that is hyper-focused on the differences and similarities between versions of this character.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

From Yamato<\/em>\u2019s rear observation deck, Saito and Nagakura watch the entrance to the tunnel receding. \u201cWhatever this tube is, we\u2019re in it now.\u201d <\/p>\n

[KC]: Boy, you said it, Compromised Space Bear.<\/p>\n

On the bridge, it is learned that the tunnel\u2019s interior is made up of different dimensional stratum than the space outside of it. Someone speculates on whether it is even possible, and Sanada muses out loud. \u201cTwo clearly separate dimensions seamlessly connected by a solid structure.\u201d Hijikata asks him if it can be used to return to real space, and Sanada confirms that it can, but there\u2019s a complication.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: I like how alien this tube looks on the inside, and I appreciate the show slowing down for a few seconds to let us admire it. There\u2019s even some fancy reflections being cast on Yamato<\/em>\u2019s hull, courtesy of the CGI team. In the JP dub, Saito makes an effort to say \u201cwe\u2019re inside the tube,\u201d using a Japanese word similar to how you\u2019d describe a sausage tube. That line always stuck out to me as a fitting description. This structure is like a converter cable connecting two different dimensions. It\u2019s an interesting piece of technology, and it won\u2019t be the last time we\u2019ll hear of it in this series.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

On the bridge of his command ship, Dessler delightfully sips his beverage and waits to see what Yamato<\/em> will do, testing Miru\u2019s patience. <\/p>\n

\u201cThe many technological achievements of Gatlantis and its unique philosophy are delights to behold,\u201d Dessler observes. Miru is clearly unhappy with the observation, but Dessler keeps going. \u201cAnd yet, I wonder. Who among the vassals truly understands the heart of their Emperor? Even as it sullies his people, to him it may be like a fragrant, intoxicating wine. Or perhaps it\u2019s a favorite plaything. I would venture that your Emperor does not actually desire the destruction of that ship. Yamato<\/em> and her crew are most likely piquing his interest in a way he hasn\u2019t felt in a very long time.\u201d<\/p>\n

[AMB]: “Truly understanding the heart of their Emperor” huh? Someone’s projecting…<\/span><\/p>\n

Akin to the wine he\u2019s enjoying, Abelt seems to believe Zordar is intoxicated with the wine called \u201cYamato<\/em>\u201d, just like the emperor\u2019s vassals earlier this episode. He knows this better than anyone, considering he ended up going quite far to destroy it at the end of 2199<\/em>. Using every bit of information he can, he turns the tables on friend and foe alike, a true rival. Keen viewers will notice the body of Dessler\u2019s glass clearly being modeled after Starsha, a cute detail. <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[KC]: I had thought that as well, but the hair of the female figure on that stem is far too short to be Starsha\u2019s. With his former squad of elite female bodyguards I just chalked it up to the kind of goblet one would expect a decadent, powerful ruler to have. Then again, after seeing that mural in his old palace, I would not be surprised to find out the creeper had commissioned himself a Starsha glass.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: The hair could just be modeled to cling to her back on the cup. So for my sanity’s sake I’ll apply some good ol’ Occam’s razor.<\/span><\/p>\n

Miru has finally had enough. He pulls his sidearm, but Dessler is on him in a flash, shoving the barrel under Miru\u2019s own chin. \u201cThe emperor realized from the beginning that, to me, Yamato<\/em> holds no meaning.\u201d Dessler pulls the gun free. \u201cIf you don\u2019t mind, I\u2019ll hold onto the gun from now on,\u201d he smirks.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[KC]: Abelt Dessler, you magnificent bastard. I don\u2019t know if I believe that you are truly indifferent about blowing them up here, but I do enjoy watching you poke Miru with a stick.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Oh, we\u2019ll get the answer to that in just a short bit. Meanwhile, I\u2019d like to rave about the BGM track used here, Dessler\u2019s Ambition.<\/em> It\u2019s a variation of Dessler\u2019s Bolero,<\/em> his leitmotif from Farewell.<\/em> It was given to Sabera in Ark of the Stars<\/em> due to it opening with a mesmerizingly-exotic rendition of the White Comet<\/em> theme. However, it built up into Dessler\u2019s Bolero<\/em> and it always bothered me how Sabera\u2019s first appearance in the reboot was accompanied by Dessler\u2019s original theme without him present.<\/span><\/p>\n

But here, it\u2019s so perfectly synched with Dessler\u2019s cunning plays, going from that mysterious Sabera-esque start (musically telling us that Miru is Sabera\u2019s connection) into Dessler\u2019s Bolero<\/em> as he turns around and pulls Miru\u2019s own gun on him! It\u2019s so perfectly synced it\u2019s like this track was scored for this scene alone, even though it originated from Yamato 2<\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Back on Yamato<\/em>\u2019s bridge, Hijikata is explaining the plan. They will release Wave-Motion Energy into the tube, then draw the thermal radiation it creates back into the Wave-Motion Engine. \u201cStimulated emission?\u201d Kodai asks, and Sanada confirms that it is a way to use the tube\u2019s structure to achieve warp. But as Tokugawa points out, \u201cOne wrong move and the ship will be blown to pieces. We\u2019re floating in gunpowder, then striking a match on purpose hoping we can harness the energy to escape.\u201d <\/p>\n

[AMB]: The metaphors used in this episode are perfect. Couldn\u2019t have said it any better, Tokugawa.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s up to me and the chief,\u201d Shima states. \u201cWe\u2019ll each carry half of the burden.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Kodai stands suddenly to address the bridge. \u201cWe all will. We\u2019ll carry it together. And we\u2019ll carry it now because there\u2019s no time to waste.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Everyone nods with determination, except for Klaus who closes his eyes and looks away. <\/p>\n

[AMB]: To all carry the burden as one unit\u2026 this proclamation of Kodai\u2019s will have a great impact on the end of Episode 13, bringing about one of my favorite moments of this chapter. The theme this time around is \u201cKarma,\u201d most likely referring to the karma of the Wave-Motion Gun, Dessler\u2019s decisions in life up to this point, and sins turned against the sinners.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: What\u2019s the matter, Klaus? Are you disgusted, or ashamed? Are you nervous because the far more popular blonde royal just showed back up? Do you sense something? A presence you\u2019ve not felt since \u2026 okay, I\u2019ll stop.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: He\u2019s probably just really moody after his uncomfortable encounter with Katsuragi, heh.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

On Dessler\u2019s command ship, he prepares to fire the Dessler Cannon.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou were planning this all along,\u201d Miru fumes. \u201cYou steered them to this place to cut off our telepathy, didn\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am a man who does not forget humiliation,\u201d Dessler replies.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou must realize it. What will happen if you use that weapon here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSpace itself will burn. Yamato<\/em> and those ships entrusted to me will share the same fate.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDessler!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWatch closely. You claimed that was your job, didn\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: \u201cI am a man who does not forget humiliation.\u201d One of the best lines from the original White Comet Empire arc, brought to life through a new lens. Seen by Gatlantis as an emotionally-compromised tool, Dessler will blast away what remains of his escorts and free himself from their surveillance. With Miru now cut off from the flow of information, he\u2019s free to do as he pleases with this new ship.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: Okay, I am definitely rooting for him right now.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dessler fires and the beam lashes out, destroying the final two support ships. On Yamato<\/em>, Yuki alerts them to an extradimensional implosion. \u201cBut how?\u201d Ota asks. Sanada then realizes that the approaching Wave-Motion Energy is colliding with the space in the way they theorized, with a shockwave of radiation.<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Something worth pointing out here is that the technology granted by Gatlantis has now allowed for the new Dessler cannon to fire its beam even inside this other dimension without damaging the ship, very much unlike his first Deusula<\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Hijikata tells Kodai that if they release the gravity anchor and absorb the shockwave, they should be able to reach warp without firing the Wave-Motion Engine. Kodai asks Shima if he can do it. Shima observes that the reflection rate won\u2019t stabilize in the tunnel, but he aligns with the center of the emission. The stimulated emission wave approaches. Initial canceller is set to maximum. Yuki reports contact with Yamato<\/em>\u2019s stern. The emission wave is pushing them. Tokugawa orders them to open all intake valves. Kodai orders the crew to brace for warp. The countdown completes and Yamato<\/em> warps, the tunnel shattering in a spectacular explosion of light. <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: And with that, Dessler helped save Yamato<\/em>. Not by giving them a hand, but a push in the right direction. If we are to trust him, Yamato<\/em> does in fact not matter to him. And if so, what he just did was to extend a courtesy quite new to him, hinting at a change to his moral character. It\u2019s also a subversion of his goal in Yamato 2<\/em> Episode 12, firing at the tube not in order to destroy Yamato<\/em>, but instead to help it. That\u2019s my thesis at least.<\/span><\/p>\n

Also, in the JP dub Kodai has quite the swagger in his voice when asking Shima if he can pull this off, asking him \u201cShima, can you ride the wave?\u201d The cheesy retro vibes are off the charts this episode! And the visual splendor showcased when the ship races through the tunnel, finishing off with the magnificent explosion of the tube punctuated by the Yamato<\/em> theme\u2026 takes my breath away every time.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: To be fair, I don\u2019t think Abelt would have been broken up at all if Yamato<\/em>\u2019s luck had run out there, but I understand the desire to want to think better of him than might be reasonable.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: I think he would, based on his upcoming reunion with the ship in Episode 15. During the three years since the end of his rule, he’s played on the “revenge” angle, but deep down I think he’s come to respect the ship, shown first through his admiring gaze whenever he looks at it. So as I described above, he didn’t give them a helping hand, he gave them a respectful push. How to use that push was up to Yamato<\/em>, the ship that showed him things could be done right. There’s more of this coming up in Episode 23, but that’s a long way off.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dessler\u2019s onboard computer informs him that Yamato<\/em> has jumped. \u201cJust as fortuitous as always,\u201d Dessler says. Miru is furious.\u00a0<\/p>\n

[KC]: Well, maybe Abelt was gambling on Yamato<\/em> after all, if only to infuriate his watchdog.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Heh. You\u2019ve gotta love the off-model Miru in this scene too, he looks like a frog in the first shot.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Yamato<\/em> smashes out of the dimensional barrier and everyone breathes a sigh of relief. Dessler\u2019s command ship waits in the dissolving dimensional rift. Dessler explains that without its core it should soon disappear. Miru demands to know what Dessler is plotting. \u201cMiru,\u201d Dessler snaps at him, \u201cif this alternate space collapses and the Cosmo Waves return, wouldn’t that make you happy?” But Miru is not happy. He is getting less happy by the second. <\/p>\n

[AMB]: The fact that Dessler isn\u2019t immediately trying to knock the boy out before the Cosmo Waves return means he really wants to show Zordar something. I do wonder what…<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Suddenly an alarm begins wailing on the bridge as several ships warp in; several Garmillas ships. Three carriers and many other smaller vessels appear as the Garmillas national anthem starts booming. Dessler is hailed by the younger Talan brother, Ghader. \u201cSupreme Leader! The entire military has been awaiting your return.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs loyal as always,\u201d Dessler responds. “I thank you from my heart.”<\/p>\n

Talan salutes him, obviously overcome with emotion. \u201cGare Dessler!\u201d He signs off. Miru is astonished.<\/p>\n

\u201cTell me, Miru,\u201d Dessler asks him. \u201cWhat do you think of my actual fleet?\u201d Miru looks down for a moment and Dessler has his own weapon trained on him for the second time. \u201cOf course, your Emperor will learn eventually,\u201d Dessler says, pressing the barrel of the gun between Miru\u2019s wide eyes. \u201cBut still, there\u2019s no need to rush.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[KC]: [INCOHERENT SCREAMING] Oh, look. Talan\u2019s back. I am a little confused about this translation, because there are definitely members of the Garmillas military who are working with Earth right now and not in this fleet, so does Talan actually mean the entire military? At this point in the series we can\u2019t really say, but perhaps there are not as many different factions as we were led to believe.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: With \u201cthe entire military,\u201d I think Ghader\u2019s referring to Dessler\u2019s entire army. Due to the very contextual nature of the Japanese language, some things are assumed between people who know each other that others might not understand. It\u2019s a line that\u2019s definitely meant to make us (and Miru) think, \u201cWait\u2026 really?!\u201d But in fact, what Talan\u2019s saying is \u201cYour men (us, of the military) have arrived, all of them (who support you).\u201d That\u2019s how I interpret it, at least.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[KC]: And before I really start gushing, it is true that I have a very strong and very vocal bias in favor of the original versions of these two characters. And it is true that I am pretty unforgiving of Abelt Dessler for a lot of the same behavior.\u00a0But it is also true that 2199<\/em> was written as a standalone project by a different group of people than 2202<\/em>. We are getting a subtly different Abelt here, and while the reasoning may not always link up perfectly with my fannish sensibilities, I am absolutely, 100% on board with rooting for him. Especially against this blabbermouth.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: While true, Shoji Nishizaki was the one who helped handpick the new writers (Oka and Fukui), very much aware of the continuity established by the long and arduous project that was 2199<\/em>. I\u2019m still of the ardent belief that Dessler was always meant to have this kind of comeback arc, just like he did in the original. In his own words, he was a man who lived for destruction alone in the first Yamato<\/em> series, only having seen the value of love at the end of Yamato 2<\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The biggest difference between the two versions at their core, Abelt and Leader Dessler, is that Abelt knew love from the very start and it\u2019s what inevitably caused him to go overboard. The fact that this aspect of his character was purposefully left vague and open-ended in 2199<\/em> meant he would definitely be reintroduced and given some introspection. That\u2019s what we\u2019re finally getting, and it\u2019s glorious.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

We then return to Yamato<\/em>, where Yuki is speaking with Hijikata in a lounge area, trying to convince him to take command on the basis of his support earlier that day. Hijikata has a different interpretation; that he was only getting them out of a mess after helping Yamato<\/em> fall into an enemy trap.\u00a0\u201cBut Kodai,\u201d Yuki begins, then thinks better of objecting. She knows that Hijikata will only tell her the same thing Kodai told them all on the bridge; that they will carry this burden together.<\/p>\n

[AMB]: It\u2019s hard to naturally work this into the official sub, but I\u2019m glad Yuki\u2019s still referring to Hijikata as her uncle in the Japanese dub. Still stoic and overly humble, he doesn\u2019t want to be more than the mentor he signed up to be. Even after getting a pep talk from his adoptive daughter.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, we\u2019ll carry it together,\u201d Hijikata agrees, noting that Kodai can be mature when he\u2019s concerned about someone else. He continues, observing Yuki\u2019s worry for Kodai and telling her that while his path is daunting, she must allow him to make it on his own, and be there to catch him if he falls. While she considers this, Hijikata tells Yuki that her parents supported each other until the end and he knows that she and Kodai can do the same, because that\u2019s what humans do when they\u2019re at their best. Yuki is clearly heartened by this.<\/p>\n

[AMB]: This is a phenomenal moral lesson that youths of today (like me) really need to hear. Some walls have to be faced alone, but that doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019ll be alone once it\u2019s over. Yuki\u2019s precious smile upon hearing this makes my heart feel things.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Tokugawa tells the bridge crew that he has analyzed the data. When they used the shockwave to warp they achieved three times the usual output. Nanbu asks Sanada if he\u2019s figured out what caused the collapse of the dimensional rift, and Sanada says there\u2019s a signature in the neutron fluctuations that they\u2019ve seen before. He is about to tell them what he thinks it is, but Keyman already knows; the Dessler cannon. Shima and Kodai register this information and Yamato<\/em> sails off until the next episode.<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Three times the normal output, huh? Can I make my obligatory Char Aznable reference? Anyhow, this news must be quite a shock to the crew, and the music really helps sell the feeling that something new and exciting is about to happen! I mean, it\u2019s the same music used when they land on Telezart in Farewell,<\/em> a track that invites us to a world of mysterious wonder. Fitting.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[KC]: Kodai doesn\u2019t seem too bothered by that news, does he? And are we going to talk about the closing credits?<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: He really doesn\u2019t, surprising Shima who tries catching Kodai\u2019s gaze. It\u2019s like Kodai\u2019s more baffled by how the events of this reunion transpired rather than the possibility that Dessler was behind them.<\/span><\/p>\n

But yes, the ending song, Crimson Red!<\/em> IT\u2019S SO DAMN GOOD! Composed once again by S.E.N.S. project, performed by Yuya Hoshino with some stellar guitar accompaniment it steals the show exactly like Dessler just did! But it has a much more interesting history to it than one might think. The O.G. song The Rival<\/em>, sung by Isao Sasaki, was an \u201cimage song\u201d for Farewell,<\/em> acting as a vocal subtheme for Dessler. It was the coolest back in 1978, but as times have changed so has \u201cwhat\u2019s cool.\u201d The lyrics (translated here<\/a>) embody the soul and spirit of The Rival<\/em> with an entirely different vibe. The man has returned, and he\u2019s seen a warrior in the flame. It details the route Dessler is on as a character, telling us more about his inner workings.<\/span>\u00a0<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[KC]: Yes, a great song about Dessler from Kodai\u2019s perspective. As I recall, there was a lot of excited speculation when this episode was first released as to whether the scene of Dessler and Kodai facing each other from their respective decks was simply an artistic choice, a tease, or an intended foreshadowing of developments to come.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: How about all of the above? And what about that new kickass rendition of the opening theme, sung by Isao Sasaki yet again? According to Akira Miyagawa and Isao Sasaki, this was the first time since the 80\u2019s that they\u2019ve substantially altered the song\u2019s composition and tempo, truly letting Akira put his own stamp on it. It\u2019s got so much energy and gusto, with Mr. Sasaki\u2019s iconic voice carrying yet another spectacular performance! <\/span><\/p>\n

Fittingly enough, the PVs (teasers) for 2202’s different chapters all came with at least one PV dedicated to the ending song of each respective chapter. With Chapter 4 however, they purposefully kept the ending song secret, choosing to tease the new opening instead. At the request of fan on Twitter, I edited together a PV for Chapter 4 to go along with CRIMSON RED, which will be linked in the coda at the bottom.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Coda<\/h3>\n

Theatrical release: Space Battleship Yamato 2202, Soldiers of Love<\/em> Chapter 4: Destiny Chapter<\/em> contained episodes 11-14. It premiered in Japanese theaters January 27, 2018.<\/p>\n

Japanese video: Theater-exclusive Blu-ray January 27, 2018. Standard Blu-ray & DVD February 23, 2018<\/p>\n

First Japanese TV broadcast: December 14, 2018<\/p>\n

American debut: July 18, 2018 (streaming) March 15, 2019 (home video)<\/p>\n

The end title Crimson Red<\/em> is performed by Yuya Hoshino.<\/p>\n

Click here<\/a> for a complete BGM collection for Episode 11.<\/p>\n

Click here<\/a> for the Chapter 4 CRIMSON RED PV made by Mei.<\/p>\n

Episode credits<\/em>
\nEpisode Director: Seung Hui Son
\nStoryboard: Yuichi Nihei
\nAnimation Directors: Akio Takami, Hiroki Takagi, Tatsuya Oka<\/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 12<\/a>
\nReturn to the index<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Yamato 2202 Episode 11 commentary<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[123,137],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-28353","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-yamato-2202","category-yamato-2202-commentary"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28353","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=28353"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28353\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":30653,"href":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28353\/revisions\/30653"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=28353"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=28353"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=28353"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}