{"id":28584,"date":"2020-06-27T12:25:57","date_gmt":"2020-06-27T19:25:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/?p=28584"},"modified":"2022-04-20T10:32:54","modified_gmt":"2022-04-20T17:32:54","slug":"474a","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/474a\/","title":{"rendered":"Yamato 2202<\/em> Episode 13 commentary"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"2007icon\"<\/p>\n

With the full strength of Yamato<\/em>, the air corps, and the Space Cavalry, the Telezart landing operation begins. It seems to proceed smoothly, but reverses when missiles are fired by the Goland fleet. To overcome this, there is no choice but to fire the Wave-Motion Gun directly at the enemy fleet. Kodai is forced to decide\u2026<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

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

Episode 13: Telezart landing operation, fight the enemy missile fleet!<\/h3>\n

On one of the planetary crusts confining Telezart, Goland and his clone Nol are out hunting what Goland refers to as sand dragons. Large drills containing blue crystals lodge themselves to the surface, disturbing the natural environment. As the two Gatlantean clones watch, sand dragons flee, bursting out of their underground habitat.<\/p>\n

[KC]: Space Opera sure does love giant worms.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: And presumably ancient alien tech.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Since 2202<\/em>\u2019s Telezart bears conceptual similarities to Final Yamato<\/em>\u2019s Aquarius, this might be a visual reference to a very short scene in that movie where Uruk tries harvesting energy from Aquarius. But instead of harvesting, these drills are imbuing the rock with Telezart\u2019s energy for later.<\/p>\n

Goland announces that they\u2019re here to exterminate the swarm, cautioning Nol about the behavior shown by the smaller dragons who closely follow the bigger ones. The older clone takes aim with a large sniper rifle requiring two people to hold it steady, blowing the head off the largest dragon from far away. \u201cWe Gatlanteans are artificial life forms. Unlike humans and other life forms, we are the product of generations of cloning,” Goland reaffirms to Nol as we see him blast a younger sand dragon who\u2019s mourning the death of the biggest one.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Goland\u2019s coldness toward the creatures screeching in the distance as he mercilessly takes them out makes my skin crawl. Like the alien tech, this hunt is a different take on Goland\u2019s dinosaur hunt in Yamato 2<\/em> Episode 10<\/a>. But instead of mere stress relief, this becomes a bonding experience with his son-not-son-clone.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: Like a lot of the other tropes used in the older series, this one is getting added levels of dimension and significance.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Nol will one day inherit his cloned elder\u2019s name and fleet, becoming Goland the 20th. Their genes are identical to those of their very first original\u2019s, meaning that, \u201cthere are no irrational emotions like love in there,” in Goland\u2019s words. The last large sand dragon tucks away one of its children, heading for the Gatlantean pair. Continuing, Goland states that while it is true that he raised and trained Nol, it was only so that the being named Goland could keep serving Gatlantis. And \u201cthus,” he notes, \u201cwe are pure!\u201d Nol adds, \u201cthus, we are strong.” They fire once more at the last charging dragon, the screen cutting to white.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: It\u2019s a sad thing, seeing a very vulnerable young child having to help his predecessor destroy families of creatures without flinching. But to adhere to Gatlantean philosophy, Nol has to learn the harsh path of putting down beings that express love. It\u2019s just a matter of principle, but one Goland seems to enjoy. Also, take note of the scene where the larger dragon tucks in its child, it\u2019ll pay off later.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some time later, Nol is seen standing with a handgun in front of one of the many dragon carcasses littering the rocky surface. The blue light in the alien drills has faded. He questions Goland, telling him it\u2019s natural for a life form to care for its successor. But to Goland, that\u2019s just egoism, a \u201cdetestable narcissism that contributes nothing to the whole.” <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: He\u2019s harsh to Nol, but with events from Episode 10 and later in mind I think he\u2019s just looking out for his successor. Not out of duty, but (ironically enough) out of love. To quote Gandalf from Return of the King<\/em>, \u201cYour father loves you Nol. He will remember it before the end.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

A small crying sand dragon crawls pitifully to its parent right in front of Nol as he recounts a promise Goland made. His first battle will come soon, where he\u2019ll become the next Goland and where he\u2019ll receive his own Nol. The promise ends with, \u201cI have high hopes for you.” Nol tries and fails to repeat the \u201cThus, we are strong\u201d mantra, shooting the young sand dragon with tears running down his eyes. The rock bed they\u2019d purged together is then moved to plug up the entrance to Telezart with Goland\u2019s missile fleet overseeing the procedure.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: The last sand dragon is presumably the one we saw being tucked away earlier, crawling to its parent in spite of knowing the danger. This makes Nol\u2019s sadness difficult to interpret. Is he sad about this cycle of death and suffering that love brings these creatures? Or does he cry because he\u2019s the one pulling the trigger? Maybe it\u2019s both, topped off with seeing a child mourn the death of its parent.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: I figure he\u2019s lamenting the fact that even sand dragons feel a familial connection that is denied him, but there is a lot that can be taken away from this.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Ouch\u2026\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Meanwhile on Yamato<\/em>, Kodai interrogates \u201cTouko Katsuragi\u201d with Hijikata, Sanada, Saito, Sado, Keyman\u00a0and Yuki watching from the security room. Asking who she is, he begins repeating the few facts they could gather. She was Professor Redrowz\u2019s assistant, but had no prior acquaintance with him. Since she only met him on the 11th planet with a plan to survey Stravaze, anyone could have taken her place for that mission, even non-Earthlings.<\/p>\n

[AMB]: You can see Touko playing with her feet on the monitor, as if she\u2019s enjoying this. Having been forsaken by Zordar and had her memories reawakened, she\u2019s now truly a wild card whose fate is bound with Yamato<\/em>\u2019s.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Production note: in the storyboards for this sequence, Touko was drawn in the Yamato<\/em> crew uniform that she will eventually wear at the end of the series. This was wisely revised in the finished animation since it would visually contradict her attitude toward her captors.<\/p>\n

Sado and Sanada elaborate on this. Touko\u2019s biology is no different from humans like them or Garmillans, meaning that she\u2019s a different entity from the Gatlanteans. Neither is she a living dead body. Yuki asks how they can be so sure, and Klaus answers that it\u2019s because she\u2019s still alive. Saito and Hijikata build on this argument, noting that Gatlanteans should explode when captured or exposed, making Katsuragi an exception. Dr. Sado adds that she\u2019s even capable of bearing children. This makes her existence at odds with Kodai\u2019s account of Gatlantean society as heard from Zordar. \u201cWhat is she?” he asks.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: With future context, the hints thrown at us here makes me giddy whenever I introduce this show to new fans. In short, she\u2019s a perfect copy of Sifar Sabera, a Zemulian human who once joined hands with Zordar. She exists as a living anomaly meant to control the White Comet, yearning for her Emperor\u2019s love. And following the last episode, she has truly stepped into the shoes of Yamato 2<\/em>\u2019s Sabera.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: Zordar\u2019s smarmy concubine is getting not just a backstory, but a TRAGIC backstory, and I am HERE for it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Kodai keeps up his interrogation, mentioning that before the 11th planet\u2019s attack, widespread radar interference slowed down the military\u2019s response. Going with the premise that Touko told him she was willing to talk, he irritably asks if the radar interference was her doing. She chuckles at this, calling him a hypocrite. As Kodai is taken aback, Touko teasingly ponders whether she used the right word. <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: And with that, we might have an answer to Touko\u2019s outstretched arms at the end of Episode 3. She was likely interfering with the radio waves using her cosmo wave.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t have people like you among us\u201d she says. Kodai repeats the word \u201cUs\u201d to himself, as she elaborates. <\/p>\n

\u201cYou focus on things for which there is no solution. A powerless idealist.\u201d She twists her eyebrows in a mocking manner, agitating Kodai. But much to her pleasant surprise, Kodai indulges her, asking what she means. A twisted look covers her mug as Touko\u2019s interrogator launches from his seat. <\/p>\n

\u201cDo you have no ideals in your society? If you\u2019re human\u2026\u201d Kodai responds, only to be interrupted by Touko rising up to feel his heartbeat. <\/p>\n

\u201cSifar Sabera. That is my true name. That\u2019s all for today, okay?\u201d <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Saito is shocked, Keyman gets an inquisitive look, and the rest stare silently at the monitor at this revelation. <\/p>\n

[AMB]: Considering what we\u2019ll find out about Zordar\u2019s past, Touko clearly sees many elements of him in Kodai. \u201cA powerless idealist\u201d isn\u2019t too far off from what the Gatlantean once was. Whether she wants to guide him from suffering or help him fail like Zordar, we\u2019ll see. But Touko probably knows she\u2019s being watched by Saito, and Zordar by extension.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

On Yamato<\/em>\u2019s main elevator, Klaus and Kodai engage in conversation. Keyman looks shaken at the Sabera revelation, but states nonetheless that no more information will leak to the enemy. But Kodai isn\u2019t convinced, questioning how they can be so sure considering their limited knowledge of Gatlantis\u2019 capabilities. Klaus leaves with a word of caution, telling Kodai to stay away from Touko. As a member of Garmillas\u2019 intelligence division, he\u2019s \u201cused to handling her type.” <\/p>\n

\u201cHer type?” Kodai asks. <\/p>\n

\u201cShe stirs people up, trying to control them. There\u2019s no need to let it bother you,” Klaus responds, much to Kodai\u2019s dismay. <\/p>\n

[AMB]: Oh boy, seeing Kodai realise that Klaus was criticising his open show of emotion at the end of the interrogation isn\u2019t fun. But it\u2019s true, you shouldn\u2019t let your emotions out when questioning enemy soldiers.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

[KC]: In my old age I have come to terms with Kodai indulging genre tropes instead of following military protocol. And since it\u2019s my tendency to always bring it back to Dessler, I note that Klaus\u2019 analysis of Sabera\u2019s \u201ctype\u201d is perhaps another subtle callback to the Sabera of old, who through manipulation and scheming managed to get His Majesty tossed in prison, at least for a while.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Personally I think Kodai\u2019s ways are in line with Yamato<\/em>\u2019s spirit, so I prefer his way of dealing with her. If the military loses any semblance of humanity, connecting and rebuilding with former enemies becomes impossible. And nice catch, I\u2019m definitely subscribing to that theory!<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The bridge crew is stuck planning how to approach Telezart. Sanada repeats what we already know, that the planet\u2019s sealed in a layer of bedrock brought from other celestial bodies, but that it\u2019s still incomplete. Teresa sent data during her last transmission, detailing the fact that the last bedrock shipment is still being carried out and that the enemy\u2019s missile fleet is deployed to cover the gap. <\/p>\n

[KC]: So Zordar\u2019s plan to keep Teresa from meddling is to seal her up like an Edgar Allan Poe villain. There is a very well known tale of his called The Cask of Amontillado<\/em> where a man gets revenge on someone who insulted him by inviting them over and burying them alive behind a wall.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The plan is to send a strike force through the gap, sending Gatlantis\u2019 rear cover fleet into chaos. They\u2019ll achieve this by using Kato\u2019s warp booster from when he rejoined Yamato<\/em>, a disposable round trip tool, meaning it still has one more warp to go. (And who knows where they\u2019ve been storing that chunky thing since then.) Saito says what everyone\u2019s thinking; that they can only go one way, meaning they do so with faith in Yamato<\/em> to follow. Sanada smiles at him and the Cosmo Marines.<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Saito having faith in his new comrades to this extent is very wholesome, another slight nod to Farewell<\/em> with Sanada smiling in response. In Farewell<\/em>, Saito entrusted Sanada with prepping a bomb inside the Gatlantis city empire, giving his life to protect him. Sanada gets to partially recreate that scene next episode.<\/span><\/p>\n

A large complaint I had with 2199<\/em> was that the holographic battle plans would many times be skimmed over rapidly, not giving the eye enough time to orient itself. It happens in 2202<\/em> too, but here we actually see a long static shot of the graphic moving as Sanada speaks, giving a much clearer image of what\u2019s to come. We even get it in English.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Following the strike force, Yamato<\/em> will perform a short warp inside the massive bedrock layer, using it for protection. Nagakura asks how they\u2019ll attack this way, to which Kodai announces they\u2019ll use the Wave-Motion Gun. The crew stares at Kodai\u2019s unflinching resolve with a grave look. He informs them that they\u2019ll turn 180 degrees following the warp, then use the gun to pulverize the bedrock and shower the enemy fleet with its debris. \u201cIn the end, you\u2019ll use the WMG on rocks?” Saito asks with a crooked smile.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[KC]: This is presented as a significant moment for Kodai, but I still have to ask; is it really such a big deal, this clever, non-lethal use of the WMG? <\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: There are risks. The debris could easily destroy enemy ships, or the gun might blast through the rockbed, torching every Gatlantean in its path. Keeping in mind Kodai\u2019s words in Episode 7 about \u201chaving tricked\u201d himself, this is the first time he surrenders to real risk of human lives at the hands of the WMG. Even if they\u2019re manufactured lives. <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Shima\u2019s impressed with the plan, seeing as it\u2019ll help cover their flanks. But Hijikata reminds everyone that if things go awry they\u2019ll all be separated and wiped out. To account for this, the plan can\u2019t remain rigid, so it has to change according to the tides of the battle. Kodai grunts, Yuki looking at him with worry. But her expression changes when Hijikata states that the surprise factor of their plan could give them a chance of winning. Turning to the rest, he sternly informs them that he expects everyone to give this operation their all.<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Many lives ride on Kodai\u2019s back here. Despite this tactic being very Okita-esque, its execution matters as much as his resolve. Thankfully, Hijikata’s started opening up to Yamato<\/em>\u2019s way of doing things. <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Inside the White Comet\u2019s projection room, Zordar tells whoever he\u2019s in contact with to inform Goland of Yamato<\/em>\u2019s plan (which he\u2019s just absorbed via Saito), a crooked smile forming. We then cut to Goland and his missile fleet, one of his ships carrying a large red missile. <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Nol is in the process of getting his head shaved like Goland, asking the barber if he\u2019s ever been held in the arms of his predecessor. His answer is no, to which Nol simply closes his eyes. <\/p>\n

[AMB]: Goland’s new uber-missile was first seen inside the White Comet last episode, making its battlefield debut here. Something else I want to give credit to is this continued trend of never showing Gatlanteans (aside from the Zordar types) sitting down. Whether it\u2019s battlefield commanders or Nol getting shaved, they\u2019re always shown standing up. Considering they\u2019re manufactured, they probably don\u2019t have to sit down.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[KC]: Damn, I never considered that before, but Zordar is the only one of them that ever sits, because I think the only other Gatlantean you ever see sitting is Miru.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Miru too yes, who’s another Type-Zordar.\u00a0Also, for children like me who grew up in loveless homes, that barber scene is sure to hit hard. But just you wait kid, you\u2019ll feel some warmth soon enough.<\/span><\/p>\n

Later, Nol enters Goland\u2019s bridge with an insecure look, only to be roused by his predecessor\u2019s voice. \u201cThis is your first battle. Carve the essence of Gatlantean warfare into your body,” he tells Nol. Nol does his best to mimic Goland\u2019s mannerisms, responding with a simple yes sir. <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Children really are molded by their parent\u2019s wishes huh\u2026 while its themes of parenthood resonate much more with me here, the basic setup reminds me of Yamato<\/em>\u2019s dealings with Schulz in 2199<\/em>. But unlike then, Yamato<\/em> now knows that there\u2019s some humanity behind the Gatlanteans, and its crew has matured after both taking and losing lives these past three years.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: Still really loving this sophisticated new take on \u2018The Comet Empire.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Yamato<\/em>\u2019s strike force is finishing up their assembly, Mobile Armors loaded with anti-ship missiles swarm onto the warp booster like bees. The Telezart Landing Operation can begin! <\/p>\n

Saito yells at Yamato<\/em> to not be tardy as Shiori does her best to help Yamamoto acclimate to being in a Mobile Armor. Yamamoto\u2019s student Tsurumi has chosen to pilot the booster, confidently announcing their warp insertion as the other pilots salute his departure in full gear. <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Every time I see Yamamoto in this scene my mind wonders what she\u2019s doing here. Only to realise that she undoubtedly joined in to keep watch over Tsurumi, which is very sweet considering she could have probably piloted the warp booster herself or joined up post Yamato<\/em>\u2019s warp in her Cosmo Tiger I. It\u2019s her way of christening his pilothood. <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

With Yamato<\/em> prepared to do a short warp, Klaus recounts a conversation he had with Touko. <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re birds of a feather, right? I don\u2019t know what you set up in this ship\u2019s engine, but I\u2019ll keep quiet for you. Because I want to see that man\u2019s face when he falls into despair.\u201c <\/p>\n

Keyman looks at her with apprehension, responding, \u201cWhy don\u2019t you tell them about me?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou will eventually betray Yamato<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBetray\u2026\u201d\u00a0 <\/p>\n

The conversation trails off into the present, with Klaus still pondering aboard Yamato<\/em>\u2019s bridge. As Shima ends the warp countdown, Keyman thinks \u201cBetray whom?\u201d to himself. <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Seems we were right about some of Touko\u2019s hints towards Keyman. And while she \u201cconfirms\u201d my theory of her wanting to make Kodai suffer, I\u2019m not sure I trust her.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: So as far as Touko is concerned, the enemy of her enemy is her friend. But Klaus is perhaps not sure he is Yamato<\/em>\u2019s enemy. As long as someone blonde haired and blue skinned becomes an ally in this series I\u2019ll be happy.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Suddenly these two later turning to Yamato<\/em>\u2019s side thanks to each other’s presence makes even more sense. They\u2019re basically shadow-playing each other so hard they end up sympathising with Yamato<\/em>. But let\u2019s leave Klaus\u2019 feelings about who to betray for two episodes from now.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Yamato<\/em> warps into battle, bow torpedos blazing! Several ships are hit as we cut to Yamato<\/em>\u2019s strike force having successfully warped behind enemy lines, met with a small fleet of ships (specifically, the lighter versions of Goland\u2019s missile ships called Lasceaux<\/em>, which first appeared in 2199<\/em>). Tsurumi succeeds in turning the heavy booster and Nagakura praises his efforts, vowing to \u201chit them good and hard!” The Mobile Armors release their missiles, delivering a heavy load of firepower. <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Seeing the backdrop of Telezart with detailed CG models engaging one another is a real treat, showing how far Yamato<\/em>\u2019s CG techniques have come. It\u2019s so fluid and the color work is gorgeous. The BGM used here is a new piece called Time of Fate,<\/em> an exhilarating track that really screams \u201cthe tides have turned!”<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Goland receives intel about \u201cmechanised infantry\u201d hitting them from behind the rockbed and Nol clamors for Yamato<\/em>. But Goland urges the kid not to rush, assuring him that \u201cour warfare is bold, yet elaborate\u201d and that their own fleet made the first moves long before hostilities began. He orders all ships to turn around, ordering his own ship to \u201cunleash the Arrow of Destruction!\u201d<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Gatlantean naming schemes are cute. Like I gathered many episodes ago, they\u2019re just children.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: For a race of emotionless clones, they certainly have poetic naming conventions for their arsenal.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Legionnaire Cannon, Deathvatators and now Arrow of Destruction. From Mazer\u2019s rage, Nol\u2019s sadness, Goland\u2019s pride\u2026 it\u2019s like they\u2019re not even that different from other humanoids. Bring on the Ultra-Menace Missiles!<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

As fire and metal clash inside the rock shield, Nagakura asks the enemy to forgive their ambush since time is short. Yamamoto scores two battleship takedowns but then sees her student Tsurumi tailed by Deathvatators. She pleads with him to get away as she speeds after the boy\u2019s pursuers. Cursing this situation, Tsurumi bites the bullet and keeps distracting the enemy fighters, taking several hits until Yamato<\/em> bursts into this tight corridor. The mobile armors clean up the fighters tailing Tsurumi as the battlefield quiets down.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Brave boy, doing his best to act as bait until Yamato<\/em> arrives. Keep those engine hits in mind for later folks.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: I have a bad feeling about this \u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: The storyboarding here takes great advantage of the 3D assets. Ships speeding past stationary cameras doing slow turns, light reflecting off the cockpits and cameras partially lagging behind the mechs as they vary their speeds, making this a very immersive and claustrophobic battle. On the 2D side we have lots of stylish closeup shots of our characters and their mechs, the blood-pumping music from earlier reaching its crescendo.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

With the Gatlantean rear guard reduced to floating scraps, Telezart lies just ahead. That\u2019s when Goland\u2019s new uber-missile obliterates the \u201cplug\u201d rockbed Yamato<\/em> intended to use. This creates a violent gravitational wave and knocks the ship out of control. Shima tries his best to prevent them from crashing as Yuki explains how this turbulence is caused by the energy inside the missile interacting with Telezart\u2019s gravitational field. Or as Sanada puts it, it\u2019s \u201cantimateria.”<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: This is the second of only three times we hear the iconic Gatlantis<\/em> theme created for Farewell<\/em>, first re-introduced in Ark of the Stars<\/em>. It\u2019s suitable, displaying the tenacious nature of Gatlantis in a triumphant way, so I won\u2019t complain.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: Easily one of the most iconic things about the show.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: I would have also loved to see more of the Gatlantean ship debris swirling around Yamato<\/em> in that vortex, since they\u2019d be pummeled by the same ships they ambushed.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

On Goland\u2019s bridge he explains to Nol how this energy, the antimateria, was harvested from Telezart itself. While not surprised, the commander\u2019s intrigued by what\u2019s left in the missile\u2019s wake. As the dusty winds clear up, Yamato<\/em> is spotted and Goland orders for the hunt to conclude. Nol\u2019s eyes widen in response. Several dozen Gostok cruisers launch their missiles straight at Yamato<\/em> in a continuous barrage. <\/p>\n

[AMB]: Lots of callbacks this episode, but tastefully so. In Farewell<\/em>, Teresa\u2019s body was composed of antimateria. This time her entire planet is an extension of Teresa, cluing us in on the planet\u2019s phantom nature.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: Sorry, Shima.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cautioning against Yamato<\/em>\u2019s WMG facing their concentrated fleet, Nol asks why they won\u2019t spread the ships out more widely. But Goland assures him that Yamato<\/em> can\u2019t fire because the turbulence makes aiming difficult. Then there\u2019s the fact that \u201che<\/em> won\u2019t fire.\u201d Nol is left in thought as we cut to Yamato<\/em> sinking deeper down to the surface of Telezart, fending off tons of missiles with the AA guns.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Spreading out the fleet huh? If only Goer was here to convince Goland… then again he didn’t do such a good job with Zoellik in 2199<\/em> But back to Goland! I wonder who he’s alludes to with he<\/em>, heh. We\u2019ve seen Zordar keeping in touch with this fleet through telepathy, so\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: Surely we all know? I mean, we know even better than Goland. Heh, heh, heh.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: The sight of Yamato<\/em> being pummeled by missile after missile as it sinks deeper paints a stark symbolic picture of the crew\u2019s struggle here. Acting in self-defense against an overwhelming enemy, they powerlessly sink for their ideals, something Touko alluded to during her interrogation.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Kodai orders Tokugawa to prepare for them to retreat, but Hijikata stops him, saying they\u2019ll be taken out if they try leaving in this turbulence. Hijikata continues, stating that the original plan is still underway. Stunned, Kodai stares down at his targeting console. Sweat forms on his brow as the missiles keep coming down, forcing him to take a deep breath. He then orders the bridge to prepare the firing of the WMG.<\/p>\n

[AMB]: It\u2019s rare to see the weight of taking people\u2019s lives and upholding promises in wartime so delicately portrayed in space opera these days. Witnessing the toll this is taking on Kodai, who once didn\u2019t have an issue with \u201ckilling demons\u201d, is heart-wrenching. When The Force Awakens<\/em> came out and Finn was supposed to be this stormtrooper gone good, I figured he\u2019d have a similar crisis of conscience at killing his own comrades, but he never did. I bless this scene for sticking by what the show established in the previous series.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[KC]: Objecting to the killing of dedicated Stormtroopers would bring up questions that Star Wars<\/em> and Lucasfilm don\u2019t ever want to deal with, especially now that they answer to Disney, and I suspect that is somewhat of an American thing. Any of the true moral quandaries introduced in the original Yamato<\/em> series were obscured in Star Blazers<\/em> as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

Met with mixed reactions, from Shima and Yuki\u2019s sad faces to Nanbu sweating bullets, Kodai tells the bridge to secure the best range for hitting the enemy fleet. <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

We cut to Goland, gloating over how Yamato<\/em>\u2019s captain can\u2019t fire the WMG because he\u2019s dominated by \u201cthe irrational human feeling of love.” The Cosmo Marines bear witness as Yamato<\/em> sinks deeper.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat will you do?” Saito asks loudly.<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Hearing this sad violin rendition of Yamato<\/em>\u2019s theme as it sinks always hurts, with Goland rubbing salt into the wound. It\u2019s a difficult thing, proving your worth as morally complex beings while waving around WMD\u2019s in the name of \u201cdefense.” Like Kodai said, Yamato<\/em>\u2019s way is one of upholding promises and saving people, not by turning the hand of salvation into a doomsday device. Plus, who do you think\u2019s speaking through Saito right now?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[KC]: They are pretty careful about how they word things, but of course in retrospect Kodai is being taunted by Zordar here. Poor Space Bear.<\/span><\/p>\n

As Yuki holds her chest, Nanbu informs Kodai that their current range is optimal for completely destroying the fleet with one shot. Hijikata grits his teeth as Kodai starts pulling the trigger but suddenly\u2026 Saito calls the bridge, Hijikata\u2019s eyes widening. He requests for Hijikata to fire the WMG. <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s stupid, but there\u2019s no choice,\u201d Saito says. \u201cIt\u2019s not about logic. He made a promise! A promise to someone important to him!\u201d The crew stays silent. Saito asks Hijikata to take Kodai\u2019s place.<\/p>\n

[AMB]: The sudden yet protracted cutaway from the Yamato<\/em> theme before it reaches its climax is so beautiful! Saito cuts through his puppet strings, through the sadness and offers a solution that won\u2019t break Yamato<\/em>‘s promise to Iscandar, showing Kodai his greatest respect. <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Keyman interjects. \u201cThis is the cross that all who traveled to Iscandar bear equally.\u201d<\/p>\n

A mixture of fright and admiration spreads across the bridge as he continues speaking, staring at Okita\u2019s sculpture. \u201cUnless he frees himself from his restraints on his own, Yamato<\/em> has no future!\u201d<\/p>\n

Yamato<\/em> fires up its engines, the ship aiming itself at the Gatlantean fleet. Okita\u2019s voice invades Kodai\u2019s mind, once more telling him to show his resolve as a commander. He strengthens his grip on the trigger of the WMG. <\/p>\n

[AMB]: First Saito, now Keyman. Long struggles and difficulties understanding one another all lead to this point, where the actions and feelings of the crew combine to make a positive change. It\u2019s curious to think that if Touko hadn\u2019t spurred him on, Klaus might not have confronted the crew.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: Not gonna lie. Having a Garmillas Officer giving a pep talk to Yamato<\/em>\u2019s bridge crew is pretty damn entertaining.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: In the words of Church and Donut from Red vs. Blue<\/em> Season 9:<\/span><\/p>\n

“I just want to say, you guys are all mixed up. You’re doing it wrong.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“Doing what wrong?”<\/span><\/p>\n

“THIS!”<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

But before Kodai pulls the trigger, the combined efforts of the entire bridge crew to start up the WMG begins, everyone resolutely voicing their actions. Shima turns to Kodai, telling him it\u2019s not his burden alone to pull the trigger. Crew member after crew member turns to say the same thing or to nod in approval, with the exception of Klaus who braces himself for what\u2019s to happen. <\/p>\n

[AMB]: The BGM used here, titled Dogfight<\/em> is yet another original track for 2202<\/em>. Sought after by many following this episode, what followed was a year long wait for the vol.02 of 2202’s official soundtrack. It perfectly captures the unity of Yamato<\/em>\u2019s crew, their resolve to do what must be done. It\u2019s joyous, hype and melodic, a perfect addition to an already great catalogue of new music.<\/span><\/p>\n

The preparations conclude, but the ship is still unsteady so Kodai asks Saito and his marines for a favor. <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s do it!\u201d Saito yells at his marines, leaving them confused as they ask what exactly.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s obvious. We push it by hand.\u201d They all kick into high gear toward their ship as Hijikata announces that he accepts Kodai\u2019s previously requested appointment of him as Captain. Yamato<\/em>\u2019s new Captain continues speaking.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf there\u2019s nowhere to run, and it cannot be resolved, then this is a burden we must bear. Both you and I. This is everyone\u2019s shot!\u201d<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Halfway through the show and three of the major personal struggles onboard Yamato<\/em> have been resolved in one scene. Saito digs Kodai, Klaus has submitted his approval of Yamato<\/em>\u2019s spirit, and Hijikata accepts the burden of Captainship. And though it\u2019s understandable why they didn\u2019t show it for pacing reasons and next episode\u2019s reveal, it\u2019s too bad we didn\u2019t get to see what happened to Tsurumi.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[KC]: Everything\u2019s going so well, now. I\u2019m sure he\u2019s fine.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: We don’t see Akira with the Cosmo Marines any more, so she probably went after him. Speaking of, the visual motif of the Cosmo Marines literally supporting Yamato<\/em>, steadying it for the shot is both corny and satisfying.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Onboard Goland\u2019s ship, Nol stares at his hand with a shaky voice, repeating what his predecessor just told him. <\/p>\n

\u201cIrrational emotions. Because they are human…\u201d He clenches his fist.<\/p>\n

\u201cGoland, I am\u2026,” the boy yells out, looking up at his teacher. But he\u2019s cut off, Goland stating that Yamato<\/em> has completely stopped moving. <\/p>\n

\u201cNol, watch closely. This is the end of a battle. Finish them!\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Nol moves to say something before it\u2019s too late, but can\u2019t. The fleet of missile ships fires their last load, all at the same time. <\/p>\n

[AMB]: Watching this scene for the 20th time is just as heart wrenching as the first, the lack of music adding to an already dreary moment coming up. The boy starts to understand his deep-rooted feelings and tries to reach out, but isn\u2019t fast enough. I believe what he\u2019s about to say is something along the lines of \u201cI am human, and you are my father.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: I will go with that.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

On Yamato<\/em>\u2019s bridge everyone\u2019s prepped and ready, goggles on and light dampeners activated. Yuki reports the multiple inbound missiles, but Hijikata says to ignore them. The Cosmo Marines struggle to keep the ship steady as Nanbu counts down the firing sequence. Kodai ends it by pulling the trigger. Every single ship in the way is obliterated by the WMG\u2019s blue light. <\/p>\n

[AMB]: Oh no, here it comes…<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Goland stares at the destructive force coming for him and turns to his deeply frightened clone who recoils out of fear. But Goland embraces Nol, desperately shielding him from the horror. Time slows down as the light grows stronger. Goland turns back to see the doom coming for them, then stares at Nol. With a single tear falling from his left eye, his voice cracks.<\/p>\n

\u201cForgive me, Nol.\u201d<\/p>\n

The boy lets out a small gasp in surprise, then closes his eyes with a smile, embracing his father figure.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

The light completely evaporates them like stardust.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nol\u2019s voice trails off into the coldness of space along with the WMG\u2019s beam.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Writing out the synopsis for that part left my heart feeling heavy and shaken. Capping off the midpoint of the series with this showcase of love, letting us see that the Gatlanteans are more than capable of loving one another if given the chance is\u2026 heartbreaking. Just like the rest of the Gatlanteans Yamato<\/em> has run into, they all awaken to this deeply rooted cosmic feeling. Love.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: It\u2019s almost as if this idea that they can\u2019t or shouldn\u2019t feel is a complete poop sandwich that Zordar has been feeding to them all this time. The one Gatlantean who doesn\u2019t want to feel at all because he feels too much. Yeah, this species is kind of blowing melodramatic reform speeches right out of the water.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The light is strong and white, invading Yamato<\/em>\u2019s bridge. A single tear runs down Kodai\u2019s face as his voice struggles to stay strong, the promise between Okita and Starsha repeating in his head. <\/p>\n

\u201cPromise me that you will never repeat our folly.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI promise.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

[AMB]: And the fact that they play a slower rendition of one of the piano motifs for Iscandar, Azure Crystal<\/em> in the background? Ugh\u2026 leaves me feeling sick and sad. Using the energy of the universe to snuff out life from the universe, breaking a promise and living with it. Harrowing.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The mobile armors flock to Yamato<\/em>\u2019s hangar as the storm dies down, mostly washed away by the WMG. Kodai asks Hijikata for permission to state his opinion as the tactical officer on board, since Hijikata is now the Captain. Gatlantean bases should still be on the surrounding bedrock, and he urges for the operation to continue. Hijikata agrees, ordering him to coordinate with the Cosmo Marines and to propose a new shipment plan for Wave-Motion Excavator Warheads. <\/p>\n

[AMB]: The way Kodai talks to Hijikata here not as a friend or comrade, but as a soldier really helps illustrate how he feels about this. This wasn’t the act of a Yamato<\/em> crew member, or a successor of Okita\u2019s, but a military act. Stymying his heart, he submits to what he\u2019s done. <\/span><\/p>\n

Former Acting Captain Kodai stares up at Okita\u2019s sculpture as the Azure Crystal<\/em> BGM trails off.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Wow\u2026 that\u2026 really hurt. This moment is such a phenomenal way to finish off the first half and I consider it an iconic scene for the entire Yamato<\/em> franchise. So much buildup, so much strife and angst leading to such a mixed and terribly uplifting yet horrible feeling. With that, the WMG problem has been sufficiently tackled, or has it?<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: A lot of heavy stuff here. I agree that it is setting up the second half of this series very nicely.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Production note: though the episode properly ends on Okita\u2019s sculpture with its darkly shaded eyes, the storyboard interestingly cut to a scene of Touko (still in a crew uniform) in a fetal position on her bunk, symbolizing Zordar\u2019s latest failure. Then an exterior shot of the marines regrouping around the ship.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Coda<\/h3>\n

Theatrical release: Space Battleship Yamato 2202<\/em>, 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 28, 2018<\/p>\n

American debut: August 1, 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 13.<\/p>\n

Episode credits<\/em>
\nEpisode Director: Hiroshi Ito
\nStoryboard: Tomoko Iwasaki
\nAnimation Director: Nozomi Shimazaki
\nArt Directors: Akio Takami, Akihito Maeda<\/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 14<\/a>
\nReturn to the index<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[137],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-28584","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-yamato-2202-commentary"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28584","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=28584"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28584\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":32131,"href":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28584\/revisions\/32131"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=28584"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=28584"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=28584"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}