{"id":29163,"date":"2020-11-11T09:34:29","date_gmt":"2020-11-11T17:34:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/?p=29163"},"modified":"2023-02-14T14:14:30","modified_gmt":"2023-02-14T22:14:30","slug":"501a","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/501a\/","title":{"rendered":"Yamato 2202<\/em> Episode 17 commentary"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"2011icon\"<\/p>\n

The invasion of Earth by Gatlantis finally begins. In the solar system, a Wave-Motion Gun fleet centered on the flagship Andromeda<\/em> clashes with a large Gatlantis fleet led by Baruze. Could this battle determine the fate of Earth and the universe?<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Episode 17: Naval battle off Saturn\u2019s shore \u2013 Assemble the Wave-Motion Gun fleet!<\/h3>\n

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

<\/p>\n

United Nations Cosmo Fleet Command Headquarters, present day. Three battleships take off into space as a strategy meeting takes place between the commanding officers of the Cosmo Navy: Heikuro Todo, executive officer Kotetsu Serizawa and three familiar Garmillan and Earth officials. Observing holographic data of the White Comet, Serizawa lays out that Gatlantis has been making curious military moves in the past days, engaging UNCF forces with hit and run attacks in the solar system. Pluto, Neptune and the asteroid belt are of particular note. \u201cThis is clearly a diversion,” Serizawa states with conviction, concluding that Gatlantis is preparing a large-scale invasion of Earth.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: In the original Series 2, Pluto, Neptune and Uranus were where the EDF had their fleets stationed in the solar system. The \u201casteroid belt\u201d mentioned refers to the large ring of asteroids orbiting the sun between Mars and Jupiter. We saw the Jupiter portion of this asteroid belt very briefly back in Episodes 4 and 5 where Yamanami\u2019s Andromeda<\/em> fleet was engaging in training exercises.<\/span><\/p>\n

To prove his Earth invasion theory, Serizawa lets the hologram show what it was intended to; the white comet warping. The three civilian officials are shocked, trembling as they question how an object the size of Jupiter can perform a warp, when it warped into the solar system and whether or not Gatlantis is willing to engage in diplomacy.<\/p>\n

Citing witness accounts from the refugees of Planet 11 currently being kept on the Moon, Serizawa bluntly states that Gatlantis\u2019 only goal is destruction and that the concept of conquering other nations to expand their power simply doesn\u2019t exist in Gatlantean culture.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: In just a second, Serizawa will start talking about uniting the public and private sector, something we\u2019ve seen in both past and present history. Whether it was the Soviet Union or Nazi Germany in preparation for WWII or Edward Snowden\u2019s reveal of the NSA (public) cooperating with tech companies (private) to close up cyber loopholes, it\u2019s something that still goes on today both behind the scenes and very openly. It\u2019s a tool which can bring about both disaster and blessings, usually at great economic costs. In this case, the cooperation will at least help stall for time.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: Serizawa is in Worst-Case-Scenario Mode as usual, but he happens to be absolutely correct.<\/span><\/p>\n

The officials sigh in unison, realising what Serizawa is about to say; fighting is unavoidable. In preparation for the coming battle, the Time Fault is producing ships and armaments at max capacity, though it isn\u2019t guaranteed that the numbers will be an even match for Gatlantis by the time the invasion begins. He asks them to temporarily unite the government and the people (meaning the public and private sectors) to help boost the Time Fault\u2019s production quality and efficiency. As he speaks, an image of the UNCF reinforcement unit near the Moon is shown, which includes the Andromeda<\/em>.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Pinch me if I\u2019m reaching, but I just had a thought. As if purposefully making us think back on the Iraq war, head writer Fukui has Serizawa playing up a dire situation (such as 9\/11) to gain the funds necessary (an allegorical Patriot act) to combat an intergalactic threat (Al-Qaida). It\u2019s part of a narrative ruse where we\u2019re meant to start thinking this man\u2019s got a thing for military fascism and that he\u2019s setting up a post-war world where the military\u2019s on top. Episode 21 will clear this up by showing us how he\u2019s just rational to a fault, a clever subversion of not only this cultural meme, but of Serizawa\u2019s character in history.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: I am also reminded of the conspiracy theory regarding American Intelligence knowing about the planned Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and allowing it to proceed as a means of entering WWII. Of course, this show tends to remind me of WWII for a lot of reasons. And actual historians overwhelmingly reject the Pearl Harbor theory. And you were talking about the actual Serizawa.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Yes, historically, Serizawa was a large, boisterous man who was at one point in charge of the Shinsengumi, the military police after which many Yamato<\/em> characters were named. He had an imposing figure, yelling and drinking a lot. But deep underneath he had a soft heart that gave him the ability to create surprisingly beautiful poetry and drawings for children.<\/span><\/p>\n

In Yamato 2199<\/em>, the staff clearly went for the superficial \u201cSonno-Joi\u201d take of his historical counterpart (Sonno-joi meaning \u201cRevere the Emperor\/expel the foreigners\u201d) which was at the core of historical Serizawa\u2019s idealism. In 2202<\/em> however, they delve deeper into his more secretly soft parts in brief moments that hit harder when we\u2019re forced to combat our own prejudiced ideas of the man after we saw him relaying orders from \u201cthe military\u201d in 2199<\/em>. <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Serizawa cements the fact that the Wave-Motion Gun fleet has been subject to both internal and external criticism, but its true value will be tested at this critical juncture, words which prompt a grave reaction from Todo as he raises his head up high. \u201cIn the war with Garmillas,” he says, \u201cwe humans of Earth stood on the brink of extinction. Not this time around. Time is running out. We must take immediate action. Or this time, mankind will…\u201d His voice trails off, his belief clear as day. If mankind won\u2019t take a united stand, we will all collectively fall.<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Both Todo and Serizawa get some stellar character work here. Formerly part of the same military bureaucracy which evoked the allegorical Sonno-Joi belief, the latter chooses to ask Earthlings and Garmillons alike for help with the war effort, to save all of mankind. Todo\u2019s having trouble ascertaining Serizawa\u2019s motives, but takes a leap of faith. <\/span><\/p>\n

The understated arc these two characters share is slow, methodical and drenched in purpose. It gives Serizawa the perfect opportunity to show allies, enemies and audiences alike that he\u2019s always had mankind\u2019s survival as his primary goal, yet like Gimleh he\u2019s rational to a fault. The military administration he was part of helped bring about the UNCF\u2019s 8-year long war with Garmillas, and he won\u2019t repeat the same folly. At the same time, Todo has a backup plan… <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Before Serizawa can finish his sentence, we cut to the Time Fault. Inside a newly built Dreadnought-class ship called Laboratory Prometheus<\/em>, we\u2019re reunited with three of the Yamato<\/em> veterans left behind on Earth: Kaoru Niimi, Mikage Kiryuu, and Shou Yamazaki. As we\u2019ll later come to understand, work is underway connecting the \u201cCosmo Reverse Amplification System\u201d to the new battleship BBY-003 Ginga<\/em> [Galaxy].<\/p>\n

This is done by refitting it with the ship\u2019s Wave-Motion Reactor Core\u2019s amplifier. As Yamazaki and Kiryu slave away in their anti-radiation suits, Niimi states that this system will be the foundation for mankind\u2019s survival. In the Captain\u2019s seat, we see Saki Todo, the soon-to-be-revealed daughter of Heikuro Todo. \u201cWe have to complete it,\u201d she states, \u201cbefore\u2026 they come.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Seamlessly cutting from one faction\u2019s bet on survival (Serizawa\u2019s WMG fleet) to another\u2019s (Todo\u2019s Ginga<\/em> crew) as Serizawa\u2019s voice trails off, we see the foundation for what\u2019s to become the largest moral quandary of the next chapter; Regeneration (Episodes 19 – 22). The Ginga<\/em> crew teased here act as something of a failsafe for Earthling survival, but with details forthcoming I\u2019ll keep this short.<\/span><\/p>\n

What\u2019s to come is to be a struggle between fighting to maintain our way of life at great risk (WMG fleet) versus running away to survive at a great cost (Ginga<\/em> crew). Serizawa\u2019s faction ironically mirrors Yamato<\/em>\u2019s actions in 2199<\/em> by attempting the former, and Todo\u2019s faction mirrors the Izumo Plan by attempting the latter. Living versus surviving. And what needs to be completed before Gatlantis arrives? The Yamato<\/em>-class Ginga<\/em>, along with its CRS-based amplifier system.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Yamato<\/em> finishes warping just at the border where it\u2019s possible to receive data from UNCF HQ on Earth. Ordered by Hijikata, Aihara patches the data through for analysis, seeing as the UNCF might have information on the White Comet\u2019s current whereabouts. There will be three more days of warping for Yamato<\/em> before they can talk live with HQ, so Hijikata orders Yuki to deliver all private messages sent by the crew\u2019s family members. Yuki happily obliges as the bridge cheers with joy. <\/p>\n

[AMB]: Technology may have advanced rapidly from the last series, but long-distance communication with Earth is still a hassle. Had this show been any longer, we might have gotten some extended insight on the messages sent to our crew by family and loved ones, though at the cost of pacing. A certain pilot does get a spotlight however\u2026 <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

An exhausted Tokugawa stares at the stable engine readings, but is nonetheless happy with the news. He tells Hijikata he\u2019ll head down to check on the engine, dragging himself off the bridge. Shima sympathises with the old man, informing us that they\u2019ve warped five times today in spite of the three-times-a-day limit. Ota adds that the Anti-Wave-Motion lattice is still infecting Yamato<\/em>\u2019s engine and is therefore a great source of stress for Tokugawa in particular.<\/p>\n

According to Sanada, Klaus Keyman is cooperating with efforts to remove the lattice, but it ain\u2019t easy. Kodai asks where he is, and Sanada tells him he willingly confined himself in solitary once he was done helping with the engine.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[KC]: Keyman is also cooperating with efforts to remove the stain on the name of Dessler by doubling down on noble gestures. Not only do I think this is an interesting angle for the character to take, it\u2019s also a great callback to Dessler being incarcerated by Sabera in Yamato 2<\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Bit by bit, he’s set to take most of Abelt’s spotlight moments from the original series, at a tremendous cost just like his uncle. First, he flipped the incarcerated role with Touko back in Episode 12\/13 and now he’s joined her in confinement. Unlike her original counterpart, she’s chosen not to set up Keyman (our original Dessler stand in), since she\u2019s much more interested in watching Kodai suffer.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Talking between the 1st and 2nd cells are a wounded Klaus and a very gloomy Katsuragi. Touko emphatically mentions how repeated warps affect the wounded more heavily, then goes on to lambast him for willingly staying locked up instead of seeking medical attention. She smiles, telling him it\u2019s stupid. <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m a traitor,” he says. <\/p>\n

\u201cThe one you betrayed was Dessler, wasn\u2019t it?” she replies. He gasps, shocked by the fact that she knows this. <\/p>\n

[AMB]: Saying one thing and meaning another, Touko\u2019s like the worst-best mom one could ask for. We then follow up on a major plot thread between these two; Touko\u2019s proclamation that Klaus would come to betray Yamato<\/em>. But the boy proved her wrong, and that\u2019s why she consoles him by mentioning that Abelt was the one he betrayed. And how does she know this? Because of her re-established Cosmowave communication with Miru, who was recently let out of his Akerian crystal prison.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Touko asks why he didn\u2019t leave with his uncle, telling him she knows all about Dessler. How \u201cThat man used to have a cold strength that didn\u2019t recognise people as people, just as you do.\u201d Lightly caressing her own hand, she continues. \u201cIt was a strength that would let him kill others, or himself, if necessary. It\u2019s that part of you that I\u2026,” she affectionately reaches out to the wall separating the two, but is cut off. <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Self-sacrifice hits close at home for Touko emotionally, and we\u2019ll find out why in a few episodes. In the past, Zordar sacrificed everything he had for the original Sabera, only to end up betrayed by the ones he bargained with. That love clearly left a mark on her as she died, passing on to her clones like Touko (who, for all intents and purposes, have completely become the original). In essence, Klaus used to remind her of young Zordar, as did Abelt.<\/span><\/p>\n

Somewhere between Miru and Zordar lies Keyman, resembling both her child and her lover. Which only gets more complex if you subscribe to my theory that the current Gairen used to be the Zordar which Sabera loved. And the current Zordar is the result of a new clone Miru following the original Miru\u2019s death in original Sabera’s hands, currently replacing Gairen as original Zordar. (Sorry if your eyes just crossed while reading that.)<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: This time around, Sabera\u2019s connection to Dessler is all second hand, unfortunately, so we get more expository dialogue than the two of them trying to out snark each other. But it also sets her up as a far, far more sympathetic character.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Her obsessive love for Zordar is definitely better handled here than in Yamato 2<\/em>, that’s for sure.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI heard my mother\u2019s voice then\u2026 even though I haven\u2019t dreamed of her for years now,” Klaus says warmly, sitting up from the bed with a smile. \u201cBut the one who was there wasn\u2019t my mother, it was Akira Yamamoto of Yamato<\/em>.\u201d Responding cheekily in a motherly fashion, Touko asks if he was disappointed. But he wasn\u2019t. Touko\u2019s taken aback by this response as he continues. \u201cFor no good reason, I was happy. I thought this might be one of the bonds Teresa spoke of.\u201d <\/p>\n

Asking him what he means by bonds, Klaus explains: \u201cThat\u2019s what she calls the ties between people, apparently. A connection\u2026 love\u2026 there are many names for it, but I feel like I\u2019ve found it here on this ship.\u201d Hearing this outside his cell is none other than Akira, lovingly clutching at her chest with a smile as she turns away. \u201cHow very human. That\u2019s an irresponsible and selfish thing to say,” Touko adds, continuing. \u201cWhen that love is the source of humanity\u2019s misfortune.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Children seek their loving parents in new partners, since loving parents once showed them unconditional love that they\u2019ll be forever bound by even after their parents are gone. Klaus sees this as the work of bonds, connecting us to the best outcomes of the future like Akira is to him. But Touko sees this as a curse. A curse she herself is experiencing with Keyman, who she\u2019s drawn to because he reminds her of both her son and former partner’s best qualities.<\/span><\/p>\n

Irresponsible and irrational, humans let their love cloud their judgement as they submit to fate, or in this instance \u201cbonds.” She also prefaces the beautiful tragedy of Keyman\u2019s future sacrifice for Akira, one he wouldn\u2019t have made had he not experienced love to the nth degree. It\u2019s a sacrifice Akira will have to live with for the rest of her life.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

We cut to the planet bomb syndrome treatment center on the Moon, as one of those tragedies caused by love starts to bloom. Having been taken to the highest peak at the center, Tsubasa Kato is suffering. His mother Makoto gently holds his tiny hand, telling him his Dad\u2019s coming home soon. Tsubasa\u2019s struggling to the point where he\u2019s unresponsive. With tears in her eyes, Makoto tells him to make his dad carry him on his shoulders when he gets home. He\u2019ll say \u201cBoy, you\u2019ve gotten so big! Surprise him,” she says, before bursting into tears. <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

On Yamato<\/em>, Kato\u2019s taking out his frustrations on a punching bag in the workout room. Sweat and tears fall down his body as he laments the cruelty of a 2-year old boy suffering such an illness, begging for some higher power to help his son. Listening in is Saito, acting as Zordar\u2019s eyes and ears.<\/p>\n

[KC]: This scene is pretty brutal, but the tremendous emotional impact is important for what\u2019s to come later.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: The fluidity of his punches hit harder than steel. One might wonder where this sudden anguish came from, but it\u2019s an easy question to answer. Earlier, the crew received private messages from Earth in a batch. Instead of showing us Kato’s live reaction to his (from Makato), we see him breaking down after the fact. There’s only one way I can read the grieving parents\u2019 reactions; Tsubasa is at the last stage of his untreatable illness, and they can only pray that Kato gets home in time to carry his son once more before he dies.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The White Comet howls through space. Zordar, Gairen and an aide float into the \u201cbirthing facility\u201d on a pyramid, a red force field providing a safe atmosphere. They enter an area with red glowing crystals and lava, reminiscent of Stravase.\u00a0On a platform below them stand several doctors alongside the late Goland\u2019s predecessor, Zaizen.<\/p>\n

[AMB]: The BG artwork here is rich in character and history, imagination and creativity. These birthing facilities (of all things) were given such care, conveying what the mystic technological arts of Akerius must have looked like; incomprehensible to the human eye, yet so natural. We’re given ample time to see what happens as a slower variation of the White Comet theme drones on, allowing us to take in these sights even without dialogue. Environmental storytelling at its best.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Due to Goland and Nol\u2019s deaths, an emergency Nol clone has been produced, placed in Zaizen\u2019s care “as per regulation” as Zordar\u2019s aide says. Zordar coldly observes the Gatlanteans below, asking the aide why they\u2019re all smiling. \u201cIt\u2019s nothing more than a mechanical process. How can those people smile?\u201d Taken aback, the aide ponders this for a second, only to inform the Emperor that he doesn\u2019t know. <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just, when they see a recently produced organism, they do for some reason. Sometimes, they cry for no reason.\u201d Zordar\u2019s eye narrows at this, complicated feelings enveloping him.<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Another hint for what\u2019s to come is hidden in plain sight. Zordar, a clone child himself, remembers being held by his father Gairen just like the new Nol. And just like Zaizen, Gairen lost his first son (Goland, in Zaizen\u2019s case, and the first Miru in Gairen\u2019s case) and had to produce a new clone (Nol 2.0 in Zaizen\u2019s case and Miru 2.0 – who grew up to become current Zordar. Yes, it\u2019s a lot to keep track of.) Yet, in spite of that loss, Zaizen still smiles at seeing a new life. It won\u2019t come up again for another five episodes, but Zordar has ample reason to ask why they all smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[KC]: Here\u2019s my problem. It\u2019s always the same with these guys. I don\u2019t think Zordar\u2019s sad at all. I think he\u2019s furious. He believes that his people should have no emotion, but they do. So he gets all up in his own feels about it, and then bad things happen.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: That could definitely be the case, nice catch! Whether he’s angry or furious as you say, or empathic and upset like in my take, he’s obviously not in a good state of mind. <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Traveling past what we\u2019ll later learn is the base of the Ark of Destruction\u2019s gravity well, Zordar and Gairen\u2019s levitating platform passes into another chamber, the aide having departed. After some awkward silence, Gairen informs Zordar that he\u2019s heard of Telezart vanishing again. \u201cEarth is where Teresa sent her Cosmowave. But if Telezart has vanished\u2026\u201d Zordar interrupts him. \u201cIt\u2019s simply invisible to us. Teresa is watching. We will invade Earth as planned.\u201d And to ensure the success of that invasion, Gairen states that a new Silver Priestess has been prepared as requested.<\/p>\n

[AMB]: This scene has so many things. An open exploration of the Ark of Destruction, insight into the Gatlantean cloning process, Father\/Son angst hidden in plain sight and hints about Teresa. As discussed last time, Telezart was seized to make sure Teresa couldn’t affect what’s to come, but Zordar at least appears unconcerned with her vanishing act. As long as she bears witness to what he perceives to be the righteousness of his actions, he’ll still win.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Zordar and Gairen continue into another kind of birthing facility. This one is filled with large crystalline shapes. Each contains a Calaklum-class ship. <\/p>\n

[DG]: Here we get an answer as to why the Calaklums can and do vary in size – they’re grown<\/em>. We see “forests” of them in various sizes, but their shape is unmistakable. Maybe these are in different stages of production. Raises a lot of questions about how their technology actually works. It looks similar to a catapillar’s chrysalis while it morphs into a butterfly or moth. If a ship was allowed to grow for longer than the normal period, it could wind up the monstrous size we see back in the first episode.<\/span> <\/p>\n

Given that the ship design is uniquely cited in official materials as being the product of the \u201cGaizengan Weapons Group,\u201d one can interpret this being stressed that as a new ship design, they are still in the experimental phase and under the control of this research group.<\/span><\/p>\n

Going by this, one could assume that if they wanted to, they could make ships at the size we saw in Episode 1 or larger, with the sole purpose of using the Inferno Cannon formation as a planet destroyer, or a much larger number of smaller ones for the same cost, to act as an inferno cannon array. Such a formation could use similar tactics as the Dispersion Wave-Motion Guns of the Earth Fleet.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Within the Calaklum birthing chamber, Zordar and Gairen finish their journey in yet another kind of birthing facility, suspended beneath a gigantic diamond-shaped memory storage device. Gairen tells us a bit about Sabera as the device constructs a new clone. \u201cLady Sabera is not like we of Gatlantis. The Zemulians who created Gatlantis; she is a pure copy of one of them.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Now one wonders, are these devices exclusively for original humans (the seven races)? And in that case, do they all exclusively preserve specific individuals? If one of the pink ones is Shifal Sabera, which souls and minds resided in the rest? There were at least three of them shown after all. Perhaps they’re just empty vessels until they’re filled with a soul. In any case, the soul transfer ritual will be shown in a few episodes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Zordar then bitterly states how efficient the Sabera clones are, seeing as they don\u2019t require a lengthy raising cycle like the Gatlanteans do. But, Gairen continues, \u201cTo reproduce the body and soul of a single human, it takes memory equipment of this size.\u201d Six smaller obelisks light up one after another to match the larger device, synchronising with the reproduced Sabera. Once they\u2019re all matched, her eyelids open up and her body rises like a doll on strings. \u201cThe Silver Priestess,\u201d Gairen announces. \u201cIt is a luxury that could not be allowed if she were not the last human.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: There’s that “last human” comment again. As discussed prior, it most likely refers to the privilege given to her (by Zordar) as “the last human” once the reseeding of humanity is done with, seeing as an original human will always be needed to control the Ark of Destruction. <\/span><\/p>\n

Recalling the start of their conversation, Zordar says \u201cAs requested, you said?” Indeed, this Sabera is just as he requested, with extra restrictions placed on her memories. But before Gairen can finish speaking, Zordar impatiently asks if they\u2019ve managed to suppress her emotions. \u201cThere is no issue with her assimilation of the limiter system, is there?” Gairen simply responds with \u201cIt\u2019s perfect.”<\/p>\n

Zordar crouches down to assess the new Sabera, turning her gaze toward him. He\u2019s apprehensive, but impressed, likening her to a doll. Gairen caps off the conversation by confirming that there\u2019s no risk for any resonance between this Sabera and the one captured by Yamato<\/em>. \u201cNo suffering, either\u2026\u201d Zordar adds.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: She’s insulated against Touko Katsuragi then, emotionally and telepathically.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: By the end of this scene I am getting a sympathetic vibe, but some of that could also be attributed to hindsight, because I have to say that this is about as menacing as Zordar gets for me. When it comes to villainy, I don\u2019t get much out of his scene chewing and overcompensation, mostly because I far prefer Dessler for that sort of thing. And of course the original Zordar is just a walking trope with no backstory. But this is all pretty creepy.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: If what I’ve gathered is correct, he’s not staring his former partner in the eye here, but rather his mother. No child wants a loving parent to suffer the knowledge of their own death, or the feelings associated with who they used to be. Just like he’s not her original child or lover, she’s not his original mother or partner. He only feels as if she is because the love of bonds passes from Gairen to him, a cold suffering with no end.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Abelt Dessler\u2019s fleet is on its way to Garmillas when they pick up a PSA announcement delivered by Garmillas CIA director Burrel on their national television station. Gathered on Abelt\u2019s bridge are Talan, Miru and Abelt, who playfully takes out his stress by stirring his wine. Burrel\u2019s message goes as follows: <\/p>\n

\u201cFor many years, the Garmillas policy of colonialism continued to expand. With democratization, that is undergoing a radical change. However, within our country, there are those who wanted to turn back the clock to a time of dictatorship. The Garmillan State Police report that today, we have indicted all these traitors.\u201d<\/p>\n

[AMB]: This PSA has Garmillan subtitles for those who are hard of hearing, and the very basic G.N.K. logo used in 2199<\/em> (meaning \u201cGarmillas Broadcasting Corporation), a play on N.H.K. the \u201cJapan Broadcasting Corporation\u201d) has been altered to Garmillan letters with a new graphic.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[KC]: A quick scene, but another fantastic example of how this reboot adds dimension and realism to these people and their society. And because translating is not always an exact science, I am not going to dwell on the irony of some dude in a military uniform invoking the planetary state police in a speech about dismantling fascism. This hits a little too close to home. <\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: “Boring political talk” (as some viewers of space opera would call it) always intrigues me, since it never loses its relevance. One uniform in this case replaces another, only thing different being the ideals he bears as he carries out his duties. It’s similar to the shift from “the secret police” during the Goldenbaum dynasty in Legend of the Galactic Heroes<\/em> to a “National Security” organisation, albeit superficially. Only difference here is that Burrel believes in due process, and won’t execute or punish these supposed traitors without it as the former administration would have. Aspiring toward a moral high ground, he inspires real systematic change.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Inside the Dessler remnants HQ, we see Haidom Gimleh being cuffed and taken into custody by the new police force. \u201cDo you have any idea what taking me prisoner is going to lead to? Do you people understand that? Only the Dessler regime guarantees our future.\u201d He\u2019s told to come along nice and quietly, but he keeps speaking. \u201cIf this keeps up, Garmillas will fall to ruin!\u201d He\u2019s told to shut up as he\u2019s taken away. <\/p>\n

Back on Abelt\u2019s bridge, Miru steps out of the shadows, clearly amused by these events. \u201cAverting their eyes from the larger problem, they democratize first, huh\u2026 the path to return to Garmillas is closed to you now.\u201d The boy shrugs playfully as he states this, much to Talan\u2019s dismay.<\/p>\n

[KC]: Nobody told poor Miru how high this guy\u2019s approval rating is among longtime viewers of the series. Dessler, I mean. Gimleh is 100% correct, except for the part where he assumes that taking him prisoner will hinder Dessler in any way.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Without Gimleh’s planned revolution, the “dictator who went mad” view would stand in the way of Abelt’s return. A fleet of a few dozen ships led by their former leader could not hope to enact such empire-spanning changes as would be needed to save Garmillas (the planet and people), especially when the one person who can vouch for Abelt’s credibility (were he to come out with Garmillas secrets) is a discredited imprisoned “traitor.\u201d All the inside help and momentum has been squashed. On this topic I do have to ask, do you think Abelt knows about the Time Fault?<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[KC]: Hmmm. That is a good question. I\u2019m going to play it safe and just say that I certainly would not be surprised if they reveal later that he somehow got his hands on that intelligence. They\u2019re always setting him up to know things he shouldn\u2019t know, whether to menace our heroes initially or to rescue them at the last moment years later.<\/span><\/p>\n

Certainly Gimleh was going to be the one to lay the groundwork here for Abelt, but I feel confident that this has all been orchestrated by the writers; for Gimleh to take the brunt of the blame for 2199<\/em> and for Dessler to be able to return at some future point. Bringing the answer to his people\u2019s salvation right when things are most dire, and they gratefully take him back. Certainly this time around there will be more depth to the story, but you get the idea. Miru is trying to demoralize Abelt here, but even outside of fan popularity, good luck to anyone trying to break this guy when he\u2019s determined.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: I’ll only go so far as to agree that Gimleh’s written in to take on some<\/em> of the narrative baggage Abelt has accrued from the last series, but your take is solid too! I maintain my personal stance that the recent episodes have washed his hands clean of ill intent on every level, giving his past actions nuance and re-contextualising his role into that of a somewhat tragic utilitarian pariah. Anyhow, speaking of approval ratings, Miru managed to get quite high up on the list of character favorites on the Gatlantis side. He ended up in the top 3 in a special issue of OUT<\/em> magazine!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[KC]: I am not surprised. He is WAY more than just a foil this time! And since I happen to have the magazine right here, #1 Gatlantis character favorite was Sabera herself, with the young Nol at #2. Poor Zordar doesn\u2019t come in until #4. On the Garmillas side, of course, Abelt Dessler is in the #1 spot. (Where he will remain, under penalty of death. LOL!)<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: The man puts the whole damn universe at stake and doesn’t even get third place. Damn. Then again, my friend Gimleh only reached 8th place in the Garmillas ranking so… <\/span><\/p>\n

Miru bows respectfully to Abelt, telling him that if he wishes it, \u2018we\u2019 can help return him to power on one condition. Talan senses danger in those words and barks, \u201cWhy, you!\u201d as his Lord calmly sips his wine. Abelt assures the two that he has no intention of becoming a puppet for Gatlantis, and Miru bites back by reminding him that he still wishes to save Garmillas from its ruin. Impossible now without Gimleh\u2019s inside help. This catches Abelt\u2019s attention. <\/p>\n

Confidently, Miru circles him to say that unlike his nephew Ranhart, Abelt\u2019s a pragmatist. Noticing that something\u2019s off with Miru, Dessler asks who speaks to him with those lips. The boy gives him a wicked smile and a chuckle, only to calmly inform Abelt that the condition for them saving Garmillas is Yamato<\/em>\u2019s defeat at his hand.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Is Miru in control? Or Zordar? Keen viewers who\u2019ve caught on that Miru is a Zordar conduit for the first time would probably assume it\u2019s Zordar, but based on events in Episode 23, it\u2019s more likely that this entire charade was done at Miru\u2019s behest. Having learned the intricacies of emotional manipulation from his stand-in father figure Abelt, he finds a way to use the man\u2019s own information against him. <\/span><\/p>\n

I\u2019m of the firm belief that he\u2019s willing to stay true to his word about saving Garmillas. Miru sees Abelt as a good sample for the next breed of humanity. It\u2019s quite impressive, seeing the lad mimic everything from the sly devilish nature of Abelt with his real father Zordar\u2019s mannerisms and aggressive eye movements. There\u2019s also the element of him wanting to disprove the effectiveness of Ranhart\u2019s love by having his uncle make the lad admit defeat – or maybe even murdering his nephew. Or, maybe Miru can tell that Abelt would rather have Ranhart kill him, setting up an entirely different \u201cDevil\u2019s Choice\u201d come Episode 22.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: I am going with the theory that while Miru is providing Zordar with a connection, he\u2019s playing his own game here in an effort to make Zordar proud. Though I do acknowledge that Miru seems to have developed a grudging admiration for Abelt. I can certainly sympathize with the young clone there. And of course it is lovely to see Talan back in his old familiar role of standing around with Dessler and getting pissed at people who insult His Majesty.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Everything old is new again.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Back on Yamato<\/em>, a meeting is being held in the strategy room where Sanada delivers a proposition: the Transit Wave-Motion Gun. By using the Anti-Wave-Motion Lattice as a booster, they\u2019ll wrap the particles around the WMG. Or as Shima puts it, \u201cIf we can\u2019t remove it, we burn it off, then?” Yuki asks what burning the lattice will do, to which Sanada replies that it will certainly rapidly increase the energy emitted by the WMG, albeit for one-time use since the particles will be burned away. A small graphic shows what he means, stunning the assembled group. <\/p>\n

[AMB]: The whole \u201cif we can\u2019t remove it, burn it off\u201d thing was first seen when Yamato<\/em> encountered the space squids in Ark<\/em>, making this another subtle nod. They couldn\u2019t shake off those parasites, so they chose to enter warp to burn them off. Using the same principle, they\u2019ll remove the Anti-Wave-Motion Lattice.<\/span><\/p>\n

Shima asks if it\u2019s dangerous to use this method, to which Sanada says yes. \u201cBut,” he continues, \u201cWe have the theory, and the equation for tying it to the WMG.” He turns to Kodai. \u201cThe wound brought about by Keyman\u2019s betrayal will ultimately give us great strength.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kodai realises that this might be what \u201cthe power of bonds\u201d which Teresa spoke of refers to. Nanbu thinks it’s way too convenient, and Kodai understands. Nevertheless, the TWMG (Transit WMG) may be the trump card they need for beating the White Comet. Then he turns to Sanada, reminding him of his previous concern as to why Zordar wanted to get his hands on Teresa. He now has a hypothesis to share.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cTeresa is a being that resides in a higher dimension. If she, who can see this world from its beginning to its end, were to appear in our universe\u2026 this universe may lose its mutability (variable nature), and petrify (become rigid).\u201d This sends both Ota and Saito into utter confusion. But Kodai tells them that the reasoning isn\u2019t important, only the result. Namely, \u201cIf the interference of a high-dimensional life form were to cause our dimension to lose the foundation of its existence, then\u2026” Kodai stops, only for Hijikata to finish his sentence. \u201c… the annihilation of the universe.\u201d (would be the result).<\/p>\n

[AMB]: In layman\u2019s terms: In Teresa\u2019s higher dimension, she sees time from beginning to end. But that which we refer to as \u201cfate\u201d (how time is meant to progress for us) changes with the actions of people who exercise their bonds. However, if Teresa is pulled out of her dimension, the most likely future she last saw as a result of the universe’s current bonds would come to be set in stone, unchangeable in nature.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

In other words, if Gatlantis had the upper hand and their alterations of the world spelled disaster going forward, that future could be set in stone by simply bringing Teresa down to us from her seat in the upper dimension – \u201cpetrifying\u201d mankind\u2019s ability to change fate through their bonds. In the shortest of terms: Turning probabilities into absolutes, permanently setting the inhabitants of the universe on a linear path dictated by the most probable fate set by the time of Teresa\u2019s descent.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: There is a lot of fiction out there dealing with this concept in different ways, but generally, forcing an interdimensional being fully into a finite set of dimensions is never, ever good.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Saito questions this, seeing as he and others in this room met Teresa without anything bad happening. But Sanada tells him that they were only given a glimpse of the world beyond where she resides through a window called the Telezarium. In other words, they only saw a projection. Shima then asks what Gatlantis\u2019 purpose is, to which Kodai confidently states, \u201cThe elimination of all life, including themselves. That is Zordar\u2019s goal.\u201d<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Shima’s question was a good one, seeing as Kodai, Saito and Sanada still haven’t debriefed the bridge crew on their encounter with Teresa. Kodai’s conclusion is solid, but not quite right. He’s conflated Zordar’s perceived solemn and life-weary demeanor with Teresa’s explanation of the Ark of Destruction, combining these to form his own personal conclusion. Here’s a reminder for future developments: Zordar does not wish for Gatlantis to perish with humanity. Zordar’s Gatlantis is to lead the new humanity.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

At Saturn, the EDF\u2019s Enceladus Garrison Force (about three dozen ships) makes first contact with the brunt of Gatlantis\u2019 military might. 100-plus Calaklum-class ships warp in at incredible speed. \u201cThe time has come at last,” Captain of this garrison says, calling the UNCF\u2019s main force waiting near the Moon. He reports large numbers of enemy ships sighted in Saturn\u2019s orbit, requesting immediate reinforcements. As he tries to repeat his request, the signal is cut off. On Andromeda<\/em>\u2019s brige, Yamanami\u2019s XO states that it is likely a result of interference from Gatlantis\u2019 warps. <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[DG]: At this point, ship production has reached a level where even Kongo<\/em>-class ships are no longer individually named like those we saw back at the start of the series, they’re just branded with a unit identifier. In this case, E for Enceladus. The Enceladus flotilla appears to be a pair of patrol ships, over a dozen escort ships, at least ten Kongos<\/em>, and two Dreadnoughts<\/em>. At least, that\u2019s what’s visible on screen at the start of this sequence.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Some interesting notes: The Enceladus Defense Force is Captained by Tetsutaro Ozaki, a fellow space defense university graduate alongside Shuntaro Yasuda (who we\u2019ll see next episode) and Osamu Yamanami (Andromeda’s Captain). Then there’s a fighter that has \u201ckill all enemies on sight\u201d written on it (in Japanese kanji). <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[KC]: Well we know how this show works, so everyone strap in for a harsh lesson.<\/span><\/p>\n

[DG]: Just as the taxiing Cosmo Tiger II with “Kill enemies on sight” stencilled on it passes off screen, we can see a nearby Dreadnought<\/em> in the background that has the letters “YF” painted on the side of the WMG muzzle. This two-letter code appears to identify the unit, and is reminiscent of the two-letter tail codes seen on the tailfins of US military aircraft (used to identify their home base). We will see many carrying this identification code in the next episode.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

We also see both Antares<\/em> and Apollo Norm<\/em> completely filling their flight decks with fighters and support craft. Most of them are standard-variant Cosmo Tiger IIs, with several noteworthy exceptions. At the bow, at each end of the superstructure, there is a Cosmo Tiger I with another in the center of the deck. Just astern of the bow are a pair of Cosmo Seagulls.<\/span><\/p>\n

At the very back of Antares<\/em>‘ flight deck, on either side of center, we see one of the maroon-colored torpedo plane variants of the Cosmo Tiger II. In Yamato 2<\/em> Episode 20, these were within the carrier fleet surprise attack. Like their original generation counterparts, these have the ball turret behind the cockpit. All in all, there appear to be somewhere around 70-80 Cosmo Tiger IIs on Antares<\/em>‘ flight deck as well as the other craft.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The view of the Cosmo Tiger IIs parked directly above the main deck launch bays suggest that at least those bays would be wide enough to launch Cosmo Tiger IIs, but each bay is actually two bays with doors that open out at the center. It may be less of a tight squeeze than the bays on the main hull, but still be too narrow to launch them from the carrier deck bays. <\/span><\/p>\n

However, it makes me wonder how they’ll launch these planes en masse without getting the Cosmo Tiger IIs below deck to use the launch bays (there simply wouldn’t be time to do so once they warp out). There does not appear to be any launching mechanism on the flight deck, so presumably they’d just roll off before starting their engines. That method wouldn’t give them the benefit of catapults, so they would burn considerable fuel to get up to attack speed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Logically, the animators did this to evoke the feel of a real-world 20th\/21st Century aircraft carrier, where they are often depicted with surplus aircraft jammed tightly together on the flight deck.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Lastly, it’s interesting to know that they’ve not kept the Hayabusas in service, replacing them with Cosmo Tiger IIs. Given that the Cosmo Tiger IIs are most likely too big to be operable from the upper launch bays and almost certainly not so from the main hull bays, why not keep the Hayabusa in reserve, save for a lack of sufficient pilot numbers? All in all, the only flaw in my humble opinion of the Andromeda<\/em> carrier variant is that the launch bays were designed to barely accommodate the Hayabusa without any thought to allowing room for future developments in fighter technology. Extremely short-sighted, especially given the Hayabusa was an atmospheric fighter that was converted to operate in space.<\/span><\/p>\n

Considering Gatlantis\u2019 tactics, Yamanami muses, \u201cThey intend to let numbers do the talking and break through the center. Just like the Ginga<\/em>\u2019s AI predicted, huh?” And with that, final replacements of shipborne planes with Cosmo Tiger IIs are completed across the fleet. Yamanami announces, \u201cNo change in plans! All ships, prepare for warp!” <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

All five Andromeda<\/em>-class ships and their Dreadnought escorts do just that. As images flash by of Earth\u2019s Capital City, of UNCF HQ with Todo and Serizawa, and of Yamanami onboard Andromeda<\/em>, the Earth President delivers a speech. \u201cEarlier today, the Earth Federation entered a state of war with Gatlantis. The forces of Earth today are much greater than those during the war with Garmillas. They will protect the lives, property, and territory of Earth’s citizens.\u201d As the speech comes to a close, Yamanami quietly tells himself, \u201cThat is what the WMG Fleet is for.\u201d<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Before we even hear the name Ginga<\/em> uttered by its crew, Yamanami casually throws it out like a mystery box. Strategic predictions and decisions are already being made by that unintroduced ship’s A.I., an A.I. that the UNCF are betting hard on. Based on his mannerisms here, Yamanami looks like he’s feeling replaced already, begrudgingly accepting his comparable inadequacy. This (his feeling replaced) will later turn out to be the case. His steadfast belief in the morality behind the WMG-fleet will be severely questioned as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

As if purposefully displaying technological leaps in progress, we see how Earth TV looks compared to Garmillas TV from earlier. Obtrusive large fonts, no fancy graphics, two different languages on display with messages floating about like \u201cPlease tell your neighbors\u201d and \u201cEarth Federation Government Congress declares war against Gatlantis,” \u201cStatement from E.F.G. President\u201d and \u201cGathering of E.F. Cosmo Fleet Moon Orbit Camsat\u201d (Camera Satellite).\u00a0 <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The WMG fleet warps away, leaving only a few radar-equipped patrol ships. The stunning display of hundreds of ships warping off is transmitted to Yamato<\/em>\u2019s bridge, urging Shima to say that they have no choice but to rely on the WMG-fleet for now, hurting Kodai\u2019s pride. In the engine room with Tokugawa, Sanada thinks to himself of the possibility that they might be able to blow away the White Comet\u2019s pressurized white gas using the TWMG. Wiping the sweat off his brow, he promises himself that they\u2019ll make it work in time.\u00a0<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Kodai’s sullen expression tells me he’s feeling both relief and guilt over his rebellious spirit taking Yamato<\/em> from the front lines, leaving the Andromeda<\/em>-class ships to defend Earth in their stead. He’s happy the UNCF has a mounted defense, but he’s not happy about\u2026 being happy about it. Rationality poisons his heart as Okita’s promise eats away at his pride.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

And although small, the scene with Sanada is a cute nod to Farewell to Yamato<\/em>, mirroring how he was trying to finish a bomb meant to blow up the internal structure of Gatlantis. This time? It’s a weapon meant to purge the outside. Even his line delivery and demeanour is accurately recreated.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Back at Saturn, hostilities have officially commenced. The Enceladus Garrison Force is being hopelessly pummeled by the half-circle formations of the superior Calaklum-class battleships. Some UNCF ships manage to sneak in a WMG shot or two before being decimated, but any holes made in Gatlantis\u2019 formation are filled in by new Calaklums warping in to replace those that have fallen. <\/p>\n

At the end of their ropes, the Enceladus Force sees four Nazca-class battle carriers warping in alongside an entirely new class of ship: Admiral Baruze\u2019s Apocalyx<\/em> carrier. It\u2019s a massive beast of a ship, dwarfing even the Nazca battle carriers at 1200 meters in length. (Historical note: it is believed that Baruze\u2019s name was originally based on Halsey, as in William Halsey<\/a>, fleet admiral of the US Navy during World War II. However, since the Japanese pronunciation is \u201cBa-ru-zay,\u201d and \u201cBalsey\u201d can be misread as an adjective in English, we\u2019re sticking with the \u201cBaruze\u201d spelling here. The English subtitles went with \u201cValsey\u201d as a compromise.)<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[DG]: These examples of the Kongo<\/em>-class have been fitted with WMG\u2019s in place of their centerline shock cannons (which the official materials still list for Yuunagi<\/em> and Ticonderoga<\/em>, and presumably the rest of the fleet at the time of the Battle of the 8th Floating Continent back in Episode 1). From a historical perspective, Fleet Admiral Halsey was in command of US forces at the Battle off Samar<\/a>, the only time the real Yamato<\/em> ever fired her main guns in combat.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: The Calaklums seen here are smaller and less deadly than ones we\u2019ve seen prior, indicating that Gatlantis\u2019 MO in this battle is to break Earth\u2019s spirit with sheer numbers rather than quality of firepower. They\u2019re spread out in a thin net to counter the destructiveness of Earth\u2019s WMG\u2019s, filling holes wherever necessary to decrease losses and maintain a constant dragnet.<\/span><\/p>\n

And the soundtrack? A loving recreation of Appearance and Attack<\/em> from the Farewell to Yamato<\/em> BGM, a White Comet theme variation. Sadly this is the only time it plays, but in its short tenure in the show it truly conveys the size and might of the Gatlantean military, symbiotically mixed with the visuals to create a serenade of dread.<\/span><\/p>\n

[DG]: Thankfully we had the justification for the variation in size finally explained earlier in this very episode. If this was merely intended to be an animation effect to emphasize Apocalyx<\/em> to the exclusion of everything else, it would have been too ridiculous. With the roughly Yamato<\/em>-sized Nazca<\/em>-class carriers here, we at least have a second benchmark for comparing the size of these Calaklums<\/em> to the others we’ve seen througout the series.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Figuring the Apocalyx<\/em> to be the enemy\u2019s flagship, Captain Ozaki immediately orders a hit and run attack with all of the Cosmo Tiger II aerial units at his disposal. They efficiently take down its four Nazca-class escorts.<\/p>\n

[DG]: We see 25 Cosmo Tiger IIs commence a divebombing modeled on the surprise air attack led by Yamato<\/em> in Episode 20 of Yamato 2<\/em>. Did these come from Enceladus’ base, or were some or all of them stationed aboard battleships? Given the Dreadnought’s size (about 3\/4 of Yamato<\/em>‘s length with a similar profile), realistically about a dozen or so fighters would be able to fit on board. With two Dreadnoughts in the flotilla, that should be enough capacity for the number of fighters we see.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Through the smoke emerges Baruze. He chuckles at the Earthlings’ efforts, ordering the Apocalyx<\/em> to launch \u201cthe Eaters\u201d and start turning \u201cthe catapult.” With arms locked, he bears witness to the Eater-class \u201cswords\u201d deployment; the upper and lower hulls of Apocalyx<\/em> rotate to pitch them off. The Eaters are also new to the UNCF fleet, so they refer to them as \u201csmall combat units.” Around 80 of them are launched.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

These flying swords have some interesting trivia attached to them. The name \u201cEater\u201d was retro-fitted into the story from Gatlantis fighters first seen in Farewell<\/em>, which were designated the \u201cEater II.\u201d (Whoever named them was probably going for a deadlier-sounding English word like \u201cpredator,\u201d but landed on this instead.) Thus, we now have the \u201cEater I.\u201d Secondly, the concept for these was invented by Director Nobuyoshi Habara himself when he was drawing conceptual storyboards for Yamato Resurrection<\/em> in 2008\/09. He drew them into a battle against SUS ships, but they were not used in the film itself. Fortunately, along came another battle.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: The sounds produced by Apocalyx<\/em> are quite industrial, its size and atmosphere felt to the bone as the hulls rotate. Tomohiro Yoshida\u2019s sound design at its finest.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: It really does put you there, where things are getting very ugly.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: I’d go so far as to say the Apocalyx<\/em> is the most visually impressive ship of the franchise so far, a hulking beast with tons of details in every crevice. Studio Sublimation outdid themselves on this one.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The Eaters are long and thin, fast like arrows as they lunge deep into the bowels of the EDF ships on the scene. After penetrating the Wave-Motion Shields like a knife through butter, their rotational guns deliver the final blow, taking the enemy ship with them to the grave. Fighters do nothing to impede them, quickly dispatched with the use of their rotational guns. <\/p>\n

Some UNCF ships are downed with several Eaters attacking at once, perhaps indicating that they\u2019re tracker-based automatons like the Needleslaves. This ends up lowering the morale of the garrison force immensely, and with only six Kongo<\/em>-class ships and eight escorts left, Ozaki is sweating bullets. From above, Calaklums swarm to deal a finishing blow. Ozaki comes to terms with his end.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: The Eaters are built to be nimble, capable of penetrating Wave-Motion Shields and to impose fear on their enemy. The size difference between these beasts and the Cosmo Tigers is of particular note. Unlike the human pilots inside the Cosmo Tigers, the Gatlanteans don\u2019t care about what life or resources they have to give up in order to take others.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: My morbid humor calls to mind the late 1980s ad slogan for Doritos chips; \u201cCrunch all you want; we\u2019ll make more!\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: When people say “things were so much better back then,\u201d ads like that immediately come to mind. Then again, the “Edge of Glory” just might be on par and just as wildly relevant to the situation. “Now it’s got an edge of glory; that slices like magic!”<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Suddenly, blue Wave-Motion beams burn through the cosmos, shredding the Calaklums and leaving nothing but smoke. Ozaki, unharmed, turns around to see Captain Yamanami\u2019s WMG-fleet arriving just in time. Sneering, Admiral Baruze questions what Earth thinks they can achieve with such meager numbers, urging his fleet to push forward. But seeing Gatlantis’ response to his arrival doesn\u2019t faze Yamanami. <\/p>\n

\u201cO fool, who has excessive confidence in numbers, know that power can be overwhelmed with even greater power.” Fleets of Dreadnoughts warp in near the Dagua, Bomi and Zemun directions according to Baruze\u2019s XO, who adds that this has doubled the number of EDF ships since the Andromeda<\/em> fleet\u2019s warpout.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: This moment will never not be jaw-dropping to me. The Combined Front<\/em> BGM from Ark<\/em> swells as hundreds of Dreadnoughts warp in from various locations and angles, swarming Baruze’s bridge screen. After the one-sided rout we just witnessed, Yamanami shines a literal light through the darkness and blindsides Gatlantis with Earth’s first trump card of this soon-to-be arduous war. We all know the resulting irony, but it’s still impressive.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Baruze is stunned, openly questioning where Earth has amassed and hidden this large fleet. He\u2019s cut off by an emergency bridge transmission from Zordar, who tells him that any stagnation on the front line won’t be tolerated. \u201cYou know what that means, I hope?\u201d With a swift response and a prompt bow to the Emperor, the Admiral submits to Zordar\u2019s authority. <\/p>\n

Once the transmission is cut, Zordar chuckles to himself, amused at the developing events. \u201cIt looks like I\u2019ll be able to enjoy this somewhat,” he says, narrowing his eyes as he re-establishes his telepathic connection with an emotionally distraught Touko. She is only able to utter a single word. \u201cEmperor\u2026\u201d <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: For the first time in five episodes, Zordar hooks up to the living receiver called Touko. Her bewilderment is one of both sudden joy and anguish as Zordar tells her (off-screen) what devilish intentions he has – and what part he wants her to play in what\u2019s coming. If the battle of Saturn is at a stalemate due to unforeseen circumstances, he\u2019s willing to give Earth a fighting chance in both a show of strength (Battle of Saturn) and a battle of temptation and love (The next trial he\u2019s set up for Yamato<\/em>\u2019s crew). As we\u2019ll soon learn, time means nothing to Gatlantis. Since they\u2019re capable of organically growing ships, Zordar has nothing to worry about. Until he finds out about the Time Fault, that is.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: Total reversal here from the original series. I remember Zordar as almost comical. Indulgent of Dessler, ignorant of Sabera\u2019s duplicity, no legit motivation to destroy Earth. Meanwhile Sabera would make me teeth-grindingly, fist-clenchingly angry. Yes, there is my Dessler favoritism at play there. But here Abelt doesn\u2019t figure in her plans at all. She is the victim in almost all instances, and this Zordar is just\u2026awful.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: In partial defense of original Zordar, I don’t believe he ever wanted to destroy Earth, just use it as a vacation retreat (in Yamato 2<\/em>) and worker colony (in both original works). Yamato<\/em> forces his hand, however, so he decides to punish their insolence. But back to 2202<\/em> Zordar; yes, he’s certainly a devil in most peoples eyes, but to himself he’s an angel of mercy. And from Episode 9 onward, all choices Touko makes are her own, even if this one is influenced by her desire to be useful to her beloved Emperor (who blocked communications with her for days or even weeks).<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

We cut to the onboard ship hangar on Yamato<\/em> where a hardworking Kato relegates orders to engineers as he tweaks his Cosmo Tiger II. He yells at them that there\u2019s only two warps until they\u2019ll arrive on the battlefield, and if they want to be prepared for what\u2019s to come then it\u2019s do-or-die time. A resounding \u201cRoger!\u201d echoes through the Zero-G hangar, putting Kato at ease. After reclining in his pilot seat for barely a second, a message is patched through to his plane\u2019s HUD (Heads Up Display). It reads: \u201cThere is a way to save your son. Contact Touko Katsuragi for details.\u201d<\/em> His eyes are strained as he reads this, alarm seemingly overtaking him.<\/p>\n

[KC]: Already my stomach hurts.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: After intuiting Tsubasa’s condition earlier, it hits even harder. Whatever kind of trade Touko has, Kato would inevitably agree to it as a grieving father in search of a miracle; emotional manipulation in the same way Zordar’s currently manipulating Touko. Emotions giving birth to tragedy. <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Back to Saturn: the WMG fleet fires off a coordinated barrage at Baruze\u2019s fleet, a sight which positively shellshocks the enemy admiral. He\u2019s unable to avert his gaze from this overwhelming glare of death. The singular beams of the Dreadnoughts combined with the Andromeda<\/em>-style double beams turn into dozens of destructive rays of light, pulverising a large chunk of Baruze\u2019s fleet. <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

This infuriates him, so he orders what remains of his vanguard to assume the \u201cInferno Cannon\u201d formation. 48 Calaklums divided into eight groups of six, becoming their own small pillars of doom. They line up in front of Apocalyx<\/em>, mimicking the formation used to scorch the 11th planet. Charging up their beams, they aim at Yamanami\u2019s fleet as the screen fades to black. <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: This part of the battle of Saturn seems to get a ton of flack from the western fanbase and I can\u2019t quite see why. This episode establishes that these Calaklums are mass-produced, smaller and less powerful versions of the one we saw back in Episode 1. We will later see that this battle is just Zordar testing Earth\u2019s resolve without knowledge of the Time Fault. So it\u2019s clear to me that this opening engagement was just that. A test. Earth didn\u2019t budge at the terrifying paper-tiger-might of Baruze\u2019s fleet, and as we\u2019ll come to see that\u2019s only the tip of the iceberg. An invitation to soul-crushing defeat.<\/span><\/p>\n

[DG]: This is simple resource optimization and fit-for-purpose manufacturing. Make smaller ships for anti-fleet levels of inferno cannon arrangements, use larger ones for planetary bombardment. Since these ships are destroyed by using the configuration, it makes sense that they only make them as big as they need to be.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: I am far more interested in the human elements of Yamato<\/em>, so I don\u2019t really pay attention to most of the internet chatter about ship specs and battle strategies. But I am a western fan, so I should chime in on this, I guess? I don\u2019t see what the problem is, either. Of course, I usually look at everything that happens on the show through both a filter of \u201cThis Really Happened\u201d and \u201cWhat Is This Show Saying?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Agreed. The human drama is the emotional centerpiece, whereas the battles are exciting set dressing. Doesn’t mean that they have to be confetti-filled strategically-unsound drags of course, but I can’t with confidence say this engagement was anything like that. It would be insulting to the tremendous effort and accomplishments of the animation directors who pulled off this spectacular episode. <\/span><\/p>\n

Sadly, one of this episode’s prominent animation directors, Hiroki Takagi, tragically passed away in February of 2018, shortly after work had commenced on Chapter 5 (Episodes 15 – 18). He lent his incredible skills to this production, his work being some of the best when it came to detailed facial expressions accompanied by fluid animation. Together with Mitsuru Ishihara and Nobuteru Yuki himself (2199\/2202<\/em> character designer), this trio served as the chief animation directors of Episode 17, their final collaboration before Takagi’s passing. I think I speak for everyone when I say thank you, Hiroki Takagi, for all your contributions to the Yamato<\/em> franchise. (Dating back to 2199<\/em> and Ark of the Stars<\/em>.)<\/span><\/p>\n

Co-Director Makoto Kobayashi would later proclaim on social media that this show would be a posthumous work for Takagi. Nobuteru Yuki stated that “the hole that Takagi left was huge,\u201d but that \u201ceveryone in the production would carry on in his stead.”<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Any final words, Kathy?<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: I am not going to lie; after the last few Dessler-centric episodes, this one winds up feeling like filler to me, even though significant things happen and it sets up a lot of amazing things to come. Only nine episodes to go!<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Similar to episode 10 in structure, the bulk of this episode acts as a prelude for what’s to come. One packed with budding tragedies; anxious to enter full bloom. There’s no better way to end this episode than on Touko Katsuragi’s own words, summarising what to expect. <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Epilogue: the door to Touko Katsuragi\u2019s cell opens. Kato stands there without a word. She speaks only one sentence.<\/p>\n

\u201cWelcome\u2026to hell.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Coda<\/h3>\n

Theatrical release: Space Battleship Yamato 2202<\/em>, Soldiers of Love<\/em> Chapter 5: Purgatory Chapter<\/em> contained episodes 15-18. It premiered in Japanese theaters May 25, 2018.<\/p>\n

Japanese video: Theater-exclusive Blu-ray May 25, 2018. Standard Blu-ray & DVD June 22, 2018<\/p>\n

First Japanese TV broadcast: January 25, 2019<\/p>\n

American debut: February 23, 2019 (streaming) November 26, 2019 (home video)<\/p>\n

The end title Youranka [Lullaby]<\/em> is performed by Arima Shino.<\/p>\n

Click here<\/a> for a complete BGM collection for Episode 17.<\/p>\n

Episode credits<\/em>
\nEpisode Director: Shintaro Itogashi
\nStoryboard: Yuichi Nihei
\nAnimation Directors: Nobuteru Yuuki, Hiroki Takagi, Mitsuru Ishihara, Satoshi Nagura<\/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 18<\/a><\/p>\n

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