{"id":30385,"date":"2021-06-27T13:44:25","date_gmt":"2021-06-27T20:44:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/?p=30385"},"modified":"2023-02-14T14:10:04","modified_gmt":"2023-02-14T22:10:04","slug":"545a","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/545a\/","title":{"rendered":"Yamato 2202<\/em> Episode 24 commentary"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"2107icon\"<\/p>\n

The Transit Wave-Motion Gun is fired at the Comet Empire city. With Earth at its back, Yamato<\/em> takes on the final battle, invading the city empire with the help of Garmillas and Tomoko Katsuragi. Their goal is the grand imperial throne room. With much bloodshed and many sacrifices, Kodai reaches Zordar’s doorstep…<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Episode 24: Yamato<\/em>, attack the Comet Empire!<\/h3>\n

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

<\/p>\n

We open with the familiar, intimidating pipe organ music as the camera tracks a single Gatlantean Calaklum, then pans across the massive fleet currently approaching Earth. Emperor Zordar sits upon his throne leaning to the side, his head supported by his hand. His eyes are closed in rest or contemplation, but they quickly open. The music cuts out.<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Given the size and scope of the Ark of Destruction, the few ships we do see buzzing around its outer shell are but a fraction of the Gatlantean military\u2019s greater whole, which we\u2019ll soon see. We are also shown what remains of the massive fleet of warships that departed the Time Fault in Episode 21. Now only shipwrecks. Among these are the AAA-006 Amaterasu, the AAA-008 Aquarius, the AAA-009 L\u2019Andromed\u00e8,<\/em> and BBB-class Andromedas<\/em>; the guts of each ship gouged out. With this, Andromeda<\/em> and Apollo Norm<\/em> have both been lost, leaving us only with the surviving Aldebaran<\/em>, Antares<\/em> and Achilles<\/em> seen in episode 22. Apollo Norm’s<\/em> Captain (Shuntaro Yasuda) gave his life to save Yamanami.<\/span><\/p>\n

Seeing as this is our last chance to talk about the Andromeda<\/em>-class ships, allow me to explain the origins behind their names:
\nAldebaran<\/em> is named after the 14th brightest star on the night sky, also known as Alfa Tauri<\/em>. It’s part of the Taurus<\/em> constellation. Achilles<\/em> is named after the greatest hero of the Trojan war, described in the Illiad<\/em> as having carried a shield depicting all the constellations in the sky, constructed by the God of smithing; Vulcan<\/em>. Antares<\/em> is the 15th brightest star we can see, part of the Scorpius<\/em> constellation. Andromeda<\/em> is named after the Andromeda Galaxy<\/em>, which itself is named after the beautiful princess from Greek mythology who married Perseus<\/em> (son of the sea God Poseidon<\/em>) and became Queen of Greece. Lastly, Apollo Norm<\/em> seems to have borrowed its name from both Greek and Norse mythology. Apollo<\/em> was the Greek sun God, whilst Norns were Norse deities responsible for changing the course of human destinies. Why they named it Norm instead of Norn is anyone’s guess. Might just be a misspelling.<\/span><\/p>\n

Earth sits in the vastness of space. Blue, glowing and beautiful. Suddenly, a spear of light pierces the emptiness and stretches out with a rippling effect much like the surface of a body of water. And from that water rises Yamato<\/em>.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: As we\u2019ll soon find out, this water is actually coming from the subspace which Frakken and company travel through in their Dimensional Submarines. But this time – four years later – the portal is no longer red and unstable, but blue like the Earth. Aesthetically pleasing and most likely “Time Fault certified.” Which brings me to a question you\u2019re all probably wondering. What happened between episodes 23 and 24? <\/span><\/p>\n

Following the events of last episode, Yamato<\/em> simply warped ahead of the crippled White Comet. The Chapter 7 (episodes 23 – 26) BD sleeve art by Makoto Kobayashi indicates a visit to the Time Fault, but that won\u2019t happen just yet. What happened in Episode 22 however, which will come into play soon, is Yamato<\/em>\u2019s refit. Here are the full details: <\/span><\/p>\n

This upgraded Yamato<\/em> is referred to as having its \u201cdecisive battle\u201d specs. Yamato<\/em> received a new main gun, new AA guns and defensive firearms, all scavenged from Ginga<\/em>. Repairs were made to its hull and additional improvements made to its artillery guns. In addition, the defensive Wave Barrier can be partially developed just after warp, and anti-aircraft weapons can be used. Catapults to launch fighter craft were relocated from Ginga<\/em> to Yamato<\/em>\u2019s first hangar for a total of four. The most important upgrade was made to the cosmo radar, but more on that later. <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

On the bridge, the warp is pronounced complete and a countdown begins, alarms blaring. Captain Hijikata gives the order to prepare the Transit Wave-Motion Gun. <\/p>\n

\u201cTarget scope open. Targeting the core of the comet. Open the circuit to the Wave-Motion Gun\u201d Kodai announces, hundreds of enemy vessels lined up in front of them. Further stages of readiness are announced by the rest of the bridge crew as the iconic sound of the Wave-Motion Gun powerup gets louder. Outside of Yamato<\/em> we see the bright glow of that power building as Miki Saijo announces that the Neu Deusuler<\/em> is warping out at its designated point.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Appearing in front of that glow is the massive, Garmillas-designed Gatlantean flagship which Zordar gifted to Dessler, sans the core of Dessler\u2019s original flagship (which he took with him last episode).<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Nanbu opens up the gun\u2019s circuit, Tokugawa closes the emergency valves. Everyone\u2019s wearing their protective goggles. And then, an additional task is ordered by Sanada, to connect the CRS (Cosmo Reverse System) booster. The scene is carried out without music and the bridge is dark. What was supposed to take place five episodes ago – at the cost of Yamato<\/em>\u2019s certain doom – is finally carried out, its risks nullified by Abelt\u2019s hand.<\/span> <\/p>\n

[KC]: Okay, this is ridiculously cool. I mean, the reveal, the fact that he gave it to them…I rewatched this scene a few times, I\u2019m just saying.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: No wonder. In Farewell to Yamato<\/em>, Dessler likewise aids Yamato<\/em>\u2019s crew, but by giving advice rather than a tool. Chronologically, this scene was supposed to happen in Episode 18, but Zordar rewrote destiny\u2019s script by giving Kato his devil\u2019s choice. <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Tokugawa states that the energy charge is at 120% and Kodai instructs all crew to engage anti-shock and anti-flare defenses (seatbelts and goggles) as the ten-second countdown starts.<\/p>\n

Kodai reflects on the words Dessler left his nephew with along with the remains of his vessel: \u201cMy Neu Deusuler<\/em> will protect Yamato<\/em> from the Transit Wave-Motion Gun\u2019s energy radiation.\u201d Then he fires.<\/p>\n

[AMB]: With returning readers in mind, I won\u2019t harp on this plot element too much. With love, Kodai inspired Dessler to live. To live on without shame, Abelt relinquished his gift from Zordar, allowing Yamato<\/em> to use its eldritch technology to survive firing the Transit WMG at the White Comet. Unlike the typical deus ex machina of space opera shows, this tool didn\u2019t come out of nowhere. It was introduced 13 episodes ago, its capabilities revealed. Friendship and love really did win this one folks, but not in the typical shonen-esque way.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Like a Jacob\u2019s Ladder electrical arc, the two prongs on the back end of the ship glow, with Yamato<\/em>\u2019s bow facing its front. Before them sits a line of energy orbs that merge one at a time into the orb closest to the prongs until it has grown in size considerably. As this is happening, the White Comet projects three red protective rings, preparing to face the brunt of the Transit Wave-Motion gun. <\/p>\n

[AMB]: Allow me an attempt to explain: taking advantage of the Neu Deusuler<\/em>\u2019s unique energy insulation technology, Yamato<\/em>\u2019s crew allows the engine of Dessler\u2019s ship to help generate – and harness – the absurd amount of destructive power already being generated by Yamato<\/em>\u2019s Transit WMG. This way, instead of letting Yamato<\/em>\u2019s Engine overheat and explode, the Neu Deusuler<\/em> is given this duty. Gatlantis believes this to be nothing more than a last ditch suicide attack by Earth\u2019s soldiers of love. And so, Gatlantis puts up the same three-ring red energy shields they\u2019ve previously used against WMG attacks.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Once the Neu Deusuler<\/em> has been completely absorbed by the enormous ball of energy, a single, thin golden beam lances out from Yamato<\/em>. It penetrates Gatlantis\u2019 defenses and reaches the fog\u2019s surrounding escorts, utterly destroying them. Gatlantean vessels fall away even as they are evaporating into nothing; all the way down the line to Gatlantis itself, the structure of which begins to crumble. <\/p>\n

[AMB]: The Transit WMG. It combines the dangerous Wave-Motion lattice particles introduced by Klaus with the Gatlantean ship gifted to Abelt. It is brought to just the right spot by Frakken at Burrel\u2019s behest (as we\u2019ll soon see), upgraded inside the impromptu shipyard above Mars two episodes prior (presumably by Yamato<\/em>\u2019s former crew), and fired by Okita\u2019s children and his best friend Hijikata. “Everyone\u2019s shot” from Episode 13 has truly become everyone\u2019s shot.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The beam has the outward appearance of a golden arrow, one that harmonizes with the White Comet\u2019s swirling nucleus, purifying its fog into serene blue space dust on the Ark\u2019s back-end. Then, it all takes on the harmonious golden hue of Teresa. The fog, along with the comet\u2019s artificial atmosphere begins to combust, a hellish fire mixing with the golden shine of the Transit Wave-Motion gun. Not even the planets held captive by its claws survive; they are violently ripped apart in what feels like a mercy killing. <\/span><\/p>\n

The BGM here (Yamato Solemnly Departs)<\/em> is a direct reference to Farewell<\/em>, used once and only once in this very moment. Glad to have it back.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Deep inside Gatlantis (perhaps still hundreds of miles from danger), Zordar still sits calmly on his throne as his officers panic below him.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow can this be?\u201d Asks Razera rhetorically. \u201cMore power than the Wave-Motion Gun…?!\u201d responds Goenitz. They\u2019re both considerably shocked.<\/p>\n

[KC]: It\u2019s being magnified by the device you outfitted Dessler with. Like a giant middle finger.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat a bizarre bond we share,\u201d Zordar growls, leaning forward on his throne, his face huddled in darkness. \u201cThe ship guided by Teresa, Yamato<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

[AMB]: While his most trusted men panic, Zordar seems to take some masochistic glee in what\u2019s happening. It seems like no matter how hard he tries to squash humanity\u2019s spirit, it keeps rising to the challenge. He respects Yamato<\/em>. Its struggle both confounds and frustrates him, his clenched fists revealing a menacing anger. \u201cWe don\u2019t choose our bonds,” said Toko in the last episode. Now Zordar\u2019s the one forced to swallow this truth.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: Zordar is in pretty good company; these Earthlings have also driven all of his subordinates and Dessler to the same place emotionally.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

As Zordar utters Yamato<\/em>\u2019s name, countless red warp gates open around it, issuing forth Garmillas warships to the Time of Fate<\/em> theme. Anti-warp shields, Destria-class, Meltoria-class, Kelkapia-class, Gaiderol-class, Berger\u2019s CCC-Battalion of Andromeda<\/em>-Garmillas variants, Gaiperon-class carriers\u2026 and probably more. <\/p>\n

There is an incoming call from the white Zoelguut, Ambassador Burrel\u2019s ship, as it warps out on the front lines.<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Where have these ships been? A decent chunk of them were most likely part of Burrel\u2019s Absolute Mars Defense Front group, urged to retreat from the Mars front by Captain Tani of the Aldebaran<\/em> in Episode 21. Ship classes like the Gaiderol and Gaiperon – which have been largely absent during this war – likely arrived from Garmillas during Episode 22 at the behest of Burrel. For the past two episodes, they\u2019ve been preparing ships and equipment on the surface of Mars, getting ready to defend Earth if worse comes to worst, just like they promised Captain Tani. And so here they are at this…time of fate.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cYamato<\/em>, Garmillas forces will exhaust every effort to send you to the core of the City Empire. We would like you to entrust the defense of Earth to us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kodai, Shima and Hijikata receive this news with a mixture of grim determination, as does Keyman, who utters the Ambassador\u2019s name to himself in admiration.<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Cathartic, isn\u2019t it?<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: I\u2019m not crying, you\u2019re crying.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Somehow, the Ambassador’s gotten the go-ahead to defend Earth with whatever forces Garmillas could muster. Perhaps on the condition that he first gauges the results of the Transit Wave-Motion gun. For all we know, this is the bulk of what Garmillas has, and going by the abundant variety of ship classes on display, it’s safe to say that Burrel\u2019s no cheapskate. Now onto mecha details.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The red warp gate technology utilised by Garmillas no longer spins the Garmillas ships upon exit. This is most likely the result of 30 Time Fault years (three real life years) of research, a right Garmillas bought by selling frontier worlds they no longer needed. This new stable effect conveys a more cohesive and reliable aesthetic befitting Nue Garmillas. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis will be a joint operation,\u201d Burrel continues, then lays out the operational procedures. \u201cYou will head for the Emperor\u2019s throne room in the Ark of Destruction. It\u2019s not possible using warp, but with our technology\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

He trails off, his composure waning. Another Garmillas ship appears among them, emerging through a dimensional rift, splashing about what appears to be water. Miki Saijo, at the radar station in Yuki\u2019s absence, reports that a Dimensional Submarine is surfacing.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

It is, of course, Frakken and his crew. Kodai quickly rises, gazing at their twice-unlikely ally.<\/p>\n

[KC]: And the hits just keep on coming! First Dessler gifts them with a mega weapon, then Burrel\u2019s moving words and now Yamato<\/em> is getting help from Frakken and crew? My Garmillas fangirl heart is swelling more than it does when His Majesty monologues with cello accompaniment.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Just like in Episode 25 of 2199<\/em>, Yamato<\/em>\u2019s aided by Garmillas against a lovesick and morally twisted antagonist. Not referring to G\u00f6er, by the way, he gets plenty of love on Japanese Twitter. Even Frakken\u2019s here to complete the connection! It truly is the work of bonds.<\/span><\/p>\n

Just like the red warp gates, the space submarines no longer float in unsteady waters. The dimensional burst of particles is blue, its rift as well. While some might call this an inconsistency, others like me would point out that the water surrounding the UX-01 was always a greenish-blue tint, like the dimension it comes from. It\u2019s just that the Garmillas warp gates used by the UX-01 shone brighter, as seen in Yamato<\/em>\u2019s first battle with Frakken in 2199<\/em>. Oh, and several space submarines being present instead of one? That’s a development borrowed from Yamato III<\/em>. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt will be our first time attempting this,\u201d The Space Hound says as three additional subs surface from the Sargasso dimension, flanking Yamato<\/em>. By his side stands the jolly Gol Hainy, his first mate. \u201cEven using four ships with specialized equipment, sending Yamato<\/em> in alone is likely the best we can do. Even that carries no guarantee of success.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

We cut to Captain Hijikata, face huddled in darkness. \u201cThis, too, is the work of bonds,\u201d Hijikata says to himself. Then; \u201cLet the Dimensional Submarine take the helm.\u201d<\/p>\n

[AMB]: As Zordar aims to delegitimize love itself, Yamato<\/em> stands tall to protect it. When Yamato<\/em>\u2019s resolved to save the world on its own, it inspires others like Frakken to send their aid. \u201cThis, too, is the work of bonds,” said Hijikata, narratively following up Zordar\u2019s previous remark. Choosing to trust a former enemy to assist them in saving Earth (and by extension, the universe), Hijikata at last reaches the same mental plane as Okita. Where he can place his faith in and forgive the enemy. <\/span><\/p>\n

Saito once asked him how Kodai could forgive \u201cthose bastards\u201d (the Gatlantean 8th Task Force) who had practically genocided the 11th planet – which was under Hijikata\u2019s jurisdiction. Back then he could only answer for Kodai. Here, the camera holds on his eyes being covered in darkness by the brim of his cap, just like Okita. And so, he becomes Okita, staking his life on the goodwill of former enemies. Finally understanding why his old friend valued Kodai so much; why Kodai wants peace with Gatlantis after all the destruction their enemy has committed. It even parallels when Okita chose to trust Captain Valus Lang when stuck in the Sargasso of space. <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The Garmillas submarines move into position around Yamato<\/em>, creating the energy field required for the battleship to descend into subspace. <\/p>\n

\u201cSynchronize all ships, then rapid dive!\u201d orders Frakken, met with a response from a slightly off-screen Earthling wearing a bandana. \u201cRapid dive!\u201d As Yamato<\/em> sinks out of sight, the contingent of submarines follow until there is no trace of any of them. <\/p>\n

[AMB]: Calibrating the subspace warp, the space submarines emit some form of diamond-shaped fields. These appear around Yamato<\/em>, but red rather than blue to indicate that they aren\u2019t quite as well synchronised with Frakken\u2019s ships. This dangerous operation, to coordinate a dive with a ship that doesn\u2019t necessarily support the procedure, is carried out by none other than former Yamato<\/em> crew member Yabu! They\u2019ll show his face soon, but for now his bandana and voice are here to hype up all Yabu fans. Yes, I just wrote that.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Burrel\u2019s Garmillas forces press forward. Addressing the fleet from the bridge of his Neu Balgrey<\/em> is none other than fan favorite Fomto Berger.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe will hold the line until Yamato<\/em> achieves her goal,\u201d he says. \u201cWithout fail!\u201d<\/p>\n

2202<\/em>\u2019s version of Yamato Into the Vortex<\/em> starts up as Burrel\u2019s ships move into place to face off against Gatlantis forces. <\/p>\n

[KC]: Berger is here, too?! Is it my birthday? This just keeps getting better and better.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: He sure is! And the narrative reason for why he (and by extension: Burrel) gets the glorious job of aiding Yamato<\/em> here, rather than Abelt, is because Berger stole his New Voyage<\/em> moment of alien solidarity with Yamato<\/em> in Ark of the Stars<\/em>. Abelt now has the opportunity to explore what remains of his original counterpart\u2019s story beats from New Voyage<\/em> and Yamato III<\/em>. Berger gets to repay his debt to Yamato<\/em> while Burrel gets to send Kodai a message via the bridge screen, honorably vowing to assist.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: This is just a reminder to seek out Ark of the Stars<\/em> if you haven\u2019t yet, because we haven\u2019t brought it up for a few episodes now.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Oh, and this \u201creturn of Garmillas in Earth\u2019s time of need while Yamato<\/em> infiltrates the enemy superstructure\u201d element is directly borrowed from Final Yamato<\/em>. There, Dessler and his people (presumed dead from the movie\u2019s start) return from a long journey to aid Yamato<\/em> in its hour of need, repaying a previously incurred debt. At the time, Yamato<\/em> was desperately trying to protect Earth from getting subjugated by an ancient and oppressed race of aliens. Kodai attempts to avert calamity by forcing the enemy\u2019s ruler to negotiate\u2026 then Dessler shows up, sends Kodai a personal thank you message, and fights Uruk\u2019s forces to buy Yamato<\/em> time. Seem familiar?<\/span><\/p>\n

Speaking of Uruk (the alien nation from Final Yamato<\/em>), their origin seems to have inspired Head Writer Fukui’s take on Gatlantis and Akerius in 2202<\/em>. In that movie, Uruk \u2013 aptly named after the BCE Babylonian city once ruled by King Gilgamesh \u2013 is an ancient civilization originating from Earth. Their real life stone tablets (referenced in Ark<\/em>) were left behind as they departed from our planet. They left to escape the Great Flood of myth, a natural occurrence which happens every few thousands of years. Its source? The origin of all human life including their own, the water planet Aquarius<\/em>. How does this all connect?<\/span><\/p>\n

In the reboot universe, Aquarius wasn’t a planet, but rather mankind’s progenitor civilization; Akerius. To test mankind, Akerius rebooted humanity, splitting mankind into seven different races and spreading these out in the cosmos. Their goal? To see if we’re capable of cooperating in spite of superficial differences. In this work, Akerius has taken Uruk’s role as mankind’s progenitors, while Uruk’s role as an antagonistic force opposed to what’s preordained is filled in by Gatlantis. There are multiple instances of Teresa’s origin being connected to ancient Akerius, while Gatlantis’ reluctant reverence towards her is a mimicry of Uruk’s similar stance towards Aquarius.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Jet black battleships carrying anti-matter missiles act as the Gatlantean vanguard. When receiving fire, they respond by ramming into their attackers. The battlefield quickly grows chaotic as red Garmillan laser fire barrages the Ark of Destruction and its defending ships. Drill missiles are launched by Galunt-class heavy bombers from Berger’s group, emblazoned with their uniquely fancy Garmillan emblem. They strike at the Ark\u2019s already pummeled gravity core and severed appendages, resulting in a magnificently grim image of adversity. <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: The Gatlantean battleships are Gostok-class variants with A.I. bridges, organically grown in the bowels of the Ark of Destruction. Their black and red color scheme, while menacing, is but a consequence of the Akerian ship creation process we saw in Episode 17. Last episode, we mused on why Baruze suddenly had two black Apocalix<\/em> escorts brought with him to Earth, accompanied by black Deathvatators.<\/span><\/p>\n

Blind as we were, we didn’t know it was the first indication that Gatlantis had exhausted its stock of ships, no longer bothering to cast them in green. These ships don\u2019t seem to be manned, performing automated ramming tactics at the sight of intruders, not bothering to launch their powerful missiles. They\u2019re getting undermanned and desperate.<\/span><\/p>\n

Meanwhile, the Dimensional Submarines and Yamato<\/em> wait in subspace at the heart of Gatlantis. Frakken’s first mate Heyni announces that they\u2019re approaching the break-out point, a large red velvet wall.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is as far as we can take you,\u201d Frakken tells them. \u201cTake it from here, Yamato<\/em>.\u201d <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

As Yamato<\/em> begins to rise toward the red light, Frakken\u2019s crew come forward to salute her, including Sukeji Yabu; the Yamato<\/em> Engineer who was mistaken for a Zaltz citizen and recruited by Frakken during the Garmillas war with Earth a few years earlier. <\/p>\n

\u201cMay we meet again,\u201d Frakken says.<\/p>\n

[KC]: In the original series, Dessler\u2019s parting words to Kodai and Yuki were, \u201cGoodbye. I hope we meet again.\u201d Not saying this is a callback, but it could be a callback.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Indirectly or not, it\u2019s definitely a callback. And speaking of callbacks, oh Yabu, you\u2019ve become a competent and proud working man.<\/span><\/p>\n

To catch readers up on who this fellow is, he was Tokugawa and Yamazaki\u2019s engineer assistant on Yamato<\/em> in 2199<\/em>. Dour and pessimistic, he would eventually come to subscribe to the military\u2019s Project Izumo plan – to relocate to a new planet, aiding Security Chief Shinya Ito and Intelligence Officer Niimi in a mutiny.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

After a failed coup, Yabu and Ito hijacked Kodai and Yurisha\u2019s Seagull transport heading to Prison Planet 13; a prison colony in the Garmillas empire. There, his pale skin and casual wear let him blend in with the prison population, appearing to be a Zaltzian convict.<\/span><\/p>\n

Picked up by the passing Space Wolf and his submarine, Yabu wouldn\u2019t see Yamato<\/em> again until the end of 2199<\/em>, when Frakken aided the ship against G\u00f6er\u2019s deserting fleet; unaware that the man was helping Dessler. Having built respect and admiration for his former ship, Yabu doesn\u2019t give it a Garmillas salute. He gives it an Earth salute. We have to wonder if he finally “came out” when it was safe to admit his true heritage.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: I also want to give a shoutout to Yabu here. He had a great story arc in 2199<\/em> and it\u2019s good to see him here. Japanese fans loved him for being a regular guy like them, merely an observer of other peoples’ heroism. And then he got to be a hero, too! As of this writing, the teaser trailer has finally been released for 2205<\/em> and I am excited to say that we may be getting even more of his story in the coming chapters.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Much preferable to his original counterpart\u2019s “patriarchy island psychosis” on Iscandar. That was a wild, wild arc. <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Flying through the firey red bowels of Gatlantis, Shima comments on Yamato<\/em> being in the belly of the beast, perhaps attempting to break the tension. But Kodai is on edge and barks out to remain alert for hostiles. That\u2019s when Miki reports that unidentified heat sources have been detected. \u201cCalaklum class, but small. They vary in size. That\u2019s just like\u2026\u201d Sanada responds: \u201c… just like Katsuragi Toko\u2019s intel suggested, this is where Gatlantis\u2019s ships are created.\u201d<\/p>\n

They are in the vast nursery that births the Gatlantean ships.<\/p>\n

[AMB]: And no one on the bridge looks any less frightened by what they see, least of all Sanada. More narrative threads begin to connect. Here, we bear witness to Gatlantis’ Akerian ship production facility. Protruding like towers both above and below, Calaklum-class ships of varying sizes are grown in the thousands, enshrouded in a red mist.<\/span><\/p>\n

But as Miki notes, they\u2019re quite small. Just like the Time Fault, this Ark is a factory with endless possibilities for death and destruction. Considering Gatlantis only recently managed to obtain its first copy of the Akerian-tech Calaklum back in Episode 1, it\u2019s a marvel to behold the extent of the Ark of Destruction\u2019s capabilities. As some readers have pointed out, these visuals do bring our minds back to Garmillas’ hellish city aesthetic from the original Yamato series final episodes. In 2199<\/em>, this aesthetic for Garmillas was mixed with Galman-Garmillas inspired art design from Yamato III<\/em>. And yes, this does give 2202<\/em> the opportunity to explore rooftop missiles. Just differently.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Kodai orders that all systems begin linking with their automated navigation system. We see the auto-navigation room pod light up, revealing a figure inside it. The newly outfitted sonar array atop Yamato<\/em> responds: glowing filigree lights up, emitting a signal. In the Ark\u2019s throne room, Goenitz notices the light and remarks on it with a sense of familiarity. <\/p>\n

[AMB]: The cosmo radar at the top of the command tower was converted to a large-scale high-dimensional radar during Yamato<\/em>\u2019s refit, allowing Toko to transmit her Cosmowave signals for various tasks. The filigree markings on it give off Akerian tech vibes. And yes, she\u2019s inside the auto-navigation room, which wouldn\u2019t have been available to them had Sanada and Okita not considered bringing Yurisha back home to Starsha in 2199<\/em>. The radar dome tech in itself wouldn\u2019t even have been considered had Toko not chosen to defect in Episode 21. Bonds are a force to be reckoned with.<\/span><\/p>\n

Zordar scowls as he peers out at the scene; their own Calaklum-class ships are falling in behind Yamato<\/em>. \u201cA disruption using Cosmo Waves,\u201d he says. <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cWe can\u2019t shut it out,\u201d Gairen responds to his Emperor and younger self. \u201cIt\u2019s the highest level of code. That is another Silver Priestess. One with the authority to control this Comet City.\u201d<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Translating from Japanese to English sometimes leads to janky results, due to our language structures being so different. Here, Gairen may seem like he\u2019s just stating the obvious, but he\u2019s actually trying to quell Zordar\u2019s frustration. He tells him that bemoaning this situation does little to mitigate it, since Toko is another Silver Priestess like the original Sabera.<\/span><\/p>\n

Zordar chose Sabera to be the White Comet\u2019s priestess, so this outcome is the result of his own actions. He gave similar advice to Zordar in the last episode. \u201cWe can do little more than observe and listen.\u201d Gairen\u2019s a technological wizard, one who still believes that bonds and destiny control them. Science and spirituality in one, just like Teresa.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

As Gairen speaks, we see Katsuragi aboard Yamato<\/em>, lying in the auto-navigation room pod. It glows gold. She has donned a white variant of the uniform worn by Yamato<\/em>\u2019s female officers (previously seen only once, worn by Yuki in Final Yamato<\/em>; in Japan white is associated with death). Her eyes are closed and the camera closes in on her face frowning, presumably in concentration. Suddenly, Goenitz is alarmed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe gate! The gate which hasn\u2019t opened in a thousand years\u2026 !\u201d<\/p>\n

Indeed there is a gigantic gate opening, which Yamato<\/em> begins to head for as the Gatlantean ships controlled by Toko follow suit.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Here\u2019s where things get tricky. Remember the Zemulian storytellers? As discussed earlier, they refer to Toko as \u201cthe last Zemulian,” but they also refer to her original counterpart as \u201ca witch,” much to Keyman\u2019s distress. Ever since Klaus told Kodai that he\u2019d dealt with \u201cpeople like her\u201d (Toko), I\u2019ve come to believe he was referring to Jirellan witches.<\/span><\/p>\n

When the original Sabera was young, she had those Jirellan elf ears. Her comet empire clone, younger than Toko, still has them. I think we\u2019ve been fooled. Zemulia was a planet, like Earth. But never do they say that the term \u201cZemulian\u201d refers to a race of people. Only the people \u201cfrom Zemulia.\u201d The last Zemulian was never a \u201cZemulian.” She was a close descendant of Akerius, like the storytellers say. A Jirellan, capable of telepathy; of using the Arks spread out across the universe; who fell in love with Zordar.<\/span><\/p>\n

The pipe organ console is used by White Sabera. The Akerian gate leading to the throne room is opened by Toko. Both Sabera clones really were \u201cthe one and only\u201d for all they knew. Sadly, they\u2019ll never get to meet the Jirellans currently traveling with the Ark of the Stars. .<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: Toko in that uniform is really bringing the feels. She has committed herself completely to the people that her son felt deserved to live. <\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: A white uniform, befitting a silver priestess. And Goenitz comment about the gate? Since he expresses familiarity with it being shut for 1000 years, and since his character profile states that he’s Zordar’s oldest follower, it’s fair to presume he joined the man all the way back when his father rebelled against the Zemulians.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cSabera!\u201d Zordar commands.<\/span><\/p>\n

At her organ, the Priestess swipes her hands over the keys and then cries out in alarm at the discordant sounds it makes, staggering back as purple energy surges up through the device and lashes out at her. <\/p>\n

\u201cIs a doll no competition?\u201d Zordar asks, glaring down at her. \u201cRazera! Show me what you can do.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Toko has disrupted the white Sabera clone recently manufactured by Gairen. She\u2019s using Yamato<\/em>‘s radar dome to cancel out her weaker self; a doll deprived of her own identity. This Ark seems to consider Toko a proper heir. In response, Zordar gives out his most baffling order yet, one that absolutely confounded me on a first watch. The non-character Razera, known only for giving Earth the terms of surrender in Yamato 2<\/em>, is being ordered to show his mettle. And he will not disappoint.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Fifty or so Calaklums are under Toko\u2019s control. The gate leading to Golem is open. On Yamato<\/em>, the system jack is deemed a success. In response, Hijikata orders the ship to dive into the center of the enemy base, ordering every battle group to launch. <\/p>\n

\u201cSpace cavalry, move out!\u201d In one of Yamato<\/em>\u2019s bays, Saito waits for his exit looking grimly pleased and very unwell. <\/p>\n

\u201cAll space fighters, take off!\u201d Kato sits in his cockpit staring at a picture of his wife and son, acknowledging the order with renewed resolve, nodding. <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Around two dozen fighters depart, accompanied by the remaining space cavalry members.<\/p>\n

[AMB]: The fighter list is as follow: A bit over a dozen Cosmo Tiger IIs, a comparable amount of the new olive drab variants introduced in Episode 22, Kato\u2019s Black Bird from Ginga<\/em>, Yamamoto’s Cosmo Tiger I Prototype and the Space Cavalry mobile armors hanging on the Tigers’ wings. BGM is Yamato vs. Gatlantis,<\/em> its most famous usage being in Farewell to Yamato<\/em>\u2019s depiction of the Gatlantis insertion. But there\u2019s a new element present…<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Everyone moves into place. Then Katsuragi\u2019s eyes fly open, right as the fight is engaged, and another\u2019s face infiltrates her mind. It is Razera, blocking Katsuragi\u2019s Cosmowave dominion of the ancient Akerius technology. She quickly panics.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Before she has time to react, eight fresh Gostok-class missile ships descend on Yamato<\/em>, all carrying anti-matter missiles. Carefully aiming its shock cannons, Yamato<\/em> manages to take down three of them, then three more. Razera probes deeper into Toko\u2019s mind and we see him inhabiting a red room with what appears to be six thin red spears pointing toward him. \u201cNo\u2026\u201d says Toko. \u201cIt\u2019s not accepting my command\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: While the proceeding fight is a terrific technical display, with its hellish backdrop fermenting anxiety, the real meat here is Toko. Somehow Razera, first of his name, has the ability to disrupt the Zemulian witch\u2019s abilities. We\u2019ll soon find out how, though not verbally. Just note that it\u2019s technically not him doing this, it\u2019s a device. He looks tremendously uncomfortable.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: A random reference I know, but I am reminded here of Professor X from Marvel\u2019s X-Men<\/em> in a mental struggle with Jean Grey\/Dark Phoenix, although it would have to be some mirror universe where he was the villain trying to stop her from doing good.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: This work evokes many feelings and calls to mind a multitude of other IPs. I\u2019ve shared my own before as well, so don\u2019t hold back!<\/span><\/p>\n

Without Toko providing an advantage, Yamato<\/em> begins to take damage. \u201cStern hit!\u201d announces Sanada, followed by Ohta giving a similar account. \u201cStarboard aft, it\u2019s the engine room!\u201d An Eater-I \u201cSword\u201d has lodged itself in Yamato<\/em>, piercing its engine. Tokugawa appeals to Hijikata, who swiftly says that he\u2019s counting on him. The Chief Engineer heads off the bridge and down to the Engine Room immediately. <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Yamato<\/em> and its music are inseparable. In this scene, like many others in both 2199<\/em> and 2202<\/em>, the music is matched to the rhythm of events. This track in particular was used to satisfying effect in 2199<\/em>\u2019s fifth episode, matching the beats of the music to the reflection satellites. This direction magic was recreated in several episodes of 2202<\/em>, including here, where Tokugawa smashes the elevator buttons in tune to the BGM, followed by a barrage of missiles heading Yamato<\/em>\u2019s way.<\/span><\/p>\n

Oh, and keep that engine damage in mind. It will be instrumental to Yamato<\/em>\u2019s success come the next episode. Also, just seeing Tokugawa jump up and head to the engine room shoves the first of many spears into the hearts of longtime fans. It’s a cold reminder which part of the story we’re about to enter.<\/span> <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

One of the Gostok-class missile ships manages to strike Yamato<\/em>\u2019s wall of Calaklums, but also its bridge. We hear glass breaking as Miki\u2019s thrown around, hurt. Sanada calls for a damage report and Shima voices his concern over how much more Yamato<\/em> can take, when Hijikata observes that Zordar knows their target is Golem. Alarms sound as turbulence violently shakes the ship. Kodai turns to look at Hijikata for guidance, only to be met with a horrifying truth. Hijikata states the obvious out loud, eyes glaring at Kodai\u2019s: \u201cIt\u2019s do or die\u2026 we all knew that from the start.\u201d After a brief pause, Kodai turns back to his station with an expression of resolve and orders them to break through the front.<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Understanding their predicament all too well, Hijikata tells Kodai – his tactical chief – to assess the situation with his own eyes. To order the ship into hell, or not. Will he do, or will he die? This order will inevitably be the end for many, something older fans know just as well as Kodai, indicated by the exact mimicry of word usage taken from Farewell<\/em>. To \u201cbreak through the middle,” a very Okita tactic, won\u2019t leave them unscathed. <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

In the Medical Bay, Yuki lies unconscious as alarms sound and Yamato<\/em>\u2019s crew call out their orders and status reports. Severe damage to the engine. Close all partitions. Begin emergency maneuvers. Turn off all unnecessary power. Slowly, Yuki\u2019s eyes open and she rises, looking around in bleary-eyed confusion as Dr. Sado and his assistant deal with the wounded, their voices raised with stress. \u201cDoctor, the sickbay is full!\u201d she says. \u201cLay him down in the corridor! You know triage, right?!\u201d the doctor barks back. The assistant, emotionally distraught, just says yes. As she runs off, the doctor yells at her: \u201cSave as many as possible!\u201d Yuki becomes increasingly upset the more she sees of the dead and dying, finally breaking down at the image of an omamori clutched in one soldier\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

[KC]: So for those who would have to look it up like I did, omamori are the rectangular talismans you get at Shinto and Buddhist temples in Japan, referred to in the West as good luck tokens or charms. There are six main types (Money, Love, Travel, Warding, Education and Health) but in the writing on the one in this episode only the first character can be seen, and it doesn’t seem to match with any of those main types.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: I decided to ask the Japanese Yamato<\/em> community on twitter what they think. Twitter user \u201c\u304f\u3058\u3089\u8ecd\u66f9\u201d (Sergeant Whale) – among others – shared similar accounts, but with uniquely Japanese perspectives. Since what makes Yamato<\/em> isn\u2019t just a singular individual, but rather the whole, this man Yuki sees is supposed to be an unknown figure. He\u2019s someone who was given an omamori like many others, be they soldiers or civilians. The one Kanji we do see indicates that it\u2019s most likely one of these three; typical to the purple category: 1.\u300e\u4ea4\u901a\u5b89\u5168\u300f(\u201cTraffic safety\u201d) 2.\u300e\u5b89\u7523\u300f(\u201cSafe Return\u201d) 3.\u300e\u826f\u3044\u3053\u3068\u300f(\u201cGood Things\u201d)<\/span><\/p>\n

And for those who don’t know what triage is: It’s the practice of determining the order of severity in patients wounds and illnesses; in situations when not everyone can be attended to immediately. This is carried out by what’s called a “triage nurse”. It originates from the French word “trier”<\/em>, meaning “to sort”<\/em>. This medical practice came into prominence during – and following – World War I.<\/span><\/p>\n

Bowing her head, Yuki lets her hand fall from covering her mouth in shock. She appeals to Teresa.<\/p>\n

\u201cTeresa, can you hear me? I don\u2019t remember Telezart. But I feel as if I do.\u201d Yuki sees an image of Telezart in her mind, or perhaps feels it. \u201cIf you\u2019re there, please tell me.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The battle rages on as she continues. Yamato<\/em> both receives and deals damage, vanquishing the Eater-I ships bearing down on it. In the third bridge, where the WM shields are maintained, a collection of female officers familiar to us all do their best to keep the shields running.<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Experiencing the horror of being someplace she isn\u2019t familiar with, as people on opposite ends of a galactic conflict you hardly understand do their best to annihilate each other, Yuki\u2019s had better days. But in part, it\u2019s due to her perspective that we can truly feel the hopelessness of this suicide mission.<\/span><\/p>\n

As we see various actors doing their part aboard Yamato<\/em>, we hear an original composition from Akira Miyagawa: Death and Prayer.<\/em> Which is\u2026 exactly the kind of material this scene handles. It taps into a larger pool of emotional resonance and depth than the BGM which originally played in this scene, Yamato Pathetique.<\/em> A one-of-a-kind track to play in a one-of-a-kind scene, a painful one.<\/span><\/p>\n

Yuki continues.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs there a meaning to this suffering? Something worth the blood spilled…Is there something like that in people\u2019s lives?\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

In the Engine room a couple crewmembers lay slumped in the walkway while Tokugawa barely manages to stand upright at the controls. \u201cEngine output not stabilized,\u201d he reports. \u201cBut navigation is…unaffected\u2026\u201d Tokugawa groans in pain. Back on the bridge, Shima calls out to him in alarm while Kodai stares in shock, unsure of what to do.<\/p>\n

[AMB]: I\u2019m not ashamed to admit it. Writing commentary for this part with a cool head is\u2026 difficult. The emotional resonance I mentioned just now is getting to me, choking me up. Here, we see Tokugawa, reprising his death from both Farewell<\/em> and Yamato 2<\/em>, down to the same direction, lines and delivery. <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

He\u2019ll never be able to see Yamazaki surpass him, to see his grandchildren Tasuke and Aiko all grown up with kids of their own. Walking over the bodies of the juniors who chose to depart on this journey with him, he dies. From radiation or the heat or loss of oxygen, we don\u2019t know. But we can expect that it was painful. Suddenly, Yuki\u2019s prayers are transferred to us. Is there anything worth this kind of bloodshed?<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe are born alone and will die alone,\u201d Yuki resumes her prayer as Kodai faces forward again, gritting his teeth. \u201cSo why do we (people) meet?\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

We cut to one of Yamato<\/em>\u2019s hangars. Dr. Sado is with Analyzer and a collection of wounded crew members, one of them on a stretcher, when another Eater-I ship breaches the hull closeby, lodging itself. \u201cWatch out!\u201d yells Analyzer, pushing both the stretcher and Sado out of the way. The humans are unscathed, but Analyzer is severely damaged, his head pierced by the Eater. Dr. Sado attempts to retrieve the robot but is held back by Hajime Hirata, who was there to oversee emergency treatments.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet go of me!\u201d Dr. Sado demands. \u201cHe\u2019s not just a machine! He\u2019s irreplaceable!\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Whether it was Dr. Sado dying of old age or Analyzer shorting out, one of them would inevitably have to leave the other for good one day. In Farewell<\/em>, both of these monumental characters perish. In Yamato 2<\/em>, they both survive. So of course, 2202<\/em> chose the middle ground, resulting in more heartache than any of the previous adaptations of this scene. Analyzer\u2019s smashed up face was drawn by Kio Edamatsu. To convey complicated feelings through a dying machine\u2019s robotic head… It’s a difficult thing. But my heart confirms he succeeded. <\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: There were no dry eyes during the writing of this commentary.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hirata releases Dr. Sado and we see his hands reach out to the busted and sparking crew member, caressing his chassis. Then the view switches to Analyzer\u2019s perspective as Dr. Sado looks on tearfully with Hirata, holding the machine in its last moments. <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cDoc…tor\u2026\u201d Analyzer manages. \u201cThank…you\u2026\u201d The image blurs, is overrun with static and then cuts out entirely. Touchingly, the same parting line spoken to Sado by Captain Okita.<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Voice actor extraordinaire Cho was given the task to voice Analyzer in the Yamato<\/em> reboot franchise, following up the legendary Kenichi Ogata\u2019s portrayal in the original works. Aside from Analyzer, he also voiced Black Analyzer, Yabu and Gantz the Zaltsian. Three out of four of these characters are now out of commission.<\/span><\/p>\n

The most beloved of them all shorts out before our eyes, his head – rather than his hand – being held by Dr. Sado as he passes on. Seeing Analyzer\u2019s perspective as he fades away is a haunting affair. We don\u2019t know what will happen to him going forward, but we will see his black brother emerge in a different way later. But questions remain. Is Analyzer emoting true affection? Or is he just emulating Captain Okita’s final words? Or were his final words to Dr. Sado just coincidentally the same as Okita’s? That’s up for you at home to decide.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve lost so much,\u201d Yuki continues as explosions erupt throughout the ship over the sounds of human cries. \u201cFamily, comrades\u2026\u201d The Intelligence office. Sanada\u2019s lab. The Map Room. The mess hall. They\u2019re all in flames. \u201c… even the memories of our loved ones.\u201d Even Kodai\u2019s room is torched.<\/p>\n

[KC]: CAUTION: You are now fully inside the Farewell to Yamato<\/em> portion of our series reboot. Please keep all arms and legs inside of the impending emotional roller coaster at all times.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: It\u2019s a jolly good time. Some of the valuables in Kodai\u2019s room are difficult to make out, but here\u2019s what I could gather: There\u2019s the photo of him with Yuki from Ark<\/em>. Another photo taken with his brother Mamoru, one taken with Shima from their academy days and one that appears to be a photo of his father, Mamoru and a third character who looks like a girl. Maybe a sister? We did see the Kodai family in 2199<\/em>, albeit briefly before their demise. There\u2019s a photo from Kato\u2019s wedding, a bridge crew group photo, and lastly, a photo of Yuki by herself. They all burn.<\/span><\/p>\n

There\u2019s a Mars flag hanging on the wall, some indiscernible notes, three stacks of large notebooks and a white briefcase. These photos, sweet as they are, sure make me wonder if there exists high resolution masters on someone\u2019s hard drive out there. Oh, and if it wasn\u2019t already obvious, Yuki doesn\u2019t refer to the physical burning of memories, she means her own lost memories.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Outside, two dozen or more early Gostok-class ships unleash their entire payload at the desperately struggling Yamato<\/em>, all while several Eater-I ships lunge at it in vain.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t want to lose any more!\u201d (Yuki)<\/p>\n

Rocked by the missiles that just hit, Hijikata gasps and Kodai leaps from his station, turning and calling for the captain. As he runs, the floor of the captain\u2019s cabin from above comes crashing down…<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t take anything more!\u201d Yuki cries. <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: The painful irony here is that Yuki doesn\u2019t know what\u2019s being taken from her, in this instance, her prized and beloved adoptive uncle. Clever symbolism is being applied as well, with Hijikata literally crumbling under the pressure of being Yamato<\/em>\u2019s captain, signified by the captain\u2019s cabin crashing down on his back. Or does he really crumble? The ongoing tragedy unveiling itself here is one that perhaps not even Okita could have prevented, yet in spite of being hit Hijikata manages to draw a few more breaths before departing to meet his old friend. And unlike his Farewell<\/em> counterpart, he doesn\u2019t die calling himself a loser. He overcame that struggle three episodes ago.<\/p>\n

Kodai runs to Hijikata and throws off the large panel that collapsed on him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cKeep it together!\u201d Kodai commands as he lifts Hijikata from his seat. \u201cCall Dr. Sado!\u201d <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s fine,\u201d an alive and conscious Hijikata says. \u201cDon\u2019t make a fuss.\u201d Kodai nods. \u201cLook at those,\u201d Hijikata points to a large number of Calaklum ships on the bridge view screen. The music has gone silent, the only sounds heard are those of crackling fire and explosions. Hijikata continues. \u201cThey\u2019re still under Toko Katsuragi\u2019s control. Combine them with Yamato<\/em>\u2019s systems and use them more efficiently.\u201d<\/p>\n

[AMB]: For this scene, director Nobuyoshi Habara had originally imagined Ishizuka Unshou\u2019s performance to carry it. It was a moment that would give Unshou\u2019s Hijikata a proper sendoff. But he departed all too soon, heading off on a new journey in the world beyond our own. Thankfully his successor, Naomi Kusumi, carried this difficult character moment in a way only he could. In a way, it adds some tender truth to the missed potential at the core of Hijikata\u2019s character. That, just like how he tried to catch up to Okita, Kusumi has now done his best to catch up to Unshou. In my heart, he succeeded.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cAn asteroid ring\u2026\u201d Kodai breathes, recalling the strategy. <\/p>\n

\u201cUse that to defend our air forces and rush inside that gate.\u201d Hijikata instructs him with renewed vigor, a smile forming. \u201cYou can do it, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir,\u201d Kodai responds.<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Seeing as he perishes in both Farewell<\/em> and Yamato 2<\/em>, it\u2019s no surprise he won\u2019t make it. But at least he went out on his own terms, giving his all until the very end. He never got to see the fruits of his labor before passing on – like Okita did – but I doubt he had any doubt about Kodai\u2019s abilities to carry on. While Yamanami managed to outlive his role as a stand-in for Yamato 2<\/em> Hijikata, the one who until now has captained Yamato<\/em> – the Farewell<\/em> counterpart – sadly can\u2019t. Like his friend, he\u2019s leaving the next generation to clean up. Yamanami\u2019s outlived two of the greats. <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Hijikata begins to slump in Kodai’s grip. But suddenly, he regains some of his composure, staring Kodai in the eye.<\/p>\n

\u201cKodai…The next captain is…you.\u201d <\/p>\n

Kodai looks on in anguish as Hijikata\u2019s strength leaves him.<\/p>\n

\u201cGrasp…the future.\u201d <\/p>\n

[AMB]: Speaking of passing the baton from the old generation to the new, pay attention to Hijikata\u2019s choice of words here. His death scene up to this point, though circumstances are different, has been a more or less complete recreation of his departure in Farewell<\/em>. Word for word even, barring one exception. \u201cGrasp the future.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Hijikata\u2019s body goes limp. His eyes fixate. He\u2019s dead.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

At their stations, Shima and Sanada stare straight ahead, unblinking. Miki weeps, her head in her hands. Keyman stares over at Hijikata, his head down on his monitor, blood running from an unseen head wound. Still beside him, we realize we are seeing through Kodai\u2019s perspective as he lifts his own bloody hands up to his face.
\n\u201cThe future,\u201d Kodai repeats to himself. Clenching his fists, he struggles to get his emotions under control and turns to the rest of the bridge. A heavy sound is heard, like that of a reckoning bell. \u201cCarry out former Captain Hijikata\u2019s orders!\u201d<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Originally, Hijikata died immediately after giving Kodai the devastating order to become Yamato<\/em>\u2019s next captain. In 2202<\/em> however, he decided to use the last of his energy to give the boy some encouragement; to seize the ideal future Yamato<\/em>\u2019s fighting for. Writer Fukui focused a lot of 2202<\/em>\u2019s attention on how these characters should build a better future, how they can inspire the viewers to work toward the same goals. At the episode\u2019s conclusion, this theme will become more apparent.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Outside, Razera finally makes his presence known. He\u2019s apparently been cruising around the exposed opening to the Akerius gate, piloting a larger and more imposing variant of the Eater-I ship. Inside his cockpit Razera seems exhausted and focused, completely submerged in the cockpit\u2019s red hide. Following him is a posse of at least nine regular Eaters. Breaking his focus is Yamato<\/em>, surrounded by debris. It seems like he wasn\u2019t expecting the ship to get this far.<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Speaking of organic ships, this one\u2019s insides appear to be completely organic. Perhaps all grown ships are? Razera\u2019s lower body has been completely swallowed up by its fleshy walls, much to his dismay and discomfort. Those six spears mentioned earlier? They seem to actually be the ship\u2019s nervous system, hooked up to Razera via six openings in his shoulder armor. This appears to be what gives him the ability to focus his ship\u2019s anti-Cosmowave capabilities. Again, it does not look comfortable and is definitely a last-resort kind of deal.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Having formed the asteroid ring as Hijikata instructed, Yamato<\/em>\u2019s new physical shields smash seven of Razera\u2019s approaching Eaters to dust. Then ten more. With this maneuver having successfully shaken Razera\u2019s focus, Aihara reports that the Magnetron Waves are once again aligning with Toko\u2019s Cosmowaves. This means the lifeless Calaklums can finally be used again.<\/p>\n

Kodai then decides to join the fray in his own Type-0 Cosmo Zero fighter plane. Klaus Keyman is now on board his Czvarke. Kodai speaks to the air force: \u201cThis is Kodai. I\u2019m joining the aerial force and entering the gate with the advance unit.\u201d Hearing this, Kato can\u2019t help but smile.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Hijikata left Kodai with a cute strategy; using the surrounding debris, which will only keep building up as more of the Calaklums break apart, Yamato<\/em> can easily fend off Razera\u2019s forces. What they don\u2019t know is that they\u2019ve stumbled upon the Gatlantean General Chairman of Military Affairs! Razera, that is. And they\u2019ll never know his name. <\/span><\/p>\n

Saito responds, \u201cAll right!\u201d clenching his fist in pride at this news. Yamamoto alerts everyone to an in-bound enemy ship, giving Keyman and herself a split second to successfully dodge in opposite directions. Razera\u2019s huge, spinning, swordlike Eater-I ship launches itself at Yamato<\/em> and breaks apart its asteroid shield. It then immediately spins back around and corrects itself, aiming at Kodai\u2019s advance group with the intent to pierce through Klaus and his surrounding allies. This catches Keyman off-guard. \u201cWhat IS that?\u201d he asks himself, bracing for impact. <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Saito and Nagakura have chosen to use the wings of Yamamoto’s Cosmo Tiger I as their transport. Taking note of this small scene will help more than you think later. And I can\u2019t overstate what a stellar battle performance Razera is committing to here. He gets the thankless job of stopping all intruders, disrupting a witch\u2019s space magic, taking on all of Yamato<\/em>\u2019s ace pilots and still manages to cripple Yamato<\/em>\u2019s asteroid ring while he\u2019s at it. His red Eater-I also happens to be uniquely menacing. <\/span><\/p>\n

Thankfully, Yamato<\/em>\u2019s fighters release enough flares to get away. But while the other pilots head for the main mission objective, Kato is hot on Razera\u2019s tail in an attempt to claim the prize for himself, sending the others on ahead. Keyman thanks him, leaving it in his hands. \u201cI won\u2019t run anymore,\u201d Kato swears on the physical photo of his family. \u201cRight now, I want to live so bad, it might kill me. I want to see Makoto\u2019s face. I want to give a healthy Tsubasa a ride on my shoulders. I want to do everything for them that I couldn\u2019t before. I\u2019m going to make it back alive! I swear it!\u201d <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Back when we saw Makoto in Episode 17, she was crying, telling Tsubasa to make his father carry him on his shoulders when he gets back. Yes, I know, I made it more painful. Also, The 2202<\/em> original BGM Endless War<\/em> is used for a second time throughout this scene, a triumphant track we now associate with Yamanami\u2019s unlikely survival – as a result of a renewed desire to live – back in Episode 21. This fills us with excitement, exhilaration and youthful ambition! Hope that Kato will live! And then…<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

A disturbing amount of blood splatters across the console, totally obscuring the photo. Kato, seemingly uninjured, glances up at the hole in his cockpit, then down at his off-screen injury. His eyes begin to water, his expression going cold.<\/p>\n

[AMB]: His own death is spelled out for him, his blood spilt to protect his family. Just like in Farewell<\/em>, the creators of 2202<\/em> managed to create a scenario where we didn\u2019t necessarily expect Kato to die. He has a family, he\u2019s had his character growth; his journey. Surely he can\u2019t die this time, can he\u2026? But he does, juxtaposed by the BGM\u2019s previous connotations. Hijikata and Kato may have both found the courage to live on three episodes ago, but there’s never a guarantee that one does.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[KC]: This one is a serious gut-punch.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: And I can\u2019t believe you had the guts to say that. Kato certainly didn\u2019t. Or doesn\u2019t, anymore.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: Hah! I didn\u2019t even realize I was making a callous pun. Sorry, Kato.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow…pathetic,\u201d Kato says with tearful eyes. \u201cBut still! Daddy\u2019s not giving up until the very end!\u201d Blasting away at Razera\u2019s swordship, he obliterates it and flies through the debris, his ship climbing and disappearing from sight in the growing light from the Eater-I\u2019s destruction. Razera dies in a flurry of agony.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

In an evacuation ship on its way back to Earth from the Moon, Makoto sits with her son resting in her lap. \u201cDid you know, Tsubasa? Your dad\u2019s cool.\u201d The boy smiles in his sleep as she strokes his cheek. And then, the pioneering Yamato<\/em> theme kicks in.<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Makoto in Episode 5: \u201cGo be a cool dad.\u201d Makoto in Episode 24: \u201cYour dad is cool.\u201d Out there right now, he\u2019s fighting desperately to save mankind, to protect his family. She also knows that he\u2019s promised to return, so that\u2019s what he\u2019ll do. Thanks to the sacrifices he\u2019s made, Tsubasa is able to live as a normal boy, free from disease. Kato didn\u2019t have to die in the line of duty, he\u2019d already proven what a cool dad he was. Yet here we are…<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: And then as you\u2019re doubling over you get punched in the face.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Ouch, two in a row? Anyhow, Makoto\u2019s expression here reminds me of a moment in First Gundam<\/em>, when Dozle Zabi dies at Solomon. There, we shortly afterward cut to a scene of his wife and daughter crying, both knowing that Solomon\u2019s fall would surely mean that Dozle has fallen as well. A prideful man who would never abandon his fellow soldiers, he\u2019s sure to have died rather than choosing to retreat or surrender. A cool dad who also committed to morally objectionable tasks in order to protect his family. Any thoughts on how Makoto will deal with her husband\u2019s death in 2205<\/em>? Will she and Tsubasa return to the ship?<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: Hard to say; Yamato<\/em> is a family, but having a six year-old running around? Tsubasa\u2019s not going to magically become a teenager overnight like a certain someone we may be seeing again soon.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Maybe he can be baby pals with Sasha and Irii? They could become the next generation of the Akira\/Yurisha\/Melda pals! Preferably in peacetime\u2026 <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[KC]: Maybe it is just the outpouring of fan art; I\u2019ll admit I have not been keeping up on news of the new series since learning it was delayed by the pandemic. But I have concerns that Sasha will not stay a baby in this iteration any more than she did the first time around. After thinking about it, though, this is a space opera. Perfectly within the genre to have children on board. Especially in peacetime.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB] Perhaps 2205<\/em>‘s second part – or whatever comes after it – will be a longer time skip?<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Yamato<\/em> climbs toward the open gate as all remaining Calaklum escorts either fail to ascend or are left to fall by Toko. Struggling to keep her focus, she fulfills her duty. \u201cI\u2019m closing the gate.\u201d And it closes, enveloping Yamato<\/em>\u2019s exit like wings. Shima orders the engine output to maximum and Yamato<\/em> surges forward with their fighters. Ahead, Gatlantean Needle Slaves lie in wait.<\/p>\n

\u201cKodai, leave this to me,\u201d Keyman yells with fervor as his fighter pulls ahead to the front. Several drones are ejected from his craft and take off toward the enemy, engaging with them as Kodai and the others slip past.<\/p>\n

\u201cKeyman\u2026\u201d Kodai turns in his cockpit to watch his friend stay behind. But Kodai must continue on. <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Recognize those small fighters deployed by Keyman? Back in Episode 2, Kodai partook in a secret operation to infiltrate the Garmillas embassy on the Moon. While there, these small, pesky autonomous Garmillan drones tried to take him down. Seeing as Klaus is dispatched from the embassy on the Moon, it\u2019s not surprising to see him carrying these. They\u2019re hardly the most effective weapon in the universe, but against Needle Slaves they\u2019ll act as splendid bait. Maybe they\u2019ll even put a dent in some of them.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: Dammit, There Can Be Only One™ Dessler and he\u2019s already sailed off triumphantly with his loyal fleet. Ranhart, we hardly knew ye.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: It\u2019s a slaughterfest of beautiful ideals and bleeding hearts. <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Toko calls out for the \u201cGates of Lehrte\u201d to open, and they do so just as Kodai and the others sail through.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll lead you to Golem,\u201d she tells them.<\/p>\n

In the throne room, Zordar stands with his eyes closed as Gairen addresses him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t believe they\u2019ve come this far.\u201d<\/p>\n

[AMB]: What does Lehrte mean, you ask? It\u2019s a German word, meaning \u201ctaught.” It\u2019s the Gates of those who\u2019ve been taught, those who\u2019ve been enlightened enough to be granted passage. Mankind\u2019s finest. Why German? This might be another carryover idea from Ark<\/em>, where Lerelai (Lorelei) Leur\u2019s (Loer) name is German through and through. Why are Zordar\u2019s eyes closed? He\u2019s focusing on Sabera\u2019s words. If you\u2019ve noticed, she\u2019s telling herself what she\u2019s doing. \u201cOpening the gate.\u201d \u201cOpening the Gates of Lehrte.\u201d It\u2019s her attempt to force Zordar to re-establish their Cosmowave connection, knowing he hears her. She wants to stop him, peacefully if possible. <\/span><\/p>\n

Zordar lifts his head and opens his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cSabera,” he whispers tenderly.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

On Yamato<\/em>, Toko reacts, her eyes going wide. Zordar continues.<\/p>\n

\u201cI assume you can hear me.\u201d A few moments pass, her eyes glimmering with joy. But she shuts them. \u201cDon\u2019t shut me out!\u201d responds Zordar. \u201cWhy do you deny me?\u201d Toko, eyes and mouth open, listens intently. \u201cYou, who know better than anyone how vain people are. You, who awakened the Ark of Destruction.\u201d She hangs her head in shame, then prepares to face him. \u201cWhy?!\u201d He asks her. <\/p>\n

\u201cI shouldn\u2019t have awakened it!\u201d Toko responds to him aloud. <\/p>\n

[AMB]: Fittingly enough, the Ark of Destruction\u2019s theme looms in the air. She wants to embrace his advances, but she knows his heart has blackened to the point where it may be as pointless to talk to him. But that\u2019s when she recalls why she rebelled, why she rejects Zordar as he is now. Because she wants to prove to him that people can change; evolve, that their feelings can, too. <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

She suddenly finds herself standing in a foggy, empty place, still wearing her white Yamato<\/em> uniform. Beyond the fog is a dark-green backdrop.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d Zordar asks again. Toko turns to her right and he is there with her. \u201cMiru, our child, was killed! Twice!\u201d <\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Toko reaffirms, undaunted. \u201cYou have a heart that is saddened, and despairs because of that.\u201d<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Ah, these complicated creatures and their heart-wrenching developments. This \u201cspace\u201d is a mental landscape, foggy like the White Comet itself. Whatever kind of beautiful green exists beyond the fog remains unknown, to these two and to us. In spite of being a mental landscape, like the one Toko dreamt of back in Episode 12, she still imagines herself wearing the Yamato<\/em> uniform. Because her heart aligns with their ideals.<\/span><\/p>\n

Then there\u2019s the scene itself. It gives off the false impression that two former lovers are reuniting to mend broken hearts, but it\u2019s not that simple with Zordar. Still testing her, he tells a half-truth. He says \u201cour child was killed twice!\u201d It\u2019s true in the sense that he is the current Zordar, so by that logic their child was killed twice. However, this man wasn\u2019t always Zordar, he once was a Miru under Gairen (who was the original Zordar). Enjoying the recap? Good. <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Zordar\u2019s taken aback. His pupils tremble. Then he bows his head and closes his eyes, smiling fondly. \u201cA heart.\u201d<\/p>\n

Toko runs to him, her hair glinting. \u201cYou are human… You were more human than anyone.\u201d <\/p>\n

His eyes remain closed and she reaches up to touch his cheeks. Then his eyes fly open, and so do hers, back on Yamato<\/em>. His lack humanity. Hers are filled with panic.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo that\u2019s where you are,\u201d he says triumphantly. <\/p>\n

[KC]: Oh, shit.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: When the first Miru died with the first Sabera, the traumatic experience of dying in his mother\u2019s arms was genetically recorded and later transferred to the next Miru (current Zordar). As the first Zordar grew to become current Gairen, a replacement clone of Miru (who inherited the memories of the first Miru), grew up to become current Zordar. This Zordar remembers Sabera as both his mother and his lover. However, each Sabera that stands before him only recognises his physical self as \u201cZordar,” rather than the Miru he was.<\/span><\/p>\n

He\u2019s haunted by his predecessor’s and successor\u2019s memories, unable to affirm his own identity. Unable to go beyond the incestuous nature of the Type Zordar, unable to become human. Unable to love and be loved like a normal person. There\u2019s only pain and misunderstandings. Every time he feels his heartstrings getting pulled, he braces for the inevitable disappointment to follow. And it always has, without fail. Current Miru\u2019s death was the last straw. Being held by Sabera was a step too far. He has a heart, but no one understands it. A lonesome existence.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

A seemingly unending swarm of Needle Slaves comes pouring out at Yamato<\/em>. Waves upon waves of them get gunned down, but not all. They head for a specific point and break through the hull. The automatic navigation room.<\/p>\n

Toko sheds a single tear in her chamber as the Needle Slaves reach her and continue down, then out again, nearly severing Yamato<\/em>\u2019s fore from their aft. The ship grinds to a halt, the Gates of Lehrte closing.<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Repeating the same cycle as her previous incarnations, Toko\u2019s reawakening leads her to die at Zordar\u2019s hand. In spite of Gatlantis’ current material deficit, Zordar sends thousands of his Needle Slaves to purge her. Because of spite? Because he\u2019s evil? No, because he doesn\u2019t want her to suffer. As much as it aches him, his unflinching mercy-kills of the Sabera clones are some of his most humane actions. There\u2019s also the practical reason; to close the Gates of Lehrte and stop Yamato<\/em>\u2019s advance.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Kodai, Akira Yamamoto and the Space Cavalry appear to have reached the entrance to the palace, but the doors start closing. Saito urges them to hurry, but only Kodai and Yamamoto get through before they shut, separating the two from the rest of the advance team. As they leave, Saito and Nagakura witness what sounds like Kurata\u2019s mobile armor being crushed by a closing gate.<\/p>\n

Kodai and Yamamoto continue down the corridor until it terminates at a doorway. They rush inside and are confronted by bright lights that stop them in their tracks as they are addressed by Zordar himself.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Only two of them made it in, with two more arriving shortly. Kodai\u2019s dangerous gambit paid off, considerable consequences notwithstanding. As discussed in previous commentary, the architecture here is strictly Akerian, both the gates and the corridor\u2019s majestic walls. And for those who remember him, Kurata does go on to survive. That said, we can’t be absolutely sure he’s the voice we heard due to a lack of visual confirmation.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cImpressive. Let me say, you\u2019ve done well to come this far. But now what?\u201d<\/p>\n

They are in the throne room. Zordar and Gairen stand high above on the floating throne, guarded by eight Needle Slaves. The machines cross their arms like knights in repose, visors aimed at Kodai and Akira. On the crescent walkway stands Goenitz with a mysterious figure by his side.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: And that mysterious figure is an incredibly unfortunate animation mistake. Standing next to Goenitz is Razera, who just died. Or maybe he\u2019s a completely new Gatlantean big shot who\u2019ll never again be seen. Yes, I\u2019m being facetious. Amusing as it is for such a minor character to temporarily rise from the dead, it’s almost certainly a continuity error. Or the Razera cloning vat works very, very quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat woman isn\u2019t protecting you anymore,\u201d Zordar smirks down at them, his arms crossed.<\/p>\n

\u201cToko,\u201d Kodai starts in surprise. Then he gets angry. \u201cWhy? She is your-\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cYou ask me why?\u201d Zordar cuts him off, getting increasingly angry, his fists clenched. \u201cYou, who used that woman as you piled up sacrifices to come here? You, who said you wouldn\u2019t pull the trigger?\u201d His fury envelops him, pouring through the maniacal look in his eyes. \u201cThis is as far as you go, humans.\u201d<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Zordar, seeing the tragedies brought forth at Kodai\u2019s hand, admonishes the boy. Tokugawa. Analyzer. Hijikata. Kato. Toko. Countless others like Tsurumi and Miru. They all died as a direct result of Kodai\u2019s intervention. His quest of love, while valiant and respectable, has brought on the same kind of harm Zordar warned him of all the way back in Episode 9. Before Kodai can even finish telling Zordar what Toko was to him, Zordar shouts him down. Because what “that woman”<\/em> is to him isn’t as simple as Kodai imagines. Had Kodai not decided to meet him, his son (Miru) and his black Sabera (Toko) could very well have lived on in blissful ignorance as trailblazers for \u201cnew humanity.\u201d Kodai robbed them of this opportunity, staining them with the white color of death. When Zordar says, \u201cThis is as far as you go, humans,” he doesn\u2019t just mean physically. He intends to stop Kodai from bringing on any more unwanted death and misery. Because it breaks his heart to see it.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

A single Needle Slave fires a number of red metal spikes into the ground around Kodai and Yamamoto, effectively cutting off their advancement or retreat. Yamamoto gives Kodai an affirmative look, stating his name. They exchange nods of approval, then he rushes forward as she takes cover behind the red spears, firing on an aggressive Needle Slave. It goes down, causing three more to focus their attention on her. With her magazine emptied, she braces for the enemy\u2019s counterattack. The three alerted machines are gunned down; Saito and the rest of the Cavalry have broken in and entered the fray.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry I\u2019m late!\u201d Saito quips. <\/p>\n

\u201cTake control of the Golem immediately,\u201d Nagakura cries. <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Some things are said here without words. When the first Needle Slave is shot down, Kodai turns to Akira. She knows the mission is to activate Golem, but she also wants to give Kodai his chance to subdue Zordar with words rather than the butt end of a gun. So she acknowledges his wish, conveying her intent to cover his advance, even if it costs her life. And all they needed was a quick nod. They may not be related by blood, but to me they\u2019ll always be the siblings they see in each other. Thankfully, her dedication to her sibling-like bond is rewarded, her ass saved by Saito and Nagakura. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour Imperial Majesty, we must leave,\u201d Gairen urges, his voice soft.<\/p>\n

Lost in thought, Zordar gazes upon the struggle of Akira and the Cosmo Marines, paying little heed to his father\u2019s words. Failing to see Kodai among the group of Earthlings below, he turns to the walkway behind him to see the boy aiming down the barrel of his pistol. His target: Zordar. The Emperor smirks.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cThe battle is decided? Is that what you mean to say?\u201d<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Zordar\u2019s expression here is a mixture of cocky and weary. Disappointed in what appears to be the end result of Kodai\u2019s journey, but simultaneously amused at the accuracy of his own inductive reasoning. No matter how far mankind advances, it will always find ways to force change with weapons in hand. Even if it\u2019s only to force a conversation. A conversation Zordar would rather do without. Meanwhile, his father\u2019s trying to ensure his last son and heir survives this ordeal. If only Zordar had listened…<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf you people are human, too, there should be room for dialogue,\u201d Kodai answers, his voice cold, his mannerisms stoic.<\/p>\n

\u201cHuman, you say?\u201d Zordar squints with one eye, his doubt made apparent.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour future self taught me,\u201d Kodai responds, recalling Miru. He lets his arm drop, no longer aiming the gun at Zordar. <\/p>\n

\u201cThat future\u2026\u201d Zordar closes his eyes, unable to finish his sentence in one go. “… died.\u201d <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Kodai professes the Gatlanteans to be just as human as him, something Miru\u2019s actions made apparent. However, all Zordar sees is the end result: Miru\u2019s death as a consequence of his attempt to subscribe to typically human ideals, accepting his humanity. He was always intended to be Zordar\u2019s – and Gatlantis’ – future. <\/span><\/p>\n

The boy who would remake the world in whatever image he felt was best, in both the universe and humanity\u2019s best interest. But as Zordar laments, he died. For all intents and purposes, his own future is now dead. There is no longer anyone but him to carry the burden of creating the new breed of humanity. No way forward other than the complete annihilation of one side or the other, just like Hijikata proclaimed. If he chooses the path of not pulling the trigger like Miru, then what awaits Kodai will be the same dead-certain end; or so Zordar surmises.<\/span><\/p>\n

Will you wait for humanity to learn and grow, like Kodai? Or will you wipe the slate clean to usher in a better humanity, like Zordar? These opposing ideals are mirrored by Amuro Ray and Char Aznable in the movie Mobile Suit Gundam, Char\u2019s Counterattack.<\/em> There, Amuro does his best to stop his rival and frenemy for life from putting Earth in a deep freeze by dropping an asteroid. But Char sees no other way for humanity to learn from its mistakes. They both see the merit of believing in the human heart, but ultimately it comes down to a cold and broken realist fighting a pure-bread idealist. This conflict was expanded upon in Fukui\u2019s sequel Gundam Unicorn<\/em> and further explored through a different lens in 2202<\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Below the throne, Needle Slaves continue their relentless attack on the Space Cavalry and Yamamoto. \u201cThere\u2019s no end, as always,” she remarks. Suddenly a Needle Slave drops down behind Nagakura. Saito quickly shoots it down. Its headpiece shredded, the Gatlantean machine malfunctions, releasing its full stock of red spears haphazardly around the room. One of them reaches all the way up to the throne, heading straight for Zordar\u2019s back! But Gairen, observing the state of the battle, rushes forward in a panic, using himself as a shield.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: This is a terrific demonstration of the depressing cycle Zordar is trying to terminate. Saito – protecting the love of his life by firing at the enemy – causes a chain reaction. The machine, now spiraling out of control, accidentally fires at its own ruler, Zordar. To protect the son he loves, Gairen jumps in the way to act as a shield, as Yuki did in Episode 23. Saito\u2019s love for Nagakura and Gairen\u2019s love for his son are both valid. They\u2019re completely self-contained, yet they bring about anguish for both parties in ways one could never have expected. Unless you\u2019re Zordar. <\/span><\/p>\n

Hearing the commotion, the Emperor turns in horror to find Gairen is impaled. Zordar falls to his knees to catch him, Gairen\u2019s visor clattering to the floor. Kodai looks on in shock as the Emperor gathers the old man into his arms, blood dripping from the elder\u2019s mouth.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re…all right?\u201d Gairen asks as he expires, a weak smile forming. Images of past events flash before Zordar\u2019s eyes: Admiral Mazer\u2019s rage. Nol\u2019s quest for validation from Goland. And Miru choosing to not pull the trigger. The Emperor is very distraught. He lays Gairen down.<\/p>\n

[AMB]: I have no doubt in my heart that Yuki\u2019s previous self-sacrifices in 2202<\/em> set fire to Gairen\u2019s heart, infecting him with the same love Zordar\u2019s seen through the eyes of Nol, Mazer and Miru. This is all Yamato<\/em>\u2019s fault. Or blessing, if you will. They brought on the rage, the fear, the hope. But all these have likewise been extinguished as a result of Yamato<\/em>\u2019s interference.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Now, even the original Zordar has perished as a result of the disease called love. Voice actor Hidekatsu Shibata goes from cold and machine-like to a proud father in the span of seconds. His mask – the emblematic false pretense borrowed from Shibata’s Evangelion<\/em> character Keel Lorentz – falls to the ground, revealing Gairen\u2019s true colors. He was always human underneath that mask. And this all happens as Sabera\u2019s leitmotif plays, solidifying how painful this cycle has been for Zordar. Bravo.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI admit\u2026\u201d Zordar\u2019s eyes are filled with sadness. \u201c… We too, are human.”<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

He reluctantly affirms Kodai\u2019s claim, rising from the ground. He\u2019s no longer holding back his sorrow. The music has faded. Giving his father one last look before shutting his eyes again, Zordar draws the large sword from his hip, holding it high. He drives it into the ground at his feet even as Kodai cries out for him to wait. The blade slices through Gairen\u2019s visor and into a groove in the floor, a red ray of light piercing out. Crude sounds emanate from the throne, signaling the Ark of Destruction\u2019s true awakening.<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Wondering why Zordar suddenly decided to slice his throne? Why did the visor have to be torn in half? The throne IS Golem, as confirmed by Toko. The visor didn\u2019t have to be destroyed, but cleaving it in half is the same as breaking the false supposition Zordar constructed about Gatlanteans lacking humanity. They are human, the mask is OFF! And pretending that they\u2019ll be unbiased arbiters of judgement after current humanity is wiped out would go against EVERYTHING Zordar stands for.<\/span><\/p>\n

So, no longer wishing to live, no longer believing in the false pretense of his true nature, he submits to death, genociding his own race. Whatever comes next will be mankind\u2019s problem, they who so defiantly rejected Zordar\u2019s dream. Unfortunately for him, things won\u2019t quite work out the way he hopes here.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

On the ground beneath the dais, Sabera awakens to the sound of the red activation beam chasing through the device and lancing out, reaching all the way down to her. Sabera\u2019s mouth and eyes open wide. She seems to be silently mouthing words, or the same word over and over as she is bathed in Golem\u2019s light. Finally a scream issues from her throat as the entire structure glows with energy that begins to drown out everything as the episode comes to a close. <\/p>\n

[AMB]: As some of you may have deduced earlier, Sabera seems to have gotten knocked out by the Ark\u2019s control panel, the pipe organ. Seeing as she was made to be nothing more but a functional doll, she can\u2019t speak or feel. But this bright, blinding light of doom shakes her to the core. A heart-rending screech escapes her lungs. It’s uncannily reminiscent of the planetary death rattles from the Dezarium<\/em> in Be Forever Yamato<\/em>, as well as the original Sabera’s agonised scream that came as a result of the Ark of Destruction’s<\/em> first awakening; depicted in episode 20 via a flashback! Scenes like this – with their impressive display of expressive facial animations – really brings character designer Nobuteru Yuuki to mind. He’s one of two Chief Animation Directors for this episode, accompanied by the previously mentioend powerhouse Akihisa Maeda! At the very end, all we see are the dark outlines of the Needle Slaves’ red spears, crucifying the ground. <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[KC]: A pretty horrific and emotional chapter as we prepare for the last two episodes.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: It was the most difficult episode to write about for me so far. The amount of thoughts per minute to jot down in Episodes 15 and 16 were significantly higher, making those our most laborious commentaries. But for this episode, my heart revolted to a degree that it became a mentally arduous task. But a welcome one. This series has given me so much, from heartache to joy. It feels odd to say that this journey is soon coming to a close. Any thoughts on how the events of this episode measured up against the original?<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: I have touched on this a little bit already as we made our way here, and rewatching with fresh emotions, my thoughts are basically the same. The original Episode 24 is not only iconic in general, it is pretty much the reason I am a fan of this show. \u201cDesslok\u2019s\u201d choice to hand \u201cNova\u201d that weapon and walk away blew my mind in a way that Luke Skywalker redeeming Darth Vader never managed. That moment and what came out of it have made Dessler one of my favorite characters of all time.<\/span><\/p>\n

And yes, I felt that this new version of the character was grossly substandard in comparison. I suspect that Abelt will never measure up to Dessler of Gamilas in my heart. But the choices they have made for him here and the decision to give Zordar himself that epiphany of peace through Miru…Sabera having a clone on Yamato<\/em> that helps the Earthlings…Kato\u2019s sacrifice…all of it comes together so well. Very emotionally taxing and satisfying. We should consider that anime storytelling has evolved considerably since the 1980s, but my mind says that this is the better of the two.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Coda<\/h3>\n

Theatrical release: Space Battleship Yamato 2202, Soldiers of Love<\/em> Chapter 7: New Star Chapter<\/em> contained episodes 23-26. It premiered in Japanese theaters March 1, 2019.<\/p>\n

Japanese video: Theater-exclusive Blu-ray March 1, 2019. Standard Blu-ray & DVD April 26, 2019<\/p>\n

First Japanese TV broadcast: March 15, 2019<\/p>\n

American debut: April 13, 2019 (streaming) November 26, 2019 (home video)<\/p>\n

Click here<\/a> for a complete BGM collection for Episode 24.<\/p>\n

Episode credits<\/em>
\nEpisode Director: Rei Nakahara
\nStoryboard: Tomoko Iwasaki
\nChief Animation Director: Akihisa Maeda, Nobuteru Yuuki
\nAnimation Director: Takumo Norita, Mitsuru Chiba<\/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 25<\/a><\/p>\n

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