{"id":33581,"date":"2023-01-10T19:10:13","date_gmt":"2023-01-11T03:10:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/?p=33581"},"modified":"2026-03-13T12:42:50","modified_gmt":"2026-03-13T19:42:50","slug":"717a","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/717a\/","title":{"rendered":"Yamato 2205<\/em> Episode 1 Commentary"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"2301icon\"<\/p>\n

In the year 2205, Dessler searches for a planet for the Garmillas people to emigrate to, and finds Galman. On Earth, the 65th escort squadron is born with Yamato<\/em> as its flagship. Among the young crew members training before launch is Ryusuke Domon, a young man with his sharp glare trained on Yamato<\/em>.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

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

Before we get started: with our past commentaries, we intentionally waited until there was an official English-language release. I made the editorial decision to wait until the end of 2022 for some news of 2205<\/em> getting an import, and to proceed if we didn’t hear anything. And we didn’t hear anything, so we’re proceeding. That means, of course, that reading this commentary will spoil the entire story for you. On the other hand, if you’ve already secured and watched your own copy, this can stand in as a translation until something official eventually turns up.<\/span><\/p>\n

Episode 1: A galactic war is about to break out! Gather the Yamato<\/em> fleet!<\/em><\/h2>\n

<\/p>\n

We open on a colorful panorama of galactic space. Abelt Dessler is speaking.<\/p>\n

[KC]: I\u2019m going to jump right in here because it amuses me to disrespect His Majesty and say that I am thrilled to be back doing commentary for this series! It\u2019s been quite a while since we wrapped up 2202<\/em> and I hope all is well. Also really looking forward to getting into what is arguably to date the most pro-Garmillas of the stories in this entire franchise.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Likewise! We wrapped up the series commentary for 2202<\/em> almost two years ago as of this writing. Feels like it was yesterday. And yes, as you say, this will be a very Garmillas-centric story; much to your own delight I presume! <\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: It\u2019s no secret that I wanted this after all the Dessler family background I got from 2202<\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: This should be a given at this point, but while we will do our best to catch any viewer up on the minutiae of 2202<\/em>\u2019s story, we will refrain from writing extensively about it. If there are any questions about these elements, please post them here or take a trip back to the 2202<\/em> commentaries<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: Yes, there are definitely some references to 2202<\/em> plot elements in 2205<\/em>, so while we will be touching on a few things here and there, I am going to presume that those reading along are familiar with the story so far.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe infinite universe. Within the twinkling lights of these countless stars, there are many forms of life.\u201d<\/p>\n

[AMB]: The proceeding narration by Dessler is taken word for word from the opener of the original New Voyage<\/em>. This trend of parsing out the narrator\u2019s role in the original series to in-universe characters began in 2199<\/em>, when Yuki recited the original Series 1 narration. In 2202<\/em>, Zordar altered the original narration at the start, then returned to its roots at the end. As a narrative trick, it not only serves as a quirky callback to past titles, but also works in reassuring older audiences that the core of the original work won\u2019t be neglected.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: I know folks that would disagree, but for the most part I have been enjoying familiar plots being reimagined. Of course I am basing this off of the fan reaction to 2202<\/em> and thinking of those who did not appreciate the liberties taken with Zordar\u2019s backstory. You and I are in agreement that the adaptations and expansions are welcome enhancements, but not everyone is. And not to play our cards too soon, but we also both already know that 2205<\/em> is going to take some sharp left turns.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: All this said, we don\u2019t discourage anyone who happens to disagree with what we’ll say here. Quite the opposite, in fact! Sometimes we\u2019ve been wrong on technical details, and other times our theories and conclusions haven\u2019t sat well with fellow fans. This is natural, and we invite anyone to engage who wishes to enrich this experience! These commentaries are conversations, after all.<\/span> <\/p>\n

[KC]: Agreed. I’m very comfortable with my bias, but I don\u2019t expect everyone to share it.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Armored tanks rumble down a snowy, icy path where ruined structures line the road. Figures in tattered cloaks and garments carry small children and possessions under the observation of armed men in uniform. The uniforms are unfamiliar, but we get a close shot of one of the cloaked figures and see that they are blue-skinned. Dessler’s voice continues.<\/p>\n

\u201cLove…Hope…Ambition…War…\u201d<\/p>\n

[AMB]: First impressions are key. At this point, no music is used to inform us of where we are, or how this location is connected to any previous story in the reboot, nor the original saga. We\u2019ve seen the icy moon of Enceladus in 2199<\/em> before… but a snowy planet? Intrigue builds for a grand reveal. Fans of Yamato III<\/em> should already be aware of a singular possibility: a Bolar Federation planet.<\/span><\/p>\n

In the original saga\u2019s third series, the Bolar Federation was a large conglomeration of green-blue Slavic-esque races united under the tyranny of forced unity. It was led by President Bemuraze [Bemlarze in Star Blazers<\/em>], who had a penchant for severe and cruel punishments to stomp out counter-revolutionary thoughts. Their union, a not-so-subtle allegory to the Soviet Union before its downfall, served as the primary antagonist in Yamato III<\/em>\u2019s second half. What role could they play this time around?<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: Hopefully a more coherent one. Like many American fans, I was disappointed with the story we got originally. Fair warning that this will probably come up A LOT.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

[AMB]: Is this concern related to Yamato III<\/em>\u2019s messy production issues, or the change in dub direction? Or perhaps something else entirely? As a Scandinavian Matsumoto fan who only ever had the opportunity to watch Starzinger<\/em> and Galaxy Express 999<\/em> in Swedish, my experience with the Star Blazers<\/em> dub from across the pond is limited. Though I am tangentially aware of the initial backlash to Yamato III<\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: Initially for me, it was the voices. The O.G. voice actors brought such iconic charm to the characters that they proved irreplaceable. Series 3’s cast just didn\u2019t measure up. You can read interviews with the original game changers here<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

As a Gamilon fangirl in general and a General Talan fan in particular, having his character demoted in the Star Blazers<\/em> dub to \u201cSergeant Masterson\u201d was a real bummer. Yeah, we can see that he has Victorian facial hair, but the man already has an established name and reputation, you monsters.<\/span><\/p>\n

A bit later on I talk about Dessler\u2019s character arc being rather anticlimactic and disappointing in Series 3, but one other thing I will mention here is the plot feeling very disjointed in general. It was not until many years later that I learned of the original plan for the series to be twice as long as the previous two, only to be cut in half while in progress. Reminds me of some of the problems faced by Blake\u2019s 7<\/em> (a BBC space opera), but I don\u2019t want to digress.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: The reboot saga has done its best to spread out the kernels of Yamato III<\/em> throughout, so whatever\u2019s done with the original source material will likely be both fresh and new.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

One of the blue-skinned figures dashes from the line and makes a run for it. An armed guard, eyes glowing red in their helmet, raises a weapon of some sort. There is a piercing sound and the figure drops to the snow, the bundle they were clutching falling open to reveal a number of small, identical clay idols.<\/p>\n

\u201cDespite housing all of them, the universe continues to exist endlessly in silence.\u201d<\/p>\n

[AMB]: As if vetting the audience for their previous knowledge, the tantalizing image of a familiar stolen goddess is revealed. Slaves, executions, deadly slave collars, blue folk secretly praying to religious idols… this has to be Planet Galman.<\/span><\/p>\n

Yamato III<\/em> originally took place after the first two series and films. In Yamato 2<\/em>, Dessler\u2019s journey ends with him vowing to rekindle his capacity for love. New Voyage<\/em> ends with his homeworld\u2019s destruction, and loss of the woman he loved, Starsha. Only then, after having lost everything, does he properly set out on his promised journey to find his race a new planet to call home. This planet would end up being the Gamilas\u2019 ancestral homeworld of Galman, located somewhere within the Milky Way Galaxy.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Upon its rediscovery, Dessler finds it is occupied by the Bolar Federation, which had taken upon itself the task of enslaving Galman\u2019s aboriginal population. For salvation and deliverance, they pray to the Goddess of peace and pacifism, Mother Shalbart. In her stead, Dessler makes an entrance, violently overthrowing the Bolar regime and instigating a large-scale galactic war. Not only does this scene borrow from Yamato III<\/em> in themes and story, it directly references the Yamato III<\/em> narrator\u2019s swift and efficient introduction of the Bolar Federation administrators.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: Yamato III<\/em> provided a great solution to Dessler\u2019s search for a new home, but it never sat very well with me that the man who spoke so nobly of love and making a change is as fascist as ever when we get a glimpse of his new empire. That parade? Yikes. Look, I love the cape, too. That doesn\u2019t mean he gets to learn nothing but be the victim this time around because we (not so) secretly dig authoritarianism. I can\u2019t wait to see what 2205<\/em> does with this, since 2199<\/em> went Full Adolf and 2202<\/em> did all kinds of mental and plot gymnastics to bring us an Abelt that seems to genuinely not want to do this anymore.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: To bring viewers up to speed: 2199<\/em> took many cues from Yamato III<\/em> in its depiction of Garmillas and its social structure, stirring these into the reboot. Dessler was depicted both as his young, brash and mentally unstable self from the first series, but also as the idealistic Roman-esque dictator who believed autocracy and imperialism to be necessary for galactic stability.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: Abelt and I are good. I will always be partial to the original character, but 2202<\/em> really goes out of its way to give us a sympathetic and somewhat younger version of our favorite totalitarian. Plus, to be honest, Abelt may be on a road to succeeding where his predecessor failed.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: I concur with your assessment that Abelt would rather not fill the shoes of the iron-fisted dictator anymore. Back in 2202<\/em>, he did tell his nephew Ranhart that if the people wanted another Dessler to lead them, it should be him. But for reasons related to Ranhart\u2019s exit from the story, it soon won\u2019t matter what Abelt wants for himself. Duty binds him.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

We move inside what looks like a cathedral, most of which is empty and in shadow. Bathed in light at the far end of the hall is an extremely tall version of the same statue. The eyes have crumbled or been blasted away. <\/p>\n

\u201cBecause it is so vast, the universe sometimes leads us to coincidences that can only be called miracles.\u201d<\/p>\n

[AMB]: At the end of 2202<\/em>, Dessler sets out on a journey to find a new home for his people. In the original saga, this journey was necessitated by the complete destruction of Garmillas. But that story element is no more. Sure, the planet is on the verge of dying, but last we heard it has at least 50 years left! As a consequence, 2205<\/em>\u2019s writing team – once again spearheaded by Harutoshi Fukui and Hideki Oka – sped up the introduction of Galman to coincide with the forthcoming story beats from the original New Voyage<\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: Yes, these are the guys I want filling in these blanks for me. One part nostalgia, two parts fresh new take.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Agreed! This time, they\u2019re also joined by Yuka Minagawa, who wrote the 2202<\/em> novelizations, as well as the entire script of Age of Yamato<\/em>. They\u2019re all fans of the original work, just like us.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Due to 2202<\/em>\u2019s impeccable finesse at sowing seeds for future storylines from the original saga, the early accommodations for both the New Voyage<\/em> journey of discovery, and the quest for a new homeworld gave rise to a melding of stories for 2205<\/em>. This early introduction to (what we can only presume to be) Mother Shalbart\u2019s statue is by no means a simple reference, and is likely meant to sow seeds for future stories to be told in the next series, Rebel 3199<\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: How this Dessler handles worship of this figure by his military officers will be telling.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: He originally had quite the temper when it came to religious worship, didn\u2019t he? This time around, he\u2019s shown incredible reverence and love for the Iscandarians. Though perhaps seeing another tribe of Garmillans worshiping another idol just might be what tips him over the edge in the future. On that note, any idea why the statue\u2019s eyes are gouged out? Was it done out of irreverence by the Bolar occupiers, or is it a conscious design choice to show that her justice is blind?<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: I don’t believe that the smaller statues dropped by the Galman who makes a break for it and gets his collar activated had their faces disfigured. It could be artistic coincidence, but I doubt it.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

[AMB]: Then let\u2019s settle for the slashed eyes being part and parcel of the Bolar menace. That said, some upcoming 2205<\/em> plot developments will lend credence to the idea that this Galman idol might originally have been an Iscandarian herself.<\/span><\/p>\n

A line of uniformed people sits at the base of the statue with armed guards standing along the sides. Kneeling before the statue is a large gathering of individuals in ornate robes.<\/p>\n

[KC]: Based on the design of the costumes, the statue business and the original Series 3, I’m going to say that these guys are likely priests, but officially we don\u2019t know who they are yet.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Priests, clergymen, or radical fundamentalists… one thing\u2019s for sure: they pray to someone, or something akin to Mother Shalbart.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Between these two groups stands Dessler of Garmillas.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you think so, ladies and gentlemen of the Bolar Federation?\u201d Dessler asks with the smallest hint of a smile. The familiar twang of a cimbalom fills the scene with music. \u201cAs I\u2019ve explained repeatedly, Planet Galman has an ideal environment for the survival of the people of Garmillas. It\u2019s a miraculous match.\u201d<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Before more pertinent music is played in this new interpretation of The New Voyage<\/em>, we receive the Bolar Federation theme. Arguably one of the most memorable pieces by Hiroshi Miyagawa, its presence is signified by a traditional Belarusian folk instrument called a cimbalom. Hiroshi\u2019s son Akira is once more in charge of both conducting and composing the reboot\u2019s score in 2205<\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: I think it\u2019s an incredibly well done piece of music, reminiscent of genuine Slavic compositions, and it makes me feel sad because of the haunting melody of the cimbalom and because I know what\u2019s coming. But there’s another theme coming up shortly that I’m far more attached to.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Involuntary humming, commence! The Bolar Federation theme does carry a heavy sense of melancholy, doesn\u2019t it? Hopefully, with as much promise and mystique as this leitmotif carries, the reboot will fully explore the rise of the Bolar Federation in greater detail than the original works did. <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The members of the Bolar Federation that Dessler is addressing do not seem impressed. Or happy. We see the outside of the building they’re standing in, and the architecture is indeed reminiscent of Garmillas. Above the building floats a Bolar ship. <\/p>\n

[AMB]: Eagle-eyed mecha fanatics will easily recognize the ship as a Bolar Heavy Spacecraft Carrier, this time illustrated by the legendary mecha designer Miki Akitaka, who for whatever reason took a special fancy to this particular design. But this ship design isn\u2019t his first rodeo in the reboot: he was sneakily tasked with designing the \u201cmysterious alien ship\u201d (in reality, a Bolar Battleship Type B) salvaged on Mars in the prequel portion of Age of Yamato<\/em>, a technological leap that led to the two interplanetary wars of the pre-Garmillan war era of Earth\u2019s spacefaring history. <\/span><\/p>\n

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

Famous for his work on Gundam ZZ<\/em> (alongside 2199<\/em> director Yutaka Izubuchi, and 2202<\/em> Mecha Designer Makoto Kobayashi), Akitaka was thrilled to be offered the part of designing the mecha for both the Bolar Federation and the incoming Dark Nebula Empire faction. As a fan of the original New Voyage<\/em> and Be Forever<\/em>, this job was a dream come true for Akitaka. <\/span><\/p>\n

The Bolar ships are noted in the 2205<\/em> mecha guide<\/a> as constructed with concealment technology, meant to aid in consistent traversal through \u201cdense interstellar matter.\u201d What this hints at is yet unknown.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo matter how vast the universe is, there\u2019s sure to be no other planet that will fit the criteria so well.\u201d<\/p>\n

[AMB]: In an odd return to the old, the Yamato<\/em> reboot surprisingly chooses to take real world cues in its depiction of a new antagonistic force. The church that serves as the Bolar Federation\u2019s impromptu meeting hall is, at least to me, clearly inspired not only by Garmillas, but of Moscow\u2019s famous castles and churches. So too are the Bolar garments, hats and tanks (likely inspired by the Russian army). Though less so the tanks; they\u2019re still mainly inspired by Yamato III<\/em>. Aside from the main tanks, you can see a couple Bolar missile battle tanks parked outside the church.<\/span> <\/p>\n

[KC]: It\u2019s interesting because while a number of similarities exist between the Garmillas military and Germany between World Wars I and II, their ship design, architecture and civilian clothing is pretty Alien Space Opera.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Exactly. The reboot\u2019s staff have made it expressly clear in the past that tenuous connections to the real world\u2019s wars and conflicts should be avoided, if possible. It\u2019s for this reason that we never got to see the sinking of the original Yamato<\/em> in WW2 for 2199<\/em>, nor the Musashi<\/em> on-screen in 2202<\/em>. We did get to see a bittersweet commemorative re-sinking of the reconstructed original Yamato<\/em> in Age of Yamato<\/em>, however. Neat callback.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: It makes sense, but you’re right that they’re drawing inspiration from Russian design.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Back inside, we now see those kneeling from the front. Their expressions are grim and they wear jeweled collars.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s because the people of Galman and Garmillas are siblings that share common roots. There\u2019s a theory that this planet could be the origin of the Garmillan people. But let\u2019s leave the past out of this for now. For Bolar, this place is one of many resource planets located in the middle of nowhere. I believe your loss will be minimal. In exchange, Garmillas will forge an alliance with Bolar, and we\u2019ll do our best to help you expand.\u201d<\/p>\n

[AMB]: In Yamato III<\/em>, planet Galman\u2019s citizens were said to be the Gamilas’ ancestral people. By mere fluke, Dessler rediscovers this ancestral homeworld, somewhere in the Milky Way, during his search for a new home in the wake of the original New Voyage<\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n

On the topic of where Planet Galman is in 2205, Yamato<\/em>\u2019s esteemed SF researcher and concept writer Shinya Ogura gave us the scientific answer in the 13th volume of the Japanese Star Blazers<\/em> fan club magazine: <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs mentioned in the program book for Chapter 1, Galman is located in the Sagittarius dwarf galaxy. There is a good reason for this. Recent studies have shown that the components of the Large Magellanic Galaxy and the Sagittarius Dwarf Galaxy are identical. In addition, there is a theory that the two galaxies were once a single companion galaxy that broke up long ago. In Chapter 1, Dessler said there is a theory that the Garmillas and Galman people have a single ancestor. By linking the causality with the actual formation of the universe, I think this statement becomes more realistic.\u201d (Read the article here<\/a>.)<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

To the shock of one of the robed figures, Dessler takes a knee before the Bolar leaders, who look down at him with a mixture of contempt and boredom.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m left begging for your help,\u201d Dessler finishes. \u201cIn order to save the people of Garmillas, who are on the brink of extinction. Please.\u201d<\/p>\n

There is a flash of Mattheus Dessler as Abelt remembers his older brother and the oath he swore as a boy. Then the sharp sound of metal hitting stone as the Bolar Governor tosses a collar to the ground before him.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Background note: 38 years ago, when Dessler was an 8-year old boy, his curiosity doomed him to make a fateful promise with his older brother Mattheus, and to commit to a blood oath. He\u2019d unwittingly overheard his uncle – and unifier of Garmillas, Erich – speak the truth about Garmillas\u2019 fate as a dying planet, and how it had about a century left in its lifespan. Abelt’s choice at that point was either to die, or live the rest of his life carrying the burden of this secret; to seek a new home for Garmillas.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

[KC]: Clearly, this is a Dessler who has learned a lesson or two in humility. I really like the movement effect they use as he provides this show of deference. And the way his cape is perfectly laid out on the ground like he\u2019s in a wedding photo? Doctor Strange\u2019s Cloak of Levitation wishes it was Dessler\u2019s cape. On a less frivolous note, Dessler has always been a pretty intuitive character, but I don\u2019t think we ever learn whether he hoped the Bolar would accept his offer or not.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Though I\u2019m sure he secretly hoped they would be stupid enough to reject his deal, he likely saw a peaceful alternative as preferable in the post-Gatlantis war era. Both the EDF and Garmillan navies are likely still severely crippled, so nobody stands to benefit from another such conflict. But let\u2019s say they did agree to his terms. What are the odds he was planning to betray them later down the line?<\/span><\/p>\n

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

[KC]: I’d like to think that a Dessler who has learned his lesson wouldn\u2019t be planning a double-cross. That being said, I’m sure Abelt still considers Garmillas citizens (and himself in particular) to be generally superior. It\u2019s not betrayal if they ultimately recognize his greatness and put him in charge. Actually, that\u2019s more the mindset of the original character. So long as his people are taken care of, and his promise to his brother is fulfilled, I don\u2019t know how important it is to Abelt that he remains in charge. He has said more than once that he doesn\u2019t really want the job. <\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: He expressed such feelings in his heart-to-heart with Ranhart in Teresa\u2019s chamber, after all. He wants to be done, but he can\u2019t quit until he\u2019s redeemed himself and saved his race. Which is why I\u2019m partially inclined to believe he\u2019d rather not see the people of Galman remain slaves any longer than necessary. <\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: Oh, he is almost certainly about to make the Bolar very, very unhappy.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Bolar Federation\u2019s Permanent Administration is indeed generous. We\u2019ll have mercy on Garmillas. Dessler, pick up the choker.\u201d<\/p>\n

The robed figure who had been shocked earlier looks on with resentment. The Bolar governor continues.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlliance? How preposterous. You\u2019ll work as Bolar\u2019s hands and feet until-\u201d<\/p>\n

Dessler abruptly stands. So does one of the Bolar. <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019d better not be thinking of anything foolish! Your ship is surrounded by our fleet!\u201d<\/p>\n

Dessler remains there, eyes closed and serene, as the Bolar continue to point and shout at him.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: The first man (middle chair) speaking down to Dessler is named Vilke Boroze (or Birki Burroughs, if you wish to romanize it). The man to Vilke\u2019s right is his snarky secretary Cheff Rebarus (Or \u010cech Levals). <\/span><\/p>\n

In Yamato III<\/em>, these men were in charge of Planet Berth, another slave and resource colony under the Bolar Federation\u2019s iron grip. Boroze issued orders and Rebarus carried them out, most often in the form of executions. Boroze\u2019s failure to quell a prisoner uprising would later end with President Bemuraze completely annihilating Planet Berth – with Boroze and Revals still on it – as punishment. <\/span><\/p>\n

This retributive justice was a common trend in the Bolar Federation, often used to demoralize citizens\/prisoners from committing future uprisings. Sound familiar? This story element has been borrowed by 2199<\/em>, both for its prison planet episode, as well as for Gimleh\u2019s destruction of Altera in Episode 15. <\/span><\/p>\n

Read more about how the reboot saga has found unique ways to resurrect the past here<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: He\u2019s so chill and they\u2019re so indignant. This is going to be spectacular.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Poor odds, outmatched, outnumbered, surrounded on all sides… if Dessler makes it out of this unscathed, such an act would be spectacular indeed.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou might be thinking of a surprise attack with your famed Dessler Cannon, in case this negotiation breaks down.\u201d<\/p>\n

We see a fleet of Bolar ships in orbit surrounding Dessler\u2019s newest flagship.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut we\u2019ll sink your ship the moment you start charging energy! Now, King of Garmillas, it\u2019s your move.\u201d<\/p>\n

[KC]: Don\u2019t give him a move, you fool. This is his show right now!<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Hearing Dessler referred to as \u201cKing of Garmillas\u201d might have purposefully revealed the Bolar Federation\u2019s lack of distinction between classes of authoritarianism, imperialism and monarchy. To them, as a galactic federation, autocracy as a whole might simply just be defined as one element. Or perhaps their own leader – undoubtedly still Bemuraze from Yamato III<\/em> – is their King? So many questions! <\/span><\/p>\n

But an even better one remains: since the Bolar Federation is unpleasantly aware of the destructive capabilities of Dessler\u2019s \u201cfamed Dessler cannon,\u201d does this mean that the Bolars and Garmillans have encountered each other before? Or perhaps that the Bolars have extensive knowledge of the Garmillans? Maybe Dessler\u2019s first contact with the Bolars was a brutal skirmish, taking place between series?<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: Spoiler Alert! Well, not exactly, but just a few moments from now, this episode will reveal that the Garmillas and the Bolar have certainly heard of one another, whether by direct conflict or reputation. <\/span><\/p>\n

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

[AMB]: Mecha note: Dessler\u2019s new flagship (the \u201cSuper Gelvadez-class space transport\u201d) was first seen at the very end of 2203AD, in 2202<\/em>\u2019s final episode, cruising towards what can now be presumed to be the Sagittarius Dwarf Galaxy. According to 2205<\/em>\u2019s mecha notes, sometime after the war with Gatlantis – likely within the half-year time gap between Episodes 25 and 26 of 2202<\/em> – Dessler reached a diplomatic settlement with Garmillas\u2019 democratic government. In exchange for pursuing his quest to find a new homeworld, this new ship class (based on the famous Gelvadez-class) was commissioned on behalf of Admiral Gul Dietz to serve as Dessler\u2019s new flagship. <\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s described as a very large ship, planned and built independently on the 23rd Arsenal colony planet. It was designed to transport supplies and personnel over long distances, built with the intention to explore exoplanets. It\u2019s exactly the kind of ship Dessler would need to aid his search.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thanks to this curious tidbit of information, we can now decipher Dessler and the democratic faction on Garmillas\u2019 last, wordless scene in 2202<\/em>: Dessler was inaugurating his new flagship.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mecha notes for 2205<\/em> can be found here<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: Something I’ve been speculating on as to how they were going to handle since Admiral Dietz remained with President Hyss while General Talan took off to search for Abelt.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Eagle-eyed viewers should also be able to spot Dessler\u2019s even more famous core-ship from 2199<\/em> (rebuilt by Gatlantis in 2202<\/em>), resting comfortably on the Super Gelvadez\u2019 hull. In the original saga, Dessler\u2019s blue flagship disappeared between Yamato 2<\/em> and New Voyage<\/em>, inexplicably replaced by a red Gelvadez-class ship. <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s forget about your rude display,\u201d Boroze pipes up. \u201cThe choker…pick it up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Among the robed men, the one we have seen reacting begins to draw an ornate dagger from his side, and is stopped by the significantly older Galman next to him, who addresses him as K\u00edl.<\/p>\n

K\u00edl starts to protest, but both men turn in surprise as Dessler begins counting down from five (in Garmillan).<\/p>\n

When he reaches zero, the flagship he has left in orbit explodes.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[KC]: KA-BOOM!!! This time, Dessler is not the antagonist of the story. Things can finally go his way. You love to see it.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: I sure do! Now tell me Kathy: how does it feel to hear your supreme leader counting down in Garmillan, something we haven\u2019t heard since 2199<\/em>? And what would you say if I were to tell you that K\u00edl\u2019s full name is… K\u00edl Keeling? Surely the name rings some bells? <\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: Always with the drama, that one. That is interesting since there was a Keeling in the background of 2199<\/em>. I guess his family goes way back. I will talk about him at length a bit later.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The energy wave blows away the Bolar ships, literally. The atmosphere in the building is charged. Robed Galmans begin looking around in surprise while their Bolar slavers start to panic. The Bolar leaders are informed that communications have gone down. Furious, Boroze rises from his seat, demanding that Dessler tell them what he did.<\/p>\n

Dessler smiles and shrugs dismissively, saying nothing. The familiar opening strains of Dessler Attacks<\/em> kick in as Dessler\u2019s *brand new* flagship – the Deusula III<\/em> – activates its SMITE system, warping in dozens of Dolcia torpedo bombers for a sneak attack. They make quick work of the stunned Bolar vanguard, then quickly turn back. Dessler\u2019s main forces follow suit, all appearing in Bolar space to do battle.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: In a surprise turn of events, Dessler scuttles his own flagship, downing the iconic core ship from the original saga! The hostage becomes the hostage taker, as an EMP knocks out the Bolar Administration\u2019s ability to communicate with their fleets, and by extension their far-off superiors. <\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: Remember earlier when you were asking me about music I’m attached to? This<\/a> is the expression on my face right now.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: The original bad boy enters the stage with his most famous theme. Not only that, we get some iconic real-world inspired dive bomber sound effects in connection with the Snukas; a reference to Dessler\u2019s original dive bombing operation against Yamato<\/em> near the end of Yamato 2<\/em>! Back then, he also used his iconic SMITE warp system to blindside our hero ship. Because 2202<\/em> chose to adapt Abelt\u2019s final charge against Yamato<\/em> closer to Farewell<\/em>\u2019s depiction, we never got this moment from Yamato 2<\/em>. Until now. <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Fomto Berger, commanding his beloved Gaipellon-class Lambea<\/em>, leads a frontal assault with multiple Kripitera-class destroyers. From aboard Dessler\u2019s new flagship, General Talan launches squadrons of Snuka dive bombers. The resulting battle is terrible for the Bolar and wonderful to behold. <\/p>\n

On Galman\u2019s surface, the Bolar garrison of spaceships and ground forces musters in response, delayed by the ensuing chaos. Before they can depart, however, Garmillan torpedoes destroy the Bolar airstrip. A familiar periscope peeks out from under an icy lake, from which Lieutenant Commander Frakken observes the chaos. He announces that their job is done and they can enjoy the fireworks. Beside him, his ever-present right arm Gol Hainy chuckles gleefully.<\/p>\n

\u201cPoor Bolar,\u201d he says. \u201cTimes have changed.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[KC]: Back to your hypothetical about these two having clashed prior to this, I\u2019d still say this could be interpreted either way. Perhaps more clues will follow.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Either way, Frakken\u2019s definitely staked out this place beforehand. This operation was airtight – pun intended!<\/span><\/p>\n

Berger originally never had the chance to fight side-by-side with Dessler, instead perishing at the Rainbow Star Cluster in the original saga. A dream scenario come true! His Lambea<\/em> was last seen in Ark of the Stars<\/em>, where it suffered catastrophic damage at the hand of the Gatlantean mercenary ship Megaluda<\/em>. It\u2019s been undergoing extensive repairs ever since, which is why Berger had to settle for a leased Garmillan-esque Andromeda<\/em> off-shoot back in 2203\u2019s war with Gatlantis. Lambea<\/em>\u2019s been upgraded with tons of heavy weaponry, making it a strong supporting unit for the Deusula III<\/em>. It is now formally designated as an experimental \u201cHeavy Arms Unit\u201d. It\u2019s currently supported by half a dozen blue imperial Kripitera-class destroyers, formerly part of Gimleh\u2019s Imperial guard. This helps to visually reiterate Berger’s 2202<\/em> appeal to politics, solidifying him as a die-hard conservative.<\/span><\/p>\n

Frakken\u2019s wipeout of his Bolar opposition, on the other hand, is another dream scenario that never quite made it into the original Yamato III<\/em>. Canonically speaking, Frakken\u2019s the only commander in the original saga to have ever bested Yamato<\/em>, lived to tell the tale, and never since been beaten. Sadly for him, once his job was done in Yamato III<\/em>, he never made another appearance, not even to fight the Bolars on Dessler\u2019s side.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: Another spinoff idea wasted.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Above the cathedral on Galman, Dessler\u2019s new flagship has arrived with a couple escort ships, each aiming their spotlights on the Bolar HQ. Inside, the Bolar are furious with Dessler. Weapons are drawn and aimed in his direction when laser fire suddenly cuts through the Bolar from the crowd of kneeling Galmans. Three Garmillas soldiers hidden within the group reveal themselves.<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Keep these spotlights in mind for later…<\/span><\/p>\n

Declaring them animals, the Bolar who will shortly be identified as Governor Boroze lifts a device (like the one the soldier outside used earlier), but it is shot out of his hand by Dessler himself. The Galman slaves look on in amazement as the scene unfolds.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: This scene brings to mind two disparate elements, first and foremost being the original promotional poster released for 2205<\/em> Chapter 1. In it, Dessler\u2019s depicted with his golden gun, in a pose reminiscent of the one he made in 2199<\/em> Ep 25, where he explains to Yuki the necessity for war and utilitarian sacrifices as a means to save his people.<\/span><\/p>\n

In the 2205<\/em> poster, he says this: \u201cEven so… to ‘live’…\u201d, the meaning is left ambiguous, but the connection to 2199<\/em> is stark and apparent. Factoring in his promise to Ranhart in 2202<\/em>, of how he will seek a new home that knows the value of love and peace, it becomes grimly clear that he’s willing to cross some moral boundaries to attain said home. Bolars be damned.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: He’s always been about making the necessary sacrifice. <\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: The second disparate element I was about to mention is Dessler shooting Boroze in the shoulder. In Yamato III<\/em>, it\u2019s Rebarus who gets shot in the shoulder by a Yamato<\/em> crew member, preventing him from issuing the order to execute prisoners. 2205<\/em>\u2019s Boroze however, lives to tell the tale. <\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: I think the fact that Abelt shoots to wound is significant. <\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Hey… that\u2019s right!<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, this controller activates the poison injection of the chokers,\u201d Dessler muses, the device now in his hand. \u201cHow ridiculous.\u201d <\/p>\n

He turns to the Galmans, lifting the device high. \u201cBrothers, the time of endurance and obedience is over.\u201d Dessler presses a button on the device and all of the chokers simultaneously open. The Galmans tear them off and throw them to the ground. Dessler continues: \u201cThe history that lies ahead will be made by people with blue blood and blue skin, working hand in hand.\u201d Then he turns to look over his shoulder at the Bolars. \u201cYou lot deserve nothing but fear.\u201d <\/p>\n

[AMB]: These chokers are a new element introduced to the story, and an effective one at that. Hard sci-fi at its harshest, but perhaps uncannily realistic. To force obedience on a planet-wide scale, it\u2019s no surprise that a tool such as this would be implemented. <\/span><\/p>\n

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

[KC]: Very much a part of the genre.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Would anyone be surprised to learn that Dessler\u2019s freedom declaration was lifted from the original Yamato III<\/em> liberation of planet Galman? No? Then let\u2019s move on.<\/span><\/p>\n

In this moment, Dessler\u2019s essentially declared war on the Bolar Federation by forcibly seizing one of their outermost colonies and sending their pitiable governor home in a sorry state. Seeing Rebarus genuinely care about the man must mean he has some redeeming features, albeit not favorable ones to the Bolars. While this scene will be the last we see of him in 2205<\/em>, don\u2019t expect him to vanish come 3199<\/em> (which begins in the year 2207).<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s interesting to note that Dessler distinguishes between the Galman people\u2019s blue skin, and the Garmillan people\u2019s noble blue blood. This is likely because, whereas the Galmans have been persecuted for the color of their skin, the Garmillans have been genetically disenfranchised by their unique blood. Come the end of 2205<\/em>, however, Dessler will see that his kind\u2019s likeness to the Galmans runs more than just skin-deep.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: Did you think there was something more to that? I figured it was just his eloquent way of tying Garmillas and Galman together in his speech.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Perhaps a bit of both. Maybe he just sees a chance at establishing himself at a new home, one not connected to all the trauma he\u2019s faced in the past. Is Dessler going to build his own Thanos farm in the future?<\/span><\/p>\n

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

K\u00edl looks down at the purple blood on his hand and makes a resolute fist. \u201cThis is the first step to nation-wide liberation,\u201d says the older man next to him. \u201cLet\u2019s go, K\u00edl.” He heads off while K\u00edl stares at Dessler and the rest of the Galmans talk animatedly around them.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe deserves to be the king,\u201d K\u00edl says passionately. \u201cA true king who unites the people of Galman and Garmillas.”<\/p>\n

Dessler stands before them, brilliant light from the battle outside streaming down around him as his iconic cape flares out dramatically. He addresses his fleet in orbit as the Bolar governor is let go, free to leave in his ship.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt all starts now. Planet Galman was liberated through your hard work. Leaving our dying planet Garmillas behind will mark the start for our grand plan of migrating our entire population to Planet Galman. Our fleet will temporarily leave this place in order to assist the emigration.\u201d<\/p>\n

[KC]: Wow, laying it on a bit thick aren\u2019t we, Your Majesty? It\u2019s okay; you\u2019ve earned it.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

[AMB]: Told you the spotlights would come in handy. The man was preparing for a flashy show before his speech had even started! The SFX for scenes with intense lighting will from here on out look strangely real, and that\u2019s because Director Kenji Yasuda chose to implement real-world lighting in some scenes. This calls back to the original New Voyage<\/em>\u2019s implementation of the very same animation techniques.<\/span><\/p>\n

Before moving on from this portion of 2205<\/em>\u2019s story, K\u00edl Keeling and the Elder are worth some attention. The old man, simply referred to as \u201cElder\u201d in the character guide, is leader of Planet Galman\u2019s Priest Clan. They ruled Galman for thousands of years before the Bolar showed up, a long-running tradition that sets them up to perhaps be an echo of Yamato III<\/em>\u2019s planet Shalbart, which we know has already lent many of its unique concepts to the current portrayal of Iscandar and its people. The character guide even goes so far as to claim that the Elder would gladly use the Garmillan people as shields, were the Bolar negotiations to break down. And Keeling? Believe it or not, he was created to serve as our direct counterpart to Yamato III<\/em>\u2019s Keeling. Even though… you know…<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: Uhm…Abelt\u2019s blood is purple. We’ve seen it a few times, now. This Keeling thing seems bizarre until I remember that the writers of 2199<\/em> are not the same as 2202<\/em> and 2205<\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: It\u2019s only bizarre until you realize that those very same writers included 2199<\/em>\u2019s Keeling in 2202<\/em>. Even gave him a brief speaking role. Perhaps they realized that the most obscure of background characters might fail to have the same impact in 3199<\/em>, unless he\u2019s reinvented from the ground up? Or, perhaps they will play on the pair sharing surnames in the future, to make a point about how one\u2019s pious worship of Dessler, and another\u2019s religious worship of Mother Shalbart is not dissimilar?<\/span><\/p>\n

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

[KC]: Could be. Still strange for there to be two Keelings and not have Gaidel, the original Dessler\u2019s number one fan, represented by name at all when characters like Frakken and Keeling have been included from the start of the reboot.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Strange indeed. That said, Gaidel\u2019s DNA was clearly combined with that of G\u00f6er and Gimleh for 2199<\/em> and 2202<\/em>, so in a way most of his core value has already been adapted. Even the idea that he has a personal connection to Frakken was just handed over to the new character Dietz. That said, characters like Gaidel (but not Dagon) were actually on the drawing board for 2205<\/em>, as were Ageha and Shiro Kato. Because of the script getting denser, they were cut to make room for other players in this story. <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Dessler is now seen back on his flagship, General Talan at his side and imperial guard clones manning the consoles.<\/p>\n

[AMB]: There\u2019s a nice bit of consistency here, seeing the imperial guard clones still serving Dessler after saving his life at the end of 2202<\/em>. <\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: You mean those soldiers Talan sent in that killed Miru, when Dessler was no longer in danger, and compelled Zordar to hit the self destruct button?<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: They did their best out of loyalty and love. What more can I say?<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: No judgment. I’m just still amused that Talan is indirectly to blame for the final showdown with Gatlantis. <\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: They probably deserve to be judged a teeeeny tiny bit…<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll leave the Dietz Fleet, dispatched from the home planet, to guard Planet Galman.\u201d<\/p>\n

On his own flagship, a golden Zoelguut, Admiral Dietz salutes.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[KC]: I brought this up earlier. Dietz wasn\u2019t in 2202<\/em> much, and in 2199<\/em> it was never quite clear to me whether his loyalty was to Dessler or Garmillas. He clearly stayed with Hyss, and as you explained, Dessler and Hyss came to an agreement, so I guess Talan isn\u2019t going to get in trouble for going AWOL to search for Dessler back in 2200.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: 2202<\/em> had a lot of story threads and new characters to juggle, so many 2199<\/em> characters were left as benchwarmers for 2205<\/em>. Dietz was a close ally to the Dessler regime, with a friendly bond to Wolf Frakken, but was sadly cast away as yet another scapegoat in connection to Domel\u2019s phony trial by Gimleh\u2019s imperial guard. Of course, it was never intended for Dietz and Domel to serve any extended sentences. They were sent to prison on a temporary basis to embolden the blue blood military faction led by Zoellick to enact their failed coup attempt. <\/span><\/p>\n

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

Sadly, while Domel\u2019s sentence could be dealt with in a timely manner, the release order for Dietz (if it was ever sent) never reached his prison planet before Yamato<\/em> arrived. For all we know, Dietz and Dessler have never had the opportunity to hash things out, as becomes apparent in Dessler’s brief but dismissive comment about Dietz to Talan.<\/span><\/p>\n

At the end of 2199<\/em>, Dietz was served by two colorful men named Lance Larkin and Orto Dolmen; the pair that protected Melda as Dietz\u2019 friend Helder was being interned on a flimsy basis. We haven\u2019t seen them since Dietz ordered Talan to scour the galaxy for Dessler remnants, and they don\u2019t show up in 2205<\/em> even though their designs clearly originate from the original New Voyage<\/em>. <\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: Is that how it happened? Dietz sent Talan out, they just didn’t expect him to find Dessler himself? In any event, it’s nice to see these 2199<\/em> characters being tied back into the story. And yeah, he may have sounded dismissive, but I think Dessler may simply be genuinely confident that Dietz can handle whatever the Bolar choose to throw at him.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

[AMB]: On that, we\u2019re in full agreement.<\/span><\/p>\n

On the mecha: another piece of internal consistency is faithfully maintained! Back in 2199<\/em>, it was established early on that the highest ranking military officers – like Domel and Zoellick – each had their own brand of Zoelguut, in a different color scheme. Domel\u2019s was pure white, Zoellick\u2019s was pure pink, and Ambassador Burrel\u2019s in 2202<\/em> was white with purple Akerian patterns. Now we finally see Dietz\u2019 golden-hued variant.<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s also in this scene that we see the final piece of Dessler\u2019s new fleet: the Gaiperon-class Balmes<\/em>, a sister ship to the Schderg<\/em> from 2199<\/em> that\u2019s been in Dietz\u2019 custody until now. Since the original New Voyage<\/em> established that Dessler needs a green carrier deck by his side, we received it once more.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDessler Fleet, set course for Planet Garmillas.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dessler\u2019s flagship heads off with its contingent of ships. On the bridge, Dessler is having a drink while Talan speculates that the Bolar will likely return for Planet Galman. Dessler is confident that Dietz will hold out and Talan shifts focus.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s strange…finding a planet like this after only two years of wandering. That moon looks almost like…\u201d<\/p>\n

Talan does not finish his sentence, but from the music and our own eyes we can see the resemblance to Iscandar.<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Keep this observation in mind as the story moves forward. It\u2019s more than just a coincidence that this planet\u2019s moon is so similar to Iscandar.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

[KC]: If only the Yamato<\/em> franchise were like the Star Wars<\/em> franchise. We would get a television series of what happened during those two years.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: We sure would! But were we to get something akin to a Star Wars<\/em>-esque spinoff, I\u2019d rather have an Andor<\/em> over a Book of Boba Fett<\/em>, or a Rogue One<\/em> over a Last Jedi<\/em>, if you catch my drift. And on another note, how do you feel about Talan becoming Dessler\u2019s full-time second-in-command in the reboot?<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: Andor<\/em> was amazing and I definitely prefer “Rebellion Era” stories, but I don\u2019t want to fall down that discussion hole. As for Talan, it’s nice to see him getting recognized as a command-level officer since they chose to cut his cool original Comet Empire series escape scene from 2202<\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Duly noted. Though that prison break scene was swiped by Keyman in 2202<\/em>. So… Talan: A Brother Story<\/em> when?<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: Another one for the spinoff list.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cI forgot to tell you,\u201d Dessler is solemnly watching a hologram of his nephew, Ranhart Dessler (AKA Klaus Keyman), as the moon of Galman looms in the background. \u201cWhen you find a new planet, please plant some maleidel flowers. Mother loved them. I\u2019ll look for a planet with it. That way, I\u2019ll know which. I hope to see you on our new home planet someday.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRanhart,\u201d Dessler says softly as the hologram ends. \u201cI can finally fulfill my promise.\u201d<\/p>\n

[KC]: Who\u2019s chopping onions in here?<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Unfortunately for Abelt, he made some hefty promises to many an estranged family member over the years, and now has to carry that weight regardless of what he thinks.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: The cape has reinforced shoulders.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Haha, touch\u00e9. Now, this message from Ranhart isn\u2019t the first one in the reboot. Age of Yamato<\/em> revealed that he left quite a few entries behind for various crew members. Some were included in the movie, and some we have to presume will never see the light of day. Here\u2019s hoping Akira received one. On the topic of those flowers, don\u2019t forget to look out for Garmillan flowers going forward. They might just play a role.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

A different but familiar holographic face appears: Susumu Kodai.<\/p>\n

\u201cThose were his last words to you, which were discovered in Yamato<\/em>\u2019s data bank after it had made it home. Earth still glows blue because he protected it. Leader Dessler, where are you right now? I hope this message reaches you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Then the transmission ends. Dessler smiles fondly. \u201cThat boy from Yamato<\/em>…\u201d<\/p>\n

[KC]: Ah, I see what you did there, sir.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: This scene shares a connection to Hideaki Yamamoto\u2019s first script draft<\/a> for the original New Voyage<\/em>. Yuki and Kodai were to get married on Hero\u2019s Hill, way before the planned ceremony we see in Final Yamato<\/em>. But Kodai feels as if the sacrifice of Kato and other compatriots in the war with Gatlantis, invalidates their right to marry into happiness. Ringing any bells? In 2199<\/em>, this concept became Kato and Makoto\u2019s marriage on Yamato<\/em>, exchanging roles with Kodai and his then presumed-deceased partner, Yuki.<\/span><\/p>\n

Among the heroes Kodai thinks of is Dessler. His visage flares in his eyes, as he asks himself: \u201cWhere did Dessler go…?\u201d With that, we cut to the suave space dictator, a complete reversal of what we see here in 2205<\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

We transition to December 31st, 2203. Yamato<\/em> returns from Teresa’s dimension to Earth, carrying Kodai and Yuki. An unseen crowd of supporters chants the ship’s name. On a highway, far removed from the audible fanfare, a young boy cradles a dying man. “Yamato<\/em>,” he scowls. The on-screen text transitions from 2203, to 2204, and finally back to the present: 2205.<\/p>\n

[AMB]: And the full title fills the screen at last! Space Battleship Yamato 2205 [Star Blazers], A New Voyage<\/em>. Many of you might already be aware that the reboot\u2019s timeline hasn\u2019t always presented itself in a clear fashion. This changed with the release of the Age of Yamato<\/em> movie, which clearly set Yamato<\/em>\u2019s return in the last episode of 2202<\/em> to be on December 31st, 2203. Since that episode took place 6 months after the main conflict, it\u2019s reasonable to presume that most of 2202<\/em> happened in that year. At least 2202<\/em> began in the winter of 2202<\/em>. <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[KC]: That first image of Yamato<\/em> coming through the curtain of light with the music and the starburst is highly reminiscent of the Star Blazers<\/em> logo and I am certain it\u2019s not by accident.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Neither am I. In fact, this whole \u201creturn to chanting support\u201d element is likely inspired by two things: (1) The series 1, Episode 3 scene, where hundreds of people chant and cheer as they witness Yamato<\/em>\u2019s crew parading to take the helm of the ship. (2) The planned scene where parades and chants in Yamato<\/em>\u2019s honor were to be held at the start of the original New Voyage<\/em>, celebrating the ship\u2019s victory against the White Comet Empire. This scene, originating from one of Hideaki Yamamoto\u2019s draft scripts, was sadly scrapped.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

As Yamato<\/em>\u2019s own Tetsuya Kitano surveys a batch of fresh recruits engaged in rowing exercises before Earth\u2019s media, we\u2019re treated to a view inspired by the real-life Kure harbor. There are three docked ships, two of which are new to us: Asuka<\/em> and Hyuga<\/em>. The son of former Yamato<\/em> engine chief Tokugawa bickers with his friend Bando, as the boy we saw from the freeway silently paddles along. <\/p>\n

[AMB]: Originally a fellow newbie himself, Kitano\u2019s already an established character in the reboot. Though his screen time has been sparse, he\u2019s risen to become Yamato<\/em>\u2019s new Chief Tactical Officer in place of Nanbu, who will now serve aboard another ship. This leaves the spot of gunner open for a new candidate.<\/span><\/p>\n

Among the actual new recruits we meet here are Heiji Bando and Tasuke Tokugawa. They will be properly introduced soon enough, so other than to quickly point out that Tasuke was sneakily introduced with his kid sister Aiko in 2199<\/em>, let\u2019s focus on the beautiful landscapes depicted, and how the peaceful, serene color palette harkens back to the original New Voyage<\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n

[TE]: In the theatrical program book for Chapter 1, writer Hideki Oka said the following: “This time, Yamato is woven into an ‘urgent yet refreshing ensemble drama’ with the largest number of characters in the series. There aren\u2019t many Yamato<\/em> stories that look good under a blue sky. The New Voyage<\/em> was the only one. I wanted to make sure we didn\u2019t lose sight of that.” (Read the full interview here<\/a>.)<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Another unique aspect of this sequence was that it was actually inspired by art drawn by a fan named “Admiral Kinoshita.” (It’s pictured above right.) In a Yamatalk for Chapter 1, Mr. Oka explained that he was deeply moved by it: \u201cThe scenery of Kure is depicted here, and the thoughts of the fan who drew it more than 15 years ago are reflected in 2205<\/em>.\u201d And in case the location doesn’t ring a bell, Kure is the port city where the original IJN Yamato<\/em> was built. Read more, and also find “Admiral Kinoshita’s” response here<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Aboard Hyuga<\/em>\u2019s bridge, Commander Todo receives a debriefing on the readiness status of the two new ships, delivered by newly-appointed Captains Shiro Sanada and Yuki Mori. They\u2019re to join up with Defense Fleet 65 early the next morning. When asked by Todo how comfortable she is in her new role and recent triple-promotion, Yuki confidently commends Asuka<\/em>‘s specs and the crew\u2019s skills. <\/p>\n

[AMB]: Captain Yuki is on the job, dressed in a combination of her Final Yamato<\/em> formal attire and her Yamato Resurrection<\/em> Captain\u2019s coat and cap. She\u2019s reasonably concerned about her triple-promotion, but as her character profile suggests, she tries not to let her environmental circumstances and past affect her capacity to fulfill her role as a supporting Captain for Yamato<\/em>, and Kodai. Writer Fukui argues that, because she\u2019s what could arguably be described as an emotionally mature woman, she\u2019s taking the post-Teresa\u2019s dimension trauma much better than Kodai is.<\/span><\/p>\n

On the mecha: Aside from the frigate-class patrol ship remnant from Serizawa\u2019s WMG fleet, which we last saw a few of cleaning out Earth’s oceans in 2202’s<\/em> last episode, we\u2019re properly introduced to two new EDF ships: the [DAOE-01] Supply Ship Asuka<\/em>, and [DCV-01] Battle Carrier Hyuga<\/em>. Hyuga<\/em>\u2019s forte is air power; Asuka<\/em>\u2019s is supply and defense.<\/span><\/p>\n

[TE]: It’s interesting (and gratifying) to note that the design for both of these ships is very closely based on a new vessel designed for the Yamato<\/em> Playstation games by Studio Nue veteran Kazutaka Miyatake. Over a decade before the reboots got started, he put a lot of thought and energy into what a reboot might look like and invented some very appealing designs. It’s good to see that they had a lasting impact.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Todo asks Yuki a personal question: \u201cHad a chance to see Yamato<\/em>\u2019s Captain recently?\u201d She answers with a sullen “no.”<\/p>\n

Purportedly, media vultures refuse to let up on Yuki and Kodai, ever since the historic choice made by Earth\u2019s people to forsake the Time Fault in exchange for a chance to save the heroic pair. Though optimism initially soared, the recent bout between the Dessler Fleet and the Bolar Federation on the newly discovered planet Galman has made the media rounds, and fear of war is growing. <\/p>\n

[KC]: So Earth doesn\u2019t want to fight alongside Garmillas any more than they wanted to fight against them in the first place. <\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Diplomacy for the sake of stability is rarely as easy as we\u2019d like. Any open support of Dessler\u2019s actions could make Earth a prime target, as our planet lies but 70,000 light years away from the Sagittarius Dwarf Galaxy. Meanwhile, Garmillas lies a whooping 168.000 light years away.<\/span> <\/p>\n

Given that Earth no longer has the Time Fault… as much as I\u2019m loath to praise mass-media opportunists, they\u2019re currently doing a decent job, I suppose. It\u2019s not dissimilar to the souring of public opinion in the face of the recent disaster in Afghanistan. Fukui pointed out that this event had uncanny similarities to how 2205<\/em>\u2019s storyline progressed (read that interview here<\/a>). That said…for God\u2019s sake, just let Kodai and Yuki lead a happy life!<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: I feel obligated to be overly critical of Earth, but you’re not wrong.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Defense Fleet 65, Todo explains, is a diplomatic peacetime delegation, set to revisit Earth\u2019s stout post-war allies: Garmillas and Iscandar. Though some may mock the fleet as a mere publicity stunt, Todo asks them to pay this no mind, seeing as the fleet and its fresh recruits are in Yuki and Sanada\u2019s capable hands. <\/p>\n

\u201cWe must avoid any situations where those kids have to be sent to the battlefield.\u201d<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Given that Todo almost lost his own daughter to the harrowing fate of being a guinea pig for the G-Plan in 2202<\/em>, I can\u2019t blame him for being cautious about putting Earth in the crosshairs once more. When he sees these fresh new recruits, he likely sees a young Saki, full of hope and optimism that isn\u2019t easily regained. Also, this thought comes to mind: how long has Earth been aware of the Bolar Federation? The mecha and character guides explain that they don\u2019t know much, but they are aware of the Bolar.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: I think EDF Intelligence has improved with the Garmillas alliance, but I doubt that Earth became aware of Bolar independently. <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

As the sun sets and the seagulls cry, Kitano – still surrounded by a media team – informs his cadets that their six-month training voyage begins early next morning, so they should take the rest of the day to enjoy themselves. <\/p>\n

The two paddle-buddies from earlier, Tasuke and Bando, excitedly chatter about their new assignment to board Yamato<\/em>. But their daydreaming is interrupted by two envious co-cadets, mockingly calling them representatives of the publicity fleet\u2019s splendid reputation. Rumor has it that Tasuke was picked because of his father, Yamato<\/em>\u2019s dearly-departed Chief Engineer Hikozaemon Tokugawa.<\/p>\n

[AMB]: For Tokugawa to succeed his father, it surely must be a dream come true. But will he be able to fill his father\u2019s shoes? In the original saga, he\u2019s the only original crew member (other than Kodai) to make it through to Resurrection<\/em>. Others have either passed on, changed assignments, or retired at that point. Now, these two brats are messing with our sweet boy. Are their concerns warranted? Can we infer a reasonable concern of nepotism in the EDF hierarchy? Or are they simply envious? Tokugawa does get assigned to Yamato<\/em>\u2019s engine room after all.<\/span><\/p>\n

A world building note: Based on Kitano’s “six month training voyage” statement, we can infer that modern EDF technology (as well as the existence of Balan’s Akerian warp gates) allows Yamato to make its way to Garmillas and Iscandar in only three short months. In 2199<\/em>, this journey took six months.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Bando defends his friend\u2019s honor, claiming Tasuke earned his assignment by merit. Their adversaries don\u2019t buy it. Since they too tried their best, why didn\u2019t they receive proportionate honors? \u201cIf your father was a Yamato<\/em> crewman,\u201d they tell Bando, \u201c… you could have been assigned to a position that would stand out more.\u201d Bando\u2019s fuse is lit, and the verbal sparring turns physical. Taking heed, both Tasuke and their mutual friend Miyako try to break up the fight, but to no avail. Domon, meanwhile, just lets the scuffle proceed.<\/p>\n

[AMB]: A bit informal, but this is our introduction to another Yamato III<\/em> alumni: Miyako Kyozuka. She was part of the wave of new recruits introduced in that series, though she hardly had an opportunity to speak or take part in it due to the aforementioned production issues. The only people who would remember such a short-lived character are diehard Yamato<\/em> fans, or those who noticed that someone had to take over Yuki\u2019s duties in the medbay. The ponytail girl next to her remains unnamed, but some fans in Japan pestered the anime staff for her name. Her popularity was even publicly noted in one of the two premium Amazon Q&A CD\u2019s released with the limited edition Blu-rays for 2205<\/em>. <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

After tumbling down the lower decks, Bando informs the man of his own father\u2019s demise aboard the Andromeda<\/em>-class ship Achilles<\/em>, which served in the war with Gatlantis. The two-way scuffle almost turns into a four-way brawl, but is stopped by Yamato<\/em>\u2019s newly appointed security chief Hoshina. He threatens to kick out any troublemakers, quickly diffusing the tension. <\/p>\n

Amused by this display, Yamato<\/em>\u2019s former bridge crew (Nanbu, Ota, Aihara and Shima) make their presence known, commending the new cadets\u2019 spirits. The two troublemakers quickly disperse out of respect for their commanding officers. Daisuke Shima, now newly appointed XO of Yamato<\/em>, gives Tokugawa\u2019s son some words of advice, then sends his group on their way.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Heiji Bando, another Yamato III<\/em> alumni, was originally part of the engineering division. He joined Yamato<\/em> alongside Miyako, Domon and others. His nerdy gait often betrayed his fearless competence, and that\u2019s on full display here. Achilles<\/em> was one of the first five Andromeda<\/em>-class ships manufactured by the Time Fault, and last we saw, it was being refitted above Mars in 2202<\/em> Ep 22. Based on Bando\u2019s anger, we can only presume the worst of fates awaited the ship as Earth took a last stand against Gatlantis. <\/span><\/p>\n

The fight here takes direct cues from another scene in Yamato III<\/em>: a bar fight! Some crew members are given shore leave on a frontier planet, and Shima decides to check up on them. Characters who will later make an appearance, such as Raiden, Sakamaki and Nishina partake in a brawl, ending with Shima and Kodai stopping it. At that point, Kodai realizes the human connection Shima has with his fellow crewmates, and rightly promotes him to XO of Yamato<\/em>. This is what solidifies this connection, seeing as Shima\u2019s now been promoted… to XO.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Miyako quietly admonishes her thick-headed buds. It\u2019s at this point that Hoshina takes note of the elephant in the room: the quiet, dispirited Domon, who quickly takes his leave. There’s been a definite tension in the air. Not just aboard the ship, but on Earth as a whole, ever since the war with Gatlantis concluded. Encouragingly, Shima posits that a quick warmup voyage should straighten out the new crew, but for this to happen they need their Captain. Hoshina rightly asks of his whereabouts, and Shima can only imagine one place… Hero\u2019s Hill.<\/p>\n

[AMB]: The war with Gatlantis has really left some deep scars, and it\u2019s rewarding to see this depicted. In the original New Voyage<\/em>, the rushed production schedule (this was a recurring issue) forced many accommodations to be made to the TV special, from scenes to entire story elements being omitted. In at least a few of the story drafts, we were supposed to see or hear more about the rate of reconstruction following the war with Gatlantis, but this only tacitly materialized in brief words from Sanada. Thankfully, this idea was given a full episode to cap off 2202<\/em>, crafted as a memorable climax to a modern classic.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Kodai drops off a bouquet of flowers at Okita\u2019s tombstone, announcing tomorrow\u2019s departure.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re heading for Garmillas and Iscandar. It\u2019s the route you and I took six years ago. But everything has changed. Including the Earth…and me as a person.\u201d<\/p>\n

Traumatic memories from the war with Gatlantis flash by, visibly shaking Kodai to his core. Impassioned, he raises his head to ask Okita a question about himself, but is interrupted by Yuki\u2019s arrival. She knew he\u2019d be here. Kodai lodges a half-hearted appeal to professionalism at Yuki, asking if she should be here. She tells him she\u2019s here to support him in his trying times, and the pair embrace.<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Here are the 2202<\/em> memories Kodai recalls: (1) his decision to save Yuki when faced with Zordar\u2019s devil\u2019s choice in Ep 9, (2) witnessing the death of Captain Hijikata in Ep 24, (3) realizing that Klaus Keyman had betrayed him in Ep 15, and (4) the moment when Kodai almost gave up on living, floating inside Teresa\u2019s dimension in Ep 26. Oh, and Kodai confronting a chiseled Okita, asking for guidance? That harkens back to the iconic Farewell Yamato<\/em> scene where Okita’s spirit tells Kodai to lay down his life for the sake of mankind’s survival, itself inspiring similar scenes for 2202<\/em> episodes 7 and 10.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[KC]: No disrespect, but Okita has nothing on Kodai, and Kodai will never see it.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: What could Captain Kodai have tried to ask here? For guidance, or validation? The topic reveals it all: six years ago, Kodai joined Okita as a fresh recruit on an ill-fated odyssey across the stars, ending in Yamato<\/em> losing its previous Captain, but winning the day. Okita had the strength to bear the brunt of all his scars, physical and emotional, with barely a complaint. But how will Kodai fare as Captain of Yamato<\/em>? <\/span><\/p>\n

Sure, Kodai\u2019s had a brief stint as interim Captain in Ark of the Stars<\/em>, then later Captained the Yunagi<\/em> in 2202<\/em>, and very briefly as the interim Captain of Yamato<\/em> following Hijikata\u2019s death. But to repeat the same voyage Okita did, with fresh new recruits, eventually to be confronted by Starsha over Earth\u2019s abuse of Wave-Motion Energy… that\u2019s what I believe he was going to ask. “Am I fit to be Captain of Yamato<\/em>?”<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: I’m also pretty sure that\u2019s what he was about to ask. Kodai may be more conflicted now than ever. He has already said it; everything is different, including himself. He repeats Okita\u2019s voyage in the literal sense only. The mission and the players are none of them the same. I think it’s unfair of Kodai to hold himself up to Okita as if all other things are equal, when it\u2019s really more like the flip side of a coin. But it makes sense for him to do it.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: If only he can learn to rise above the challenges like his devoted partner has, and simply move on. Though for that to happen, he needs to have his wish for punishment and admonishment validated. Don\u2019t worry readers, it\u2019s coming, big time!<\/span><\/p>\n

On the music side of things, our first New Voyage<\/em> BGM track makes its sneaky entrance: Meditation ~ with love<\/em>. A variation of this piece was composed for 2199<\/em> Ep 26, for the scene where Yuki\u2019s revived. It was the first time we heard the leitmotif Great Love<\/em> in the reboot saga, and its early introduction to the franchise was welcome. Its effect in 2202<\/em> and 2205<\/em> only increased in scope.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sunset turns to night as the pair catches up on the recent past. Unbeknownst to both the media and us, Kodai and Yuki have officially been going steady for at least a few months. Kodai points out that a paparazzi might flash them at any moment, but Yuki can\u2019t fault them.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt can\u2019t be helped. After all, we’re the most expensive couple in the world.\u201d<\/p>\n

It\u2019s true. As Kodai points out, the Time Fault is gone. Exchanged for their lives, in spite of its functions supporting everything from the post-war economy to Earth\u2019s military strength. He admits to Yuki what\u2019s been weighing so heavily on him.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m responsible for that because I tried to stay in the higher dimension.\u201d<\/p>\n

Yuki doesn\u2019t want him to rue the blessing he\u2019s been given, and Kodai understands.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know. It was a decision made by everyone on Earth, and I\u2019m grateful. But I have to bear the responsibility for the cost Earth had to pay for the rest of my life.\u201d<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Let\u2019s address the legacy of 2202<\/em> before we move on. Why does it matter that these two are back together? Why does Kodai take responsibility for the Time Fault\u2019s destruction?<\/span><\/p>\n

In 2202<\/em>\u2019s second half, a serendipitous whack to the back of Yuki\u2019s head brings back all her old memories, from before her amnesiac car incident with Yurisha (prior to 2199<\/em>). In an ironic twist, this caused her to lose any memory from after said incident, including her relationship with Kodai. As fate would have it, she would eventually fall back in love with the man, only to later – in Teresas\u2019s dimension – reunite both her regained and lost memories, becoming whole again. If we were to believe 2205<\/em>, the pair officially got back together sometime in 2204. Their love life has been a bumpy ride.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

In 2202<\/em>\u2019s final episode, a distraught Kodai (and Yuki, though reluctantly on her part) are stuck in Teresa\u2019s dimension. Kodai\u2019s had enough of war and bloodshed, and losing Yuki\u2019s memories of him and inadvertently causing the death of Zordar and the Gatlantean genocide was too much to bear. We\u2019ll omit the details for brevity\u2019s sake, but essentially, a plan is hatched by former Yamato<\/em> crew members to bring Kodai and Yuki back, and it works! The energy it took to get there required the entire output of the Time Fault, so Earth put it to a vote. A majority chose the heroic pair over the Time Fault, and the rest is history. <\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: I have poked a lot of fun at Yuki\u2019s ongoing amnesia plots, but in truth these are the kinds of things that happen when you\u2019re an epic heroine in an epic tale.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: And now, after all these trials and tribulations, Yuki finally gets the chance to fulfill the promise of her Resurrection<\/em>-self! (Unlike Resurrection<\/em>, which is still suspended until further notice.)<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Calling out from the dark of night is a mysterious young man, responding to Kodai\u2019s plea. \u201cCan you really?\u201d he asks. \u201cCan one person really shoulder all responsibility for the entire human race?\u201d The boy then runs away before our pair can figure out his identity. Seeing Kodai\u2019s tormented gaze, Yuki comforts him.<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Another deviation from the original saga! The boy is obviously Domon, but let\u2019s leave his angst for later. Why does this return to Hero\u2019s Hill feel so different from the one in the original New Voyage<\/em>? Where\u2019s the rest of the crew? <\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: Kodai and Yuki have one life-altering shared experience that even the rest of Yamato<\/em>\u2019s crew can\u2019t relate to.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Except for Akira, I suppose? She too went to Teresas\u2019s dimension, but unlike Kodai she didn\u2019t get to return with her lover in hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[KC]: True, but she was also rescued, whereas Kodai and Yuki stayed behind. Plus, I don’t believe Teresa’s metaphysical dialogue was shared with anyone other than Kodai.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: True that. Now let\u2019s catch everyone up to what happened in the original New Voyage<\/em> around this point.<\/span><\/p>\n

Originally, what followed Yamato<\/em>\u2019s return to Earth was a short time skip, depicting what happened to the crew members who didn\u2019t partake in the last battle at the end of Yamato 2<\/em>. As they get discharged from the hospital, Sanada commends Earth\u2019s efforts at rebuilding so quickly. Shortly thereafter, the surviving bridge crew visits Hero\u2019s Hill to honor Okita. Once there, we\u2019re introduced to the previously-unseen Tasuke Tokugawa, who pays tribute to his father. <\/span><\/p>\n

This scene was already adapted in 2202<\/em> Ep 26 but for two key points: a deleted scene from the original New Voyage<\/em> where Shima gets a visit from his kid brother Jiro (still absent, just as he was in 2202<\/em>), and Tasuke\u2019s appearance at Hero\u2019s Hill.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

So what could the staff do this time around? They took a very short scene between Yuki and Kodai from Yamato III<\/em>\u2019s first episode and changed the location from their skyrise home to Hero\u2019s Hill! Just like in Yamato III<\/em>, Kodai\u2019s not too stoked about his promotion to Captain, but Yuki tells him he\u2019ll do a great job, and embraces his arm.<\/span><\/p>\n

With all that history out of the way… is this one of Yuki\u2019s best new outfits or what? In New Voyage<\/em> and Yamato III<\/em>, she wears a pink dress and choker combo. For 2205<\/em>, her getup\u2019s been modernized. <\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: I am definitely liking the new look. The details on her skirt in particular. Subtly futuristic. Made me think of Garmillas fashion, actually.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Another loss for Akira…<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, a Garmillan Kripitera-class destroyer exits warp near Earth\u2019s Moon. The familiar face of Sukeji Yabu greets us. <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s the Moon! Looks like it\u2019s been restored quite a bit.\u201d<\/p>\n

The moon\u2019s reconstruction is impressive, and to Yabu\u2019s eyes it first appears as if some modified version of Yamato<\/em> is leading the charge. He quickly realizes it\u2019s Ginga<\/em> and boards it, leaving the Kripitera to warp away. <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: In 2202<\/em>, Zordar blew up half the Moon. The damages were extensive. Apocalyptic, even. By 2202<\/em>\u2019s last episode (December 31st, 2203), Ginga<\/em>\u2019s work on restoring the Moon had made miniscule progress. By our calculations, it was going to take about 6 years from that point on to fully restore Luna to its full glory. At this point, it\u2019s been 2 years at most. Now, how are they going about performing this task? I\u2019m no expert, but Professor Shinya Ogura is:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIn the main story, the restoration of the destroyed moon is depicted. It looks as if the Experimental Ship Ginga<\/em> is doing it. Actually, when the moon was destroyed, its center of gravity shifted so much that it started vibrating due to eccentricity. So the first thing to do is restore its \u201ccelestial equilibrium.\u201d It\u2019s a difficult phase of mass accumulation, like correctly fitting together all the pieces of a scattered puzzle.<\/span><\/p>\n

It could be the Cosmo Reverse\u2019s super-technology processing ability that helped to create a path to the balanced image that had to be measured. However, it\u2019s not just Ginga<\/em> that is occupied with restoring the Moon. At the stage when restoration begins, it would be the work of a major general contractor. This is the stage of \u2018steady and far-reaching civil engineering work.\u2019 That\u2019s when we move to humanity achieving reconstruction on its own.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

LEFT: Age of Yamato<\/em>\u2018s scriptwriter, Yuka Minagawa, asked Mr. Ogura to calculate the \u201cMoon collapse rate.\u201d According to Mr. Ogura\u2019s calculations, about 21% of the Moon (1,5338 tons) was lost. The calculation is based on the depiction of the \u201cdestroyed moon\u201d in Yamato 2202<\/em>. As you can see, the calculation is the result of diligent work of combining three methods: real Moon statistics, how to calculate the volume of a sphere, and how to calculate the volume of a cone.<\/span><\/p>\n

RIGHT: Illustrations showing restoration of the Moon and the work procedure. The \u201cstandby orbit\u201d (blue line) is where the secured lunar debris is accumulated. The multiple \u201cspiral trajectories\u201d (green line) show where debris is dropped and settles in each built-up area. This can be seen in the aircraft exercise scenes around the Moon. (Read the full article by Shinya Ogura here<\/a>.)<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Aboard Ginga<\/em>, Yabu is briefed on his next assignment by Captain Saki Todo and XO Megumi. Due to the engineering skills he\u2019s accumulated during his time with Garmillas, Yabu was originally ordered to serve on Ginga<\/em> to implement Garmillan technology, but plans have changed.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2018Given recent developments of interstellar relationships, any demonstration of technological exchange with Garmillas should be discouraged.\u2019 That is the brass\u2019 decision.\u201d<\/p>\n

[KC]: Wow, it\u2019s gonna be like that, then? Okay.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: If a Garmillan emissary, carrying Garmillan-licensed tech, outfits EDF ships with said technology, this could be grounds for the Bolar Federation to declare war on the Earth Federation. In Yamato III<\/em>, Earth walked a similar tightrope between supporting Galman-Gamilas (the new name of Dessler\u2019s empire, based on Galman), and the Bolar Federation. Where did Yabu get his skills? According to 2199<\/em>, he was Hikozaemon Tokugawa\u2019s top student, an ace in his field. Sadly, he was too easily influenced by his own pessimistic outlook on life, and was swayed by bad actors (with admittedly good intentions). <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

To circumvent diplomatic troubles, Yabu\u2019s experiment will have to take place outside Earth\u2019s official jurisdiction (outside the Solar System). As luck would have it, Defense Fleet 65 is set to leave for Garmillan\/Iscandarian space. Its flagship? Yamato<\/em>. This comes as an understandable shock to Yabu. <\/p>\n

He goes to his temporary lodging to log the day\u2019s proceedings in what appears to be fully fluent Garmillan. <\/p>\n

Back on Ginga<\/em>\u2019s bridge, the crew bring us up to speed on Yabu\u2019s career: After partaking in a mutiny on Yamato<\/em> in 2199<\/em> in favor of the Izumo plan, he eventually found his way to the Garmillans, who accepted him on the flimsy pretense that he was a Zaltsian. During his six years as a Garmillan citizen, he\u2019s become an expert in military secrets, putting his previous engineering skills to good use. It\u2019s for these reasons that he\u2019s been chosen to head this experiment, in spite of his previous crimes. <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd he\u2019s bringing it (the experimental technology) to Earth?,\u201d asks Chief Navigator Mina Ichinose.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe it\u2019s a reward for his contribution to Garmillas\u2019 migration policy?\u201d tactical chief Urara Kusakabe confers.<\/p>\n

XO Megumi then imparts a final word to the Captain.<\/p>\n

\u201cYamato<\/em>, of all places, will be like hell for him.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: As viewers might recall, Yabu was unknowingly left on the prison planet in 2199<\/em>. From there, he joined up with Wolf Frakken aboard his UX-01, as one of his many lost wayward souls. In 2202<\/em>, he was still there, powering up the space submarine\u2019s new tech. Now, he\u2019s to return to Yamato<\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: Yabu\u2019s back! Here\u2019s a great example of the quality television we would get if Yamato<\/em> got the Star Wars<\/em> treatment. I want a show about him and the crew of Frakken\u2019s dimensional sub. I hope we get more in 2205<\/em> than just a vague reference to what he\u2019s been up to and some xenophobic hostility. I remember referring to Frakken as “The Blue Captain Harlock” because of his long hair and flashy, piratical scarf. I thought it was interesting to have a character who seems to reject rules and regulations but is unwavering in his loyalty to Dessler. I’m really happy to see all the cool scenes he’s getting in the new series and I still want him to have a spinoff show.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: It\u2019s interesting to hear how Yabu\u2019s contributed to Garmillas\u2019 migration policies during his short stay. On his character profile, he\u2019s listed as 40 years old, and in the EDF\u2019s military records he\u2019s officially listed as killed in action.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lying on his bed, Yabu flips on a digital photo. It\u2019s a picture of him, his wife, and her three children all smiling. Thinking to himself, he says everything\u2019s going to be all right. Even if it\u2019s a tough time for Garmillas right now, they don\u2019t have to worry about anything.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you know? When you feel the worst, something wonderful is right around the corner. Your dad is doing his best, so hang in there.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Back on Garmillas, full scale emigration is taking place. Hundreds, if not thousands of ships are waiting in orbit for a long, long voyage. Hundreds of thousands of people, citizens of all creeds, all await their turn to leave the dying planet. A loudspeaker informs them that the next evacuation ship will depart as scheduled, and that first class citizens should step forward. Yabu\u2019s family is doing their best to catch up, lined up next to the main queue.<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Amongst the various migratory ships are many references to the first Yamato<\/em> series. The new medical ships, co-produced by Earth and Garmillas, are based on a Garmillan ship design from Episode 14. The huge caterpillar transports were originally used in Episode 16, to transport produce from Beemela, the Bee planet. The smaller civilian ships were originally used in Episode 17 to aid G\u00f6er\u2019s ship on Balan, as he mind-controlled the local Balanodon population. And lastly, the huge skewers are towed by repurposed giant bombs! (See a design comparison here<\/a>.)<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[KC]: Okay, so it looks like we’re going to get a story arc for Yabu here, and I am excited as hell about it.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Yabu\u2019s become a father. Well, technically not by blood, at least not yet. As we\u2019ll later find out, he\u2019s become a stepfather to these kids, and a husband to this woman. Their names are: Varna Skertz (mother), Odo (10 year old boy), and Liza\/Reza (8 years old). This is from where Yabu\u2019s new surname in 2202<\/em> originates. Oh, and that line of his? \u201cWhen you feel the worst, something wonderful is right around the corner\u201d? It\u2019s a mantra that carries the core of this finely crafted experience.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The Democratic Government of Garmillas has convened an urgent meeting. At this point, only 30% of the population has been evacuated, putting them way behind schedule. Prime Minister Hyss, deep in thought, orders them to prepare for announcing a state of emergency. This shocks the council. Hyss explains why:<\/p>\n

\u201cThe core\u2019s meltdown is increasing at an accelerated rate. It\u2019s no longer a matter of 50 years into the future. Five years… no, inform the people that there will be a catastrophic meltdown within 5 months.\u201d<\/p>\n

A lone councilor begins to question the prime minister\u2019s judgment, but Hyss barks back that this is the only way they can save as many people as possible. A heated discussion commences as Hyss\u2019 adopted daughter Hilde looks on in pain, then turns her head toward Iscandar. <\/p>\n

\u201cIs the life of our planet really going to end?\u201d<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Among recognizable ministers from 2199<\/em> are, from Hyss\u2019 left: Hidore Zarume (Annexation Administration Minister), Nerun Keeling (Chief of Staff), a new face, Logue Moram (Justice Minister), Zenis Dash (Imperial Bank Governor), Guerlain Mooren (Public Administration Minister) and a new face. <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

This is all kinds of interesting, because Zarume, Keeling and Moram were all part of Gimleh\u2019s Dessler remnants faction in 2202<\/em>. The fate of these three lends further credence to the idea that Heydom Gimleh may have been spared the gallows, much to my own delight. In fact, I personally believe we get a small cameo from Gimleh in the next episode or two. Stay tuned!<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: In the second shot of them around the table when Hilde is looking into the room, one of them appears to be Talan, so I don\u2019t know how much we’re supposed to read into the presence of certain individuals from Dessler\u2019s old regime. Apart from Gimleh, they may just be bodies filling chairs. Also, I could be bitter about not getting what\u2019s going on with Garmillas politics, both in the sense of understanding and show content.<\/span><\/p>\n

One interesting thing to note for me is that way back in 2199<\/em> they named one of these guys Keeling. In the original version of this tale, Keeling shows up in Yamato III<\/em> as one of Dessler\u2019s officers, recruited from the liberated planet Galman. He turns out to be an ass and a straight-up traitor in The Bolar Wars Extended<\/em>, and he gets knocked out by General Talan, which you can all check out here<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Now in 2205<\/em> we meet a Galman just recently liberated from the Bolar Federation by Abelt Dessler, who is quite ready to accept Dessler as leader. That person\u2019s name is K\u00edl. Since you’ve also pointed out that his last name is Keeling, I suppose Gimleh isn’t the only member of Dessler\u2019s old inner circle who matters to the plot.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Talan for all! Though in all honesty, that\u2019s likely just a low resolution shot of one of these ministers. I even double-checked the footage and the positioning of each minister. Maybe whoever you saw was Histenberger, another Yamato III<\/em> alumni who made minor appearances in 2199<\/em> and 2202<\/em>? <\/span><\/p>\n

But yes, the lack of extensive exploration of these named, important ministers of the Garmillan government so far in the reboot has been the unfortunate consequence of tightly-packed stories. There\u2019s simply no time for them. If that\u2019s the cause, I think I speak for us all when I implore the staff to at least make a 2199<\/em>-esque chart of their respective allegiances going forward. For those of you unable to wait for such a thing, I point you in the direction of our 2202<\/em> here<\/a> Ep 26 commentary<\/a>, where we do our best to reason with these named ministers’ fates, groupings and futures.<\/span><\/p>\n

On a character design note: Hilde\u2019s no longer dressed as a working maid of the Hyss family. Instead, she\u2019s wearing what looks to be larger-sized garments based on her original appearance as a young child in 2199<\/em>. What can the character profiles tell us about Hyss and Hilde? More than they previously did.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Apparently, Hyss once had a wife and a child, but they both died in the past. This was in part what inspired him to initially become Hilde\u2019s guardian at the end of 2199<\/em>, and ever since they\u2019ve had a strained but loving familial relationship. He\u2019s asked if he can formally adopt her, but she\u2019s withheld her answer for fear of hurting his status as prime minister. I personally interpret this to mean yes, because even if some time has passed since the end of the Dessler regime, for a pure-blood like Hyss to adopt an \u201chonorary Garmillan\u201d… it would be a PR disaster, and he\u2019d lose popular support in parts of his cabinet.<\/span><\/p>\n

Speaking of his cabinet, where is Eliza Domel (Domel’s wife) and Doram Boshrem, the defense minister? I was among many users on Twitter who pummeled the staff (gently) for answers about Eliza and Neredia\u2019s (Berger’s sister in law) whereabouts, both of whom make no appearance in 2205<\/em>. This has worrisome implications, for reasons we\u2019ll explore in Episode 3. <\/p>\n

[KC]: I’m disappointed to see both Dessler\u2019s fleet as well as the democratic government still touting a class system. <\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Some policy changes take time, especially in a large galactic empire. Dessler used to push for second-class citizens\u2019 rights, but he\u2019s been gone for a while. At least Hyss seems to have a good head on his shoulders.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Planet Iscandar, Imperial Capital: Isc\u30fbSan\u30fbAria<\/em><\/p>\n

In Isc San Aria\u2019s palace, a meeting is convened between Queen Starsha, her sister Yurisha, and their on-duty Garmillan ambassador Melda Dietz. Melda reveals that, as far as they know, Planet Galman remains under Bolar control. This uncertainty reveals the reason behind the previous contentions at Hyss\u2019 meeting: the evacuees could be vacating to their own deaths, to a raging battlefield. Lowering her head, Melda expresses her belief that were this to be the case, Iscandar would have to act as temporary shelter for the migrants.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo the dispute over Planet Galman has escalated that much…,\u201d Yurisha says. Starsha closes her eyes in disbelief, responding.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe more he tries to redeem himself… the more he sins.\u201d<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Likely due to Abelt\u2019s EMP, we see a realistic portrayal of information deficiencies in wartime. For all they know, Hyss\u2019 state of emergency might be sending Garmillan citizens to their grave at Galman. Yurisha – now dressed in formal Iscandarian attire – speaks to her sister about the Galman dispute as having \u201cescalated,\u201d implying that Iscandar has some knowledge of Planet Galman that Garmillas didn\u2019t know prior to this. Hold onto this thought, because it will be fleshed out by the end of this story.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[KC]: Unpopular opinion? Starsha needs to step down off that high horse.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: I take it you\u2019re referring to her reference to Abelt\u2019s sins? Honestly, based on how she words herself here, I take it she\u2019s referring to her own sins as well, some of which are dark and gruesome, as we\u2019ll learn later. Let\u2019s just say this: part of what drew Starsha to Abelt at a young age was his pure willingness to do what\u2019s right, and make up for the mistakes of his ancestors. Unfortunately for the ill-fated pair, they\u2019ve kept sinning in spite of promises to do better. For Starsha, her decision to give WM-energy to a fledgling race of humans might inevitably come to doom the galaxy. To Dessler, instigating a conflict with the Bolars for short-term gains might break the back of both Garmillas and Earth\u2019s navies before this is over.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: In my defense, I already know her secret and I don’t consider liberating his ancestral homeworld from slavery to be a short-term gain.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Ah, I meant to say instant gratification on behalf of long-term gains. By instigating said conflict to save the people of Garmillas some time, he might invite a full-frontal assault to Galman\u2019s doorstep. Then again, he at least tried his hand at diplomacy, so it\u2019s the Bolar Federation\u2019s loss. Yeah, you\u2019re right.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

On Earth, the morning for Defense Fleet 65\u2019s departure has arrived. A military parade is held in honor of Yamato<\/em>\u2019s fresh recruits. Marching drums, fireworks and trumpets support the marching youths. Among them are these recently introduced characters: Tasuke Tokugawa, Heiji Bando, Ryusuke Domon, and Miyako Kyozuka. <\/p>\n

Serving aboard Hyuga<\/em>\u2019s bridge: three new Analyzer AU19 units (among 40), former YRA radio host Yuria Misaki (promoted to Chief Radar Operator), former Yamato<\/em> Communications officer Yoshikazu Aihara (promoted to Ship Operations Captain), Yamato<\/em>\u2019s former Vice-Navigator (promoted to Chief Navigator), Namio Sakamaki (Chief Tactical Officer and former Main Battery Captain aboard Yamato<\/em>), and of course the Commander Second Class Captain Sanada.<\/p>\n

Serving aboard Asuka<\/em>\u2019s bridge: the newly appointed Captain Yuki, Tactical Officer Nanbu, and Yamato<\/em>\u2019s former linguist Mikage Kiryu (promoted to Technical Officer).<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Promotions for everyone! After the Herculean effort they all put in during the war with Gatlantis, they\u2019ve earned it. A military parade is held that matches the feel and style of the ones held in both the New Voyage<\/em> and Yamato III<\/em>, ending with the recruits\u2019 boat ride from New Voyage<\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n

One of the new faces we catch a glimpse of is Tactical Officer Sakamaki, who originally served as the Chief gunner in Yamato III<\/em>. In the reboot, this honor has been retroactively fitted to his resume, confirming that he served in the same position throughout the voyage to Iscandar. For the Battle of Mars, during the war with Gatlantis in 2203, he served aboard a Dreadnaught, earning himself a long-distance firing record.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The new Analyzers all fulfill various tasks aboard the Hyuga<\/em> from fire control to catapult management and supplies. The likely reason for their inclusion in 2205<\/em> is because new robot companions were introduced in Yamato III<\/em> and then quickly forgotten! They all had the same feeling to them as junkyard astro mechs from the original Star Wars<\/em> trilogy, and while they were unique for sure, I\u2019m glad we got a couple of happy Analyzers back, still voiced by Cho, the iconic anime voice actor.<\/span><\/p>\n

Of lesser note, but still important, is the cordial relationship we see between Captain Yuki and her new Chief Tactical Officer, Nanbu. The two were an item at the start of 2199<\/em> (according to him), and Nanbu was going to forsake his arranged marriage (to a woman connected to his father\u2019s company) to woo Yuki. As we all know, he lost out to Kodai.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Another crew member aboard Asuka<\/em> is Mikage Kiryu, a close friend to the departed Saito Hajime, whose own lover Nagakura still draws breath aboard Asuka<\/em>. Seeing them serve aboard the same ship has potential to make up for the lack of reunion between Kiryuu and Saito in 2202<\/em>, but it won\u2019t happen in 2205<\/em>. Perhaps in 3199<\/em>…<\/span><\/p>\n

During preproduction, materials were prepared for 2205<\/em> to determine which of the old characters would appear. Here\u2019s a list of original saga characters, ranked in terms of priority of introduction based on a grading system: Domon A | Tasuke Tokugawa A+ | Shigeru Sakamoto B | Tetsu Kitano A | Bando B- | Raiden C | Sakamaki B (It was written, \u201cHe is weak in fights, but has a big heart. He is a big brother.\u201d) | Nishina B- | Ageha B+ | Keel | Gaidel | Iscandar Shadow Royal Family. (Read the source article here<\/a>)<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

As the parade fades into the background, Yamato<\/em>\u2019s Head of Security Hoshina receives a vidcom call from his wife, Yuria. She\u2019s asking what\u2019s taking him so long, worried she\u2019ll be late for the assembly if she\u2019s left hanging for much longer. Apparently, he\u2019s researching Ryusuke Domon\u2019s background, and he just found a promising lead. Hoshina calls Captain Sanada to relay the information.<\/p>\n

\u201cDomon Hightech?\u201d Sanada asks.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was affiliated with the military and manufactured parts used at a factory in the Time Fault. Domon Ryusuke is the sole son of the company president, and he\u2019s been assigned to the combat department on Yamato<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Viewers unaware of the character profiles released for the reboot series might not yet be aware of Hoshina and Yuria\u2019s marriage off-screen in 2202<\/em>, but at least the pair feels like a married couple. I\u2019m sure the only reason their marriage wasn\u2019t shown on screen, other than lack of time, was to not take any thunder away from the Yuki and Kodai drama. First seeing Makoto and Kato married in 2199<\/em> during a moment of grief, only to hear about Yuria and Hoshina getting married during an even worse time? That would break poor Kodai more than necessary.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

As Sanada responds, a media team captures video of Yamato<\/em>‘s new recruits being waved off by their friends and family. Apparently, Domon Hightech went out of business in the wake of the Time Fault\u2019s collapse. Its president, Ryuzo Domon, purportedly committed suicide. Hoshina quickly corrects the record, claiming that it was supposedly an accident, and merely a possible suspected suicide.<\/p>\n

\u201cHis son will be on Yamato<\/em>?\u201d asks Sanada, as the boats full of new recruits make their approach. To their side, the large unmistakable shape of Yamato<\/em> rises up from around a nearby hill, impressing the youths. <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[TE]: Yamato<\/em>‘s first on-screen appearance passes quickly, but it’s loaded with meaning. For starters, it seems to be inspired by a 1981 feature film titled Imperial Navy<\/em> in which the original IJN battleship emerges from behind a range of hills at the same angle. But more importantly is something so subtle you might have missed it: the direction of travel. Harutoshi Fukui explained it in a March 2022 Yamatalk event:<\/span><\/p>\n

“The theory of the storytelling is that good things come from the right, and bad things come from the left. Since this is Domon\u2019s point of view, Yamato<\/em> comes from the left. In the storyboard, even at the end of the scene, Yamato<\/em> was supposed to come from there. But from the audience\u2019s point of view, we want Yamato<\/em> to be good to the last. So we were thinking, should it appear from the right? I\u2019m impressed by how Director Yasuda made Yamato<\/em> change direction so we could do both.” (Read full coverage of that Yamatalk event here<\/a>.)<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Sanada argues that, given the nature of Domon Hightech\u2019s connection to the Time Fault, Ryuzo\u2019s son Ryusuke shouldn\u2019t have been given an assignment aboard Yamato<\/em>, since said ship is responsible for the company\u2019s collapse. <\/p>\n

[AMB]: The financial aspect of 2202<\/em>\u2019s end is given due diligence, and we finally understand what supposedly happened at the start of this episode on the highway: Domon Ryusuke found his father, collapsed either from suicide or an accident. Speaking of Domon, a completely new theme was composed for him. The BGM playing here is a prelude to the softer versions of it. Yamato<\/em>\u2019s New Voyage<\/em> is certainly set to become a FRESH New Voyage<\/em>, as promised by Fukui in countless interviews! <\/span><\/p>\n

Note: Seeing Yamato<\/em> depicted from bow to stern here in the water, is a reference to another cut scene from the original New Voyage<\/em>!<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cIt can\u2019t be,\u201d exclaims Sanada. Images flash by, from Yamato<\/em>\u2019s new bridge crew to its Captain, and finally Domon, his hand placed firmly on a gun. He stares menacingly at the ship of his misfortune, muttering Yamato<\/em>\u2019s name, inaugurating whatever plan he might have in store for its Captain.<\/p>\n

[KC]: This kid coming aboard Yamato<\/em> to avenge his dad has to be one of the most operatic plotlines this space opera has ever portrayed. Overall, this is a great start to the new series.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: I couldn\u2019t agree more! Fresh ideas mixed with old themes; a young boy taking Kodai\u2019s seat from 2199<\/em> as the kid who wants accountability from Yamato<\/em>\u2019s Captain for (supposedly) being responsible for a family member\u2019s death. We know from previous viewings that it goes farther than a small fistfight on the ship\u2019s bow – as in Yamato III<\/em> – so that\u2019s worth some points, at least.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Oh, and did you notice any familiar faces among Yamato<\/em>\u2019s new bridge crew? Among them were Sho Yamazaki, Yamato<\/em>\u2019s new Chief Engineer. In the original saga, he was introduced in The New Voyage<\/em>, but for the reboot they managed to sneak in a pretty memorable character arc for the man all the way back in 2199<\/em>. This made perfect sense, given the fact that his New Voyage<\/em> introduction came with the retcon that he\u2019d always just been there, just never seen.<\/span><\/p>\n

Seated behind him is Captain Yamanami, last seen in 2202<\/em> and participating in this voyage as an observer. He\u2019s still here ahead of the original timeline, where we didn’t meet him until Be Forever<\/em>. In that incarnation, he was described as an old friend of Okita and Hijikata, as well as an instructor at the space soldier academy. He serves the same function on this trip. It appears that the reboot Yamanami inherited the looks of Captain Miki, an obscure character from the Farewell to Yamato<\/em> PS2 game character. See that design here<\/a>.)<\/span><\/p>\n

Fan favorite Kaoru Niimi also returns, replacing Sanada as Chief Technology Officer. In 2202<\/em>, she suffered terrible wounds from a Gatlantean self-destructing in her lab, and would later only have the chance to serve aboard Prometheus<\/em> and Ginga<\/em> throughout the series. Miki Saijo serves as Yuki\u2019s full-time radar officer replacement, and Haruo Nishina (newcomer from Yamato III<\/em>) serves as the ship\u2019s Gunnery Chief. According to his character profile, he was among many veterans set to serve aboard Yamato<\/em>, before Garmillas bombed most of them in 2199<\/em> Ep 2. Just like in Yamato III<\/em>, he\u2019s good friends with Namio Sakamaki from Hyuga<\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Two more obscure fellows remain: Jun Ishikawa (the redhead from Ark of the Stars<\/em>) replaces Aihara as Chief of Communications, and Hayashi from the navigation division now serves as Chief Navigator in place of Ota. <\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: Thank you for the breakdown!<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: This episode adapted about 11 minutes of the original New Voyage<\/em>\u2019s 1 hour 35 minute run-time (of which 3-4 min had already been adapted by 2202<\/em>), and about 5 or so minutes from Yamato III<\/em>. The rest of the episode\u2019s content was completely new, owing to Fukui\u2019s wish to prioritize crafting a sequel to 2202<\/em>, over a strict adaptation of The New Voyage<\/em>. A new ending song plays for all 8 episodes of 2205<\/em>, but for this one episode it runs without visuals. As a consequence, let\u2019s leave an in-depth analysis of it until next time.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Continue to Episode 2<\/a><\/p>\n

Coda<\/h3>\n

Theatrical release: Space Battleship Yamato 2205, The New Voyage<\/em> Chapter 1: TAKE OFF<\/em> contained episodes 1-4. It premiered in Japanese theaters October 8, 2021<\/p>\n

Japanese video: Theater-exclusive Blu-ray October 8, 2021. Standard Blu-ray & DVD November 26, 2021<\/p>\n

Series credits<\/em><\/p>\n

Writer: Harutoshi Fukui
\nScriptwriter: Hideki Oka
\nDirector: Kenji Yasuda, Satelight Studio
\nCharacter Design: Nobuteru Yuuki
\nGuest Character Design: Chiziru Kobayashi, Takahiro Kishida, Kiyoshi Tateishi
\nMecha Design: Junichiro Tamamori, Yasushi Ishizu, Mika Akitaka
\nProp Design: Kio Edamatsu
\nArt Directors: Hiroshi Aroku, Yusuke Ikeda, Kenichi Tateto
\nColor Designer: Kumiko Nakayama
\nDirector of Photography: Shinya Matsui
\nCG Animation Director: Hiroyuki Goto
\nEditing: Ryoko Kaneshige
\nMusic: Akira Miyagawa, Hiroshi Miyagawa
\nSound Director: Tomohiro Yoshida
\nExecutive Producer: Shoji Nishizaki
\nProduction: Yamato 2205<\/em> Production Committee<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[157],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-33581","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-yamato-2205-commentary"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33581","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=33581"}],"version-history":[{"count":26,"href":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33581\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":43418,"href":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33581\/revisions\/43418"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=33581"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=33581"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=33581"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}