{"id":34750,"date":"2023-07-02T16:00:50","date_gmt":"2023-07-02T23:00:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/?p=34750"},"modified":"2026-03-13T12:43:32","modified_gmt":"2026-03-13T19:43:32","slug":"805a","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/805a\/","title":{"rendered":"Yamato 2205<\/em> Episode 7 commentary"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"2307icon\"<\/p>\n

Starsha invites Kodai and Dessler into Sanctel, the great vault where the elements of the stars are stored. Kodai is reunited with his late brother, Mamoru. What is the truth about Iscandar\u2019s \u201csalvation\u201d that brings peace to all intelligent life, and what is the truth about Garmillas?<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Episode 7: Iscandar, the Dying Planet of Sorrow<\/h2>\n

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

First note of interest: the title of this episode is based on Episode 25 from the original TV series: Iscandar, Dying Planet of Love<\/em>.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

We open on a field where Iscandar\u2019s Blue Crystal flowers sway gently in the breeze, bathed in light.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Blue Crystal,\u201d says Yurisha. \u201cThe color of that flower is the color of sorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

In the distance we see the palace as she continues speaking. Nearby, Kodai descends in his Cosmo Zero. Kodai glances out of his canopy over to the small shuttle that carries Dessler. Starsha stands waiting for them to land. <\/p>\n

\u201cSister, have you ever considered giving up on your fruitless salvation efforts and opening up Sanctel instead? Wouldn\u2019t that bring peace to the universe? Humans always fight. They can\u2019t seem to reach the same state that the creator, Akerius, had achieved. In order for humans to obtain eternity as they are, we must rely on Sanctel. That\u2019s what Dezarium wants. It\u2019s the only way for humans to be free from sorrow. We still have time. Please perform the ritual for Garmillas.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: The words we’re hearing are likely a continuation of the discussion between Starsha and Yurisha back in Episode 4, concerning Sasha and Sanctel. As viewers might remember, that conversation was cut off prematurely.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: We\u2019re seconds into the episode, and I have to say I\u2019m already feeling a lot of foreboding. This is gonna be a heavy one.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: We\u2019re immediately delving into pre-established 2199<\/em> lore! Back in 2199<\/em> Episode 24, Yurisha shared some subtle hints about the Blue Crystal flower and its role as a Wave-Motion Energy conduit, but that\u2019s as far as it went. It\u2019s very fitting, then, that we\u2019re treated to the Blue Crystal leitmotif and expanded lore. <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

What are they discussing, then? Namely that Starsha\u2019s salvation efforts these past untold centuries have relied on voluntary cooperation between the seven different seeds of humanity spread across the galaxy by Akerius (the progenitors of humankind) but that these efforts have borne little fruit, instead propagating conflicts. Apparently, this Sanctel place deep within Isk San Aria holds the key to achieving eternity – or rather, immortality – and if Yurisha\u2019s judgment is to be trusted, that\u2019s exactly what Dezarium seeks.<\/span><\/p>\n

Can you believe it\u2019s been over a decade since 2199<\/em>? Do you recall any thoughts, ponderings or feelings you had when first witnessing its take on Iscandar? Any interesting theories you might want to share that came true in 2205<\/em>?<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[KC]: The revival feels a bit younger for me; I had fallen away from the fandom somewhat, and didn\u2019t learn about the existence of 2199<\/em> until five years later. I do remember being happy with everything except Abelt, but I liked all the layers they were adding to the story. It was more of a hope than a prediction that the writers of 2202<\/em> and 2205<\/em> would redeem His Majesty and boy howdy, they did not disappoint.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: We\u2019re in kind of the same boat, then. My first experience with Yamato<\/em> was with 2199<\/em>, sometime in 2015. It began an odyssey that won\u2019t let go of me! An eternal voyage. <\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: It was definitely disheartening for me that Funimation didn’t release Star Blazers 2205<\/em> in the States, especially after Japan\u2019s confirmation that the story would continue with 3199<\/em>. I am not giving up on this franchise.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The ships land and we see Yurisha standing above on an observation deck, gazing down with a concerned expression on her face as we hear Starsha\u2019s response.<\/p>\n

\u201cYurisha, not much time has passed since you became what you are. Once enough time passes, you\u2019ll understand that with eternity in its hands, mankind will not achieve salvation. Eternity and happiness can never coexist.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kodai and Dessler leave their ships and approach, exchanging glances with Starsha but saying nothing.<\/p>\n

[AMB]: For reasons unknown to us, Yurisha\u2019s chosen to sit out Starsha\u2019s upcoming tour of Sanctel, opting to stay with Sasha\u2019s orb. As for the tense mood in the air, last episode Starsha announced the truth about Garmillas’ blue blood would be revealed today. Dessler and Kodai are bracing for it.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[KC]: That is presuming Starsha didn\u2019t tell Yurisha specifically to go wait upstairs. I don\u2019t think she wants to reveal this truth to anyone.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: It\u2019s interesting to hear what Starsha has to say about Yurisha. As some may recall, back in 2199<\/em>, Yurisha was mentally closer to a child than a fully grown woman. She barely knew what a hug was, or the difference between familial and romantic love, much like her prime inspiration, Sasha in Be Forever Yamato<\/em>. She\u2019ll later reveal Yurisha is much younger than her appearance lets on, closing that classic era reference point. <\/span><\/p>\n

Strap yourselves in, because explaining what it means to maintain \u2018eternity and happiness\u2019 won\u2019t be easy! Starsha\u2019s lived a hard life. <\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: At long last, at least some kind of explanation for why this woman just stays here.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

We jump forward to a dark, cavernous room that seems to be filled with clusters of pipes or conduits for some blue glowing energy. Starsha is speaking to Dessler and Kodai. Their footsteps echo through the vast chamber.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou both already know that the humans who currently inhabit this universe were created by the intervention of the ancient Akerius civilization, am I correct? We are all children of Akerius. Yet time of birth, and the time necessary for us to grow and evolve, differs. Our personalities are different as well. The same goes for human siblings.\u201d<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Starsha taking Kodai down to the inner sanctum of Iscandar was first seen in the alternate ending to the original Space Battleship Yamato<\/em> movie (1977). There, Starsha was not depicted as a flesh and blood human, but instead as a being of projected light, very similar to her projected image at the end of the last episode.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The environment harkens back to its depiction in New Voyage<\/em>, with crystal obelisks adorning the place. The plot structure and the large open space however, harkens back to Yamato III<\/em>\u2019s depiction of Shalbart\u2019s inner sanctum. Originally, Starsha\u2019s trek downward led to a secret self-destruct switch. Not this time around (yet). In the previz for this scene in 2205<\/em>, they were originally meant to traverse a spiral staircase. That bit was probably cut for time.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe path leading to Sanctel in the early days was an image of a well-like vertical hole extending deep beneath the royal palace, as if descending into hell. Since there was no light source, I thought about making Starsha luminous, or the floor luminous, and so on. Eventually, we ended up with a structure like the [Tokyo] Metropolitan Area outer drainage channel.\u201d – Director Kenji Yasuda.<\/span><\/p>\n

Read more about the making of 2205<\/em> here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Why mention siblings in this instance? Because Kodai and Dessler both lost a brother to war and conflict, wars fought in order to protect the peace they themselves cherished. It also hints at the form she\u2019ll choose in just a minute to better explain Iscandar\u2019s origins.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: I wondered if she was altering her appearance or just ducked out to run the explanation program so she wouldn\u2019t have to face them.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: And another revelation! Iscandar\u2019s civilization (which has existed for at least a millennia) is considered another child of Akerius, meaning they didn\u2019t exist at the time Akerius did. With this, we can perhaps make a somewhat complete map of the seven races that have spread out in the universe.<\/span><\/p>\n

(1) Iscandar
\n(2) Galman\/Garmillans
\n(3) Earthlings\/Zaltsians\/Dezarium
\n(4) Alterians
\n(5) Zemulians\/Jirelans
\n(6) Bolar\/fake Gatlanteans from Ark of the Stars<\/em>
\n(7) Telezart (pre-Teresa)<\/span><\/p>\n

Of these, as we\u2019ll soon find out, only Iscandar and Telezart ever got close to the same spiritual enlightenment as the Akerian progenitor race. <\/span><\/p>\n

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

As for my reasoning, 2199<\/em> explains that our differences are actually just skin deep, hence why characters like Berger\u2019s sister Melia and Yamato<\/em>\u2019s Kiryuu Mikage can look like genetic copies. The Gatlanteans in Ark of the Stars<\/em> were hinted at being mere brigands hired by Zordar, and later inferred in 2202<\/em> to definitely not be of the same race based on the fact that they openly show emotions and aren\u2019t used as suicide bombers. Since their skin color aligns quite close to the Bolars we see on planet Galman, one could easily craft a theory about how they\u2019re indigenous people of planet Berth (under Bolar rule from Yamato III<\/em> with similarly-skinned people), who fled the planet to become mercenaries after the planet gave itself up to Bolar rule. <\/span><\/p>\n

Likewise, 2202<\/em> hints at more than one point how the Jirels, who in 2199<\/em> were said to be the closest descendants to ancient Akerius based on their telepathy (henceforth called \u2018cosmowave\u2019), weren\u2019t the first “witches.” Zemulia\u2019s Sabera was one herself, capable of the same biological telepathy that would later be integrated into the Type-Zordar humanoid by its creators. <\/span><\/p>\n

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

As for Teresa, I\u2019m of the belief that her original race is completely separate from any we\u2019ve seen so far, but based on the looks of her protectors in 2202<\/em>\u2019s first episode, and her narrative ties to Yamato III<\/em>\u2019s Shalbart, one could perhaps infer that it was Galman pilgrims who attained her form in millennia past! But that\u2019s just speculation. <\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: Maybe I’m getting on a high horse here, but I don\u2019t know that there’s anything spiritual or enlightening in what we’re about to learn Iscandar did.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Dezarium would argue the opposite!<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsha walks a few steps ahead of them and stops before a doorway, turning slightly and not quite looking back at them.<\/p>\n

\u201cOn that account, Iscandar is one of the earliest civilizations to develop, much like the eldest son, having a tireless desire to improve and a thirst for knowledge. A greedy, controlling and very selfish first son.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

She precedes them through the entranceway. Kodai runs after her while Dessler remains standing.<\/p>\n

[KC]: I noticed he was walking a lot closer to her than Kodai was, though. And what\u2019s this? Starsha trash talking Iscandar? Go on\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: The direction in this scene, where two younger and less-developed races follow their elder, hints at the different paths they\u2019ve taken. Whereas Garmillas has tried to temper itself after decades of war and conflict, Earth rushes forth to seize the impossible without a care for the consequences, chasing the voice of who\u2019s undoubtedly already a dead man: Klaus Keyman, or Ranhart Dessler. <\/span><\/p>\n

In what way is Iscandar a “greedy, controlling and a selfish first son?” Let\u2019s just say that their version of eternity on a stick was less fluid than Telezart\u2019s. <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Once inside the room, Kodai turns to look for Starsha, but it is Keyman that he sees and who begins talking as if he had been the one speaking all along.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause of that, the people of Iscandar realized early that every rule of the universe would become an obstacle in reaching the state of the ancient people of Akerius, who created us and then departed elsewhere.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kodai, who appeared a bit distressed by Starsha\u2019s words, now seems shocked by the specter before him. Outside the room, Dessler can see him too, and calls his nephew\u2019s name, looking a bit slack-jawed.<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Surprised? Don\u2019t be. Keyman was conceptually based on Lt. Alphon from Be Forever Yamato<\/em>, who\u2019s actually set to return in 3199<\/em>. Perhaps this and other scenes\/mentions of Keyman are meant to be a prelude to his return in the form of Alphon in the next work. Who knows? Based on what he looks like<\/a> in 3199<\/em>, would you say there\u2019s a bigger or smaller chance our Keyman returns in the next work? <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[KC]: The resemblance is positively uncanny, but I’m just not sure what the point would be of bringing Keyman himself back, unless Abelt is still looking to retire. We did see a return of Captain Okita in the original series, and I can\u2019t say I was a fan of that plot point, but if the character does come back, he better wind up with Akira.<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking at the 3199<\/em> character designs, I see Keeling is also in uniform again, with his abundance of hair. Are we just going to forget that Abelt had a guy back in 2199<\/em> named Keeling? He may not even be dead. Long lost relative, perhaps? As if we need more than one of them.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: I\u2019m 100% sure 2199<\/em> Keeling is not dead. We last saw him back in 2202<\/em>, seemingly switching teams from Gimleh\u2019s faction to the democratic faction. Then again, 2205<\/em> makes it clear that most of Team Abelt had the chance to rejoin the government, so who knows? Having two Keelings in 3199<\/em> might make for a funny gag. <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Whether or not Alphon will be Keyman 2.0, I\u2019m sure someone on Yamato<\/em>\u2019s crew will point out that uncanny resemblance. They\u2019d have to, wouldn\u2019t they?<\/span><\/p>\n

Keyman looks down at his own hand. <\/p>\n

\u201cOnce you escape all physical restraints, including this body-\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKeyman, is that you?\u201d Kodai interrupts. \u201cWhy are you here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat you\u2019re looking at is a human form that both of you can recognize,\u201d the image of Keyman tells them. \u201cIt appears an acceptable shape must be chosen for the truth to be told.\u201d The image suddenly brightens with some internal greenish light, then goes back to appearing normal.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you?\u201d Kodai asks.<\/p>\n

\u201cWait,\u201d Dessler says suddenly, and the image of Keyman turns to him. They stare at each other as the music rises, but say nothing. The scene shifts away.<\/p>\n

[KC]: Here we are at the scene where I wondered if Starsha changed herself to look like Keyman, or activated him and ran away.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: In this scene, it appears his human shape has been adopted to better illustrate Starsha\u2019s point: in order to truly become “eternal,” you have to escape the body\u2019s constraints like Telezart did. This way, by probing the memories of Abelt and Susumu (who actually knew Keyman), one can make anything appear before you. Like in a dream.<\/span><\/p>\n

There might be some meta commentary here as well: Dessler (who\u2019s more pragmatic) tries to evaluate the scene before him at a distance, still hearing Starsha\u2019s words through the visage of his nephew. Kodai meanwhile, gets so absorbed by the possibility of Keyman being alive that her words go in one ear and out the other! Last time he heard a spiel about Akerius, Zordar broke his heart and mind, so I can hardly blame the guy. <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

But what is Starsha talking about? Akerius transcended the human form, which is enshrined in Teresa\u2019s image from way before Telezart\u2019s people achieved her form, and then “departed elsewhere.” Where, exactly? Heaven? The world of forms? Iscandar was equally as curious, and thus tried to emulate their progenitor. But first, other civilizations which stood in their way had to be quelled and silenced.<\/span><\/p>\n

Were you surprised to see Keyman return, Kathy?<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: Not in this context, with Starsha using him as her spoonful of sugar. <\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: And lots of spice, but nothing nice.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

On the bridge of Hyuga<\/em>, Berger’s pensive face looms over Sanada on a large screen.<\/p>\n

\u201cScared?\u201d Sanada asks.<\/p>\n

\u201cRight, I can\u2019t stop shaking,\u201d Berger responds. \u201cEvery Garmillas soldier seems disturbed ever since they heard Starsha\u2019s proclamation about telling us the truth. It\u2019s like their bodies are telling them that they shouldn\u2019t know about it. Being in combat would be much better than this.\u201d<\/p>\n

We see a shot of their ships (Lambea, Hyuga<\/em> and the UX-01) escorted by various Garmillas craft in space, Goruba<\/em> looming over them. It seems the current truce is holding.<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Berger has every right to feel the jeepers creepers. As we\u2019ll soon find out, he\u2019s absolutely right about their human shapes rebelling against the onset of the revelations to come. This plays perfectly into what Starsha just told us about “freeing ourselves from the human shape,” since such a thing can be easily manipulated through scientific intervention.<\/span><\/p>\n

The BGM for this scene is A Garmillan Dictator\u2019s Anguish,<\/em> a variation of the Garmillan National Anthem<\/em> leitmotif that\u2019s become synonymous with revelations about Garmillas ever since 2199<\/em>. Very fitting.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[KC]: Oh boy. It\u2019s coming. The big reveal. How do Japanese fans feel about Iscandar\u2019s truth?<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: I haven\u2019t encountered much resistance to it in the Japanese fan community.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: 2202<\/em> was met with some resistance and derision in favor of the more familiar and two-dimensional story, so I wondered if there might also be some controversy over twisting the narrative on this former benevolent, willowy space goddess.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Luckily for Starsha, she personally doesn\u2019t have to bear most of the responsibility this time around. As revealed in previous commentaries, her role is akin to Ruda\u2019s in Yamato III<\/em>, the inheritor of a stained legacy.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Back inside the chamber on Iscandar, Kodai is staring up into the darkness, which seems to stretch beyond what he’s able to see.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is the entrance to Sanctel,\u201d the Keyman image tells them. \u201cIn order to proceed, you must undergo a ritual.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRitual?\u201d Kodai asks.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe civilization of Telezart reached the same state as ours when they abandoned their bodies. They attained the crystallized entity called Teresa, but they became isolated because of their intermediate existence. The people of Iscandar are different. We preserved everything within our memories and obtained the ability to change the universe with them.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Here\u2019s a first! Unlike in the original New Voyage<\/em>, we actually get to hear Starsha (through Keyman) acknowledge Telezart and Teresa. Based on her account of the preceding events, Telezart\u2019s ritual became the standard for metaphysical ascendance a millennia ago. Its recipe was tweaked by Iscandar due to the observed and unwanted side effect of Telezart\u2019s people all losing their individuality.<\/span><\/p>\n

2202<\/em> explains that Teresa is a metaphysical manifestation of the entire race of Telezart, all coalescing into one singular entity whose fluid existence is locked in a higher metaphysical realm akin to Plato\u2019s world of forms. This was not the desired outcome for Iscandar and its people; they wanted to maintain the capacity to interact with and influence the real world, rather than just floating in the clouds as an observer of time and space.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Thus, the Sanctel ritual was conceived, capable of both preserving an individual\u2019s memory AND safekeeping their soul for eternity. All it costs is abandoning your human shape! The power of memories became its own battery of sorts, capable of transfiguring the galaxy as a whole, for good and for worse. In short, Starsha\u2019s revealing the conception and discovery of Wave-Motion Energy!<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: Wow, Iscandar are some selfish mofos. Definitely not ready for the level of technology at their disposal.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Around the same time Iscandar began this process, Zordar was out looking for the Ark of Destruction, Zemulia was covered in heavy mist, and Telezart became Teresa. What a wild time to be alive.<\/span><\/p>\n

Visually speaking, this elevator shaft harkens back to both the alternate ending of the \u201877 Yamato<\/em> movie, and Yamato III<\/em>\u2019s Shalbart romp. In the latter example, princess Ruda of Shalbart reveals to Yamato<\/em>\u2019s crew the truth of her home, and unearths all the miracle tools hidden deep under its crystal pyramids on the planet\u2019s outskirts.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Kodai and Dessler stand on a platform, the room extending far below them as well as above. From the depths, a pillar of golden fire shoots upward and engulfs the area before them. <\/p>\n

\u201cThis path is normally irreversible,\u201d the Keyman image tells them. \u201cBut in your case, you\u2019ll only have a brief dream.\u201d<\/p>\n

The curling flames turn to ribbons of fire which swirl around them. Kodai stutters in response, but Dessler remains stone-faced until they are both lifted bodily by the rushing winds and tossed into the fire stream.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t be afraid. Open your heart.\u201d Keyman\u2019s voice offers this advice to Kodai as he floats in light, completely nude and seemingly unconscious. He opens his eyes and orients himself, gasping at the sight before him as Keyman continues; Kodai is surrounded by sharp, jutting crystals of blue, green and yellow.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are countless civilizations containing the wisdom of multitudes of intelligent lives. Every element of those planets, including Iscandar, is stored in this gigantic memory vault called Sanctel. Within those crystals, a number of memories remain active, living on in eternal joy.\u201d<\/p>\n

To Kodai\u2019s horror, his body begins to dissolve into tiny particles of light, until he vanishes completely from the scene. <\/p>\n

[AMB]: This refined, golden stream of flame is the same kind we saw back in Episode 5, when Yurisha urged our heroes to fire at Iscandar\u2019s energy vault to forcibly move the planet out of the range of Yamato<\/em>\u2019s WMG. It isn\u2019t the first time we\u2019ve seen it. Back in 2202<\/em> Episode 21, Andromeda Kai<\/em> and Ginga<\/em> joined forces to fire an amplified four-way split WMG at the Ark of Destruction\u2019s gravity well, temporarily disabling it. We also saw a variation of it fired at the Ark in Episode 24, when Yamato<\/em> utilized its Transit WMG. <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

As Starsha once prophesied in 2199<\/em>, WME is a source of great power that requires equally great responsibility; in this instance, it\u2019s capable of giving Kodai and Dessler a temporary glimpse into what it means to forsake the body and attain “eternity,” Kodai\u2019s nude shape reveals that he’s undergoing the Sanctel ritual, bathed in a golden hue. The various crystals beneath him represent, as Keyman\u2019s voice says, memories of intelligent lives. If I can be crass, this is the modern iteration of the World Economic Forum\u2019s wet dream: for all intelligent life to live in the pod, safeguarded by higher powers (Iscandar). It\u2019s utopia made flesh – or rather, made mind.<\/span><\/p>\n

This isn\u2019t the first time we\u2019ve seen similar topics explored in Japanese animation. In the long-running shounen anime Naruto Shippuden<\/em>, the main antagonist Madara Uchiha\u2019s goal is to create an eternal world of dreams where everyone gets to live forever in peace, re-experiencing their greatest dreams and realizing what was left unfulfilled, all without actually affecting reality.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

It also holds some tangential connection to Gundam<\/em>\u2019s concept of Newtypes, evolved humans capable of implicit understanding without requiring physical contact or verbal communication. In Gundam Unicorn<\/em>\u2019s last episode, another work written by Harutoshi Fukui, the series ends with the protagonist character Banagher\u2019s spirit floating in space, naked, witnessing the world from a pure and non-judgmental perspective.<\/span><\/p>\n

Does the future proposed by Iscandar entice you whatsoever, Kathy? Will you live in the pod forever, reliving your greatest triumphs without moving forward? Without making progress?<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: I suppose if I was absolutely certain that there was nothing beyond our mortal existence, yes, I might choose to live out eternity in some kind of Groundhog Day scenario of my happiest memory. Although if it\u2019s just the one, won\u2019t I get bored eventually, or does Sanctel wipe my mind with every reset? This is sounding less and less ideal.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Maybe the feelings of joy and contentment transfer as well, in perpetuity? Starsha\u2019s demeanor doesn\u2019t fill me with confidence in this theory, but then again everyone else in Sanctel has been there for over a millennia. <\/span><\/p>\n

Perhaps Dezarium aren\u2019t after anything malicious like a weapon, but rather the memory storage technology required to safeguard their mounting millennia of memories? Could they too wish to cease constant strife and technological evolution, and to simply rest, if they truly do live in the year 3199?<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: I would still put money on Dezarium wanting something other than the usual annihilation, just not a lot of money.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

A blue butterfly alights on a bright, yellow flower among many within a patch green grass. A net comes down, trapping the butterfly, and we see that it is wielded by Kodai as a much younger boy. <\/p>\n

\u201cYou did it, Susumu,\u201d someone calls. Kodai turns to see his older brother standing behind him. They regard each other for a few moments, then time jumps forward slightly and Kodai is holding the butterfly in a clear container. His brother sits beside him.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis male Alpine Black Swallowtail will complete your collection,\u201d Mamoru observes. \u201cThis butterfly can obtain eternity. Once mounted, this butterfly will remain beautiful forever. But you know it, don\u2019t you? Such happiness won\u2019t last forever.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Susumu turns in fear to see a planet bomb hurtling toward him. Now Mamoru has been joined by their parents.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat if you could forget about everything and live in this moment forever?\u201d Mamoru asks him. As the four of them watch, a city skyline is obliterated by giant, glowing Planet Bombs.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat if you could live and re-live your favorite moment as many times as you wanted?\u201d<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Fans of the original series will immediately recognize what this moment is harkening back to. Sadly omitted in 2199<\/em> was Susumu\u2019s taxidermied butterflies, a hobby he picked up during his first years on Earth during wartime with Gamilas. Fascinated with protecting and maintaining life through that process, he refused to see reality for what it truly was, and all of a sudden he lost his family. That\u2019s when both his hobby and childhood died.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

This iconic moment has since been recontextualized in the reboot saga to mean something more profound to the original audience: by bringing back this aspect of Susumu\u2019s character, the writers recognize the older audience’s memories, offering to preserve them at a great cost, without moving forward (the meaning behind Susumu\u2019s name). They\u2019re essentially saying that the reboot could have simply recreated everything that once was without change, but what kind of beauty is ever retained this way? It all returns to nothing in the end without perpetual change.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why does Mamoru make special note of the Black Swallowtail “completing his collection?” It\u2019s hinting at the darker tones the forthcoming revelations will take, and how far Iscandar went in order to \u201coffer salvation to all intelligent life in the universe,\u201d as Starsha\u2019s 2199<\/em> mantra goes. While maintaining, worshiping and revering life that\u2019s long since gone through a process like taxidermy may delay the inevitable decay of the physical form, It’s no substitute for true eternity. Marble statues will crumble, wooden houses will decay, and ink will fade, no matter what we do. <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Special notes: their blurred cameo in 2199<\/em>\u2019s Jirel episode aside, this is the first time we see Susumu\u2019s parents so clearly in the reboot saga. The date for the planet bombing of Tokyo we see here was revealed in Age of Yamato<\/em> to be April 2nd, 2193. Visually, the lighting SFX in this scene follows the original New Voyage<\/em> method of applying natural lighting effects to spice up scenes. This lends a unique, tangible feeling to 2205<\/em> when compared to the other reboot works. <\/span> <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

There is the blinding flash of an explosion and Susumu\u2019s terrified face is replaced with young Abelt\u2019s as he looks up at his Uncle who kneels before him. <\/p>\n

\u201cAbelt, you are an incomplete human,\u201d Grand Duke Erik tells him. \u201cEveryone is incomplete. That\u2019s why people kill each other, even on the same planet.\u201d<\/p>\n

There is a replay of Abelt\u2019s mother shoving past him to get to his older brother\u2019s casket at his burial. She collapses against it, sobbing. <\/p>\n

\u201cSuch twisted people are scattered throughout the universe,\u201d Erik continues. \u201cHumans annihilate each other, and they\u2019ll inevitably bring destruction upon the universe. Before that happens, we can turn entire civilizations into memories for preservation.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Though 2202<\/em>\u2019s staff hinted at bringing back some of the bigshot voice actors from Dessler\u2019s family for future installments, I never expected Erik\u2019s voice actor Kazuhiko Inoue to return so soon! In all honesty, I expected Abelt\u2019s brother Matteus to fill the tour-guide role in this scene to better juxtapose Susumu and Mamoru, but there\u2019s a good reason for it. Erik reveales to audience members, through his speech and the visual direction, what wasn\u2019t necessarily made clear in 2202<\/em>: Matteus died in the aftermath of the Great Unification War of Garmillas, likely at the hands of dissenters to the Dessler regime. Perhaps it was karma for waging the war in the first place.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: Now I\u2019m curious whether his wife was involved with them even back then.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: You\u2019re giving the writers too much fuel for scenarios to hurt Abelt! In all honesty, I think she only joined up with the resistance after Matteus died. That\u2019s what her words in 2202<\/em> make me think, at least.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: My bad. That must have been subconscious. And you\u2019re right, she does insinuate that she has joined the resistance out of revenge for Matteus\u2019 loss.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: It\u2019s disturbing to see Starsha messing with the minds of Susumu and Abelt to effectively manipulate them the same way Teresa did in 2202<\/em>, though I\u2019m more inclined to believe the latter\u2019s manifestation of spirits was genuine, rather than a manipulation of memories. This scene perfectly portrays the different values and ideology between the two civilizations. Abelt\u2019s encounter seems to take place on the day Erik reveals Garmillas’ fate, or perhaps the day of Matteus’ funeral.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Mamoru holds the pinned butterfly in its frame. The Kodai brothers are standing in a room filled with hundreds of pinned butterflies. <\/p>\n

\u201cJust like this butterfly retains its beauty, all living things can live in peace. Multiple civilizations can coexist forever in static time. If we use the Cosmo Reverse [Rebirth?] System, we can even reconstruct a real civilization from its memory.\u201d<\/p>\n

The newly preserved Swallowtail begins to move and glow the same green as Keyman\u2019s image did. It flies away and the younger Kodai is alone in a field, looking up at a night sky filled with stars and glowing green butterflies. His older brother\u2019s voice continues.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is, if we choose to abandon our eternal happiness and venture outside once more.\u201d<\/p>\n

[AMB]: What the ritual at Sanctel is capable of doing is to not only record our memories of what once was, but to actually preserve them as they truly were. If ever we wish to leave our pods, we can do so, going as far as to recreate whole civilizations from memories alone! We knew most of this from Starsha\u2019s explanation of the Cosmo Reverse System since 2199<\/em>, but we also know there were supposed to be consequences, such as the life force of the universe being used as fuel in incestuous fashion. It works on an almost alchemical principle of equal exchange. <\/span><\/p>\n

What I\u2019m saying is that Iscandar solved the problem of world peace! Instead of coexisting in the material plane, we can all live in our own pods, eternally reliving our glory days until the end of time, free from the burden of flesh and bones.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[KC]: I\u2026yeah. These people are not enlightened.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: I concur! They are clearly drunk on the wine of the gods in the same way Edmund was swayed by the white witch\u2019s Turkish delights in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.<\/em> They just can\u2019t escape their own base contentment, as if they\u2019re decomposing on the couch without a single responsibility. <\/span><\/p>\n

Visually, the scene where Kodai looks up to the stars bears an uncanny resemblance to an illustration of space used during the exploration of Shalbart\u2019s past in Yamato III<\/em>. <\/span><\/p>\n

All three voices speak at once; Mamoru, Erik and Keyman: \u201cNow, let\u2019s begin the ritual.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Several beams of light lash out toward an unknown planet. Young Abelt stands with his Uncle at the same window where they conversed in the earlier memory, only then it was thundering and raining outside. Now they watch as those beams stab into the planet, destroying it. <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t avert your eyes,\u201d Erik commands as Abelt looks on in horror. \u201cIn order to store all the elements of a planet, the civilization and its people, we must wipe them from the real world. That is the ritual. It\u2019s been repeated over and over to preserve lives and civilizations forever. Genocide by Iscandar.\u201d<\/p>\n

[KC]: Okay, Not-Really-Keyman said they were going to have dreams, so even though this bizarre evolution technology is centered around memories, these dreams were specifically constructed in order to spill Iscandar\u2019s dirty little secret. Abelt didn\u2019t experience some buried trauma from that time when the pretty lady next door obliterated a planet. Hopefully.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: It\u2019s as you and the image of Keyman said: appropriate forms were chosen to best reveal the truth, chosen specifically to increase the subject’s willingness to trust and believe. Susumu wasn\u2019t in Tokyo when the planet bombs fell, nor was Abelt necessarily present when Iscandarian weaponry harvested two planets at once. Symbols of authority and trust, meaning Mamoru and Erik, had their forms borrowed by Starsha. <\/span><\/p>\n

This scene explains why Mamoru and Okita\u2019s souls and memories were used as the conduits necessary to reconstruct Earth as it once was back in 2199<\/em>. Only something from Earth can recreate Earth, which was why it was necessary for Yamato<\/em>\u2019s crew to pick up Mamoru on Iscandar themselves. The tears of love Susumu once shed for the dead Yuki were enough to – in unison with the Blue Crystal flower Yurisha gave Yuki – act as an appropriate memory of her, with Mamoru becoming the conduit for her resurrection. Their love was made manifest.<\/span><\/p>\n

Now that the cat\u2019s out of the bag, let\u2019s discuss “genocide by Iscandar!” To gather and preserve a planet\u2019s memories, everything about it has to be obliterated in the same way one boils down the ingredients required through chemistry to bake a cake! They\u2019re then consumed by Sanctel, given space in its spacious belly, from where its ingredients can be regurgitated at will and leisure. Most elements harvested by Iscandar\u2019s method choose to live blissfully in said tummy, though. One could even read this as implying that Wave-Motion Energy not only steals energy from the universe, but also transforms its targets into metaphysical elements – or energy.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[KC]: It\u2019s barbaric and exactly why I wondered what people would think about this plot element. I know that I like to be judgey about Starsha, but I don\u2019t know that many other fans do.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: In this instance, I don\u2019t think anyone will fault you for condemning the Iscandarian method. I sure don’t.<\/span><\/p>\n

Susumu Kodai in his younger form floats above the remains of the decimated planet as he listens to Mamoru\u2019s voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou must be thinking something\u2019s wrong. You\u2019re correct. The people of Iscandar were the first to turn themselves into elements. It began with a few people, and eventually everyone followed. All except for the royal family, which manages the memory vault. The people of Iscandar abandoned their physical bodies and laid themselves within Sanctel.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

As he continues speaking, we go from the view of the destroyed planet to the crystals and from the crystals back to the destroyed planet. Small white flickering lights can be seen glimmering inside some crystals.<\/p>\n

[AMB]: At least Iscandar\u2019s people weren\u2019t hypocrites. So convinced that their path to peace and tranquility was the right way, they ended their own physical selves. What does that then make Starsha? A projection? An avatar? An idol? What we do know is that she too is a member of the royal family, who were all supposed to make a more impactful appearance in 2205<\/em> from the draft stage. Initially, Dessler’s upcoming gun-pointing moment was to be aimed at them, rather than Starsha. This idea was later rejected since it would lessen the impact of the love between Starsha and Abelt. <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

What are those white flickering lights? Based on when they\u2019re shown throughout the narration, we can infer that these are the current true forms of each member of the royal family, including Starsha and Yurisha. It\u2019s the same kind of flickering light we saw inside Sasha\u2019s pod earlier. <\/span><\/p>\n

Though this is merely conjecture, one could infer that the planet we just saw destroyed was one of the Bolzon planets from the original saga\u2019s novelizations, based on the red backdrop. The king of Bolzon and his civilization could then be preserved inside Sanctel, if one wishes to believe so.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf so, who\u2019s performing the ritual of destroying lives and civilizations with a massive army? What was needed was a strong body, as well as the weakness of surviving only in a specific environment. Such slaves are easy to manipulate. They must worship Iscandar as a god and follow its orders faithfully.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

We get an aerial view of the palace on Iscandar as three Garmillas ships descend in. Starsha sits on her throne as rows of Garmillans kneel before her. A planetary body with a distinct green tint is shown sitting in space: planet Galman.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cIscandar discovered a planet and abducted its blue-skinned locals…\u201d<\/p>\n

We see images of the people of Galman. <\/p>\n

\u201c…who were then forced to migrate to Iscandar\u2019s twin planet.\u201d<\/p>\n

[AMB]: The scene with Starsha is the same flashback we saw in Episode 2, where Abelt first met her. With this, we now have conclusive data on how Iscandar came to be worshiped as a religious icon, and what it truly means to offer salvation to all intelligent life in the universe. Galman\u2019s people were chosen for their extraordinary sturdiness and their low survivability beyond specific environmental conditions, making them easy slaves.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

[KC]: Right, right. Why destroy civilizations yourself when you can get people to do it for you? Then you can sleep easy at night, your reputation intact. Hoo-boy.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: If everyone\u2019s chosen the path of abandoning their human forms, somebody has to pursue Iscandar\u2019s policy of salvation-by-genocide! <\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: This reminds me of the absolute BS Dessler quote from the original Bolar Wars<\/em>. Something like, \u201cOnly through a policy of peaceful aggression can we truly achieve peace in our time.\u201d Yeah, whatever, pal.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Like many other elements from Yamato III<\/em>, it was borrowed for 2199<\/em>\u2019s take on Abelt! Which is why I think it\u2019s doubtful for his expansionist policies to resurface in 3199<\/em>. He\u2019s already grown past that desire, and now only wishes to give his people a peaceful home. What I instead envision for Abelt is the forced war he\u2019s now stuck in with the Bolar Federation, where he\u2019ll be urged and pushed toward “liberating” Bolar planets through an explosive and deeply devastating conflict filled with death and misery. Problem solved! <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[KC]: If they stopped being a military dictatorship, they\u2019d have to get rid of those eye-catching uniforms. Full disclosure: I will tolerate a lot as long as Dessler and Talan are still around. <\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Style remains style!<\/span><\/p>\n

On the mecha side of things, the three coreship-esque Garmillan ships are called Garmillonia Zeo,<\/em> with zeo<\/em> being the Garmillan pronunciation of zero<\/em>. It\u2019s approximately 90 meters in length and completely unarmed. The bridge part can detach, just like its successor craft the Zoellegut<\/em>, which at first became the next generation Deusura<\/em> craft before it was used in Zoellick\u2019s staged assassination in 2199<\/em>. <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Next, we see the mural depicting the “goddess” with the twin planets in her hand from the opening of the fifth episode. <\/p>\n

\u201cUtilizing the Cosmo Reverse [Rebirth?], the infertile planet was reborn as an identical copy of their home planet.\u201d<\/p>\n

Next is Starsha on her throne again as a young Abelt looks up from where the other Garmillas representatives kneel before her.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe slaves are called Garmillas. In the ancient language of Iscandar it means \u2018Galman Ape\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

[KC]: When I demanded that this Dessler be given a more significant redemption arc, I didn\u2019t think they would lay it on quite this thick, but I bought this ticket and I\u2019m taking the ride. <\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: It comes as quite a surprise, doesn\u2019t it? Whether or not the “Galman Ape” name was chosen for kicks or because it was the most fitting name for a race chosen to act as genetically-manipulated slaves, we don\u2019t know. Maybe both reasons apply. In any case, Abelt isn\u2019t going to take this very lightly. <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Garmillas and their people were, as Abelt inferred in Episode 1, pilgrims descended from Galman with shared ancestral roots. The Garmillans became Iscandar\u2019s leashed dogs who spent a millennia ravaging the cosmos and gathering civilizations until Starsha stopped the process. Which brings us back to the goddess: I maintain that she can\u2019t possibly be Starsha, but rather a predecessor who\u2019ll fill the same shoes in 3199<\/em> that Mother Shalbart and Ruda filled in Yamato III<\/em>. What do you think? And what was your initial reaction to this reveal?<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: I don\u2019t know if it has become clear yet whether there is a royal line on Iscandar, or whether it has only ever been one royal family. I suppose Starsha could be a reconstituted version of this ancient queen, who has finally had a change of heart about the decision made a millennia ago, but I don\u2019t think the show is taking it that far. Dessler needs to be redeemable. But if he loves Starsha, she needs to be redeemable, too. As for the reveal, it blew me away. My vague musings as to whether Dessler might actually get the girl in this version were obliterated in an instant.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Same here.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Starsha approaches young Abelt and kneels before him.<\/p>\n

\u201cGrow up quickly, Abelt.\u201d Starsha whispers in his ear, rising. There is a bright light and young Abelt stares at her in anguish, rapidly morphing back into the man who walked into this chamber with Kodai. All three figures are now at the bottom of the shaft. With a strangled cry he pulls his sidearm, pointing it in Starsha\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Shocked, Kodai calls out to Dessler while Starsha stares at him impassively.<\/p>\n

\u201cKnowing all this, do you still wish to save me?\u201d She asks him. He scowls at her, not answering. But he doesn\u2019t shoot her, either. <\/p>\n

[AMB]: This is the very same sidearm he\u2019s kept ever since 2199<\/em>, all the way back when he pondered what it meant to wage an eternal war for the sake of peace in the universe, all for the sake of the woman he loves. That love is now being tested.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: *frantically adjusts seat belt*<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Don\u2019t buy into her provocations, Dessler! She\u2019s just as hungry for that fast bullet to the brain as you and Kodai have been throughout the entirety of 2205<\/em>! If only there was a disgruntled young man who could knock some metaphorical sense into these three. Oh, and this is the last chance we\u2019ll have to figure out the meaning behind Starsha\u2019s words from the flashback! What did she mean by wanting Abelt to “grow up quickly”?<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[KC]: He\u2019s going to ask her that question himself in a few moments. My first instinct was that she was hoping to break this cycle under Dessler\u2019s rule, whether by attempting to establish a legitimate friendship with him or by manipulating him romantically. Now that her exposition is about to confirm she was consciously trying to change the Iscandar\/Garmillas dynamic, I’m going to stand by that instinct.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Reasonable! I took her appeal as the subtle expression of a desire to pawn off her duties on his shoulders, only to later regret it as he grew into a fine man. <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Cut to the ships waiting above Iscandar and then a closeup on Yamato<\/em>. <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s so quiet it\u2019s almost creepy,\u201d Medical Officer Miyako Kyozuka says softly. She is standing with Domon on the observation deck. \u201cWill Captain Kodai bring Starsha–\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI’m certain he will bring her,\u201d Domon answers. \u201cHe isn\u2019t the kind of person who would abandon someone.\u201d<\/p>\n

Miyako gives a little smile, satisfied with that.<\/p>\n

[AMB]: If it wasn\u2019t made clear earlier, I was referring to Domon as the hero we need. He\u2019s in for a harsh reality check once Kodai returns. Never meet your heroes, I suppose. Miyako\u2019s trust in his judgment is wholesome, though. <\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: Can\u2019t speak for anyone reading along, but I knew which fresh, young Yamato<\/em> hothead you were talking about.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Back in Sanctel, Kodai is angry. Dessler hasn\u2019t lowered his weapon.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Garmillas are slaves who were brought from Galman by Iscandar?\u201d Dessler asks in a surprisingly conversational tone. \u201cLoyalty to Iscandar and the pride in our noble blue skin are just mere results of mind control on the entire race. The life of our planet was shortened due to the stress of turning a lifeless planet into a copy of Galman thousands of years ago. It eroded planet Garmillas and hastened its death. It was all to keep the blue-skinned slaves in captivity.\u201d<\/p>\n

He is frowning now. Starsha turns her face away from his gaze and the barrel of his pistol. <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a long time ago. Iscandar closed the memory vault thousands of years ago and stopped turning lives and civilizations into elements.\u201d<\/p>\n

She walks away from him. Dessler keeps his gun trained on her.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not because we realized our mistakes,\u201d Starsha continues. \u201cWe indulged in reliving the happiness of the past and lost interest in outside worlds. The evolution of all living things\u2026I redefined such Iscandarism, a relic of the past, and tried to establish a new relationship with Garmillas.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Kodai, wanting to intervene, realizes he has no ground to stand on and stays quiet. This isn\u2019t unlike when he heard the tragic tale of Gatlantis back in 2202<\/em>, where he likewise was overwhelmed by the sadness of it all.<\/span><\/p>\n

Garmillas\u2019 rapidly deteriorating health is now fully revealed to be the consequential side effect of an improper and hasty implementation of the Cosmo Reverse System on Iscandar\u2019s twin planet, fully justifying the comments made in both 2199<\/em> and 2202<\/em> by Starsha and Dessler as to the fickle nature of the system\u2019s reliability when forced into incompatible scenarios. What this also implies is that the memory of a planet or civilization was sacrificed in order to save Earth back in 2199<\/em>, a sin us Earthlings will have to unknowingly bear for the rest of time. <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Starsha seems to strengthen my own view that the Royal Family\u2019s past policy of universalism was set before her time as custodian of Iscandar, but not one she was inherently against in the far off past as a planetary element. Yurisha argued for the continuation of this policy at the start of this episode, only to be berated by her older sister as not having the same wealth of knowledge and experience that comes with living for as long as Starsha herself has. <\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: Quite simply, Yurisha is too young to know any better. <\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Starsha changed the policy from \u201cthe evolution of all living things,\u201d to \u201cthe salvation of all intelligent life.” At her behest, Garmillas’ past was effectively erased, giving their kind a new lease on life. Once Abelt grew up, he commissioned that famous mural by Takuhito Kusanagi, formalizing the revitalization of Iscandar worship and the union of their utopian ideals. But Abelt took it too far. Or as Zordar would say, because of love, people kill and steal, and the universe ceases to exist. <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

How cruel it must seem for Dessler, to hear that their oppressors didn\u2019t unshackle them out of kindness or pity, but simply out of boredom. They lost interest in cataloging mankind and became spiritual hedonists, endlessly indulging in the past. Is that truly a way to live?<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: I gave him so much grief for killing that bird from Iscandar in 2199<\/em>, and here comes Japan one decade later to show me who the true monsters are. And as other characters will point out, what Iscandar has been doing hasn\u2019t been anything like living. Not for a long, long time.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Izubuchi\u2019s bird metaphor will never escape this intense scrutiny it seems!<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut you sought a planet to replace the dying Garmillas,\u201d Starsha continues, \u201cand began an intergalactic invasion. It was the same path Iscandar went down, which is why–\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Dessler finally lowers his sidearm and finishes for her, unable to look her in the eye.<\/p>\n

\u201cEarth became the subject of your relief as it suffered the threat of extinction from the Garmillas invasion.\u201d<\/p>\n

He closes his eyes, almost smiling. And then suddenly he is glaring at her again, his weapon back up.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd then you sent information about Planet Galman to us.\u201d <\/p>\n

Kodai gasps. Dessler keeps his gun trained on the back of Starsha\u2019s head.<\/p>\n

[AMB]: In a strange turn of events, an odd chance or perhaps fate, Iscandar and Garmillas switched ideological seats. The former rulers tried to reign in the ambitious young blue-bloods, failing to stop their intergalactic advance which threatened to destroy more civilizations than it saved.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Her hypocritical salvation of Earth was never intended to spite Garmillas’ attempts at finding a new home, but rather to protect a planet like the one they had once created just to ruin, paying for sins better left forgotten. Finally, after asking Teresa for guidance and answers in 2202<\/em>, Dessler finds out the truth. But was it more than he bargained for?<\/span><\/p>\n

Finding planet Galman is no longer the result of chance or luck as it was in Yamato III<\/em>, but a deliberate scheme of belated compensation forged by Starsha. Clever new twist on a past work.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: Agreed, although Abelt isn\u2019t going to find it very clever.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: I also have to add that seeing the multitude of planets stored in Sanctel makes for an impressive image. There are probably hundreds of civilizations within its bowels, each full of millions of souls, all inhabitants living in their own dreamlands.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

[KC]: The crystals are pretty. Knowing how they got there, a lot less so.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d he snarls. \u201cYou told me once to grow up quickly! Was it because you wanted to tell me the truth?! Or to make me shoot you?!\u201d<\/p>\n

His eyes are wild with grief and rage at this point. There is a drawn out, silent moment and then he drops his pistol to his side.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf so, you\u2019re beyond arrogant. The Queen of Iscandar giving her one life as repentance for past sins won\u2019t settle as a recompense for the oppression suffered by the people of Garmillas!\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Kodai looks nervous about what might happen next, but Dessler just turns and starts walking away.<\/p>\n

[KC]: Not that I thought Dessler was going to shoot Starsha, but still; I can\u2019t believe Dessler didn\u2019t shoot Starsha.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Initially I was surprised as well. But on repeat viewings, it all adds up. The promise he made to Ranhart about seeking a peaceful future for his people and new home is all realized here, where after so many decades of war and retributive justice, he simply opts to walk away. Part of him knows Starsha isn\u2019t to blame, so her taking the fall would do little to mitigate the damage done by the royal family, nor would it make his race any happier. <\/span><\/p>\n

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

Then there\u2019s that other pesky element at play called love, which will take Abelt to greater heights by the end of the episode. Even after everything he\u2019s been through, after all that he\u2019s sacrificed for her, Abelt still loves her. Because just like Starsha, he too tends to betray his heart by acting in ways that invoke the ire of others. It\u2019s what Hyss reminded us of back in Episode 3, which almost ended with Abelt committing suicide by flame. Kodai\u2019s tried similar suicide attempts throughout 2205<\/em> as well, and now it\u2019s Starsha\u2019s turn. <\/span><\/p>\n

As Captain Hijikata told Yamanami in 2202<\/em>: \u201cThere\u2019s no responsibility in dying.\u201d They have to pick themselves back up, live with their sins, and do better. That\u2019s the only way. Don\u2019t become a Zordar!<\/span><\/p>\n

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

[KC]: True; it\u2019s not worth much at all if he realizes his error and chooses to make good his escape instead of facing his accusers and detractors and working to make things right.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNone of my actions are for redemption,\u201d Starsha finally responds. Dessler stops but does not turn around. \u201cThe reason why I tried to save Earth and told you about Planet Galman was simply to save myself. I\u2019m a descendant of Iscandar, which self-righteously committed tyranny. I\u2019m also a member of the royal family, which manages Sanctel. I tried to ease my pain, as I\u2019m destined to live forever. Aren\u2019t you the same? You\u2019re trying to save me to ease the pain and suffering of losing Planet Garmillas. You can\u2019t atone for anything by doing so. We only needed each other to console ourselves.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dessler ponders this for a moment. With a soft sigh he closes his eyes, and as Starsha and Kodai look on he continues to walk away.<\/p>\n

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

[AMB]: Of course, it\u2019s very easy to completely buy into Starsha\u2019s rant here as true, but later events will quickly disprove this notion. Right now, she\u2019s doing her best to repent not for the sins of her people, but rather for the sin of laying the future of the universe and its peace on the shoulders of young Abelt Dessler. By allowing herself to become his object of hatred, Abelt can fully detach from his own sins (which she alluded to back in Episode 1) and live on as a just, fair ruler. <\/span><\/p>\n

Abelt tried doing something similar to his own people back in 2199<\/em>, where he named every nasty weapon after himself to leave a permanent mark as the handy evil man of Garmillas, taking all sins on his own back. In 2199<\/em> Episode 23, a moment struck writer Fukui as important enough to have Abelt reflect on it in 2202<\/em> Episode 16: \u201cI must be the one to commit the sin of sacrificing noble Garmillan lives for the future of Great Garmillas. I shall live with that sin forever.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Starsha believes he\u2019s simply coping, but he actually loves her; Abelt momentarily believes Starsha is rejecting him, but she\u2019s simply trying to save his soul. They truly are two peas in a pod.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: And yet, in some unspoken understanding of the trope, I don\u2019t think I’ve ever come across a single fanfic in all my days that ships the two of them together.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Another job for me, then!<\/span><\/p>\n

The BGM for this scene is Truth of Iscandar<\/em>, a fresh new variation of the Blue Crystal leitmotif previously given new life in the theme for Sanctel. What do the voice actors have to say about the new aspects afforded to their iconic characters?<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Koichi Yamadera (Dessler):<\/em> They are awkward, trapped, and the stakes are very high. Dessler in 2205<\/em> has a humanity about him. It becomes clear that he was not a completely strong person. In 2202<\/em> we delved into his past, which made it easier to express his various emotions. Dessler\u2019s humanity comes through in this story, so I was able to perform naturally.<\/span><\/p>\n

Kikuko Inoue:<\/em> Starsha has both the strength of a queen and the vulnerability of a woman. However, in the past, she has never shown her vulnerabilities. This time, the script was filled with sadness, so I was able to play the role naturally.<\/span><\/p>\n

The approach to their performances was entirely different as well, with one needing a bit more guidance than the other…<\/span><\/p>\n

Inoue:<\/em> Harutoshi Fukui, the scriptwriter, talked about a lot of things in between the recordings.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Yamadera:<\/em> We recorded separately, but for me, there was nothing to it. I just read the script, understood it, felt it, and so on.<\/span><\/p>\n

Inoue:<\/em> I think it\u2019s because in your case, they can leave it up to you with confidence. In my case, it was very encouraging to receive advice and a little information like, “This is how Starsha feels,\u201d or \u201cThis is how she feels this time, but this is how it will be in the future.” I was nervous and anxious about playing Starsha after a long time, but I received encouraging words at the recording, like, “That was good.” Also, the music in the video I received beforehand made it easier for me to get emotionally involved.<\/span><\/p>\n

Read more of their interview here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo live means to continually change,\u201d Starsha says to Kodai as they watch Dessler walk away. \u201cI learned that from your brother. These collections of memories indulge themselves in happiness and they refuse to change. They\u2019re no different from being dead.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cDezarium is after the massive amount of knowledge here,\u201d Kodai postulates. <\/p>\n

Starsha bows her head, not quite confirming his suspicion.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese systems use the best of those Wave-Motion civilizations,\u201d she says. \u201cAnd these can be made to coalesce into a dreadful weapon. We can\u2019t let them have it. No matter what.\u201d<\/p>\n

[AMB]: As previously discussed, Mamoru Kodai\u2019s name means to preserve the past, but here Starsha reveals he taught her the meaning of moving past it – the meaning of Susumu\u2019s name. By living on through memories alone, nothing ever changes or grows, it simply stagnates with no direction or purpose. It\u2019s no wonder a ruler like Starsha grows weary with life after millennia, as if feeling her soul withering without truly being given the eternal rest it strives for. Cosmic horror on the personal plane.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

As Kodai postulates, the massive wealth of information afforded to Sanctel\u2019s database can indeed be of great value to forces of both good and evil. Starsha believes Dezarium is the kind of civilization that has a stronger tendency to use this wealth of information to produce terrible weapons of mass destruction, rather than creative and transformative tools of peace and tranquility. <\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: It\u2019s the reason why vampires are such miserable assholes, isn\u2019t it? They\u2019re effectively immortal, but while the world continues to grow and change they remain stagnant.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Yes. The concept of being a vampire initially sounds quite appealing and romantic, but the reality is not. <\/span><\/p>\n

And those final words from Starsha? It\u2019s mostly unspoken, but she\u2019s definitely telling Kodai that she intends to die here in order to stop Dezarium from getting what they want. Rather than try and stop her, Kodai wordlessly accepts her sacrifice and moves on. <\/span><\/p>\n

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

[KC]: Well, that should come as no surprise to anyone.<\/span><\/p>\n

An unspecified amount of time later, Autoplanet Goruba<\/em> hangs in space while Starsha delivers her ultimatum.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll surrender Iscandar on one condition. Let the Garmillas migrant fleet escape safely and hand it over to the Earth-Garmillas joint fleet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI accept,\u201d Meldars agrees after very little deliberation. \u201cI want to pay respect to your benevolence in trying to save all intelligent life forms.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

[AMB]: Personally speaking, though, I of course empathize with condemning Meldarz for destroying Garmillas. I have to once again stress that their kind seems awfully pragmatic and idealistic in their millennium dream. Whatever this \u201cGrand Reverse\u201d tool the 3199<\/em> promo materials refer to is, it likely has more to do with saving their kind and home than it does destroying others, but that\u2019s likely going to be another big twist in 3199<\/em>. And don’t forget, the jury is still out on whether the word (borrowed from English) is “reverse” or “rebirth.” Both have implications.<\/span><\/p>\n

Meldarz respectful acceptance of Starsha\u2019s demands reinforces my belief that they\u2019re future humans who perhaps still worship a similar mantra. Perhaps their dream is closely linked? Maybe they wish to save all intelligent life in their own way, through digitalization or forced universalism?<\/span><\/p>\n

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

[KC]: With the treatment that Zordar and Starsha have now gotten, I think anything is possible for Dezarium.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: What about Prime Minister Bemlarze of the Bolar Federation, Mr. \u201cI\u2019m the sole lord\/God of the universe, execution is to be expected\u201d? It would honestly crack me up if they managed to make him of all people into an understandable, down-to-Earth guy. In a recent interview about past Yamato<\/em> works, writer Hideki Oka wrote about how he was \u201ca perfect villain.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Oka:<\/em> It gradually becomes clear during the course of the story that there\u2019s no such thing as a \u201cdecent\u201d person who promotes colonial rule. Bemlarze, the vulgar prime minister of the Bolar Federation, is the definitive example of this. (Read more here<\/a>.)<\/span><\/p>\n

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

I mean\u2026 it would be incredibly impressive, and I\u2019d welcome the attempt with all my heart, but I don\u2019t envy the task at hand.<\/p>\n

[KC]: It\u2019s pretty unlikely, considering the arrogance and disdain that was shown to Abelt Dessler when he showed up to liberate Galman. If we’re going to accept a peace-loving Abelt who is still firing his Dessler Cannon every other episode, his conflict will have to be with some real garbage individuals.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: I\u2019ll hold out hope for Prime Minister Benevolayze to show up!<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

On Asuka<\/em>, Technical Officer Mikage Kiryu reacts in surprise as a personal transmission comes in from Captain Kodai.<\/p>\n

\u201cPatch me through,\u201d says Captain Mori, looking and sounding anxious as she picks up the headset.<\/p>\n

\u201cYuki\u2026I-I don\u2019t know what to do anymore.\u201d His voice is hopeless and lost.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened?\u201d Yuki asks him. \u201cCaptain Kodai? Kodai!\u201d<\/p>\n

But there is no response other than his sobbing as he returns to Yamato<\/em>.<\/p>\n

[KC]: I feel you, Kodai. Finally these tropey, unexplained elements have an explanation. A terrible, horrifying, devastating explanation.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: And with them comes another damning choice forced on Kodai, this scene in particular mirroring his call to Yuki from the Cosmo Zero in 2202<\/em> Episode 9. Only this time, there\u2019s no devil by the name of Zordar to push him in one direction over the other. Should he head back to save Starsha? Or should he accept her decision to forsake herself and Iscandar in order to save Dessler and Garmillas? What would a decent human do? <\/span><\/p>\n

Humanity once chose Kodai and Yuki over the Time Fault, but does Kodai have that same allegorical luxury now that he\u2019s indebted to Earth? His tears, which we haven\u2019t seen since 2202<\/em>\u2019s 25th episode, speak louder than words. He can bear it no longer.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: It\u2019s a heavy, impossible choice, to be sure.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

On board Yamato<\/em>, the bridge crew turn as one as Captain Kodai arrives, hat pulled down over his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cOnce the Garmillas fleet escapes, Starsha will have Iscandar self-destruct,\u201d he states.<\/p>\n

Some people react, but none more strongly than Shima, who aggressively grabs his friend and commanding officer by the ascot.<\/p>\n

\u201cCouldn\u2019t you force her to come?\u201d He shouts. <\/p>\n

\u201cThat person\u2019s resolve\u2026is firm,\u201d Kodai says, sounding calm but looking distressed. After a moment, Shima lets him go and Kodai adjusts his uniform.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cSeriously?\u201d Domon pipes up loudly from across the bridge. \u201cAre you really all right with that?\u201d<\/p>\n

Kodai stares at him impassively and says nothing.<\/p>\n

[AMB]: As a Captain of Earth, Kodai\u2019s decision can\u2019t be affected by his personal connection to Starsha as the love of his dearly departed brother’s life. At a different time, a different place, with less responsibility and more youthful idealism, he could have disobeyed his rationalism and become a true man of Yamato<\/em>. The time for this has passed, and he\u2019s now shackled by the debt he owes to society. That\u2019s what it means to grow up in the modern world, and to face reality. But Domon refuses to accept this. Even so, what can he do? Even Shima releases his grip after seeing Kodai\u2019s tear-stained eyes for himself. It\u2019s over. <\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: That different time you describe is where Domon is now.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Music starts up as this chapter begins its conclusion. We see the refugee boats leaving Iscandar while Frakken\u2019s crew says a final reprieve for Heyni, lost at sea. On Lambea<\/em>\u2019s bridge, Berger lowers his head in consternation and discontent, while Melda Dietz cries openly in her cockpit. Starsha\u2019s words go with them as they leave her to her fate.<\/p>\n

\u201cFarewells are difficult, but it’s very important to have an end. As long as the memories in Sanctel remain intact, we can regenerate our bodies as many times as desired. But such an existence is meaningless. You only live once. That\u2019s why you foster a strong will to find fulfillment in your life. \u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Song lyrics:
\nA lovely image that still remains in my heart
\nA gentle smile shows through shining tears
\nYou have gone on a journey into distant space
\nYou man of love and courage\u2026 I could never forget you, my dear!<\/em><\/p>\n

[AMB]: The last vestige of their home and origin is paid a final farewell, as the second home their bodies and hearts desperately revere is left behind. Berger curses his powerlessness as Melda likely mourns the loss of Yurisha, whom she had served dutifully as a friend and religious icon for the past six years. Heyni\u2019s laid to rest without a body or ashes, likely to never be seen again, giving us a glimpse at a grieving Frakken. This scene is tough to get through, especially with that somber vocal version of the Parting<\/em> leitmotif.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Speaking of, said track has its own history. Parting<\/em> was written for the original New Voyage<\/em>. It was used in the scene where we part with Starsha, and also where we part with her daughter Sasha in Be Forever<\/em>. This piece was so iconic they turned it into an ending song (with vocals) for Yamato III<\/em> as part of a contest where fans were given the opportunity to send in their own song lyrics.<\/span><\/p>\n

I can\u2019t think of any better moment to revive the song than this, where we\u2019ll see an amalgam of the parting scenes from both New Voyage<\/em> and Be Forever<\/em> play out. On a side note, the original singer Mitsuko Horie was very happy to hear they\u2019d reuse her original recording of the song for this episode.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: Not ashamed to admit that I sob through this scene every time I watch it.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Even as I wrote this I\u2019m getting teary-eyed just thinking about the implications behind Starsha\u2019s words: we only live once, and our attempts at achieving true eternity will never bear the fruit we think it will. As the song lyrics for this portion go, the people we lose in our lives will never truly be gone as long as we remember them, but at the same time we can never preserve every memory we hold dear, no matter how hard we try. What matters most isn\u2019t incessant preservation, but to live our one life to the fullest, so that when we take that eternal journey at the end we don\u2019t regret a single thing. <\/span><\/p>\n

Not only do we say farewell to Starsha, Iscandar and the fictional past of this story, but also to the story itself: it\u2019s likely the last time it will ever be revisited in animated form. It’s also the last time those who once fell in love with Starsha\u2019s peculiar vulnerable beauty will see her alive. Just imagining how Dessler feels at this moment breaks my heart. This just isn\u2019t fair to anyone. <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[KC]: He’s a character doomed to stoically accept every crap sandwich the plot feeds him, and they did not pull any of their punches.<\/span><\/p>\n

The scenes continue to shift. We see the three Earth Captains in their ships as the combined fleet begins to move out of the area. Then we’re back on Iscandar, hearing Starsha\u2019s words to Yurisha as they stand together watching the sky.<\/p>\n

\u201cA life ends when the time comes. That\u2019s what life really is. That\u2019s why I didn\u2019t revive Sasha when she died for Earth. The next time Sasha is reborn, I want her to have a brand new life. I was going to give her name to a new life, which has come into Iscandar for the first time in thousands of years. But now, that won\u2019t come to pass. \u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

We see inside the palace, and the familiar container with its glowing ball of energy.<\/p>\n

Like white petals called forth by the wind
\nListen and believe in eternal love
\nI reach out my hand to you!
\nIs the sky getting dark\u2026? Are you lonely\u2026?<\/em><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Another revelation. If she wanted to, Starsha could have revived Sasha, their sister who died on Mars, but she chose not to. Why? Because life shouldn\u2019t be treated with the same fickleness as Iscandar did in millennia past. No matter how dark and lonely the skies of Iscandar became, she would never force Sasha back into this eternal existence that plagues the weary souls of Iscandarians. <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

If we\u2019re to believe Starsha\u2019s word here, reincarnation might possibly be the real deal in this universe. She seems to believe in a variation of the Buddhist teaching of Samsara, where we go through life, death and rebirth. The new life she refers to is that of the life inside the capsule, an oddity in Iscandar history in both the classic and reboot timeline.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: There is another reason too, of course; Sasha is still destined for life among the Earthlings, where hopefully more problematic anime tropes will be left by the wayside, like her crushing on her Uncle Kodai after going from infant to teen idol in a day.<\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: A variation on Sasha\u2019s tragic tale of love was depicted in 2199<\/em> when it was implied that Yurisha had trouble distinguishing between her familial love for Starsha and the romantic love shared between Yamato<\/em> crew members. No matter what shape her tale takes this time around, it\u2019s bound to get Freudian at some point. <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Yurisha. You were hastily created from Sanctel so we could interact with the people of Earth. I don\u2019t think you understand what I\u2019m talking about.\u201d<\/p>\n

Yurisha listens, growing more upset.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t, but-\u201d she rushes forward to embrace her sister. \u201cLet me hold you like this for now.\u201d<\/p>\n

The sisters embrace as the music swells and the other ships begin to depart. <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

On his flagship, Dessler looks introspective as Meldarz orders that the transfer of Iscandar resume. Goruba<\/em>\u2019s lower portion opens menacingly.<\/p>\n

My dear, I will never forget you, or the blue Earth
\nWith everlasting love in your heart, I\u2019ll live on!<\/em><\/p>\n

[AMB]: How very human of Yurisha. In the face of impending doom and the death of their whole kind, all she ever wanted was to hold her sister in a tender hug, a feeling she once learned about when her consciousness possessed Yuria\u2019s body back in 2199<\/em>. You can tell this simultaneously breaks Starshas\u2019 heart and invigorates it with the strength to do what must be done.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsha also reveals a longstanding Be Forever<\/em>-adjacent theory about Yurisha: she truly was as young as she appeared back in 2199<\/em>, likely not older than a couple years at most. She was the reboot\u2019s take on the original Sasha, a young child trapped in the body of an adult. Suddenly everything about her referential behavior in 2199<\/em> makes sense, and Sasha\u2019s farewell to Starsha from Be Forever<\/em> is recreated before our very eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Those ruins from Yurisha\u2019s memories as a child in 2199<\/em>\u2019s Jirel episode were probably genuine memories from her childhood, from the time she went through the Sanctel ritual. I\u2019m continuously impressed by writers Oka and Fukui\u2019s effortless handling of past material and how they can retroactively inform future events. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWith everlasting love in your heart, I\u2019ll live on,\u201d is the portion of the song that plays when the scene changes to a closeup of Abelt\u2019s eyes as he considers what to do with himself. My heart weeps.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: There is something to be said about the caliber of writing since we do weep, because of course we know how it’s going to play out, which arguably should soften the blow somewhat.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

With her sister close, Starsha presses a gem on her garment and a holographic symbol appears in the air before her. She holds her palm up toward it and it activates, moving through icons and patterns until it coalesces into a holographic button, which her finger extends toward slowly\u2026<\/p>\n

I\u2019m sure I\u2019ll return\u2026
\nAs long as there\u2019s love. As long as there\u2019s love\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n

[AMB]: This small gimmick wasn\u2019t something Starsha originally had, but rather a holdover inherited from princess Ruda of Shalbart. She activates a similar brooch-switch on her dress to activate the elevator leading down to Shalbart\u2019s storage of wonder weapons and miracle cures.<\/span><\/p>\n

If one wishes, one could interpret the song lyrics here to refer to the Sasha who died on Mars. Perhaps if enough love can be gathered, she\u2019ll be reborn in that capsule of new life. <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Dessler\u2019s flagship turns suddenly, and Yamato<\/em>\u2019s Miki Saijo announces his abrupt reverse course. But he’s not heading back to Iscandar; rather he is on a collision course with Autoplanet Goruba<\/em>.<\/p>\n

As his attack theme starts up, Dessler is shown standing on the bridge with a resolute General Talan.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry,\u201d Dessler tells him. <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all right,\u201d Talan assures him without even blinking or glancing away from their target. \u201cYou\u2019ve lived your life enough for other people.\u201d He closes his eyes. \u201cYou can do whatever you want for the last time.\u201d He closes his eyes, resigning fully to Abelt\u2019s wish.<\/p>\n

[KC]: I mean, I’m sure there are a lot of other people on that ship who have no real interest in sacrificing themselves as a testament to His Majesty\u2019s love and free will, but I appreciate this nod to Talan\u2019s unwavering loyalty.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: Probably, but if you recall the Deusura III<\/em> is fully staffed by Gimleh\u2019s clone boys from 2199<\/em>, who recently went so far as to kill Miru in 2202<\/em> to save their leader. I\u2019m sure they don\u2019t mind!<\/span><\/p>\n

As discussed in previous episodes, this is another chinmoku (silence) moment between Talan and Abelt. Without needing more than a single word, Talan fully understands Dessler\u2019s intentions, his will and his resolve: to save the woman he loves, he will lay down his life.<\/span><\/p>\n

Having gone through the whole journey of unearthing Dessler\u2019s true heart of hearts, the revelations with Gimleh in 2202<\/em> and his desire to die all the way back in Episode 3 of 2205<\/em> after reuniting with Hyss, Talan finds this current arrangement to be the most reasonable place for a space grave. At least this time, it won\u2019t be for nothing. <\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: If my made-up backstory is correct, Talan has fulfilled his promise and can go to Garmillas Valhalla unburdened.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The Dessler Cannon emerges from the gun deck. <\/p>\n

\u201cHe can\u2019t be!\u201d An astonished Captain Sanada rises from his chair on Hyuga<\/em>‘s bridge.<\/p>\n

Abelt stands ready, eyes wild. \u201cDessler Cannon, fire!\u201d The beam lances out, hitting Goruba<\/em> dead on and creating a large focal point within the energy surrounding the structure. It is through this focal point that Dessler drives his flagship, much to Meldarz\u2019 surprise.<\/p>\n

\u201cAbelt\u2026!\u201d Starsha gasps, staring into the sky as if she can see what\u2019s happening. Perhaps she senses it. <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

With the Deusura III<\/em> jutting out the side of the Dezarium superweapon, Dessler turns to look frantically over his shoulder, presumably toward a channel he has opened to Yamato<\/em>.<\/p>\n

\u201cKodai, shoot me! Only its outer surface is special! Fire your Wave-Motion gun at my Deusura!<\/em> That\u2019ll surely trigger the destruction of this fortress from the inside! This is the only way, Kodai! If we can destroy this fortress, Starsha won\u2019t need to have the planet self-destruct. I don\u2019t care if she\u2019s an illusion or if she\u2019s the devil\u2019s pawn, who\u2019s toyed with the people of Garmillas. I\u2026love Starsha, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: First off, the dual performances of Kikuko Inoue and Koichi Yamadera here are strong enough to rival the classic work, which most fans would consider an impossible feat! I\u2019d go so far as to say Yamadera\u2019s emotive performance at the very end is some of the best he\u2019s delivered in his entire career! Unsurprisingly, he pays special reverence to the original voice actor Masato Ibu in an interview he did with Inoue:<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a famous scene, and people talk about Masato Ibu\u2019s great performance. I wanted to keep that in mind. Lately, I\u2019ve been wondering if I\u2019m the only one who cares so much about past works. When I take over a role from a great actor in another film, I reflect on whether I\u2019m trying too hard to be like them.”<\/span><\/p>\n

“I have a lot of respect for past works, and in the midst of trying to create a new Yamato<\/em> I wondered, \u2018Why am I tying myself down?\u2019 I\u2019m a fan of Yamato<\/em> and I love it, but that doesn\u2019t mean I can catch up with the greats. I try to think that the best performance is the one I put my heart and soul into in front of a mic.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

This man knows the weight of the legacy he carries on his back.<\/span><\/p>\n

Read more here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Forced by extraneous circumstances, both Abelt and Starsha reveal how they truly feel\u2026 as far away as possible from one another. Why does it always have to be this way? At least Abelt has impeccable timing as always.<\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: He has excellent trigger discipline as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

[AMB]: As always, this scene was handled with great care and understanding for the source material. After years of letting the obvious remain unspoken, he reveals his most secret feeling to Kodai alone: he loves Starsha. Doesn\u2019t matter if she\u2019s part of a family of genocidal murderers. Or if she toyed with his entire existence from day one. Or if she\u2019s a mirage, or if she truly only did use him to lick her own wounds. He still loves her on a deeply personal level, beyond all of the superficial details. <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Starsha, realizing that her strong-manning didn\u2019t work, is left powerless as she screams for Abelt to stop. In the original work, Starsha\u2019s scream from the last episode that stopped Meldarz is what saved Abelt from killing himself. This time around, it can\u2019t happen, because he\u2019s fully resolved to end this his own way, momentarily stealing her chance to go out in a blaze of glory. It adds a new layer of tension for old and new audiences alike. How will they resolve the mess these three hearts – Kodai, Dessler and Starsha – have put themselves into? <\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: There were definitely a few moments here when I was sweating it out, not at all sure what was coming.<\/span><\/p>\n

Abelt\u2019s expression goes from manic to almost beatific as he speaks, while Kodai transitions from horrified to resolute.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cCome about 180 degrees!\u201d He orders.<\/p>\n

Shima and Domon both call out to him in shock. Kodai stands.<\/p>\n

\u201cPrepare to fire the Wave-Motion Gun! The one to pull the trigger will be me!\u201d<\/p>\n

We close on this standoff with only one more chapter before 2205<\/em> comes to its dramatic conclusion. <\/p>\n

[AMB]: What a doozie, as they say! I\u2019m very impressed with what they did musically throughout this episode, especially near the end where they inserted Parting<\/em>. It came as a shock to most fans. Another neat musical sleight of hand was to combine the New Voyage<\/em> track Starsha,<\/em> (when Dessler asks Kodai to shoot him) with Tears,<\/em> (when Yuki died in Kodai\u2019s arms in Farewell to Yamato<\/em>.)<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

By doing this, the reboot musically conveys why Kodai makes the decision to fire the Wave-Motion Gun at Abelt here: because he knows all too well what it\u2019s like to lose the woman he loves (two or three times, depending on how you count!) Regardless of the personal harm to Starsha by doing this, he\u2019ll make sure it happens to save Dessler\u2019s own Yuki. <\/span><\/p>\n

[KC]: The music was particularly gorgeous and evocative this episode. <\/span><\/p>\n

[AMB]: Starsha\u2019s tale was given an unexpected depth that still has a few jabs left to throw in the final episode of 2205<\/em>, and hopefully we can guide you all through the proceedings to the best of our abilities!<\/span><\/p>\n

As with the previous episode, this one covered even less ground from the original work, relative to its runtime, around 5-7 minutes. As of now, 81-83 out of 95 minutes have been covered from the original New Voyage<\/em>. Next episode will expand greatly on the source material, while at the same time giving us some fresh new material and Yamato III<\/em> goodies.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Continue to the final episode<\/a><\/p>\n

Coda<\/h3>\n

Theatrical release: Space Battleship Yamato 2205<\/em>, The New Voyage<\/em> Chapter 2: STARSHA<\/em> contained episodes 5-8. It premiered in Japanese theaters February 4, 2022.<\/p>\n

Japanese video: Theater-exclusive Blu-ray February 4, 2022. Standard Blu-ray & DVD March 29, 2022.<\/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

<\/br><\/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-34750","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\/34750","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=34750"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34750\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":43420,"href":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34750\/revisions\/43420"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=34750"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=34750"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=34750"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}