April 1, 2008

Gundam 00 - 25

by: Tales

We’re finally at the last episode of season 1. I don’t think I’ve had this much respect for a Gundam series as I do with Gundam 00. This episode no visible flaws to me. We see the meisters hanging in the fight even with trashed Gundams. The willpower shown was extremely intense. I was also surprised by what the ending of this episode presented us with.

We continue with Setusuna and Lasse fighting against Alejandro’s mobile armor. Setsuna and Lasse are able to take out the mobile armor’s claws with the help of the GN-Arms. Sadly it looks like Lasse dies in the process.  Setsuna slices the mobile armor up until it stops. Alejandro then brings out his own suit (golden GM with wings anyone?). Anyways, Setsuna is able to cut through its GN-Field with his blade. Before Alejandro dies in a fiery explosion he is betrayed by Ribbons. We all knew it would happen sooner or later.

Allelujah and Hallelujah combine their minds to become an even greater super soldier. I do love the new hairstyle that comes with it. With this, they are able to take on Soma and Sergei rather easily. However, Soma landed a solid hit and injured Hal and Al. Soma then jumps out of the cockpit to check on Sergei. Here Hallelujah finds out that Soma is Marie. We still don’t know who Marie is, though I’d be willing to guess they were friends at the super soldier facility. She could just be a clone of the original Marie, which is what I’m leaning towards. Allelujah’s eye looks severely injured, but we hear Hallelujah say his goodbye and is gone. Did he actually disappear from his mind? We can’t be sure yet.

Tieria also floats in space within his damaged Nadleeh. He ejects his GN-Drive and says he’ll be meeting Lockon soon. I’m hoping this isn’t the end of Tieria. We’ve already lost Lockon, so it would be sad to lose another. I saw no visible injuries and his cockpit was in good shape.

After the defeat of Alejandro, we see a GN-Flag appear. I wonder who this could be? Finally, we get to see Graham again after what seems to be ages. Setsuna and Graham duke it out and come to a draw in the end. Their suits are totally trashed. In the end we see Setsuna floating towards Earth. He looks to be in bad shape as does his cockpit. Setsuna also had a message that was sent to Marina. It definitely fit well with the final battle.

After the the credits are over we see that the remaining Celestial Being crew is on the Trinity ship. Wang Liu Mei seems to be working with them again.  She asks to see the 0 Gundam. It seems to be quite the antique. Though they do have a working GN-Drive from it. It they’ve rebuilt Exia and it’s codenamed the 00 Gundam.  Though the GN-Drive from Exia seems damaged. My instincts tell me that Setsuna will be the pilot again. I don’t see the creators changing that for any reason. We also see that Nena is alive and well watching their conversation. They’ve already test flown one gundam. My guess is it’s a rebuilt Kyrios or Dynames.

Graham seems to have survived the intense battle with Setsuna. He now sports a very stylish mask (sarcasm). Ali also survived it seems, so we’ll see more of his evil face next season again. Patrick also got lucky as usual and survived.  Man, the guy has too much luck. There is also a Tieria look-alike with Lockon styled hair standing by Louise. He wears an Earth Federation uniform, so I’m not sure which side he’s on. The current theory now is that he’s a female version of Tieria, since Ribbons has his look-alike group with each gender in Veda. Also, the new female actress is doing this Tieria’s voice, so it’s up in the air. Now we must wait until October for season 2. It’s going to be such a long wait. Code Geass R2 will definitely hold us over on the wait. Only 5 more days until it airs!

March 30, 2008

Gundam 00 - 24

by: Tales

With this episode I can safely say that we’re in for an awesome first season finale. The loss of Lockon is still affecting the Ptolemaeus crew and the meisters. We see Setsuna finds out through Haro that Ali was the one who killed Lockon. Feldt and Setsuna visit Dynames to leave a letter and Haro in the suit. I’m still worried that Tieria seems distracted by Lockon’s death and may make fatal mistakes in the missions to come

Alejandro finally makes his move to crush the meisters. He brings out his gold mobile armor that is full of GN Tau Drives. The main cannon on this mobile armor has some serious distance. It is able to do some massive damage to the Ptolemaeus. Kyrios also gets caught in the blast destroying half of it.

Hallelujah shows up in a rather stealthy manner destroying a GN-X unit right in front of Soma. After the giant mobile amor’s beam destroys half of Kyrios, Hal and Al take out a decent amount of suits. It’s almost laughable that the GN-X pilots had a harder time with half an enemy suit rather than a whole one. Tieria ends up in a simmilar situation. Nadleeh gets severely damaged but is still able to go on.

After the Ptolemaeus’s bridge gets destroyed by a GN-X unit, we see that Lichty and Christina are floating in the leftover debris. Christina is able to express her feelings to Lichty as he is dying. I would have loved to know more info about Lichty as to how he became a cyborg. We just know that he’s quiet and his parents worked on the space elevator. The camera angle makes you think Christina was unharmed. However, a few seconds later we see a sharp piece of debri lodged into her back. Truly this was a touching scene and it will be sad to see them gone.

Alejandro’s shield seems to be almost unbreakable. Setsuna and the GN-Arms can’t really do much to it at the moment. We’ll have to see what happens next episode. I’m really excited to blog the final episode of season one already. I just don’t want to wait 6 more months…

March 18, 2008

Gundam 00 - 23

by: Tales

This episode made Gundam history I’d have to say. The highlight of this episode was Lockon’s death. We see him go out with a bang. We find out that all of the flag fighter pilots are killed besides Graham who hasn’t shown up lately. However, we are shown that Aeolia is in fact dead and cannot live to see the changed world. You’d think he’d keep his body in some better container.

Another interesting fact is that Trans-Am mode only lasts for a short time period and it also decreases the Gundam’s capabilities to fight. Something I didn’t like was that the Zwei was repaired very fast. How did they make more fangs in that amount of time without prior knowledge of the Gundam? Maybe we’re not supposed to think too much on it.

The remaining GN-X units gather and attack the Gundam Meisters. Setsuna hasn’t arrived back yet to help with the fighting sadly. The Zwei, now piloted by Ali is seen within the enemy units and causes Lockon to go out into space to fight.

We see Kyrios finally get a new upgrade, the tail-booster. However, its quickly destroyed during the battle. Soma also messes with Allelujah’s brain waves again. This time though, Hallelujah stops them. Allelujah goes Trans-Am mode putting the much needed smackdown on Soma and Sergei.

Lockon leaves in Dynames determined to take revenge. He uses the GN-Arms to destroy some GN-X units before he heads out to find Ali. He even takes out 2 carrier ships. Lockon totally gets a medal for destroying the most enemies thus far in Gundam 00. He meets the Zwei and is able to cut off its arm. However, a GN-X unit gets in the way and causes Lockon to be vulnerable to the Zwei’s fangs. The Dynames is now totaled and Lockon is still determined to kill Ali. He heads out to a broken cannon of the GN-Arms and hooks his rifle to it. He is able to successfully land a deadly hit on the Throne. However, Ali pulls the trigger at the last second to hit the GN-Arms. I’m surprised that one GN-Arms cannon was able to do that much.

Lockon’s final moments are him saying "Are you satisfied with this kind of world?" … "I hate it." He then points his finger Cowboy Bebop style at the Earth. That had to be the most emotional character death I’ve seen in any anime for a long time. He’ll be remembered throughout the series I’m sure. Now we need to find out if Ali survived that blast or if he in fact did die. Also, what the hell is Nena going to do?

March 17, 2008

Tsubasa Tokyo Revelations - 03

by: Tales

Finally, the third Tsubasa OVA is here. It was wroth the wait. However, I did feel disappointed with the lack of information shown. It makes me wonder if there will be a third season released. If not, I’ll have to resort to reading the manga instead.

We resume with Kurogane furious at Syaoran’s crest on his cloths. Yuuko intervenes and tells Kurogane that this Syaoran did not kill his mother. However, he is anxious to find answers about what is happening. I have never seen Kurogane this angry before. It’s very comforting to see how he cares for Fai though. Yuuko informs them of a way to save Fai. They must turn him into a vampire like Subaru and Kamui. Subaru is about to give his blood, but Kamui steps in and does it instead out of worry. Fai’s body then undergoes a painful transformation and his eye turns yellow.

Yuuko also grants the wish of Subaru to replenish the water supply. However, she needs a payment. Sakura is to go alone to retrieve a unique egg. Sakura actually has some skill in this episode. She was able to use a gun properly and defeated two monsters. On her journey she met a little girl that resembles Sakura. This scene interests me, as I have not read the manga spoilers I do not know if this is actually Sakura or a memory fragment. Sakura manages to retrieve the egg and heads back very injured to everyone. Sakura really had courage to be able to make it through that far for her friends.

They give the egg to Yuuko. It seems that the feather Fuuma had was a real feather. However, Sakura decides to leave it behind so that the building and the people in it stay safe. She drops it in the water and it sinks to the bottom. Syaoran, Fai, and Kurogane decide to head out again in search of the feathers, clone Syaoran, and Fei Wong. At this point I’m saddened that this was the last OVA. I do hope a third season will be revealed soon.

March 12, 2008

Gundam 00 - 22

by: Tales

This episode proved quite good. We see that Lockon did in fact survive. His only real injury is his right eye. I’ve no idea if it’ll heal, however he’s supposed to be back up and running in 3 weeks. I doubt he listens to this advice in the end. Also the damages on Dynames seem great. It was said they’ll have to replace most of the unit. Lockon also meets up with Tieria to comfort him. He feels like the big brother in this series to me.

It seems that the name of these "fake GN Drives" are GN Drive Tau. Graham’s Flag fighter seems to be getting a GN Drive Tau modified for it. It’ll be interesting how long the Flag will run with a GN Drive. It might be able to top a GN-X unit. It’s been regrettable that Graham hasn’t had much airtime lately. I kind of miss him shouting off his gundam phrases.

More GN-X units attack the Trinity siblings as they are resting. Their GN Drives are almost out of battery life, so Johann advises them to keep the fighting to a minimum. Soma feels like some unbeatable super soldier at this point. I’m really hoping someone puts her in her place in the next couple episodes.

Later after the battle, Ali shows up and uses morse code in his Enact to signal to the Trinity siblings. He shoots Michael right away and is able to subdue Johann. While Johann gets into Eins, Ali rewrites the security coding for the Zwei and takes off in it. This to me really seems unbelievable. However, they were stupid enough to stay outside of their suits while an unknown Enact was hovering over them. Ali kills Johann and then moves onto Nena. Luckily for her, Exia and the GN-Arms save her.

Ribbons opens the chamber that held Aeolia’s coffin for Alejandro. He shoots the coffin, however we don’t know for sure if Aeolia is dead. That could have been bullet-proof glass. This triggers a trap within Veda, which allows the Trans-Am system for the original 4 GN Drives to be used. Because of this, Setsuna is able to evade Ali at god-like speed in Exia. Setsuna literally toys with Ali at this point.  However, Ali manages to escape with the Zwei.

The next episode shows Lockon firing at Ali. He looks eager to pull the trigger. I’m guessing he wants to take revenge for his parents. We also see the GN-Arms on Dynames which will be interesting.

March 5, 2008

Gundam 00 - 21

by: Tales

This episode definitely impressed me. We find out that it was indeed Laguna Harvey who built and sold the GN-X to the world powers. I was surprised that Alejandro wasn’t aware of this though. Laguna Harvey is also found dead in his office. My suspicions are that Ali was the one who killed him due to not getting a GN-X unit. He was also backing the Trinity Siblings. The pieces are now starting to fit together.

The GN-X units were also sent to attack the Trinity’s base. We see one GN-X destroyed during the battle. The Thrones seem outnumbered and unable to hold their own at this point. I don’t think that the Trinity siblings will live much longer due to this.

19 GN-X units also head towards the Ptolemaeus. The GN-X suits must have some decent armor to be able to deflect the gundam beam rifle. Alejandro orders Ribbons to turn off the Gundam’s operating system. However, Sumeragi planned ahead and had a backup system created. That was a very smart move on her part. After the backup sytem is online the meisters seem to have more of an advantage.

Tieria’s system does not load for some reason when they switch to the backup. Lockon then rushes in front of Patrick’s beam saber to protect Tieria. The appearance of the GN-Arms causes the enemies to retreat. We see blood and a cracked helmet after the battle is finished.

At this point Gundam 00 can go into many directions. They could take Lockon off of Dynames if he is that badly injured. They could also use another pilot for it. We’ll have to wait and see in the next episode. In the preview we see that Ali is in a Throne Gundam somehow. I’m going to guess that someone leaves their cockpit door open, or they just have little to no security on the suits. I love how cautious the Trinity siblings are…

Gundam 00 - 20

by: Tales

Most of this episode was rather dull at the beginning. However, the new GN-X units are given to each of the 3 world powers. That’s a total of 30 new units. It seems that the Celestial Being traitor revealed the location of the Antarctic base with 30 GN-X units.  These units seem to be as tough as a gundam.

Ali met with Laguna Harvey in order to pilot one of the GN-X suits. However, it looks as if he was turned down. We then see Kinue Crossroad trying to get info out of Ali while he leaves. However, Ali tells her quite a bit about the GN Drive and Setsuna. She then is wounded and dropped off to die in an alley. I really dislike Ali at this point. I’m hoping he never makes it to season 2.

Wang Liu Mei introduces herself to the Throne pilots. It seems she is siding herself with the Trinity siblings. Her character is very suspicious right now. I’m unsure if she has another motive. It’d be very interesting if the creators decided to show her past. I’m interested to see why she hates the current world so much.

The Thrones end up battling the new GN-X units and have to retreat. I’m surprised they made it out alive. Alejandro and Ribbons make their way into Veda which is hidden on the moon. I’m definitely interested to see what is inside Veda. I’m taking a guess that Nena, Tieria, and Ribbons are all somewhat related to Veda.

Gundam 00 - 19

by: Tales

Well some interesting developments turned out this episode. We learn that Setsuna was involved with the terrorist group that killed Lockon’s parents. Their friendship and involvement as Gundam Meisters are challenged here. It’ll be interesting to see what else the Trinity siblings have dug up about the Gundam Meisters.

Setsuna and Tieria willingly fight against the Thrones. Lockon shortly joins them and Tieria exposes Nadleeh once again. This time we learn that Nadleeh has the ability to stop all functioning mobile suits in its range when it’s linked to Veda. Quite an interesting gundam.

More development with Saji and Louise happens. Louise tells Saji to leave her and head to space. I don’t see why Louise is pushing Saji away like this. Just because her hand is gone, doesn’t mean that she can’t be with Saji still. My guess is that Saji will play some sort of an important role in season 2.

Ribbons seems to be plotting something. I’m unsure what he has in store for us but I’m sure it’s something regarding Celestial Being. We also see at the end that someone gave info out about a secret Antarctic base with GN Drives. Things will definitely become interesting and intense.

February 15, 2008

Gunslinger Girl - Il Teatrino - 02

by: Tales

This episode we see the past of a young boy named Pinocchio. It seems that Cristiano took him under his wing and trained him to become an assassin. It’s quite sad that he shoots the little girl after killing her father. Reminds me of that time Rico shot the boy who worked at the hotel in season one.

Pinocchio seems to live near a little girl named Aurora as well. I think it’s quite obvious that she has a thing for him as they walk down the street. However, the feeling doesn’t seem to be mutual. She seems to be brushed off as he leaves for Genoa. My bet is that she’ll become involved somehow, but let’s hope that she doesn’t get killed.

Cristiano also tells Pinocchio to work with Franco and Franca. Franco seems to be overly suspicious as he enters the building. They seem to be working on a bridge bombing that will help Padania. Franca tells Pinocchio her views about not getting innocent people involved and Pinocchio sees this as a hindrance. I now have more respect for Franca at least now.

Section II seems to be following this case and will most likely meet Pinocchio next episode. I have high expectations for the next episode. So let’s hope it has some quality in it.

Gunslinger Girl - Il Teatrino - 01

by: Tales

I was surprised by the huge difference of Gunslinger Girl Il Teatrino compared to season 1. I really enjoyed the old style. It’s a shame that it changed and lost some of it’s atmosphere with the transition. The voice actors also seem to be different. I watched season 1 in a couple of weeks and it’s such a huge change. It’s as if I don’t know the characters anymore. I guess it’ll just take some time to get used to the new design and voice actors. However, the OP theme was amazing. It has to be my favorite without a doubt.

This episode opens up with Jose trying to find a gift for Henrietta.  The main focus seems to be on Section II trying to capture more members of the Five Republic. All three girls Triela, Henrietta, and Rico all seem to be on this mission. It must be a quite important for all three of them to make an appearance.

Jose and Henrietta are caught up in a bombing blast. They chase the suspects while the other girls get into place. The van is trapped in the sewer hole that Triela prepared earlier. I must say, Triela looked especially scary this episode with her rather large rifle. Rico quickly finishes off the other two who plan to use her as a hostage.

It also seems Henrietta is more curious than I thought. She opens the present that Jose bought for her. She is confused why there is another’s name on the kaleidoscope. Claes informs Henrietta of the story behind it and that it was actually meant for her. This was actually pretty interesting, since I had no idea of it. Let’s hope that this new season can keep us do almost as well as the last.

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