I need a season 2, like asap. This is one of my favorite mecha shows in the world. I like it even more than Code:Geass which is honestly pretty hard to beat in my category of favorite mechas.
Episode 13 –
spoiler
A new model of ASHMB and its pilot arrives to join Team Rabbits. The team admires the new ASHMB and welcomes the pilot, Ange, but is Ange a girl or a boy? That is the big mystery! LOL And the good thing about the new machine is that it doesn’t need a pit crew. The new decides to throw a welcome party for Ange.
Izuru goes off to invite Ange and takes his manga along for an opinion. Ange’s quarters are sparse and there is no indication as to whether Ange is male or female. Before Izuru can even speak, Ange suggests that they have a mock battle. In fact, Ange wants to duel all of the pilots. Suzukaze approves it, wanting to see for herself how the Black 6 maneuvers. Unfortunately, Izuru isn’t sure how to fight in a “mock” battle, but doesn’t have any time to figure it out, as Ange attacks him immediately.
Up until now, Ange has seemed rather shy and reserved, but in battle Ange is wild. Although only a mock battle, Ange is taking it way to seriously. Ange is very aggressive and Izuru quickly loses. Afterwards, Izuru congratulates Ange and invites Ange to the party, but Ange arrogantly tells him that there is no need for a party. Ange was born to fight and only fight apparently and pushes Izuru aside. Izuru drops his mange and Ange picks it up and flips through it, asking what it is. Izuru tells Ange and asks for some advice on the story. Ange is blunt and cruel, telling Izuru that his story “sucks” – just like him! Ange tells Izuru that their battle was “pathetic” and goes to tear the manga in half. However, Kei comes along and stops Ange.
Kei slaps Ange on the cheek and suddenly, Ange is back to being meek and shy. Ange returns the manga to Izuru and apologizes, before running off. Izuru calls out about the party, but doesn’t get an answer. Of course Ange doesn’t show up for the party and the team worries if they’re going to be able to work together. That moment of truth may come sooner, rather than later. The Wulgaru continue to destroy GDF bases and the higher ups think that 4 Vesta will be next. Team Rabbits is sent out to protect it, under Operation Iouto.
The team is deployed, but the Wulgaru are already attacking 4 Vesta. Klein, leading the attack on the base, is informed that Team Rabbits is there. Klein decides to break off the attack on the base and set up an ambush for the team instead. Team Rabbits has to deal with the interference of sulfur, but Kei still manages to find the enemy. The ambush worked pretty well too and the Wulgaru use the sulfur to their advantage. This is Ange’s first real combat and everyone is worried about the new pilot.
Kei gets hit and the battle in general isn’t going well for the team, but something is also happening to Ange. Ange is not responding to orders and can’t move. Another “fear” problem with the JURIA system perhaps? Ange suddenly screams and goes berserk. Ignoring the rest of the team, Black 6 breaks formation and begins to fight on its own. The Wulgaru and Klein focus all their attention on Black 6 now and Ange is ordered to pull back, but ignores that order too. Impressed with fighting Black 6, Klein has marked Ange as his. Once again, Ange is ordered to pull back and ignores it, continuing to chase Klein.
Ange doesn’t like being told what to do and tells everyone to just watch. The Black 6 Harmonic Levels rapidly increase and Ange becomes even more aggressive, as Klein formulates a plan. Black 6 is ordered to cease pursuit of Klein, but ignores that order too and the Harmonic Levels rise even further. Some of the team members are shocked by Ange’s performance, as well as Ange’s verbal onslaught. Ange seems truly insane at this point and Ange’s hatred of the Wulgaru is beyond crazy.
Klein and the Wulgaru escape and the team members wonder if this is the true personality of Ange. Even Suzukaze is rendered speechless. I wonder if Ange is ever going to fit in. Perhaps this pilot was just a bad idea, and Ange will be sent home. But somehow I doubt it!
Episode 14 –
spoiler
Izuru dreams that he is captured by Jiart and wakes up gasping for air. Ange’s data is being analyzed and it’s determined that Ange may be a great pilot, but needs work in the social skills and cooperation areas, and could use some mental stability as well. Obviously! LOL Team Rabbits is terrified of their new member and with good reason. Thankfully, Izuru is holding everyone together, but it must be a strain on him, as evidenced by his dream.
Once again, Izuru approaches Ange and this time, scares the timid pilot. I wonder if this kid has some kind of split personality. Ange tends to get lost in his own world and Izuru brings up the battle, making Ange apologize for his behavior and rudeness. But that isn’t why Izuru is here. There is some comedy over what Ange wants to be called and Izuru is sure that even if Ange just wants to be called Ange, he may still get upset over that at some point. Ange assures Izuru that he’ll be fine – he thinks. LOL
Izuru finally remembers why he’s there and invites Ange to the team’s morning training. However, Ange has always been alone. Still, Izuru urges Ange to train with the team and stresses that they are a team. Ange will only go if it’s an order, and Izuru also tries to ask if Ange is male or female, but Ange cuts him off to go get changed. Later, talking about that very gender issue with Asagi and Suruga, Izuru comes up with this great plan to show Ange their porn video. Based on Ange’s reaction to that, they should be able to tell if Ange is male or female. I can’t wait for that scene! LOL
Ange enters the training room and a friendly competition of sorts begins. Ange wins everything too – maybe Ange is some kind of robot or cyborg. LOL Ange even beats out Kei in making deserts. Izuru still doesn’t know how to incorporate Ange into the team. Thinking by the fountain one night, he meets Teoria. She has more freedom now, but still has to be careful who she speaks with. She actually came to see Izuru, but he still has no past memory of her. He can’t revive his erased memories, so Teoria asks him about his current life.
Izuru tells her that he isn’t sure how to be a good leader and that Earth is losing the war. He can hardly pilot his unit and is worried that Jiart will show up again. He knows that Asagi and Kei are having problems as well. Although Izuru still wants to be the hero that protects everyone, he isn’t sure how to do that anymore. He apologizes for telling Teoria all this, but she tells him that he was the same way even before his memories were erased. She tells him that he often told her that he wanted to be a hero – and protect her as well. That made her happy and Teoria always had thought of him as a hero. This now makes Izuru happy too. Teoria wants Izuru’s promise that no matter what happens, her hero will come back alive.
Izuru is about to say something, but his pager goes off and there will be another mission for the team. Operation Goliath will be a rescue mission and it looks like they will be seeing Team Doberman again too. A supply ship is caught in a gravity belt and Team Rabbits needs to repair the ship and assist in freeing it from the gravity belt. The team flies off for their peaceful mission, but of course it will be anything but peaceful, if I know these guys.
They finally get to the trapped ship and Team Doberman is happy to see them. They discuss how to handle the repairs and orders are issued. Suddenly, Jiart and his fighters are there! Sure enough, this was some kind of trap. Jiart hopes to get another good fight out of Izuru, but Ange interferes. Is this one going to go berserk again? Ange does and Izuru orders him back from Jiart. Of course, Izuru is ignored and Black 6 pursues Jiart instead. Jiart feels that Ange’s genes are unworthy and plans to eliminate him, but Izuru gets in the way. Placing himself in danger to protect Ange, Izuru gets hit by Jiart.
Now, Izuru goes off the deep end, surprising Jiart, and Izuru’s Harmonic Levels rise too fast. Red 5 is ordered back, but now it’s his turn to ignore orders and he aggressively goes after Jiart, which pleases Jiart tremendously. Red 5 is damaged and Jiart moves in as Izuru remembers his promise to Teoria to come back alive. This gives him the will to avoid Jiart’s killing blow and Izuru’s ASHMB changes its form! His Harmonic Levels peak as this new Red 5 attacks Jiart.
Jiart is even more pleased by Izuru’s performance, but he’s also taking damage. They are much better matched this time. The fight is fast paced and intense. But now, Jiart’s excitement makes his unit change as well. The fight gets even more intense, but the Red 5 unit can’t keep up and begins to fail. Meanwhile the supply ship is finally repaired and they move to assist Izuru. Just is Jiart is about to claim his victory, the supply ship fires its guns at him. Still happy, Jiart makes his escape and Izuru is rescued by his team. So much for Suruga’s peaceful mission!
Episode 13 is live at ANO
Episode 15 –
spoiler
Izuru lies unconscious in the medical facility with his friends by his bedside. Simon has arrived and consults with Suzukaze. He asks about Black 6 and Suzukaze tells him the truth. Ange is a good pilot, but doesn’t play well with others. But that seems to be a problem with most of the students from the Academy. They discuss teamwork and Simon tells Suzukaze that there is a flaw in the JURIA-System, and that it happened sooner than it should have. He tells her that both the ASHMB and the pilot are created from the same DNA! This means that the units have minds of their own!
Suzukaze says that it’s ridiculous, but Simon assures her that it’s true. He says that once a unit awakens, it has the potential to wipe out the pilot’s personality. Could that be what happened to Ange and Izuru? All of the pit crews are pitching to help repair the heavily damaged Red 5. Ange is working on his own unit and can’t believe that he needed saving. Everyone else is still with Izuru, waiting for him to wake up. Asagi and Suruga talk about what happened with both Izuru and his unit. Ange is in the background peeking in.
Izuru finally wakes up and gets reprimanded for making everyone worry, especially Kei. Izuru apologizes for making them worry and takes Kei’s hand, asking her if she has the “hots” for him. LOL Kei blushes, but everyone notices that Izuru seems a little different. Did his unit mess with his personality that much? Ange still hasn’t entered the room, but he seems to know something.
Izuru’s Harmonic Level is still high and he’s also suffering from fatigue, but it’s the high Harmonic Level that is causing that fatigue. Suzukaze remembers what Simon said about a unit wiping out a pilot’s personality and asks the doctor to give Izuru an examination. Kei visits Izuru and notices that even his manga writing is much improved. She shares her concern with the others that something is wrong with Izuru, but they’ve all noticed the change in him. And now Tamaki thinks she may be in love with this cooler version of Izuru! LOL But then Guiliano speaks to her and she’s in love with him again!
Ange sneaks into Izuru’s room while he’s sleeping and leaves him a bonsai tree. Kei visits again and hides the unlucky plant. Izuru wakes up and Kei shows him the treats she’s brought. Izuru bites into one and almost dies from the pure sugar content. Kei really needs to use other ingredients! Izuru fall unconscious and stops breathing while the nurse tries to revive him. They finally get his heart started again and Izuru wakes up as if nothing happened. The doctor notes that his Harmonic Level is back to normal, so maybe Kei had the right idea after all. Then again, Tamaki is going to miss that cool Izuru!
Team Doberman is on a mission and gets attacked by the Wulgaru. The team gets separated from one another and they get surrounded. Amane quickly realizes that the Wulgaru now have a stealth company. She orders the team to shoot around the visible enemy and they manage to hit the hidden ships. However, there are just too many of the enemy and Amane calls for a rescue. The Godinion is dispatched to help them. Suzukaze briefs Team Rabbits and names Asagi as mission leader and will keep Izuru on standby. Izuru protests, but Red 5 is still too damaged to fight. Suzukaze also names Ange as the forward. Let’s see if he can be a team player this time!
Team Rabbits soon comes up against the Wulgaru stealth ships. Asagi takes charge and seems to be a good leader, but the enemy is still too much for them and they are soon surrounded as well. Ange goes berserk again and goes after the Wulgaru against Asagi’s orders. But this attack seems to be a distraction as more stealth ships land at the Vesta Base and hack into the data stream. A MJP file is found for Team Rabbits and that seems to be what the enemy is after, especially since it contains a picture of Teoria. Well, the cat’s out of the bag now!
Izuru is watching the battle and wonders what he can do to stop Ange. The Wulgaru has what it wants and pulls back while the regular fighters continue the battle. Team Rabbits is holding their own, but Black 6 is in trouble. More Wulgaru arrive and Suzukaze wishes she had Red 5. However, only the core has been repaired and Izuru volunteers to go out in just the core. Suzukaze has no choice but to let him go. I know she’s concerned about Izuru and so am I. Will he go berserk again too?
Ange finally realizes that Black 6 is overheating, but continues to fight. Suddenly, Izuru is there to save the day! Izuru is pretty amazing and the Wulgaru quickly call a retreat. I notice that they only like to fight when they know they can win. Ange seems to be okay and that comes as a relief to Izuru. It seems too that the Wulgaru still don’t understand the Earthlings.
A party is held for Amane, who has been promoted three times during the episode, much to the surprise of her friends. It just proves that the GDJ is losing too many people too quickly in this war with the Wulgaru. But why wasn’t Suzukaze promoted as well? Simon notices that the system has been externally accessed. And the Wulgaru have decided to target the Academy!
This made it as a badge choice for Otakon. I was surprised.
Episode 14 is live at ANO
Episode 16 –
spoiler
Izuru is finally released from the medical facility, but with the promise to return in a few days to be reexamined. Kei is waiting for him and is relieved to see Izuru back to his old self. Everyone gathers in Asagi’s room and I see that’s where Ange’s bonsai gift ended up. Tamaki wants Izuru to act cool again, but he doesn’t seem to know what she’s talking about. And when he tries to please her, everyone just laughs at his attempt.
Izuru really should be resting in his room and they all go with him, Asagi carrying the bonsai. But when they comes out of Asagi’s room, Ange is there to offer Izuru a word of thanks for saving him. Kei is getting to be really protective of Izuru, but Izuru thinks they should still hold that welcoming party for Ange after all.
It seems that Suzukaze is being kept out of the loop for some reason. Amane tells her that she will be going with Simon to a special GDF meeting and is surprised that Suzukaze doesn’t know about it, since the ASHMB units will be a topic. Suzukaze tells Amane to switch to a private channel and asks her how much she really knows about the ASHMB’s. Amane doesn’t know much and Suzukaze lets it slip on purpose that much of the technology for the ASHMB’s came from a Wulgaru defector. This gets Amane all excited, and Suzukaze fills her in on a few details without telling her too much. Suzukaze also warns Amane about the JURIA-system and tells her not to share the info, again, without giving her much detail.
The party for Ange begins and Team Doberman shows up, invited by Guiliano. Tamaki welcomes them and Chandra mentions that Patrick was “dying to come”. Of course Patrick was interested in seeing Tamaki, but she tells him that Ange might be a girl. Then she thinks he wanted to see Guiliano! Patrick ties to explain that he wanted to see her, but gets all tongue tied. Izuru arrives with Kei and Ange, and Ange looks like he wants to run and hide, once he sees everyone.
The party gets underway and Ange is very shy and withdrawn, prompting Tamaki to ask him why his personality changes when he pilots. Actually, they would all like to hear him explain that shift in personality. But Ange doesn’t know why and everyone has a different opinion. Asagi leaves the party and Anna finds him. Anna nags him until he tells her what’s wrong. He feels inadequate as a pilot compared to Izuru and Ange, and wonders how they got so far ahead of him.
As Team Rabbits cleans up after the party, Miss Peko brings Daneel over and Tamaki thinks he’s there to see her. As if! LOL Miss Peko tells Izuru that Daneel wishes to speak to him and Daneel extends an invitation from Teoria to have Izuru dine with her. The others are surprised to hear this and Daneel quickly explains that it’s a business dinner. So, Tamaki invites herself as well, since Daneel with be there! LOL The others still think it’s a date and Kei doesn’t look too happy about that. Izuru is just stunned.
Tamaki and Suruga hold a meeting to suggest a “date battle plan” and Izuru still seems a bit out of it. LOL Tamaki suggests that Izuru loosen up a bit and that was pretty comical. Meanwhile, the big GDF meeting begins and Simon does not show up. Amane questions that and is left to watch the delicate political dance between nations. Of course the others want the ASHMB technology and the excuse is given that Simon could not be there due to health issues. That technology is held back and the Rhinos are offered instead. The others seem to be satisfied with the less costly units and the GDF Leader tries to explain the position he’s in to Amane. Amane can only feel sorry for the altered children, their winning hand in this political game.
Izuru is getting conflicting advice and even Kei tries to help, making things worse. Izuru takes notes, but I’m sure they won’t help him much, since Kei and Tamaki tell him the things that they would like. Asagi walks in to find everyone in his room again. Suruga suggests that Asagi go with him on the date and Izuru jumps at that, saying that he’d feel much better to have Asagi with him. But won’t that make Asagi the third wheel? LOL But before anything is finalized, Izuru and Asagi are called before Simon.
Simon commends them on their last battle and asks Izuru how he’s feeling. Izuru insists that he’s fine and Asagi is asked the same question. Simon gives them the option to accept assignments as instructors, instead of remaining on the battlefield. Everyone is shocked at this, including Suzukaze. I wonder why Simon is doing this. Concern for Izuru? But why Asagi? His unit didn’t affect his personality. Asagi is upset and Izuru says he’d like to remain a pilot. Simon asks him why and Izuru brings up Teoria. Asagi choose to remain a pilot as well, since it’s what he was trained to do. Simon agrees to keep them as pilots. Asagi later asks why Simon did that, but Suzukaze doesn’t know either.
Izuru runs off to get ready for his big date and Asagi asks to talk further with Suzukaze. He brings up his lack of skills as compared to Izuru and Ange and wonders if that is why Simon made him the offer. Asagi also brings up his low Harmonic Levels. Suzukaze confides that all of the “Fail Five” had the potential, but just couldn’t live up to it. She tells Asagi that he worries too much, but that is also his strength. Suzukaze gives him the assignment to “surpass” himself. As he goes back to his room, Izuru corners him for his date!
Izuru justifies having Asagi with him to Miss Peko, since Teoria will have Daneel, but Izuru is still a bundle of nerves. Once at the restaurant, they are led to a private room. Daneel excuses himself to wait outside and Asagi wants to join him, but Izuru won’t let him, so Teoria invites Asagi to join them. Back at the big GDF meeting, word spreads quickly that the Wulgaru are attacking! At the battle, the nations vie for the front position as Team Doberman takes the lead.
Dinner at the restaurant is going well, but Asagi is doing the cooking and that isn’t going so well. Teoria compares the Wulgaru to the humans and tells them how much she’s learned. She really wants to protect the humans now and Izuru says that he wants to protect her as well. He jumps up and places his hands on the table to make his point, but he forgot that it’s a grill and ends up burning his hands! Lovesick pup! LOL
Just as Teoria is coming to the point of asking Izuru to dinner, Miss Peko interrupts them. Team Rabbits is ordered to sortie! The Wulgaru have broken through the defense and they’re headed to Earth!
Episode 17 –
spoiler
Team Rabbits is told that Black 6 will be working independently from them, on the frontlines, while the rest of the team heads towards Earth. They are told that the Wulgaru have targeted the Academy and that information was recently stolen by the Wulgaru. Suzukaze believes that the Wulgaru intend to take some DNA samples from the school.
Klein is heading the mission for the Wulgaru and it looks like he’s doing so without orders, intending to restore his lost honor from his previous fight. Lumes tells Jiart his sister, Teoria, is also on Earth and not too far from the Academy, but isn’t sure if she’s a prisoner or if she went to Earth herself. Lumes is ordered not to tell anyone else about Teoria. Not only does Jiart not want to distress his older brother, but he also doesn’t want his enemies to find out about Teoria until he can discover why she’s on Earth.
Team Rabbits is informed that the true Wulgaru target is Earth and that Klein is heading the infiltration squad. The GDF reserve fleet will protect Earth until help arrives. However, Klein and his squad plow right through them without taking any damage themselves. Team Rabbits deploys while the Godinion and the reinforcements begin firing at Klein’s squad. But they are too fast and only take minor damage. And it looks like Suzukaze might have an idea.
Meanwhile, on the frontlines, Black 6 is going berserk as usual, and Patrick is disappointed that Tamaki won’t be coming. Love is his energy! LOL Actually, Team Doberman isn’t exactly thrilled to be working with Black 6 and hope they never have to again.
Klein is still on target and Izuru and Asagi use Tamaki as a shield to enter Earth’s atmosphere. And Because Rose 3 is so fast, they should arrive just ahead of Klein. They do and engage him at once. But gravity is proving to be a problem for the Red 5 and Blue 1 units and their pilots aren’t used to it after fighting in space. However, Izuru and Asagi persevere as below them, buses evacuate the students from the Academy. The students don’t like running away, but soon realize that their own Fail Five are up there fighting. Soon, they are cheering for Tamaki, Izuru and Asagi!
One enemy is down and Kei tells the others to hold on for Suruga. It’s recommended that Izuru engage Klein while Tamaki and Asagi fight the others. Asagi calls Izuru their “ace pilot” and that seems to puzzle Tamaki, but only because she thought she was! LOL Suruga soon joins Kei with his new “toy” and has a lot to factor in before he can take a shot. But Suzukaze helps with that and Izuru is ordered to restrict Klein in some way. He throws Klein to the surface of the planet and while Klein is dazed, Suruga shoots. It’s a big explosion and all wait breathlessly to see if the shot hit the target. It’s a tense moment as the smoke clears and they can finally see that Klein is still in one piece! It seems that Suruga missed!
Episode 15 is live at ANO
Fields: ‘We Are Contemplating a 2nd Season for Majestic Prince Anime’
posted on 2013-08-20 07:36 EDT
Space opera anime directed by Katanagatari’s Keitaro Motonaga premiered in April
I thought that we were already into a second season. I’m sure we’re into a second “cour”, which is the highfalutin term that I’ve “learned” is supposed to be used to describe show runs; only the anime hoi polloi use such an uncouth term as “season”.
I prefer “season” and “half season” myself, but as many times as I’ve seen “cour” haughtily tossed around I’m surprised to see an official release use “season”. I’ll have to remember this if I get in any more “cour vs season” arguments lol.
Anyhow, I’m not sure that I prefer this to get an additional season as I fear that could slow down the release of the dubbed Sentai bluray for it.
“Cour” and “season” are both terms that are surprisingly commonly used by the Japanese. (At least, they were used by the kids I taught.) Going by the Japanese excerpt of the Fields Cooperation’s announcement posted in SGCafe’s article, the term “season” was used, which might explain why the official release used that term. (Here’s the link if you’re interested: http://sgcafe.com/2013/08/fields-corporation-looking-into-doing-a-2nd-season-of-majestic-prince-tv-anime/).
Although I’ve traditionally shared your opinion on what a “season” should be, it seems that is no longer the accepted definition in the anime world. A “cour” refers to the typical definition of a “season” in that it covers a roughly three month period. So your one-cour anime are generally 12 episodes, give or take an episode.
A season, however, can be any number of cours. Majestic Prince is currently one season, but it is on its second cour. Another good example would be Slayers. Slayers, Slayers Next and Slayers Try are three different “seasons,” but there are a total of six cours between the three.
Episode 18 –
spoiler
Klein continues towards the school and Izuru blocks him. Suruga’s cannon needs fifteen minutes to recharge, but can Izuru keep Klein busy that long? With the help of extra energy the cannon charges faster, but still not fast enough. Izuru continues his fight with Klein, but it looks like he’s getting tired. Tamaki and Asagi attack Klein as well, but it seems that nothing can stop him. Kei comes up with a plan, but it’s their last chance. As the Rose 3 unit rams into Klein, Suruga fires his cannon and the shot hits this time. They did it!
Ange is continuing with the fight on the frontlines and Patrick is still sighing over the lack of Tamaki’s presence. The others wonder how Team Rabbits is doing. When the enemy in front of them retreats, they know that their friends have won. However, the Wulgaru seem to have another plan on reserve.
Team Rabbits’ units are ordered to be repaired at once, in case they have to go out again. The pit crews are pretty funny, but I can see how proud and protective they are. Team Rabbits is taken to task by Suzukaze for all the damage that was done to the school and their units. But she also congratulates them for a job well done and gives them lollipops. However, when she gets to Izuru, he’s asleep on his feet!
It was funny to see Patrick practicing his pick up line for Tamaki. It was even funnier when he yelled it out to Ange and took it back. LOL Simon receives the battle report and with the current state of the armed forces, it’s recommended that they start mass producing more AHSMB units immediately, since it seems to be the only effective weapon against the Wulgaru.
Teoria receives a message from Lumes and realizes that the Wulgaru know where she is. Daneel tells her that her brother would like to hear from her and she doesn’t answer him. The Wulgaru are annoyed over the loss of Klein and his squad, and his battle data is analyzed. As Jiart speaks with Lumes, it seems the Wulgaru will now have to deal with cover ups, conspiracies, and power struggles. Rada overhears something he shouldn’t have and he’s suddenly hunted on trumped up charges. He tries to escape, but in the end, he has to face Jiart and is killed. That’s what you get for spying on Jiart!
Episode 19 –
spoiler
While they are waiting for their units to be repaired, Team Rabbits is reunited with Team Doberman and Ange. Randy shares his porn again and Ange appears to be a big fan. LOL The videos make Ange feel “alive”. The talk turns to plans after the war, but I wonder if they will all survive it.
Things are going badly with the war. Supplies are getting scarce and although they are increasing production of the ASHMB units, they’re going to need trained pilots for them and they’re a little scarce in that area as well. A lot is going to fall on Team Rabbits again.
Simon and Teoria discuss the Wulgaru gate. Simon hopes to locate it and destroy it, thus cutting off the Wulgaru supplies. Team Doberman is sent out on the dangerous mission to discover the exact location of the gate. However, it’s supposed somewhere past Saturn and once there, the team may not be able to get back. It was sweet of Patrick to tell Tamaki that he has something to tell her when he returns, but airhead Tamaki still thinks he’s talking about something else. I hope Patrick returns.
The boosters work and Team Doberman finally reaches Neptune, but they also hit a solar storm, so they won’t be able to transmit their findings. It looks like they found the gate too and it’s at Jupiter. But the Wulgaru have also found them. Randy stays to fight while Patrick and Chandra try to get the data back to the GDF, but they are pursued as well. Now it’s Chandra that sends Patrick on while he engages the enemy. Lutiel makes short work of Chandra and continues after Patrick. But just as Patrick sees the Godinion and calls out Tamaki’s name, Lutiel destroys his unit.
Somehow, Chandra has survived and is determined to get the data to the Godinion. But the Wulgaru are still coming. Suddenly Randy pops up. Not only is his unit damaged, but he’s wounded as well and bleeding heavily. Chandra tells him to get to the Godinion, but Randy knows that Chandra has the better chance of making it. Randy orders Chandra to go and takes on the Wulgaru. Chandra is finally able to move, but watches as Randy sacrifices himself. And still the Wulgaru keep coming!
The Godinion is closer now, but not close enough. However, with Kei’s and Suruga’s help, they manage to destroy most of the Wulgaru ships, but Lutiel gets away. Chandra reaches the Godinion and Simon will get his data, but what a horrible cost! The ED was very touching with the three lights and the white bird. Two lights go on, leaving one behind. I just teared up!
Episode 16 is live at ANO
Episode 20 –
spoiler
I knew this episode was going to be hard to watch and I cried through the beginning. But I also smiled with Chandra to see the porn included in Randy’s coffin. I think he would have liked that. Patrick’s coffin has a small present in it and I wonder what’s inside. It’s sad that the bodies can’t be in those coffins as well. The coffins are sent out to space as everyone says a final goodbye. I still feel sad over the fact that Patrick never got to tell Tamaki that he loved her. Suzukaze whispers to Miss Peko to look after the grieving members of Team Rabbits.
In the dining hall, the team sits over a meal that none of them can eat, not even when Miss Peko tells them that they need to keep up their strength. Izuru echoes her, but still no one eats. Instead they talk about their lost comrades. Chandra joins them and they don’t know what to say to him, but he’s trying to cope with the loss of his friends as well. Chandra hands Tamaki the present that was in Patrick’s coffin and tells her that Patrick was going to give it to her upon his return. Tamaki opens it to find her favorite pickled squid guts. Tamaki smiles and cries and eats it right away, so quickly that she almost chokes on it. Everyone watches her eat and I wonder if this dense girl finally understands the way Patrick felt about her.
Amane is briefed by Simon and Suzukaze on the gate data. Amane needs to come up with an attack plan, but she says it will be impossible unless the entire world supports it. Tamaki spends a sleepless night with Kei and asks her if she thinks that Patrick liked her and says that she never noticed. Tamaki asks Kei what she should do and Kei tells her to just keep being herself. Tamaki thanks Kei and breaks down. I’m glad Tamaki got the message.
Once again, everyone is gathered in Asagi’s room. Izuru is drawing a picture of Team Doberman, but as he draws, his hand begins to shake and becomes useless, before he passes out. In the medical facility, Suzukaze is told that Izuru has something similar to Progeria Syndrome – something like premature aging. Izuru is declining fast and it could be fatal. Suzukaze asks if it could be side effects from piloting an “awakened” AHSMB and that upsets the doctor. Tamaki and Kei visit Izuru and Kei hands him his pencil, but he still can’t hold it. Miss Peko says that Izuru is exhausted and needs to rest. Kei says she will stay with him until he falls asleep and seems overly concerned. I wonder if she knows something.
The doctor is having trouble with Izuru’s treatment and asks Simon for Izuru’s genetic background in order to help him. Simon says that he will think about it. What nerve! Amane also contacts Simon and says she has a plan. She’s gathered the world’s leaders and asks Simon for the favor of something she needs to gain world support. The doctor puts a password into her computer and Simon’s data pops up. Did Izuru’s DNA come from him?
At the gathering of the world’s leaders, an announcement is made that a full-scale attack will be sent against the Wulgaru, but they must all work together for it to succeed. Amane takes over and asks everyone for economic support, while holding back the details of the operation. She does briefly outline the plan to destroy the Wulgaru gate, but many do not want to join the operation. If it should fail, then that’s it.
Asagi is asked to help out with some tests of Red 5, while Izuru is unavailable, but each unit has its pilot’s DNA programmed into it, so Asagi doesn’t think he’ll be much help. However, once Asagi is in the cockpit, Red 5 activates! Does that mean he and Izuru share the same DNA?
Do these naïve world leaders really think that they can make peace with the Wulgaru? They really think they will be left alone if they give up a few planets and a few bases? Don’t they realize that the Wulgaru want their genes? Stupid people! At least Amane tells them that peace isn’t an option. I was also surprised when Amane introduced Teoria. It’s a hologram, but once they find out that she is a Wulgaru defector, the men become angry that it was withheld from them.
Teoria apologizes for her people and explains the “hunt”. She tells them that all life on the planet will be wiped out and that it is the way of her people – a way that she hates and which made her leave her people. Teoria tells them that if they destroy that gate, the invasion will cease. And that is their only option if they want to survive. Some ask if she is really Wulgaru and others say that if she is, how can she be trusted? Suddenly, an alarm goes off and a “heat source” is said to be directly above GDF headquarters. A Wulgaru ship enters through the ceiling of the hall and it’s Teoria herself. Amane introduces her and Teoria offers them proof in the form of her unit. She tells them that the AHSMB units are based on that technology. Teoria tells the assembly that she will participate in the operation and that she will share her information with anyone else that joins.
The tests on Red 5 are finished and there is still some confusion over how the unit activated. Suzukaze later tells Asagi that it was a “recognition error”, but Asagi doesn’t believe her and demands the truth. Suzukaze breaks down and tells him that they used Wulgaru DNA from Teoria in order to create pilots suitable for space. I didn’t expect that! In Asagi’s case, his paternal DNA came from the same source and he asks if it was Simon. It was! So, he and Izuru are something like brothers then. Suzukaze swears him to secrecy, but he doesn’t say anything.
Now that he knows, Asagi thinks he never should have asked. He visits Izuru and from the way he’s acting, Izuru thinks he has a crush on someone. Izuru asks if it’s Kei, but Asagi tells him that he doesn’t like anyone in that way. With Team Doberman in mind, Izuru tells Asagi that if there is something that someone wants to tell someone, they should do it while they still have the chance. Asagi makes up his mind and tells Izuru that he has something to tell him. And Izuru thinks Asagi is confessing to him! Too funny! And Asagi’s yelled response of “HELL NO!” had me laughing. Asagi tells Izuru that they share DNA and are brothers in a way. Izuru considers that for a minute and then smiles and calls Asagi “big brother”. The look on Asagi’s face had me laughing again! And it looks like the world leaders have agreed to cooperate with one another.
Episode 21 –
spoiler
Final plans are being made world-wide for the destruction of the gate. Suzukaze wants Izuru in the battle as well, but the doctor refuses. I know not being able to participate is going to kill him. I wonder if Suzukaze will get her way. Izuru is already packing to leave the medical facility as Asagi tries to dissuade him reminding him that he hasn’t even been discharged yet. Izuru likes that his “big brother” is looking out for him, but he’s really eager to fight.
The rest of the team comes to add their protests as well and it was sweet of Tamaki to say they were family. But I’m not too sure about Kei being the mom. You’d really need a sweet tooth! Simon enters the room as well and asks Izuru for a private word. He orders Izuru to resign immediately! But Izuru argues that he wants to fight. He can’t abandon his team and Simon warns him that piloting an AHSMB again could be fatal. Izuru hesitates, but then produces his strong reasoning to continue to fight. Simon relents and will allow Izuru aboard the Godinion.
In the hallway, Asagi stops Simon and promises to protect his brother, so he won’t have to fight. I guess that was Asagi’s way of letting Simon know that he knows about the DNA. Simon is surprised and Asagi assures him that he is the only one that knows where the DNA came from. Seeing them like this, I do see a resemblance between Simon and Asagi. Asagi joins the others and tells them that Izuru will be able to board the Godinion, but also tells them that they must do their best so that Izuru doesn’t have to fight.
Teoria lets Simon know that she will also be fighting in the battle. Suzukaze tells Amane that they won’t be able to depend on Izuru this time and to come up with a plan that won’t involve him. She also lets Amane know that Teoria will be fighting. Simon is made Supreme Commander of the operation.
The Wulgaru are making plans as well, hoping to strike Earth a final time and win. Although determined to win, they have their concerns as well. Earthlings are unpredictable and that worries Dolgana. The civilians on Star Rose are evacuated to Earth. Miss Peko gathers up Team Rabbits for their briefing. Amane briefs all of the allies on Operation: Heaven’s Gate. Of course Team Rabbits will be at the forefront of the forces and the armies are to support them. The team also gets to place the markers for the Straggle Laser that will destroy the gate. Izuru is placed on standby, but protests, until Suzukaze tells him that he will only be used as a last resort. And I am sure that he will be in the fight at some point.
On top of everything else, Anna from Asagi’s pit crew goes missing because she doesn’t want to return to Earth. The team and Miss Peko have to waste time looking for her all over Star Rose, but can’t find her. Miss Peko will check the passenger lists and sends the team to the Godinion. But Asagi hesitates and realizes where he will find Anna. Sure enough, she is at the ice cream stand they once visited. Anna doesn’t want to leave her family and Asagi needs to explain why she must. Daneel wants to protect Teoria, but she tells him to protect Izuru and the others instead. They both admit they’ve learned a lot from humans.
Anna is placed aboard the last pod heading to Earth, but runs out before the door completely closes. She still wants to go with them and now they have no choice but to take her. Anna is soon reunited with her family on the Godinion. Each of the team checks in with their pit crews and I chuckled when Ange said he had to watch his “potty mouth”. Izuru finds out that his unit has been locked down, so he can’t leave without orders. As things are about to get underway, Izuru is sent to the bridge, since he’s on standby.
Simon is announced as the Supreme Commander, shocking Suzukaze and the others. He says that he will be issuing commands from Star Rose and that surprises everyone too. More surprise as he orders the operation to commence and the cables from Star Rose are cut. Star Rose is a ship! And Simon says it will carry the fleet. Again there is more shock when Simon tells Amane that the core of Star Rose is based on the Wulgaru ship that Teoria used to get to Earth. Amane is also told that Star Rose will be the energy source for the Straggle Laser. Just one surprise after another! Funny too that the humans and the Wulgaru start their operations at the same time. Considering what happened to Team Doberman, I wonder if Team Rabbits will survive intact.
Episode 17 is live at ANO
Episode 18 will be delayed until tomorrow.