Mobile Suit Gundam 00

It feels like Gundam 00 has finally settled into a pace. It actually seems like things will keep getting better from here on out. I liked Nena at first after she kissed Setsuna, but she soon afterwards reveals that she has a personality not unlike Flay Allster. Nena even says to Setsuna, after he ignores her when she asks him to join her in exploring the ship, "Don't make me mad." Michael is a cliched forthright and insulting guy with a bloodlust. While Johann is the calm collected leader-type who keeps the other two (more specifically Michael) in check. Ugh ... A part of me wishes that they weren't so obviously labeled as anti-heroes/villains this early on. Maybe then they could of had normal personalities. Well, that aside, we kind of know what/who Vader is now as well as how the hell the Gundams came to be created. The preview of the next episode seems to show Louise and Saji possibly getting mixed up the fight now.

Once again, I felt a distinct change in the pace with this episode that seems likely to continue at least through this season. As the OP has so unashamedly spoiled for us, the rival Gundam Meisters and their Gundams have taken on a more aggressive role than the Meisters we're familiar with. Undoubtedly, the two sides WILL fight each other sometime. I would've liked to have been fooled into thinking that they're good-natured, but the OP shot it down. Johann I might find likable if he gets his background fleshed out. Michael can die ASAP since crazy blood-lusting lunatics aren't very likable in most cases (he even makes a yakuza/street thug face like you see in Midori Days). Nena is a person who I would vote for in a Motemote competition, as long as she doesn't 'get mad'. Hell, she might inadvertently give Setsuna some personality. Strangely enough, Setsuna's other possible romantic interest (as if romance will ever happen with him) is completely absent from this episode (along with the Chinese characters).

This episode actually gave me several ideas for 4koma. Yeah, saying that was a little random.

Perhaps the biggest thing I noticed in this episode, and I'm surprised I didn't notice it before, was that one of the bridge bunnies was wearing an exceptionally, ridiculously, tight top. And here I thought Sumeragi-san's cleavage was the only fanservice, and that the bridge bunnies were just being cute.

I would like to know about the continuing roles of Union, AEU, and HRL. I mean, recovering from a failure from a large scale mission must be absolutely devastating for morale and resources. Additionally, I wonder what Aeolia Schenberg's other or 'true' objective was.

Lastly, Saji and Louise ... I still have yet to figure out why I like them so much. Perhaps it's the way they interact. Neither of them are openly romantic, but there seems to be a pretty strong relationship between them. Saji seems a little reserved and not too confident. Louise is mostly openly honest, though a little emotional and selfish. I don't know why, but she's my favorite female in the anime. That said ... damn you episode 18 preview! The main reason I'm hyped about the next episode is almost sorely due to what happens with Louise.

The Throne Gundams go around destroying military bases systematically. At one point, Nena spots the wedding Louise is attending and basically says to herself, "I'm working my butt off, they shouldn't be happy when I'm working." So, she basically fires a couple rounds into the wedding. Just about everyone dies. The Throne Gundams also attack bases even if there are only civilians working at them. Graham fights a Throne at a nearby base, and manages to cut off Eins' right arm, but it seems Graham can't handle the G-forces as he coughs up some blood and is unable to pursue (he lives though). Meanwhile, Setsuna and Co. try to decide on their next move, and we see Tieria look into Veda (renamed from Vader). Saji goes to visit Louise in the hospital ... I won't ruin what happens there ... At the end, Setsuna decides that the Trinity Meisters are causing warfare and attempts an 'intervention' by himself.

Highly unlikely. My prediction ... Setsuna probably puts up a good fight for awhile. But with both Michael and Johann teaming up on him (most likely), things seem grim until Lockon arrives and the Throne Gundams start running out of power and are forced to retreat. They are using imitation solar generators after all. I wonder if "Lagna" is an imitation version of Veda ... It also seems like the green-haired kid has a larger part to play in all of this, and the 'observers' aren't playing much of a role at all.

I also wonder who shot the guy who talked to the reporter. In a way, he scammed her, but in another way, he's a good guy for thinking about his daughter.

And for the guy who was shot, I think the culprit is the green haired kid, can't think of somebody else, except a new character.

Round 1 ... Fight!

Well, this episode is full of answers and full of surprises. Tieria (!) and Lockon join the fight with Setsuna. Nadleeh gets to show of its special ability. Certain 'observers' are not acting like observers should. We also get to find out about Lagna ... and that is certainly an interesting twist. The Gundam Meisters also develop some more personality and start to act a little more human. At the end of the episode, we see what may be new, Gundam-level mobile suits or at least mass-produced versions of them. We get a possible resolution to the Saji-Louise relationship, though judging by the next episode preview, it may not necessarily be over yet. Looks like Round 2 versus Trinity may happen next week.

If Sunrise can keep this up all the way through season 2, it will be among the best anime that I've seen.