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 Kidou Senshi Gundam 00 Season 2

[Flash Sword Irene]

Well, the new season of Kidou Senshi Gundam 00 has officially kicked off with four year time skip from last season.  It appears there is now an official Federation in respect to the tradition of Gundam itself.  Now, there seems to be a new military organization with unknown motivations thus far called the A-Laws.  This is another thing reminiscent of past Gundams and upholds that part of it with explosions thus far.

The writers decided to pull a Char Aznable for the meisters and some of their backup crew who were supposed to be offed from last season.  I am not sure if this is a good thing to bring back a cast so static that at one point, they might have been worse then the crew of Gundam Wing.  Of course, this might be associated as a Code Geass thing nowadays with its (in)famous bs revival of characters.  But, thus far we do see Teiria, Setsuna (More then likely to have an Amuro Ray-style rivalry with Graham who has now become the "Char" of the series as the masked man.), the messed up Allelujah in detainment, and Lockon's twin brother as a meister in his stead.

Saji, Libbons, Sergei, Soma, and the rest of the main cast make their return in this episode along with Louise.  Saji's part was one big irony and I was surprised that the writers decided to make a good decision for once with this.  At the sametime, Louise is now a M.S. pilot and drug addict starting to become nuts due to the side effects.  Hints of some sort of scientific manipulation was made in correlation to the glow of her eyes in battle.  There are also a good amount of new characters who look like they could be mainstays. 

Mobile Suit-wise, Victory Gundam has made its influence known with one of the blue Mobile Suits having the rotor attached to its arm as a defensive shield.  There are also new reddish ones with jousting-like weapons.  Exia seems to have donned the apparel of Gundam Sandrock from Wing.  But, the cultural influences are understandable for that one.  In terms of strength, the new suits of the grunts and military group are still capable of defeating a Gundam.  (At least for now, due to what is seen with Exia.)

Teiria still pilots an overpowered Gundam with highly destructive energy cannons with a ridiculous amount of power.  At the sametime, this seems to have had influences from other mecha animes with the face on its back.  And, its also reminiscent of the Devil Gundam (Kidou Butouden G-Gundam) somewhat as well.  In terms of what the new 00 Gundam can do, it will probably shown next episode.  (I hope this thing is not overpowered and this turns into a typical Alternative Century spamfest.)

Anyways, there seems to be a few twists and turns at the end that do look promising.  In terms of loose ends from the first season, I am going to guess they won't be solved until later or never.  Of course, if the writers of this series can actually do a better job in keeping things cohesive and applicable to an actual plot and storyline, this might be a good Gundam series as a whole.  (Though, I still believe the first season was a mediocre piece of crap that desperately needed the final 6 episodes to really give an incentive to watch this new season.)

OST-wise and Art-wise, the production is still good in that department.  So, I have no qualms with this obviously.  In terms of vocal tracks, I still don't like what they have done for this new season thus far.  But, at least the end theme is not overly horrid or anything.   

Overall, I think this is a good episode to start with and I hope that the writing is competent on a consistent basis.  The new triumverate power struggle could be something deep and complex and has potential.  I really hope there is no rehash of the first 18 worthless episodes of the first season that would turn this into the ass of jokes just like almost every Alternative Century Gundam series.  I also hope there are no "Code Geass" kind of things pulled from what I have heard.  So, Sunrise the ball is in your court and you might want to do a good job here.

[Kavik Ryx]

Copy pasta from MAHQ

I can't believe that they were able to keep up the ball rolling even after six months. Episode 1 was definitely on par with some of the latter episodes of S1. I didn't expect that the GN-XIII would be the grunt suit and the Ahead to be for commanders. It was also nice to see the Realos in action, even if they did get their shiny metal asses handed to them.

Though my all time favorite had to be Saji with a gun. I had been waiting for a scene like that since the series first began. The only difference was that I first expected Saji to strangle Setsuna. It's nice to see that even with some balls, he still can't kill a man.

Rating: 7
Interest: 8

[Flash Sword Irene]

Episode 2

I just feel Rhythm Emotion
The rhythm from the beat of my heart
I always know where to find you, SO FARAWAY!

I don't care if it will hurt
Please try to not look away
I want to live with Passion and Intensity
You give me the strength to never give up
That's why I will continue holding you in my arms

I just feel Rhythm Emotion
Take the mistakes and take all the pain
Guide what you have through
to the fleeting, beautiful light

I just feel Rhythm Emotion
The rhythm from the beat of my heart
I always know where to find you, SO FARAWAY!

Artist: Two-Mix
Song: Rhythm Emotion (2nd OP Theme)
Series: New Mobile Report Gundam Wing (Tied for worst Gundam series of all time alongside SEED Destiny)


- Aeolia Schenberg's "God-Hack" mode is a precursor and blueprint for the 00's Twin Solar Furnace Drive/System.  If this new system is perfected, expect it to be game over in lopsided fashion.  If not now, eventually.

- The roles of the major power players are being fleshed out and the A-Laws just bolstered their staff with their new acquisition today.

- Some interesting things going on today such as Saji learning the truth behind the Trinity's attack which left Louise without a hand.  Four years later, and the Thrones are still considered everyone's enemy.  The writers actually handled intricacy well due to the necklace around Saji's neck.  Usually, they faltered on anything with an intricate touch badly.

- I wonder what kind of action Billy will take after learning of Sumeragi's association with Celestial Being.  This could be something interesting, if things are actually done right.  Sumeragi is still an alcoholic becoming more of a depressive in four years.  At least, she is not being useless due to her tactical manuevering for Teiria later on.

- The new Lockon Stratos has been inducted with some ulterior motives from the Kataron in hindsight.

- Wang Liu Min looks to actually do something significant for once instead of being a useless fanservice beacon.  Wang was useless in the first season and she kept the whore to boot.  I honestly hope the whore dies next episode, since she deserved it upon introduction last season.  (Too bad, I think the stupid whore will be kept for far too long.)

- Gundam 00 was able to magically stabilize and move under Setsuna.  The new 00 is overpowered with greater strength, agility, and its new GN Particle Shield.  The shield is instant negation against beam weapons and things look bad at this point.  Of course, we don't even know the full extent of the abilities for this new model.  How can there be skilled battles in this series if the Gundams gain upgrades like this?

- The new OP theme is plain and not really that great.  In fact, it should be replaced by a Gundam Wing song by Two-Mix since now we all know how things will turn out.  Eventually.  (Or hopefully, never.)

- Two episodes in and my interest is ruined due to the direction this series seems to be taking.  Nice going Sunrise.

[Flash Sword Irene]

Episode 3

- Its no surprise that after Marina was on that base and being interrogated after her capture.  And, it just so happened she was there with Allelujah and this turned out to be a rescue mission for two people.

- There seem to be subplots in Aeolia Schenberg's overall plan and Libbons' group is key to all of tihs.  Wang Liu Min is still in the shadows and the whore didn't die today.  What the hell?

- Soma's secret is out now that Allelujah has revealed her true name while suffering mentally like most scientifically enhanced beings when older memories are unlocked.  Allelujah seems to have become immune to Soma's brain waves just because of his head injury.  I am not sure how this makes any sense considering that the dual personalities overcame this by joining together.

- An uplifting Gundam moment where Sumeragi was inspired to tactically forecast and perform her duty.  She is still a depressive alcoholic.  But, with that one scene the fact that everyone is bonding/rallying together as a group this quickly is refreshing.  Compare to last season, melodrama in a desperate situation was a device for banding people together.  This time, this is a bit more natural with a time skip not affecting their relationship as comrades.

- Today's battle was a bit more strategic then expected and plunging the ship into the water to neutralize the entire situation for a blitzkrieg was nice.  Still, the battle consisted of overpowered Gundams taking out an entire military complex with ease. 

- Arios seems to have some of the Zeta Gundam influence due to one of the weapons on its hands.  But, Allelujah is no Kamille Bidan and Zeta was never overpowered.  Still, I hope that Arios is a balanced Gundam unlike 00 or Tieria's.

- With the pacing this series is taking thus far, its already superior to the lax first season where things slowed down after the first episode.  The first season never slowed down midway due to popular belief since the results were a product of how the earlier episodes dictated the pace with piss poor writing.

- I am still scared of what the 300 Sunrise writers might do and I hope this does not de-evolve into the atypical Alternative Century Gundam where pretty boys in overpowered mechs "LOL" and shoot down an army of billions within seconds.  And no, watching 00 move out and fight against units who couldn't fight back due to its overpowering abilties was not awesome.

[Shadowmage]

Episode 3

You know, I'm really enjoying this anime as a modestly entertaining but solid action piece.  Due to the plot hacks and the weak set of antagonists, the fight scenes lack tension, but the choreography is some the best I've seen in this franchise outside the OVAs and movies. Despite the fact that this was pretty much a one way massacre, I like how there seems to be an underlying strategy in the Gundam fights.  When Allelujah first rode out, the fight wasn't really four one man armies going their separate ways.  Allelujah and Setsuna essentially ripped apart enemies by attacking them from opposite flanks in near harmony, and Tieria finished them off.   

[Flash Sword Irene]

Episode 4

- We actually learn something significant about Allelujah's past for once.  I was wondering why actual moments like this were not used in the First Season.  Not that everything had to be revealed right away, but this kind of development was sorely needed.  The origin of Allelujah's name, relationship to Soma, and the whole "baptism" thing is now known.  Now we also know that there is actual telepathy to be had in those experiments.

- Funny enough, Allelujah does mention that his alter ego is no longer with him (at least for the moment) and I guess we will see if those interviews are true or not.  Then again, this might be lame if the persona arises because of a concussion or simple bump to the head.

- Graham's name for the time being is now Mr. Bushido, which is just lame as hell.  I guess, there were no better nicknames to give the guy before the new season started.  His new mobile suit is actually able to match 00 in a battle thus far.  But, I hope the playing field as a whole is leveled soon enough.

- The moment where Feldt slaps the new Lockon is priceless.

- Showing the status of Azadistan actually gave a nice touch and does reflect upon the reality of the world in other countries.  That was something the first season lacked a lot despite its apparent themes.

- It seems Marina Ismail might start to become stupidly annoying in the future if she develops into another Relena Peacecraft.  If she was going to be like Dianna Soriel from Turn-A, that might be fine since she was not necessarily as idiotic as Relena was.  But, I seriously do not need to hear the whole "Pacifism Good/Fighting Bad" theme beaten to death again.

- Saji is actually starting to interact with the crew and develop as a character which is a good thing.  Since, Saji was worthless throughtout both seasons thus far and needed this badly.

- Sumeragi's relationship with Allelujah has been continued and not ignored from the first season.  I guess, the writers are slightly improving on this sort of thing since its not as frigid as last time.

- Whoever funded the new mobile armor and its GN Drives is probably most likely Wang Liu Min at work.  Things look to actually have some sort of conspiracy behind it and hopefully expanded upon.  Still, it could be another power at work and we shall see.  Hopefully.

- Today's battle was not too bad at all, but Setsuna's 00 ruined everything with its overpowering strength, as always.  As usual, Tieria is the first one to have to activate Trans-Am and then someone else follows.  Sumeragi's predictions and explanations seemed a little convenient, but I was alright with it.

- Finally, Celestial Being and Kataron meet.  The Kataron do have mobile suits and they are all blue.  From what happens onwards might become interesting.  And, Marina gets to meet her friend again and I wonder how their relationship fare.

- Billy has finally made his move and will develop mobile suits from here on out.  It looks like we shall see if he is reunited with Graham since it looks that way.  It looks like he is determined to defeath Sumeragi as well.

[Flash Sword Irene]

Episode 5

Today's episode was a surprise since it was one of the more effective ones in this entire series.  Usually, there is not much going on except the core points and development is usually not in bundles like this either.

-Kataron's recruitment of Celestial Being didn't succeed, but it looks like they might band together after what happened later on.

- Sergei's character was actually developed in this episode and for once a character has it done properly.  The relationship between Sergei and Soma/Marie was solidified in today's episode, along with knowing how things are between father and son.

- Seeing Marina with the children and Setsuna looking on to reminisce on his past was actually not a bad touch.  Funny enough, that footage from the first season meant nothing and didn't make any amends to getting the viewer to feel sympathy for Setsuna at all.  Then again, that footage was still mostly ineffective in making anyone feel sorry all of a sudden.

- Saji was making his move today and it looks like he actually has some form of sense for once.  But, its nice to see that he was foiled and was for once actually taught about the realities of the world and what can actually happen in war.  It seems he might actually be emoting and sulking for the next few episodes.  But, he better snap out of it quickly since he is still mostly useless.

- Finally, the horrors of what can happen in war are actually shown in this series.  The use of the automatons and seeing Ali's ruthless destruction Azadistan were actually able to do their job today.  The fact that the automatons actually humanized some of the characters was a good thing too.

- Today's battle was not much, especially in terms of actual strategy due to the way things panned out.  Oh, and Graham has some actual standards, even though it was already established some time ago.  Still, this does not make me feel any better about the Gundams being overpowered at all.

- If I were to guess, things might look to be an emotional rollercoaster later on down the road.  But, this time maybe the writers actually made a plan for once and are going to do something constructive for it.  I hope this does not turn out to be a sloppy mess in the end.

[Kavik Ryx]

The only way I can put episode 5 is sublime. Every character was either kicked in the balls or put in their place, and it was absolutely believable.

About Setsuna, while sympathizing with him may never happen, it is easy to accept why he is so emotionally disconnected. Also he hasn't gone from cold psychopath to aloof savior, but rather remains a victim of himself, even if he wishes to atone.

[Flash Sword Irene]

Episode 6

When I think about this episode today, it really disappoints me how the first season was so awful.  Not to mention, this could have been something of a tightly written 35 episode series instead of 50 from how the way things look thus far.  I am not sure if this will become a Sunrise trainwreck in the end.  But, I honestly wish the writers would have done things like this from the beginning instead of wasting time on worthless crap.

- So, despite seeing the arrival of Setsuna and Marina, Ali didn't try to go after them at all?  That is uncharacteristic for someone like that to just let those two go unharmed.  Or at least not to try killing them out of enjoyment.

- Even though this was obvious the whole time, yes the current Lockon is a spy for the Kataron.

- Wang Liu Min is scheming as always and of course everything is left ambiguous in the end regarding her actions.  There still does not seem to be much between her and the Innovators at this point, so this is probably going to be brought up in future episodes.  Of course the worst part is that the whore didn't die today.  Why won't she just die like she was supposed to?

- We find out why Sumeragi is an alcoholic now and for a twist, it seems Mannequin was a comrade of her team and they made the same mistake together.  At the sametime, we now have a battle between former allies that might heat up.  If anything, hopefully there will be battles of wits in the future with actual intelligent manuevers being made.  It does kind of annoy me how Mannequin's character development is already superior to most of the main cast already, especially compared to the pathetic Meisters.

- Speaking of development, Sergei is really gaining the best out of the entire cast and the fact that he is the only person to care for is pretty bad.  But, he does seem to be bringing more out of Soma as a result and this is ending up as one of the most convincing relationships in this series.  This is definitely more effective then the original Lockon's death, which was pathetic and hardly moving at all.

- Sergei's son has a crush for Louise and will probably end up dying without recieving any good feedback.  Especially, since Soma's newtype-like abilities pointing out how Louise still loves Saji.

- Personally, I laughed at Saji being slapped and reprimanded out of distrust due to his actions.  It also looks like he shall be helping Celestial Being from here on out.

- The Gundams seemed pretty disoriented out there without Sumeragi to forecast for them.  At the sametime, Kyrios is the first Gundam to actually become damaged this season. 

- Anticlimatic clffhanger at the end of the episode that pretty much sets up everything for the next episode.  If the writers decide to do something Tomino-esque this early, I would welcome it.  A major death or two this early?  I think I like it.

End Note:  I really hate how Graham is being portrayed this season since I think he deserves more then being written in as a masked jackass.  Plus, the role thus far seems like filler and not much else.

[Flash Sword Irene]

Episode 7

Wow, this is pretty much a re-enactment of Athrun and Cagalli from Kidou Senshi Gundam SEED.  And, that is a bad thing considering that the one word to describe this entire episode is Cliche.  Honestly, Marie/Soma and Allelujah do not really have enough chemistry between them to really kick off sparks as a couple in the end.  Not only that, this is one of the most unconvincing relationships formed in a Gundam series as well.  While the feel is supposedly more natural then most, the result is still not as effective.

This episode also seemed wasteful in the fact that every episode devoted to Allelujah's development to date is just plain awful in execution.  No matter how many episodes were given to Allelujah alone, there was still no reason to really give a rat's ass about him.  Those episodes were amongst the most ineffective in terms of character development in any Gundam series.  If anything, this is just some cheap fanboy/fangirl dream pairing that was just written in for the sake of it.  Its also kind of perplexing as a paradox too. 

If this struggle between Allelujah and Soma continued on, it might have dragged on with predictable results.  Not to mention, that this sort of thing dragging on would have hurt the series.  At the sametime, while this should have been a relief with things resolved for now, its hardly satisfactory.  The pairing still leads to predictable results in the end if the writers play their cards exactly as I predict with this.  This is a lose/lose situation that I just don't buy unlike the average viewer.  I don't even like the light-hearted "humor" at the end either.

At the very least, things look to be interesting with Tieria meeting his significant other and maybe there could be some light shed on what Libbons is up to.  Its nearly a third of the way down and there are still lots of things to be answered. 

[Shadowmage]

Episode 7

This was probably the weakest episode of the season.  Amnesia is a poor vehicle for drama largely because it's overused in so many K-dramas, movies and other anime that I become nauseous of the concept; however, the folks at Sunrise haven't quite grasped this fact yet, and they decided to pair this trope with another pet peeve of mine: multiple personalities. Okay, I'm open to the possibility that Hallelujah was a result of the extreme stress that Allelujuah underwent, but the execution of the concept has been pretty poor.  Actually, the drama for both Gundam 00 S1 and S2 have been pretty crappy, and the only praise I have for the show is the solid action, the mildly interesting story and the political backdrop. I'm not sure why the characters are so hard to care about, but then again, I had no great love of Harry and Brandon (Gungrave) either... Okay, their drama was madly compelling.

[Flash Sword Irene]

Episode 8

So, basically Aeolia Schenberg's plan is still in distortion while the simple premises give thus far are convoluted versions of Gundam thematics from the past.  But, the true mastermind behind everything is Ribbons and Wang Liu Min has been in collusion the whole time.  There is a lot of truth to dig through since the show has officially presented a ton of mysteries surrounding the big picture.  Now, there are even more questions then any actual answers at all.

- So, Louise and her family is the one providing enough funds and seemingly the ones who provided that new M.S. that got thrashed from a few episodes ago.  Not only that, now she knows about Setsuna as Celestial Being's plans for covert infiltration were totally blown by Billy.  Although, I can't help but think things were a little formulaic with the way things unfolded today.  It also looks like Saji and Louise will be reunited again at some point soon.

- I won't hate Feldt so much so long as she does not become the next Flay from Gundam SEED.  But, who knows if she will actually snap at some point or not?  At the sametime, that moron Patrick didn't die in four years apparently.  That is one pathetically worthless bastard that should have died alongside the whore.  Not only that, where have I seen the designs of the new Mobile Suits from?  Hmm...

- Seeing Tieria in a dress is rather disturbing.  I don't need to go anymore into that one.  There was some brief explanation on how access to Veda was utilized and GN Particles are important, somehow.  So, Tieria and the Innovators are some sort of GN production android then?  Why does this stuff seem so relatively familiar from other animes?

- Anyone who thinks the 00 is in no way overpowered was proven completely wrong again in this episode and I laugh at those idiots.  So, now there is a need for a 0 Drive attachment that will get things running smoothly.  Once that happens, its practically going to be another Alternative Century spamfest.  I really wish that prediction of mine from episodes ago won't come true. 

With so much info being slung around in today's episode, it seems there are far more loose ends then ever.  And, whether or not anything from Season 1 will be solved remains to be seen.  Seriously, this better not be a complete Sunrise trainwreck like I might fear the end to be with everything that went on today.  I guess the drama today was a smidgen better then usual, but its still not as good as other Gundam shows (Universal Century) from the past.

There was actually some stuff from Season 1 brought up again, but nothing of actual consequence to really matter at all.  Other then that, most other stuff presented today was more or less the obvious once again. 

[Kavik Ryx]

Sure it may be convoluted, but every Gundam outside a couple OVAs, the original, and G, all are. At the very least, it's entertaining enough and does not have anyone acting absolutely contrary to their setup. Also, predictable plot points beat twists that are thrown in at the last minute (unless they were in Code Geass).

[Shadowmage]

Episode 8

It's odd.  I have no clue why I find this show in the least bit compelling.  I have no great love for the characters, the story feels dry and the "startling" revelations are a tad cliched, but I still go through week after week, eager to watch an episode, and satisfied afterwards.  Perhaps, it's the solid animation, the lulzy Sunrise gimmicks in the face of such a serious atmosphere (such as female Tieria), or the mere fact that this is called "Gundam".  Though it's pretty likely the last reason, I won't jinx my enjoyment of the series and just blindly absorb all that I have been fed... because if the final episodes don't turn out to be epic, I'll rip on this series when it comes time to do reviews.

[Flash Sword Irene]

Episode 9
So, the plot thickens...or actually not at all....

- Anyone who ever thought Setsuna and Tieria were good pilots were proven dead wrong again for probably the one billionth time as Ali took them both on rather easily.  In fact, Tieria is still a horrendous bottom tier pilot that really needs an overpowered Gundam to handle everything for him.  Still, it seems the Seravee still has a ton of things that have yet to be revealed like that hidden beam saber trick.  I think this might be like the Nadleeh where a transformation occurs and will probably be revealed at some point.

- So we find out some info what happened to Ali, see a bit more of the Dylandys' past (Where, the death of the original Lockon is still insignificant and hardly anything to care about.), and a brief flashback of Sumeragi's past that does not do anything at all.  Graham is reunited with Billy only to get a new mobile suit.  And, there is some other info splashed around in today's episode to cover past ground.

- Speaking of new mobile suits, its official that whoever does the mecha designs for this show has ripped off "Mei-Ou Project Zeorymer" due to the designs of the some of the Gundams.  And, the Gadessa's beam cannon is far too similar to the J-Kaiser attack of Rose C'est La Vie from the "Zeorymer" anime.  Funny thing is that, Rose C'est La Vie's pillot was an effeminate man, and the pilot for the Gadessa clearly looks like a woman.  Then again, this innovator could very well be a transvestite too.  Years after obscurity, Zeorymer rises again in Gundam of all things.

- So, the stupid ship can also use Trans-Am in a Deus-ex Machina that appeared from out of nowhere.  This development should not be so farfetched, and yet it feels that way.  Oh yes, the 00 should be practically like Wing Zero or Strike Freedom now that the 0-Riser has been found.  Looks like its practically going to be game over for everyone not piloting something ridiculous.

- With the way things are going in today's episode, it looks to only setup the Innovator's intervention starting next episode.  So, things will probably move on from there on out.  Still, I can't help but think the pacing was a tad uneven and perhaps even forced in today's episode.  Its strange since that is not how it should actually be.