[Categories: Anime Reviews]
Gundam 00 4-6
I have to say that no anime series since Gasaraki has got me as hooked as this on the politics. Speculating about what will become of Middle-Eastern countries whose economies are driven by the oil industry when the reserves run out is really thought-provoking - and doesn’t seem outside the realms of probability either. You can actually see shifts in power and influence being started by events such as those that make up the background of this show, which is a nice bonus. Unfortunately I’m still watching Gundam 00 on blind faith: I keep telling myself that it’s going to get *really good* soon (there are already some good signs, but still…) and that the writers do actually know what they’re doing - I hope what I see as plot holes are merely pieces of plot that have yet to be revealed. If I’m to stick with this show I think it’s going to be a long haul flight - the problem is, I can’t take it altogether seriously. Put it down to how giving blood makes me light-headed or something.
The spat between Taribia and the US was a portrayal of some neat political manoevring but it also drew attention to a nagging doubt I had about Celestial Being’s intentions and effectiveness in what they’re trying to accomplish. Right from the outset my cynical outlook commended the idea that we’ll still be fighting in 400 years time; in that sense too I’m really appreciating how convincing certain aspects of this show’s worldview are. The approach that Celestial Being is taking though requires an almost supernatural or godlike insight into the workings of every government on earth; otherwise their actions are naïve at best and counterproductive at worst.
If the conflict of ep #4 really was a setup to exploit Celestial Being, surely they actually help cause the destruction of a whole army of Taribian mecha? Would Taribia and the US have concocted a fake war had the intervention of Celestial Being not been as likely? At first glance the entire MO that Celestial Being seems to be working to is fundamentally flawed, or perhaps the benevolent shadowy organisation trying to promote world peace just doesn’t sound believable any more. I’m wondering what basic premise is still being kept under wraps here - I mean, how well planned are these missions? How do they know who (if anyone) to side with? Aeolia Schenberg must be one hell of a good strategist is all I can say.
Episode #5 could prove to be an important one in terms of connecting the pilot chosen to fight the Gundams (similarities to Gunslinger Girl in the physical enhancements there?) and Allelujah Haptism (what a name. WHAT A NAME!) but I was distracted by the whole Thunerbirds-style rushing in to save the day thing. I hope it’s important to Haptism’s character later on in the story, otherwise the only thing that will remind me of this episode will be this annoying phrase bouncing around inside my head:
“Celestial Being are GO!”
That pretty much ruined the pathos of the episode for me.
Episode #6 promised good things though, ending as it did with Setsuna squaring up against a blast from the past. Some of my fears are now being allayed concerning the all-important characterisation: I’m interested to find out more about Haptism’s origins and I’m also expecting Setsuna to have some sort of breakdown, or at the very least, have to fight a battle whose ending isn’t a forgone conclusion.
I know I’m not supposed to be rooting for the bad guy but his mecha just looks so darned cool
After making a less than impressive introduction, Gundam 00 is finally growing on me. The politics and diplomacy offer a bit of much-needed maturity to what is essentially a pretty looking show that’s all about cute girls, angsty bishies and shiny mecha. Stirring up a hornet’s nest by moving in on a country that literally makes a living off warfare is probably the point where Celestial Being start to properly mean business so I daresay this is where it really starts to get good. And we haven’t even seen Setsuna flip out yet…
Posted on December 5th, 2007 @ 9:24 am
I’m still undecided on 00 after nine episodes. But, as a mecha fanboy, the pretty fighting is enough to sustain it for me. I guarantee you weren’t the only one thinking Thunderbirds when Allelujah swung into action.
It’s fitting that you’re watching the show on blind faith, as religion seems to be a theme running through the show.
Posted on January 25th, 2008 @ 10:53 pm
As I read lots of blogs on Gundam 00, I am forced to wonder if I’m the only one who actually dislikes Celestial Being. I am honestly rooting for the other nations to start beating them. There might be three reasons:
- The Gundams are too strong, they need to get a bloody nose every once in awhile.
- Destroying stockpiled weapons will not stop conflict. If you take away my tank I’ll get a gun, if you take away my gun I’ll get a knife, and if you take away my knife I’ll fight hand to hand, if I really have a reason to fight.
- What gives Celestial Being the right to interfere in these kinds of conflicts? I’m American, and I think my country is putting its nose where it doesn’t belong (the US seems to have a bad habit of that), and Celestial Being is no different. Sure, fighting is bad, but what makes Celestial Being think they are more morally justified than other people?
Anyway, I can’t wait until one of those damn Gundams finally get blown to hell.