Its a little late for my review on this since season two started last Sunday and Japan. As usual the fansubbers are quick to pick this up and for a good reason. Thanks to Shinsen Subs for the superb sub! Anyway on with the review. The new intro song is ftw. UverWorld, one of my favorite J-rock bands is doing it!
Just when you thought it would start slow, the 1st episode begins with a space skirmish between what appears to be the new generation HRL and AEU mechs. Oh yeah, the HRL, AEU and Union no longer exist apparently as a new world order was formed. Too bad though an "anti-government" faction has appeared. Its a good enough reason for Celestial Being to re-surface.
There are a bunch of surprises in this first episode. Saji is now in space, fulfilling his promise to Louise. But things don’t work out for him when he gets involved with someone from Kataron (I’m guessing this is the anti-government faction) and is forced to work in a prison asteroid mine.
Setsuna doesn’t seem to have changed (except that he’s grown a few inches taller). He is still pretty much emo and cold towards other people around him.
Gundam Exia however is in bad shape. Looks like it has been barely repaired since its last fight with Graham Aker’s GN-equipped Flag. My brother says that it resembles Setsuna himself when he was a child fighting in the Solar Wars. I gotta admit thought that this look is cool.
Too bad it got cut up badly. When I say badly, I mean pretty messed up. So this is how Exia gets its 2 GN drives on it’s sides, as I’ve seen in the countless previews and teasers. I can’t imagine how powerful Exia becomes equipped with those 2 drives. Its already quite a handful to handle with the single GN drive let alone 2?
Another surprise. Louise is part of the Government forces and seems to react to the sight of a Gundam. I can’t blame her though, after what she has gone through. Still I can’t help think how her hand has been restored. I thought from the first season, GN particles had an effect that blocked cellular regeneration. I personally think she has some sort of cybernetic arm though.
Tieria appears to have become a bit more mature and open to others. He still talks the same way, sounding so bossy and sure of himself. His new Gundam Seravee, similar to Virtue, still has the similar "map" weapons that can obliterate anything it hits, and it also has a new trick up its sleeve. His Gundam, has a face on its back as well, and switch its orientation from either side! It sure took the Ahead unit by surprise.
My brother and I have been debating as to what Colonel Smirnov and Lt. Soma Peels’ relationship is. They’re seen together at what appears to be the Colonel’s home. Has the Colonel adopted her as a daughter? Or are they really into a real relationship?
What’s the deal with Allelujah? Has he gone insane or something? I’m wondering why he’s detained like a patient in a mental institute.
Lastly, we’ve got Lockon’s brother whom Setsuna recruits. He’s called Lockon too. Personally, I think they should have chosen another code name. So is this guy a direct twin brother or something? Could be he a clone perhaps? It never ceases to amaze me that in almost every iteration of Gundam, there would always be a clone of someone who tragically died.
I’ll be looking forward to the next subbed episode. It should come out at the middle of this week.
