Mobile Suit Gundam The Witch from Mercury episode 14: The cracked reality
Rather than making us wait half of the season like the first season did, G-Witch second season decided to speed up the plot right in this episode and brought out the heavy hitter. Also, what a way to confirm the long-running theory that has been going on in the Gundam community since the first episode: first mentioned by Prospera, and ended up confirmed also by Prospera. Quiet Zero, Aerial’s true nature, Shaddiq’s plot, Sophie’s motivation, Earth House’s fate, etc. We got answers, yet we got more questions to ask. Let’s jump into the episode.
From the beginning to episode 14, it made me feel that Prospera is one of the best, if not the best Char Clone which utilized the mask to its maximum effect. We saw how she manipulated Suletta and Miorine effortlessly with her words. With the mask covered the whole face we will never know her true expression under the mask, what kind of emotion that she is showing under it? Miorine will never know, and Prospera will use it to the fullest to direct Quiet Zero to her benefits. Another thing to note is whenever she took it off, she always act like a kind and caring mother to Suletta, it’s only when she put it on that her demeanor turn into that of a scheming avenger, who manipulated everyone and everything to further her scheme.
Biggest star in this episode, definitely is the revelation that Aerial is Eri, or Eri is Aerial’s core. Thanks to Bel confronting Prospera, we learn the true nature of the invincible Mobile Suit called Gundam Aerial. It feels like Bel is acting as a proxy for the audience to question Prospera about her motives and what she has done with her first daughter. To be fair, a prevalent theory before was that Suletta is Eri’s clone, now while that may still be true, it could also be that Prospera had another separate daughter, but maybe through in-vitro or some other artificial way. About Eri, the image of a young child beyond the data storm is extremely unnerving – even for Gundam. Before, when we see “human mobile suit” like the Phenex or Eins Graze, we just see the mechanical part, and the people that “fused” with the MS are usually adults, but seeing a child becoming a Mobile Suit is really devastating. Furthermore, from the “Cradle Planet” novel, Aerial’s thoughts are really mature for a 4-6 years old, and she treat Suletta with love and care, all the while obey Prospera to a fault since she is her mother. That proves that she “grew up” while being stuck inside the Gundam, and that’s really f***ed up.
Biggest star in this episode, definitely is the revelation that Aerial is Eri, or Eri is Aerial’s core. Thanks to Bel confronting Prospera, we learn the true nature of the invincible Mobile Suit called Gundam Aerial. It feels like Bel is acting as a proxy for the audience to question Prospera about her motives and what she has done with her first daughter. To be fair, a prevalent theory before was that Suletta is Eri’s clone, now while that may still be true, it could also be that Prospera had another separate daughter, but maybe through in-vitro or some other artificial way. About Eri, the image of a young child beyond the data storm is extremely unnerving – even for Gundam. Before, when we see “human mobile suit” like the Phenex or Eins Graze, we just see the mechanical part, and the people that “fused” with the MS are usually adults, but seeing a child becoming a Mobile Suit is really devastating. Furthermore, from the “Cradle Planet” novel, Aerial’s thoughts are really mature for a 4-6 years old, and she treat Suletta with love and care, all the while obey Prospera to a fault since she is her mother. That proves that she “grew up” while being stuck inside the Gundam, and that’s really f***ed up.
And that would no doubt make Suletta suffer in the future. Her interaction with Sophie definitely has cracked her core more than ever, and now it would definitely worsen over time as she is clinging more and more to her mother’s motto, which has become more like a curse than a blessing since the end of the first season. With Eri is Aerial theory now confirmed, Suletta is definitely a pawn in Prospera’s hands. Prospera loved Suletta, sure, but everything she did is for Eri’s happiness, not Suletta’s, so it would not be that strange if she decided to sacrifice Suletta at some point in the story. Miorine, or anyone is fine, please help her when that time comes.
Also the fact that her Aerial – which was supposed to help people as a medicine, a cure – have caused the death of a young girl with mundane dreams of meals, comics, families…definitely hit Suletta hard. Since season 1, she has been hit with traumatizing blows after blows, but each and every time, she recovered, stood up and pushed forward with her mother’s motto – “run away and gain one, go forward and gain two”. After this, if Prospera don’t console her like before, she might break for real.
Also the fact that her Aerial – which was supposed to help people as a medicine, a cure – have caused the death of a young girl with mundane dreams of meals, comics, families…definitely hit Suletta hard. Since season 1, she has been hit with traumatizing blows after blows, but each and every time, she recovered, stood up and pushed forward with her mother’s motto – “run away and gain one, go forward and gain two”. After this, if Prospera don’t console her like before, she might break for real.
On one part, before and after Rumble Ring is definitely a great way to speed up the plot. The first half of the story felt like a normal school day episode, and yet the second half pushed nitro button to the max. Not only bloodshed with behind-the-scene scheme but also questions that affect character’s psychology, main characters and sub-characters alike. Asticassia faced its first school-shooting, first student death in a MS duel, and probably would not be the last. Considering Shaddiq’s cooking something, and he willing to go and it may result to the fallen of Asticassia and Benerit Group as a whole, something big will definitely go down, and it wont be pretty.
Talking about characters, our girl Nika need help. God help Nika please, that girl suffer too much, even trying to protect her true family by exposing herself as a terrorist, just to be stopped by Shaddiq’s underling, and now Martin has to contact the school officials to protect Earth House. The man actually mans up after what happened at Plant Quetta, but because of lacking information (Nika is at fault but let’s be honest, how could she tell the truth?), he had to do it, and will probably endure the hatred from his housemates. What will happen to Earth House after this?
That makes me curious, what about the others aside from Earth house? Chuchu tried to protect Lauda and Felsi during the chaos, even though they are Spacians. This, hopefully, will be beneficial to Earth House, as they will suffer more after this episode. El5n and Norea’s interaction is a great one as well, for both of them acted out of their normal shell when they were with each other. Definitely an interesting couple to follow. Petra’s emotion (probably) to Lauda was another surprise as well, but not that illogical. The guy could have someone as emotional support after what he have, and will face in the future. May the staffs have mercy on him and Bob as well.
Animation of mech battles with each other, as always, is great. Mr. Ebikawa also design Chuchu’s Demi Trainer in episode 14 stick closely to the story, as Chuchu’s Demi could not have a full repair as Earth House is poor as hell, and GUND-ARM Inc has yet to do anything to have profits. Pharact’s, Thorn’s, and especially the fight between Aerial and Ur’s are as much intense as the plot surrounds it. Nothing I could review more about this part aside from the fact that GUNDVOLVA’s majority scenes are in CG, so we will definitely see them more as the grunt MS in the future.
Next episode: Father and Child
>Reryuu<
Check out more reviews here:
>Reryuu<
Check out more reviews here:
Taisei proceeded with his first sortie. But what comes after victory? Can Taisei overcome the next challenge as the decision of his life lies ahead?
A new saga begins. Shinkalion returns with a more grown-up cast and settings, as we depart on a journey of a young brother looking for his missing sister.
Enter the world of NEX racing – AI-assisted races at breakneck speed. Strap in as we are introduced to the general settings as well as watching the top drivers duke it out on the track.
Bang Brave Bang Bravern has come to an end. Although the final episode isn’t very impressive, it serves its purpose as a neat ending to the series.
The conclusion that actually created more problems than the series started with. But we got to see a very well done battle with a pretty badass upgrade.
Fists against fists! Neans against Neans! The battles we’ve been waiting for is here. At this point, action is all we need – as Metallic Rouge head towards the end.
A satisfying conclusion following an awesome battle. Kanata and team set out to save the world and reach a new frontier for humanity.
With only 2 episodes left, Metallic Rouge still spend its time leisurely talking and setting up plot points. This episode contains no action and likewise no impact to the viewer.
“Me and the gang doing side quests before fighting the boss” the episode – Bang Brave Bang Bravern sacrifices its precious pacing for important character development. Also BravernIsami is real.
Even though thought to have revealed its biggest secret, Bang Brave Bang Bravern still got some surprises in stock. The abrupt plot twist gives an already beloved character a lot of depth, through beautiful visual.
A silly road trip in space with Rouge with some emotional flashback. The gang has a new and rather unexpected addition. The final battle is looming over the calm before the storm.
Our Char-clone had a change of heart – or rather, a reclamation of his lost desire. But when one find something, another also lost something…or someone.
“Isami, Yuuki Bakuhatsu!!!” Episode 9 makes viewers explode of hype and emotion with the characters, by revealing the big secret and introducing Bravern’s first gattai form.
A balance episode with both action and exposition. Some beautiful visuals to accompany a ridiculous storyline. Nevertheless Rouge is heading towards the final battle.
The birth of a new determination…and a new songstress. And we get some levity this episode with a “peaceful” resolution between Kanata and “shirokamen”.
The stakes are raised much higher as Lewis and the Brave Knights have to face Cunus, the nigh omnipotent Deathdrive of Debauchery. Episode 8 puts Bang in the Bang Brave Bang Bravern in two different senses.
The aftermath of an intense battle is always a perfect chance to look back…and we peeked much further into the past…the days of Pascale.
From exposition to all out war, Metallic Rouge once again flip us on the tone and the pacing of the story. And it seems like everyone is going down in the next one.
Metallic Rouge is reaching its end – the events are being dished out really fast, maybe even too fast.
Bravern and gang finally confront the big bad that destroyed Tokyo. On top of the battles, episode 7 reveal new secrets about both the hero and the villains.
A tragic tale of a false songstress. Ciel gave her life to her master, but gave her soul to Kanata. The last melody of love and trust to give new life to another.
Hell Jaron decided to play a game with Rouge and Naomi. On top of it, a new plot twist, or is it just Naomi trolling?
Obari literally said “That’s how you do an Uprising”. New characters, new mechas and new attacks, oh and also a new but old revelation about Bravern’s rival.
A lucid dream while Rouge was in the hands of a jester as Naomi raced to save her. A confusing history of the Proto-Neans open the doors to…more confusing stuff?
Lewis and Isami getting up-close, personal and steamy with each other. And Obari is really hitting us with fetishes after fetishes.
Besieged from all sides – old allies turned enemies, and new threats appear from the lost city. Kanata had to go through all that and more – the betrayal of one of his most trusted person.
When the light is too bright, the shadow will disappear. Two spirit cannot live in one body – now that Mystere is recovering, what will happen to Noir?
After three episodes of combat, it’s time for rest and reflection. Episode 4 nailed the character moment for Isami and set up what’s coming next.
The police force launched an assault on Wellstown’s Nean settlement, and Rouge faced off with Phantom Verde. An unfitting end for a mini arc.
Once allies, now enemies. Kurokamen and Kanata engaged in spectacular fashion – and the door to Tokio’s dark past is slowly opening up. What could be hidden in there?
Brave Shu-ba-ba-ba-bang! Ep.3 slows the story down and focuses on Lewis and the strange girl he stumbled on, Lulu.
The not-so-explosive but undoubtedly epic climax of Blazar. A unique approach to tying up the story. And an amazing payback for the journey.
Out of the desert, our heroines try to infiltrate a Nean settlement, but has a disagreement and Rouge decides to infiltrate the settlement herself. What will come of this situation?
The time for a duel has come – Bravern faces off against Superbia. Episode two keeps the hype train going with the fight scenes and fun surprises.
The mission of the heroines continues…on public transport. There, they are met with a handful of new faces, as well as mercenaries.
After steeling their resolve, Kanata and Mystere began preparing to go to Histoire. But it isn’t a simple trip, since they’d have to go up…wayyyy up.
When the Bravern is Bang, Masami Obari surprises us in the most unexpected way. The spirit of the Yuusha is strong with this one.
Beginning of Rouge Redstar and Naomi Orthmann’s mission to eliminate the rogue androids. Does it live up to the hype?
A new saga begins! The mysterious Magus with extraordinary power has taken over Noir. And Kanata wanted to show her the world that he lives in.
A terrible revelation about a threat that’s coming from beyond. A “visitor” with hostile intention is coming to Earth. And it’s up to Earth’s Kaiju to put a stop to it.
Let’s pull out all the stops! The final extermination operation Ryugan Island commences, and bring us to a conclusion of the series.
A lesson about humanity’s kindness and sincerity. A heartwarming scene in a destroyed city. Oh, and don’t forget to buy your insurance!
Shiota barring its full fangs against Namidome, using vast resources and connections. However, our main cast also got some big help!
Take to the sky with Earth Garon as Anri and Yasu engage in a mach speed battle. This mission pushes them to the limit physically with the new upgrade to A-kun.
The tipping point has been reached. President Tajima made a choice once and for all just as Namidome’s employee rise up against Shiota.
Family relationship is always awkward for military man, and after Gento, it’s Teruaki’s turn to worry about his relatives. A swarm of emotion floods this episode.
The truth revealed at last. Namidome is stuck between a rock and a hard place. The big shall crush the small, or will there be a spark of hope for them?
Namidome finally catches a break, or do they? A sudden inspection that comes with a promising financial backing, or is there something deeper behind the scene?
The alien Kaiju threat intensifies as Emi and Gento dig deeper into the GGF’s hidden secret. And a fiery ally arrive for a blazing showdown.
A monster from space threatens the city with poisonous gas, and Capt Gento has to juggle between his family, his power as Blazar and his duty as SKaRD commander to watch over Emi.
Namari continues to piss us off, while Nagisa steadily climb the ranks of most precious character. Arumi once again has to be on the receiving end of loss.
A soul hunter seeking to lay a spirit to rest. Blazar team up with a samurai to deliver some amazing beatdown to a familiar “enemy”.
Harassment in the workplace comes in all shapes and forms. This time Bullbuster show us the 2 most common in Japan: unsavory behaviours and abuse of power.
New characters are introduced with a big jump in plot development. Bullbuster is pushing through the plot at a steady pace.
The best way to understand and to defeat someone is to use their deepest, darkest fear. But our heroine always improvise, adapt and overcome!
The double broadcast of Metaverse bring things to a boiling climax…not. A promising OVA cut short by setting up an exciting premise yet never follow through, leaving fans wanting more.
An honest mistake led into a massive incident that kick Tetsurou down to the pit of despair. However, things aren’t quite so grim as everyone banded together to push forward.
A relatively bright and light-hearted episode that shows the unlimited imagination and benevolence of youth. And Gento struggle to be a good “daddy” iykwim 😉
An honest mistake led into a massive incident that kick Tetsurou down to the pit of despair. However, things aren’t quite so grim as everyone banded together to push forward.
It’s Rebrandin’ time! And it’s that time where designers aren’t appreciated for their true worth. And a dark history unfolded on the infested island.
Blazar going even Darker after Nocturne. A crazy plot development involving Gento, Emi and chief Retsu along with a secret kept hidden by the GGF.
Time to fungible your Gunpla! Gundam Build finally reaches the Metaverse – and we’re starting fresh with a new MC and a galore of returning characters.
It’s Bustin’ time! Exterminating giant pest is fun with a giant robot, but not so much when you have to suffer through the administrative process.
The conclusion of Blazar’s first arc. A new power bestowed upon a new bond. This is Blazar’s thunderous return to form!
The Silver storm has passed, but another black storm is raging in the distance. Noir shut herself down to give way to another entity. And the plot thickens for cour 2!
