Mobile Suit Gundam The Witch from Mercury Episode 19: A “Peaceful” Meeting
When was the last time a “peaceful” negotiation happened in Gundam?
A meeting that aimed to resolve a controversial matter in peace?
Please pardon my limited knowledge because as far as my memory goes, unless we are at the final episode, “peaceful” will always become “violent” at some point by someone’s scheme, and this episode served as that kind of “moment”.
The climax is coming, everyone is heading toward the stage, just like the 2nd season key visual has told us. Let’s dive into the episode.
A meeting that aimed to resolve a controversial matter in peace?
Please pardon my limited knowledge because as far as my memory goes, unless we are at the final episode, “peaceful” will always become “violent” at some point by someone’s scheme, and this episode served as that kind of “moment”.
The climax is coming, everyone is heading toward the stage, just like the 2nd season key visual has told us. Let’s dive into the episode.
We were first introduced the moment before Miorine and Guel touched down on Earth. Even though she has dreamed of coming to Earth since the beginning of the series, with how things are happening she could not enjoy the trip as she is trying to gain favors for her spot as a presidential candidate.
It is quite an accidental coincidence as we have the state of the Spacians: those that want to come to Earth, those that hate Earth, and those that knew what is happening on Earth. Miorine, Kenanji, and Guel, each of them fit these roles perfectly, from mindset to even a bit of their physique designs. And again, in these small conversations, we saw how Guel has developed his mind tremendously, from wanting to see how Earth actually is with his own eyes once again to actually caring about Miorine being alone in a peace negotiation which is vital for both of them.
But later on, when he knew it was Shaddiq who was behind all of the recent events, he showed his hot-blooded side once again. If Miorine did not calm him down, Shaddiq might escape unharmed just like she said. Guel has been hyped up for a while, so it sure was a nice moment to let fans know that Guel still has some drawbacks, and that was ok.
It is quite an accidental coincidence as we have the state of the Spacians: those that want to come to Earth, those that hate Earth, and those that knew what is happening on Earth. Miorine, Kenanji, and Guel, each of them fit these roles perfectly, from mindset to even a bit of their physique designs. And again, in these small conversations, we saw how Guel has developed his mind tremendously, from wanting to see how Earth actually is with his own eyes once again to actually caring about Miorine being alone in a peace negotiation which is vital for both of them.
But later on, when he knew it was Shaddiq who was behind all of the recent events, he showed his hot-blooded side once again. If Miorine did not calm him down, Shaddiq might escape unharmed just like she said. Guel has been hyped up for a while, so it sure was a nice moment to let fans know that Guel still has some drawbacks, and that was ok.
Talking about this negotiation, it is interesting, and also terrifying for the original Elan Ceres to even come up with a solution in which Miorine actively use Gundam to “solve” the protestant in Quin Harbor. This showed how a part of High-Class Spacians thinks about Earthians, as low-life. And they took it seriously, with 1529 Earthians gone missing while Benerit Group was witch-hunting, and all of this happening when Earthians have already suffered badly from all those mistreating years caused by none other than Spacians.
Not only that, this episode resembles our real world too freakishly close. A peaceful, non-armed protest later turn bloody by someone on the protestant side (which was actually caused by Eri), causing casualties to the armed guards/officers on site, who have no choice but to fire back in defense. This time, it was Prospera’s move.
About Miorine’s side, she used her to the fullest. Miorine naively and fully trusted her, that she would somehow “keep” her words. She brought a Gundam to the site just as a show of goodwill and deterence, but for Prospera, the trip to Quin Harbor was just a clean-up operation for her by wiping what’s left of Ochs Earth on Earth: the Lfrith Pre-Production Model (Lfrith PPM, for short).
By overriding an armed vehicle to shoot at Aerial, she had a perfect excuse to retreat and go to a garage storing at least a dozen of Lfrith PPMs. Destroying that place caused a false alarm to the armed protestants, they opened fire back at the on-site Benerit guards, causing mass confusion, and forcing them to fire back, resulting in a massacre.
This is even sadder as Miorine did strike a temporarily peaceful conclusion, the very reason why she came here.
Not only that, this episode resembles our real world too freakishly close. A peaceful, non-armed protest later turn bloody by someone on the protestant side (which was actually caused by Eri), causing casualties to the armed guards/officers on site, who have no choice but to fire back in defense. This time, it was Prospera’s move.
About Miorine’s side, she used her to the fullest. Miorine naively and fully trusted her, that she would somehow “keep” her words. She brought a Gundam to the site just as a show of goodwill and deterence, but for Prospera, the trip to Quin Harbor was just a clean-up operation for her by wiping what’s left of Ochs Earth on Earth: the Lfrith Pre-Production Model (Lfrith PPM, for short).
By overriding an armed vehicle to shoot at Aerial, she had a perfect excuse to retreat and go to a garage storing at least a dozen of Lfrith PPMs. Destroying that place caused a false alarm to the armed protestants, they opened fire back at the on-site Benerit guards, causing mass confusion, and forcing them to fire back, resulting in a massacre.
This is even sadder as Miorine did strike a temporarily peaceful conclusion, the very reason why she came here.
For Benerit, this event sure colored them as villains in the media. Even Peil’s Nugen couldn’t smile when the event got broadcasted on the news. They have suffered in the first half of this season, and this now might affect their public image quite severely. But if we have Spacians like the real Elan exist, things might go in a different path than I anticipated.
For the Space Assembly League, they were quite a surprising force. Not much was told about this “League” as the only thing we knew was that they did support Ochs Earth in the past and might have absorbed what was left of Ochs Earth. Thanks to that, they now got their hands on Gundarm, a card that could be used against Benerit Group. On one hand, Shaddiq might even relate to this organization as both sides had the same motivation, to bring Benerit down. But could this action worsen the Space Assembly League as a whole? Only time will tell.
One final aspect I would like to talk about in this episode: the other characters.
First Suletta and the Earth gang.
After the end of episode 18, she was in despair for days. But thanks to everyone at Earth House (and her stomach being true to itself), she was finally able to understand why things happened to her that way and accepted why it had to be done. Chuchu grew up as each episode went by like usual. Till my man, you really should choose that hair as your usual appearance, that sure is a better hairstyle. And, Martin had some spotlights as well. Martin’s conversation with Secelia though, albeit came out of nowhere and was super effective even more than I could expect. I, really want to see more of their interaction in the future.
First Suletta and the Earth gang.
After the end of episode 18, she was in despair for days. But thanks to everyone at Earth House (and her stomach being true to itself), she was finally able to understand why things happened to her that way and accepted why it had to be done. Chuchu grew up as each episode went by like usual. Till my man, you really should choose that hair as your usual appearance, that sure is a better hairstyle. And, Martin had some spotlights as well. Martin’s conversation with Secelia though, albeit came out of nowhere and was super effective even more than I could expect. I, really want to see more of their interaction in the future.
Second, Nika + Norea + El5n.
It seemed that piloting a Gundam would torment you not only physically but also psychologically. Norea, who was normally calm and emotionless, only let loose her rage when things affected her and those around her, sudden outburst in emotion. It was not clear what exactly caused her to act like that, but one of the reasons could be by piloting a Gundam a number of times would cause the pilots to be unable to control their emotions. This was solidified by how El5n treated Norea, as if he has experienced the exact same thing before. This moment, not only let Nika know more about Gundam pilots but also made El5n more and more compelling to the audience.
Last but not least, Belmeria, and Feng, were another surprise as well. Feng, as an agent of Space Assembly League, knew some parts of the upper echelons plans, and although she agreed to some points, she herself wanted to avoid bloodshed as much as possible, making her a “good” part of that league, balancing the League in the eyes of the audience. Belmeria, again, was like a ping-pong that was passed from one hand to another. Even if in this situation she might have chosen the right choice but time will tell if she will be in whose hands.
Next episode: The End of Hope.
>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!
