Mobile Suit Gundam 00 - Discussions *Spoilers* [Archive]

guyver83

10-06-2007, 11:10 AM

About to check out the raw as we type..

I'm hearing that this is really reminiscent of Wing, so I'll be a happy Lego guy if thats true. For something like Gundam I want to take in the full episode :)

the only thing I see from wing is in the beginning, but I agree with the poster above of the nice change from seed types. I totally agree about the mecha designs very nice. I like the "sniper" gundam as what I called him when I saw what he did. HAHAH the shocker of the so far was the purple hair guy? I expected a female voice then boom male I was like woah ahha. Looks good so far.

I think Fencedude said that this isn't part of the AC timeline is it?

Zeta26

10-06-2007, 11:11 AM

Well, so far this' been one cool episode. Like the pace of the story. As compared to SEED Destiny's storyline. Where many fans didn't like the outcome.

Fencedude

10-06-2007, 02:47 PM

I think Fencedude said that this isn't part of the AC timeline is it?

It is not part of any existing Gundam timeline.

At all. Period. And lets try to avoid premature comparisons.

Fencedude

10-06-2007, 03:33 PM

*finishes*

That was very good. Absolutely beautiful art and animation, and the music was AMAZING.

Still vague on the names for most of the characters, but the Captain, Pink haired operator, Chinese girl and blond voiced by Chiwa Saito are <3

roastedpekingduck

10-06-2007, 03:48 PM

Kenji Kawaii has a put out a string of really good soundtracks. His versatility is pretty awesome.

Andrew Cunningham

10-06-2007, 04:03 PM

Kenji Kawaii single-handedly made the show. Hopefully this and Seirei no Moribito will make people realize just how good he is.

I'm predisposed to not like Gundam at all, but this was pretty dang good. Lots and lots and lots of characters (you can tell it had the same writer as Infinite Ryvius) but despite everyone basically remaining a cryptic cypher it still managed to achieve some tension and excitement. Mizuguchi has really become a great director over the last few years, and like I said, Kenji had his back.

OP is the least obnoxious L'Arc En Ceil song I've heard in a while, and the EN is actually pretty good. Reminded me of the Beat Crusaders.

roastedpekingduck

10-06-2007, 04:07 PM

Kenji Kawaii single-handedly made the show. Hopefully this and Seirei no Moribito will make people realize just how good he is.

He also composed the soundtrack for Higurashi, which is airing right now, and while the soundtrack for Higurashi is several notches lower than the quality present in SnM or Gundam 00, there's still some decent melodies.

Andrew Cunningham

10-06-2007, 04:15 PM

Fencedude

10-06-2007, 04:31 PM

Higurashi struck me as being more about sound effects than music, by its very nature. Those cicadas really are effective. Then you hear that same cicada sound in some other show and freak the fuck out.

Yeah, Higurashi's music is more of an atmospheric effect than something I'd have any desire to listen to separately.

HitokiriShadow

10-06-2007, 08:24 PM

Well, visually, it was great and I really liked the character designs.

Plotwise, maybe it was the translation, but it was rather confusing. A lot of it was due to the numerous character speaking cryptically and not having a damn clue who was with what group and who knew what was going on and who was simply trying to make sense of what was happening. A big part of it was that there was no real set up and the viewer is just tossed in with no idea of what the heck is going on. Some of it may have been clearer if the translation was better, but its hard to say. Hopefully the next few episodes will clear things up and establish things that should have been done here.

I was disappointed that the Gundams, once again, are horribly overpowered compared to the average mobile suit. The surprise wasn't enough to explain how they easily took out everything. In SEED, this was less of an issue (at the beginning) since the Gundams weren't all on the same side, but here, at least at the beginning, all of the Gundams are on the same side. Either everyone other than Celesital Being is going to have to suddenly develop and mass produce significantly better suits or there is going to need to be a split in Celestial Being really soon. Or maybe the average grunts already out there will suddenly become competent or the Gundams weaker in a few episodes. Otherwise, CB is just going to be mowing everyone down.

I've been a bit iffy about the whole premise, with the heroes going out to spread pacifism (via force), but I've been cautiously optimistic that this will be handled well. Since (supposedly) Pacifist organization is there from the beginning rather than showing up or forming later in the series (like in SEED or Wing), I've figured that the organization either isnt really about pacifism and destroying war like it claims to be, it will simply fall apart due to internal issues eventually, or some of the characters would realize the problems with their position or the simple impossibility of their mission. The one character's comment on the hypocrisy of CB's purpose and CB's leader's character design (which screams "Don't trust me!") make me think I was right to be optimistic, at least on this point.

Fencedude

10-06-2007, 08:29 PM

HitokiriShadow

10-06-2007, 08:33 PM

It was a bit hard to tell in this episode (I didn't realize Setsuna was having problems), and I'm really hoping that it will be basically what you said. Superior on 1-to-1 but not necessarily able to mow down suits by the dozens. I'm hoping that whichever one it was that used that uber beam blast will have some significant limitations and drawbacks that prevent it from being an easy way to mow down grunts.

something

10-06-2007, 08:42 PM

I have not seen an episode of Gundam *anything* since Wing on Toonami, perhaps the first or second anime I ever saw. But what the heck! Sunrise has been VERY good to me in recent years (Hime, Otome, Geass, Idolmaster) ::starts ep::

Episode 1:

- Yay, that started off very strong. The animation looks incredible, the kid is designed very well, and the Gundam that came in and saved their asses (well, if anyone else is still alive) has this crazy wings of light thing going on. Neat~
- The OP is visually interesting, though I'll probably skip it after a few eps, as the song is just sorta "there" for me, neither good nor bad.
- That's some really nice, fluid animation on the green mech. I look forward to some really good fights.
- Heh, that was short. Cocky Patrick guy boasts about his skill in war games, against someone who has survived real war. And gets his ass kicked. Phase one complete.
- Well, the females in this certainly don't disappoint. Felt Grace (XD) is, like, already my favorite even though she hasn't done anything. And Wan Ryuumin is damn hot. Christina and Noriega don't give any ground either. Yum.
- I'm going to like Lockon Stratos (...the names in this show are awesomely horrible :sd: ). Snipe em right out of the sky! And his Gundam Dynames is by far the coolest one. Phase two complete.
- And then Tieria Erde in Gundam LardAss (er, Virtue) goes for toooootal overkill against the remaining terrorist after Allelujah Haptism (...no, seriously, wtf!?) in Gundam Kyrios wipes the others out. Phaaaaase three.
- I don't really know who is targeting who and why but it looks cool, which is good enough for now. The details will come in time.
- Or they can come right now! Celestial Being, an organization that sets out to declare war against all who use war! XD Of course it's more nuanced than that, but that's the gist.
- Guess I'll be skipping the ED too.

Well, anyways, great animation, awesome designs, hot women, and what looks to be a nice complex storyline. I'm in.

something

10-06-2007, 08:48 PM

It was a bit hard to tell in this episode (I didn't realize Setsuna was having problems)
I was actually surprised what a wuss he was being right there. After taking down Patrick like it was a piece of cake, he gets cornered by a bunch of dumb planes. I guess he was also just biding his time until Lockon was ready, but all-powerful these Gundams are not.

Well, until the plot calls for it, I guess. The way the Gundam picked the crazy fundamentalists off in the beginning was pretty overpowering.

I'm hoping that whichever one it was that used that uber beam blast will have some significant limitations and drawbacks that prevent it from being an easy way to mow down grunts.
It's morbid obesity puts it at increased risk of heart attack. It can only fight for fifteen minutes until it has to go get more medication.

Seriously, that's an ugly, fat, dumb Gundam. Dynames is so vastly superior. Kyrios is a bit too flashy but okay, and Exia is... well, just pretty vanilla traditional looking Gundam, I guess.

Andrew Cunningham

10-06-2007, 09:06 PM

I think they're just specialized. Exia had no problems close up, but once the others started keeping their distance there wasn't much he could do but shoot in their general direction and hope.

Lego

10-06-2007, 09:10 PM

I agree with something. I got the chance to watch it, man is it nice to see a high budget show like 00. The animation was really crisp and while there wasn't a lot music, it hit its key points. Tons of characters in the mix as well as a bunch of orginizations. I like the ending and the style they chose more than the the opening.

Still I'm glad to have something else besides SEED that looks "that good". So this will be the first Gundam since Wing(ugh SEED) that I'll be following week to week.

TempestGarden

10-06-2007, 09:13 PM

Exia is... well, just pretty vanilla traditional looking Gundam, I guess.

(LOL) Awesome way to put it. I will say though, that I like the look of the head on it a lot though.

Overall, I think this series may have some promise to it. :)

HitokiriShadow

10-06-2007, 09:19 PM

- Well, the females in this certainly don't disappoint. Felt Grace (XD) is, like, already my favorite even though she hasn't done anything. And Wan Ryuumin is damn hot. Christina and Noriega don't give any ground either. Yum.

I think Gundam 00 already wins in the female cast department. The designs are great and I hope they make good use of them. Historically, Gundam females tend to get shafted in every way imaginable.

- I'm going to like Lockon Stratos (...the names in this show are awesomely horrible :sd: ).

Gundam series tends to use out there character names, but so far, 00 seems to be the worst. There have been some funny names in the past, but I think 00 takes the cake, particularly with...

Allelujah Baptism (...no, seriously, wtf!?)

[fixed] that one.

- Guess I'll be skipping the ED too.

Gundam SEED and Destiny had great OP/EDs but these are pretty mediocre. They are there and that's it. Oh, well, there will probably be three more of each, so there's bound to be a good one somewhere in there.

HitokiriShadow

10-06-2007, 09:28 PM

I'm hoping that whichever one it was that used that uber beam blast will have some significant limitations and drawbacks that prevent it from being an easy way to mow down grunts.
It's morbid obesity puts it at increased risk of heart attack. It can only fight for fifteen minutes until it has to go get more medication.

Yeah, when I mentioned drawbacks, I figured something like over heating. Perhaps a need to reload or charge as well. Both would prevent it form being an easy out.

The size would probably be an issue on earth where gravity and other issues would hinder it. Here, it popped up out of nowhere, but on earth, its probably (or should be) slow and clunky, at least compared to the other Gundams.

Seriously, that's an ugly, fat, dumb Gundam. Dynames is so vastly superior. Kyrios is a bit too flashy but okay, and Exia is... well, just pretty vanilla traditional looking Gundam, I guess.

Dynames was the one that bailed out Setsuna, right? That's probably my favorite at the moment as well, since it seems to be a long range/sniping type and I love sniping.

I think they're just specialized. Exia had no problems close up, but once the others started keeping their distance there wasn't much he could do but shoot in their general direction and hope.

He still took out several of them though. But specialization makes sense especially since that's how its worked for quite a while in Gundam. See also, Wing, X, SEED, and Destiny.

Lego

10-06-2007, 09:45 PM

Gundams are always supposed to be the "oh crap!" type of suit. You'll always have cannon fodder for them like you did in Wing.

HitokiriShadow

10-06-2007, 09:57 PM

Gundams are always supposed to be the "oh crap!" type of suit. You'll always have cannon fodder for them like you did in Wing.

There is always cannon fodder to some extent, but in some series, it gets a little ridiculous how damn useless the grunt suits are. Gundam Wing was like that the whole time (though running out of ammo magically makes their invincibility go away) and SEED and especially Destiny got a little silly at the end in how insanely powerful the suits became.

It's expected that the Gundams will be more powerful than the average suits, but they shouldn't be like Level 50 Beserkers going through Lv 1 Mages that forgot to buy any equipment or spells and are trying to fight with their bare hands.

something

10-06-2007, 10:14 PM

Gundams are always supposed to be the "oh crap!" type of suit. You'll always have cannon fodder for them like you did in Wing.
I'm just hoping for a "It's a mobile suit! IT'S A GUNDAM!!" scene. I thought I'd get it when Setsuna landed to take out the AEU prototype, but forgot nobody knew wtf a Gundam was before then, so they couldn't have called it out :sd:

Damn.

Course, that line could just be something only used in the Wing dub, which is the only Gundam I've ever seen before now. So it's, like, the defining image of Gundam in my mind but it might not actually have anything to do with real Gundam as a whole :sd:

But if I like the rest of this show even half as much as I like ep 1 of this, I might need to delve into Gundam a little more.

Fencedude

10-06-2007, 10:17 PM

"Its a Gundam!" is very much a Wingism.

There are similar reactions in other Gundam series (notably X, and some of the later UCs) but its most prominent in Wing

something

10-06-2007, 10:29 PM

Allelujah Baptism (...no, seriously, wtf!?)[fixed] that one.
So one would logically expect, but http://www.gundam00.net/character/index.html / ãƒãƒ—ãƒã‚£ã‚ºãƒ*. They could have easily made that ãƒ (Ba) but kept it (Ha). Of course, it's Engrish, so logic has no place. But it does seem like Haptism is the intended name, for better or worse.

Unless you were just pointing out what it SHOULD, in which case my apologies for answering seriously :sd:

Oh, and he's got Nozomu's (Zetsubou Sensei) voice, which cracks me up, because he looks totally emo XD

HitokiriShadow

10-06-2007, 10:37 PM

something

10-06-2007, 10:56 PM

In any case, it seems that they've changed it now, so I guess you're right. I honestly didn't listen or read too closely when they said it in this episode. I'll either rewatch it at some point or pay more attention whenever they say it next.
I think we'll all be better off if we don't ponder it too much. Deconstructing engrish is like staring into the lunatic red eyes of the mighty Reisen Udongein Inaba (http://miezaru.donmai.us/post/show/139199). ABANDON ALL HOPE!

Hayate Kurogane

10-06-2007, 11:16 PM

I guess they've changed it again, or earlier reports were wrong. Initially (back when the trailer came out) it was either a B or a P. So either they've changed it, all of the early reports in English were way off, or their Engrish is more effed up than usual.

In any case, it seems that they've changed it now, so I guess you're right. I honestly didn't listen or read too closely when they said it in this episode. I'll either rewatch it at some point or pay more attention whenever they say it next.

They may change it (and other names) yet again, so don't get too attached to anything yet. Both Gundam Seed and Gundam Seed Destiny had a few hiccups in name spellings at the beginning, before deciding on official spellings for the course of the series, and then abruptly revising many of them yet again when it came time to shop the series outside of Japan. I fail to understand why such a situation would even need to exist, but oh well.

Lego

10-07-2007, 12:25 AM

Well to be fair to Wing they pilots did get challenged a couple times.

Mobile dolls, the ending of Endless Waltz, and a couple other times in Wing.

Still I imagine that they'll want to show off the animation and the suits so we'll probably get a couple more episodes of this before we hit the big overarching plot. I'm liking the tons of characters but am hoping that we don't get one of those "mass killed off" scenes or episodes where they dwindle the cast down to a manageable size. I have faith in the director though as FMA had a pretty large cast as well.

Andrew Cunningham

10-07-2007, 12:30 AM

And the writer managed a huge cast pretty well in Infinite Ryvius.

Lego

10-07-2007, 12:33 AM

And the writer managed a huge cast pretty well in Infinite Ryvius.

Yeah, so I'm really interested in seeing how they manage the show. If the rest of the series looks as good as episode one, I can't wait for next weeks episode. Man does it feel good to be excited about a new Gundam.

DiGiKerot

10-07-2007, 04:58 AM

untoldsorrow

10-07-2007, 08:48 AM

Its worth noting that Exia was having issues when it got swarmed by those green flying suits. Setsuna needed LOCKON to bail him out.

1 on 1 they are clearly superior, but it seems that they aren't all powerful.

Yeah. In the likes of Wing and SEED they made up some excuses to make the Gundams immune to much of the grunts firepower. From this episode at least, it looks like 00 might have lifted that immunity - should any Gundam get swamped, I'd think they'd have to spend much of their time on the defensive until some kind of opening turns up (which seems to be what Setsuna was stuck doing until Lockon showed up). It'll be interesting to see what happens once we get some better opponent pilots and suits later in the series.

Anyway, good show, exceeding my expectations somewhat. I'm looking forward to seeing more.

Its not even that. Its the pilot I say. Seed showed it that the pilot made all the difference. In Seed you have the elite Zaft pilots (Red Uniforms) that will destroy all grunts easily until they take on the elites from Earth Forces. Its also clearly shown in Seed Destiny when the old Zaft crew was mopping the floor with the terrorists trying to drop the colony on earth in Zakus while the new "elite" crew of Shinn and company had their hands full.

In Wing, I remember Heero holding his own against that other pilot (forgot name, the chinese one, lol) in a grunt MS vs the Gundam.

Lego

10-07-2007, 11:56 AM

The Gundams themselves are important but the pilot is also important. Thats Wu Fei if you were curious :content:

No one seemed to die in the first episode except the terrorist guys who seemed to be pretty shoddy even for terrorists. Most of the Gundams seemed to be out in defensive roles and if Sosuke Sagara.. wait, that wasn't him in episode one :P ?, didn't get backup he would of had to play defense the whole time.

"Pink Sweater Man" wasn't as wimpy as he let on to be in his character profile.

DiGiKerot

10-07-2007, 12:01 PM

Most of the Gundams seemed to be out in defensive roles and if Sosuke Sagara.. wait, that wasn't him in episode one :P ?, didn't get backup he would of had to play defense the whole time.

Strange you should say that - my first reaction to Lockon was "Hey, It's Kurtz Weber!" :sd:

untoldsorrow

10-07-2007, 01:00 PM

BurtKenobi

10-07-2007, 02:16 PM

oh for Haro's sake. It's Gundam Wing....again...

Substitute a less interesting background (at least on this evidence there's no civil war or repression going on)

Take 5-6 (could you tell how many there were?) of the latest anime boy-types and make them superkewl, moody, cocky or sensitive. Make them blow things up, a bit. Stick a teddy bear in the end credits.

Say what you like about Gundam Seed, but damn, that had a fantastic opening episode. In fact Gundam Wing had a fantastic opening episode. This was just confused, and unspectacular.. And yet some of the scenes should and could have been spectacular visually, yet they weren't engaging. I can see why they wanted to keep it mysterious, but a little context would have made an engaging scene out of the attack on the space colony, with mysterious female young dignitary on board.

And the crew who made Fullmetal Alchemist made this, so there's still time for it to turn around. Obviously the brief from your corporate masters is to show off the Gundams and sell models in episode 1....

But Gundam Wing??? It doesn't need a remake...

Fencedude

10-07-2007, 02:51 PM

Oh jesus christ its NOT FUCKING GUNDAM WING.

And for that matter, GUNDAM WING IS NOT A SHITTY SHOW.

I wish people would stop acting like Wing is some sort of curse word.

Give the show a chance to demonstrate what its about. Its not wing. The setups are at best only vaguely similar, and really not all that alike at all.

Will 00 be good? Who knows, but half the people I see aren't even giving it a fucking chance, and labeling it a wing clone/remake based on a first episode that was NOTHING LIKE WING AT ALL.

roastedpekingduck

10-07-2007, 03:49 PM

The first few minutes of the episode was real impressive and one of the best opening sequences to a series I've seen in a while. Things certainly started out with a bang with the rapid close-ups and cutting and got my heart pumping. I really loved the irony of the "We are fighting for God" radio message while the kid shouts "There is no God." The backdrop of the city also added to the atmosphere I'd say. Gundam 00 for sure looks like it commented on some *ahem, current political situations. The shot showing the two kids shooting, and then, dead like ragged dolls, was pretty effective.

BurtKenobi

10-07-2007, 03:57 PM

roastedpekingduck

10-07-2007, 04:06 PM

Well, crap, looks I deleted my thoughts about the rest of the episode by accident.

Anyhow, my favorite part of the episode was the music and how well it fit with the scenes. I really liked the opening sequence and thought the shot of the girl standing behind a huge wall of flames erupting behind her was really cool. The music for the opening was nothing special, but it was still nice. Kenji Kawaii has certainly created another kickass soundtrack.

I thought the first episode was pretty good and liked it a bit better than Wing's. There's a certain "oomph" in Gundam 00 that I haven't seen in a long time in Gundam, despite the show still starting up with bishounen pilots. There was just sort of a "no-nonsense" feel to things. Kenji Kawaii's music helped a great deal and that's what made the episode for me.

Fencedude

10-07-2007, 04:16 PM

Oh jesus christ its NOT FUCKING GUNDAM WING.

And for that matter, GUNDAM WING IS NOT A SHITTY SHOW.

Did I say that? I'm allowed because I like Gundam Wing (and Seed too!). It doesn't need remade. You don't know any more than I do, it might be Wing - there are currently more similarities to Wing (boy-band style pilots, pacifism) than to the opening of trad Gundam.

Nah - I'm only messing with you. It just wasn't the awe-inspiring opening I was hoping for. Seed, Zeta, and Wing all have really strong opening episodes, and I didn't get it with this one. I still have high hopes though.

Edit - yes the opening 3-4 minutes were fantastic, with the kid watching his home destroyed by religious fanatics, then saved by a mysterious mobile suit..

Sorry, but I've seen a lot of people jumping down the show's throat because it has vague similarities to Wing, and over reacted.

That being said, Celestial Being is NOT a pacifistic organization at all. They are no more pacifists than Lacus was (which is something frequently claimed about her, but is completely untrue).

I just really think that its obnoxious that people HAVE to find a previous Gundam series to compare the show to, instead of it just...standing on its own.

It really pisses me off, because while you may not have been completely serious, there are LOTS of people who basically go: "Oh, its Wing 2.0 SHIT SUX FAGGOT"

I'm totally serious. I have SEEN that posted elsewhere.

Lego

10-07-2007, 04:34 PM

Fence, I might be the only one but the fact that it's drawing similarities to me is actually a huge bonus.

Fencedude

10-07-2007, 04:35 PM

Fence, I might be the only one but the fact that it's drawing similarities to me is actually a huge bonus.

And thats fine.

But you would not BELIEVE how much 90% of the rest of the interent HATES Gundam Wing.

BurtKenobi

10-07-2007, 04:57 PM

It's a real tragedy - like most 50 episode Gundam series, it gets a bit flabby in the middle, but it is unfairly maligned just because it was the show that got a lot of people into Gundam and anime. Gundam Seed Destiny is another one that gets a lot of stick, yet the problems people identify are present in several other Gundams (I love Zeta to bits, but its midsection is filled with repetitive and inconclusive battles for half of each episode)

I don't even know people who talk like this:
"there are LOTS of people who basically go: "Oh, its Wing 2.0 SHIT SUX FAGGOT""

I found 00 ep 1 needed a little more exposition, a bit more to show the link between the pre-credits sequence and the main show (I assume that kid is one of the pilots but didn't recognise him).

A lot of you seem to have been reading about the characters and situation for weeks, but I deliberately went into this blind. I can't tell the pilots or their Gundams apart, and Celestial Being? They want peace, so they could be pacifists, but I don't know any more than that. I shouldn't have to need to watch it again to follow it. It should make me want to know more, and it did, but I'm frustrated too.

J

Fencedude

10-07-2007, 05:01 PM

I don't even know people who talk like this:
"there are LOTS of people who basically go: "Oh, its Wing 2.0 SHIT SUX FAGGOT""

Count yourself lucky then.

I found 00 ep 1 needed a little more exposition, a bit more to show the link between the pre-credits sequence and the main show (I assume that kid is one of the pilots but didn't recognise him).

err...the kid is Setsuna, the pilot of Exia. I kinda thought htat was pretty obvious actually.

A lot of you seem to have been reading about the characters and situation for weeks, but I deliberately went into this blind. I can't tell the pilots or their Gundams apart, and Celestial Being? They want peace, so they could be pacifists, but I don't know any more than that. I shouldn't have to need to watch it again to follow it. It should make me want to know more, and it did, but I'm frustrated too.

J

Celestial Being is the group controlling the Gundams. Thus they are the ones declaring war.

If you control a squad of the most powerful war machines around, and basically declare war on the world, you aren't a pacifist. EVen if you are working for peace.

Wanting Peace != Pacifism. This is where most people mess up with Lacus. They think that because she wanted peace she was somehow a pacifist, when she NEVER espoused a pacifistic philosophy.

something

10-07-2007, 05:13 PM

It's a real tragedy - like most 50 episode Gundam series, it gets a bit flabby in the middle, but it is unfairly maligned just because it was the show that got a lot of people into Gundam and anime.
I was wondering that too, is it seen by "hardcore" Gundam fans as "dumbed down" Gundam because all us Gundam noobs saw it?

I don't even know people who talk like this:
"there are LOTS of people who basically go: "Oh, its Wing 2.0 SHIT SUX FAGGOT""
The internet is a scary place like that.

I found 00 ep 1 needed a little more exposition, a bit more to show the link between the pre-credits sequence and the main show (I assume that kid is one of the pilots but didn't recognise him).
I never for a second thought it was anyone other than Setsuna. Though I guess if it didn't happen in the past it could just be random kid used to set the tone of the story. But I just instantly assumed it was Setsuna. ...Was I wrong?

A lot of you seem to have been reading about the characters and situation for weeks, but I deliberately went into this blind.
I checked out the official website as I was watching, to get down names and spellings, that's pretty much it.

It really wasn't all that complicated unless you overthink it. Sure, we don't know a lot of things yet, and there are lots of complex factions and characters and various types of mecha and such. But, damn, there's like fifty episodes left (probably), give it time! :sd:

A show that can introduce every character and note their affiliations and motivations in just one short episode is a show that probably doesn't have enough meat to sustain the sort of length we're likely to see in this series.

BurtKenobi

10-07-2007, 05:33 PM

err...the kid is Setsuna, the pilot of Exia. I kinda thought htat was pretty obvious actually.

Lol. He had a helmet on? :)

Fencedude

10-07-2007, 05:52 PM

err...the kid is Setsuna, the pilot of Exia. I kinda thought htat was pretty obvious actually.

Lol. He had a helmet on? :)

Uhh...so?

You could see him all throughout the OP, and he took his helmet off at the end.

BurtKenobi

10-07-2007, 06:03 PM

Well I couldn't tell it was him, and not just another generic moody teen. He was rescued by a Gundam in the first section, you can't assume he was then piloting it!

You've no idea how confused I was when Shinn first appeared in Seed Destiny. I thought it was Kira...

and smiley face means comedy comment, right? :)

Andrew Cunningham

10-07-2007, 06:03 PM

Yeah, the shot of the kid superimposed on top of the adult version should have made that obvious.

Fencedude

10-07-2007, 06:10 PM

Well I couldn't tell it was him, and not just another generic moody teen. He was rescued by a Gundam in the first section, you can't assume he was then piloting it!

Considering that the part after the op EXPLICITLY takes place 6 years after the stuff before the op, sure you can.

You've no idea how confused I was when Shinn first appeared in Seed Destiny. I thought it was Kira...

...no offense, but thats pretty damn stupid.

and smiley face means comedy comment, right? :)

Not particularly.

Fencedude

10-07-2007, 06:14 PM

Yeah, the shot of the kid superimposed on top of the adult version should have made that obvious.

Yeah, I really don't get how someone could NOT get that.

It really was pretty obvious (http://www.fencedude.com/Images/Setsuna.jpg)

ibby

10-07-2007, 10:43 PM

Managed to watch it, and thought it was okay. The opening theme isn't faced paced, but it's okay without being a terrible 'Wings of Worth' from Gundam Seed Destiney. Thought the episode was okay overall, though with this being a gundam show, I'm sure pardories and humour will came out about this series in time. I'm sure doujin people are waiting to see how the story develops before they can get busy drawing their manga. At present I trying to figure out which female character will be at the end of being the majority of hentaipics and other gutter stuff. After episode 1 I think the girl in the chinese girl has the lead, thought it will be interesting if she can maintain her early start. I really hope there's no mask character in this series, otherise the show has gone down a bit for me.

With Gundam 00 now kicking off, any news of the Gundam Seed movie that was reported back?

Lego

10-07-2007, 11:56 PM

After episode 1 I think the girl in the chinese girl has the lead, thought it will be interesting if she can maintain her early start. I really hope there's no mask character in this series, otherise the show has gone down a bit for me.

Speaking of ero, in the immortal words of Bill Murray "It.. is... alive..!"

HitokiriShadow

10-08-2007, 12:47 AM

Substitute a less interesting background (at least on this evidence there's no civil war or repression going on)

Well, they haven't really given us a background yet, which is part of my problem with the first episode. We know there is something called the AEU but we don't know who they are or who else there is other than Celestial Being.

HitokiriShadow

10-08-2007, 12:50 AM

HitokiriShadow

10-08-2007, 01:05 AM

It's a real tragedy - like most 50 episode Gundam series, it gets a bit flabby in the middle, but it is unfairly maligned just because it was the show that got a lot of people into Gundam and anime.
I was wondering that too, is it seen by "hardcore" Gundam fans as "dumbed down" Gundam because all us Gundam noobs saw it?

You have to remember that there is a sizeable number of the "hardcore" fandom that thinks Yoshiyuki Tomino is God and that anything that isn't UC is inherently inferior. Wing is just on the top of their shitlist. Well, right below the newest non-UC show at the time.

Also, Relena seems to be a big factor in it. She seems to piss a lot of people off. In fact, it seems a lot of the issues that people seem to have relate to her and her Pacifist agenda.

I found 00 ep 1 needed a little more exposition, a bit more to show the link between the pre-credits sequence and the main show (I assume that kid is one of the pilots but didn't recognise him).
I never for a second thought it was anyone other than Setsuna. Though I guess if it didn't happen in the past it could just be random kid used to set the tone of the story. But I just instantly assumed it was Setsuna. ...Was I wrong?

Er, yeah, that much should have been painfully obvious.

A lot of you seem to have been reading about the characters and situation for weeks, but I deliberately went into this blind.
I checked out the official website as I was watching, to get down names and spellings, that's pretty much it.

I read a very little bit before hand, enough to know the main character's name and "Allelujah B/Haptism stuck in my mind. And I knew about the Celestial being fighting to force peace on everyone thing but that was about it.

roastedpekingduck

10-08-2007, 02:42 AM

Having looked through the credentials of the guy responsible for the screenplay and series compistion, it seems that he has some pretty good shows under his belt, such as Trigun, Ookiku Furikabutte, Gungrave, and Honey & Clover.

http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/people.php?id=515
True there's some crap in that list, but he did a damn good job with those good shows.

Kurou

10-08-2007, 04:16 AM

Ah, the internet cracks me up. So much whining (/m/ won't shut up about this for weeks) about things.

I pointed this out elsewhere, but the bawling about the main characters' designs is especially funny. With the exception of possibly Domon, when has Gundam ever had a main character that was the epitome of manliness?

Episode thoughts:
- Love the OP. I swore I was going to hate it from the previews, but I don't. Talk about odd.
- The ED, not so much. It's not bad once it gets past the first part, but comes out as meh.
- The animation seems to have shed the ugly look that Seed/Destiny had. The character animation isn't stilted, and the CG looks nice.
- Mmm, politics. Say what you will about Wing, but getting a more politically based Gundam series instead of Earth v Space Round XXIII will be nice, if it keeps up this way.
- Nice character designs, and especially a refreshing change from Hirashi "Copy/Paste" Hirai.
- :blush: Sumeragi. Already commented on the character designs, but she deserves her own bullet point.

Andrew Cunningham

10-08-2007, 05:20 AM

Photon and Ring ni Kakero are personal favorites. Kuroda Yousuke's a journeyman writer, and has done all kinds of things; he's been roped into some crap projects, but the more in charge he is, the better things tend to turn out.

Senna

10-08-2007, 07:29 AM

Thoughts after watching the first episode:
-I like both the opening and ending songs.
-The animation looks especially gorgeous after watching the crappiness of Dragonaut. I'm half and half on the character designs; some are nice, other have funny looking eyes. The mechs look great to my untrained eyes.
-I wish we got more character development, but I don't feel like the episode was confusing; they managed to give brief introductions of the characters and plot without cramming too much in or having exposition like woah. So, yeah, good first episode; tantalizing but not overwhelming.
-Gundam 00 reminds me a bit of Gundam Wing, but not in a negative way. (I sat through the whole series and for the most part enjoyed it.)
-So far, this is my favorite series of the season. Granted, I've only watched two other new series up til now, but I'll definitely be following the new episodes.

HitokiriShadow

10-08-2007, 10:03 AM

- Mmm, politics. Say what you will about Wing, but getting a more politically based Gundam series instead of Earth v Space Round XXIII will be nice, if it keeps up this way.

It sounds like this series is going to have multiple factions rather than Unified Earth Government vs. Unified Space Colonies (with perhaps one more or less neutral group representing Peace or something), which is a very welcome change.

Takato

10-08-2007, 10:22 AM

Also, Relena seems to be a big factor in it. She seems to piss a lot of people off. In fact, it seems a lot of the issues that people seem to have relate to her and her Pacifist agenda.

These people obviously did not watch Endless Waltz.

Leroy_Landers

10-08-2007, 04:47 PM

I'm waiting till more episodes are available to watch before I can judge this series. I think it looks halfway decent (that's high praise coming from a big UC fan). I'm hoping that maybe it could help reinvigorate the Gundam franchise in the US, I know it requires Cartoon Network and most retail stores to reverse their "No more Gundams!" policy but hey a man can dream.

Hayate Kurogane

10-08-2007, 08:17 PM

distantmantra

10-09-2007, 01:16 PM

Did anyone else notice that the Gundam which saved Setsuna in the prologue looks eerily similar to the good old original RX-78 Gundam?

It must be the unknown GN-004 unit.

Lego

10-09-2007, 01:47 PM

Speaking of the mobile suits, the combat animation was done nicely. I liked the added effect of the clouds when the sniper rifle was fired up. It's hard to see but it's near the bottom left of the frame.

Fencedude

10-09-2007, 04:18 PM

Did anyone else notice that the Gundam which saved Setsuna in the prologue looks eerily similar to the good old original RX-78 Gundam?

It must be the unknown GN-004 unit.

Yes, we all noticed it. It WAS rather noticeable, and was also the point.

And its probably GN-00, if anything.

something

10-09-2007, 04:36 PM

Yes, we all noticed it. It WAS rather noticeable, and was also the point.
I didn't notice it! =D ...Though that shouldn't really be a surprise, I guess, with me never having seen that series :sd:

Hayate Kurogane

10-09-2007, 07:58 PM

Yes, we all noticed it. It WAS rather noticeable, and was also the point.
I didn't notice it! =D ...Though that shouldn't really be a surprise, I guess, with me never having seen that series :sd:

I'm sure you must have stumbled across images of this old guy (http://mahq.net/mecha/gundam/msgundam/rx-78-2.jpg) before, though a lack of familiarity with anything can and will result in a lack of immediate association or recognition from time to time.

HitokiriShadow

10-09-2007, 08:08 PM

I don't know, I'm not the exactly the hugest UC fanatic but I am familiar with the material and I've seen the RX-78 plenty of times and I didn't catch it the first time. I noticed it just now on my second viewing, but I was looking for it this time.

untoldsorrow

10-09-2007, 08:13 PM

danhawk

10-09-2007, 08:46 PM

But you would not BELIEVE how much 90% of the rest of the interent HATES Gundam Wing.

Wing seems to be the most hated Gundam series, though Destiny may give it some competition, at least in some places. Personally, I think its one of the weaker series and some of the complaints have merit, but I don't think it justifies the hatred it tends to get.I thought the internet hated zz more then wing. speaking of z how long till the movies get realsed here, and lets all pray bandai visuals does not get this show. of course if they were to realase the show faster then bandai ent would that be a probelm. so far i like it hope it keeps up doing good.

Lego

10-09-2007, 09:24 PM

Really? I loved Wing. The characters were great, the mobile suits were great, and the dub was pretty good. Part of me thinks that it didn't have a "smokin' hot female lead" like SEED did. I find SEED and DESTINY pretty mediocre compared to Wing. Then again I'm someone who liked 0083 over 08th MS Team.

roastedpekingduck

10-09-2007, 09:25 PM

Goddammit Lego. I thought you were something for a quick moment. :P

something

10-09-2007, 10:14 PM

I'm sure you must have stumbled across images of this old guy (http://mahq.net/mecha/gundam/msgundam/rx-78-2.jpg) before, though a lack of familiarity with anything can and will result in a lack of immediate association or recognition from time to time.
Yeah, that's what I mean. I am familiar with how the original Gundam looks (that's why I said Exia looks like a "traditional" Gundam, I had that thing in mind), I just didn't think of it in that first scene, mostly because we got such a short look and it was mostly hidden in the haze from the wings.

In fact, from that short glance I had assumed it was Exia, and that we'd learn in due course who the pilot at the time was and how Setsuna came to pilot it. But then with like six years gone by, the technology wouldn't be so top of the line anymore, and of course on going back and looking, as I did earlier, it's clearly different from Exia.

untoldsorrow

10-10-2007, 10:29 AM

Goddammit Lego. I thought you were something for a quick moment. :P

I thought the same, lol.

Lego

10-10-2007, 02:25 PM

Tsu came from his avatar and took mine over..

I'll get the smoked cheese to draw her away!

StudioZEL

10-10-2007, 07:53 PM

I liked it a lot. A great opening episode, very pretty too.

Oh, and someone get me the number of that girl in the Chinese dress. I want her NOW. ^^;

Zeta26

10-11-2007, 01:12 PM

lol Why, what you have done if you were put in the anime?

Lego

10-11-2007, 04:34 PM

Fencedude

10-11-2007, 05:00 PM

Ah, subs really do help you understand things. The dialog seems nicely done as I like a lot of the back and forth banter between the cast. I still don't totally grasp the three big players in 00, but I get the general premise. From what I understand you have three major super powers in control of various energy facilities and wars happen for more resources so the Gundams will take out anyone fighting to stop wars.

I guess this is as good a place as any.

There are three major powers

The Union of Solar Energy and Free Nations, AKA "The Union". Based on the United States, basically controls the entire Western Hemisphere

Advanced European Union, controls Europe and presumably most of Africa

Human Reform League, Russia, China and India, along with most of the rest of Southeast Asia.

All three powers are building an Orbital Elevator in their territory, however only the HRL's is complete. The AEU's is the furthest from completion.

Lego

10-11-2007, 06:14 PM

Yeah, that pretty much sums the plot up.

Fencedude

10-11-2007, 06:40 PM

Yeah, that pretty much sums the plot up.

err...plot? No it doesn't, it doesn't say anything about the plot...

StudioZEL

10-11-2007, 07:00 PM

lol Why, what you have done if you were put in the anime?

Stuff that only ever happens in H-doujin my friend (off camera of course). :> :> :>

Lego

10-12-2007, 12:07 AM

Well at least the basic overview of everything. It'll be interesting to see if the animation quality stays the same with the second episode.

Fencedude

10-13-2007, 08:10 AM

Alright, we've got our opening narration for those of you who were feeling lost. Gives the basic rundown of the three sides, the territories they control (complete with maps!) and the orbital elevators and where they are located.

Blah blah blah, various leaders discussing Celestial Being

Liu Mi in a Safari outfit! Giving Lockon and Setsuna their new mission, since htey are hiding out on some Island somewhere.

Meanwhile Allelujah and Tieria prepare to sortie in space.

Everyone launches, Allelujah and Tieria enter Earth's atmosphere, and their target is...Sri Lanka!

It seems Celestial Being is going to end the conflict between the HRL and the Tamil Tigers (who are STILL fighting, 300 years later!)

Anyway, the HRL is using Tieren's (the bulky Green suits) and the Tamil have the same kind of MS as we saw Setsuna fight against in the prologue for episode 1.

The GUndams arrive, Setsuna dashes around slicing things up, while Lockon supports from above. Allelujah goes and takes out the HRL base with a missile attack, then transforms and deals with the MS located there. Then Tieria takes out the offshore support with his HUGE COMPENSATION CANNON

After mopping up the HRL, the few remaning Tamil units go to persue the few that survived and were retreating, but Setsuna takes them out too. Equal treatment for both sides.

The GUndams head back, though it seems Setsuna (who'd been acting erratic) is going a different way, when he finds a Union aerial carrier, and onboard is Graham Ekker! With his Union Flag MS.

He launches into battle against the Gundam....

Hayate Kurogane

10-13-2007, 11:22 AM

Fencedude

10-13-2007, 12:03 PM

Hayate Kurogane

10-13-2007, 12:26 PM

Everyone launches, Allelujah and Tieria enter Earth's atmosphere, and their target is...Sri Lanka!

It seems Celestial Being is going to end the conflict between the HRL and the Tamil Tigers (who are STILL fighting, 300 years later!)

Well, that's an... unusual choice of conflict to address. Not saying that it's not important, whether these days or in some fictional future, but still.

Maybe it heated up a lot in the next 300 years.

But yeah, odd, but interesting, choice.

I guess one line of reasoning might be that because it's a real, relevant, and currently ongoing conflict, it helps illustrate how seriously the staff intends to treat Gundam 00 and its story, but because it doesn't make the evening news and therefore doesn't really exist in most peoples' minds (as opposed to something like Paris-fucking-Hilton or Mr. "Don't Tase Me Bro" that consumes airtime like it's going out of style) it's okay to use because it will help them dodge any real controversy that might hurt the show's ratings or image.

Ultimately, I think it's a good way of doing things (though that's "good" with a huge asterisk next to it), but it does make me worry about what other current, real conflicts might be addressed, and how. Northern Ireland, for example, due to Lockon's past. It's almost funny when it comes up in Hellsing, but might not be so when it comes up in an ostensibly more serious show. Plus, the more real conflicts that come up, the more depressing and fatalistic the show will become, as far as the assumption that today's conflicts are still going on three centuries later. One or two, especially if they're major ones that are deep-seated in long-standing geopolitical situations? Fine. Many of them? Ugh. I'd hope that we're better than that, even if this is fiction.

But lest anyone be confused about my opinion, I still think Gundam 00 is cool, and I really expect it to live up to its potential as it continues.

Andrew Cunningham

10-13-2007, 04:07 PM

I thinking I'm going to give up attempting to tell the pilots or their Gundams apart and just watch the pretty.
I can tell them apart when they're not moving, but in quick cuts, especially with visors on that obscure their hairdos and change the fucking color of their hair, it's more work than I feel motivated to put in.
Also, purple haired androgyne has woman's hips, too. They totally animated five episodes with that as a woman and then decided to recast the voice.

roastedpekingduck

10-13-2007, 04:14 PM

Perhaps Gundam 00 is not only trying to provide a "modern" outlook on the morality of war, but is also going to examine homosexuality and transgenderality? :P

Lego

10-13-2007, 04:27 PM

Perhaps Gundam 00 is not only trying to provide a "modern" outlook on the morality of war, but is also going to examine homosexuality and transgenderality? :P

Speaking of that, curse you purple haired trap!

Anyone else get the Relena vibe from the safari wear in the beginning of the episode?

Fencedude

10-13-2007, 05:00 PM

I thinking I'm going to give up attempting to tell the pilots or their Gundams apart and just watch the pretty.
I can tell them apart when they're not moving, but in quick cuts, especially with visors on that obscure their hairdos and change the fucking color of their hair, it's more work than I feel motivated to put in.

Uhh...no offense, but thats ridiculous.

The four Gundams look nothing alike, the four pilots each have different colored flight suits and very different voices.

I can't imagine how you could POSSIBLY have any trouble telling them apart. Now maybe you don't have all their names memorized, but dammit, THEY LOOK NOTHING ALIKE

Fencedude

10-13-2007, 05:01 PM

Anyone else get the Relena vibe from the safari wear in the beginning of the episode?

Not really, since Relena never actually wore Safari wear in the show.

And that is really the ONLY point of comparison you could possibly make between Liu Mi and Relena.

Also, I don't think I mentioned this.

The Gundams take a retinal scan of the the pilot before they will start up.

No Gundamjacks in this show!

Andrew Cunningham

10-13-2007, 05:05 PM

Fencedude

10-13-2007, 05:15 PM

Maybe it's more that I have matched those voices up to the designs yet. I just found myself wishing each Gundam was a different color, since them all being white with accents meant it was like trying to tell the New Zealand All Blacks from the Scottish rugby team. I can do it but not easily, and lost track a lot.
Maybe I just need to go study the website for a while or something.

But...they are different colors.

And they are all totally different looking.

I can not possibly imagine how hard it could bee to keep the Blue Gundam with swords seperate from the Green one with the sniper rifle, from the Orange Airplane one and the Black Fat one.

And other than Tieria, the pilot's flight suit color matches the Gundam's primary accent color.

They really are going out of their way to make this as easy as possible on people.

Andrew Cunningham

10-13-2007, 05:20 PM

Maybe I just make the impossible possible.

TempestGarden

10-13-2007, 05:36 PM

It might be too early to say this, but at this point, I think this is shaping up to be a really awesome series.

roastedpekingduck

10-13-2007, 08:13 PM

After seeing episode 2, I gotta say I already like Gundam 00 a bit more than Geass. While the Gundam trademarks are there, there is a certain maturity to Gundam 00 that I quite like.

Lego

10-13-2007, 08:15 PM

After seeing episode 2, I gotta say I already like Gundam 00 a bit more than Geass. While the Gundam trademarks are there, there is a certain maturity to Gundam 00 that I quite like.

Isn't it amazing what happens when you get a competent director?

Jumbo

10-13-2007, 09:25 PM

Maybe I just make the impossible possible.

Well, we had the man who could make the impossible possible in SEED, nothing wrong with having a fan that does the same thing in this thread is there? ^^;

While they aren't terribly difficult to tell apart, a Gundam will still usually end up looking like a Gundam. I'm hoping that this series doesn't turn into a strictly Gundam vs. Gundam series myself.

I'd really like to see the Double 0 take on the Zaku myself.

The battle scenes have been quite good so far. If they can keep from reusing the same poses etc. over and over we could really be in for a treat.

HitokiriShadow

10-13-2007, 09:44 PM

Also, I don't think I mentioned this.

The Gundams take a retinal scan of the the pilot before they will start up.

No Gundamjacks in this show!

I hadn't noticed that. I guess they figured it would be a good idea to include high tech security on their WMDs unlike the mobile suits in just about ever other Gundam series that apparently don't even have locks and just require a button press to turn on.

At this point, my only real complaint about the show is the "Meister" thing. It seems like they tacked on an extra word just to be cool or something. It seems really pointless and tacky.

Hayate Kurogane

10-13-2007, 09:55 PM

Hayate Kurogane

10-13-2007, 09:58 PM

At this point, my only real complaint about the show is the "Meister" thing. It seems like they tacked on an extra word just to be cool or something. It seems really pointless and tacky.

Perhaps somebody at Sunrise or Bandai Visual noted the use of the same titular qualifier in My-Otome and thought a (mandated) carry-over would be clever. Stranger things can and have happened.

HitokiriShadow

10-13-2007, 10:00 PM

Oh, I'm pretty sure something like that happened. It's still dumb.

On another note, Wan(?) is hot. In other news, the sky is blue and mobile suits are blowing shit up. Needs more Wan. Also needs more of the two female operators in the CB ship.

Fencedude

10-13-2007, 10:30 PM

something

10-14-2007, 12:17 AM

Episode 2:

- Ah, looks like it's time for a rundown of the political situation of the day.
- Mmm, Louise is hot. And we then make the rounds as everyone wonders what Celestial Being's true motive is.
- Liu Mi! Goddess of the Gundam fanart world! Being carried through the river by her dude, so she doesn't get wet :sd:
- Argh, I cannot stop laughing when I hear Tieria speak. Oh Mr. Purple.
- Sumeragi is hot too. THE GIRLS ARE ALL HOT! But damnit, get Felt Grace on the screen asap.
- Oh yay there she is. For a few seconds anyway.
- Gah, Liu Mi has leg ribbons. I didn't think she could get any hotter, and I've just been proven wrong.
- Long ass prep/launch sequence for the Gundams, but it's pretty cool. Looks like their second mission is go. Tieria is interesting so far, despite being only a few steps short of a TRAP, he's the Meister that seems most focused on getting things done, and accepting the life of a soldier and all that comes with it. On the other hand, Allelujah seems a bit more hesitant about everything. Setsuna and Lockon are harder to read: Lockon because he's a laid back, joker type (making him all the more like Kurz) and Setsuna because he just doesn't say much. Or perhaps it's because the no-nonsense attitude is simply how he is. As opposed to Tieria where I feel like it's forced. As if... well, as if to say "Yeah I wear a purple flight suit, what are you gonna do about it? Huh? I'm manly damnit!"
- Haha oh god, the Tamil Tigers still? ::kicks subbers for subbing Ceylon as Seiron::
- Though I just said Setsuna seems really calm, I guess I forgot the inevitable flashbacks and rash behavior. "I am Gundam." Lockon: "Whaaaat?"
- Like a hot knife through butter. Poor clunky grunts don't stand a chance. Some smooth moves from the Gundams in this fight, and while it's completely one-sided, it was still fun to watch. Gotta love how Fatty Gundam just sits there sucking up damage while it charges its overkill cannon.

Mmmm, finally come competition. Graham Acre, the guy we've seen a bunch of times before, is a pilot. And has something other than a useless land grunt. Whee.

Two for two, really good episodes to begin the series off.

something

10-14-2007, 12:20 AM

HitokiriShadow

10-14-2007, 12:25 AM

Perhaps somebody at Sunrise or Bandai Visual noted the use of the same titular qualifier in My-Otome and thought a (mandated) carry-over would be clever. Stranger things can and have happened.
I anticipate vaguely magical-girl like transformation sequence from Tieria by ep 10.

Perhaps there is a Magical Girl Gundam underneath all that armor Virtue has on. Magical Girl Virtue! Otome Beam Shooooooooooooot~!

something

10-14-2007, 12:28 AM

Funkatron

10-14-2007, 02:20 AM

roastedpekingduck

10-14-2007, 04:36 AM

Decent episode.
It seems that Sumeragi Lee Noriega will take the role of the older mature woman for this Gundam series. By the way, Sumeragi Lee Noriega? That's a combination of, let's see Japanese and Mexican? Gah...I wonder what's next...Daisuke Nguyen Yoruba Stukov?

Anyhow, my favorite part of the episode had to be the battle between the grunt mechs. Watching them lumber around mechanically was a joy, considering stuff like that isn't seen that often in Gundam series.

Jumbo

10-14-2007, 12:22 PM

I'd really like to see the Double 0 take on the Zaku myself.

I appreciate the show's attempt at avoiding more than the expected amount of design rehashing, and I would hope that it would manage to continue to do so for its entire run. Having every single damn mobile anything in Gundam Seed being to some degree an homage/parody/ripoff of past designs was cute, but after several years and 100 episodes I'm personally kind of sick of it.

I can see where you are coming from on this but as a Zaku fan I'm hoping we see more one eyed mobile suits than the grunts that have show up in the first few episodes.

I guess I'd rather have them re-design the Zaku style than simply pop a Gundam head on a new suit and call it good for the villain machines. Not that it has to be a complete re-make but this is a Gundam series after all. While I'm not opposed to completely new designs, some Zeon/etc. suit influence wouldn't hurt IMO, especially if it gets away from the villain suits looking too much like the various hero Gundam.

As far as the "eye scanning" thing goes I do have to wonder if that was put in there as a poke in the ribs to the SEED series or if that crossed the directors mind at all...

leongsh

10-14-2007, 12:32 PM

As far as the "eye scanning" thing goes I do have to wonder if that was put in there as a poke in the ribs to the SEED series or if that crossed the directors mind at all...
It was put in there to stop the oft-repeated cliched theft of Gundams, or as someone mentioned earlier, Gundamjacking, in nearly all, if not all, Gundam series.

Lego

10-14-2007, 03:48 PM

They still remind me of the enemy mechs in FMP.

Fencedude

10-14-2007, 03:59 PM

They still remind me of the enemy mechs in FMP.

More like Front Mission than FMP.

Lego

10-14-2007, 04:00 PM

Kind of a mix really. Usually you get that "generic menacing looking enemy mech" in shows like this. I'm partial to Zaku, DOM, and Gouf suits myself.

Hayate Kurogane

10-14-2007, 04:27 PM

Perhaps there is a Magical Girl Gundam underneath all that armor Virtue has on. Magical Girl Virtue! Otome Beam Shooooooooooooot~!
Now I want to see Grace, Liu Mi, Sumeragi, Louise and Christina all join the Otome squad. Then again, most of the Otome Meister costumes were pretty... bad.

We need a Gundam/Hime/Otome fusion, stat.

That or we need more female pilots in 00. Damn you, Tiera for being a guy...DAMN YOU!!

It's all the same if you hit it from the back and avoid the ol' reach-around.

...

...what?

Dammit, if I can have impure thoughts about Aoi from You're Under Arrest, then the same can certainly be applied to Tieria. :>

Hayate Kurogane

10-14-2007, 04:34 PM

I'd really like to see the Double 0 take on the Zaku myself.

I appreciate the show's attempt at avoiding more than the expected amount of design rehashing, and I would hope that it would manage to continue to do so for its entire run. Having every single damn mobile anything in Gundam Seed being to some degree an homage/parody/ripoff of past designs was cute, but after several years and 100 episodes I'm personally kind of sick of it.

I can see where you are coming from on this but as a Zaku fan I'm hoping we see more one eyed mobile suits than the grunts that have show up in the first few episodes.

I guess I'd rather have them re-design the Zaku style than simply pop a Gundam head on a new suit and call it good for the villain machines. Not that it has to be a complete re-make but this is a Gundam series after all. While I'm not opposed to completely new designs, some Zeon/etc. suit influence wouldn't hurt IMO, especially if it gets away from the villain suits looking too much like the various hero Gundam.

I don't disagree with you about new designs, though I'd hope it could be done without simply running back to previous designs without giving anything new a fair shake (though they've certainly done that already). One reason I say Gundam Wing deserves some genuine credit iss for its striking ability to present enemy grunt suits that didn't look obviously like anything that came before, but also had a very distinctive appearance (whether all of them as a whole, or between the different types) and fit easily into the standard positions: the standard foot soldier type, the slightly better flying type, the effective space type, the completely useless underwater type, etc.

Lego

10-14-2007, 04:43 PM

I was a huge fan of the Leo, Aries, and even Mobile Doll suits from Wing. You can make things creative without having to specifically designs 5000 different grunt suits to get blown up.

Fencedude

10-14-2007, 04:46 PM

Kind of a mix really. Usually you get that "generic menacing looking enemy mech" in shows like this. I'm partial to Zaku, DOM, and Gouf suits myself.

What does that have to do with what I said?

Anyway, can we wait and see what the show is going to do before getting all flipped out over where they are going with the designs?

Hayate Kurogane

10-14-2007, 04:56 PM

Anyway, can we wait and see what the show is going to do before getting all flipped out over where they are going with the designs?

Truly you ask for many palaces filled with gold ingots when all we might offer are mere pennies in a worn cloth sack.

Lego

10-14-2007, 09:37 PM

Fencedude

10-14-2007, 10:12 PM

Flipped out, I'm just commenting on the designs Fence, no flipping out at all. Granted text isn't the best way to conceive emotion, but you'd see something different if I went "ZOMG ZAH SUITS ARE LIKE BANANAS". I don't mind them looking that way, some just like more distinctive suits.

Basically, its like this.

People bitched at Seed and Destiny for not having more unique looking designs.

Now people (not necessarily you, but some in this thread, and many elsewhere) are bitching about how the 00 designs are TOO different.

It gets really old sometimes.

Lego

10-14-2007, 10:30 PM

Oh, if that is what you're talking about I agree with you. SEED kind of took the Zaku and altered it. I have no problem with 00 giving us new designs both with Gundams and cannon fodder. I'm still partial to the Zaku, but to give myself a Wing comparison since all the cool kids are doing it, I like it when the mechanical designer goes "you know what, I'm going to make something totally different for this show".

Fencedude

10-14-2007, 10:32 PM

Which is, pretty much, exactly what was done for 00.

leongsh

10-14-2007, 10:36 PM

Basically, its like this.

People bitched at Seed and Destiny for not having more unique looking designs.

Now people (not necessarily you, but some in this thread, and many elsewhere) are bitching about how the 00 designs are TOO different.

It gets really old sometimes.
You can't win them all :sigh:

I do like the Front Mission design style of the mass production battle mecha. The Gundams are typical Gundam designs to distinguish them as unique machines compared to the norm of the mass production battle mecha.

ibby

10-14-2007, 10:49 PM

Does any else think that the safari uniformt hat Liu Mi was wearing remind people of a certin character from the ending of Gundam Wing? I thought that this epsiode was interesting, though I would like explained how the AEU suits might fly when there no sunlight to power them. Like the looks of this new Gundam series so far, hope there's no recap episodes though.

Fencedude

10-14-2007, 10:57 PM

Does any else think that the safari uniformt hat Liu Mi was wearing remind people of a certin character from the ending of Gundam Wing?

Yes, I'm sure we all did

as for the part about Solar Power...batteries?

Hayate Kurogane

10-14-2007, 10:57 PM

Does any else think that the safari uniformt hat Liu Mi was wearing remind people of a certin character from the ending of Gundam Wing?

I guess there's something to it if it's going to be brought up multiple times in the same thread. :sd: At least she's not disturbing poor animals like Relena was.

Speaking of, someone around here used to have a page with a series of 4-koma they made about Relena and the animals made from Gundam Wing ED sequence screencaps. I thought it was hilarious. If it's yours and it's still around, or if you know what I'm talking about, then let's hear a shout out!

I thought that this epsiode was interesting, though I would like explained how the AEU suits might fly when there no sunlight to power them. Like the looks of this new Gundam series so far, hope there's no recap episodes though.

One would hope that one of the reasons for taking an extended break halfway through the series run would be to allow the staff some breathing room and time to catch up and stay even with, if not ahead of, the production curve. I'll be very disappointed if we do see recap episodes, taking that into account.

HitokiriShadow

10-14-2007, 11:44 PM

I thought that this epsiode was interesting, though I would like explained how the AEU suits might fly when there no sunlight to power them.

I would assume they use their solar plants and orbital elevators to make batteries for their suits as well as vehicles. It would be impractical and stupid to use solar generators on the actual units.

roastedpekingduck

10-14-2007, 11:50 PM

I thought that this epsiode was interesting, though I would like explained how the AEU suits might fly when there no sunlight to power them.
It would be impractical and stupid to use solar generators on the actual units.
Yeah, I'm rather puzzled as to why the people behind Gundam 00 chose solar power as the energy source of the future, as solar power is one of the least efficient power sources available. Ah well, it doesn't matter much to me.

On a different note, it seems that there are two "science consultants" on the credits list for Gundam 00. At least there's some attempt to shoot for realism.

HitokiriShadow

10-15-2007, 12:17 AM

I guess they found a more efficient way to obtain and use it. That, and nuclear power has probably been banned. If fossil fuels (and probably coal) are gone and nuclear energy is banned, what else is left? Wind power?

roastedpekingduck

10-15-2007, 12:22 AM

HitokiriShadow

10-15-2007, 12:40 AM

I'm really not familiar with solar power, how it works or how efficient it is. The simplest answer is screw physics and facts, Sunrise is going Green. Maybe the series will provide a good reason later and maybe even the series will address some of the issues you mentioned (though I highly, highly doubt it), but I think this is something we just have to accept. Bipedal mechs aren't exactly practical or realistic either, but that's never been a problem for Gundam or any other mecha series. We just have to go with it.

leongsh

10-15-2007, 12:49 AM

Well, to go into more detail, with the way solar power works, what I learned in my physics class was that the amount of "work" you put into constructing the solar panels was the amount of "work" you would get back, spread over some years. Definitely correct me if I'm wrong. In a sense, solar power functions like a battery in that it just returns the work you put into it and they do die and have to be replaced relatively often (like 10-15 years), compared to a nuclear reactor which doesn't break down for quite some time, or shouldn't unless you build them carelessly like the Soviet Union.
I see it more as a problem of how much power you can get from solar power. The maximum intensity of sunlight hitting the surface of the Earth is approx 1kW/mÂ². That's assuming no cloud cover... If there's cloud cover, the intensity could easily be halved. And then there's the efficiency to consider in which the photovoltaic cells can convert that sunlight to electricity.

Furthermore, is there enough photovoltaic surface area for the absorption of sunlight to power a power-hungry beast like a mecha? Consider the energy requirements to move the mecha. Then there's the problem of the batteries as to how efficient they can store that much power...

I don't think you want to analyse the practicality of using solar power and just accept it on face value that they can do it :sd: Besides, you don't watch Gundam shows for realistic science. :P

Aside from that, the construction of the three towers would be an amazingly amazingly expensive and exceedingly hard project, and as mentioned, extremely hard to defend.
Based on current knowledge of materials technology, the most likely material to use to construct space elevators would be carbon nanotubes unless they find something stronger with higher tensile strength and lighter weight by that time.

roastedpekingduck

10-15-2007, 01:03 AM

Yeah, characters over concepts definitely, and again, I don't quite care too much about the science, but it's still fun to discuss. :P

Carbon nanotubules? Interesting indeed. So much technology is being developed in so little time.

Anyhow, as Hitikori said, Sunrise is going green, which is a positive. At least they did not have giant propellers in space generating wind power, which would have made me giggle.

Fencedude

10-15-2007, 01:03 AM

The solar panels are in orbit, on the ring. That the entire point of the Ring. its a giant solar energy receptor.

leongsh

10-15-2007, 01:19 AM

The solar panels are in orbit, on the ring. That the entire point of the Ring. its a giant solar energy receptor.
Okay. Powering the space elevators with solar energy is reasonable with panels in space. But in the context of the new solar energy powered mecha models talked about in the show, you will have the problem of the amount of power that could be stored in the batteries of the mecha and the energy requirements to just move the solar energy powered mecha even assuming that there is a separate source for flight propulsion purposes.

HitokiriShadow

10-15-2007, 01:26 AM

Hey. The Catgirls would appreciate it if the genocide ended now. :P

DeadlyMessiah

10-15-2007, 12:04 PM

I watched the first two episodes last night, and I really do not know what to think. First off, the opening music. NO!!! A band like L'arc Enciel is NOT mech material music. They are no where even close to doing music that even remotely resembles machinery. They have way too much popish crap unlike someone who fit the bill like TM Revolution. Now THAT is mech music.

The episodes themselves were very slow, but not SEED slow, but no where up SEED Destiny. Sadly though, this seems like it wants to be Gundam Wing, only without everything that made Gundam Wing good. It may seem like a complaint, but up to thus point, NOT ONE SINGLE series has been able to live up to Wing (before or after it). Wing had something special about it. The least Sunrise could do is let Otani do the music again, since the music is definitely one of Wing's strong points. I bet with better music, 00 would have been a lot more enjoyable, especially during the battle scenes.

Does this mean the series won't get better at the half way point? No, it could really take a turn for the better by episode 25 and get good. However, I am no longer willing to sit through 25 episodes of a series just to figure out if I'm going to like it or not unless I have really high hopes for it. With 00, I have no idea right now. All I know is that it has yet to even come close to being as good as Wing (hell, Wing was fantastic right in its first 10 minutes, something that no Gundam series has ever done).

Sorry for comparing it so much to Wing, but I have never seen any Gundam series come even close to being as good, so I'm kind of biased.

roastedpekingduck

10-15-2007, 12:29 PM

Your opinion is vastly different from mine then. I loved how this opening was different from the previous popy Gundam openings and really liked the music as well. Kawai is a pretty awesome composer.

HellKorn

10-15-2007, 03:48 PM

roastedpekingduck

10-15-2007, 03:51 PM

Tomino is a great conceptualist, but at least in my mind, he has serious problems handling character development.

Hayate Kurogane

10-15-2007, 06:34 PM

Wing had something special about it.

Nostalgia?

I'm just glad that we have a competent director and writer at the helm with a great musical composer. I've never had any desire to see other Gundam series, particularly U.C. because of other experiences with Tomino's sub-par direction and scripting. 0080: War in the Pocket remains that exception.

I'd tentatively recommend giving Gundam 0083 a shot, if you haven't already. It's the UC series that people love to hate for some reason, but it remains one of my favorites. Perhaps people simply unconsciously rebel against it because it proves that the exact same story that takes other Gundam series 50 episode to tell can be done in only 13 without eliminating any of the standard Gundam series elements? :P

And this might've been already answered, but I'll ask it anyway: Gundam 00 is scheduled to have fifty episodes, with a break (for Code Geass?) at twenty-five, correct? So it should start up again next fall season.

Correct on the break, though it has yet to be announced exactly how long the break will be. One would assume it would take a season off, simply due to logistics, but who knows? It might take a whole year.

Hayate Kurogane

10-15-2007, 06:41 PM

Tomino is a great conceptualist, but at least in my mind, he has serious problems handling character development.

I tend to compare Tomino to Philip K. Dick: both are, as you say, great conceptualists, but neither of them can actually write for shit. There are also notable differences: Tomino, unlike Dick, is not whacked out of his head on drugs, and also directs the things he writes, with the end result being a boring man who is primed for total artistic and narrative self-sabotage.

Lego

10-16-2007, 03:10 AM

Speaking of Gundam0083..

This (http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/1885/1189234144839hj0.jpg) actually fits pretty well in this thread.

Fencedude

10-16-2007, 03:25 AM

Speaking of Gundam0083..

This (http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/1885/1189234144839hj0.jpg) actually fits pretty well in this thread.

No, really it doesn't.

Lego

10-16-2007, 03:54 AM

Really? With all the design talk..

Oh well, I'll take a look at episode 2 later today.

Fencedude

10-16-2007, 03:55 AM

Really? With all the design talk..

Oh well, I'll take a look at episode 2 later today.

Because of course an image that was created EXPLICITLY to troll the Destiny designs is totally relevant here, right?

Lego

10-16-2007, 04:24 AM

To avoid bringing this thread back into that discussion, it sure could. We had a big discussion about how the grunt designs should or shouldn't be more distinctive and how the lead Gundam looked like Gundam's of the past and so on and so forth. Also mentioning about Destiny's designs and what not. I just find it kind of weird that Gundam gets called out for designs like we've seen in 00 yet other mech series like Macross seem immune to it.

DeadlyMessiah

10-16-2007, 07:28 AM

Fencedude

10-16-2007, 02:44 PM

More like a great mature story with kick ass designs, fantastic music, and awesome battle scenes. It had the Deathscythe and Epyon. Mobile Dolls, Duo, and a masked man who did not know what he wanted to be called. :)

...that would be your nostalgia talking.

(don't get me wrong, I actually like Wing, but my description of it would not be anything like that)

HellKorn

10-16-2007, 05:51 PM

That might end up as a rental (along with 08th MS Team and G Gundam). Frankly I'm not opposed to watching anything Gundam that does NOT have Tomino's name under "director/screenwriter."

And as for the assumption of Gundam 00's second season: considering that this should carry on as Sunrise's flagship series for the fall, with the sequel of Code Geass (presumably?) in the spring, I'd think that fall of 08 would be a their target.

DeadlyMessiah

10-17-2007, 07:09 AM

That might end up as a rental (along with 08th MS Team and G Gundam). Frankly I'm not opposed to watching anything Gundam that does NOT have Tomino's name under "director/screenwriter."

And as for the assumption of Gundam 00's second season: considering that this should carry on as Sunrise's flagship series for the fall, with the sequel of Code Geass (presumably?) in the spring, I'd think that fall of 08 would be a their target.

They are doing another Code Geass season? Oh god, as if the first one was not boring enough.

Westlo

10-17-2007, 08:53 AM

Like it wasn't obvious there would be a continuation from the finale let alone from dvd sales which surpassed everything except the 2 SEED series this decade....

Anyway aren't Geass reruns now (or soon) being shown prior to gundam 00?

Fencedude

10-17-2007, 12:21 PM

They are doing another Code Geass season? Oh god, as if the first one was not boring enough.

Did the MASSIVE CLIFFHANGER at the end not kinda tip you off?

Hayate Kurogane

10-17-2007, 04:23 PM

That might end up as a rental (along with 08th MS Team and G Gundam). Frankly I'm not opposed to watching anything Gundam that does NOT have Tomino's name under "director/screenwriter."

08th MS Team is incredibly worth watching soon as well. But here's an excellent piece of advice to keep in mind: there is no episode 12. Now, you may be fooled into thinking there is because the packaging and the menus and websites on the Internet tell you there is, and because the disc keeps playing after episode 11 ends, but trust me, it doesn't exist. The series ends with episode 11. If for some reason you do feel compelled to let the disc keep playing after episode 11, I advise you to hit pause and drink heavily for an hour or so before resuming, because it will help ease the idiocy.

G Gundam gets a lot of unnecessary grief, much of it due to its unconventional nature (relative to other Gundam series, anyway), but it's damn fun, without being nearly as goofy as some folks or your own first impressions might make it out to be. The characters rock, the fights are fun, and the love story between the main characters is a series-spanning bit of pretty solid writing. And Allenby (http://www.gundamofficial.com/worlds/fc/characters/chara_allenby.html) = hot and win.

untoldsorrow

10-17-2007, 05:25 PM

Ah yes, G-Gundam. Its a highly entertaining series. Its the type of show you go into expecting not much acting but good action that will keep you there (like a good action flick).

Westlo

10-17-2007, 05:32 PM

08th MS Team is incredibly worth watching soon as well. But here's an excellent piece of advice to keep in mind: there is no episode 12.

I wish I could erase episode 12 from my mind.

Fencedude

10-17-2007, 06:03 PM

08th MS Team is incredibly worth watching soon as well. But here's an excellent piece of advice to keep in mind: there is no episode 12.

I wish I could erase episode 12 from my mind.

Aww...its not THAT bad. Not great, mind you, but I've never had that adverse a reaction to it.

untoldsorrow

10-17-2007, 09:42 PM

All this talk about OO being Wing has me watching Wing again. Just went through episode 1-10 today, lol.

Lego

10-18-2007, 01:02 AM

All this talk about OO being Wing has me watching Wing again. Just went through episode 1-10 today, lol.

Yeah, I'm a "Wing Nut". I went through this in a couple posts with Fence but it's a comparison that just won't die down. I think of all series, especially with Gundam, people want to compare it. Personally it seems more of a "what type of Gundam is it, a Wing like Gundam or a 0079?". You know, so someone can go "Well I like this kind of Gundam instead".

Even though I'm a fan of Wing, 00 has a more mature and overarching plot. It really sounds like most people who compare 00 to Wing then go "lolz I didn't like Wing so I won't watch 00" are making excuses since they wouldn't of watched it anyway. Gundam is "trendy" in the anime world anymore. SEED and Destiny were great examples of this. Many watched it because that was the subject at hand and you felt left out if you didn't. Me? As of right now I'd take 00 over SEED any day.

DeadlyMessiah

10-18-2007, 09:04 AM

All this talk about OO being Wing has me watching Wing again. Just went through episode 1-10 today, lol.

I was so tempted to start Wing yesterday, but decided to give Valkyrie Profile 2 a try instead. At least it is better than FFTactics so far.

Another issue I had, which I don't believe I mentioned, is that all of the pilots are so god damn serious. I love serious stories, but I do not like it when every character acts like a brick wall. GIVE ME SOMEONE WITH HUMOR!!! Like Duo in Wing. Oops, I did it again.

untoldsorrow

10-18-2007, 11:27 AM

All this talk about OO being Wing has me watching Wing again. Just went through episode 1-10 today, lol.

GIVE ME SOMEONE WITH HUMOR!!! Like Duo in Wing. Oops, I did it again.

Duo is great.

Lego

10-20-2007, 03:03 AM

Well I finally got the chance to watch episode two and wow..

This gives me the same feeling I had when I watched Wing as a new and inexperienced anime fan. Animation stayed consistent, music was good, and the characters jelled more. I liked the Wing style "narrator explains everything before the op" style they went for. Boy does that help out as a refresher course before each episode. I noticed the little shot at the US with the "We intervene on other nations conflicts to protect our people" line.

It was nice to get some extended fight scenes this episode to really show off the new Gundams. One thing you notice right away is the speed in which they move compared to the grunts. The battle before they showed up reminded me of the Armored Core series. I assume we'll get moments where Setsuna has flashbacks like he did in episode two to him as a kid. Allelujah's little "partner" is there to provide the comedic relief in a series that takes itself pretty serious. A great example of this is that the pilots have doubts about what they're doing instead of being complete robots.

Overall I liked the episode and episode three looks pretty good with Graham challenging Setsuna. You can tell the difference with Seiji Mizushima in command of the directors chair. You care about the characters and the plot is interesting. As a little bonus, anyone know the excruciating detail when Setsuna blew apart the second enemy mech? You actually saw the belt of bullets from its gun for a brief second.

On a lighter note, during Setsuna's "flashback", did anyone get the Top Gun vibe from the music :P

roastedpekingduck

10-20-2007, 03:28 AM

I noticed the little shot at the US with the "We intervene on other nations conflicts to protect our people" line.

There's quite a bit of modern commentary that's not so subtly beginning to surface. Seiji Mizushima also had not so veiled political commentary in Fullmetal Alchemist (Ishvalan allowed parallels to be made to the Middle East with ease), and Gundam 00 has proved to be even more obvious by showing American intervention, religious crusades, the depleting of resources, and child soldiers. Anyhow, while I do like subtlety, it is nice to see a Gundam series that takes a bit more "risk." I didn't quite like Seed for example, because it was a lot less grounded in nature.

By the way, it seems that indeed, the Gundams will get beaten up by some lesser opponents next episode...at least for a little bit...

Lego

10-20-2007, 03:42 AM

Yeah, it's actually refreshing to see Gundam seem more "real" compared to the almost generic sci fi that they've been in with things like SEED and Destiny. It's a believable world and one that you want to see what happens next in. My only concern is if the political jabs here and there bubble to the surface and he ends up preaching to us for an entire episode. But for now they're being worked in masterfully.

Fencedude

10-20-2007, 03:56 AM

By the way, it seems that indeed, the Gundams will get beaten up by some lesser opponents next episode...at least for a little bit...

HISSATSU! TIEREN FINGAAAA!!!!!!!

Westlo

10-20-2007, 10:26 AM

You can tell the difference with Seiji Mizushima in command of the directors chair. You care about the characters

I really can't care about any character so far in Gundam 00 due to the complete lack of personality shown in everyone except for Lockon and Wang Liu Mi. Of course it's only 2 episodes in and it will change... Also the start reminded me of the Code Geass overview more than Wing... oh and wtb Marina some screen time.

Lego

10-20-2007, 02:43 PM

I don't care about the pilots the way I'd "care" about Yurie from Kamichu, but I do care in seeing what happens to them. I'll give another example in his other work, FMA. By the end of the series you cared about the characters and I suspect as they become more human you'll do the same. Thats what I was getting at in my big post about episode two is that the characters actually seem human with one of them even having second thoughts and calling himself a mass murderer.

His directorial style really brings it all together, at least in my view.

Andrew Cunningham

10-20-2007, 03:30 PM

Fencedude

10-20-2007, 03:35 PM

"Don't touch me" might be the least cool catch phrase a hero has ever uttered.
Some of the initial minor characters are gradually staking out some territory for themselves, but that doesn't stop them introducing still more minor characters, like the two at the bar.

Well, to be fair, they've been lurking around the background since episode 1. Still don't know their names though.

Anyway, they made Setsuna work for his victories this time....and it really was a TIEREN FINGAA!

Also, commie-loli next week.

Lego

10-20-2007, 04:47 PM

They also set up "super arch rival guy" who will most likely show up every other episode at random times to fight him and they'll eventually have a duel with it ending in a draw making them work together...

:P

That and the new hit movie "I live next door to a homicidal Gundam pilot".

roastedpekingduck

10-21-2007, 09:42 PM

"When you're considering your future, am I in it?" :D This Gundam seems to be even more "modern" than I thought. They even worked in how pushy women can be.

Billy Katagiri has a funny name, but I still find him the most interesting character so far. He's been given the opposite role of the Gundam pilots: exterminate those who try to claim the right of judgement. The colonel is also pretty cool. He's a badass to go face Exia for sure. Too bad he got topped with Setsuna's "Don't touch me." Except for Lockon though, unfortunately, none of the Gundam 'Meisters' have proved too compelling to watch yet.

The fact that Ireland has become war torn again is a bit hard to swallow, since the resistance in the area is already essentially nullified. Perhaps they will do a Quebec conflict as well?

On the whole, a rather unremarkable, but still nice episode. I would like the phrase "Celestial Being" to not be said 50 times and episode, as it isn't the coolest sounding thing, but it's just a minor nitpick. The music remains awesome. The BGM really contributed to an "epic" feel. Anyhow, looking forward to the next ep.

something

10-22-2007, 09:03 PM

Episode 3:

- Setsuna fights off... whatever his name was. Ah, Acre.
- Everyone else does their best to digest the implications of CB's most recent move..
- ...and I still can't hear Tieria's voice without laughing. Damnit. He sets off on their next mission.
- While Acre and Billy are reassigned to an anti-Gundam force.
- Louise! <3 Louise rocks. Poor Saji doesn't know how to handle her :sd:
- Though as much as I love her, here's the REAL star of Gundam 00... Liu Mi! In a sexy dress =D
- But not enough of her... the Gundams set their next plan in action, hitting three spots. Setsuna hits Ceylon again, Haptism hits a drug field in South America (yeah, if only it were as simple as firebombing a field) and Lockon snipes some grunts in South Africa in a mining dispute.
- Heh, Saji lives next to Setsuna, and his sister's job involves tracking CB.
- Man that didn't take much. A couple attacks on other people, and the IRA gives up out of fear of Celestial Being.

Once again... if only it were THAT easy.

Anyways, needs more Louise and Liu Mi and it's about time they really acknowledge that Felt is alive...

HitokiriShadow

10-22-2007, 09:50 PM

Anyways, needs more Louise and Liu Mi and it's about time they really acknowledge that Felt is alive...

Is Felt one of CB's ship operators? Because they have been horribly neglected and I have no idea who else you could be talking about.

ibby

10-23-2007, 04:46 AM

Despite this episode jumping around abit, learned a bit how the plot of the show is connected. Thought it was a good episode, where it seems beam sabre's a re highly thought of. Hopefully in no to long, some screen time will be decicated to the brown and red haired girls of the Ploathemes (sp), because I want to see if they can knock over Louise and chinese dress girl(forgot her name).

something

10-23-2007, 06:14 PM

Is Felt one of CB's ship operators? Because they have been horribly neglected and I have no idea who else you could be talking about.
Yes, Felt Grace (oh the names...) the younger pink haired one.

musouka

10-23-2007, 09:02 PM

It was nice to get slivers of character development along with the action this time. If I wasn't watching this in a group, I probably would have dropped it as a "not for me" by episode two. Having said that, I'm sort of glad I've stuck around. It's sort of a slow burn show.

Lego

10-27-2007, 01:06 AM

Such a great line only to be followed up by the "You're supposed to chase after me!" line with Billy(I keep thinking of Beverly Hills Cop) chasing after her.

The episode itself was pretty good with some more mech combat and a little more pilot time. You still see some reservations from the pilots and I think it makes them seem more "real" instead of "I'll fucking kill everything Heero style". SeiSei(I'll call him that for now now) doesn't like people touching him even though he almost had his head snapped off. Acre is a likable character and one of my favorite in the show so far.

A little weird? Yeah, but he seems like he'll be along for most of the ride. I keep saying it with each post but I'm really loving the directorial style compared to past Gundam's. With the introduction of more characters next episode, this is the first Gundam I've actually watched week to week since Wing.

Fencedude

10-27-2007, 04:41 PM

Meet some new characters.

First is a new HRA character, temporarily known as the "Indian Battle-loli", since I have no fucking clue what her name is. Then we officially meet Marina and her aide, who's name I didn't catch either.

Main plot of the episode focuses on a South American country (Taribia/Talivia), which has withdrawn from the Union. The Union sends a fleet to...convince them otherwise, and Celestial Being sends in Setsuna, Lockon and Allehlujah.

I think Taribia was expecting Celestial Being to help them, but instead the three Gundams trash all the Taribian mobile suits (which looked to be the precursor type to the Union Flag, which makes sense), and the president of Taribia calls up the Union's president to discuss rejoining.

As the Gundams leave, Exia is confronted by Graham once again, in his new, customized Flag (which black, and looks very slick). Graham takes some shots at him, scores a solid hit on the Exia's shield, knocking it back into the water. Setsuna decides to break off and heads away underwater.

Lego

10-27-2007, 05:08 PM

Exia is confronted by Graham once again, in his new, customized Flag (which black, and looks very slick). Graham takes some shots at him, scores a solid hit on the Exia's shield, knocking it back into the water. Setsuna decides to break off and heads away underwater

It's good to see Graham kicking all kinds of ass in another episode.

HitokiriShadow

10-27-2007, 09:28 PM

I rewatched episode 3 and, well, some scenes make a lot more sense when over half of the "translation" isn't being pulled out of their ass.

something

10-29-2007, 07:18 PM

Episode 4:

- Human Reform League digs in for a longer war against CB, but the Real IRA called a ceasefire. Mixed results, but that's what they expected. Also, GIMMIE MORE GRACE!
- HRL Colonel is assigned to stealing a Gundam... and gets a super soldier girl on his side =D Yay!
- Setsuna has fucked up daydreams >______>
- I initially typed something here about how AEU and HRL have anti-Gundam task forces now but Union does not, but then I remembered Acre was of the Union. So who does the AEU have? Checking the character page it looks like Patrick was an AEU pilot, so I guess he'll get in on the fun too, especially since he has an axe to grind with Setsuna.
- I'm not sure who this oil-country (Ahzardistan?) princess Marina is, but she's hot. So is her... attendant? Advisor? Whatever.
- So the little South American country withdrawals from Union, banking on CB intervening and holding off Union. But Union won't give up easily because thie country is near the elevator.
- Marina's attendant says they might be able to use the unrest in South America to their advantage. She seems... very devious and scheming, so unlike Marina.
- LIU MI LOOOOOOOOOOOVE
- Heh, that was fun. The Gundams launch and the world wonders what they'll do. To seemingly everyone's surprise, they only attack the Taribian (or whatever) forces. Well, that is what they said... they attack anyone who starts a war. The technically Taribian started this one, so they felt the hammer drop. Their leader immediately calls a truce with the Union and cancels their withdrawal. How simple =P Gambled and lost hard.
- Also, LIU MI AGAIN! For like 2 seconds.
- American forces set up defensively within Taribia, but since they aren't actively attacking anyone, CB calls off their forces.

Except... Acre isn't satisfied. :sd: Interesting to see that his custom Flag is already able to give Exia a good fight, though Exia does more escaping than truly fighting.

And man, Marina's adviser really IS pushy... Who's the real leader here?

ibby

10-30-2007, 07:58 PM

Liked this ep. I don't know if the super solider is a boy or girl, interesting to see that this show is drawing a fine line regaridng the gender of some characters. I can't wait to see Marina meet Setsana, as the opening theme suggests that they might pair off. Good to see the Ptolemaios girls/ladies get some screen time, we be interesting to see if any one of them will get a relationship. I thoguht that that Taribia's oranga/red MS looked really good IMO. Good to see a clear transformation of one of the Gundam's in this episode.

roastedpekingduck

10-30-2007, 08:38 PM

That was a pretty cool episode. I especially liked how they closed out with a "The world is not so simple" at the end. I was worried that the people behind the show might actually go in the direction of a simplistic pacifistic outlook, but clearly, they've set out to explore the irony that happens often today and: "End fighting and strife through more fighting and strife." This episode defined the direction of the show. It was also great to see someone actually dent a Gundam in the first four episodes.

I'm still most impressed by Kenji Kawaii's awesome music. While that main "drums and chorus" theme has been played numerous times, in each episode they change it a bit. The sped up version was absolutely sick. The character designs also remain pleasing and unorthodox. Tieria still beats out Liu Mi and Sumeragi for hottest female character though. :P

HitokiriShadow

10-30-2007, 10:16 PM

Liked this ep. I don't know if the super solider is a boy or girl, interesting to see that this show is drawing a fine line regaridng the gender of some characters.

This one is a girl. She has boobs, albeit on the small side, unlike every other female in the cast.

God, we need more of the other two ship operators.

Lego

11-01-2007, 04:15 AM

A pretty good episode as we get a primer on Celestial Being and their rules of engagement. The whole "evil US president" theme returns again as it's somewhat nice to have something to relate 00 to the real world but the last thing I want is for the show to turn preachy. It avoids this by bringing up the US and military but tying it in plot wise so it fits and makes sense. "Super Soldier" and "The Colonel" make a pretty good pair as I'm warming up to him a little more now that we've had the chance to see his real character.

Acre? I like to call him Graham..

Anyway he has another awesome moment as he takes down Seisei while he is trying to return to base. I tend to like weird characters but Graham is my favorite so far just because of his personality. I know I'll probably draw the ire of Fence by saying this but I keep getting the Heero x Relena feeling when it comes to Seisei and Marina. Thats not a bad thing as I liked their relationship in Wing and wouldn't mind one in 00. The adviser is no good and seems like someone that is already scheming behind the good Queen's back.

Another solid episode for 00 this week with some minor development and explaining. 00 is quickly becoming one of my favorite Gundam series as it seems so down to earth when it comes to the Gundams, the pilots, and the world situation. Something not really talked about to much is the music. The music is great as it adds a dramatic tone when it needs to and it fits really well into the fold of the show. You don't give it a second thought.

Next weeks episode looks like it'll flesh out some of Allelujah's past while we fight in space.

Lego

11-03-2007, 03:13 PM

Pink suit, blue suit, please don't turn into GSEED :cry:

Fencedude

11-03-2007, 03:40 PM

Pink suit, blue suit, please don't turn into GSEED :cry:

OH JESUS FUCKING CHRIST

WOULD YOU STOP SCREAMING AT EVERY LITTLE THING

(and dammit, respond to the route post when making a new episode subthread)

Fencedude

11-03-2007, 04:29 PM

Allelujah returns to space, at the same time, Saji and Louise head up the Orbital Elevator, as do Sergei and Soma. Soma recieves her new MS, a very nice Pink Tieren.

Soma and Sergei head out on a training mission, but somehow ends up "resonating" with Allelujah, who is still on the elvevator. Both freak out, and we get our first look at Allelujah's right eye, which is the same brilliant gold as Soma's. His personality alters drastically during hte moments when this eye is visible. Simultaneously, Soma flips and starts firing on the residential portion of the elevator, eventually causing a section (containing Saji and Louise) to break off.

Sergei heads after the segment, trying to boost it back into orbit, and the HRA launches rescue ships. Allelujah returns to his senses, and launches in the Kyrios to help. He arrives and starts boosting it back into orbit. He also tells everyone in the section to head to the middle of the three areas that broke off. They all suit up and do so. Then from earth, Lockon uses a fucking enormous beam sniper rifle to snipe off the two outrider sections, lightening the load, and allowing Kyrios to boost it back into a safe orbit. He then takes off before the HRA rescue ships and reinforcements arrive.

Lego

11-03-2007, 05:44 PM

Fencedude

11-03-2007, 06:26 PM

?

It's conversation, just little observations before I'm able to take a look at the episode. Others have made the same little posts throughout the thread. Both suits are character specific suits as we've seen in many Gundams. At least we have a decent idea what gender the "Super Soldier" is now.

...what?

That makes no fucking sense.

What the hell is it about a pink Tieren and a blue Enact that would make you go "Oh no I hope this doesn't turn into Gundam Seed Destiny"?

Thats a statement that is virtually guaranteed to annoy people, especially since, by your own admission, YOU HAVEN'T EVEN WATCHED THE EPISODE!

And then you go "oh, I didn't really mean anything by it". OF COURSE you meant something by it, otherwise you wouldn't have said it to begin with!

...and we've known that Soma was a girl since last episode.

Lego

11-03-2007, 06:34 PM

Fencedude

11-03-2007, 06:39 PM

Checking out Random's blog I see that this episode introduces a pink tieren and blue enact after checking out his summary. A casual, nonchalant response based on the color of the mechs is what I wrote. I place half the blame on text and half on me making my statement more clear. We're reading the post and coming out with two different meanings from it.

No.

Absolutely not. I am not letting you once again shake this off as "oh, what I typed wasn't what I meant" because YOU DO THAT ALL THE TIME. And its getting really obnoxious.

Explain how a blue Enact and pink Tieren logically leads to you making the statement "please don't turn into GSEED"? Because the ONLY way it makes sense is if you were trolling. Which, unfortunately, I fell right for.

Lego

11-03-2007, 06:41 PM

Explain how a blue Enact and pink Tieren logically leads to you making the statement "please don't turn into GSEED"? Because the ONLY way it makes sense is if you were trolling. Which, unfortunately, I fell right for.

Oh come on Fence, you're really going to come after me for looking at the pictures of the episode and going "Wow, a pink and blue suit, this reminds me of GSEED With the different pilots and custom suits". Thats what I meant as an observation from Random's blog. I don't consider it trolling at all as we went through the whole "zomg people are comparing it to Gundam Wing!" thing that lasted a page or so.

Fencedude

11-03-2007, 06:46 PM

Oh come on Fence, you're really going to come after me for looking at the pictures of the episode and going "Wow, a pink and blue suit, this reminds me of GSEED With the different pilots and custom suits". Thats what I meant as an observation from Random's blog.

...that has to be one of the most INCREDIBLY stupid statements I've yet seen.

I mean, my mind is BLOWN at the idiocy that would be required for that statement to make even an iota of sense.

You understand that there have been custom colored units long, LONG before Gundam Seed, right? Does the phrase "Red Comet" mean anything to you? Just slightly?

Edit: And I'm done with this conversation, since its not going to lead anywhere good after this. I'll be back when someone else who's actually watched the episode shows up.

Lego

11-03-2007, 06:49 PM

You understand that there have been custom colored units long, LONG before Gundam Seed, right? Does the phrase "Red Comet" mean anything to you? Just slightly?

Yep, they had em in Wing to in the middle episodes. SEED and SEED Destiny are the two series freshiest in mind and the ones we all talked about before 00 aired(hence the bad taste in my mouth with both of them). Its not like I'm the only one, go check out Random's blog for people in the comment section saying the exact same thing. I'll gladly move onto to the episode as you have since we'll just keep going around in circles.

something

11-05-2007, 09:46 PM

Episode 5:

- Heh heh heh. Saji's sister doesn't like Louise. Psh, to hell with you onee-san, Louise is hot. HOT!
- I could watch Louise eat space pringles alllllll day. Ifyounknowwhatimean.
- Also, Colonel Scar is uneasy about designer baby soldier girl. He's definitely going to get all fatherly and protective of her.
- Isn't it convenient how all the factions just happen to have super advanced suits nearly completed and just about ready for use when the Gundams show up?
- LIUMI! LIUMI! Even Saji can't help but sneak a peek.
- Oh man, Soma flips out. That didn't take long. Also, Allelujah has multiple personalities. Oh, THAT's just great. Just what you want piloting your mobile suit of mass destruction, someone suffering dissociative identity disorder.
- Whee! This was the best Gundam 00 ep yet. And it didn't even have much Liumi and STILL no Felt! But Lockon wins so fucking hard. I'm wondering if he can get any cooler without disrupting the fabric of spacetime.

So, lots of Louise, Colonel Scar becoming even more interesting and human, Lockon being awesome, and Louise's cute cute cute line at the end.

Oh, and Tieria is still a bastard. DESPAIIIIIIIIR

roastedpekingduck

11-06-2007, 01:36 AM

Suspense of disbelief for the win. Lockon was badass at the end with that huge gun, but after the episode, I briefly wondered how a beam could penetrate the atmosphere. Again, just a minor, passing comment. I hope no one says, "Dude, don't scrutinize the science of Gundam! You're watching the wrong series if you're looking at realism." again because I am certainly not watching Gundam for its realism. I do certainly applaud Gundam 00's creative department for doing its research, but there were some things I still could only chuckle at. In anime, futuristic Chinese-controlled governments all seem to have elaborate traditionally designed offices with the trademark Chinese frames, carpets, and wall mounts, like a palace. Ironically, real Chinese government offices are mostly quite austere and boring rooms. Also, Americans seem to have developed quite the unusual military attire 400 years from now. Huge top hats seem to be in style. I'm still trying to figure out what Tieren Tao (Dao) might mean. Since there's obviously no tone marks, it could mean a ton of different things, like Steel Man Sword or Steel Man Path. By the way, I got a good laugh out of the name Tieren Taozi. In Chinese, Taozi equals peach.

Scar, Katagiri, and Lockon have proven to be interesting characters. Characters such as Katagiri and Scar are sure welcome, as I have not seen better, traditional antagonists for a while. Setsuna F. Seiei is still dull, but to give him credit, he is not that angsty.

Fencedude

11-06-2007, 02:07 AM

We can project a laser all the way to the moon and back, so I fail to see what the problem with a high energy beam of unknown composition reaching orbit is.

roastedpekingduck

11-06-2007, 02:13 AM

Fencedude

11-06-2007, 02:34 AM

The laser can bounce back, but it would be severely weakened, hence why laser anti-ICBM technology has not been too successful. The beam of light dissipates so much by the time it goes through the atmosphere that it should be too weak to do any damage. Given that this is 400 years later though, some technological development could easily occur.

Err...oh forget it. You obviously have no idea what you are talking about and I don't want to get into stupid arguments over this.

On another note, was anyone else here slightly iffy with the Newtype-ish powers? The psychic powers did stretch my suspense of disbelief a slight bit.

I didn't see any Newtype powers other than the highly dubious ability to flip the fuck out.

So no, I wasn't particularly disturbed. And this was coming from someone who's never been a fan of Newtypes.

MeggieMay

11-06-2007, 02:39 AM

Also, Americans seem to have developed quite the unusual military attire 400 years from now. Huge top hats seem to be in style.

It's actually more like the animation designer got out books on Historical US Army Uniforms and put them to use in Gundam 00. Graham's uniform is the traditional US uniform for Dragoon soldiers prior to the US Civil War (also seems to be similar to the general Army soldiers uniforms between 1836 to 1848). I found a site with some pictures (yeah, I know this person is using doll models but I can't find anything better on short notice)

American Revolutionary era Dragoon circa 1778

http://www.tekawiz.com/revdragoon.html?994064761150

Mexican American War (circa mid 1840s)

http://www.tekawiz.com/mexicandragoon.html
http://www.tekawiz.com/mexican6thinfantry.html

US Civil War (first battle) 1861 - this isn't a official Dragoon uniform but it similar.

http://www.tekawiz.com/reb1stmanassas.html

What a Dragoon is http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragoon

I seem to remember reading someplace, back when they first put out info on Gundam 00 that Graham is a Dragoon in the series. I actually didn't remember that until I did the research tonight to make this post, however. What happened was when I first saw Graham's outfit in the OP I thought he must be AEU because the uniform reminded me of Europen military uniforms of the 1800s. Then, after I finally put it together that Graham was Union and Union = strong US ties, I realized the uniform reminded me of Mexican American war era uniforms I saw in Hollywood movies (my mind works in a completely weird ways at times) :blush: . Nice to see that at least some of the Golden Age Hollywood costume designers like to pride themselves in trying to get uniforms as correct as possible and my memory kept the visuals stored for future use ;) .

roastedpekingduck

11-06-2007, 02:56 AM

Oh crap, I can't believe I ever realized that with the name. Seeing Union should have instantly reminded me about the Civil War. It's certainly quite an unusual choice to bring that style back though for Gundam 00, as the flamboyant calvary culture, even in our time, has long died.

Lego

11-06-2007, 08:45 AM

It's actually more like the animation designer got out books on Historical US Army Uniforms and put them to use in Gundam 00. Graham's uniform is the traditional US uniform for Dragoon soldiers prior to the US Civil War (also seems to be similar to the general Army soldiers uniforms between 1836 to 1848). I found a site with some pictures (yeah, I know this person is using doll models but I can't find anything better on short notice)

You find that in shows like Last Exile and others where they go to traditional uniforms. Obviously it's up to the character designer but I'm sure they go for something that'll look better then the plain army uniforms worn now. It adds a neat bit of trivia to the show when they go back and use variations of real uniforms.

TnAdct1

11-06-2007, 01:03 PM

Episode 5:
- I could watch Louise eat space pringles alllllll day. Ifyounknowwhatimean.
Louise: It's beautiful. It's the most awe-inspiring sight I have ever seen. Giver of life, mother of us all... hey Saji, look what I smuggled aboard!

Hey, someone had to do it. :D

ibby

11-06-2007, 03:49 PM

My thoughts on this ep is that I thought that the SajiXLouise relationship developed a fair bit in this ep. Lousie's antice in the cabin was good. Liked how she pulled Saji's ear when he eyed the chinese girl(forgot name). The MS for the new super solider likes like a Zaku. Hopefully we will get a full explanation of Allelujah newtype reaction, and split personality.I liked how Tieria baked Sumeragi a little about giving the enemy heads up on the Gundams capablitiy.

HitokiriShadow

11-06-2007, 09:53 PM

We can project a laser all the way to the moon and back, so I fail to see what the problem with a high energy beam of unknown composition reaching orbit is.

I found it a bit ridiculous at first, but its not the least bit unreasonable for a Gundam series. I had a (slightly) harder time believing that Setsuna/Exia could disperse the clouds like that and that Lockon could be that accurate. But it didn't really stretch my suspension of disbelief. It's pretty normal for Gundam and not unreasonable.

HitokiriShadow

11-06-2007, 10:02 PM

Episode 5:

- Heh heh heh. Saji's sister doesn't like Louise. Psh, to hell with you onee-san, Louise is hot. HOT!

That scene was amusing. "I can here you, onee-shan." And yes, she is hot. Maybe not quite as hot as certain other characters (who need more screentime) but definitely hot.

- I could watch Louise eat space pringles alllllll day. Ifyounknowwhatimean.

Oh, so could I and Iknowwhatyamean.

- LIUMI! LIUMI! Even Saji can't help but sneak a peek.

And we see how whipped he already is.

- Oh man, Soma flips out. That didn't take long. Also, Allelujah has multiple personalities. Oh, THAT's just great. Just what you want piloting your mobile suit of mass destruction, someone suffering dissociative identity disorder.

Yeah, I think that's going to cause some... complications at some point. And I'm really curius whatthefuck was going on between him and Soma. This type of bizarre connection is nothing new to Gundam, but I'm curious to see what the explanation is in this series.

But Lockon wins so fucking hard. I'm wondering if he can get any cooler without disrupting the fabric of spacetime.

Yeah, Lockon is such a badass. The real question is: what's his deal? Setsuna is an emotionally handicapped teen ex-child soldier. Allelujah seemd to have some sort of MPD. Tiera is a prick has a chip on shoulder about something or another. Lockon... seems normal. Which means he's probably the most fucked up of all of them.

Needs more bridge bunnies.

Lego

11-11-2007, 08:41 PM

Sumeragi had some decent screen time in this episode as well as some revealing outfits. Some hints about her and Billy but it was a long time ago. Ali Al Sarshes looks to be SeiSei's main rival after this episode as well. I'll leave it to Fence for his usual blow by blow summary as I'm just making a couple quick observations.

Fencedude

11-12-2007, 01:24 AM

Radiant Dawn is doing horrible things to my anime schedule, I never even watched the RAW.

Anyway, a few things:

The new Mercenary guy is giving off vibes that remind me of Gauron, to Setsuna's Sousuke.

The new equipment for the Exia and Dynames is cool

Tieria's a total bastard.

Sergei's going to die, but he's still one of the best things this show has going for it. His attitude about Soma is beautiful (he probably has a dead daughter about that age)

Patrick is STILL useless. He makes Jerid Messa look competent

Needs more Felt. NAO

roastedpekingduck

11-12-2007, 02:13 AM

Keiji Fujiwara!

Damn, I just seem to hear him in everything I watch from the past and present. He sounds the same in every show, but that gruff voice always seems to work regardless. It seems like all of Keiji Fujiwara's characters are united by the presence of at least some facial hair.

roastedpekingduck

11-12-2007, 02:55 AM

As for the episode itself, I felt that it was so-so. It's not something I can quite place yet, but while I still like Gundam 00 more than any recent giant robot series, it still feels placid for me. I still can't quite place why I feel that way about 00. I mean politic maneuvering is everywhere and moral ambiguity is abound as well.

I get the sense that transitions occur before scenes are fully developed and a character gets in a line that can fittingly close a scene. Political events occuring in 00 are linked a bit too cleanly to present day events. And the Gundam Meisters are still a bit too "clean and clear-cut" to interest me. If anything, 00 just feels a bit "tidy" and "jumpy" for me right now. Again, I can't exactly place what I feel is wrong with things.

Anyhow, Gundam 00 remains in the upper echelon of the season for me, and I certainly would like to see how Ali and Setsuna were tied to each other in the past. On an entirely different note, Sumeragi's cleavage was badly drawn in the latter half of the episode. :P

Lego

11-12-2007, 11:00 AM

The new Mercenary guy is giving off vibes that remind me of Gauron, to Setsuna's Sousuke.

You know thats the first thing that jumped to my mind as well. The circumstances are kind of similar, and I'm sure we'll get the "SeiSei comes back to his home turf" episode. It also sets up the inevitable fight between the two and how it'll help him become a stronger pilot or put away his past demons or whatever they want to go with.

masterpez

11-12-2007, 02:49 PM

The new Mercenary guy is giving off vibes that remind me of Gauron, to Setsuna's Sousuke.

Since Kruz is already in the show, that fits nicely. The big question is, who's Mao......Tieria??

Vicserr

11-12-2007, 02:56 PM

I'm working to get caught up so bear with me for a while ;)

Ep 1: Lovely, great animation and action, loved when Setsuna and Gundam Exia totally outclassed the AEU mech and the Orbital Elevator Garrison Force, with help from Lockon in that final stretch and Hallleluyah and Tiera did the same against the terrorist attacting the HRL orbital elevator and making Celestial Beign intention to the world clear. Heavy shades of Gundam Wing as the Gundams far outclass anything the nations of the world can muster, just like the Colony Gundams far outclassed and outgunned anything the Earth Sphere Alliance had available. and the Enact and the Flag look like Aries and the Tieren like the Leo from Gundam Wing

Ep 2: The repercutions of CB's first salvo are impacting the world political structure as the do their next strike in Ceilon where the bust the chops of the HRL and the rebels, and our dashing Union pilot and his Flag MS engages the Exia.

Ep 3: Graham engages but fails to defeat the Gundam Exia, but at least Graham isn't totally humiliated like Patrick in ep. 1 (very like the 1st encounter between Zechs Merquise and Heero Yui) and discover that apparently the spokesman of CB is apparently a man over 200 years old (or someone who's taken his image, again shades of Gundam Wing here - The Original Heero Yui -). As the nations of the world set up their anti Gundam forces and the HRL Ace, Sergei Smirnov, get schooled by Setsuna.

Ep 4: As nations make moves to save themselves from CB's intervention, the HRL seems to have a sort of "Artificial Newtype/Coordinator" corps, the Nation of Tarivia decides to make a move that will bring the Gundam Meisters in conflict with the Union Military (Don't the Tarivian mechs look like Tauruses from Gundam Wing), and it seem that the CB won't been played with by the nations of the planet, also the Azadistan plot bears watching.

The GN particle generators seem to be a homage to Minosky particles from UC Gundam. Gundam Krylos is a homage to the Zeta Gundam's or Gundam Airmaster from Gundam X, Gundam Virtue is basically a Heavy Gundam or Gundam Alex with Chobdam armor, Gundam Dynames is a GM Sniper Custom on steroids.

And the best part is... No Gundam Seed Syndrome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. In 1 word, this series is Awesome!!!!!

Vicserr

11-12-2007, 05:05 PM

Very good episode, we got some insights into Halleluyah and Sergei, and as always, artificial "Newtypes" are always screwed up as she resonated with Halleluyah and got a pretty bad deal out of it. but at least Celestial Being might get back in the good graces of the ppl.

Nice Tieren space type mobile suits, even the pink one, and that was one cool F'ing awesome sniper rifle for the Dynames. We'll have to see if Queen Marina's World tour will bring stability to her country, and might somebody explain to me the use, except for comic relief, of Seji and Louise, for me they're unnecessary baggage. :roll:

Lego

11-12-2007, 05:37 PM

They've already gotten them involved with Seisei, so I can imagine they'll become plot devices soon enough.

Fencedude

11-12-2007, 05:58 PM

They've already gotten them involved with Seisei, so I can imagine they'll become plot devices soon enough.

His name is Seiei, not Seisei.

Vicserr

11-12-2007, 06:29 PM

As we get some insights of Sumeragi (whom shared her classes with Billy and the professor, who heads the Union's Anti Gundam Force), The AEU uses the Moralia crisis as bait for Celestial Being, Setsuna gets a worthy adversary with Ali whom Setsuna recognizes from his days as a soldier in his country revolution and Patrick continues to be a Total and Complete LOSER!!!

PS: is it me or the Dynames with the extra parts has a Gundam Deathscythe Hell vibe :virgin:

Vicserr

11-12-2007, 06:34 PM

They've already gotten them involved with Seisei, so I can imagine they'll become plot devices soon enough.

His name is Seiei, not Seisei.

But that doesn't mean I have to sympatise with them, standard japanese introverted kid and outgoing blonde bimbo, what are these harem anime fodder characters doing in a mecha show? :sigh:

Fencedude

11-12-2007, 06:37 PM

But that doesn't mean I have to sympatise with them, standard japanese introverted kid and outgoing blonde bimbo, what are these harem anime fodder characters doing in a mecha show? :sigh:

The hell does that have to do with my post?

Also, I really wish you'd stop whining so much about things like this. It gets really obnoxious, because you act like its some horrible travesty against you personally, and you simply can't understand how ANYONE could like that sort of thing.

ibby

11-12-2007, 06:42 PM

Thought ep 6 was okay, good to see the gundams get extra add on equipment. I really liked the banter that the 2 younger female members of the Ptolemaios have about the clothes they bought, in this episode. Despite Patrick Corlasawar being the comedy relief in this series, I liked hwo he made an ass of himself being an ace, to the other people in this episode, by gloating about himself.

Vicserr

11-12-2007, 06:51 PM

But that doesn't mean I have to sympatise with them, standard japanese introverted kid and outgoing blonde bimbo, what are these harem anime fodder characters doing in a mecha show? :sigh:

The hell does that have to do with my post?

I was replying to Lego, yours was left there because of the correction.

Also, I really wish you'd stop whining so much about things like this. It gets really obnoxious, because you act like its some horrible travesty against you personally, and you simply can't understand how ANYONE could like that sort of thing.

I know that whomever doesn't see it your way is a "whinner" -I don't see where- and I'm not going there, so drop it. I'm just stating that of this moment in the series I don't see the use for those 2 characters, if the writing team can make them endearing in the course of the series, that would be good.

HitokiriShadow

11-12-2007, 06:53 PM

On an entirely different note, Sumeragi's cleavage was badly drawn in the latter half of the episode. :P

Yeah, that looked bad and it really stood out. I hope that gets redrawn for the DVD release.

But the rest of the episode was great and added some nice new little twists (like "Sumeragi" knowing Billy). It looks like the Gundams will finally start facing a decent amount of resistance, at least from select ace pilots with premium gear. I hope it doesn't take too much longer for the various alliances to start getting technology that will make their standard suits provide a decent challenge though.

And Felt and the other girl finally got a decent amount of screentime. <3 Felt

HitokiriShadow

11-12-2007, 06:56 PM

I'm just stating that of this moment in the series I don't see the use for those 2 characters, if the writing team can make them endearing in the course of the series, that would be good.

I'm guessing they are going to play a role in Setsuna's character development and helping him regaining some of his humanity (because right now, that boy just ain't right). Also, the boy's sister being a reporter will undoubtedly play a role. I believe Louise is supposed to be rich, so she may be from a well-connected family that could play a role later as well. Or at least her money and being upper class will probably play some role.

Fencedude

11-12-2007, 06:57 PM

I know that whomever doesn't sees it your way is a "whinner" -I don't see where- and I'm not going there, so drop it. I'm just stating that of this moment in the series I don't see the use for those 2 characters, if the writing team can make them endearing in the course of the series, that would be good.

This isn't just about this specific issue. This is about your pattern of whining about too much stuff like this in your precious mecha shows. Don't even try to deny it, it happens all the time.

Anyway, as for Saji and Louise, you are giving the show a pass to explain other stuff that is still in the background, so why are they all of a sudden a tremendous problem?

something

11-12-2007, 07:40 PM

Episode 6:

- Moralia? Where was Moralia? Well, looks like the AEU is moving...
- Felt! Felt is taaaalking! FELLLLLLLT!!
- Allelujah has been in solitary for a week? Harsh. And god damn Tieria is a dick. A dick who forever and ever makes me laugh.
- Marina makes the diplomatic rounds, but nobody has time for an inexperienced princess from a small, unimportant country. Aww.
- Felt is talking more! Mmmm yeah baby, talk to me~ seduce me with statistics, unf unf unf. Seems like they won't give an exact location for "Moralia" but it's on the Mediterranean coast of France of Spain.
- Oh god, Patrick fails so hard. XD
- Liu Mi! Liu Mi! Yet another outfit. Keep em coming~ All she's really done so far is pop in for 30 seconds at a time and comment on upcoming missions, but I love her anyway.
- Muahaha, Felt is so cute. "But, the data analysis..." XD
- Setsuna gets some new swords. So Exia's codename was Seven Swords? He's got a way to go then. But man he's so... so dead. Except when he's freaking out :sd:
- Sumeragi knows Billy? Oh man that's going to get... complicated. Very... complicated. But it looks like she can get some interesting information out of him.
- Poor Felt just wants to sleep. XD I think I need much more of her and Christina together.
- And with this mercenary Ali al-Serges, the AEU gets another rival pilot to match Acre and Col. Scar. I mean sure they have Patrick but he's just a joke so far. And of course they've got a souped up prototype just waiting for him as well =P
- The girls meet with Liu Mi! Sumeragi is... boobtasticalicious. And I just missed two lines of text because of a shot just now... ::jumps back and reads them::
- Hooooly crap. God I love Lockon. He just knocks enemy mobile suits down like they're toys. And Angry Emo in her Lard Ass go for extreme overkill as usual. And yes, Patrick is a joke indeed, he gets shot down as soon as he enters the fight XD
- Also, I think Sumeragi's cleavage gets more prominent ever scene.
- And now Setsuna has to fight against... his old guerilla leader? Or rival, I'm not sure.

Heh heh heh, they said the word 'zetsubou' while Tieria was on screen XD I swear they did that on purpose. They MUST have. It's too perfect.

Anyway, good episode. So far, Gundam is taking the two most important things and focusing on them: 1) HOT CHICKS and 2) well animated battles. Keep it up!

Fencedude

11-12-2007, 07:53 PM

I realized in this episode that before now we had no idea what Felt and Christina's personalities were.

Felt amuses me greatly, and the two together make a good pair. Needs more of them having off time together.

HitokiriShadow

11-12-2007, 08:11 PM

- Felt! Felt is taaaalking! FELLLLLLLT!!
- Felt is talking more! Mmmm yeah baby, talk to me~ seduce me with statistics, unf unf unf.
- Muahaha, Felt is so cute. "But, the data analysis..." XD
- Poor Felt just wants to sleep. XD I think I need much more of her and Christina together.

Liu Mi is great from the little bit we see of her, but Felt has become my favorite of the G00 girls thus far. I want an OVA of just Felt and Christina goofing around on a day off. <3 Felt

- Also, I think Sumeragi's cleavage gets more prominent ever scene.

I think her bust increased three or four cup sizes in the latter half of the episode.

- And now Setsuna has to fight against... his old guerilla leader? Or rival, I'm not sure.

It looks more like his old leader or comrade to me, but its hard to tell with the quarter second flashabacks they used.

Lego

11-12-2007, 08:16 PM

It looks more like his old leader or comrade to me, but its hard to tell with the quarter second flashabacks they used.

Yep, a lot of people are comparing it to FMP(myself included) where it's the old "older mentor who fought with young, naturally skilled warrior is now an enemy or rival" deal. I assume we'll get a exposition episode for both of them later on. Its a way to add development to someone who really has no family and backstory outside of what we saw in episode one.

Ingraman

11-12-2007, 10:45 PM

On an entirely different note, Sumeragi's cleavage was badly drawn in the latter half of the episode. :P

Very much so... She was showing a bit too much, and it wasn't drawn well. I ended up thinking "Get those off the screen!" I don't think that that was the intended reaction.

Lego

11-17-2007, 11:42 AM

Setsuna gets a tiny bit of background as they show him as a kid. He ends up shooting a woman who calls him "Sora". All the Gundams get some time during the fight and a hint of tension between the Gundam pilots. Sumeragi gets some nice shots in this episode with her in a bathrobe/nightgown sitting on the balcony with alcohol in front of her. Christina and Felt are sleeping(that'll make "certain people" happy :grin:). I'm more excited with the fact that Marina made a quick appearance and shes in the next episode preview :beat:

Lego

11-17-2007, 05:49 PM

Fencedude

11-17-2007, 06:19 PM

Bahahaha...wow.

Tieria's a jackass.

Vicserr

11-18-2007, 09:16 PM

Good episode, here's my highlights.

* Well, it seems that Ali trained Setsuna and the kids of the villages to become soldiers in the country's Holy Jihad (and apparetly killing their parents as a test or something) so we understand clearly while Setsuna wants to clean Ali's Clock.

* The Gundams just totally overwhelmed Moralia's and the AEU military force in just over 5 hours, even with complications, this is the power of the Gundams, but it opens the door to a AEU takeover of Moralia.

* So the GN particle generators are some sort of solar power reactors... interesting.

* Seems that somebody is baiting CB with the terrorist attacks and Setsuna is more than ready to take the bait, but will the rest of the Gundam Meisters follow suit?

Can't wait for next week. :notworthy:

something

11-19-2007, 07:48 PM

Episode 7:

- Oh those Kurds. ...Setsuna is a Kurd? And he followed a crazy jihadist who told him and others like him to kill their parents[?] and become holy warriors? HELLO EMOTIONAL BAGGAGE!
- Heh, the best part of Setsuna vs Ali was when Ali knocks two of Setsuna's swords away, and Setsuna pulls out yet another. "How many does he have?" And oh boy, Setsuna opens the cockpit in the middle of a fight to challenge Ali. Tieria is sooooooo fucking not going to approve. He's in despair! His incompetent colleagues have left him in despair! ZETSUBOU MEISTER!
- Yeah, Tieria really does not approve at all. He's going to be one of the most interesting characters in this show because you know he's driven by some fiery lunatic motivations under that smoldering exterior.
- Cleavage-tan asks Lui Mi if she knows how many people died in this mission. Liu Mi doesn't seem overly concerned. That's what happens, right?
- SLEEPING FELT! So news reports start to hit on the number of civilian casualties suffered in the Moralia incident. Celestial Being really needs to do a better job on the PR front. But I guess they're looking at this long term.
- Heh. Lockon punches Setsuna. Tieria pulls a gun on Setsuna. Setsuna returns the favor. Haro bounces in saying 'Everyone, let's get along!" Then rolls into the water :sd:

Awwwwwww yeah. The shit hits the fan. The whole bus bomb scene was done incredibly well. It perfectly captured the sense of shock and horror such an event creates, because we're watching Louise and Saji walk around the middle of Tokyo, of all places, when BAM. Man. If they didn't tip up off somewhat with the message Sumeragi got ahead of time it would have been even better.

Celestial Being vs terrorists? They don't seem like an organization well suited to that sort of action. At least not against terrorists as we think of them today. I suppose this will be a bit more organized though (and backed by one of the three major governments at that) and thus have more concrete targets for the Gundams to hit.

something

11-19-2007, 07:50 PM

Wow, hopefully the last episode doesn't end with a cliffhanger..
A flyer distributed to Japanese bookstores has announced the publication of the Mobile Suit Gundam 00 Official File periodical and the decision to start the broadcast of the second season of Mobile Suit Gundam 00 in October of 2008. The animation company Sunrise and the broadcast network TBS/MBS had previously announced that the current first season of the robot war anime series will consist of 25 episodes, and that the second season will air after a brief hiatus.
Oh, great. I was hoping it would run in one chunk. I resigned myself to the fact that it would likely get licensed before it ended, but now it's practically guaranteed. It'll be Geass all over again. -_- I knew I never should have started watching, but oh well, I considered this possibility when I made my choice. Still sucks, though.

Fencedude

11-19-2007, 07:54 PM

Oh, great. I was hoping it would run in one chunk. I resigned myself to the fact that it would likely get licensed before it ended, but now it's practically guaranteed. It'll be Geass all over again. -_- I knew I never should have started watching, but oh well, I considered this possibility when I made my choice. Still sucks, though.

Considering that its almsot definitely going to be Code Geass that takes its place after part 1, I'm not too upset.

something

11-19-2007, 08:04 PM

Considering that its almsot definitely going to be Code Geass that takes its place after part 1, I'm not too upset.
I don't have a problem with it running in two chunks, for the most part. It hopefully makes them less likely to burn out and get sloppy later on. But the wait sucks a lot, and while no license is ever guaranteed, I can't fathom this going the next... year and a half without getting announced by Bandai. Course, Geass running in Spring doesn't do me any good either so I can't rely on that =P

(yeah I know, blah blah who cares, blah blah, watch it anyway, blah blah etc)

Fencedude

11-19-2007, 08:06 PM

(yeah I know, blah blah who cares, blah blah, watch it anyway, blah blah etc)

Exactly.

HitokiriShadow

11-19-2007, 09:28 PM

-Celestial Being really needs to do a better job on the PR front. But I guess they're looking at this long term.

I think, in the long term, they don't need people to like them. I'm curious what their real objective is because I don't believe they are so insane as to really think they can end wars. At least I hope they aren't. As someone aptly notes in this episode, they seem to be rushing to self destruction and they seem to be asking for it.
If they didn't tip up off somewhat with the message Sumeragi got ahead of time it would have been even better.

Between that and placing it so prominently in the camera, it was pretty obvious what was going to happen. But thanks to the message, I knew what was coming as soon as the bus drove by Louise and Saji.

In other news, Tiere is a dick, but he's still a step up from Douchebag Ali (for now).

Also, Sumeragi really should get a medical checkup immediately, because it can't be healthy for one's breasts to constantly be changing size and shape.