Return to the Cosmic Era -- Gundam SEED Destiny Talkback (SPOILERS)

[GWOtaku]

DISCLAIMER: This topic will contain numerous spoilers for Mobile Suit Gundam SEED. If you are following the series on Cartoon Network and don’t want everything ruined for you, turn back. Thanks. :)

Note from William C. Maune: This thread can now be accessed from either the Toonami Forum or the Anime Forum. The thread is mirrored on the Anime Forum and clicking on the thread their will take you to the thread on the Toonami Forum. Think of it as a fancy redirect that let's you know when the thread has been posted in, etc. Now back to the rest of GWOtaku's post...

It’s finally that time: Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny is about to begin airing in Japan October 9th. The old 18-page "first pics" topic served us well, but with the show now finally beginning its time for a fresh start. Hence this thread, a talkback for the show as it airs over the next year, as well as information, rumors, speculation, or news related to it.

While nearly everyone who'll be posting here knows the drill, I'd like to make a couple comments/requests at the outset:

If one way or another you get your hands on certain information and you know that something is going to happen later on in the show, please use spoiler boxes if you mention it so the rest of us that want to be surprised will be. Obviously this thread will end up full of speculation, I just don’t want the fun of it ruined by a “oh I know what’s about to happen and here’s what it is” post. Also, I know we know this but lets be careful to abide by the guidelines and keep the mods happy by not discussing or asking about “locating” the show, even remotely. Google is your friend. So is private messaging. It’d cool for this thread to happen without a mod needing to stop in telling us to watch it. Thanks everyone. :D

To celeberate the start of this I took a little time and used some screenshots & scans to make some Destiny-related avatars. I'm pretty happy with how most of them turned out, so I'll share them all with you here. Feel free to use them as you wish. I may make more/better avatars as the series goes on.

Ed note: Avatars now hosted somewhere that doesn't suck. If you wish to use one, please download it and then upload it from your computer--no direct linking. Thanks!

Earth Alliance: Owl Nida, Sting Oakley, Stellar Loussier x3
http://www.streamload.com/zero99/aeul.jpg http://www.streamload.com/zero99/stingoakley.jpg http://www.streamload.com/zero99/stellar.jpg http://www.streamload.com/zero99/stellar2.jpg http://www.streamload.com/zero99/stellar3.jpg

Orb/Gundam SEED Heroes: Athrun x2, Cagalli, Lacus, Kira, Mirallia
http://www.streamload.com/zero99/athrun.jpg http://www.streamload.com/zero99/athrun2.jpg http://www.streamload.com/zero99/cagalli.jpg http://www.streamload.com/zero99/lacus.jpg http://www.streamload.com/zero99/Kira.jpg http://www.streamload.com/zero99/Mirallia.jpg

ZAFT: Gilbert Durandal, Shin Asuka, Lunamaria Hawke, Meyrin Hawke, Ray Za Burrel
http://www.streamload.com/zero99/gilbert.jpg http://www.streamload.com/zero99/shin.jpg http://www.streamload.com/zero99/lunamaria.jpg http://www.streamload.com/zero99/meyrinhawke.jpg http://www.streamload.com/zero99/ray.jpg

Mecha: Impulse Gundam, Abyss Gundam, Chaos Gundam, Gaia Gundam, Zaku Warrior, Zaku Phantom
http://www.streamload.com/zero99/impulse.jpg http://www.streamload.com/zero99/abyss.jpg http://www.streamload.com/zero99/chaos.jpg http://www.streamload.com/zero99/gaia.jpg http://www.streamload.com/zero99/zakuwarrior.jpg http://www.streamload.com/zero99/zakuphantom.jpg

Enjoy. Now, lets talk Gundam...

[HellCat]

It’s finally that time: Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny is about to begin airing in Japan October 9th. The old 18-page "first pics" topic served us well, but with the show now finally beginning its time for a fresh start. Hence this thread, a talkback for the show as it airs over the next year, as well as information, rumors, speculation, or news related to it.



Oh, so THAT's how it is, eh? The thread was just there for you to use and then throw away. Well let me tell you something, mister- we don't need you either!!

;)

[GWOtaku]

Haha. :)

Nice Mirallia avatar, by the way...you trying to prove she's a "psycho hottie" too or something? :anime:

[HellCat]

Haha. :)

Nice Mirallia avatar, by the way...you trying to prove she's a "psycho hottie" too or something? :anime:
Alas for Miriallia, the underappreciated SEED female...Yep, I'm doing my part as probably the only Miri fanboy to show support. I'm still behind Operation Zeta (see my sig) but I was getting tired of seeing Emma above all my posts.

[Lord Dalek]

Tommorow night huh? This is gonna be exciting. BTW- You might wanna load those pics into another host, GWO.

[GWOtaku]

Avatars fixed.

I can't wait either--incredibly, I've actually managed to not read the spoilers for the first episode. So I'll be going into this not knowing much of anything aside from the stuff I read on Gunota.

[ohmrbill]

If you don't mind me saying, this should probably be in the anime forum. Most of the people who are watching Gundam SEED for the first time probably don't want such a spoiler-ish topic dancing in their face every time they come here. :sweat:

Not trying to play mini-mod here, just making a small recommendation.

EDIT: Yeah, I'm aware that the other SEED Destiny thread has been here since the beginning, but a full-blown talkback thread to a sequel that's, at the very soonest, a year away from coming to the states is a bit different.

[GWOtaku]

While it doesn't really matter to me where the thread is, I posted the topic here for certain reasons:

1. If Cartoon Network acquires this show, it will most likely go on Toonami
2. When Gundam SEED changes timeslots it won't be Toonami anymore, meaning the talkback for it will probably end up at the anime forum. Meaning people won't be coming to the Toonami board to follow the show. Also, if this goes on the anime board then that's two Gundam SEED talkbacks going on at once on a single forum.
3. SD Gundam season 2 was/is fair game

Of course, if mods opt to move it then that's fine.

[Duke]

I personally don't mind if it's going to the Anime or Toonami forum.

BTW, I decided to use your Gaia Gundam Avatar since it's better than mine.

[Andrew T. Hingson]

Alas for Miriallia, the underappreciated SEED female...Yep, I'm doing my part as probably the only Miri fanboy to show support. I'm still behind Operation Zeta (see my sig) but I was getting tired of seeing Emma above all my posts.
Miri's probably my favorite Gundam girl... or tied with Rain.

Well given that this may never air on CN... Maybe I'll check it out or at least make sure I have it for when I have seen the rest of SEED.

[HellCat]

The first OP- http://age3.tubo.80.kg/age02/img001/4755.mpg (Courtesy of the SEED LJ community)

[EnAll]

The first OP- http://age3.tubo.80.kg/age02/img001/4755.mpg (Courtesy of the SEED LJ community)
Murre and Andy...who knew

[HellCat]

Just finished watching the OP. Very nice. I sense an amount of homage in it. Minerva's MS flying away from it in formation is like the Zeta OPs and Shin jumping in the Core Splendor and giving the thumbs up is like Amuro jumping in his Core Fighter in the MSG OP. One thing that kind of suprised me was how everyone seemed to be smiling.
I doubt the shot of Freedom and Impulse dueling means we'll see it in the show. I'm guessing it's a metaphor for some connection between Kira and Shin.

[shadowstrain]

Wow, what a flashy opening, it barely gave you a chance to breathe. Every space in Destiny appears to adopt a more 'open' feel. No more claustriphobic air lingering on the bridge of the Minerva, nor in its hangers. Really, an overall more welcome atmosphere.

At this point, if they want to expose all of these characters, I doubt we'll see very much developement in their personallities (aside from Shin).

Episode Previews up on the MBS site...
http://mbs.jp/gundamseed-d/index2.html



Looks like someone made use of the Mirage Colliod. :eek: :cool:

[Duke]

Just watched the intro.

Dunno if I like this more than "Invoke" just yet. Then again, I didn't like Invoke when I first heard it...

As for the footage...couldn't they do something better and NOT just copy the original SEED's format? Sheesh.

[GWOtaku]

I can't find the OP; has it been taken down?

[Duke]

I think the bandwith is overloaded. I'm sure Tyler will have it up sometime.

[Lord Dalek]

It appears that in the two year gap between this and SEED, Rau Le Creuset finally found enough money to buy a real mask! :eek:

[Keiichi]

Drat I should have checked the toonami board. But I think this is better suited for the anime board. Haveing talkbacks for 2 seperate series on the same board may confuse some fans and they may come in this thread or a future one by mistake and read somthing they might regret. But thanks for the new AVA GWO. ;)

[Lord Dalek]

The first OP- http://age3.tubo.80.kg/age02/img001/4755.mpg (Courtesy of the SEED LJ community)I can't find it. Does anyone know where to look?

[Keiichi]

The official Web (http://mbs.jp/gundamseed-d/index2.html) has the opening and ending up for viewing.

[Lord Dalek]

Well I finally watched the raw of the episode so I can give my report.

Pre-title teaser - OMGFLASHBACK! The federation's invasion of Aube is presented again but this time through the eyes of Shin Asuka. And boy isn't that a way to warp a fragile mind! I wonder if one of the upcoming plot lines will be Shin hungry for revenge against Kira?

Credits- Wow it's another homage. They've kept some of the old elements IE: Gundam with big gun against moon background, naked Kira and Lacus embrassing, etc., But they've changed some elements too. Ignited is also a much better song, not quite as good as Realize but better than Invoke.

A part- Why do I get a "Endless Waltz" kinda vibe from this? Cagalli is visiting ZAFT HQ along with Quat- er... Athrun. That new ZAFT guy, Durandal, creeps me out. He seems to know alot about Cagalli (ie: stock footage). Hero or villain? Meanwhile, who are these three suspicious looking kids and why does Shin Asuka have a pentient for bumping into people in the wrong way?

B part- Where have we seen THIS before? The Federation tries to pull a Heliopoilis on ZAFT by stealing three of THEIR Gundams (hmmm... very creative guys). Cagalli and Athrun dodge certain death by commandering a Zaku (inner fanboy: There is a god!) and trying to turn the tables. Suddenly Cavalry arives in the form of Shin and Impulse. Impulse Gundam apparantly runs on the same design philosophy as the Double Zeta and Victory Gundams.

Credits- Jeez all they needed to bring back Anno Ni Issho Datta No Ni and I wouldn't be able to tell the difference. Done in the style of the original titles except with the new cast.

Next Week: Rau's back. Well sorta.

[HellCat]

Just watched the intro.

Dunno if I like this more than "Invoke" just yet. Then again, I didn't like Invoke when I first heard it...

As for the footage...couldn't they do something better and NOT just copy the original SEED's format? Sheesh.
I like it better than Invoke. The timeing of the animation to music is great (rapidly cycling shots of the Minerva crew and ending it with Core Splendor launching, etc) and the song is better (Invoke just seemed to be all over the place).
For those wanting to see the OP and ED-

http://side7.gundam.com/rgz/gunota/jpf.jpg DESTINY OP, ED, & screencaps
Ranobe has copies of the opening (http://www.ranobe.com/up2/updata/up10455.zip.html) (13.7 MB zipped .mpg) and ending (http://www.ranobe.com/up2/updata/up10456.zip.html) (14.1 MB zipped .mpg) for people who want to see them.

Screencaps of the episode can be seen at:
Log Gate (http://loggate.main.jp/)
Hiro's Homepage R2 (http://mhiro2000.hp.infoseek.co.jp/)
Useless Gunota's Notebook (http://damegano.web.infoseek.co.jp/index.html)
Futatsu No Hashi (http://rumbling-angel.hp.infoseek.co.jp/#gumdam%20seed%20destiny%201)
Ukyon HP (http://cistra.fc2web.com/)

[GWOtaku]

I'm going to wait on episode commentary until I can understand what's being said, but there's quite a bit to say about the opening. My analysis:

1. Gilbert Durnadal, Ray Za Burrel, and Neo Roanoke in one shot? I'm not sure what Neo is doing being grouped with two ZAFT people. Perhaps there is/will be a grudge between Ray and Neo? Note how Ray seems to be looking back, as if toward him.

2. Read into this what you will (I know I am!): In the shot of Cagalli, that's not a M1 Astray to her right--its the Strike Rouge. Perhaps a reappearence is in the future? If so, that raises the question of who will pilot it. Perhaps Cagalli will use it again; it'd also be a fitting mech for Kira Yamato to use. Or perhaps someone else will use it. Of course, perhaps its just a teaser, but I'd like to think they bothered putting it there for a reason.

3. Shot of the Minerva crew--Gilbert Durandal is on the bridge. I get the feeling he'll be a common character, taking on a far more active role in the show than Patrick Zala or Siegel Cline in Gundam SEED.

4. Yzak and Dearka! Yzak looks great in that white uniform; he does it more justice than Rau Le Creuset ever did. Looks like they both have custom Zakus, although Yzak's Zaku Phantom strikes me as much nicer. That these two were placed in the same sequence as Athrun and the Earth Alliance pilots gives me hope that we'll see quite a bit of them. I do wonder what's become of the Buster and Blitz Gundams. They survived the final battle in Gundam SEED, and should be alive and kicking somewhere. Perhaps Yzak and Dearka will inherit upgraded versions? *crosses fingers* That would be something...

5. Possible romantic foreboding: Shin & Stellar naked shot, very similar to Kira & Lacus embracing in Gundam SEED's opening. I find the possibility interesting; Kira and Lacus were never at odds, whereas at the outset of Destiny at least Shin and Stellar are enemies. It'll be interesting to see how things develop, and whether they do so as they did in Gundam SEED.

6. Okay, that shot with Athrun, Lacus, Lunamaria, and Cagalli is awesome and possibly my favorite part of the OP. Yes, the background has been used before, and its none the worse for being used again. Note Lunamaria and Cagalli holding guns. Now Lunamaria I'd expect, but to have Cagalli like that along with the Strike Rouge cameo makes me question my prediction that Cagalli would be playing the role of a diplomat and leader only. We may yet see her in action again.

And...is that Justice in the background? If so, that's got to be a teaser.

7. Shot with Murrue Ramius and Andy Bartfeld. Notice the ship in the background--I'm certain that's the Archangel. Also notice what Murrue is wearing; in Gundam SEED certain people in Orb wore outfits just like that. This tells me that Murrue and Andy are now both with Orb, and the Archangel could well be part of its defenses--albeit not necessarily with the same crew. Miriallia, we've seen, has moved on.

8. A new Kira/Lacus shot like the Shin/Stellar one, with the two of them standing with each other. To me, this suggests that they are currently together--they're side by side in the closing as well. As for where they are and what they're currently doing, who knows. Note how Freedom is in the background, just as in Gundam SEED's 3rd and 4th OP. And then...

9. ...we have this shot of Kira and Shin fighting each other--very interesting. To have the Freedom Gundam appear yet again fighting Impulse adds even more spice. I can't write it off as a teaser as easily as I did with Justice's cameo. It appears twice in this OP, and while Athrun self-destructed the Justice Gundam Freedom was severely battered and damaged, but not destroyed. Thoretically it could have been/will be repaired, or rebuilt with the new power system instead of now-outlawed nuclear power. We'll see. But even if Freedom's appearence is metaphorical, this shot tells me that Kira will in fact return and possibly be a rival for Shin at some point, for one reason or another. Look at it again, have we seen that scene before? Yes, with Mu La Fraga fighting Rau Le Creuset. The similarity strikes me as more than coincidence.

10. And finally, we have Lunamaria, Athrun, Shin, and Ray all together. Interesting that this is the case; perhaps Athrun will be working with the others in an effort to reclaim the stolen Gundams? Perhaps the reasoning is that if the Gundams are reclaimed, it will prevent greater outcry from ZAFT and offer an opportunity to calm things down? I don't know. But it looks like the Minerva will have quite the "Gundam Team." Two Gundams, Impulse and Savior, and the Zakus piloted by Lunamaria and Ray against three Gundams: Abyss, Chaos, and Gaia. Of course Neo Roanoke will surely get invovled, and Yzak and Dearka are out there as possible allies for the ZAFT side. Seems pretty even to me, much more so then the Strike-against-everyone-else scenario in Gundam SEED. Their confrontations will probably be much more entertaining to boot.

One final note: On the commercial bumpers, with Lacus throwing the Haro to another person, that is without a doubt Kira Yamato there and not Shin. His clothes are similar if not identical to what he's wearing in the opening, his face is different from Shin's, and his hair his brown whereas Shin's is not. In light of this fact, I'd say ideas put forth about a ShinxLacus relationship in the old thread are pretty much shot.

[NickWhiz1]

That, my friend, is the Strike Rougew/IWSP standing behind Cagalli. I will be a VERY happy fanboy if she's mastered that, because IWSP > j00 :)

And yes, that is Justice behind the group shot of Athrun/Cagalli/Lacus/Lunamaria.

I haven't actually watched the episode yet, but I've seen the OP and ED. My comments:

OP: I still love ignited, ignoring the fact I've watched First Attack like 50 times :sad: That is a REALLY fast sequence of shots, even moreso than in the SEED opening. I'm thinking ShinxStellar = KamillexFour, which is bad news for Gaia Gundam's pilot :(

ED: I think it works. I like how they kept the thing where they start the ED song before the episode actually ends. Reason is a pretty nice song. I can't wait to hear the full version.

[HellCat]

I'm going to wait on episode commentary until I can understand what's being said, but there's quite a bit to say about the opening. My analysis:

1. Gilbert Durnadal, Ray Za Burrel, and Neo Roanoke in one shot? I'm not sure what Neo is doing being grouped with two ZAFT people. Perhaps there is/will be a grudge between Ray and Neo? Note how Ray seems to be looking back, as if toward him.

2. Read into this what you will (I know I am!): In the shot of Cagalli, that's not a M1 Astray to her right--its the Strike Rouge. Perhaps a reappearence is in the future? If so, that raises the question of who will pilot it. Perhaps Cagalli will use it again; it'd also be a fitting mech for Kira Yamato to use. Or perhaps someone else will use it. Of course, perhaps its just a teaser, but I'd like to think they bothered putting it there for a reason.

3. Shot of the Minerva crew--Gilbert Durandal is on the bridge. I get the feeling he'll be a common character, taking on a far more active role in the show than Patrick Zala or Siegel Cline in Gundam SEED.

4. Yzak and Dearka! Yzak looks great in that white uniform; he does it more justice than Rau Le Creuset ever did. Looks like they both have custom Zakus, although Yzak's Zaku Phantom strikes me as much nicer. That these two were placed in the same sequence as Athrun and the Earth Alliance pilots gives me hope that we'll see quite a bit of them. I do wonder what's become of the Buster and Blitz Gundams. They survived the final battle in Gundam SEED, and should be alive and kicking somewhere. Perhaps Yzak and Dearka will inherit upgraded versions? *crosses fingers* That would be something...

5. Possible romantic foreboding: Shin & Stellar naked shot, very similar to Kira & Lacus embracing in Gundam SEED's opening. I find the possibility interesting; Kira and Lacus were never at odds, whereas at the outset of Destiny at least Shin and Stellar are enemies. It'll be interesting to see how things develop, and whether they do so as they did in Gundam SEED.

6. Okay, that shot with Athrun, Lacus, Lunamaria, and Cagalli is awesome and possibly my favorite part of the OP. Yes, the background has been used before, and its none the worse for being used again. Note Lunamaria and Cagalli holding guns. Now Lunamaria I'd expect, but to have Cagalli like that along with the Strike Rouge cameo makes me question my prediction that Cagalli would be playing the role of a diplomat and leader only. We may yet see her in action again.

And...is that Justice in the background? If so, that's got to be a teaser.

7. Shot with Murrue Ramius and Andy Bartfeld. Notice the ship in the background--I'm certain that's the Archangel. Also notice what Murrue is wearing; in Gundam SEED certain people in Orb wore outfits just like that. This tells me that Murrue and Andy are now both with Orb, and the Archangel could well be part of its defenses--albeit not necessarily with the same crew. Miriallia, we've seen, has moved on.

8. A new Kira/Lacus shot like the Shin/Stellar one, with the two of them standing with each other. To me, this suggests that they are currently together--they're side by side in the closing as well. As for where they are and what they're currently doing, who knows. Note how Freedom is in the background, just as in Gundam SEED's 3rd and 4th OP. And then...

9. ...we have this shot of Kira and Shin fighting each other--very interesting. To have the Freedom Gundam appear yet again fighting Impulse adds even more spice. I can't write it off as a teaser as easily as I did with Justice's cameo. It appears twice in this OP, and while Athrun self-destructed the Justice Gundam Freedom was severely battered and damaged, but not destroyed. Thoretically it could have been/will be repaired, or rebuilt with the new power system instead of now-outlawed nuclear power. We'll see. But even if Freedom's appearence is metaphorical, this shot tells me that Kira will in fact return and possibly be a rival for Shin at some point, for one reason or another. Look at it again, have we seen that scene before? Yes, with Mu La Fraga fighting Rau Le Creuset. The similarity strikes me as more than coincidence.

10. And finally, we have Lunamaria, Athrun, Shin, and Ray all together. Interesting that this is the case; perhaps Athrun will be working with the others in an effort to reclaim the stolen Gundams? Perhaps the reasoning is that if the Gundams are reclaimed, it will prevent greater outcry from ZAFT and offer an opportunity to calm things down? I don't know. But it looks like the Minerva will have quite the "Gundam Team." Two Gundams, Impulse and Savior, and the Zakus piloted by Lunamaria and Ray against three Gundams: Abyss, Chaos, and Gaia. Of course Neo Roanoke will surely get invovled, and Yzak and Dearka are out there as possible allies for the ZAFT side. Seems pretty even to me, much more so then the Strike-against-everyone-else scenario in Gundam SEED. Their confrontations will probably be much more entertaining to boot.

One final note: On the commercial bumpers, with Lacus throwing the Haro to another person, that is without a doubt Kira Yamato there and not Shin. His clothes are similar if not identical to what he's wearing in the opening, his face is different from Shin's, and his hair his brown whereas Shin's is not. In light of this fact, I'd say ideas put forth about a ShinxLacus relationship in the old thread are pretty much shot.
2. A friend pointed out it has the special configuration from SEED-MSV which combines elements of the 3 Striker Packs. Since it's been said SEED MSV MS will appear and with a newly released MG of the design, maybe she'll briefly return to the pilot seat.

9. Perhaps Kira redesigned Freedom to operate within non-N-Jammer Canceller standards (stuff like scrapping certain weapons).

[shadowstrain]

Well, the art looks nothing short of superb, especially the transparant effect on Athrun's shades. I wonder if the EA pilots actually picked the Gundams they wanted. :rolleyes: ...

"Hey Owl, that one's got a lot of blue, it really matches your style."
"Okay Stellar, but you should definately take the black one. The bits of yellow really don't go with Sting's hair color."



I guess Gaia will receive the most of the praise (aside from Impulse) in the next episode. And I can't wait to see Yzak and his Zaku in action.

[EnAll]

Op.

1. Caglli found the IWSP
2. Like I said Andy and Murre
3. Yzak looks better in his new uniform.. it goes with his hair:sweat:
4. .... I have to see it again:sweat:

ED.

Kira and Lacus in wedding clothes, if this dosen't say something, nothing makes sense

[GWOtaku]

Somehow I feel like I should know this, but what does IWSP stand for?


posted by HellCat:

9. Perhaps Kira redesigned Freedom to operate within non-N-Jammer Canceller standards (stuff like scrapping certain weapons).
That's certainly possible; he definitely has the skills for doing that. Hope that's the case; Freedom appealed to me a lot and it'd be great to see it back in action.

By the way, be hopeful for Miriallia's reappearence. Looking over the ED they've got her right there; they wouldn't have her in both the OP and ED if she's never going to show up. :)

[Lord Dalek]

From what the OP insinuates, Mirialla is now in the Kai Shiden roll.

[NickWhiz1]

Somehow I feel like I should know this, but what does IWSP stand for?

Integrated Weapons Striker Pack

http://www.mahq.net/mecha/gundam/seed-msv/mbf-02+p202qx.htm

[Keiichi]

I really wish they'd went with a new character designer for Destiny. I've seen people on other boards mistaking Shin for Athrun and Kira. Anyway I enjoyed the first ep alot more than Seeds. Also it looks like Steller is going to be the Four of the series.

[GWOtaku]

While one can critique SEED's character design (while I agree the faces tend to be uniform, I think its fine overall), I honestly don't know how people confuse Shin with anyone. There are things about him that are obviously different from Kira, from his facial structure to even his eyes and hair (how do you confuse brown hair with purpleish hair?). As for Stellar and Four, I don't know enough about Four's character to make a proper comparison. But similar personalites don't necessarily guarantee a similar fate. I will say that based on initial impressions, Stellar could be a very interesting character.

Kickass avatar Luffy. :D

[Lord Dalek]

While one can critique SEED's character design (while I agree the faces tend to be uniform, I think its fine overall), I honestly don't know how people confuse Shin with anyone. There are things about him that are obviously different from Kira, from his facial structure to even his eyes and hair (how do you confuse brown hair with purpleish hair?).Agreed, the only character on Destiny who could be confused with annother is Meyrin Hawke and only because she's a dead ringer for Flay.

[NickWhiz1]

Agreed, the only character on Destiny who could be confused with annother is Meyrin Hawke and only because she's a dead ringer for Flay.
I don't know, it STILL looks like Kira + black hair = Shin. But that's just me.

[Keiichi]

While one can critique SEED's character design (while I agree the faces tend to be uniform, I think its fine overall), I honestly don't know how people confuse Shin with anyone. There are things about him that are obviously different from Kira, from his facial structure to even his eyes and hair (how do you confuse brown hair with purpleish hair?). As for Stellar and Four, I don't know enough about Four's character to make a proper comparison. But similar personalites don't necessarily guarantee a similar fate. I will say that based on initial impressions, Stellar could be a very interesting character.

Kickass avatar Luffy.
Well if you just glance at them they really do look alike. Also Kira and Shin have similar hair stlyes. And thanks for the compliment and for the avatar again. :p

[NickWhiz1]

Just got done watching Episode 1.

What do I have to say?

...

:eek: :eek: :eek:

This is shaping up to be MUCH better than SEED. A good balance of action, plot exposition, and (some) character development. Hopefully they'll abandon the "fight, character development, fight, character development" pattern that was so PAINFULLY obvious in the first half of SEED.

Just 6 1/2 days until Episode 2 :)

[FlyByNite77]

Wow, the Strike Rouge IWSP looks cool. Those two guns over the top of it remind me of the Double-X Gundam...Does it get a little microwave from the Moon too? :D


I liked the first ep, it seems to be a bit more violent then Seed. Shin's sisters hand just laying there after she was blown away? Lot's of gore.

Stellar is sooo hawt...Stellar is sooo cwaaaaazy... Whoo Psycho Hottie Stellar! :)

She's already got Fllay beat in that she actually has skillz.

BTW if you really wanna confuse yourself with Character designs watch Gundam Seed, then Destiny then Soukyuu no Fafner ;) Same character designer, pretty much same look.

[kaine23]

love the OP. :)

[HellCat]

Hopefully I'll be able to see episode one sometime this week. In the worst case scenario, I'll keep up via screencaps and such (though I hope that won't have to be the case).
For now, my thoughts on the ED- I think the preview of 'Reason' on Sony's site was badly picked. It started halfway through the song which doesn't give a fair impression of it. Seeing it how it was meant to be, I now feel that it does work well as an ED. Anyone got any idea why we see Lacus twice?

[FlyByNite77]

Hopefully I'll be able to see episode one sometime this week. In the worst case scenario, I'll keep up via screencaps and such (though I hope that won't have to be the case).
For now, my thoughts on the ED- I think the preview of 'Reason' on Sony's site was badly picked. It started halfway through the song which doesn't give a fair impression of it. Seeing it how it was meant to be, I now feel that it does work well as an ED. Anyone got any idea why we see Lacus twice?Because the truth behind the Haro's is that each one has a clone-embryo of Lacus inside them and between the end of Gundam Seed and the beginning of Destiny they hatched and super-accelerated aged 16 years.

Now there's an army of lacii

[RedTail]

Because the truth behind the Haro's is that each one has a clone-embryo of Lacus inside them and between the end of Gundam Seed and the beginning of Destiny they hatched and super-accelerated aged 16 years.

No wonder they're so annoying. They're just begging someone to kill 'em.

[GWOtaku]

posted by HellCat:

Anyone got any idea why we see Lacus twice?
I'm not sure if there's a real reason for it. The best I can do is that they wanted Lacus lined up along with everyone else, but they wanted to put emphasis on Kira and Lacus side by side--they're the last people we see and also closest to the screen. They could've just had Kira off by himself, but Kira and Lacus being together seems to be a fact they want to clearly imply. Together in the OP, prominenly together in the ED, and even the commercial bumpers are dedicated to them. Quite a lot of attention for characters that weren't there at the start. But I think we can derive that them and their relationship will be important.

[HellCat]

Ya know, from the little bit I've heard of Ikeda as Gilbert I'm really wishing I could hear his performance as Commander Sazabi. The guy's voice just oozes charisma.

[Riza Hawkeye]

Alright having now seen the first episode I have some comments:

1) The death of Shin's family was brutal. Shin sees his sister's hand goes to help her, only to find that it was only her hand. I can see Shin having hatred towards the Earth Alliance and Freedom. Just look at the anger in his eyes as he watches the gundams fighting.

2) I was surprised to see Dearka and Yzak in the opening.

3) Something is going to develop between Shin and Stellar, if SEED's opening is any indication of what we can expect after watching Destiny's opening, the similarities between them and Kira and Lacus from SEED can't be ignored.

4) Impluse vs Freedom (Shin vs Kira), a preview of things to come?

5) Shin and Stellar's first meeting was interesting. Smart place to hold a girl, Shin :rolleyes: Anyway, Stellar seemed to know who Shin was, but he had no idea who she was.

6) Stellar, Sting, and Auel seemed to have far more advanced appilities than an average natural. They were able to handle the Zaft soliders with ease and they had no trouble operating the gundams. Stellar reminded me a lot of Kira the way she was typing away at the keyboard ;)

7) The combination sequence of Impluse cool, it seemed more difficult than anything Kira had to do, but maybe not.

I do have one question could anyone tell who was sitting with Yzak and Dearka at the end of the ending animation? It looked a little like Athrun, but I couldn't tell for sure.

[Rurouni Kenshin]

This should really be on the anime forum, no there is almost no way this show will make to CN after Seed.

[Pepperidge]

OK, based on the portrayal of violence in the first episode and SEED's success in the US so far, there's just no way that this show is coming to Toonami. Trying to edit it would just be an enormous waste of everyone's time. Not to say it was all THAT excessive or anything, but I seriously doubt that it's going to get any tamer.

That being said, the first episode was quite fantastic. If they can keep this quality and pacing up for the entire series, Fukuda and the gang may very well have ironed out the problems with SEED.

And about the two Lacii... note that in the OP, Lacus appears twice, but is wearing a different hairpin each time.

HMMM...

[GWOtaku]

posted by Riza Hawkeye:

I do have one question could anyone tell who was sitting with Yzak and Dearka at the end of the ending animation? It looked a little like Athrun, but I couldn't tell for sure.
I was wondering that too; evidently its a girl named Shiho from MSV (some say she briefly appeared in a scene or two in SEED; I don't know about that). You can see a picture of her here (http://www.gundam-seed.net/msv/pilot/zaft.html); she's the second one down. According to what other people are saying, she was under Yzak's command in Gundam Seed during the final battle. There's much speculation declaring her Yzak's fiancee or sister depending on where you look, but I don't think we know officially. Whatever the relationship, it explains why she'd be there next to Yzak and Dearka.

[HellCat]

I was wondering that too; evidently its a girl named Shiho from MSV (some say she briefly appeared in a scene or two in SEED; I don't know about that). You can see a picture of her here (http://www.gundam-seed.net/msv/pilot/zaft.html); she's the second one down. According to what other people are saying, she was under Yzak's command in Gundam Seed during the final battle. There's much speculation declaring her Yzak's fiancee or sister depending on where you look, but I don't think we know officially. Whatever the relationship, it explains why she'd be there next to Yzak and Dearka.
She also appears in Club SEED (a parody/advertising comic with the SEED characters in SD style. Similar to Tokita's 4 panel SD stuff).

[Zapages]

All I can say is wow... What a great episode. I definately think this is going to go to Adult Swim when it comes here.... It looks like Zeta of Gundam Seed right now in a way(darker plot)...

[William C. Maune]

I haven't seen the episode, but I do have a question. Would this episode make sense to folks who haven't seen some, or any, of Gundam SEED?

Also, if the majority of folks would rather have this in the Anime Forum, I'll move it over there. That being said, I'm probably not going to count your view on this, unless you are actually in this thread to discuss the episodes.

[GWOtaku]

posted by William C. Maune:

I haven't seen the episode, but I do have a question. Would this episode make sense to folks who haven't seen some, or any, of Gundam SEED? Yes. Flashbacks are made to certain scenes from Gundam SEED, & the show seems to be providing adequate information as to what happened before the start.


Also, if the majority of folks would rather have this in the Anime Forum, I'll move it over there. That being said, I'm probably not going to count your view on this, unless you are actually in this thread to discuss the episodes. I just skimmed the thread & I count three people who think it should be moved--i.e. not a majority of people. Do as you like, though--as I said it doesn't really matter to me. I will say that nothing has happened yet so far that would disqualify it from Toonami--there's no lack of violence, but to me it doesn't go any further than Gundam SEED did.

[Keiichi]

Yeah I don't see how this is any worse that Seed so far. I mean they could just show Shins parents and sister being killed and his reaction and still get the point across with out showing their mangled bodies.

[Pepperidge]

Yeah, but there's just no way that the EA raid into the storage facility can be edited apporpriately for Toonami. And I certainly wouldn't assume that the shots of Shin's family is going to be the extent of the violence for the entire series.

Gundam SEED was never this violent for the entire first half of the series. I don't forsee this show ever working on Toonami, and I also agree that this should be moved to the Anime Forum.

[InfinityBlade]

Awesome episode. And, so I don't repeat what's already been said, here's a bit of speculation...

I'm not sure whether or not anything may have been indicated about this in pre-show information, and I don't think I remember it being mentioned in this thread, but... Is anyone else thinking that Auel, Sting, and Stellar may be the next generation of the druggie Earth Alliance pilots from SEED?

Visually, they have the same disregard for a dress code that the stoner trio had. It's hard to deny that, at least in their clothes, Auel & Sting look sort of similar to Calamity, Raider, and Forbidden's pilots. And Stellar's uniform sure as hell doesn't look regulation.

Then, of course, there's their seemingly Coordinator-level abilities, both in fighting and their ability to crack the Gundams' OS in such a short time. So unless they ARE Coordinators, there HAS to be something up there.

So, what I'm thinking is that the drugs that Shani & company were on may have been refined and modified over time. Granting Naturals these abilities, but while still retaining the pilots individuality without comprimising their sanity quite as much as the EA trio from the last series.

Of course, note that I say not QUITE as much, as it's VERY obvious that Stellar's a tad unbalanced. Sting & Auel seem relatively normal, but we've only seen a little bit of everyone thus far... so who knows what they have in store.

But, like I said, just a bit of speculation. :p

[Riza Hawkeye]

I was wondering that too; evidently its a girl named Shiho from MSV (some say she briefly appeared in a scene or two in SEED; I don't know about that). You can see a picture of her here (http://www.gundam-seed.net/msv/pilot/zaft.html); she's the second one down. According to what other people are saying, she was under Yzak's command in Gundam Seed during the final battle. There's much speculation declaring her Yzak's fiancee or sister depending on where you look, but I don't think we know officially. Whatever the relationship, it explains why she'd be there next to Yzak and Dearka. Thank you. I rewatched it and took a closer look at the person and realized the person was wearing a skirt. I was so focused on recoginizing the face that I didn't even pay attention that the person in question was a girl. I think I have to rewatch so episodes in SEED to see if I can spot her, because honestly I don't remember her at all.

Edit: About whether this should be in the anime forum or Toonami, I think it would be best suited to be in the anime forum. Even though it's likely to air on Toonami when it is licensed in the US, that doesn't mean it should go in the Toonami forum by default because of that.

[GWOtaku]

posted by Peppridge:

Gundam SEED was never this violent for the entire first half of the series. I don't forsee this show ever working on Toonami, and I also agree that this should be moved to the Anime Forum. Ah, but the second half is a different creature. You evidently haven't seen it yet and I won't spoil it for you, but trust me: there are scenes much more gruesome then this episode's shooting spree. In fact I question whether some of them could even survive at the 1 AM slot.

As for editng, just remove the blood & some of Stellar's knifing and you're set for the hijack scene--Gundam SEED's episode 1 had a shootout (though Destiny's is far more kickass, I gotta say); that's how Rusty got killed. The opening scene with Shin's family dying isn't difficult; show the missiles & explosions but censor the corpses.

Destiny may well turn out more brutal than Gundam SEED, I'll give you that. but episode 1 didn't cross the line in terms of how far Gundam SEED went.

[Pepperidge]

Ah, but the second half is a different creature. You evidently haven't seen it yet and I won't spoil it for you, but trust me: there are scenes much more gruesome then this episode's shooting spree.

Now why would you be making that assumption?

What I meant to imply was that if we're getting this kind of violence right off the bat, it's unlikely that the show's going to get any less graphic later on.

[shadowstrain]

I'm not sure whether or not anything may have been indicated about this in pre-show information, and I don't think I remember it being mentioned in this thread, but... Is anyone else thinking that Auel, Sting, and Stellar may be the next generation of the druggie Earth Alliance pilots from SEED?

Then, of course, there's their seemingly Coordinator-level abilities, both in fighting and their ability to crack the Gundams' OS in such a short time. So unless they ARE Coordinators, there HAS to be something up there.

So, what I'm thinking is that the drugs that Shani & company were on may have been refined and modified over time. Granting Naturals these abilities, but while still retaining the pilots individuality without comprimising their sanity quite as much as the EA trio from the last series.

Of course, note that I say not QUITE as much, as it's VERY obvious that Stellar's a tad unbalanced. Sting & Auel seem relatively normal, but we've only seen a little bit of everyone thus far... so who knows what they have in store.
You definitely contain a lead there.

They could serve as more abominable druggies, or they might hold a higher purpose. Maybe they play parts in some type of cyber-newtype experiment, which leads me to Stellar's supposed off balanced personallity. Like others said already, she may find her refrence to Zeta's Four Murasame. She could also be Destiny's version of Rosamia Badam, and at this point, I lean further to her.

BTW, to anyone who saw the episode, how did you like the musical score? All I heard so far only counts for the preview music, which probably received some alterations from a major theme in the show (judging from a SEED standpoint).

[Keiichi]

The BGM is as good as Seeds even some old pieces are being used again.

[FlyByNite77]

I hope this never airs on Toonami because you'd never see this...

http://img41.exs.cx/img41/574/Sdestiny15b.jpg

Psycho hottie indeed.

[HellCat]

Awesome episode. And, so I don't repeat what's already been said, here's a bit of speculation...

I'm not sure whether or not anything may have been indicated about this in pre-show information, and I don't think I remember it being mentioned in this thread, but... Is anyone else thinking that Auel, Sting, and Stellar may be the next generation of the druggie Earth Alliance pilots from SEED?

Visually, they have the same disregard for a dress code that the stoner trio had. It's hard to deny that, at least in their clothes, Auel & Sting look sort of similar to Calamity, Raider, and Forbidden's pilots. And Stellar's uniform sure as hell doesn't look regulation.

Then, of course, there's their seemingly Coordinator-level abilities, both in fighting and their ability to crack the Gundams' OS in such a short time. So unless they ARE Coordinators, there HAS to be something up there.

So, what I'm thinking is that the drugs that Shani & company were on may have been refined and modified over time. Granting Naturals these abilities, but while still retaining the pilots individuality without comprimising their sanity quite as much as the EA trio from the last series.

Of course, note that I say not QUITE as much, as it's VERY obvious that Stellar's a tad unbalanced. Sting & Auel seem relatively normal, but we've only seen a little bit of everyone thus far... so who knows what they have in store.

But, like I said, just a bit of speculation. :p
You're correct. Stellar's VA confirmed it at the premiere of episode 1 in Japan.

[shadowstrain]

You're correct. Stellar's VA confirmed it at the premiere of episode 1 in Japan.
The fact that someone, a voice actor to boast, would even spoil such a detail leads me to believe it won't play much signifigance in the plot. I really hope we see mentally confused/unstable characters (like those in Zeta) by the end of this series.

[prophet]

I've saw the raw on Saturday and just finished watching the subbed version.
I thought this was a good start...a smooth transition from Seed. I liked it better then the 1st ep of Seed.

- Looks like Chairman Gilbert's main concern is the Blue Cosmos. He suggested that no amount of treaties have any effect on them.

- Cagalli is knowned as the 'Princess of Orb'. She hates being called Princess. She even tells Gilbert to stop calling her that. Call her Representative Athha. Athrun makes a big deal about Cagalli's clothing.

- Zaft is preparing for the ceremonial launching of the Minerva. Minerva is to orbit the moon. Oh oh, the Earth Alliance wouldn't like that.

- Gilbert stresses the building up of Zaft's military may look like they're gonna start a war, but it's because of one distressing thing.:confused:

- After the three Gundams are stolen, Sting, Auel and Stellar goes out to destroy the base; so is keep the other Mobile Suits from attacking. Athrun and Cagalli are SHOCKED to see Gundams. Were Gundams Banned by treaties? or are they some kind of taboo?

[FlyByNite77]

- After the three Gundams are stolen, Sting, Auel and Stellar goes out to destroy the base; so is keep the other Mobile Suits from attacking. Athrun and Cagalli are SHOCKED to see Gundams. Were Gundams Banned by treaties? or are they some kind of taboo?Isn't it required that characters be shocked at the appearance of new Gundams in any Gundam show? :D

[NickWhiz1]

I think Stellar has stolen the psycho hottie title from Flay, because Stellar actually DOES stuff other than be a plot device.

Here's hoping Episode 2 (and 3, and 4, and the rest of the series) are just as good as Episode 1 (or better), because if they are, Fukuda and co. may just redeem themselves after SEED.

Oh, and prediction: Athrun/Cagalli will yell "It's a Gundam!" in the first episode of the Destiny dub.

[shadowstrain]

Oh, and prediction: Athrun/Cagalli will yell "It's a Gundam!" in the first episode of the Destiny dub.
"It's a Gundam!" as in Wing's coined phrase, or just "It's a Gundam!" with only a little sense of surprise and excitement?

[NickWhiz1]

Probably the second one.

Also, if anyone's interested, here (http://members.accesstoledo.com/nickwhiz1/wallpaper.jpg)'s a wallpaper with 16 pictures from the OP (1280 x 960). They are, in order from left to right, top to bottom:

1. Impulse/logo
2. Kira, Athrun, and Shin
3. Durandal, Rey, and Neo (or Team Naraku, based off of a GameFAQs joke)
4. Cagalli (Strike Rouge w/IWSP)
5. Rey and Lunamaria saluting
6. Sting (Chaos Gundam)
7. Stellar (Gaia Gundam)
8. Auel (Abyss Gundam)
9. Lunamaria (Gunner Zaku Warrior)
10. Rey (Blaze Zaku Phantom)
11. Yzak (Slash Zaku Phantom)
12. Dearka (Gunner Zaku Warrior)
13. Athrun (Saviour Gundam)
14. Athrun, Lacus, Lunamaria, and Cagalli
15. Murrue and Andy (Archangel)
16. Group shot at the end (Lunamaria, Athrun, Shin, Rey)

Yeah, I know, it's not the best selection of shots, but it's still OK looking.

[William C. Maune]

I hope this never airs on Toonami because you'd never see this...

Considering what has happened so far, if it doesn't air on Toonami then it isn't going to air anywhere. (Although I'm still surprised that TechTV didn't pick up Zeta).

[NickWhiz1]

Considering what has happened so far, if it doesn't air on Toonami then it isn't going to air anywhere. (Although I'm still surprised that TechTV didn't pick up Zeta).
If Destiny pulls a Zeta, we won't see a R1 DVD release until 2010 =_=

[William C. Maune]

Here goes somethin'. Using a new forum hack the good folks who run Toon Zone have implemented, I'm going to attempt to mirror this thread on the Anime Forum.

Anime Forum Mods: If you don't like this, please feel free to remove the redirect.

[Beat]

Considering what has happened so far, if it doesn't air on Toonami then it isn't going to air anywhere. (Although I'm still surprised that TechTV didn't pick up Zeta).
They probably did, but won't annouce it until the weekend before it airs. I mean, up till last week, who knew they had Gungrave?

[NickWhiz1]

Woo, forum hax0r! If this mirroring thing works, maybe it'll be the solution to where to put the 1:00 A.M. SEED talkbacks :p

[William C. Maune]

maybe it'll be the solution to where to put the 1:00 A.M. SEED talkbacks :p

Perhaps, and it is being discussed. Personnally though, for me it still comes down to the fact that we know where the episodes are airing stateside and we know that it isn't Toonami. (Unless that hour suddenly becomes Toonami. Hey, I can hope).

[shadowstrain]

Here goes somethin'. Using a new forum hack the good folks who run Toon Zone have implemented, I'm going to attempt to mirror this thread on the Anime Forum.

Whatever, I guess it'll bring more to the frame. I still do see the huge fuss on this thread's placement. Gundam always aired on Toonami, so this forum would serve as the most logical place for it to remain.

[Lord Dalek]

Gundam always aired on ToonamiNot true.

[Riza Hawkeye]

Whatever, I guess it'll bring more to the frame. I still do see the huge fuss on this thread's placement. Gundam always aired on Toonami, so this forum would serve as the most logical place for it to remain. Actually I think this is the perfect solution. Gundam discussions should not be exclusively held in the Toonami forum, even if the likelyhood is high that Destiny will air on Toonami if it airs on television, it is not a Toonami program yet. Therefore, I think this is best solution of where to hold the Destiny discussion. And Gundam doesn't always air on Toonami *coughGundam0083cough* *coughMSGcough*

[shadowstrain]

And Gundam doesn't always air on Toonami *coughGundam0083cough* *coughMSGcough*
Okay, okay, maybe I forgot a few. But from a general standpoint, Gundam usually comes exclusive to Toonami, with the blunt of the currently dubbed series airing on it. Maybe not 0083 and CCA, but the rest saw their dawn in the Toonami hours.

[William C. Maune]

Gundam always aired on Toonami

All Gundam series that have aired on television have been intended for Toonami although Gundam 0083 ended up airing only on Adult Swim. Mobile Suit Gundam and Gundam 0080 also aired on Adult Swim in addition to Toonami. The movie Char's Counterattack only aired on Adult Swim.

As for this thread, I think it fits in either forum. Thus, I just left it up to whoever posted the thread. Hopefully mirroring the thread in the Anime Forum placates to an extent those who wanted it over there.

If the majority (of those actually discussing Destiny) do want the thread over there I can still move the thread and mirror it over here (essentially the reverse of how it is now).

[Beat]

The odds of Zeta airing on TV are...slim. Although it would probably annoy a lot of Zeta fans if it DID air on TechTV and they only announced it a week before.

As for SEED Destiny, like Zeta, it seems to want to use the precceding series as scenery, and tell it's own tale. This is good, because it means people who haven't watched SEED can watch Destiny, even if they're a bit clueless about certain refrences.

[Riza Hawkeye]

Before watching Destiny I would suggest that you watch SEED first, but it doesn't seem to be a nessecity. In order to have the best possible understanding of Destiny, watching SEED prior to it would be advised however.

[shadowstrain]

After watching the first episode, I can safely conclude that the series broke ground for a road of success. Music-Great, Characters-No one too annoying so far, Mobile Suits-slightly above average, but Chaos looked a little out of place, as does Abyss. I love the new Zakus, with their classic design, and the axe popping out of the shield-nice. Gilbert Durandel puzzles me. I remember reading that he held high respect for Cylne's political stances, but he always to leaned more towards pacificism. Gilbert couldn't stop correcting Cagalli that military advancement and proliferation were necessary, even in times of relative peace. And his confident smile...

Although I'm glad Athrun and Cagalli jumped into the Zaku, they'd probably end up safer just running away, not sticking out as another target for the Gundams to destroy.

[GWOtaku]

Speaking of music, got some lyrics to go with the OP & ED now

Opening Translation: "Invoke"

When those soft fingers reach in the end
Only now, only you, won't that be all you believe in?
Everyone is breaking down, searching too long for a wish
You're looking for a place where you can land
Wounded, unable to stop shaking
If these murmuring feelings are indeed our reality...

Unable to move from this broken world
Our solitary wings overlapped,
We've not yet encountered the light,
Only the glare this age gives off
I don't fear the power to change
In the deep pulsation that lies ahead
Painted in these exchanged flames
Carry out your destiny

Closing Translation: "Reason"

Even if our words cross, we don't understand each other
We still didn't know, did we?
I just wanted to hold you, and as you lost your dream
You said "Don't give up"

As far apart as we are
I feel as if you're close
Even this loneliness will become strength
when I think of you
Piercing my pained heart
are the fragments of your dream
We met as we were, and in that miracle
I'll believe once more

[Lord Dalek]

In case you didn't know, the first sub is out so I can now do my "in-depth analysis".

Phase-01: Angry Eyes begins with a replay of GS Phase-38: Fires of Determination, including some the prerecquisite Gundam Seed stock footage. We are introduced to Shin Asuka and the rest of his family as they dodge gunfire from the Freedom and Calamity Gundams. In the confusion Shin's sister drops her cellphone. Rather than waste time, Shin goes to get it only to blown away by an explosion. He recovers only to find his family blown to bits. Overcome by grief and rage, Shin looks to the skies and sees the shapes of his family's murderers (ie: Crot Bruer, Shani Andras, Orga Sabnak, and... Kira Yamato)

CUE TITLES.

Flash forward a few months to the final battle at Jachin Due. Earth and ZAFT finally declare an agreement of peace. At Oaeru, Cagalli Yulla Athha, now heir to the throne of Orb, and her bodyguard, Quathra Zajeena (aka Athrun Zala) arrive to hold talks with new ZAFT Commander Gilbert Dillandau (winner of the CE 73 Char Aznable impression contest :p ) . For some reason (which will become clear as the series progresses), Orb needs millitary asistance. ZAFT, and Dillandau, are very obliged to accept. Cagali, sticking to her usual tactics, smells a rat. At that point, our three main Alliance pilots steal the Gundams and start blowing stuff up.

By now you can easily decern the plot from the raw. Lots of explosions, lots of questions being asked about who's piloting Gaia, Chaos, and Abyss etc. Oh and Shin shows up in Impulse. Great stuff. 10/10

[kaine23]

Druggie trio...??

[Jarmyn]

I like it very much, but than again I like all Gundam shows.

[Lord Dalek]

Druggie trio...??Crot, Shani, and Orga. They were three naturals that had to take drugs in order to bump their skills to coordinator levels.

[Timmay]

You'd never see the nipple grabbage either... "you just copped a feel didnt you"

[Deadly Messiah]

NOW THIS IS WHAT GUNDAM IS ABOUT! THIS IS WHAT THE FIRST SEED SERIES SHOULD HAVE BEEN!!

Sorry, couldn't help myself there. :p

[DemonicLlama]

I liked the first episode of destiny. Its definitely better than Seeds' first episode

[Deadly Messiah]

I liked the first episode of destiny. Its definitely better than Seeds' first episode
It was better than all 25 eps to have aired on CN so far combined.

[NickWhiz1]

Rumor for Episodes 5-6:
A terrorist group will attempt to drop the remains of Junius-7 onto Earth.

This early in the series? Fukuda's either a complete genius or a dead man. We'll see.

[Lord Dalek]

Rumor for Episodes 5-6:
A terrorist group will attempt to drop the remains of Junius-7 onto Earth.

This early in the series? Fukuda's either a complete genius or a dead man. We'll see.I'm not surprised considering...

Junius-7 is in the background of the closing titles

[Juu-kuchi]

I should at least chime in my two cents of the first episode of Destiny.

I liked it, I liked it a lot. Although it is a Gundamjack like the first episode of SEED, and Shin is not really present a lot (maybe they wanted to focus on the current situation), it seems to have the focus present in the last half of SEED. I've always considered SEED to be a series that lacked focus most of the time. The first half was pretty much a mirror to the original Gundam with a few interesting bits inbetween. It was not until the second half that the production crew was more focused and confident in what they were doing.

Although the second half was better, it lacked the necessary character and plot development that the series so needed. I blame it on the lack of focus on the first half since the crew felt the need to parralel the One Year War right down to the desert arc. But now Fukuda seems focused, but wants to outdo the original series in all aspects. By the looks of hte first episode, he does not want to meander around like SEED's first few episodes, he wants to get into the action to move the story and characters (and sell more model kits). If he can keep this pace up and provide character and plot development that we need, then Destiny will be the product SEED should have been.

I hope it's more than what SEED was. I really do. Hopefully the first episode was an indicator of what is to come.

[Keiichi]

Agreed. Fukuda and his team seem to be in the comfort zone they entered during the second half of Seed which really brought the series back to life. I have high hopes for this series lets hope it dose'nt disapoint.

[GWOtaku]

Destiny kicks off with stunning success--whoa.

From Gunota:


The debut episode of Gundam SEED DESTINY got an 8.2 rating, making it the 5th (or 6th; the Anime 7 block is actually two shows rated together) most watched anime in Japan on TV. This is a higher rating than any episode of the original SEED got during its run on the air. In fact, it is a higher rating than any first-run episode of Gundam has received at least since ZZ. The rest of the top 10 for the week of October 4th through 10th:
1) Sazae-san - 20.4%
2) Chibi Maruko-chan - 14.4%
3) Detective Conan Aki No Honkaku Mystery Special - 14.3%
4) Anime 7 (One Piece and Kochikame) - 10.8%
5) Mobile Suit Gundam SEED DESTINY - 8.2%
6) Konjiki No Gash Bell! - 7.3%
7) Futari Wa Precure - 7.2%
8) NHK Anime Playhouse: Agatha Christie's Great Detectives Poirot & Marple - 6.6%
9) Channel Alpha Dragonball (DB reruns on Fuji TV) - 6.5%
10) Prince Of Tennis Special - 6.1% ¶ 8:52 AM (http://aeug.blogspot.com/2004_10_01_aeug_archive.html#109768422571498992)
(http://aeug.blogspot.com/url)

[FlyByNite77]

If that rumor About Junius-7 is true where would they be dropping it? We've seen a colony dropped on the Earth HQ before, but my guess is that they might drop the colony on Orb as punishment for Orb supposedly helping Zaft as Cagalli was talking to Gilbert about it in the 1st episode. I wonder if that might wake up Kira and have him come back... God, imagine if Cagalli is in Orb and a colony is dropped onto her? :eek:

[NickWhiz1]

If that rumor About Junius-7 is true where would they be dropping it? We've seen a colony dropped on the Earth HQ before, but my guess is that they might drop the colony on Orb as punishment for Orb supposedly helping Zaft as Cagalli was talking to Gilbert about it in the 1st episode. I wonder if that might wake up Kira and have him come back... God, imagine if Cagalli is in Orb and a colony is dropped onto her? :eek:
Warning: Spoilers for the first series are included as well.

Presumably, Athrun and Cagalli are with the crew of the Minerva when it goes to investigate Junius-7.

As for who, where, and why, some conspiracy theories:

*(Blue Cosmos) Orb is a very likely target. Anyone that sides with the Coordinators is seen as an enemy, and from Episode 1, it appears they are allies in military manufacturing. Cagalli is there to try to put an end to that. Plus, Orb threw them a sucker-punch during the war by self-destructing the Kaguya mass driver. Of course, with Blue Cosmos, they could attack ANYWHERE and use it as propaganda. Because the Minerva will be in the vicinity, Blue Cosmos could claim that ZAFT/PLANT was responsible for the drop, and is trying to incite war yet again. Of course, this would have the side effect of infuriating Coordinators because, well, this is Junius-7 we're talking about. It's symbolic as PLANT's greatest tragedy and a memorial to the first war. If PLANT is convinced that ZAFT was responsible, it could cause a major break-up in the country's government and military, putting them in perfect position to be wiped out once and for all.

*(Coordinator equivalent of BC) Well, they can't exactly attack Alaska or Panama, seeing as 1) Alaska got CYCLOPS'D and 2) They control Panama. Orb is once again a possibility, as they may think ZAFT's alliance with them is traitorous to the Coordinator race as a whole. Yes, there's Orb's indifferent stance on the Natural/Coordinator topic, but the Atlantic Federation is putting heavy pressure on them, and that may be swaying things (even if Ms. Stubborn herself is in charge). The Atlantic Federation capital of Washington, D.C. is also a possibility, because the Atlantic Federation may still be in cahoots with Blue Cosmos, and we saw what lengths they went to LAST time (during the Battle of Jachin Due/GENESIS).

*(ZAFT) Conspiracy theories were brewing before the series even began about Gilbert, Rey, and Neo. I'll leave it at that.

*(No one) Maybe, somehow, it just broke free of orbit and dropped onto the plant naturally. This is highly unlikely, seeing as how stuff normally doesn't just drop out of orbit like that, plus they've already stated that terrorists are responsible.

*(Fukuda) He and his crew will just half-ass the whole scenario, kind of like most of SEED.

[MeggieMay]

You do realize that dropping anything the size of Junius-7's remains on to Earth is apt cause all sorts of problems for everyone on all sides? The damage is going to be wide spread, unless it's aimed just right it's going to hit a lot of different places. Heck, even if it is aimed correctly it probably will cause collatoral damage someplace. Also, Junius-7 was nuked - radioactivity anyone? :sweat: :sweat:

Think Skylab and Australia. Think Shuttle Columbia and the debris field that streached from the Pacific Ocean into Louisana [just be glad that happened over the Western U.S., where it's underpopulated - people are going to be finding pieces of Columbia for years to come :rolleyes: :( ]. That's one h*ll of a lot landmass and ocean to get smeared across, for those who don't realize it and the Shuttle Columbia wasn't even that large compared to a PLANT. Now think of a PLANT and how big those things seem to be. Even if Blue Cosmos does it right, it's going to hit more than Orb (probably a good bet it's Orb, though seeing there's a lot of ocean around it and Blue Cosmos probably isn't thinking about making any mistakes). More likely somethings going to go wrong, however (way to many things can), and it's going to end up scattered all over several continents and most every goverment involved in the SEED universes politcial landscape :eek:

Personally this sounds like a great plot twist, though :anime:.

Oh one other thing -



*(No one) Maybe, somehow, it just broke free of orbit and dropped onto the plant naturally. This is highly unlikely, seeing as how stuff normally doesn't just drop out of orbit like that, plus they've already stated that terrorists are responsible.Actually, things come down naturally all the time. The skys are full of space junk that mostly burns up. However, there are cases when things that are suppose to burn up don't - such as a Russian satellite that's nuclear reactor landed in far northern Canada a few years back and before that the ever notable Skylab parts landing in Australia. With that latter, the U.S. govemrent never dreamed it would end up there, let along major chunks would make it through and land in peoples backyards :p.

So in reality both the remains of Junius-7 and Heliopolis should someday re-enter earth atmosphere and break up, unless someone gets rid of the remains of both PLANTs or someone keeps them up in there orbits. Which IMO seems to be what the Coordinators are doing - keeping Junius-7 in place as a memorial.

This all makes sense, though just how it's going to play out is going to be half the fun :D .

[NickWhiz1]

OK, yeah, I guess stuff does drop out of orbit randomly from time to time, so that's always possible. However, they've said that terrorists are supposedly responsible, so we'll just drop that debate for now :sweat:

Assuming the chunk of Junius-7 remaining is the entire bottom of one of the disks (which it appears to be), that's 10 kilometers in diameter (roughly 6 miles). Damn, you're right, that would cause quite a bit of damage. Along those lines...

There's a rumor that Episode 6 will be called 'Seki no Owaru Toki' ('The World's Final Hour'). If that's true...:eek:


Episode 2 should be interesting to watch. I want to see the Gardi Ruu in action. A ship w/Mirage Colloid should be fun, even if it is violating the Treaty of Junius :evil:

[EnAll]

OK, yeah, I guess stuff does drop out of orbit randomly from time to time, so that's always possible. However, they've said that terrorists are supposedly responsible, so we'll just drop that debate for now :sweat:

Assuming the chunk of Junius-7 remaining is the entire bottom of one of the disks (which it appears to be), that's 10 kilometers in diameter (roughly 6 miles). Damn, you're right, that would cause quite a bit of damage. Along those lines...

There's a rumor that Episode 6 will be called 'Seki no Owaru Toki' ('The World's Final Hour'). If that's true...:eek:


Episode 2 should be interesting to watch. I want to see the Gardi Ruu in action. A ship w/Mirage Colloid should be fun, even if it is violating the Treaty of Junius :evil:
So.. which side's breaking the rules

[shadowstrain]

Episode 2 should be interesting to watch. I want to see the Gardi Ruu in action. A ship w/Mirage Colloid should be fun, even if it is violating the Treaty of Junius :evil:Not to mention the conclusion of this series's "Gundam-jack". But yeah, I can't wait to see this cloaked ship, along with Neo Roanoke. And did you actually expect either side to follow the treaty?:D

A sight of curiosity, from the scenes of the opening, Athrun looks like he will enter as a member of the Minerva, but what will this make of his relationship with Cagalli? If she remains a diplomatic figure, how will the two ever touch base in person?

[NickWhiz1]

I believe someone said that the only thing treaties are good for in Gundam is to wipe your ass with them. With the EA employing Mirage Colloid, it's only a matter of time before we see Destiny Gundam with a Neutron Jammer Canceler. Who knows, maybe the Gardi Ruu will have an NJC as well? :D

I don't see Athrun/Cagalli getting broken up that easily, unless the rumors about the fake Lacus are true. Plus, some people have speculated that their relationship doesn't seem to be as intimate as it was in the waning moments of SEED (see: Episodes 48-50). Fukuda would be a moron to break them up, though, as the popular opinion is that A/C is one of the few things that the SEED writers truly got right. Besides, how sweet would it be to see the Saviour Gundam and Strike Rouge w/IWSP fighting side-by-side? :D :D :D

[Timmay]

They had plenty(1 possibly 2?) of Kira/Cagalli OPs in SEED but we all know where that went. it's too early for speculation, calm thyselves.

[NickWhiz1]

They had plenty(1 possibly 2?) of Kira/Cagalli OPs in SEED but we all know where that went. it's too early for speculation, calm thyselves.
But as you'll remember, Kira/Lacus and Athrun/Cagalli were in ALL 4 OPs, and you know how that ended up. On the flip side, Kira/Cagalli was in OPs 2, 3 and 4. However, 3 and 4 are more like Kira/Cagalli and Athrun/Cagalli combo scenes (you know, the one where she switches outfits magically), so, well, yeah. That proved absolutely nothing.

*sulks away*

[Will Sturnick]

I don't see Athrun/Cagalli getting broken up that easily, unless the rumors about the fake Lacus are true.
If it is then that would explain why that person is in the ED twice.

[EnAll]

So.. Which Mobile Suit does Yzak pilot?:sweat:

[HellCat]

So.. Which Mobile Suit does Yzak pilot?:sweat:
Going by the OP, he has a custom Slash Zaku Phantom.

Update on me and episode 1- by latest I should be able to comment fully by tomorrow. I've had a bit of a struggle tracking down the ep (Mods, I shall say no more)

[Juu-kuchi]

Time to talk about Episode 2. It's raw btw.

Some really intense action sequences in this episode. The three EA pilots are more coordinated and work better as a team than Orga, Crot, and Shani in the last series. Zakus are able to stand equal ground with those Gundams and for the most part, it was great. Lots of non Gundam MS get blown up by the way. The Gardi Ruu finally makes an appearance and their new Dagger suits cripple a portion of the Zaft fleet and a Guncannon/GM hybrid takes on Ginns and Cgues. At least they are fighting on equal ground this series instead of the last.

Then there's the intro to Neo Roanoke. There's still some possibility that he may be Mu, but if this is Mu he must put up a very very clever ruse. He has a smugness similar to Rau Le Creuset and was quite ruthless eliminating most of the Zaft vessels. Also if this is Mu, he must be sharpening up on his Mobius Zero skills. He launches in his Mobile Armor during this episode and manages to take out a number of Zaft MS with relative ease. It also so happens that Rey has a newtype flash, so that scene with him and Rey floating in the OP seems to make more sense now than ever.

Stellar has a mental problem, and Auel pretty much digs it up during the course of battle to get her to stop and retreat. What suffering she had done to have her tweek out like that will probably be revealed later, but for right now, we see she's terribly imbalanced.

I still wish they'd develop the new characters a bit more, but it is somewhat hard at this point since they're so embroiled in battle. I pray for a character development episode along the way to give more of a personality for Shin, Rey, and Lunamaria. Hopefully there's a lot of Lunamaria, since I'd like to learn more about her, as well as Shin's personality OFF the battlefield.

There'll also be a lot more tension with Athrun on the ship. Cagalli accidentally slips out his name and Lunamaria seems to recognize it. If she does remember, it is going to be hard for Athrun since he'll be the odd man out as the defector among patriots.

Let's see how Shin will stand against Roanoke next episode and what interesting things are in store for the Minerva from there.

[Lord Dalek]

Who wants to bet that Neo Roanoke is Mu La Flaga in disguise?

[GWOtaku]

Fantastic episode, great action throughout. One scene that really had me going was when Athrun's Zaku bails out Impulse and charges Abyss, knocking it way back and screwing up its shot. Wasting no time his Zaku turns and chuck's its axe at Gaia, which deflects it with its shield. Aeul has Abyss sit up and fires a chest beam; Athrun blocks with the shield, but both shield and arm are vaporized and the Zaku is sent crashing into a building (ouch). Athrun recovers, at which point Cagalli falls into his arms and the "oh ****" moment of the episode for me happens: Athrun says her name, then his eyes bug out--he moves his hand from the back of Cagalli's head, and there's BLOOD all over it. That had me freaked out, although we later see that she's all right.

The first episode of Destiny went by with an engaging, fast pace. We hoped for more of the same and got it with episode two, which mostly continued the action that began before. Already though we've taken to space and have met most of the characters; Gundam SEED took much longer to do this by contrast. I'm also pleased that while they drew a parallel back to the destruction at Heliopolis via Athrun's flashback, they didn't pull a repeat of that scenario. A good sign that they don't intend to rehash what's already happened.

I think we have a better handle on the EA pilots now. Sting is the guy who tries to stay in control, Stellar is an enigma of emotions and clearly has some sort of psychological weakness or problem that Auel heartlessy used to coax her into doing what she needed to. Then there's Auel, who I judge as a manipulative jackass due to that event.

Shin is clearly a very competant pilot, but he seems outmatched so far. The Impulse's advanced capabilites enabled him to survive against the EA pilots, but he never really had an advantage the entire fight. Even when it was just him against Gaia, Stellar did well by herself. Judging from the start of the fight at the end of the episode and the preview for episode 3, he won't have an easy time against Neo Roanoke either. This means we likely won't be seeing any one sided fights as we did in Gundam SEED (i.e. Strike winning out against four Gundams on a constant basis), which to me is a very good thing. The mecha action was top notch in this episode, and we're poised to see much more of the same. The presence of Ray and Lunamaria in future engagements will help even the scales, as will Athrun whenever he ends up with the Savior.

Speaking of Athrun, looks like he's already done pulling a Char as his cover seems to have been blown wide open by Cagalli. It'll be interesting indeed to see his interaction with Gilbert, once he learns the truth.

Of course, possibly the most interesting part of this episode was the classic "newtype spark" coming from none other than Ray. Mu and Creuset had it between them, and Ray seems to be able to feel Roanoke's presence. Interestingly enough though Roanoke wasn't shown sensing Ray, and Ray didn't seem to know just what he was feeling. This is an enigma that we'll be wondering about for quite awhile yet.

Final grade: 10 out of 10. Episode 1 was no fluke; we've been treated to one hell of a beginning so far. At its start Destiny proceeds in a manner and pace that traditionally doesn't seem to kick in until the second half of most Gundam shows. I once said way back that Destiny would either be medoicre or the best Gundam series in 10 years--not a minor thing for me to say as that would include Gundam Wing, my favorite Gundam show to date. If episodes like these first two are the norm though, we're poised for the latter.

[GWOtaku]

posted by Lord Dalek:

Who wants to bet that Neo Roanoke is Mu La Flaga in disguise?
Nope, not me. There's no "clone Lacus" either. There is such a thing as reading in too much.

[Lord Dalek]

Nope, not me. There's no "clone Lacus" either. There is such a thing as reading in too much. Consider the facts: Same voice actor, same hair color, same mobile armor. I think I see a pattern here...

[PearlRose86]

Consider the facts: Same voice actor, same hair color, same mobile armor. I think I see a pattern here...
Well, if it were the truth, it would redeem the end of SeeD slightly in my eyes...

Anyhow, there are some definite similarites. Guess we'll have to wait and see.

[GWOtaku]

This is all merely speculation so I'm not sure if we really need boxes, but:


posted by Lord Dalek:
Consider the facts: Same voice actor, same hair color, same mobile armor. I think I see a pattern here...
Its also a fact that Mu was blown away in the Strike, which was hit by Dominion's Lohrengein (sp?) cannons. We see him inside as it explodes, AND his helmet floating in space. Now some will try to dismiss this by saying that in the special edition they don't show his helmet in space. I consider this very bad evidence, as the special editions are merely a condension and rehashing of the TV show--they added some stuff in but they don't rewrite the story, and I don't believe any official source has ever said that they were meant to. Its also a manner of logic: you simply don't survive an explosion like the one he went through. Again, some contradict this by saying Kira survived Aegis' detonation. True, but unlike that time Strike was completely destroyed by the Dominion's attack. I hated to see Mu die as much as the next person, but to me its irrational to expect him back.

More likely is that Neo Roanoke has some sort of connection to Creuset and Mu. He could simply be a more perfect clone of either man just as Creuset was a clone of Mu. Alternatively, there's a connection between between Neo and Ray--if the "newtype spark" isn't an indicator of that, then I don't know what is. They do both have long, blonde hair...

[MeggieMay]

While I was kind of hoping that Mu was Neo, it is sounding more and more like he's not. The VA, while the same person, is said to be playing the voice very different from how he did Mu. So I'm starting think the idea that Neo is a clone of Mu or Rau, or maybe simply Murrue's earlier romantic interest back from the dead (necklace theory) may be more in the ballpark :sad: .

Anyway, it wouldn't be the first time a show played with fan expectations this way. I just hope Murrue and Walfield show up (the fact they are in the same shot in the ED I found interesting - I'm now wondering if they're hinting at a relationship between them, instead :confused: :eek: ).

[InfinityBlade]

While I was kind of hoping that Mu was Neo, it is sounding more and more like he's not. The VA, while the same person, is said to be playing the voice very different from how he did Mu.
I honestly thought the exact opposite. Though not sounding EXACTLY like Mu, I thought he still played Neo to be similar to Mu in various ways. But that's just me.

[NickWhiz1]

Just got done watching Episode 2 while DBGT was on...

All I have to say is...

Episode 2 >>> Episode 1 > The first half of SEED

The only thing that's REALLY bugging me at the moment is Rey being a newtype. I think, according to the previews for next episode, we're going to see more of the connection between Neo, Rey, and Gilbert (well, at least between Neo/Rey and Gilbert/Rey), as well as some more fighting. Next week will apparently be the first character development episode, so we'll see.

[MeggieMay]

I honestly thought the exact opposite. Though not sounding EXACTLY like Mu, I thought he still played Neo to be similar to Mu in various ways. But that's just me.That's interesting! At this point I've seen two say they thought it sounded like Mu, to one who didn't, but it's possible the other person I saw say it sounded like Mu was also you (it was at another BBS and I'm too new in this fandom to figure out who is who if they aren't using the same nickname all the time).

It'll be interesting to read more opinions on this subject as the episode gets viewed by more people :).

[NickWhiz1]

To throw my opinion in:

I'm still not convinced that Neo ISN'T Mu, but I'm not fully convinced that he IS Mu. Yes, the same VA kind of threw me off, plus I can just imagine seeing Mu with that bucket on his head. (This may be a result of Hirai's character designs looking so much alike). The mobile armor, which looks like a stylized Moebius Zero doesn't help matters either. Plus, in the "after-preview" (you know, that little preview clip after the actual 30-second preview), it appears that Rey and Neo are having a Newtype-ish moment in the very last clip, meaning that Neo is more than likely a Newtype. His skillful operation of the Exus's gunbarrels helped out in that department, too.

So, what do we have so far?
*Same VA
*Similar character design
*Exus looking like a stylized Moebius Zero
*More than likely a Newtype

All we need is a disturbing story about his past, macking a female officier, and witty/confident remarks, and we have ourselves Mu La Flaga!

...Of course, I'm in NO way jumping to conclusions. The stats seem to show that Neo probably = Mu, but I'm STILL trying to figure out how he could survive a direct hit from Dominion's Lohengrin.

Then again, Fukuda already messed up by going against his "no more Newtype" statement with Rey, and there are "those" rumors about Mu's death scene in Special Edition 3 getting slightly edited, so we can't rule out the possibility.

As of now, I'm leaning slightly more towards Neo =/= Mu, but things can change.

[HellCat]

Hope no one minds if I don't use spoiler boxes, since this thread already has a warning.
We already know that Fukuda seems to think that going back on death is ok so long as you give the person some very bad injuries. I'm betting that Mu's face was horribly scarred and the blast gave him amnesia (we've seen it done before with Trowa in Wing). Obviously at that time, what would be ruling his thoughts? The revelation that Rau is a clone of his father and plans to wipe out humanity. Cross that with amnesia and bam!- Mu now thinks that goal is his.
As for Rey, I believe he's a healthy clone of Mu's father. He probably isn't aware of this since it did seem to start Rau's insanity.

[Juu-kuchi]

But how could Mu breathe in space without his helmet if he was destroyed by the Dominion?

It could be that some expedition or something noticed the remnants of the once proud Hawk of Endymion and the Strike Gundam and manage to use DNA samples of what's left of him to make a clone.

[Lord Dalek]

But how could Mu breathe in space without his helmet if he was destroyed by the Dominion?

It could be that some expedition or something noticed the remnants of the once proud Hawk of Endymion and the Strike Gundam and manage to use DNA samples of what's left of him to make a clone.That's what I was thinking but I would love to see in episode 46 Mu step out behind some curtain, yell ta-dah, and shoot Andy.

[William C. Maune]

I haven't seen the scenes you all are talking about from the end of scene, however, I take it a helmet was shown, but was there ever a body shown? If so, without actually seeing the body there is always some excuse available to bring him back. Perhaps he lost his helmet in the chaos, but was very very quickly saved. Or perhaps he had built an escape pod into the Gundam, or something.

Also, what the heck is desert Andy doing in the opening? I guess we never saw his body either even though his Zoid exploded. Has he appeared in Destiny yet?

[ohmrbill]

Also, what the heck is desert Andy doing in the opening? I guess we never saw his body either even though his Zoid exploded. Has he appeared in Destiny yet?He makes his re-appearance on the later half of SEED. Unfortunately, they never tell us HOW he survived.

[Lord Dalek]

Also, what the heck is desert Andy doing in the opening? I guess we never saw his body either even though his Zoid exploded. Has he appeared in Destiny yet?I'm a bit conflicted in answering this question. We have not reached a certain point in the CN run so whatever answer I could give would be a huge spoiler. How far are you in to Seed, Bill?

[William C. Maune]

He makes his re-appearance on the later half of SEED. Unfortunately, they never tell us HOW he survived.

Ah, cool (well, except for the second part). As good as Ramba Ral or not, I liked his character. Also, considering they never explained how he survived, I would think that would make Mu's return all the more possible.

[William C. Maune]

I'm a bit conflicted in answering this question. We have not reached a certain point in the CN run so whatever answer I could give would be a huge spoiler. How far are you in to Seed, Bill?

All I have seen is what has aired on Toonami. Don't worry about me, I have to skim all this stuff since I'm a mod. I've already spoiled enough of SEED for myself as it is.

[Juu-kuchi]

I haven't seen the scenes you all are talking about from the end of scene, however, I take it a helmet was shown, but was there ever a body shown? If so, without actually seeing the body there is always some excuse available to bring him back. Perhaps he lost his helmet in the chaos, but was very very quickly saved. Or perhaps he had built an escape pod into the Gundam, or something.


I just can't fathom the idea that Mu's sacrifice was in vain. It'd totally negate the meaningful death he had. How could he survive in space without a helmet? More or less escape from the blast of the Lohengrin...

[Duke]

I FINALLY managed to see Destiny Episode 1 (it'll probably be a month before I can see episode 2), and I must say it rocked. Though I was never a big fan of the combiner Gundam (either on Impulse or on the RX-78), I must say that Sword Impulse rocks. Oh, and the name Core Splendor sucks.

And seriously, I can't tell the difference between Shin and Kira...

[Lord Dalek]

And seriously, I can't tell the difference between Shin and Kira...I'll make it simple for you.

Kira = Typical Gundam Whiner, Shin = Non-whiney.

[Duke]

I'll make it simple for you.

Kira = Typical Gundam Whiner, Shin = Non-whiney.
It doesn't help in Episode 1 when you don't know who's in a suit or whatever and all you can see is dark hair.

[Juu-kuchi]

It doesn't help in Episode 1 when you don't know who's in a suit or whatever and all you can see is dark hair.
Perhaps you can just differentiate by the eyes.

Kira's eyes are blue while Shin's are red.

[shadowstrain]

Just got done with the action soaked Phase 2. Quite impressive. The Gundam-jack conclusion went beyond my expectations; I presumed that the EA would get off easier. Shin sure did put up a fight, as did the Gardi Ruu. You can tell that in the relationship among the EA pilots, Stellar definitely serves as the oddball. Her panic attacks must occur often, because Owl didn't show much mercy in his remarks (must get annoyed with her). I don't mind Rey's Newtype status, just as long as the breed stays fairly exclusive throughout the series. Neo Roanoke acts just as confident/cocky as Rau, and his mobile armor beats the M.Zero in every department. Hopefully some well deserved character development will occur next week.

[Lord Dalek]

All right. Phase 02 has aired and absolutely no momentum has been lost. There might have been a gain in fact. Noticible bits include Ray's "newtype spark", and Cagalli "dropping the bomb". Although I got something of a "Pulstar" vibe from it, Alex Dino wasn't as bad an alias for Athrun as it could be. Make it three for three, Fukuda! A-.

[Deadly Messiah]

Yes, Ep 2 was just plain awesome. The music was so great, and the Gundams are so much better than the first SEED series. This is what I was originally expecting out of SEED, and now I got it. :p

Only thing I don't like is seeing Lacroise look and sound exactly like Zechs now.

[HellCat]

Just finished watching episode 1, so if anyone's actually still interested here are my thoughts.
I think the episode as a whole was good. Shin's backstory was a new approach to the "teenage boy becomes Gundam pilot" angle and it was bold enough to actually paint Kira in a negative light. After most of the series start with a bunch of teenagers going "Well, there's a war on but it'll never harm us. Say, I wonder what the military are building downtown....", it's welcome originality.
I'd like to believe that Gilbert is honest and didn't have a hand in setting up the Gundamjack. Yeah, he's being played by a guy who voiced Gundam's most famous liar but I'd like to believe that ZAFT doesn't keep putting wannabe-dictators in power. His smile at the end seems to be because Shin has shown up to level the playing field a bit.
What was the fascination with Stellar's breasts? She stares at them and Shin accidently grabs them.
The Zaku Warrior looks MUCh better animated than it does in lineart, especially since they tone down that much-too-oversized Gouf-like shoulder horn.

[Lord Dalek]

Only thing I don't like is seeing Lacroise look and sound exactly like Zechs now.Actually he sounds like Mu. It's only an amazing coincedence that he sounds like Zechs (just like Gilbert sounds like Char, Yzak sounds like Domon, Murrue sounds like Tifa Adil, etc.)

[Juu-kuchi]

Girty Lue
Girty Lue
Girty Lue

Strangest name for a ship I've ever heard. Yeah maybe Gardi Ruu was somewhat strange, but this is much more so.

[Will Sturnick]

I can't wait for an OST to be released, Toshihiko's score is, once again, absolutely incredible. Awesome episode. From the looks of it Shinn is a better pilot than Kira, or at least not as annoying and whiney. Though we haven't seen much of Shin outside of battle so for all we know he could the angsty-est yet!
Let's nope episode 3 is as good as the first two have been. If only SEED had been this good at the beginning.

As for this "Neo is Muu" theory, I don't buy it. If anything Neo (and Rey too for that matter) will probably end up being more Muu Sr. Clones (since the backdrop for their OP scene is that Genetic Lab from SEED 44/45, or at least a Genetic Lab). Though as for the connection that Rey, Dullindal and Neo all have, I have no clue. Perhaps Dullindal is the...ich habe kein Idee.

[FlyByNite77]

But how could Mu breathe in space without his helmet if he was destroyed by the Dominion?

It could be that some expedition or something noticed the remnants of the once proud Hawk of Endymion and the Strike Gundam and manage to use DNA samples of what's left of him to make a clone.I've heard that in the special edition dvd's of gundam seed they've removed Mu's helmet floating in space from that scene...

BTW, The first two eps of Destiny are so much better then Seed... Wow. Shin will obviously be better than Kira for a number of reasons.

#1) HE JOINED THE MILITARY ALREADY. He's not some kid just thrown into it, he made the choice. He's more like Athrun then Kira.
#2)He's already lost his family so presumably he'll have no problems fighting the Earth Alliance who attacked Orb.

I loved the two new battleships shown in episode two. The Girty Ruu? Gitty Lue? Girty Lue? and the Minerva. Both are pretty cool. I still think all this changing parts for the Impulse is a little over the top, although The Strike did it during a battle so seeing one part swapped is ok. I just hope that at least once the enemy shoots down one of the 4 or 5 different fliers needed to make the Impulse Gundam duing the series...

Rey has that newtype sense that Mu and Rau had in Seed, but Rey doesn't know what it is. It seems like he never felt it until that moment and it was in reaction to Neo. If Mu was in his 30's I'd almost say that Rey could be his son from a trist, but Mu was 28 in Seed so unless he knocked up some girl when he was 12 or 13... ;)

It's possible Rau carried on the clone process and Rey is a clone of Mu or Mu's Father tho.

[HellCat]

I've heard that in the special edition dvd's of gundam seed they've removed Mu's helmet floating in space from that scene...

BTW, The first two eps of Destiny are so much better then Seed... Wow. Shin will obviously be better than Kira for a number of reasons.

#1) HE JOINED THE MILITARY ALREADY. He's not some kid just thrown into it, he made the choice. He's more like Athrun then Kira.
#2)He's already lost his family so presumably he'll have no problems fighting the Earth Alliance who attacked Orb.

I loved the two new battleships shown in episode two. The Girty Ruu? Gitty Lue? Girty Lue? and the Minerva. Both are pretty cool. I still think all this changing parts for the Impulse is a little over the top, although The Strike did it during a battle so seeing one part swapped is ok. I just hope that at least once the enemy shoots down one of the 4 or 5 different fliers needed to make the Impulse Gundam duing the series...

Rey has that newtype sense that Mu and Rau had in Seed, but Rey doesn't know what it is. It seems like he never felt it until that moment and it was in reaction to Neo. If Mu was in his 30's I'd almost say that Rey could be his son from a trist, but Mu was 28 in Seed so unless he knocked up some girl when he was 12 or 13... ;)

It's possible Rau carried on the clone process and Rey is a clone of Mu or Mu's Father tho.
I can't imagine Rau dabbling in cloning. He seemed pretty disgusted with humanity's attempts to control nature and that he himself was a clone created to fulfill the original's wishes. If he felt that strongly, there's no way he could try it himself and morally justify it.

[FlyByNite77]

I can't imagine Rau dabbling in cloning. He seemed pretty disgusted with humanity's attempts to control nature and that he himself was a clone created to fulfill the original's wishes. If he felt that strongly, there's no way he could try it himself and morally justify it.Maybe he left him behind to carry out his work in case he failed? Kind of a 'break glass in case of emergency Rau back-up"? He seemed very ENDS JUSTIFY THE MEANS. If he created a clone just in case, if he succeeded his clone would have died and if he didn't he'd leave someone behind to carry on?

[Keiichi]

Just watched ep 2 and I'm just as pleased as I was with the first ep. All the mobile suits are alot more impressive in action than they are on paper. Even neos mobile armor was quite cool. It also looks like Neo and ray are new types or perhaps clones. As for Neo being Muu well he did say he was a man that could make the impossible possible so maybe he somehow magically survived but that would ruin his sacrifice he made.

[Timmay]

Neo has the same VA doesn't he? There's no good reason to use the same VA for another character(using the same voice mind you). Anyway Stellar is going to be incredibly psycho.. to much so for me to like that much.. shaking like a poodle after having death mentioned makes an annoying character.

[FlyByNite77]

Just watched ep 2 and I'm just as pleased as I was with the first ep. All the mobile suits are alot more impressive in action than they are on paper. Even neos mobile armor was quite cool. It also looks like Neo and ray are new types or perhaps clones. As for Neo being Muu well he did say he was a man that could make the impossible possible so maybe he somehow magically survived but that would ruin his sacrifice his made.Yea, I think the creators of the anime want us to think Neo is Mu, because I can't see Mu being the guy who would want to START another war.

BTW, that avatar pic of yours just reminds me of how much if looks like Stellar is wearing a wig. I swear I half expect her to do a Melrose place and pull the wig off and you see like massive stitches in the side of her lobotimized head :D

[Will Sturnick]

BTW, that avatar pic of yours just reminds me of how much if looks like Stellar is wearing a wig. I swear I half expect her to do a Melrose place and pull the wig off and you see like massive stitches in the side of her lobotimized head :D
For all we know that could be a big surprise in store for later in the series. :p

[MeggieMay]

Girty Lue
Girty Lue
Girty Lue

Strangest name for a ship I've ever heard. Yeah maybe Gardi Ruu was somewhat strange, but this is much more so.I'm thinking word play here. It reminds me of the character Natarle Badgiruel. I thought that was a really odd name and there was something going on with it but I couldn't quite put my finger on what. Then someone who worked on Gundam SEED later pointed out it's a joke name (Natural Badgirl). :rolleyes:

I'm not sure if Girty Lue is a similar type of joke or if it might be a anagram of something but my gut feeling is it's not just weird but something more to it.

[kaine23]

Has a single been released in Japan yet of the OP yet by TM Rev?

[Lord Dalek]

Has a single been released in Japan yet of the OP yet by TM Rev?I've looked, without much luck.

[NickWhiz1]

T.M. Revolution's ignited single will be released in Japan on November 3rd.

Nami Tamaki's Reason single wll be released in Japan on November 10th.

Neither will likely get a U.S. release :sad: If they did, I'd buy them in an instant.

[kaine23]

T.M. Revolution's ignited single will be released in Japan on November 3rd.

Nami Tamaki's Reason single wll be released in Japan on November 10th.

Neither will likely get a U.S. release :sad: If they did, I'd buy them in an instant.
You and me both!

[Lord Dalek]

Neither will likely get a U.S. release :sad: If they did, I'd buy them in an instant. Not as singles, but I wouldn't be surprised if Tofu put ou the inevitable Gundam Seed Destiny Perfect Collection cd here.

[NickWhiz1]

Not as singles, but I wouldn't be surprised if Tofu put ou the inevitable Gundam Seed Destiny Perfect Collection cd here.
If they did a simultaneous release with the Japanese version, that would be NICE. It would still be a year or so off, but BRILLIANT!

...The singles would still be nice, though.

[kaine23]

When's someone gonna invent The Club for Gundams?? I mean they keep getting stolen for crying out loud. :P

[NickWhiz1]

When's someone gonna invent The Club for Gundams?? I mean they keep getting stolen for crying out loud. :P
Kira put a lock on the O.S. for Strike when the Archangel reached Artemis, so how hard could it be for others to do so?

...Actually, I think the answer is more likely "It would undo 25 years of Gundam tradition :sweat: "

[Lord Dalek]

I don't think there's ever been a regular Gundam series without at least one Gundamjack.

[Duke]

I don't think there's ever been a regular Gundam series without at least one Gundamjack.
Could you really count the original since Zeon never acquired the RX-78?

[lostrune]

I don't think there's ever been a regular Gundam series without at least one Gundamjack.
They should start installing Lo-Jack (TM) plus bootlock (ex: Megas XLR) these things. :D

[Lord Dalek]

Could you really count the original since Zeon never acquired the RX-78?No, but Sayla stole it from Amuro.

[Duke]

No, but Sayla stole it from Amuro.
And yet nobody cares that Amuro stole the Guntank from Ryu.

Poor Guntank. :crying:

[NickWhiz1]

Episode 3 stopped halfway through because of a major earthquake in Japan.

Speculation about it reairing in Japan on Monday @ 8:00 P.M.

[HellCat]

Episode 3 stopped halfway through because of a major earthquake in Japan.

Speculation about it reairing in Japan on Monday @ 8:00 P.M.
God is angry....He must be a UC fan :p

Hopefully no one was badly hurt during the earthquake. I also hope that the episode does get a full reairing or everyone of us watching, be it in Japan or elsewhere, will be lost.

[NickWhiz1]

God is angry....He must be a UC fan :p

Hopefully no one was badly hurt during the earthquake. I also hope that the episode does get a full reairing or everyone of us watching, be it in Japan or elsewhere, will be lost.
http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/asiapcf/10/23/japan.quakes.ap/index.html

[HellCat]

http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/asiapcf/10/23/japan.quakes.ap/index.html
Oh dear :( My sympathies are with those who have lost loved ones due to this tragic event. At a time like this, anime shows are the least of our worries.

[Lord Dalek]

What an unfortunetly ironic time for GSD to air. My codollences to all 900 Japanese who were killed or wounded in this earthquake. I didn't remember to grab Episode 3 this morning but it appears I didn't have to.

[HellCat]

Apparently episode 3 has been scheduled to re-air this coming Saturday, AFTER episode 4. The logic there's a bit weird, so hopefully it'll be switched around.

[shadowstrain]

Screencaps of the episode can be seen at:
Log Gate (http://loggate.main.jp/)
Hiro's Homepage R2 (http://mhiro2000.hp.infoseek.co.jp/)
I just checked for episode 3 screencaps, and these links posted some (thanks to Hellcat for posting them originally). It looks like after the Shin-Ray-Neo confrentation, we may see some character development. Possibly with the three EA pilots...

[GWOtaku]

On a happier note I was just watching the preview for episode 4 online, and it looks they're not taking a break on the action--quite the opposite, in fact. It appears that the fast pace will continue for the near future. They don't seem at all afraid of keeping the plot moving every episode without taking time outs to cover other things the way Gundam SEED did. Good news, provided they still make time for the character-driven angle as well. It appears that episode 3 did this. The new formula seems to be to either have pure action, or to mix action and chacter development as opposed to dedicating entire episodes to one or the other. Its working out much better overall, so far.

[HellCat]

http://side7.gundam.com/rgz/gunota/jpf.jpg DESTINY singles ID cards
Just a brief mention that Sunrise's site (http://www.sunrise-inc.co.jp/news/index.html) says the upcoming singles releases come with character ID cards: Shinn Asuka (http://www.sunrise-anime.jp/sunnews_pic/image/0410251701511.jpg) with Ignited and Alex Dino (http://www.sunrise-anime.jp/sunnews_pic/image/0410251908271.jpg) with Reason.

http://side7.gundam.com/rgz/gunota/jpf.jpg DESTINY ep 3 rebroadcast date
TBS' schedule (http://www.tbs.co.jp/tv/20041030.html) lists the 3rd episode of SEED DESTINY as the ep being broadcasted in the regular weekly timeslot this Saturday (Oct. 30). MBS' DESTINY site (http://mbs.jp/gundamseed-d/index2.html) now says the same.
A cheap and simple extra with the singles. Might be something for cosplayers to track down.

[prophet]

More to add to the Mwu/Neo rumours

http://img70.exs.cx/img70/4900/001mwudeath.jpg

[HellCat]

More to add to the Mwu/Neo rumours

http://img70.exs.cx/img70/4900/001mwudeath.jpg
I have to side with those who say it was removed for a reason. It feels along the same lines as Lucas changing Boba and the Stormies' voices after the revelations in AOTC.

[Duke]

I saw Episode II, finally, and I must say it was 100x better than Episode 1. The battles were sweet, the atmosphere was intense, and I think I'm gonna really like Stellar in this series. I don't like Neo's mask though, it looks too crappy.

[Juu-kuchi]

That scene sortof loses it's power since they removed Mu's helmet...

But oh well.

[InfinityBlade]

So if Episode 3 is going to be in the normal timeslot... where does that leave Episode 4? Will it be broadcast afterwards, or is it pushed off a week?

[Duke]

So if Episode 3 is going to be in the normal timeslot... where does that leave Episode 4? Will it be broadcast afterwards, or is it pushed off a week?
Bandai: "Episode 4 drowned in the flood (We tried to hard to save it, but it never mastered swimming), so we're just gonna skip it until it comes out on DVD."

OK, so that's not true, but it'd be funny if it was.

[HellCat]

Bandai: "Episode 4 drowned in the flood (We tried to hard to save it, but it never mastered swimming), so we're just gonna skip it until it comes out on DVD."

OK, so that's not true, but it'd be funny if it was.
Duke, I'm sure it wasn't your intention, but that kinda feels in bad taste..

[kaine23]

A cheap and simple extra with the singles. Might be something for cosplayers to track down.
So the cd singles are coming with those cards?

[HellCat]

So the cd singles are coming with those cards?
Yep. Though you could save yourself some money and just print the images of them off.

[EnAll]

Little news from Guntoa:


Minor character update on the official site (http://www.gundam-seed-d.net/character/index.html):

Yzak Joule (http://www.gundam-seed-d.net/character/img/izarek.jpg) - Commanding officer of the ZAFT army's Joule Team. Wears the white clothes that other commanding class officers, like Talia, do. Pilots a Slash Zaku Phantom that uses close quarters combat equipment.

Dearka Elsman (http://www.gundam-seed-d.net/character/img/deiattka.jpg) - Member of the ZAFT army's Joule Team. Doesn't wear the red clothes of a top gun but an ordinary soldier's uniform and pilots a Zaku Warrior.

[GMB]

Little news from Guntoa:


Minor character update on the official site (http://www.gundam-seed-d.net/character/index.html):

Yzak Joule (http://www.gundam-seed-d.net/character/img/izarek.jpg) - Commanding officer of the ZAFT army's Joule Team. Wears the white clothes that other commanding class officers, like Talia, do. Pilots a Slash Zaku Phantom that uses close quarters combat equipment.

I see Yzak fixed the scar, apparently.

[InfinityBlade]

I see Yzak fixed the scar, apparently.
You'd know that if you had watched the epilogue from the final SEED DVD in Japan. :p

[GMB]

You'd know that if you had watched the epilogue from the final SEED DVD in Japan. :p

Well, we all don't have that kind of access. Let's not gloat. ;)

This Epilogue is, I'm guessing the source of the re-done Mwu thing as well, yes?

[Lord Dalek]

Well, we all don't have that kind of access. Let's not gloat. ;) Not gloat worthy anyway, I've seen it too.

[Juu-kuchi]

Gunota spoils you people.

http://side7.gundam.com/rgz/gunota/jpf.jpg Upcoming DESTINY plot happenings
Some magazine scans turned up that depict some near future scenes in the series: 1st scan (http://s03.2log.net/home/gunota/desspoilers1.jpg)
"In order to stop Junius Seven, ZAFT's GuAIZ R Team heads toward it..."
"Slash Zaku Phantom - In order to destroy Junius Seven, Yzak and company also rush forth."
"Force Impulse Gundam - In order to protect the Yzak Team, Shinn sorties as well."
"Zaku Warrior - Together with former colleagues, Athrun fights, too."
2nd scan (http://s03.2log.net/home/gunota/desspoilers2.jpg)
"Junius Seven - Many lives were lost in the Plant when it was destroyed by the hands of the Earth Alliance. Even though it's in ruins, it is still extremely large."
"In spite of Earth's crisis, the three powerful Gundams attack!"
"Through someone's conspiracy, Junius Seven begins its drop towards the Earth. If it continues down its path, the lives of many people will perish."
What I'm worried now is the pace of the series, are there Gundam series that are usually fast paced in this regard? I just hope that they do not run out of steam.

[HellCat]

Gunota spoils you people.
What I'm worried now is the pace of the series, are there Gundam series that are usually fast paced in this regard? I just hope that they do not run out of steam.
If anything, I'd say things may just be heating up. It looks pretty likely that both the Gundamjack and the dropping of Junius 7 were set up by Blue Cosmos using their control of the EA to justify another war "Look at these new Gundams the evil Coordinators were working on to attack us! We stole them before they could, so for revenge they dropped Junius 7 on Earth! We must strike back!"

[prophet]

If anything, I'd say things may just be heating up. It looks pretty likely that both the Gundamjack and the dropping of Junius 7 were set up by Blue Cosmos using their control of the EA to justify another war "Look at these new Gundams the evil Coordinators were working on to attack us! We stole them before they could, so for revenge they dropped Junius 7 on Earth! We must strike back!"If Junius-7 hits Earth, that would be enough to bring Kira and Freedom into battle - against Zaft? I'm also wondering if Junius-7 will splash into the ocean and cause tidal waves that'll wash away coastal cities or small islands (ORB?). I'm thinking this because on the end-credits, Junius-7 is semi submerged in water.

[HellCat]

Destiny manga news ahoy-


http://side7.gundam.com/rgz/gunota/jpf.jpg Mobile Suit Gundam SEED DESTINY: The Edge
SEED DESTINY: The Edge will be a new comic drawn by Chimaki Kuori, who has previously done cover arts for the republished Mobile Suit Gundam Hi-Streamer novels. The Edge will center around Athrun. The Jan 2005 issue of Gundam Ace (coming out Nov 26th) will feature color prologue while the Feb 2005 issue will mark the start of the series.
¶ 7:36 AM (http://aeug.blogspot.com/2004_10_01_aeug_archive.html#109880188301105340)
http://side7.gundam.com/rgz/gunota/jpf.jpg Gundam Ace info
DESTINY Astray
This time Matias arranges a meeting for Jesse Rabble with Edward Harrelson aka "Edo the Ripper". Bernadette Leroux, a reporter for ZAFT, was also invited for the interview with Edward. Here, both are disappointed to see Edward's personality, which was the opposite of Edo the Ripper. When the interview concluded, EA sent 3 Raider Gundam to attack Edward, which Edward won. Jesse becomes more interested in Edward so he decides to stick around more. Meanwhile EA sends its top ace pilots,　"Uneasy Cherry", "Moonlight Mad Dog", and "White Whale" , to finish him off.

Characters
Bernadette Leroux - 22 year old female coordinator. She has won several awards in the past for her journalistic work.

Edward Harrelson aka Edo the Ripper - originally part of the South America Force but became part of Earth Alliance when Atlantic Alliance annexed South America via force. He went AWOL in the final battle between ZAFT and EA to rejoin South America Force for its fight for independece. He is wanted by the Earth Alliance for treason. He pilots the Sword Calamity.

[Juu-kuchi]

Watched the Raw of Episode 3 just recently.

After the past two episodes, this episode manages to take some downtime. What was most interesting was when Rey entered the battle between Shin and Neo. Neo has the Newtype flash and he and Rey face off. For a young pilot Rey manages to hold his ground against Neo, as Neo seems slightly confused with what's going on as it seems he can sense what Rey is talking to Shin. It could mean that Neo's: A) Mu La Flaga with amnesia or B)A real clone with no memory. Either way the Minerva causes the Girty Lue to have to retreat. The Minerva also lowers it's bridge deck.

The pilot trio have some reaction to their conditioning and have to go under some sort of stasis in a chamber. It doesn't seem as painful and quite a bit more advanced than what Shani, Orga, and Crot had to endure.

Shin is sortof pushed back again (I really think this is the case right now), but manages to find out thanks to Lunamaria talking to him that Orb Rep Cagalli is here along with her bodyguard who's named Athrun. Gilbert gives them a tour of the facility and heads to the hangar. Shin is there, and as he listens to Cagalli talking (which I couldn't understand) he snaps back at her as everybody hears. But nothing happens as they come into the area of the Girty Lue.

The pilot trio is sent out into a debris field as Neo fires a grappling cannon to an asteroid and does a loop over it. Whatever this means will be covered next episode. Shin heads off with the Launcher Pack as well as Lunamaria as they head to take care of them. Athrun and Cagalli are given seats for the battle ahead, and everything seems to look interesting until we find out that Gilbert recognized him as what he is.

We'll see how the events next episode will bring about the Junius 7 drop and hopefully Shin and Lunamaria get more development. I don't know why I think there aren't developing well, but that's how I feel.

[MeggieMay]

Watched the Raw of Episode 3 just recently.

After the past two episodes, this episode manages to take some downtime. What was most interesting was when Rey entered the battle between Shin and Neo. Neo has the Newtype flash and he and Rey face off. For a young pilot Rey manages to hold his ground against Neo, as Neo seems slightly confused with what's going on as it seems he can sense what Rey is talking to Shin. It could mean that Neo's: A) Mu La Flaga with amnesia or B)A real clone with no memory. I've read the spoilers for Gundam SEED but I've not seen the entire show yet. So I've got a question. Was it ever shown in Gundam SEED that Mu could do two way Newtype communications? I know that Le Cruset was shown in the first few episodes to sense Mu and know it was Mu he was sensing but Mu didn't know what was going on at that point (he just knew there was someone on the Coordinators side who seem to have made him a special target). Also, was Le Cruset able to send telepathically? I don't remember reading anything that said that he could in the spoilers (he seems to be able to sense other Newtypes and know who's who but hearing voices?).

Anyway, what I'm thinking here is that if Neo is really Mu then what's going on here with him hearing voices would be new territory whether or not he has amnesia. Also, this could mean that Neo isn't Mu but my feeling is what it's really trying to get at is that the few Newtypes in this version of the Gundam Universe are starting to have their powers increase for some reason. Anyway, it's just a thought :).

[Will Sturnick]

So, were episodes 3 and 4 aired back-to-back? Or was it just episode 3 that aired, pushing episode 4 back a week?

[Juu-kuchi]

So, were episodes 3 and 4 aired back-to-back? Or was it just episode 3 that aired, pushing episode 4 back a week?

I think they pushed Ep 4 back a week.

[NickWhiz1]

I think they pushed Ep 4 back a week.We have a winner!

Just watched Episode 3 (raw). A couple of comments:

1. It would have been nice to see Athrun's alias stick around for a little longer than Episode 3, as pretty much everyone knows he's Athrun Zala, war-hero and traitor. Speaking of which...

2. Cagalli needs to learn to keep her damn mouth shut. First she blows Athrun's (already fragile) cover, then she goes and gets Shin all angsty. In other words, she hasn't changed all that much from SEED :sweat: (Well, other than the fact that she looks ready to punch Gilbert in the face, but obviously won't/can't :sweat: )

3. Rey > Shinn at this point in the series. Newtypes pwn j00.

4. Well, Neo is officially a Newtype (as if you haven't guessed already), so continue the conspiracy theories!

Next Time: Episode 4 - *insert Japanese title here*

Looks like more fighting between Team Minerva and Team Girty Lue. Maybe we'll see the very beginning of the attempted colony drop?

[Juu-kuchi]

I'm really beginning to think that although Destiny is seeking to outdo it's predecessor it seems Fukuda and crew aren't giving much character to Shin and the new main characters. We all know who Cagalli and Athrun are but I've yet to see a lot of time focused on Shin and more importantly Lunamaria.

[Lord Dalek]

1. It would have been nice to see Athrun's alias stick around for a little longer than Episode 3, as pretty much everyone knows he's Athrun Zala, war-hero and traitor. Speaking of which...Well considering fellow traitor Dearka found his way back into the military, maybe they'll consider it bygones.

[HellCat]

Well considering fellow traitor Dearka found his way back into the military, maybe they'll consider it bygones.
Difference was, Dearka was captured and only had the Buster Gundam with him. He may have tried to tell the his superiours his real reasons for switching sides, but Yzak may have intervened with a story about how he was forced to pilot Buster for them to save his friend's bacon (seriously though, who wouldn't jump ship for Miriallia? :D)
Athrun on the other hand took 1 of ZAFT's 3 new Gundams when he was supposed to be using it to find and reclaim one of the others (Freedom) which had been previously stolen. He also didn't return to ZAFT, staying in Orb with Cagalli.

[shadowstrain]

I'm really beginning to think that although Destiny is seeking to outdo it's predecessor it seems Fukuda and crew aren't giving much character to Shin and the new main characters. We all know who Cagalli and Athrun are but I've yet to see a lot of time focused on Shin and more importantly Lunamaria.
I can't say I don't agree, but we shouldn't entirely assume so early in the series. DESTINY packs almost as many characters as SEED, and that's not counting the returning stars. How they will get around to telling all of their stories goes beyond me, but it'll make for an interesting method of story telling. One thing I enjoy about SEED lies in its ability to grasp a more natural and universal feel due to the unique characters it can work with. Hopefully DESTINY will market off of the same advantage.

[HellCat]

I think the big question is, who's story does Fukuda consider Destiny to be? Is it the next chapter in the story of the cast of SEED or is it like a Zeta- a story which involves the main players of the last big events but not in such a large role? Since Shin was the character the series kicked off with, I'd like to think it's the latter or at least a fair mix of both. Just like how Kira was effected by a war he did his best to escape, so was Shin- both were Orb citizens and both were ultimately cornered by the war and suffered (Shin ironically due in part to Kira). The series should ultimately be his story.

[Lord Dalek]

I think the big question is, who's story does Fukuda consider Destiny to be? Is it the next chapter in the story of the cast of SEED or is it like a Zeta- a story which involves the main players of the last big events but not in such a large role? Since Shin was the character the series kicked off with, I'd like to think it's the latter or at least a fair mix of both. Just like how Kira was effected by a war he did his best to escape, so was Shin- both were Orb citizens and both were ultimately cornered by the war and suffered (Shin ironically due in part to Kira). The series should ultimately be his story.Yeah. Shin is ultimately playing second fiddle to Athrun. Not that I have any problem with that.

[Juu-kuchi]

If it was the next chapter in the story they would not consider Shin to be the main protagonist.

When will we see Shin and the main cast play center stage? At least in the last few series we got a grasp of the characters within the first few episodes and they had a lot of screentime devoted to them.

[GWOtaku]

I think groundwork is being laid for some Shin angst/development. Don't know what he said but we've got him making an angry comment to Cagalli on episode 3. Recall how the Zero attack promo underscored Shin's thinking: "...suddenly he knew. Power. Without power, nothing can be done." Sounds like Gilbert Durandal's state of mind, which Cagalli and Athrun are (were?) at odds with. I think that, even though they seem poised to be fighting together, Shin and Athrun will end up at odds with each other philosophically because of this. We haven't seen much of Shin but I get the impression he's actually fairly quick to anger due to the events of his past. We could really see that explode later, especially as the chain of events gets more dire. Whenever Kira reappears, its pretty clear at this point that they won't exactly get along.

I don't know how it'll all play out, but Shin will get his due. Its hard not to, when involved with not one but two major protagonists.

[Duke]

One thing I enjoy about SEED lies in its ability to grasp a more natural and universal feel due to the unique characters it can work with. Hopefully DESTINY will market off of the same advantage.
Yea, SEED is doing a better job at making its universe multi-layered and deep than any of the other AU's did.

[HellCat]

If it was the next chapter in the story they would not consider Shin to be the main protagonist.

When will we see Shin and the main cast play center stage? At least in the last few series we got a grasp of the characters within the first few episodes and they had a lot of screentime devoted to them.
Well to be fair, from the earliest promotional stuff from the show we've known that Shin and Athrun were going to be on equal footing. It's probably easier for Fukuda to focus more on Athrun right now because he's an already developed character that the returning audience are familiar with. With Fukuda teaming him up with Yzak and Dearka once again in the attempt to stop the Junius-7 drop, Shin could be overshadowed even more. I think the important thing is to set up exactly what the heck Shin joined ZAFT for. We know he hates the EA and his old home of Orb, but why does that lead him to ZAFT? We've gotten hints that it maybe to ensure no one suffers like he did but we really need more than him going "Grrrr, stupid Orb and Alliance..."

[shadowstrain]

I think that, even though they seem poised to be fighting together, Shin and Athrun will end up at odds with each other philosophically because of this. We haven't seen much of Shin but I get the impression he's actually fairly quick to anger due to the events of his past.
I'm actually predicting that Athrun may turn into Shin's "Mu La Flaga", except Shin probably won't listen to him. But I agree, if Athrun stays in harmony with Cagalli's beliefs, tension will definitely rise between our two main protaganists, and of course one would turn into an antagonist.

[Lord Dalek]

Fansub time! Here comes analysis...

OK, we're in the battle from last week's show: Shin/Ray vs. Neo Roanoke. Neo has a newtype moment with Ray. Shin gets his butt kicked. Minerva fires on the Girty Rue doing absolutely nothing. Aeul, Sting, and Stellar are going through "coordinator withdrawl" (guess the Alliance hasn't figured out that kink yet :rolleyes: ). YAY! Explosions!

After the battle, we get some long deserved exposition. Lunamaria blows the identity of Alex Dino to Shin (we knew this wasn't gonna stick fast). Cagalli yells at Gilbert some more and you gotta admit she does have a point. OOOOOH, Cagali got PWNED! Shin is really one crazy mofo.

Yet annother battle next week, and this time Lunamaria gets to fight! This should rock. Oh and Gilbert blows Athrun's cover to everyone on board the Minerva. He knew from the start.

"Destined Gunfire" gets a B+. I haven't been this enthralled by a Gundam series since Wing.

[NickWhiz1]

Boo, I have to wait until I get home :( *at school right now*

Hopefully AK's subs have gotten better, otherwise I'm waiting for one of the others :shrug:

[Lord Dalek]

Boo, I have to wait until I get home :( *at school right now*

Hopefully AK's subs have gotten better, otherwise I'm waiting for one of the others :shrug:They've teamed up with Aone for this. They're pretty good.

[NickWhiz1]

They've teamed up with Aone for this. They're pretty good.
I'm getting my fansub groups mixed up again. Uke is the trouble one >_>

Yeah, I think I have AK-Aone for Episode 1, and they did a really good job with it.

*kicks self*

Oh, and for an on-topic comment, IMO, the BGM for the beginning of Episode 3 is the best in the series so far. (It's when Neo is fighting Shinn).

[GWOtaku]

UF & YO have definitely been the best group out of all those I tried (read: every one), although Ak-Aone is a strong second.

On another note, I love how Gilbert Durandal exposes Athrun at the end of this episode:

"A name indicates the existence of a thing. If, in fact, the name is false...if that is false, then it would mean that the very existence of that thing is false, wouldn't it? Alex...no, Athrun Zala-kun!"

Such an extravagant way of telling someone you know who they really are! There's something about Gilbert's character that just appeals to me...I think he might be my favorite new character in the show so far. His charisma, his way with words, his voice (of course!), his decisive leadership to date...I don't think there's anything about him I don't like.

[Keiichi]

Fansub time! Here comes analysis...

OK, we're in the battle from last week's show: Shin/Ray vs. Neo Roanoke. Neo has a newtype moment with Ray. Shin gets his butt kicked. Minerva fires on the Girty Rue doing absolutely nothing. Owl, Sting, and Stellar are going through "coordinator withdrawl" (guess the Alliance hasn't figured out that kink yet :rolleyes: ). YAY! Explosions!

Well they are a slight improvment over the last batch. They don't spaz out when they need their treaments and they seem more stable mentally (atleast til you mention the "code word" as what happend with stealler). Anyway anouther good ep. Things slowed down a bit but not too much. For the main character shin is'nt getting much screen time yet. Guess we'll see more of him as the series progess's. From what we've seen of Talia (the Minervas capt) she seems to be a fusion of Ramious and Natale. And like GWO I'm really liking Gilbert as well as Neo. Two very cool characters. Next ep anouther big battle can't wait.

[Duke]

So, I'm guessing this Coordinator flaw is something that's introduced in SEED?

Anyway, it seems freaky to see Gundam pilots in giant pea pods...

And I really don't like Minerva's design right now. Archangel was bad enough, but now the main ship is a giant sneaker. Joy.

As for the actual episode, a nice bridge episode between heavy battle episodes (Kinda like Episode 4 of SEED). I do like that apparently Gilbert knew that was Athrun as soon as he saw him, and then just blurted it out right before the credits.

Also, I'm glad we got an instrumental before the ending, unlike last week. These endings don't work without a fade-in instrumental.

[Lord Dalek]

So, I'm guessing this Coordinator flaw is something that's introduced in SEED?Well actually it's a Natural upgraded to Coordinator status flaw. And yes it will be addressed about 11 episodes from where we are now.

[Juu-kuchi]

Anime-Keep has always been a good fansubbing group so I'm going with their Destiny sub.

[GWOtaku]

Tidbit on who'll be doing the 2nd ED theme @ Gunota:


http://side7.gundam.com/rgz/gunota/jpf.jpg DESTINY 2nd ED theme
Asu Ni Egao De Te O Futte (http://www2.tba.t-com.ne.jp/sando/index.html) lists DESTINY's 2nd ending as being done by Mika Arisaka, who also did theme songs for Infinite Ryvius. It's currently untitled and goes on sale January 19th

[GWOtaku]

posted by Duke: So, I'm guessing this Coordinator flaw is something that's introduced in SEED? Yes. The EA's three Gundam pilots in Gundam SEED were all artifically enhanced humans, allowing them to perform on a coordinator's level. Unfortunately they were all a bit...unstable, and essentially went insane if they went too long without some drug dose. As Neo noted this past episode Sting, Aeul, and Stellar are far more stable then them and perform much better, although flaws clearly exist--they have to sleep in those special machines, and while Sting and Aeul seem to be rational Stellar seems to be subject to dramatic mood swings and is psychologically very vulnerable, as we saw in episode 2.


And I really don't like Minerva's design right now. Archangel was bad enough, but now the main ship is a giant sneaker. Joy. The Minerva's design kicks the crap out of the Archangel. They broke free of the classic blue & white White Base knockoff design and went with a much sleeker model with a Red & black color scheme that really comes off great, especially flying around in outer space. I much prefer it to any warship in Gundam SEED or even Mobile Suit Gundam, for that matter.

And c'mon, the shifting bridge is just cool. And smart. Somebody in Gundam actually figured out that yes, its a DAMN GOOD idea for a warship's bridge to not be one beam cannon shot away from being blown up during a battle. Inconcievable! :p :cool:

[Lord Dalek]

Tidbit on who'll be doing the 2nd ED theme @ Gunota:Terrific! I loved dis!

[Duke]

The Minerva's design kicks the crap out of the Archangel. They broke free of the classic blue & white White Base knockoff design and went with a much sleeker model with a Red & black color scheme that really comes off great, especially flying around in outer space. I much prefer it to any warship in Gundam SEED or even Mobile Suit Gundam, for that matter.
I don't like the dark grey. Why couldn't it have been like the battleships in 0083 or CCA?


And c'mon, the shifting bridge is just cool. And smart. Somebody in Gundam actually figured out that yes, its a DAMN GOOD idea for a warship's bridge to not be one beam cannon shot away from being blown up during a battle. Inconcievable! :p :cool:
I will admit, that is cool.

[Lord Dalek]

And c'mon, the shifting bridge is just cool. And smart. Somebody in Gundam actually figured out that yes, its a DAMN GOOD idea for a warship's bridge to not be one beam cannon shot away from being blown up during a battle. Inconcievable! :p :cool:It's not that new an idea. If memory serves, the Ra Cailum could do it too.

[Keiichi]

Yes. The EA's three Gundam pilots in Gundam SEED were all artifically enhanced humans, allowing them to perform on a coordinator's level. Unfortunately they were all a bit...unstable, and essentially went insane if they went too long without some drug dose. As Neo noted this past episode Sting, Aeul, and Stellar are far more stable then them and perform much better, although flaws clearly exist--they have to sleep in those special machines, and while Sting and Aeul seem to be rational Stellar seems to be subject to dramatic mood swings and is psychologically very vulnerable, as we saw in episode 2.


Well Aeul used a "block word" and it caused her to melt down like that. I imagine the others would probley do the same if their word was used.

[Duke]

Well Aeul used a "block word" and it caused her to melt down like that. I imagine the others would probley do the same if their word was used.
Who's big idea was it to choose "die" as a block word, anyway? Couldn't they have a less-war-related word?

[Lord Dalek]

Who's big idea was it to choose "die" as a block word, anyway? Couldn't they have a less-war-related word?The Alliances logic is rediculously flawed. Why do you think they lost the last war?

[GWOtaku]

It'll be a Merry Christmas for Destiny fans:


http://side7.gundam.com/rgz/gunota/jpf.jpg Double holiday dose of DESTINY
Sunrise (http://www.sunrise-anime.jp/sunnews/main.php?offset=0#652) confirmed something that had been leaked earlier on TBS' site and then quickly retracted afterwards: From 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm on December 25th, two episodes of DESTINY will be aired back-to-back

[HellCat]

It'll be a Merry Christmas for Destiny fans:
Gets the show back on schedule and gives the fans a treat. Nice.

[ohmrbill]

Who's big idea was it to choose "die" as a block word, anyway? Couldn't they have a less-war-related word?
How do we know that the block words are "chosen" by someone?


The Alliances logic is rediculously flawed. Why do you think they lost the last war?
I though ZAFT was the one who surrendered.

[InfinityBlade]

I though ZAFT was the one who surrendered.
I thought it was a cease-fire? Or maybe not. Can't remember.

But ZAFT certainly WAS in the worse position. Their leader was dead, the primary base they were using for the battle was obliterated, and their main weapon, the GENESIS, got blown to bits by Athrun.

The Earth Alliance suffered a lot of casualties and lost their lunar base, yes, but ZAFT had the clear advantage until Justice got inside the GENESIS. After that... well, they were SOL.

Really, neither side really won or lost. They both got their asses kicked. :p

[NickWhiz1]

After GENESIS got JUSTICE'D, Eileen Canaver (IIRC) broadcast a message stating that PLANT was interested in pursuing a cease-fire and peace talks with the Earth Alliance. Here's the quote from the Haro^2 fansub:

Notice: All of ZAFT and the Earth Military.

Now, PLANT has already started preparations for the cease-fire agreement between PLANT's sovereign countries and the Earth Military.

There after, PLANT's emergency highest council meeting has decided to approach the Earth Military with the request to stop all military action within this sector of the universe.

Draw your conclusions however you wish.

[HellCat]

DESTINY ep 5 preview
People who want an early look can drop this link (mms://mm2.mbs.co.jp/mbs/gundam_seed_d/gundamss05.wmv) into their Windows Media Player. ¶ 5:41 AM (http://aeug.blogspot.com/2004_11_01_aeug_archive.html#109957621820162963) http://side7.gundam.com/rgz/gunota/jpf.jpg Freedom returns?
According to Amiami Trading Card & Hobby's solicitation for the Freedom Gundam MSiA (http://ami70.oh-ami.com/cargo/FMPro?-db=products.fp5&-format=detail.htm&-lay=cgi&-sortfield=sortkey&-op=neq&HideMask=1&%83%5e%83%43%83%67%83%8b=%83%74%83%8a%81%5b%83%5f%83%80&-max=50&-recid=12631492&-token.0=4883308&-token.1=3760866012&-find=), the Freedom will appear in DESTINY starting "from around the beginning of the 2nd coul", which would be from episode 14 onward.

This is contrary to a previous item that appeared in issue 44 of Weekly The Television magazine, in which an anonymous production staff member was quoted as saying, "Since Freedom was flying above when the stray bullets killed Shinn's family, there's a possibility of Shinn hating the Freedom. But the OP is only an image. Rebuilding a seriously-damaged Freedom is unrealistic." ¶ 4:55 AM (http://aeug.blogspot.com/2004_11_01_aeug_archive.html#109957383045279586)
Interesting.

[Duke]

How is rebuilding ANY Mobile Suit "unrealisitc"? Maybe if the military didn't fund its reconstruction, but Freedom could have been rebuilt by anyone with enough money and resources.

Hell, it may have even been rebuilt inside Orb or something.

[GWOtaku]

Whoo! Yzak and Dearka in episode 5!

Starting to wonder just when Athrun will end up with the Savior Gundam, here. My guess is that after whatever happens with Junius 7 the Minerva makes a stop somewhere and picks up the latest Gundam design, which will end up falling into Athrun's hands.

Kira will come back into the story, either in that Strike IWSP or the Freedom. My bets are still heavily on the latter.

[Duke]

So, what's everyone's opinions on the new MS so far? Personally, I like Sword Impulse, Force Impulse, and Gaia Gundam the best. Sword Impulse is just badass, Force looks cool (even though it looks way too much like Aile Strike), and Gaia has a nice design and color scheme (though the should pads look too flat).

Chaos Gundam looks much better without those giant, ugly support packs on the Gundam's back. I'm guessing they're supposed to be like Funnels, but they just look damn ugly. Same reason why I don't like Blast Impulse Gundam right now. And Abyss just looks ugly with the giant GP02-ish should jet-things on it. It's like a Deathscythe reject.

[NickWhiz1]

Kira will come back into the story, either in that Strike IWSP or the Freedom. My bets are still heavily on the latter.
You silly head, they're not going to have Kira and Cagalli pilot the same suit! (Presumably, Cagalli's suit is the Strike Rogue w/IWSP, if the first OP is any indication.) My money's on Freedom, still with its goodies (like the now illegal NJC).

@ Duke: The pods on Chaos's back are wireless gunbarrels, so you could consider them Funnels if you wanted to =\

[kaine23]

"Ignited" is such a kickass song for 2:43 minutes!

[Juu-kuchi]

"Ignited" is such a kickass song for 2:43 minutes!
Actually it's around 3:10.

[kaine23]

Actually it's around 3:10. Hmm, one I got is 2:48...darnit. x_x

[Juu-kuchi]

Hmm, one I got is 2:48...darnit. x_x
Does it have sound effects?

[Lord Dalek]

Does it have sound effects?Well mine does and it's 2:48.

[Riza Hawkeye]

Well mine does and it's 2:48. If it's less than 3:10-3:19, it's not the full version. The versions that have the effects are ripped from the promos.

[Duke]

The more and more I hear the full versions of both songs, the more I love them. While I still like SEED's counterparts more, these are still very enjoyable.

[Lord Dalek]

If it's less than 3:10-3:19, it's not the full version. The versions that have the effects are ripped from the promos.No wonder why the base was an over kill. Since I've already gone to obscene lengths trying to get this damn song, I'll wait for now.

[kaine23]

No wonder why the base was an over kill. Since I've already gone to obscene lengths trying to get this damn song, I'll wait for now. Though I kinda like the sound effects...

[Lord Dalek]

Though I kinda like the sound effects...They're too distracting, I say. And of couse there's the problem with the low-frequency draining out Nishikawa.

[kaine23]

Got a full non-sound effects version. 192kbits, 3:19, has an actual fade-out to the sound at the end.

[Shogun373]

Ok so I know that Gundam SEED Destiny just aired in Japan (and that many people have already seen it in the US) but is there like an idea of when it will come out in DVD in the American Empire (USA)

[FlyByNite77]

How is rebuilding ANY Mobile Suit "unrealisitc"? Maybe if the military didn't fund its reconstruction, but Freedom could have been rebuilt by anyone with enough money and resources.

Hell, it may have even been rebuilt inside Orb or something.Agreed. Strike was pretty trashed after Athrun got done self-destructing on it and yet they managed to rebuild it.

Freedom was missing a leg, had it's head shot off, arm damage and I'd have to guess some kind of torso/cockpit damage for Kira to have floated out of it.

But it should still be fixable.

[Duke]

Ok so I know that Gundam SEED Destiny just aired in Japan (and that many people have already seen it in the US) but is there like an idea of when it will come out in DVD in the American Empire (USA)
Not until at least at least Fall in 2005.

[HellCat]

Agreed. Strike was pretty trashed after Athrun got done self-destructing on it and yet they managed to rebuild it.

Freedom was missing a leg, had it's head shot off, arm damage and I'd have to guess some kind of torso/cockpit damage for Kira to have floated out of it.

But it should still be fixable.
You're forgetting it took use of nuclear power and the now illegal N-Jammer Canceller. Even though the Alliance is ignoring the treaty, I'd imagine anyone who would want to rebuild Freedom (Kira?) would likely abide by it. Under such restrictions, Freedom's weapon systems wouldn't be possible.

[Lord Dalek]

You're forgetting it took use of nuclear power and the now illegal N-Jammer Canceller. Even though the Alliance is ignoring the treaty, I'd imagine anyone who would want to rebuild Freedom (Kira?) would likely abide by it. Under such restrictions, Freedom's weapon systems wouldn't be possible.But then again, neither would Justice's.

[InfinityBlade]

Episode 4 aired.

There's a number of things here that probably went right over my head due to the fact I can't understand most of what's being said. :p

The fight with Shinn & Lunamaria VS Auel, Sting, and Stellar doesn't really GO anywhere, but it's still pretty cool. Shinn & Luna do a good enough job at staying alive against three Gundams, anyway. It's nice to see that they really are having to rely on some sort of tactics beyond "Lets send out Gundam out to beat the crap out of them." Since the battle goes nowhere fast until the Minerva deals a heavy blow to the Alliance's ship.

Stellar seems entertained by the pretty lights at the end. :p

It's fun seeing the ZAFT pilots' reactions to Athrun at the end. Shinn has the expected reaction, Rey remains neutral, and Luna's actually thankful towards him.

Not too eventful an episode, but a necessary bridge to wherever it's going next, I suppose. Next week, Yzak & Dearka appear, and it looks like Junius Seven's about to start dropping like a rock... So it looks like things will be heating up again very quickly.

[Juu-kuchi]

Wow, we're already into the fourth episode and the Minerva has already gone through more trouble than the Archangel did. That space battle was much more intense than the ones in SEED (Like Dominion vs. Archanagel arc), and it was just cool. I thought those Guiaz's came out of nowhere, but then again they do not matter since they get destroyed. Athrun is beginning to feel rather uncomfortable after Gilbert revealed him. Gilbert continuously smiled at him as he gets more uneasy, probably Gilbert knowing what Athrun might do. Athrun, not being one to sit down, helps the Minerva in their battle.

Rey and Neo go at it again, and it was pretty much a stalemate between both of them until the Minerva managed to heavily damage the Girty Lue. During the retreat, we see that Stellar is fond of pretty lights.

What was also good in this episode is that Meyrin (the red-headed communications officer) acknowledges Lunamaria as her sister and she, Lunamaria, Rey, and Shin go back to rest. Ironically they find Athrun there. Rey is just polite, and Lunamaria has no qualms about talking to Athrun. She seemed rather grateful and also very kind to him, harboring no prejudices (for right now). Shin however says what is expected of him, and probably says that he betrayed Zaft for Orb and is not worth talking to.

However, strangely enough I think that battle sortof blew a portion of Junius Seven with distance of Earth.

Other than that, it was a good episode, but this is the episode where two particular scenes stand out to me:

-Athrun's flashback scene showed all the people that died during the course of the first war. For some reason they also show the deaths of people he was not familiar with like Mu and Natarle. But then again, Kira probably confided with him after the war about the many lives that were close to them. It shows that Athrun is now struggling how he could fight after such events and what he can do to make a difference.
-Shin's final scene displays him angsting in his room, but I thought was the best moment of the episode was when he notices his sister's cell phone, picks it up, and listens to her answering machine, smiling lovingly as he hears her voice. It gives dimension to Shin as I think it symbolizes his reason to fight. He fights for her and his family, and perhaps it shows more of what he stands for.

I'll expect a big rescue mission to attempt to put back Junius Seven into orbit by the Joule squad. Then of course, we'll see Athrun return to the battlefield, hoping to see if he can make a difference.

[GWOtaku]

Y'know people come here expecting spoilers; I think we can dispense with the boxes. :)

Episode 4 flew by fast. Really, really fast. Its like I blinked and it was over. The action was fine, although it seemed as though there was more flying around than fighting for Impulse while Lunamaria got to do a lot of cool stuff and went toe to toe with Gaia for awhile. What was unusual about this battle though was that the mobile suit fight actually played second fiddle to the ship vs. ship battle that went on. Lots of manuvering, Athrun dispensing advice (I think), tension on the bridge, the Minerva blowing up the asteroid to take the enemy by surprise, I found all that much more engaging.

Juu-kuchi is right, the best part of the episode was what happened after the fighting was over. Some sad moments here--Athrun remembering those who died in Gundam SEED (minor gripe: they really should've included Patrick Zala's death in this), Shin keeping his sister's phone so he can listen to her voice on the answering machine. It really makes you feel for them both for what they went through, as well as the fallen. When the group runs into Athrun Shin still seems a bit cold and maybe even indifferent, although I don't know what he's saying there. Lunamaria obviously has respect for him, while Meyrin Hawke seemed very timid throughout the entire scene, hiding behind the rest of the group. This tells me that she's naturally shy, or is a bit reluctant to approach a famous war hero, or has a crush on him (probably not), or a combination of two or more of the above. In any event, I hope we get the chance to see more of her beyond the bridge. I'd really like to see development for the Hawke sisters at some point, if only a little bit.

Today's episode underscored all the more to me that how tough the Minerva has it for the moment. Between the three Gundams and Neo's mobile armor I think its clear by now that Shin, Ray, and Lunamaria can at best fight the forces of "Bogey 1" to a standstill. The arrival of the Joule team in episode 5 will be welcome, hopefully reinforcing the Minerva while expanding the action beyond Shin + Lunamaria or Rey vs. three Gundams, retreat, rinse & repeat. The mecha combat should continue to be quite interesting until they finally bring Savior Gundam into the mix.

On the subject of Freedom: Technology may have advanced enough to make Freedom's weaponry possible without using nuclear power. Even if not, the Freedom we see could be a modified version that conforms to the current standards. In that case it probably wouldn't be as powerful as it was in Gundam SEED, but definitely more than enough to give even the most advanced mobile suits for the time (such as Impulse) a run for their money.