After eleven episodes, finally we reach the end of the second season of GATE, and judging by the title: Thus the Self-Defense Force Fought, this might very well be the final episode of GATE, where Itami and co. mounts a rescue for Princess Pina. So, spoilers ahead, intentional or otherwise.
Upon arriving at the capital's Red District, Itami met his squad, always ready to follow him, and drafted a plan to sneak in the palace, get the Princess and the Emperor, and rush out. This is going to be an exciting episode, then, if all goes well.
One thing, though: it seems that GATE tries too hard to convince us that Itami is very charismatic, and that the others will just follow him. Some should have dissented, at least. But oh very well.
After quite some nice sneaking around (plus, unfortunately a bit of fanservice by Yao, the dark elf, who met some guards on attention) a spectacular entrance to the palace's main hall, Zolzal called upon a giant ogre to kill the intruders.
This once, they didn't use guns to beat the ogre, but Rory's acrobatics, plus Lelei's magic bolts, which again she summoned like Fate's Archer using his Noble Phantasms through portals. Shame it ended too quickly. There wasn't any sense of danger.
No danger at all. Itami threatened Zolzal with a bullet, traumatizing the prince, and retrieved Pina. That look on the Prince's face was just priceless, not being able to do nothing. That said, he really couldn't do anything in the face of technology. Once more, subtle messages that Japan is far more superior--which is a fact, in this case--is conveyed.
Once they found the Emperor, they made their escape, with Rory on Itami's lap, for some reason. Once more, they tried hard to make the scene have a sense of urgency, however we all know that with explosives, everything could be solved. The difference in technology was just too great, that we know that the JSDF must win.
With his father and sister out of his custody, Zolzal was left with nothing to oppose Japan, and broke down, leaving the capital and all the chaos that may follow. Meanwhile, Tyuule has become a tragic story, with her plans to avenge her clan by having Japan invading the Empire foiled. Really, this is all about 'good versus evil, old versus new', nothing else.
The Emperor awoke, and proudly appointed Pina as his successor.
Just wait a moment here. What is the Emperor thinking, appointing a princess as successor, during those times? He never even mentioned his other son. Indeed, Pina was pro-peace, but didn't the Emperor himself ordered the attack on Japan?
I guess, emancipation wins.
Thus, the lovers in the series, however awkward they are, were shown. Just fan servicing, I guess. Even Bozes, who cried when she can't rescue her princess, didn't say a word about the Pina's return.
The final scene for the season: Itami pursued his hobby as an otaku by travelling to the year's festival, just when Itami arrived, the three girls came and invited a huge crowd with them, forcing Itami to flee. Oh well, comic relief.
So, what can I say about GATE. It had a nice premise, of a gate opening in Tokyo, leading to Japan invading an empire of fantasy.... however, during its run, it tries too much to impress us with Japan's technology and prowess in comparison with the medieval people, so that it loses its sense of excitement and conflict, and becomes almost like a propaganda, but with fan service. But, I still should praise its action scenes, which are still something to be seen: magic, guns, and swords. What more could you ask?
Overall... around 6 to 7 out of 10 would be proper for GATE: Jieitai Kanochi nite, Kaku Tatakaeri. But there is still a civil war to go through. Also, where did Zolzal's brother go? Perhaps there's a third season?
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GATE: Jieitai Kanochi nite, Kaku Tatakaeri is originally a light novel by Takumi Yanai, and adapted into anime by A-1 Pictures.
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