GATE S2 - Episode 12: Finale

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.

GATE S2 - Episode 11: A Blitz

Right, after dealing with assassins last episode, finally we get into the real fighting, with the Self-Defense Forces going to launch a blitzkrieg attack to the trapped civilians in this episode eleven: Paradrop. Spoilers ahead, intentional or otherwise.

The blitz attacks immediately after the opening were really interesting to watch. Not many animated series or movies could capture the urgentness and coordination between the soldiers in an urban environment attack. Simply nice and quick action, close quarters combat across the city, maneuvering and eliminating platoons of Empire guards.

The nice and quick action mentioned before involved soldiers jumping from airplanes. The look on Zolzal's face was priceless, cornered by the Japanese. Well, it isn't that often you see him surprised and helpless. Indeed, Tyuule's plan actually worked out, and the Empire's now even closer to being defeated by Japan.

One thing that was a little less subtle and acceptable was when the Japanese army appeared from the bushes, ambushing the Empire soldiers, gunning them down into a rout.

For one, the part where the archers fired arrows and one soldier actually got hit did remind us that these soldiers, while advanced, aren't undefeatable. however, the rout that so quickly followed muted that feeling. Shame that a more humane approach could be used, instead of massacring an entire army, not making these soldiers from another world unbeatable like they should be.

Once more, Japan is branded as always ready to help here, by the corporal agreeing to the knight captain Bozes' request to evacuate the injured.

Oh well, nationalism.

Now, the strange bit of the show starts here: when Bozes seemed too keen on rescuing the Princess.

When she failed to enter the capital, then dragged along by Befeeter, in tears, it went a little out of character. It just seem that she should've been more determined, and not cry away.

Also, they resorted once more to massacring a large number of cavalrymen. Seriously, why can't this show do the action parts a little more considerately?

Anyway, with the knights unable to do anything, everything is left in Itami's hands as they sped to the capital to rescue Pina. 

Well, this had been an action-packed episode with nice close-quarters combat--though the fact that they killed indiscriminately was a question. Next episode, we shall see Tyuule's scheme finally being fulfilled (or not), while Itami rescues the Princess.

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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.

GATE S2 - Episode 10: Assassins

Last time, Lelei's life was threatened by the goblins, while Pina got locked in by her brother. As excited as I was for a large battle, sadly it did not come this tenth episode: Empress in Slave's Clothing, however it does set the stage for a more urgent battle to come. Spoiler alert for intentional spoilers or unintentionally spoiled ones.

The episode starts off with the Princess' Knights fighting off the soldiers to protect the Jade Palace. Other than the fact that they were battling the comrades, this could be getting too monotonous. It's a short scene, though, so not much to say there.

Meanwhile, in Rondel, the girl that was told to scout ahead overheard the conversation between the three goblin boys with a shady-looking woman, who told them to earn Lelei's trust and warn her of an attack during her presentation and telling her to wear armor. Then, she would play dead to lure the Pied Piper. Then, when the woman turned, the girl followed.

Now, funny thing, if this girl is as dumb as the show had us believed last episode, why was she skeptical about the woman? Well, perhaps it could work both ways. But then... time skip, four days ahead. This show already got quite some of them.

Two assassination attempts at Lelei nearing her turn to present: the first one by an old wizard, foiled at the point of Itami's pistol after some interesting logical deduction, a welcome change. The second, by an acrobatic assassin, pretty tense as Itami could not shoot her. However, the entire magical community had already prepared, and with bolts of colorful light, the to-be assassin was knocked out. Quite nice colors on that scene.

And then, something almost unexpected happens: the girl pulled out a knife and stabbed Lelei. How dumb, as she was the one that first heard that Lelei was wearing armor. Interesting turn of events, though, however perhaps this event is only here to delay the Pied Piper's revelation.

The actions of her knights against the special forces at Jade Palace finally made Pina imprisoned by Zolzal's orders. Several points to make here:

The first one, another praise on the politics. I do think this really is how it went with old medieval politics, siblings killing off each other to gain power. Plus, it's quite sad knowing how this was how a princess was treated by her brother. Also, concerning power play, this is what was meant by the episode's title. The warrior bunny became quite the manipulative person, leering over the princess. 

The last point: is this just fanservice to let us see Pina in less-than-proper prisoner clothing?

Anyway, the story returns to Itami and the girls, interrogating the assassin. As said before, she was dumb, or just forgetful, crying just for the usual 'cute' factor GATE must have, as a rule. Then, she said that she was going to kill Lelei in the name of Pina, so she could prove her allegiance to Zolzal. So that's how this all is connected; it is confirmed after all.

Thus, more holes to fill: how will Lelei and Itami play a part in overthrowing Zolzal? How will Pina escape? Next episode, according to the preview, we're going to see a raid on the capital after all.

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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.

GATE S2 - Episode 9: Complications

Now, last week, GATE ended in a cliffhanger-y scene, where the Prince's special forces engage the Princess' knights. This episode nine: Deadline, the story picks off right where it left off, and made the situation even more complicated for the factions. Spoilers. Intentional or otherwise.

We don't usually see women fighting, but these Knights definitely held their ground, scurrying the Cleaners off. Drawings a little funny here and there, but thankfully nothing like the duel two episodes ago. Anyway, this battle was bound to have political repercussions from Zolzal.

Some people in the government pleaded to the Minister to allow a mission to rescue some people trapped in the other world. However, at this stage, to rescue them will be equal to a takeover of the Empire's capital.

Then, we were reminded that the world of politics is never far from the eyes of the mass media. A journalist accuses the JSDF for staying idle and wasting tax money for not doing anything. Got to say, GATE's politics remain quite accurate and real, and this part about popular support added more to that. Don't really see that often other than in A Song of Ice and Fire.

Meanwhile, the three goblins in the inn at Rondel tried to assassinate Itami and the girls, only to be knocked out by a flashbang. Upon interrogation, they discovered someone called the Pied Piper might be behind these manipulations.

Now, wait a moment. So this other world really is a place of fairy tales, like The Wolf Among Us or Rise of the Guardians. Fascinating inspiration.

The next day, they find themselves a celebrity as the news of the Dragon's killer had just reached the town after the bridges to Rondel were repaired. However, this means the assassin two episodes ago already knew about them, even before the broken bridges were repaired. Nice logical thinking by Itami, though his explanation could be clearer (or is it the subtitles?).

Finally, rather than letting Pina loose, Zolzal summoned her to the palace, and held her there, as a prisoner, no doubt. I'm quite interested to see whether she'll be reduced to a powerless prisoner (like her voice actor's other role, Asuna in SAO) or could she fight as a princess. 

And at the end, the negotiations with the Minister made him agree to the assault to the capital. There we go, the end of the story. Not much to be told this week, but with this assault going to happen, while Pina became powerless, and Itami and friends continue to Sherlock the assassins, things could get hot next week.

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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.

GATE S2 - Episode 8: Lover

With the order to capture all tratiors issued by Zolzal last episode, everyone is on the run. This episode eight, Lover, shall leave the story of Itami and his troupe for a while, and focus on Sherry, the little girl obsessed with Sugawara. Beware of spoilers, intentional or otherwise.

Oh, and this time, the title of this review is the same as the title of the episode, which is perfectly fitting.

The story opens with Itami using a stick to choose a path to go, with Lelei complaining that they won't find any resources on the way. Thus, they fled again.

That's it for Itami and the girls, plus the captain from last episode. We meet Sherry again, who was told to escort Marquess Cassel to a hidden exit, for the special force dubbed "the Cleaners" is coming to Sherry's house.

However, Sherry's parents were forced to burn down their mansion, after trusting Sherry to continue their family's bloodline. Apparently, Sherry could be a big player in GATE.

The fate that befell Sherry's parents were not that emotional as we never even saw much of her parents before. However, it became clear she was strong and accepting (low Psycho-Pass? Wow references...), as she quickly adapted to the situation and haggled charismatically with someone in the town to get some food in exchange for some of Sugawara's pearls. Although, the tip when the Jade Palace's guards change would be unnecessary information. 

Though quite a funny scene, I doubt a twelve-year-old should be able to intimidate an adult. But oh well. Whatever the Japanese need for a badass (for lack of words) little girl. We rarely see these characters, anyway.

In the town, the Cleaners crashed house after house to flush out the Marquess. Realizing their position, Sherry pointed out that they should seek refuge with the Japanese. And thus, they ran, while the piglike servant of Tyuule carefully watched them.

Here, see what I said earlier that the changing guards do not matter. The two entered the Jade Palace with permission from the guards, up until beyond the lawn that marked Japan's territory. Sadly, Sugawara did not let them in. Thus, Sherry said that she must see him as she was his future wife.

Okay, once more, this is just creepy. And I won't comment about this again.

Sugawara himself felt that he needed to put his feelings and sympathy aside to do his job as a diplomat, and as such, he rejected the two, even after knowing one refugee was Sherry.

This one, while having a predictable ending as usual where he'll soften up, was a good conflict. This internal conflict, where one side of him that he shouldn't as he was merely following orders from the Ministry, he also want to help, although his face doesn't show that. For me, this hit harder than the death of Sherry's parents.

Just then, the Cleaners came, and Marquess Cassel submitted without a fight. This is befitting for the Marquess, however what happens next is just wrong. Either that or I'm really not into romance. However, this will add even more conflict to GATE.

As expected, Sugawara went out and called Sherry, giving her permission to step in Japanese land. An elder guard hit the commander of the Cleaners (that does sound funny; I can't remember their official name), thereby freeing Sherry from his grasp.

This act triggered something that will be considered treasonous. The Cleaners want to take hostage of Sherry, while Princess Pina's knights were sworn to defend the Jade Palace. Thus, they clashed swords.

What's wrong here is that Cassel, the leader of the peace-seeking senators, was taken, while Sugawara embraced Sherry, and a battle that may crack the Empire happened in front of their eyes. Typical, typical for GATE. However, this does set things in motion for the next episode. Until next week.

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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.

GATE S2 - Episode 7: A Humorous Complication

Last episode, the politics of the Empire took a turn for the worse, and with Zolzal taking the lead, conflict with Japan will only increase. This episode 7 of GATE, Dangerous Sisters, shall be the proper beginning of that conflict, though with amusingly humorous scenes between Lelei and her sister. Spoilers ahead, intentional or otherwise.

Zolzal immediately approves of the dishonorable tactics his new generals came up with, with Pina yelling out her concerns about morality. Then she encountered the other brother, Diablo, who was running away to gather other nations to remove Zolzal.

Finally, we could see Pina again, voicing her concerns of the war as usual. Besides that, again these first scenes compare the barbaric and deceitful way of doing war by the fantasy world, compared to Japan. Let the propaganda begin again.

It seems the politicking only gets that far. The rest is pretty much all fun and laughs. We return to Rondel, where Itami, the girls, the master magician, and Lelei's sister were chilling out.

See, more references on how our current civilization is much better... how Japan is better. But anyway, the laughs were when Lelei's sister yelled around about how she will be doomed when book prices go down, as she painstakingly copies them in her spare time. Usual comically crazy stuff.

But after that, the history of the world was explained to us, that actually all elves came from the Gate, and humans were the newcomers. The Gate became dormant again, until now. Fascinating tale, though it doesn't explain why their technology remained stagnant for at least a thousand years--Rory's age.

Then, more laughs were played during the scene at the restaurant, when Lelei's sister finally broke down (after ridiculous scenes and some usual innuendos) and smashed one bowl full of something that looked like pumpkin soup.

Weird culture, I know. And even weirder was that, after that, it became an all-out duel between sisters.

The battle was clunky at best, sadly. It was just not that... fluid and natural to me, for some reason. The animation was just not that great if compared to the fights of the last two episodes. This one, while quite fantastical in scale as usual, was just not that epic, for lack of vocabulary. It does show the amount of rivalry between them, which was nice as well.

With the battle ending in a tie, suddenly there was a man with a crossbow who wanted to eliminate Lelei, perhaps due to envy, though considering the dirty tricks the Empire will be using, an assassination attempt may also be possible.

The sudden assassin was suddenly stabbed by a captain, who trusted Itami to work together to protect a citizen of the Empire, Lelei. However, Itami said that they were going to run. Where, and why, we shall find out next episode.

Meanwhile, Tyuule the warrior bunny also made political moves to further entrench Zolzal's dictatorship. Again, how wil this new government continue, we shall see.

This episode was all-around funny and light, save for a couple of important developments in the politics, which gives us promise of a more complex story. Sure, the nationalism and propaganda and innuendos still continue, but I do hope the story will make us turn  blind eye on those.

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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.

GATE S2: Episode 6: The Intrigue Begins

GATE has gotten increasingly interesting these last few episodes. Now, with the Fire Dragon finished, we return to this show with the sixth episode: The Magic City of Rondel. Though the title, this episode has not very much to do with magic, but we return to the politics of the Empire. Spoilers, intentional or otherwise, are ahead.

We start of with a humorous scene, as GATE did repeatedly. Seems Itami got a commendation from the general due to his bravery. Well, quite a useless scene but for the laughs, see, the fact that he was suspended for two weeks is irrelevant. Though at the end, Itami is given freedom of where he wants to go to search for resources.

Thus Itami went on with all the girls... again. Nothing much to see for the first several minutes, but them heading and settling in Rondel. Still lighthearted, and some laughs along the way.

It seems Lelei came here to give an academic speech to the magic council there. More lighthearted scenes along the way, with the classic clumsy old magicians. And one clumsy old magician seem to have the bubbly soul of a kid, that grandmother master magician who Lelei met.

Seriously. I still wonder why Japanese people likes 'cute' things. GATE has showed us much of their nationalistic and cute preferences, but this one is just plain irrational.

Then it seems that Lelei has kept her sister a secret from the rest of us, and for good reason, as they were not exactly on the best of terms. Usual sisterly grudge, where Lelei is a prodigy (seen from GATE's last episode where she went unlimited blade works), her sister is still struggling.

So this is Lelei's part of the story. Let's see now this could develop.

In the meantime, in the capital of the Empire, the ceremony of the prisoners being returned is about to commence. Here, we have that kid from the beginning episodes return to express her love to Sugawara. And by that, she meant 'using' her so that the Empire citizens seem more relaxed around the Japanese.

But wait just a moment here. gain, this scene seems here just to fulfill the Japanese love of cuteness and, sorry to say, underage people, as seen fro the twelve-year-old's desire to marry Sugawara. But oh well if that is what sells. And the fantasy world's culture is much different than ours, to be sure.

And then, the intriguing part begins. As the ceremony starts, it seems that some people in the Empire, the ex-prisoners most of all, and also Prince Zolzal, feel reluctant to give Japan the upper hand in negotiations. See, more nationalism at play here.

Then, the had of the Dragon is introduced, and the reports of how it fell came. GATE gets even more nationalistic. How proud the Emperor is, when he learned that one of his citizens, Lelei, played a part in killing the dragon.

And then, during the toast, the Emperor was assassinated with poison. Saw that predictable event coming, perhaps by intuition. But anyway, this throws all the peace off-balance, as now, the Crown Price Zolzal will take over. That warrior bunny's revenge shall be completed, then.

This episode started out lighthearted and funny, with messages of nationalism and 'cuteness' everywhere. However, this one ended with a twist that could be the end of peace, by the next episode. until next week then.

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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.