GATE: Season 1 – Recap/ Review (with Spoilers)

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Episode 18: The Magic City of Rondel

Characters & Story (with Commentary)

Topic 1: Itami’s Suspension & The City of Rondel (Itami, Rory, Lelei, and Tuka)

Despite Itami being part of a task force which killed a Red Dragon, which leads to quite a few commendations, he gets a two-week suspension. One which seems to be more a slap on the wrist than a true punishment. For, once the suspension is done, he is to begin looking for resources within the special region.

But as for what he may do during the two weeks? Well, Lelei has the crew head to Rondel, a city filled with spell casters, as she looks to attain the title of master. Which in Rondel and the special region is something unheard of when it comes to someone Lelei’s age. Though perhaps the real interesting part here is that within Rondel is Lelei’s less accomplished sister Arpeggio. Someone who seems quite jealous of Lelei and isn’t afraid to voice said jealousy.

The fun doesn’t end there though! It seems after Lelei meets with her sister, and tries to be accepted as a master, the group will head to Vernago to go to the Temple of Hardy. Reason being, Rory doesn’t want her sister hunting her down or this Hardy situation going on any longer. She wants to firmly let it be known she isn’t interested, and who knows how that may play out. Especially considering she seems to have her sights set on Itami.

Topic 2: A Child in Love (Sugawara)

With peace talks underway, it seems all the schmoozing and showing off of Japan’s military might may have paid off. Well, at least it seemed that way. In truth, while the lords maybe for the idea of peace, strictly to prevent war, and there is strong admiration for Japanese products, the people themselves remain fearful of the Japanese. An issue Sugawara is introduced to by Sherry Tyueri, the 12-year-old girl Sugawara gave a pearl necklace to. So, in order to aide the man she claims will be her future husband, she decides to show that the Japanese, especially Vice Minister Shirayuri, are not to be feared. Yes, they have the almighty power of the Japanese military behind them, but they themselves are approachable people. As shown by women admiring Vice Minister Shirayuri’s pant suit after Sherry speaks with her.

Topic 3: A Threat To Peace (Princess Pina, Zolzal, and Tyuule)

Sadly though, it seems Sherry gesture might be in vain. For, you see, despite the failure to assassinate Noriko and possibly end negotiations, Zolzal continues to be influenced by Tyuule and her desire for revenge. Add in that Japan returns some POWs and they don’t like seeing the empire in a weak position, and it makes Tyuule’s possible last stand dangerous. Reason being? Between her or her weird boar ally, Emperor Mort gets poisoned. With this comes Zolzal naturally ascending to the throne which puts a threat upon peace talks.

Though, here comes the real biggie: If Zolzal ends peace talks, as I’m sure Tyuule wants, will the people go along with it? After all, Emperor Mort already made some enemies during the initial war and with the Japanese might known, partly by a Red Dragon head dropped off at the doorsteps of the castle, who knows if the people may follow his decisions. Thus bringing in Princess Pina’s part in all this.

The princess is the one who arranged everything and is a large part of the reason that relations between Japan and the Special Region are somewhere near amicable. Leading to the question of, if there is war, whose side will she be on? If she represents a rebel force against Zolzal, how will this be seen? Will she be seen as a puppet, or will she be taken seriously? Also, how will their brother act? He isn’t fond of Zolzal, nor seemed too interested in the deal with the SDF/ Japan. So what may go down when Zolzal, inevitably, tries to end or sabotage the peace talks?

Highlights

Zolzal/ Tyuule Creating Interesting Conflict: I have no idea how this situation with Emperor Mort’s death may turn out, be it Zolzal blaming the Japanese or what have you, but it has presented a setup for an interesting conflict. For while the empire is of no match for the SDF, there is a chance between Tyuule’s spies, and Zolzal’s remaining might, they may attempt a rebellion. Question is, as noted in topic 3, who is going to support it? After all, the SDF have done well through clinics, and more, integrating with the locals. Add on Itami slaying a Red Dragon for the Dark Elves, and the commendations he got for that, plus the issues Emperor Molt was having after the first major battle and their losses, and it leaves you to wonder if Zolzal and Tyuule’s moves may cause a civil war as those who support the SDF go against those who wish to reassert some form of dominance.

On The Fence

Lelei, Rory, And Itami’s 2 Week Suspension: A part of me wonders if between Lelei’s storyline dealing with becoming a master, and speaking with her sister, alongside Rory’s desire to turn down Hardy once and for all, how will these storylines go? Will they just seem like filler alongside the big political plot or will the character development make it all worth it?

Things To Note

[1]: Rondel, we are told, is a city with a longer history than the Empire.

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