GATE: Season 1 – Recap/ Review (with Spoilers)
Gate: Jieitai Kanochi nite, Kaku Tatakaeri, or simply Gate, slowly turns from something which seems like a silly ecchi filled anime to something which really holds clout in terms of presenting fantasy, action, and character development. Episode 1: The Self Defense Force Goes to Another World Main Plot Analysis & Spoilers Topic 1: A Job To…
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Gate: Jieitai Kanochi nite, Kaku Tatakaeri, or simply Gate, slowly turns from something which seems like a silly ecchi filled anime to something which really holds clout in terms of presenting fantasy, action, and character development.
Episode 1: The Self Defense Force Goes to Another World
Main Plot Analysis & Spoilers
Topic 1: A Job To Support My Hobby – Itami
Itami Youji is a 33-year-old otaku who works within the military. From what it seems he has hardly any ambition, besides collecting more doujinshi, and as for why he even joined the military as a job? Well, no information is provided.
Topic 2: The Gate Appears and An Army Storms Through – Itami
What pushes Itami from being a nobody, or simply another soldier, to becoming a nationally known hero, is the appearance of what is simply referred to as the gate. A giant, almost Greco-Roman piece of architecture, which appears without any visible scientific reason. Though it isn’t so much the gate as the army of demons, soldiers, and dragons which come forth. Leading to a lot of dead Japanese citizens, but the show decides not to be too graphic with anyone’s death, leading to a possible missed opportunity.
Still, with Itami helping to save people, and organize an effort to keep unharmed citizens safe, he is rewarded with a promotion that makes him a 2nd lieutenant. Though, alongside his promotion comes fame and him meeting a young man, who is also an otaku, named Kurata. Someone who seemingly is a bit new to the military, but very much inspired by Itami’s bravery.
Topic 3: Off Into the Unknown – Itami
After the surprise attack, between Prime Minister Houjou, his successor Prime Minister Motoi, and the US president Dirrell, the gate was placed under guard, and now shall be invaded by a large army force. Of which, naturally, Itami and Kurata are a part of. And the episode ends with Commander Hazama watching the forces go in, and we seeing a vibrant medieval world which just got invaded by people with tanks, guns, and the type of armor which will make it so the only way Itami and co. may die is if they run out of bullets.
Things To Note
- Itami Youji is 33
I really wish there was another season of GATE for the simple reason that I’d like them to actually bring the conflict to a conclusion. I know there are issues with the story, but I was enjoying it and it just kind of left me hanging and that kind of takes the rewatch fun out of it.
There needs to at least be a ova, if not a full movie. This was the first show I saw go past 12 episodes and I honestly could have been cool with it going on forever.
The first season kind of reminded me of Stargate and realisatically, I’d have happily sat through 10 seasons of this. It is just kind easy watching.
And, in retrospect, it strangely was able to balance all the genres it touched on. Yes, there was a bit of ecchi, but the sci-fi/ fantasy elements were on point. Also, it had these rather epic action scenes, especially with the Red Dragon. Not to forget quality character interaction, relationships, and growth.
I also loved the soundtrack at times. But yeah, the character interactions were what made the show really enjoyable. Even when the story didn’t quite word as well as it should the characters carried it for me.