GATE: Season 1 – Recap/ Review (with Spoilers)
Episode 12: What Would Itami Do? Overview As the 1st half of the season comes to an end, we are left with hope as it seems, far and wide, the people know of the SDF’s accomplishments. Leaving only the question of whether the officials of the empire will seek peace, or dare to wage war against…
Spoiler Alert: This summary and review contains spoilers.
Additionally, some images and text may include affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission or receive products if you make a purchase.
Episode 12: What Would Itami Do?
Overview
As the 1st half of the season comes to an end, we are left with hope as it seems, far and wide, the people know of the SDF’s accomplishments. Leaving only the question of whether the officials of the empire will seek peace, or dare to wage war against a superior foe?
Characters & Story (with Commentary)
Topic 1: Sacrifices Will/ Have To Be Made – Yao
Months have past since Yao’s people, the dark elves, lost 220 of their members in Scwartz Woods, and now Yao has been tasked with recruiting the Green People, the SDF, to save them. Issue is, Itami is away from basecamp, seemingly to help escort the latest diplomat from Japan, and none of the SDF really have any grasp of the local language.
Thankfully though, after a few run-ins with some creeps, Yao gets an audience with the SDF, mainly General Hazama. Someone who delivers the unfortunate news, through Lelei, that help cannot be delivered. As for why? Well, it is primarily because Schwartz Woods lies outside of the Empire’s territory, and with sending an army into a foreign nations border comes the possibility of war. One which, likely, the SDF could win, but being that they are already trying to have peace negotiations do well with the Empire, and have a decent reputation, anything which can soil it is being avoided.
News which Yao doesn’t take that well but, all around her, she hears the name Itami. Someone who, despite better judgement, may actually help her. So while the general may have said no, it seems there isn’t reason to lose all hope.
Final Thoughts
To be honest, while this fight against the Red Dragon, and seeing the world outside of the Empire, sounds interesting, it seems like it may act more so as filler than anything. If only because the focus right now should be the empire and Japan’s negotiations, but I guess rather than make this show political, they wanna keep some action going, as well as show Itami in slightly comedic situations.
Which I don’t wish to imply is a horrible idea, but with this show often flirting with becoming more serious, especially when political governments are involved, it does frustrate me a bit. For there is just something about the US, China, or Russia storming Japan for access to the special region; maybe those of the empire using covert forces to try to regain their autonomy and safety; as well as secret deals and hostile negotiations, which just makes the almost passive nature of the show slightly disappointing. Not to the point of no longer watching, but it does make me feel like my expectations are not per se too high, but in a whole different genre and I need to constantly remind myself that this isn’t a seriously toned show like it sometimes, seemingly, wants to be.
Things To Note
Myutie is the name of the mixed species girl we last saw with Rory and during the siege against Italica.
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.