GATE: Season 1 – Recap/ Review (with Spoilers)
Episode 2: The Two Armies Introduction There is a lot of action in this episode of GATE, but with GATE not being a very graphic series, it makes all of the action almost seem like a letdown. Add on that there isn’t much of a story here, besides some political maneuvers being done on the fantasy…
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Episode 2: The Two Armies
Introduction
There is a lot of action in this episode of GATE, but with GATE not being a very graphic series, it makes all of the action almost seem like a letdown. Add on that there isn’t much of a story here, besides some political maneuvers being done on the fantasy nation side, and I got to admit that I am unsure what continues to draw me into this show. Maybe it is the idea of two different eras of military forces going against each other, or perhaps this being a more serious version of what Outbreak Company did. Either way, for more on the episode look below.
Characters & Story (with Commentary)
Topic 1: A Goddamn Massacre – Emperor Molt
With multiple defeats, and the Self-Defence Force holding Arnus Hill strong, naturally the senate of their world is calling upon their leader, Emperor Molt, for guidance. As for his decision? Well, it originally seems he wants to rely on numbers to go against those with better technology. However, with more than 120,000 killed based off his leadership, not counting the 60% loss of their military during their own invasion, we learn of Emperor Molt’s true intention. Of which are trying to save his military, the imperial army, and have all his would be allies, or enemies, who are united against a foreign invader, use their militaries until they are weakened to the point they will be forced to submit. Then, to really wipe out his enemies and strengthen his kingdom, he plans to destroy villages and settlements in order to make his kingdom the perhaps sole safe haven, and strongly fortified, area of all the land.
Topic 2: Dragons, Elves, and Fire, OH MY – Itami
While Emperor Molt allows his would be allies to die and fail, and even send his own daughter Pinya to scout the enemies camps, Itami and the Self-Defence Forces seem to now feel safe enough to venture out into the world, vs. playing a defensive strategy. Something which it seems may have been an idea pushed from back home, for we do get a short moment of the USA asking why they haven’t played an active role in order to exploit the resources they believe are on the other side of the gate. An idea I’m sure Japan might have had and is now pushing Itami, as well as his peers, to pursue.
Thus leading Itami and crew, which includes Kurata, and a new interesting character named Kuribayahi, perhaps the sole woman on Itami’s side of things, venturing out into the world and acting as I’m sure those who “liberated” Iraq thought they were received. They go to villages, interact, and think a few friendly people, likely scared of their weapons, consider them friendly. Though in reality, it seems what maybe a few isolated villages are just scared. After all, in the distance, we see a dragon wipe out a settlement and kill over 100 people and destroy around 32 buildings. Leaving, as Itami and crew, search the area, ground which still is scorching even after it has rained and put out most of the flame.
But, one has survived. Someone who I’m sure Kurata and Itami are going to want to know quite badly. Why? Well, she is an elf girl.
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.