2009-01-09, 12:00 | Link #1164 |
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If I understand correctly, the government of Frontier issued a public statement back in episode eleven stating that the V-virus outbreak in the hydra population wouldn't be a concern for humans, due to the transmission requirements of the infection. In addition, during the conversation with Leon in episode twenty-two, it's stated that the infection rate is very low and is easily treated in its early stages. Leon didn't strike me as particularily brave; if Sheryl posed a threat of infection, I doubt that he would have discussed the medical report in person (and the doctors would have also quarantined her, at that).
That aside, I wouldn't say that the outcome of Ranka's actions prevent me from appreciating her character. The problem, I think, has more to do with how her motivation is presented. While she aligns herself with the Vajra in the last few episodes, it's unclear as to exactly why she believes that they're worth protecting. It's much harder to cheer a character on without getting a sense of what specifically drives them. This is more of a time constraint issue, of course, but Alto and Sheryl both had moments which very clearly defined their motivation (episodes twenty-three and twenty, respectively). |
2009-01-09, 12:01 | Link #1165 | |
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In any case, further responses in the Sheryl thread, please.
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2009-01-09, 12:11 | Link #1166 | |
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2009-01-09, 12:19 | Link #1167 | |
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So it's not really a threat to the general public (although Sheryl does take some precautions, as we see in episode twenty-three). |
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2009-01-09, 12:21 | Link #1168 |
A blast from the past
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Good Lord, now you're just grasping at straws, Father Hentai.
By the same line of argumentation, I can also say that Ranka's explanation of the Vajra's motives and raison-d'etre is just her own version of it and they could all be plotting the downfall of humanity as a whole, still - just waiting for a better chance. Suffice it to say, I don't really buy it. I'd much go with the series' own explanation - however brief - of the workings of the V-Type disease, topically: infection via bodily-fluids (how Ranka got her version of the disease and, presumably, Sheryl) or direct contact with the Vajra (Ranshe's way of contamination, presumably). And Swampstorm just reminded me: Sheryl knew she was infected - she just thought she had been cured. So, it could be totally inferred she knew what the disease was and how it could be transmitted - or the consequences to herself.
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2009-01-09, 13:16 | Link #1171 |
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While Ranka does communicate with the Vajra in episode fourteen, the audience doesn't really get a sense of what their "dialogue" is. The writers instead try to make us relate to the Vajra through Ai, who helps to personify them.
Again, I think the problem comes from the fact that they try to fit too much into episode twenty-one. As such, it's difficult to tell whether Ranka's decision to leave was driven by her realization that Alto didn't love her, or by a change in her priorities. Even here, it would have been sufficient for Ranka to make a statement that makes a strong impact and says what she's fighting for (i.e. "I want to stop this war!" or "I believe that the Vajra don't actually want to fight us!") That's what's been glossed over, as far as motivation is concerned. Compare this with Alto's monologue about how he'll fight to protect Frontier, or Sheryl's monologue where she decides to sing to give people hope even in the midst of her own despair. These critical decisions are what define these characters and makes them heroic. |
2009-01-09, 13:20 | Link #1172 | |
Alto x Ranka :)
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2009-01-09, 13:51 | Link #1173 | ||
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edit just to reply to BetoJR while he's still in the office: It's Episode 13 where she felt the pain when a Vajra got hurt by accident when a shot of Breras gund was reflected to a Crystall thing of the Vajra Leader bug. :P Quote:
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Last edited by Father Hentai; 2009-01-09 at 16:39. |
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2009-01-09, 17:55 | Link #1174 | |
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In my opinion Ranka is liked a spoiled child trapped in her own bubble, and when things don't go her way, her world goes crashing down. I just can't feel sorry for her, not if doing so entails ignoring the people that had to suffer because of her selfishness, but apparently you can so.... whatever works for you. |
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2009-01-09, 19:37 | Link #1175 | ||
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I cite what Ozma Lee when he fought against the bugs in episode 17: Quote:
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2009-01-09, 19:41 | Link #1176 | |
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Ranka had many chances to call it quits, but she eventually chose to abide by it. Please do remember that before Ranka went out to battle, Ozma did ask if it was alright for her to do so and that if she was content with the decision. She made the decision to fight.
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I suppose its ok then, to see the Frontier burnt to cinders, because as you know, not even the NUNS or the SMS had anything at hand to stop the Vajra. - Tak
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2009-01-09, 19:52 | Link #1177 | ||
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Regarding the armory of NUNS. You are forgetting something. Weapons were in development but came too late to production. Also the fleet still had an arsenal which was working. Only the nuclear warheads were out of game. And by the way. If Ranka would not have left the fleet Frontier for sure would be destroyed if you compare them with fleet strength of the Vajra at the home planet.
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2009-01-09, 19:58 | Link #1178 | |||
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Being in love is hardly an excuse for making irrational decisions. If I murdered someone and my excuse was that I was in love, I doubt that would get me anywhere. Anyway, as you know, our biggest beef with her is that she is unable to ever break from her personal bubble. She believes what she wants to believe, without even the slightest consideration of the real situation around her. If it fits her mold, she'd believe it! Quote:
The only thing really, that Ranka had to do, was to provide support through her songs in the safe confinements of Frontier's vessels. If she does not sing, then the Vajra would eventually tear the colony apart and get to her anyway. Whats the fucking difference? Really, I don't get why you are arguing this. Its not going to save her if she doesn't do a damn thing about it. Moreover, whats up with oh, I wanna sing because I want everyone to hear my voice, to I wanna sing so that Alto would luuuurrrvvveee me, to I don't wanna sing because that bastard hooked up with Sheryl. The fuck is up with that shit? Quote:
- Tak
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Last edited by Tak; 2009-01-09 at 20:12. |
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2009-01-09, 20:51 | Link #1179 | ||||||
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And if you view someone who is in love then you sometimes will be confronted with irrational decisions. Quote:
Like Ozma said and how Michel died. To fight and to die for the ones I love and vowed to protect. Or try to communicate with the Vajra. Quote:
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Grace would somehow taken her into custody if I credit her the ruthlessness of a real villain. She was mostly only hiding her true powers. So I guess she would have find a way to confront her with her past to manipulate her for her intentions.
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2009-01-09, 21:00 | Link #1180 | |||||
Catholic = Cat addiction?
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Which planet? Vajra homeworld? It was never their destination until it became necessary to reach that destination. Quote:
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- Tak
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