Suisei no Gargantia - Episode 5 Discussion / Poll [Archive]

monir

2013-05-04, 01:50

Welcome to the discussion thread for Suisei no Gargantia, Episode 5.

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bastek66

2013-05-04, 10:02

http://i.imgur.com/JQgPTyQ.jpg (http://imgur.com/JQgPTyQ)http://i.imgur.com/5QXx4Wi.jpg (http://imgur.com/5QXx4Wi)http://i.imgur.com/5C5syke.jpg (http://imgur.com/5C5syke)http://i.imgur.com/gXOiLNF.jpg (http://imgur.com/gXOiLNF)http://i.imgur.com/qHyiN3C.jpg (http://imgur.com/qHyiN3C)

Mangaka-chan

2013-05-04, 16:19

http://i.imgur.com/qHyiN3C.jpg (http://imgur.com/qHyiN3C)

Despite an ice age and a post-apocalyptic waterworld I see Hawaiian shirts are still around. :heh:

But seriously Ledo, you look like a tourist on vacation in Hawaii with a Bluetooth on...who happens to also have a giant mecha parked in the background. :uhoh:

justinstrife

2013-05-04, 21:42

Where's my Bellow's waifu? :(

Tenzen12

2013-05-04, 23:57

What do you mean by "MY" ?! Dare say it again:mad:!

But you have point. Where is MY Bellow's waifu?

Kakkou

2013-05-05, 00:06

My wish of seeing Ledo in only his underwear for most of the episode, thwarted by an aloha shirt...

Kirarakim

2013-05-05, 05:55

My wish of seeing Ledo in only his underwear for most of the episode, thwarted by an aloha shirt...

He better not swim with that shirt on!

Obelisk ze Tormentor

2013-05-05, 06:10

He better not swim with that shirt on!Can he even swim?:confused:

Kirarakim

2013-05-05, 06:34

Can he even swim?:confused:

He better not drown with that shirt on!

Actually with how pale he is, it's for the best. He would probably get sun burn.

MisaoFan

2013-05-05, 08:33

This week's episode shows us the main cast tanning in the beach, filled with some fanservice. Too bad Ledo gets chased by a bunch of strange and muscular crossdressers, resulting in rather wacky jokes. It then ends with the beautiful sunset, with everyone at Gargantia eating barbecue thanks to Ledo finally finding a lost sauce bottle. I'm really looking forward to see what the next episode is trying to talk more about Pinion and Bellows, but I was confused about the last scene in the next episode's preview, I'm imagining it to be either a dramatic shower scene or just showing a piece of flashback or a mysterious female (?), but let's see how it goes.

bastek66

2013-05-05, 09:26

Dammit Hisasi
http://i.imgur.com/eliyppCl.jpg (http://imgur.com/eliyppC)
Enjoy T&A
http://i.imgur.com/OltrhSbl.jpg (http://imgur.com/OltrhSb)

Casshern

2013-05-05, 10:35

5 episodes and shit has yet to hit the fan. I'm confused.

Eratas123

2013-05-05, 10:40

Urobochi allegedly only wrote episode 1. The other eps are written by other people, which might explain why things aren't going horribly.

Marina2

2013-05-05, 10:44

Redo diary #5

Date xx/xx/xx

Hello my diary. Today I met both heaven and hell on Gargantia

Firstly, the heaven. This is the most happy time of my life

http://i.imgur.com/afNRvNJ.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/O778Z4z.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/UD7OzQ2.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/sWT3Tt8.jpg

Then, I met the hell itself....creatures from hell, I meant.

http://i.imgur.com/n0IfxhC.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/UrtklUw.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/ZrRG1OP.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/cV2xZu1.jpg

Why me?

http://i.imgur.com/GWhYAdY.jpg

kaizerknight01

2013-05-05, 11:21

I rather face against giant space snail than that O.o [EYE CANCER!!!!!!!]

Ledo need PTSD counseling ..........

II Maestro

2013-05-05, 12:10

*-Sniff-* Why must there be creatures like that appearing after the fan service.

ookamigirl

2013-05-05, 12:30

Ledo feeling useless.
Guess, it's about time he finds a purpose for himself there.
After five episodes he's still pretty much nowhere.
Guess this was an equivalent to a day at the beach episode that pretty much every anime has.
It was nice and relaxing.

Entravity

2013-05-05, 12:48

Nice swimsuits. Slow, slow episode.

Kirarakim

2013-05-05, 13:01

After the excellent episode 4 this felt like a complete waste of time (especially for a 1 cour series).

Ledo smiling a few times & Chamber just being Chamber was about all I enjoyed about this episode.

Midonin

2013-05-05, 13:10

Gargantia 05 - Gargantia Cruise Lines International

Probably my most enjoyable episode of the series so far. Plenty of jokes, a lighthearted atmosphere, and an exploration of the ship's non-battle related parts. Which is good, because seeing Ledo learn that there's more to life than battle is a major part of the show. The cooking scene does make me reconsider my earlier remarks about Ledo's stuff having a "stun" setting. He doesn't even have a "cook" setting. Even if he did get to Avalon, it looks like he'd have no bloody idea what to do there. The swimsuits were cute, and having Chamber being used as an impromptu grill was hilarious. It's about time Ledo learned how to have fun. The odds of seeing those swimsuits again is unlikely, but I want to see more of Maita, for the exact same reason I was a fan of Junna over in Robotics;Notes. Same character design, same voice actress.

hai_san

2013-05-05, 13:11

Beautifull ep, no drama only slice of life :p Ledo learns the hard work of job hunting.

Fan service... consider all the girls clothes are flimsy borderline to underwear i can't be surprise that all of them have a bikini... Ridget bikini isnt that daring compare to that...

Pinion get good guy bonus this ep.

ps: there you have the state of art Robot get misuse as a grill!

pss: the black tower is only a water sprinkler is seems.

MUAHAHAHAHAHA

2013-05-05, 13:20

Damn those okamas. How could they plant kisses on Ledo's holy body?

Casshern

2013-05-05, 13:25

Urobochi allegedly only wrote episode 1. The other eps are written by other people, which might explain why things aren't going horribly.

I am disappoint.

Blaat

2013-05-05, 13:26

This episode was a huge waste of time, even a recap would have been better than this.

MUAHAHAHAHAHA

2013-05-05, 13:32

This episode was a huge waste of time, even a recap would have been better than this.

Not really. While the plot does not progress much, we get to see Ledo slowly adjusting to his surroundings. Ledo is confused and to a certain extent, scared of the unusual things around him, yet he perseveres and tries to go along with the flow with some help from Pinion and Amy. Isn't this directly linked to what Urobochi says about this anime, that people who are about to enter the society for real should know that it is not actually a scary thing. Episode 4 alone is not enough to develop this.

Gravitas Free Zone

2013-05-05, 13:34

Black Tower Anticlimax: Spraying your (fresh) water from a great height like that is wasteful, considering how much would evaporate in the air. It still seems like a rather odd structure compared to the rest of the Gargantia, and may still hold other purposes.

The beach ep/slice-of-life stuff wasn't bad, considered within the long history of beach episodes. Ledo got to see all sorts of interesting things. Everybody saw a bit of Ledo. Pinion was quite Hammy Katsuyuki Konishi.

I don't see Chamber actively opposing Ledo's efforts to find something to do; it seems more that Chamber really does look at the situation from within a narrow set of parameters. Ledo, to his credit, is coming to realize that he can't just "stand by" as easily as a giant robot can.

Though figuring that Chamber sees Ledo's skills as piloting a giant humanoid war machine, it should not take a huge adjustment to see if they can get Ledo to run one of the smaller ones.

pagan poor

2013-05-05, 13:36

Not really. While the plot does not progress much, we get to see Ledo slowly adjusting to his surroundings. Ledo is confused and to a certain extent, scared of the unusual things around him, yet he perseveres and tries to go along with the flow with some help from Pinion and Amy. Isn't this directly linked to what Urobochi says about this anime, that people who are about to enter the society for real should know that it is not actually a scary thing. Episode 4 alone is not enough to develop this.

So this was part of the job hunting thing that Urobochi was talking about earlier...

bastek66

2013-05-05, 13:42

This episode was a huge waste of time, even a recap would have been better than this.
NO.

Serioulsy, what is wrong with some people. Can't you just enjoy things?

Marina2

2013-05-05, 13:46

After the excellent episode 4 this felt like a complete waste of time (especially for a 1 cour series).

This episode was a huge waste of time, even a recap would have been better than this.

Eh.......What are you guys expecting from this show? Robot action scene? Blood bath? Tragic? Drama?

So far, the show is all about Ledo trying to adjust himself to Gargantia people. And this ep. is still about that like the past eps.

The whole fighting with alien is more like a side-line plot. Some of them may appear on Earth soon just to make thing a bit more serious but Ledo can just drive his Robot out (+ with some help from people on earth in some ways) to kill them like any normal action anime. There is no need to show anyone die in this show, really. (if that is what some people want to see)

CJ_Walker

2013-05-05, 13:47

This episode was a huge waste of time, even a recap would have been better than this.

This. If I wanted to see a swimsuit episode, I'd watch one of the 10000000s of harem/my little sister is so cute type shows. . .

there is only 13 eps in this series, we don't have time for swimsuit episodes.

Midonin

2013-05-05, 13:50

there is only 13 eps in this series, we don't have time for swimsuit episodes.
Closer to 15 episodes, and what's the problem with using one of them on something like this? The characters need to have a status quo to fight towards, something that they want to keep living for. Letting us see what that status quo is can be helpful (and fun! This is a TV show, we're supposed to be entertained. We can be made to think too, but entertainment is the top, top priority.) Becoming too hyper-serialized can also have its downsides. Characters need room to breathe.

lightbringer

2013-05-05, 13:50

I liked the first half. The party in the second half was kind of unnecessary (especially the whole okama chase scene). Well, it's ok, the episode's not bad, but nowhere near how much I liked the previous 4 episodes. And really, with only a 1-cour we don't have time for them to mess around as much.

Haak

2013-05-05, 13:52

I don't mind having a breather episode like this but I wish it wasn't so conventional especially when the last episode proved it clearly had the ability to provide a lot better. It wasn't bad in any case.

Well I'm not gonna complain about the fanservice...

...the very very good fanservice...

ginger02

2013-05-05, 13:54

Haha I loved this episode. It really draws upon the feeling of people in their teens and 20's. They're trying to find a job, but it's hard. There never seems to be positions open, places accepting, things you're qualified for, etc. The episode shows that it's nice to just take it easy sometimes but still not give up, and that we'll find our purpose eventually :)

Ledo and the cow manure though lol
I'm wondering why one of the guys had such big boobs. The one with the magenta dress.
I loved Chamber's question about watching your weight and seeking to stuff your faces :P

HandofFate

2013-05-05, 14:12

lol, wonder how many breather episodes are we going to have.

Didn't expect a swimsuit episode. "Calm Day" is pretty much a weekend or holiday. The girls admiring Ledo's body was amusing. Start building you harem Ledo. My favorite is the flat chest one.

Also makes sense Ledo can't swim either.

Wonder if the flying contraption the girls are using is possible in real life, would love to ride one of those.

Chamber probably had the funniest lines this episode so far.

Found the manuver Amy did to win the race reminded of Initial D with throwing the tire into the glutter to be able to turn at a sharp angle.

First time Ledo seemed to enjoy eating animal carcass. He didn't really have any impression about eating the fish and chicken earlier.

Mangaka-chan

2013-05-05, 14:32

This episode was pretty slow paced, at least compared to the previous episodes, but still enjoyable. There were a few moments that made me laugh out loud, such as when the girls jump Ledo and he ends up in his trunks, when Amy's holding his hands to teach him how to swim, or when the poor guy gets chased all through the fleet by a group of ladyboys. Silly, but still funny.

I also didn't expect Pinion to throw the BBQ for Ledo, as just two episodes ago he wanted to hand Ledo over to the pirates or throw him overboard. I would've like to see a transition scene to show that Pinion's opinion of Ledo has changed.

As for the next episode, according to pre-released production images (http://dalian.7thstyle.com/2013/04/suisei-no-gargantia-mizugi-amy-key-visual-seventhstyle-003.jpg) I think Amy's going to be dressed up in some sort of ceremonial garb for a festival or ritual of some sort.

joshuafaramir

2013-05-05, 14:34

Argh! Now I'm confused between the MILF DUO (Bellows & Pinion) vs. the JAILBAIT TRIO (brown girl and company).

Still, Pinion's swimwear was hotter than Chamber in the sun. I'd love to see that in real life (plus megane beauty)

hai_san

2013-05-05, 14:48

Dop

2013-05-05, 14:59

Well that was a fun episode, and I loved the idea of using Chamber to cook on, which worked out a lot better than using him to cook with...!

Interesting to see that the Gargantia does have its own dubious areas, and Pinion gave Ledo a particular baptism of fire by sending him down there, although I had expected it was for booze rather than sauce.

I'd be perfectly happy if the show continued in this vein and the only big conflict would be Ledo having to decide whether he goes back to his people or stays on the Gargantia.

It also addressed a real-life concern. What does the career soldier do when the battle is over? Ledo's entire life has been about war. But now he's found peace. But what can he do with his life now?
The episode does have a very good point to raise there.

Tranhieu

2013-05-05, 15:00

I don't get why some people are complaining so much about this episode. Sure the slice of life bit isn't top notch if you are expecting something like episode 4, but the gag and service aren't that bad either. Though Production I.G made it a bit bold at times, I didn't really enjoy that crossdressing chase.

Gravitas Free Zone

2013-05-05, 15:09

Wonder if the flying contraption the girls are using is possible in real life, would love to ride one of those.

The biggest issue with doing something like that in reality would be that an engine powerful enough to lift that much weight out of the water would be difficult to fit into a hull that's about the size of a kayak. The wings would have to be larger also.

I suppose it could be done with rockets, but that would be hilariously dangerous.

Andarkoshi

2013-05-05, 15:31

Interesting thing is, Urobuchi mentioned that this series is kinda adressed to the young adults who enter the adult life and if watched with that in mind the series makes a lot of sense.

Ledo comes from a place which didn't really taught him how to work and live normally (School and remember this is Japanese school system with all the cramming. From what I remember in Japan you gain the Real education on how to do your work when you already join a company not before that) Now here he is lost and not understanding the world he was thrown into. He must learn how to live and work in a society which demands work from him but does not control him as strongly as before (Parents and Teachers control the lives of their children a lot and when they finally start to live on their own it's an entirely new start for them)

Folenfant

2013-05-05, 15:50

Wow if someone had told me at the start of the season that Suisei no Gargantia was going to have the least drama of any of the 3 mecha shows this season I probably wouldn't have believed it, but here we are.

Not terribly much to say about this episode, it doesn't offer up too many surprises or highlights and pretty much follows the course you might expect of a typical beach episode of anime. Everyone gets to model their swimsuit figure, discussions about appearance and styles of swimsuits, some hijinks ensue and that's about it. I'm honestly kind of surprised though that it didn't feel like they really got any sort of character development in and is it me or did it feel like Ledo kind of broke character a bit when he was freaked out and running from the transvestites. What frame of reference could he possibly have for that sort of thing and why would Ledo the stoicest of stoics this seasons response be to flee in immediate terror? It just didn't strike me as how the Ledo we've seen up till now would react to that situation, but then this episode kind of feels out of sync with the vibe of the rest of the show in general so far.

This is progressing quite slowly for a 12 episode series and especially compared to some of the other sci-fi shows this season which are pretty much all 25 episodes. It's a little baffling to me, but there are still a few moments of this show I manage to enjoy each week like the wind surfing in this episode which was the highlight. I find myself kind of more interested in looking at the architecture and lived in looking nature of the fleet in this series than following the casts interactions where Ledo's fish out of water nature largely continues to drive things. The characters REALLY don't have a lot of their own thing going on at all and even Ledo seems bored and like he wants to find something to do other than "stand-by". I'm kind of with some others and hoping that something happens soon to give some more drive and energy to the show. Not saying it needs another battle with pirates or something, but any sort of drama or development for someone besides Ledo couldn't hurt.

justinstrife

2013-05-05, 15:59

What do you mean by "MY" ?! Dare say it again:mad:!

But you have point. Where is MY Bellow's waifu?

You would lose horribly my friend. :D

Kanon

2013-05-05, 16:04

Very enjoyable episode. This is the kind of slice of life episode I had hoped we'd see in this series before it started (maybe not as fanservicey) and I wouldn't be surprised if we got more episodes like this one in the coming weeks. I don't get why people call it pointless and a waste of time. It was exactly in line with the previous episodes: Ledo attempting to fit in in his new environment and discovering new aspects of Gargantia's society. It just happened to be more light-hearted and humorous than usual, which isn't a bad thing.

I really enjoyed Ledo's job hunting. Seems like finding a job is just as hard as it is in our world. He did have two job opportunities but they were, hum, "hard"... I wouldn't have taken them either :heh:

The fanservice was good and the episode avoided most clichés, like the MC blushing when seeing the girls in swimsuit. Ledo's utter lack of reaction was actually kind of disappointing, but in character. Not sure I can say the same of his reaction to the okama. I figured he would fight back rather than run away and cry for Chamber to help him. Well, it was comedy so it's better not to look too much into it.

Dammit Hisasi
http://i.imgur.com/eliyppCl.jpg (http://imgur.com/eliyppC)

Hot dayum :love:
Wish he had drawn Bellows as well.

Kirarakim

2013-05-05, 16:07

Eh.......What are you guys expecting from this show? Robot action scene? Blood bath? Tragic? Drama?

So far, the show is all about Ledo trying to adjust himself to Gargantia people. And this ep. is still about that like the past eps.

The whole fighting with alien is more like a side-line plot. Some of them may appear on Earth soon just to make thing a bit more serious but Ledo can just drive his Robot out (+ with some help from people on earth in some ways) to kill them like any normal action anime. There is no need to show anyone die in this show, really. (if that is what some people want to see)

Wow because I said episode 4 was excellent and that had all the things you are describing.

Can I not think this episode was badly written and cliche. To show Ledo the joys of life apparently we need fanservice & cliche Okama jokes, ok!

Ledo looking for a job was good, but that was barely the focus of the episode. Maybe if they had done something a bit more meaningful with that.

Polarpew

2013-05-05, 16:57

eh.... I actually kinda want the aliens to start attacking, and general bloodbath. I mean comeon he VAPORIZED the pirates, we need some more of that because it seems like the reality that people can easily be slaughtered is near the surface of this setting and it just feels like a tragedy is coming.

I think im too used to the trend lately that everything is a tragedy, so this show where everything is nice and happy + peace feels weird to me since I keep expecting near the end of every episode to have some crazy shit starting up. Its still a nice anime though

MUAHAHAHAHAHA

2013-05-05, 16:59

Polarpew

2013-05-05, 17:04

You never know...maybe it's the calm before the storm. Maybe the purpose of this episode, apart from developing Ledo's character is to make us the viewers lower our guards....

then BAM! Tragedy strikes, yo.

AHAHAHAHA I FINALLY REALIZED WHY I FELT A MADOKA VIB

ITS WRITTEN BY GEN UROBUCHI! Now I understand how you can have an episode where pirates are indiscriminately massacred and the next episode with happy slice of life. We're getting trolled

MUAHAHAHAHAHA

2013-05-05, 17:08

AHAHAHAHA I FINALLY REALIZED WHY I FELT A MADOKA VIB

ITS WRITTEN BY GEN UROBUCHI! Now I understand how you can have an episode where pirates are indiscriminately massacred and the next episode with happy slice of life. We're getting trolled

But from what I heard, Urobochi is not wholly responsible for the script.

If this is true, then he is awesome. He could instil suspense and fear without him writing the script:heh:

Kirarakim

2013-05-05, 17:10

Gravitas Free Zone

2013-05-05, 17:10

I think im too used to the trend lately that everything is a tragedy, so this show where everything is nice and happy + peace feels weird to me since I keep expecting near the end of every episode to have some crazy shit starting up. Its still a nice anime though

The Urobuchi factor, probably because he said it would be a different kind of show and everyone still feels the Madoka burn, continues to lurk out there.

Personally I'm a bit tired of the (popularity of the) grimdark tragedy stuff and like a show where there's quieter worldbuilding.

Speaking of which, it would ordinarily take quite a bit of land to raise cattle. Even if the pre-dinner animal isn't moving around that much, growing the food required to feed them would take up a lot of space. So beef should be extremely valuable. (To compare, look at how much consternation Potato Girl's one chunk of meat caused in the previous episode of Attack on Titan... and they actually have dry land to work with, humongous zombies aside.) It seemed weird that he was able to sneak around with that much.

...but in the end, the party "for" Ledo turned out to involve a very large number of people, most of which might have only had one or two pieces, so perhaps some amount of proportionality occurred anyway. (Though that also made the amount of meat magically increase.)

MUAHAHAHAHAHA

2013-05-05, 17:11

This episode was called "Calm Day" :heh:

Really? I did not notice that:heh: Then I shall prepare myself for the bloodbath to come:heh:

mikeomni

2013-05-05, 17:18

...but in the end, the party "for" Ledo turned out to involve a very large number of people, most of which might have only had one or two pieces, so perhaps some amount of proportionality occurred anyway. (Though that also made the amount of meat magically increase.)

It was a bit disconcerting how Pinion threw the party with Ledo as an excuse, when he was the proponent for feeding the kid to the fishes a few episodes back.

And that mysterious tower, they use it as a giant sprinkler!? Wouldn't salt water be bad for plants? And if that was fresh water, why did they have to catch the rain from the previous episode saying how precious it was. Something seems off with the continuity.

It was still a nice fan service episode though. If they added more fluffy animals than a squirrel I'd think I was watching a Ghibli movie. Makes me suspicious though ... reminds me of a little joke I heard in high school ... "Imagine a little puppy. It's running happily in the grass yipping along. Did you imagine it? BAM! Godzilla just stepped on it."

zztop

2013-05-05, 17:51

3 things to say:
1) I find it more shocking that Hawaii shirts, like cockroaches and germs, will survive the Ice age and global flooding.

2)Turns out there ARE things more terrifying to an Alliance soldier than carnivorous alien flowers. Better watch your rear.

3) Conning a sentient, highly advanced mecha into becoming a BBQ griller...priceless! PS. Pinion just hates Ledo, otherwise why put him through all those trials?

Xion Valkyrie

2013-05-05, 18:47

Too bad Gargantia doesn't have a McRonalds. I'm sure Ledo would do well there.

Is there no preview for episode 6? Maybe things will blow up next episode.

FlareKnight

2013-05-05, 18:49

It was a bit disconcerting how Pinion threw the party with Ledo as an excuse, when he was the proponent for feeding the kid to the fishes a few episodes back.

And that mysterious tower, they use it as a giant sprinkler!? Wouldn't salt water be bad for plants? And if that was fresh water, why did they have to catch the rain from the previous episode saying how precious it was. Something seems off with the continuity.

It was still a nice fan service episode though. If they added more fluffy animals than a squirrel I'd think I was watching a Ghibli movie. Makes me suspicious though ... reminds me of a little joke I heard in high school ... "Imagine a little puppy. It's running happily in the grass yipping along. Did you imagine it? BAM! Godzilla just stepped on it."
Yeah, I'm pretty sure the "it was for Ledo" was complete bs from Pinion. He clearly just wanted to throw a party and eat some meat. He could get people to support him skipping out on actual work if he made an excuse that sounded reasonable. Thus why he was more than willing to sacrifice Ledo to....whatever those people were. Not that it wasn't about that for other people like Amy, but I just can't buy that Pinion did it for Ledo. He just wanted to skip on work and have a party.

But overall a nice episode. Maybe a ton didn't happen, but gave Ledo more views on this society and how they shut everything down at certain times. Plus maybe it does confirm the view that Chamber could get highjacked, it may not have been life or death but Chamber still took Pinion's commands over Ledo's commands.

So a nice fanservice episode which works fine since there are some nice girls in the series ;).

Jetzero Infinity

2013-05-05, 19:11

This week's episode was pretty low key but I liked it a lot. I'm looking for work myself so I sympathized with Ledo a lot during the beginning of the episode, and that feeling of wanting to do something to contribute resonated with me. That felt a bit more Urobuchi than most of the episode though the rest was entertaining.

Also have to admit that whole bit with the trannies was pretty funny(if overly sterotypical). Felt sorry for Ledo when he felt scared about having to go through that district again and looks like that was for good reason :heh:

Looking forward to next week!

Kaoru Chujo

2013-05-05, 19:14

My least favorite episode so far. Amy continues to be excellent, especially in a bikini -- and that goes for the other girls and women as well. But apart from that, the episode did not hold my attention. Mecha as grill plate? Don't care. Okama chasing Ledo? Don't care. But the air race and improbable rescue were enjoyable. And everything continues to look great. I know this episode was necessary, but I thought we could have gotten more world-building and less failed humour.

The spray of fresh water was questionable, but just about acceptable. The meat was probably pork (?), so more likely to be economic to raise on the fleet, especially if the pigs will eat fish (or krill). Chasing around the fleet was somewhat interesting. Ledo's search for a job was fairly boring, for me. And Pinion just jumped completely out of his previous character, since he was ready to drown Ledo an episode ago and now is looking more like his best buddy, as in the OP.

Well, we all know what comes after the calm. But unfortunately, I'm not particularly eager for high tension, fear, and bloodbath, either. Amy continues to carry the show, though, for me. Warmly nubile body coupled with complete purity of mind. In fact, I think Ledo is even purer than Amy, lol. "Reproduction? Isn't that done with test tubes in a lab?"

jeroz

2013-05-05, 19:35

People, Urobuchi is handling the series composition. Therefore even if he is not writing every single dialogue, he decides how each episode will go. So please stop this "oh but he only writes ep1!" nonsense I keep on hearing.

Grey

2013-05-05, 19:50

That floral shirt and Ledo learning to swim. :heh: Bellows and crew stuck doing paperwork. Everyone chilling out and/or doing everyday stuff. :D

Loved this episode. Though having Ledo casually fall from a lethal height was a bit of a creepy inclusion.

Somnus

2013-05-05, 20:14

MUAHAHAHAHAHA

2013-05-05, 20:17

Midonin

2013-05-05, 20:26

The episode may not have advanced the main narrative, but it did advance the themes of the series - and that may be more important. Plus, there's value in a good one-off episode.

Somnus

2013-05-05, 20:27

While I don't agree with the critics of this week's episode, I do understand why they think it's a waste for an entire episode to focus on slice of life, given that SnG is only 1 cour.

To be honest, that's somewhat my complaint. The fact that there's complaints based on the slice-of-life portions means that their expectations of this series are wildly different. Personally, stuff like this is EXACTLY what I'd expected the minute things started to gradually settle down once Ledo had gotten onto the Gargantia.

Sure, I expect things to take a turn eventually, but I primarily find this series to be about watching Ledo adjust to this new world. Not a countdown for this paradise to go up in flames. I honestly wish people wouldn't put so much stock in this Gen Urobochi thing, cause at this rate the ending is going to be either full of "I KNEW it was going to end in tragedy like that!" or "Where's all the death and tragedy? This show sucked."

Going back to my post before, enjoy the simple things. Enjoy this show as it is. Nothing against disliking elements in the episode, but I find the expectation for constant heavy development due to 1-cour ridiculous. Lots of great shows were done in a cour, let this one end before we start writing it off, yeah?

Kirarakim

2013-05-05, 20:30

After reading this thread in its entirety, I worry about what quite a few of you expect on a weekly basis. Tragedy and bloodbath? Really? Good lord, not being satisfied with the other shows of the season giving you those things already (and one of said shows being incredible) kind of makes me weep for humanity's mindset.

Once again that is NOT why people are criticizing the episode.

Would you like it if I said the only reason you are praising the episode is because you get to see girls in swimsuits?

Maybe you have legitimate reasons for enjoying the episode just like I and other people have legitimate reasons for being disappointed (and it has nothing to do with wanting tragedy or a blood bath).

Let's see

* I am not a big fan of fanservice or beach episodes (although I could mostly ignore that)
* I didn't like the whole thing about girls talking about getting fat and the comment that is just how girls are
* I didn't like Ledo being chased by cliche and stereotypical Okama (it's a negative stereotype and I don't find it funny in the least)
* I did like Ledo feeling lost and useless and wanting to get a job but I didn't feel the episode did anything really meaningful with this.

Episode 4 had excellent world building and character development. This episode did not.

Okay I did enjoy Chamber being used as a BBQ and I saw Ledo smile a few times, but that unfortunately wasn't enough for me.

MUAHAHAHAHAHA

2013-05-05, 20:30

To be honest, that's somewhat my complaint. The fact that there's complaints based on the slice-of-life portions means that their expectations of this series are wildly different. Personally, stuff like this is EXACTLY what I'd expected the minute things started to gradually settle down once Ledo had gotten onto the Gargantia.

Sure, I expect things to take a turn eventually, but I primarily find this series to be about watching Ledo adjust to this new world. Not a countdown for this paradise to go up in flames. I honestly wish people wouldn't put so much stock in this Gen Urobochi thing, cause at this rate the ending is going to be either full of "I KNEW it was going to end in tragedy like that!" or "Where's all the death and tragedy? This show sucked."

Perceptions are hard to change, especially when the name Urobochi is involved. Dude is infamous for his intense episodes, and I think some ppl may have anticipated the same for this anime, despite his claims that SnG will be different from his previous projects. Anyway, I don't fault ppl for criticising this episode, as they have a valid reason to be concerned by the somewhat lack of plot advancement.

Midonin

2013-05-05, 20:31

Would you like it if I said the only reason you are praising the episode is because you get to see girls in swimsuits?
I'd take it as a compliment. It's possible to be honest and say "I watched for and enjoyed this episode for the fanservice" while also still analyzing it and discussing it in depth. Showing that one can use their brain and enjoy the visual pleasures of the series.

Entravity

2013-05-05, 20:35

Dem bikinis. Anyways, I just hope that they can do everything they need to do this season.

Kirarakim

2013-05-05, 20:38

I'd take it as a compliment. It's possible to be honest and say "I watched for and enjoyed this episode for the fanservice" while also still analyzing it and discussing it in depth. Showing that one can use their brain and enjoy the visual pleasures of the series.

I said would you like it if I said you ONLY enjoyed it for the fanservice. That would be doing you as much discredit as saying to people who didn't like the episode it is ONLY because they wanted tragedy and a blood bath.

As for fanservice it is part of anime but unfortunately I didn't think this episode offered much beyond that, especially when compared to previous episodes.

Somnus

2013-05-05, 20:39

Once again that is NOT why people are criticizing the episode.

Would you like it if I said the only reason you are praising the episode is because you get to see girls in swimsuits?

Maybe you have legitimate reasons for enjoying the episode just like I and other people have legitimate reasons for being disappointed (and it has nothing to do with wanting tragedy or a blood bath).

Let's see

* I am not a big fan of fanservice or beach episodes (although I could mostly ignore that)
* I didn't like the whole thing about girls talking about getting fat and the comment that is just how girls are
* I didn't like Ledo being chased by cliche and stereotypical Okama (it's a negative stereotype and I don't find it funny in the least)
* I did like Ledo feeling lost and useless and wanting to get a job but I didn't feel the episode did anything really meaningful with this.

Episode 4 had excellent world building and character development. This episode did not.

Okay I did enjoy Chamber being used as a BBQ and I saw Ledo smile a few times, but that unfortunately wasn't enough for me.

I have to disagree with the bolded part, somewhat. While the lack of character development rings true, the point of world-building does not. Which kind of connects to my point about what people expect on a weekly basis.

This world is a vast ball of water. Gargantia is NOT going to be attacked by pirates on a constant basis. They do have good days (months, maybe), and we just happened to see one. This, in itself, is world-building.

Kirarakim

2013-05-05, 20:44

I have to disagree with the bolded part, somewhat. While the lack of character development rings true, the point of world-building does not. Which kind of connects to my point about what people expect on a weekly basis.

This world is a vast ball of water. Gargantia is NOT going to be attacked by pirates on a constant basis. They do have good days (months, maybe), and we just happened to see one. This, in itself, is world-building.

You are ignoring the fact that the episode I praised also did not have pirate attacks & was also mostly slice of life.

Personally I wasn't a big fan of the Pirates either (they were too silly for me) but there were other things in episode 3 that I enjoyed more so than this episode.

It's fine that you disagree and that this episode did more for you. I am not saying you are wrong for getting more out of this episode than I did. I just think it is wrong for you to judge people who didn't like this episode "as only wanting a blood bath".

Because frankly I am not expecting or want anything dark and tragic at all from this series.

Grey

2013-05-05, 20:51

It was fun going through again and watching minor characters. Ridget's two diver pals, the white-robed advisor and the military advisor, the girl from Bellows' crew. I definitely missed a few of them the first time.

Looking at the seedy underground was interesting too. I wonder if anyone has/will work out the script they use.

Somnus

2013-05-05, 20:53

You are ignoring the fact that the episode I praised also did not have pirate attacks & was also mostly slice of life.

Personally I wasn't a big fan of the Pirates either (they were too silly for me) but there were other things in episode 3 that I enjoyed more so than this episode.

It's fine that you disagree and that this episode did more for you. I am not saying you are wrong for getting more out of this episode than I did. I just think it is wrong for you to judge people who didn't like this episode "as only wanting a blood bath".

Because frankly I am not expecting or want anything dark and tragic at all from this series.

Fair enough, I opened up ep 4 again to refresh my memory. That being said, this episode was to introduce the concepts of "fun" and "work" to Ledo. There's only so many ways to do that and keep it interesting, so although fanservice and such may not do it for some, it is successful as a general means of entertainment. It was clean for the most part, anyways (as someone said, the girls don't wear much normally to begin with).

I wasn't judging all people who disliked the episode that way, but there were some who did for those very reasons. That comment was for those people, which I thought was straightforward enough to understand considering I was echoing the same two words they used for their discontent.

EDIT:

It was fun going through again and watching minor characters. Ridget's two diver pals, the white-robed advisor and the military advisor, the girl from Bellows' crew. I definitely missed a few of them the first time.

Looking at the seedy underground was interesting too. I wonder if anyone has/will work out the script they use.

I remember there being a post before where someone pointed out it was essentially English spelling with different symbols. Or, at least the script on Chamber is. No idea if you're referencing different script!

duckroll

2013-05-05, 21:00

I found it a pretty fun beach filler episode. Lots of fanservice, which I can do with or without, but the best scenes were the ones showing characters on the fleet relaxing and enjoying their day off. Ledo looking for a job also gives us a peek into the other parts of the ship(s) which we haven't seen before.

The kite-boat race was great too. Surely a hint at what sort of action scenes we can expect in future when they incorporate aerial stuff like that into them. Plus, who can say no to mecha cooked yakiniku? Seriously? Om nom nom nom! :D

----

http://gargantia.jp/blog/?p=420

Also, it seems that they weren't satisfied with some of the scenes in the broadcast version, and they'll be correcting them for the blu-ray release. So we can probably expect a better looking episode in September when the second box is released.

Iron Maw

2013-05-05, 21:51

I felt kinda bad for Chambers this week, no respect at all. :heh:

Otherwise a pretty decent episode. Had no problem with the fanservice, but I didn't enjoy the airing nearly as much as last week due to the lack character development or anything really substantial learned. Could have also done without the Okama part too, aside from that I don't have much to say.

mikeomni

2013-05-05, 21:56

There were a number of surprises that weren't satisfactorily explained:

1) Did Chamber determine from his remote that Ledo was in no real danger and thus accepted Pinion's orders? Ep2, Ledo was cool as a cucumber summoning Chamber, MC busts out of the ship through the roof as men with guns surround him. Ep5, Ledo is running in a panic with only his boxers and a Hawaiian shirt but Pinion overrides him? Ledo even falls from the tower and Chamber does nothing!
2) Bevel can walk! So I guess he's on the bed the last 4 episodes plus a wheelchair in the opening because he gets tired easily.
3) Pinion skips out of work, throws a party, says it's for Ledo ... everyone just plays along. I guess aside from Amy, Ridget and Bellows no one else could call him out on it.
4) They made a big deal about collecting rain water an episode ago. Then they waste gallons of water with a giant sprinkler! I wanted to do a tsukkomi, "Why is this necessary?"

Did the episode not get a continuity review? Actually, I was too distracted by the aimless theme to notice those incongruities until I watched it a third time (different subs).

Also, I demand more Ridget in swimsuit!

Iron Maw

2013-05-05, 22:01

Did the episode not get a continuity review? Actually, I was too distracted by the aimless theme to notice those incongruities until I watched it a third time (different subs).

I see your points and yeah, I agree. As someone else mentioned, Pinion's 180 is little towards Ledo id pretty baffling too.

frubam

2013-05-05, 22:02

Jan-Poo

2013-05-05, 22:24

I enjoyed this episode, but the okama joke went a bit too far. The thought that Ledo could have died if Amy wasn't conveniently flying nearby really made my eyes roll.

The whole scene makes no sense. Who the hell in his right mind would try to escape by climbing up a tower? Even if the stairs weren't broken he was bound to get to a dead end anyway.

That apart I liked the slice of life episode, and perhaps I am happy about this because that's what I am expecting from this series. I guess that those that wished it to be more action or drama oriented are a bit disappointed.
Perhaps I'm wrong but I really have the feeling that in the end this anime is really about the Gargantia and its discovery seen through the eye of an outsider.

I don't expect any major event related to the alliance or the hideuze if not near the very end.

yankky5

2013-05-05, 22:40

ReddyRedWolf

2013-05-05, 22:42

4) They made a big deal about collecting rain water an episode ago. Then they waste gallons of water with a giant sprinkler! I wanted to do a tsukkomi, "Why is this necessary?"

If you were paying attention you'd notice bellow the tower is a farm.

Pocari_Sweat

2013-05-05, 22:49

Wtf is with crossdressing this week? Red Data girl had some this week, and so did this week's episode of Gargantia. Did someone secretly hire Mari Okada or something??! Seriously, "THAT" scene from this episode just screamed something Okada would include for shits and giggles D:.

Anyways, onwards with the episode proper. Typical "beach" episode. Lots of fanservice but it did have some lulz moments, particularily Chamber. Him nuking the meat the first time round and then getting punished by being literally used as a BBQ. I lold pretty hard. Not too mad we have a breather episode, but hopefully that would be it in terms of "filler" because this is only a 1cour series.

monir

2013-05-05, 22:50

I gotta admit, it’s not my usual taste, but I was kinda smitten with Melty. There was something about her this ep that was kinda alluring to me, esp http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa299/frubam/Untitled-1-3_zpsb9d6bdfc.png

view of her, esp her eyes =03…. YEAH, I said it!

:heh:

If I may take a brave guess, the indicator starts sounding off with a name like "Melty." She obviously melts when certain conditions are met in certain situations. HELLOOOO! :heh: Yeah, she is alluring! :D

I liked this episode a lot, especially the little aerial race. Brought the memory from couple of years back when I had a para-gliding session in Utah. Nothing can beat the sensation of your feet dangling above ground while moving at some pace. :)

mikeomni

2013-05-05, 22:55

If you were paying attention you'd notice bellow the tower is a farm.

I did, but the sprinkler appeared to cover an area larger than just the farm. Looking at about 18:00 minutes you'll see the spray goes beyond the circular base of the farm. Seems like they were wasting water with such a strong stream that didn't jive with ep4 statements that fresh water was valuable. I admit they make nice rainbows. And there wouldn't be an excuse to kite up to the pump. In the next scene change there were plants on house roofs but those didn't look wet in the animation.

duckroll

2013-05-05, 22:58

I did, but the sprinkler appeared to cover an area larger than just the farm. Looking at about 18:00 minutes you'll see the spray goes beyond the circular base of the farm. Seems like they were wasting water with such a strong stream that didn't seem to jive with ep4 that fresh water was valuable. I admit they make nice rainbows. And there wouldn't be an excuse to kite up to the pump. In the next scene change there were plants on house roofs but those didn't look wet in the animation.

That entire ship is a farm: http://gargantia.jp/images/world/image/014_0.jpg

Midonin

2013-05-05, 23:02

That entire ship is a farm: http://gargantia.jp/images/world/image/014_0.jpg
So it really is like Grallion.

Guido

2013-05-05, 23:32

This episode was nice, since I found Ledos' reactions quite natural and funny when he got stuck in the predicament to get delivery for Pinion.

To be honest I'm not that knowledgeable about the Gargantia, but if they can get the best out of both the sea and the sky to grow vegetation, do farming, and raise livestock on board the fleets, then they are able to keep things running for their population.
The only thing that makes me wonder, if there's need to expand the fleet when the High Command realizes that the population on board grows, do ships from other parts of the sea eventually join them in order to become part of their community?

Or each separate fleet is its own community?

Conclusion, a very nice breather episode yielding more about Ledo's adapting to his new lifestyle on board Gargantia and both learning and understanding the need to do a job in order to be useful; another environment outside of the battlefield, given that Bebels' words from the previous episode echoed within his mind.

U<3Anime

2013-05-05, 23:35

Relaxing episode that gave me a few chuckles here and there. Feel like the series has been pretty slice of life so far, so this episode just fit right in.

Perhaps this will be the calm before the storm and pace will pick up right after?

By the way, seeing the gliders in action was pretty damn awesome.:D

Iron Maw

2013-05-05, 23:44

Aye, a mech thats over 1,000 years ahead gargantia's current tech is used as a barbecue grill.... haha well they sure are resourceful :D

Yeah, they seem like a pretty chill group most of the time. lol

That entire ship is a farm: http://gargantia.jp/images/world/image/014_0.jpg

This really neat, thanks.

Pen3

2013-05-06, 00:27

Might i add that the professors assistant is incredibly cute and needs more air time :eyebrow:

Eratas123

2013-05-06, 00:33

I really doubt Pinion made the party for Ledo:uhoh: He sends Ledo out without warning him and then tells Chamber to stay put when he says Ledo is in danger. He just wanted to gorge on meat and used Ledo as an excuse.

Kakkou

2013-05-06, 00:45

Crimes against Pinion:

1. Putting Ledo in an aloha shirt.
2. Knowingly sending Ledo to be assaulted by okamas.
3. Abuse of Sugita-bot's rights.

Verdict: GUILTY. Execute the fool and throw him overboard! :mad:

MeoTwister5

2013-05-06, 00:47

Fanservice aside, watching Ledo in this episode is like watching a child take even more baby steps into the world out there, a world he had never seen before and is slowly experiencing. He learns, adapts and adjusts to a new sort of life he is stuck with, perhaps for now, for better or for worse.

The episode puts into a much more lighter tone, minus the seriousness of the previous 4, the human sense of wonderment. The most relevant comparison I can make is like visiting another country for the first time, seeing it's people and it's culture and realizing that despite the wonders of technology, there are places and people out there so much more different than where you came from. Learning, seeing, experiencing, it's all part of the insatiable human curiosity.

In as much as Ledo comes from a human society so much more different and radicalized than the floating Gargantia or our own world in real life, that human wonderment and curiosity is one of those things almost inherent and genetic. Jist like him and anyone else for that matter, experiencing something new for the first time really brightens the eyes and the senses.

If anything, that's what Suisei no Gargantia masterfully accomplishes.

FlareKnight

2013-05-06, 01:01

Yeah, while it lacked that emotional punch of last week this was still good world building and a chance for Ledo to grow. The desire to actually get involved in the community and the pull that "being of use to others" has on him. At the end Amy's message that the party was partially for him meant something to Ledo.

He's still balancing between that and his thinking that the flutes he is building have no purpose. Despite the terror of what happened in the underground it is interesting watching him wanting to do something. He doesn't really have to do much of anything. In a sense "renting out" Chamber is taking care getting him paid. A good thing since work he has to do might not matter as much for Ledo as work he has chosen to do.

Kaoru Chujo

2013-05-06, 01:08

I watched again and gained a bit better opinion of this ep. It held my interest a second time. There is plenty here to enjoy, even if the humour didn't strike my particular funny bone. I guess a world was built: this seems a version of the currently idealized post-war Showa period (plus spaceman, lol).

Afterward, I checked the staff list: script written by Tanimura Daishiro (episodes of Azazel-san, Kuroko no Basket, Shiwase no Pan). Under direction of Urobuchi Gen and Director Murata, of course.

Storyboard by Okamura Tensai (director of Wolf's Rain, Darker than Black, Ao no Exorcist).

And then directed by Ibata Yoshihide (eps. of Horizon, Total Eclipse; dir. of the hard-to-find Ashiaraiyashiki no Juunintachi).

Considering their credits, the writer and director seem as if they could be comparatively young. Storyboarder Okamura is 51.

kakakka

2013-05-06, 01:29

I read the other day this is going to be a swimsuit episode, so I kinda expected a light episode to happen. While the episode did not gave anything meaningful info in terms of plot (like the compare/contrast of the worlds in last episode), I still find it really entertaining. Well, minus how they stretched the okama gag in the end :heh: (I expect it would only go up until Ledo's second pass to their turf. The third pass gag really stretched it out). I am not bothered with the fanservice. I don't know how to explain, but it just flowed well throughout for me. I don't even remember oggling for Ridgette(?) or Bellows or Amy or her friends (though I really liked how they looked).

andyjay729

2013-05-06, 01:36

This episode was pleasantly lighthearted and certainly the...silliest one so far. Though I also really would've preferred to learn more about Amy's background. Are she and Bebel orphans? Is the doctor perhaps their guardian?

Re. the meat; yes, I have to imagine they probably also raise some pigs as well since they require a lot less space and will eat just about anything. I'll also give them the benefit of the doubt and say banquets like that are very rare occasions, like something that's done twice or thrice a year at best.

One last thing; does tetanus not exist in this world? Using a rusty metal platform for a beach and all.

Iby

2013-05-06, 01:48

Afterward, I checked the staff list: script written by Tanimura Daishiro (episodes of Azazel-san, Kuroko no Basket, Shiwase no Pan).

And the 2nd episode of Gargantia. (also he's writing novelization of series).
What's interesting is that both 3rd and a 4th were written by Nitro+ writers (the 4th was written by a former Nitro+ writer though; the 3rd was written by a writer who has transferred to Nitro+ but was working at TerraLunar company before and is responsible for the Rocket no Natsu (http://vndb.org/v4190) scenario which has quite have good ratings).

duckroll

2013-05-06, 02:36

And the 2nd episode of Gargantia. (also he's writing novelization of series).
What's interesting is that both 3rd and a 4th were written by Nitro+ writers (the 4th was written by a former Nitro+ writer though; the 3rd was written by a writer who has transferred to Nitro+ but was working at TerraLunar company before and is responsible for the Rocket no Natsu (http://vndb.org/v4190) scenario which has quite have good ratings).

There's one more Nitro+ writer involved in the project who hasn't written a script yet. Probably soon. He's the one writing the "Boy and Giant" spin off novel for Gargantia. Apparently set during Ledo's days in the military.

http://gargantia.jp/#product_23

andyjay729

2013-05-06, 02:42

I just thought of something. Maybe they use wastewater for irrigation like we do in California.

Although, that water Amy and Ledo were drinking on the tower wasn't from there, was it? :P

Iby

2013-05-06, 03:03

There's one more Nitro+ writer involved in the project who hasn't written a script yet. Probably soon. He's the one writing the "Boy and Giant" spin off novel for Gargantia. Apparently set during Ledo's days in the military.

http://gargantia.jp/#product_23

This one helped writing a Lost Christmas scenario BTW (the main writer is Haganeya though).

jeroz

2013-05-06, 04:25

This episode is a good one to let the audience see from Ledo's eyes how the world on Gargantia works. Needless to say, it's a very vibrate community.

While some critics might harp on the fact that there's not much character development nor plot progression in this episode, we learnt a lot more about the little things on the fleet. All those little scenes are what made this episode worthwhile.

duckroll

2013-05-06, 05:01

Kirarakim

2013-05-06, 05:13

I do feel that this episode feels like it could have been the OVA episode for the second BD box which somehow got converted into a full episode because they wanted fans to get to see it earlier. Probably not, but it has that "could fit anywhere in the middle of the series" vibe.

Yeah I think I would have been bothered less by this episode if it was one of the OVA's.

If this series had been 2 cour I would also be bothered less.

Although I still would dislike the Okama & girls getting fat jokes.

I really think the series could have done something more meaningful with Ledo's job search, well maybe they will in later episodes since at the end he is still searching.

Obelisk ze Tormentor

2013-05-06, 05:23

I'm honestly kind of surprised though that it didn't feel like they really got any sort of character development in and is it me or did it feel like Ledo kind of broke character a bit when he was freaked out and running from the transvestites. What frame of reference could he possibly have for that sort of thing and why would Ledo the stoicest of stoics this seasons response be to flee in immediate terror?There’s this thing called instinct you know :D. One of the most basic animal self-defense mechanism. Thanks to that, Ledo just knew deep down that those okamas are way more ‘dangerous’ than the Hideauze with just one glance.

Anyway, as a Ghibli fan, I really enjoy this episode where Ledo basically explore the world of Gargantia even deeper than before (with consequences :heh:). Also, somehow I don’t give a damn for other girls-in-bikinis coz my eyes are fully on Ridget in her swimsuit :love:.

Btw, Chamber is a total LOL-maker this episode. It's comedy gold ^^.

zztop

2013-05-06, 06:07

There's one more Nitro+ writer involved in the project who hasn't written a script yet. Probably soon. He's the one writing the "Boy and Giant" spin off novel for Gargantia. Apparently set during Ledo's days in the military.

http://gargantia.jp/#product_23

Does anyon know the English translation for the novel's Japanese summary per the link?

zztop

2013-05-06, 06:14

Oh, and 1 last thing:
http://gargantia.jp/#kaito_2

The above interview link has 2 images of Avalon, the Alliance space colony, as introduced in episode 1 of Gargantia.

The 2 diagrams are labelled in Japanese, but I am unable to read Japanese. I would like to ask if anyone knows how to translate the writing on the diagrams into English, as I am curious as to Avalon's construction.

PS. Scroll down to find images.

jeroz

2013-05-06, 06:22

Here's a question. Let's think of something

It has to scare Ledo, is relatively harmless, and will occupy a lot of his time.

There just got to be something that fits all bills.

yankky5

2013-05-06, 07:19

Here's a question. Let's think of something

It has to scare Ledo, is relatively harmless, and will occupy a lot of his time.

There just got to be something that fits all bills.

Bull shit? Cow manure

jeroz

2013-05-06, 07:39

lolol yeah he did face it earlier. That reaction is priceless :D

Funny how he found his two nemesis within the same episode.

LKK

2013-05-06, 07:50

I enjoyed everything about the except the okama scenes. Maybe it's my Western sensibilities, but I didn't find anything about them funny. Other than those, I liked this look at (1) what Gargantians do on a fine summer weekend day, (2) the lower side of Gargantian society (not everyone gets to live and play in the sun), and (3) Ledo's growing desire to belong. The biggest surprise was learning that Bevel can walk. I rated this episode a 7. I took off a couple of points for the okama scenes.

Obelisk ze Tormentor

2013-05-06, 07:59

I enjoyed everything about the except the okama scenes. Maybe it's my Western sensibilities, but I didn't find anything about them funny.I don’t know how you treat okama in the US or Europe, but in many Asian countries, okamas are often used as a source for joke due to their ‘unusual’ behavior, their ‘funny’ way of talking and their open penchant for handsome guys.

Funkatron

2013-05-06, 08:08

I don’t know how you treat okama in the US or Europe, but in many Asian countries, okamas are often used as a source for joke due to their ‘unusual’ behavior, their ‘funny’ way of talking and their open penchant for handsome guys.

One Piece is a perfect example: they have a whole island of okama with the motto "Okama Way/O Come My Way"

LKK

2013-05-06, 08:14

I don’t know how you treat okama in the US or Europe, but in many Asian countries, okamas are often used as a source for joke due to their ‘unusual’ behavior, their ‘funny’ way of talking and their open penchant for handsome guys.
I know. That's why I phrased it as "my Western sensibilities". Right now, one of the hottest civil rights movement in the US is for & against gay rights and for & against the general acceptance of the LGBT community. It's a lightening rod issue for me. While I always try to temper my evaluation of other cultures with the realization that what I hold true is not necessarily what they hold true, on this issue, I cannot fully set aside my distaste regarding these depictions.

Kirarakim

2013-05-06, 08:14

One Piece is a perfect example: they have a whole island of okama with the motto "Okama Way/O Come My Way"

Right and I don't like it in One Piece either but at least the humor fits the series tone a bit more (and the irony of it being Sanji stuck there).

Anyways it doesn't matter if this is how Japan is because it is a NEGATIVE stereotype and not funny.

In the 1930's I can say Blackface was just how it is in the US but that didn't make it right either.

Jan-Poo

2013-05-06, 08:19

I don’t know how you treat okama in the US or Europe, but in many Asian countries, okamas are often used as a source for joke due to their ‘unusual’ behavior, their ‘funny’ way of talking and their open penchant for handsome guys.

The problem is that's a derogative stereotype.

It isn't much different from how in the past you had the funny shorty large-toothed Chinese man. In the past it made people laugh, now not so much, even if you're not Asian it still makes you uncomfortable (unless you're racist).

PS: Okay I guess you still have that in cartoons such as family guy and the Simpsons, but when you watch those you know that they are satyrical and they have it for everyone.

Obelisk ze Tormentor

2013-05-06, 08:42

The problem is that's a derogative stereotype.

It isn't much different from how in the past you had the funny shorty large-toothed Chinese man. In the past it made people laugh, now not so much, even if you're not Asian it still makes you uncomfortable (unless you're racist).

PS: Okay I guess you still have that in cartoons such as family guy and the Simpsons, but when you watch those you know that they are satyrical and they have it for everyone.Umm...I’m just stating the facts of what’s going on out there. Doesn’t mean I proudly support the idea of stereotyping okamas like that. So, please go easy on me with the "racist" thing. :heh:

In fact, I prefer the approach some other series taken toward okamas as they don’t portray them as the “creepy-funny, tend to crossdress, and agressive to handsome dudes” stereotype. Examples: Leeron Littner (Gurren Lagann) and Bobby Margot (Macross Frontier).

http://cdn.myanimelist.net/images/characters/15/46497.jpghttp://cdn.myanimelist.net/images/characters/12/57475.jpg

Those two okamas are portrayed as smart, warm, sharp, understanding, and able to kick-ass in their respective field of expertise (they're still funny though). I like those characters because of it (especially Leeron :D).

Gravitas Free Zone

2013-05-06, 08:50

Bobby Margot turned out to have many different sides, which was surprising given the level of camp that he entered the scene with.

Even using the entire surface of the ship(s) as a farm, irrigation by giant sprinkler is wasteful because a lot of the water will evaporate or scatter before it hits the ground... especially if the sprinkler head is 500 feet in the air.

Pigs would be more efficient, but there's just something about cows? (http://i.imgur.com/238G7al.jpg) Because those were definitely cows.

Also, while confronting Ledo with a giant barn full of manure was amusing, on a practical level it would make sense for the ship to use the stuff to generate power through methane collection.

DuelGundam2099

2013-05-06, 08:55

The last episode had an actual point, this.... Was just pointless fan service junk. I expected better, but then again I am holding ut for possible skull smashing or spine ripping.

Obelisk ze Tormentor

2013-05-06, 09:03

The last episode had an actual point, this.... Was just pointless fan service junk.The fanservice is the point though. So, you can't say that this episode is pointless ;).

I expected better, but then again I am holding out for possible skull smashing or spine ripping.There's a possibility that you'll be holding out forever as even the first kill-em-all episode 1 don't have any skull-smashing and spine ripping. You'll get better luck watching movies like The Expendables or The Raid: Redemption.

duckroll

2013-05-06, 09:07

Does anyon know the English translation for the novel's Japanese summary per the link?

Oh, and 1 last thing:
http://gargantia.jp/#kaito_2

The above interview link has 2 images of Avalon, the Alliance space colony, as introduced in episode 1 of Gargantia.

The 2 diagrams are labelled in Japanese, but I am unable to read Japanese. I would like to ask if anyone knows how to translate the writing on the diagrams into English, as I am curious as to Avalon's construction.

PS. Scroll down to find images.

There is no Japanese summary for the novel. It just talks about the people involved in writing it, and the cover illustrator, and it confirms that it's a prequel story about a younger Ledo. That's all.

As for Avalon, here's what I can help you with:

At the top of the structure is a Super Electromagenetic Shield which doubles as a Thrust Reverser, followed by Electromagnetic Shield Retention Rings holding it in place. Then there is a Ultra High Density Solid of Revolution with an Accretion Disc around it.

In the residential zone, there are two sets of 12 Revolving Residential Areas each. These are held in place with Residential Area Support Rings. "Filter Sails" are installed in the space between the residential areas and the plasma running through the center. The sails are made of a film which protects the residential areas from harmful radiation emitting from the plasma.

At the bottom of the structure are Power Control Rings followed by Plasma Acceleration Rings at the very bottom.

zztop

2013-05-06, 09:11

There is no Japanese summary for the novel. It just talks about the people involved in writing it, and the cover illustrator, and it confirms that it's a prequel story about a younger Ledo. That's all.

As for Avalon, here's what I can help you with:

At the top of the structure is a Super Electromagenetic Shield which doubles as a Thrust Reverser, followed by Electromagnetic Shield Retention Rings holding it in place. Then there is a Ultra High Density Solid of Revolution with an Accretion Disc around it.

In the residential zone, there are two sets of 12 Revolving Residential Areas each. These are held in place with Residential Area Support Rings. "Filter Sails" are installed in the space between the residential areas and the plasma running through the center. The sails are made of a film which protects the residential areas from harmful radiation emitting from the plasma.

At the bottom of the structure are Power Control Rings followed by Plasma Acceleration Rings at the very bottom.

Thank you so much!:D

DuelGundam2099

2013-05-06, 09:13

So, you can't say that this episode is pointless
I can if the fan service amounted to nothing.
There's a possibility that you'll be holding out forever as even the first kill-em-all episode 1 don't have any skull-smashing and spine ripping.
I can settle on other things like bone crushing or squashed by debris or vaporization or whatever else.

Jan-Poo

2013-05-06, 09:15

Then there is a Ultra High Density Solid of Revolution with an Accretion Disc around it.

It looks like it's a black hole. Anyway this discussion should continue on the technology thread where I posted the pictures.

Examples: Leeron Littner (Gurren Lagann) and Bobby Margot (Macross Frontier).

Leeron is a pretty cool guy, but I was still a bit put off by the usual stereotype: "He's gay! Watch your back (literally), he wants to get in your pants!"

That wasn't really that bad in TTGL though, but here in this episode it was really overboard, plus those Okama were absolutely horrible and insane.
I restate that it's not like the joke itself was absolutely bad, it's that it was pushed way too far.

And beside the joke, the whole scene was pretty stupid and irrational, especially with that whole chase up to the giant water sprinkler.

Obelisk ze Tormentor

2013-05-06, 09:21

I can if the fan service amounted to nothing.Fanservice itself is the goal/destination/purpose though. So once again, this episode has a point, namely: fanservice :D

zztop

2013-05-06, 09:34

Now thats just irresponsible.:mad: You don't just leave your giant sentient mecha to lie facedown outside, exposed to the elements, after you're used his surface area as a giant hotplate.

I keep imagining the transvestites voiced by British comedians Matt Lucas and David Walliams in the style of BBC’s Little Britain rubbish tranny characters,Emily and Florence:
http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Observer/Pix/pictures/2010/12/7/1291744817375/walliams-and-lucas---litt-001.jpg

‘You MUST work with us,spaceboy, since you have male strength, and we are but weak, feeble ladies!Who like doing ladies things!…and sh*t.’

Here's a clip of the 'ladies' at work, guest starring pop singer Robbie Williams:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJ8e6UVpLNg

PS. Little Britain was a sketch comedy show, where the 2 main actors played a variety of eccentric characters.

eplipswich

2013-05-06, 09:50

Lol silly me... I literally did not get why Chamber was lying face down even after the episode ended until I rewatched the episode and noticed meat on the black parts of his body which I didn't notice before...Kind of makes sense since black absorbs heat :heh:

Anyway, people can call this episode fanservice or whatever, but this episode is not worthless in any way. If anything, it actually helps us viewers understand the culture of Gargantia, which is the focal point of this anime. So it is of course that we get to understand Gargantia before the real deal begins.

blakstealth

2013-05-06, 11:44

Awesome episode. We got to see more of Gargantia and its inhabitants doing their daily routines. I feel bad for Chamber at the end, though. rofl

Gravitas Free Zone

2013-05-06, 12:02

I feel bad for Chamber at the end, though. rofl

"Here I am, brain the size of a planet, and they ask me to take you to the bridge use me as a grill. Call that job satisfaction? Because I don't."

Anh_Minh

2013-05-06, 12:21

Pigs would be more efficient, but there's just something about cows? (http://i.imgur.com/238G7al.jpg) Because those were definitely cows.

Don't pigs require a lot of water, though?

What is it they raise in arid places? Goats? Sheep?

Gravitas Free Zone

2013-05-06, 14:54

Don't pigs require a lot of water, though?

What is it they raise in arid places? Goats? Sheep?

Anything animal would require more resources than plant material; from my quick search, pigs seemed to have an advantage in sustainable numbers per acre versus cattle, but I did not have the time to properly vet the comparisons of land use requirements versus different farm animals that I found on line. :)

There's also using things like insects as a protein source, but that's vastly less appealing to most Western sensibilities.

The Random Curiosity (http://randomc.net/2013/05/05/suisei-no-gargantia-05/) post regarding this episode reminded me of another point: Ledo's job situation does resemble that of someone who went into military service early in life, was discharged, and now has to figure out what to do next.

Most Western representations of that have focused more on the PTSD aspects and how spending a lot of time in a combat environment can really maladjust someone for civilian life. Urobuchi's statements regarding the show suggest that Ledo's problems with going out in the world will not be that specific, versus the overall allegorical thing they're working with. (Though if we get a scene of him freaking out when presented with snails or starfish, then who knows.)

Kirarakim

2013-05-06, 16:00

The Random Curiosity (http://randomc.net/2013/05/05/suisei-no-gargantia-05/) post regarding this episode reminded me of another point: Ledo's job situation does resemble that of someone who went into military service early in life, was discharged, and now has to figure out what to do next.

The director and Urobuchi have now both said it is about young people entering society.

I actually think Ledo being a soldier entering an alien and non-combatant world is meant to be a metaphor for that. As in I am not really sure if the series is trying to seriously deal with PSTD (although there are definitely shades of that in this story).

But I think the big difference is being a soldier is all Ledo ever knew, so he isn't actually readjusting at all, but learning something completely new and that new thing is why it is so scary.

Of course for soldiers who have been away from home for so long often times things are very new to them, because things change so quickly.

Anyways in my opinion one of the best films to deal with PSTD is The Best Years Of Our Lives. I kind of wish Ledo's "job search" was closer to how it was portrayed in that movie.

Gravitas Free Zone

2013-05-06, 16:13

The director and Urobuchi have now both said it is about young people entering society.

The show works well because of choosing an adaptable and universal theme such as this one. The metaphors stack on top of each other. :)

(I also think that the show's basic theme will prevent it, thankfully, from taking a crazy grimdark turn like people seem to want. His old life/training/etc. is an expected source of tension versus his current journey, but having everyone get eaten would put a bit too much of a bend in the narrative.)

Ledo had one Hideauze tooth in the cockpit with him at the start, and pried the second one out of his Machine Caliber after he woke up on Earth. The origin of the first one might be an interesting bit of backstory... since we saw the other Ledo with yet another one in the flashback.

Anh_Minh

2013-05-06, 17:05

Anything animal would require more resources than plant material; from my quick search, pigs seemed to have an advantage in sustainable numbers per acre versus cattle, but I did not have the time to properly vet the comparisons of land use requirements versus different farm animals that I found on line. :)

What I've read is that pigs convert 35% of the plants they eat into meat. The cows only get 7%, so, yeah, it would seem the pigs are better. But, they need mud and water to thrive.

So we get back to my question: when there's not much water, what kind of cattle do we raise?

MeggieMay

2013-05-06, 17:44

What I've read is that pigs convert 35% of the plants they eat into meat. The cows only get 7%, so, yeah, it would seem the pigs are better. But, they need mud and water to thrive.

So we get back to my question: when there's not much water, what kind of cattle do we raise?

Well here's a article (http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_climate_conditions_do_cows_live_in) about what type of climates cows do best in, for a starter. You actually don't need a lot of water to raise cows. Feedyards are a major business where I live in the U.S. and we're almost always in drought conditions.

In my mind, desalination of sea water shouldn't be that hard to do, if you have a huge planet that's just water. So I did some research and from what I'm picking up from the Wiki article (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desalination) on the subject, the real issue is cost effectiveness verse some sort of lack of technology one. It expensive on all sorts of levels to desalinate water (power use and physical space to run such a system are just starters), so the real issue for Gargantia may not be lack of water clean enough to drink but a need to have a lot of it and to keep the price of getting it down. Every drop they can collect from rain and condensation allows the community to use the power they'd need to desalinate sea water to be used elsewhere. I also wouldn't be surprised if something else is affecting this issue when it comes to Gargantia but we haven't yet been made aware of it.

LostSome

2013-05-06, 17:57

For starter, we don`t know which species survived the ice age.
They probably choose those good for the cold.

Cows are also good because of their high resistance to acid and toxines in their food.(That`s the four stomachs system for you.):heh:
Goats don`t take toxines well or at all.

Jan-Poo

2013-05-06, 18:03

I think that the kind of battle experience that Ledo has lived is quite different from what foot soldiers do.

You don't get many fighter pilots with PTSD right? That's because they don't get to experience the most gruesome aspects of war. Ledo happens to be a pilot himself. Moreover he probably was conditioned to not feel fear as he states he doesn't at the start of the episode.

His stress level must have been very low even though a lot of his comrades and his commander died.

He is probably more traumatized by his young brother/clone being culled than the many battles he fought.

Gravitas Free Zone

2013-05-06, 18:31

Another factor in the probable lack of combat-related PTSD in the pilots is that they seem to have the technology to fiddle around with the pilots' brains while they're sleeping/in hibernation/etc. And that anyone that has a severe problem... we probably wouldn't be seeing, because they'd be removed.

Obelisk ze Tormentor

2013-05-06, 19:02

Damn, I can’t believe I missed your post:
And beside the joke, the whole scene was pretty stupid and irrational, especially with that whole chase up to the giant water sprinkler.Believe it or not, in my country, there are okamas who behave that way after seeing a guy they really really like (usually those prostitute okamas), and that kinda "chase" did happen afterwards. So, that scene actually hit really close to home for me. That's why I laugh quite hard watching it :D. But of course, not all okamas are like that here.

ThereminVox

2013-05-06, 19:19

Kirarakim

2013-05-06, 19:40

I actually have a lot to say about this episode; most, though not all of it positive.

However, having skimmed the last few pages, I didn't see anyone mention this, and it felt important to me: Ledo smiled for first time, this week. Watch him on the surf-kite with Amy as they soar above the tower. It's effing adorable.

I mentioned Ledo smiling (although I didn't mention what part of the episode).

However it was not the first time he smiled. The first time he smiled was last week when Bevel gave him back the flute after he asked for it.

Sorry I am just a bit obsessed with Ledo's adorableness. :heh:

ThereminVox

2013-05-06, 19:46

I mentioned Ledo smiling (although I didn't mention what part of the episode).

However it was not the first time he smiled. The first time he smiled was last week when Bevel gave him back the flute after he asked for it.

Sorry I am just a bit obsessed with Ledo's adorableness. :heh:

Color me corrected, in that case.

It's a forgivable obsession. He's a very engaging character, and it's hard not to like him. I rather enjoy how even though we're mostly getting his perspective on things, we often get glimpses of how Amy sees him when he's struggling, or at a loss, and the way she'll always go to him to try and cheer him up, or at least make him feel included. She's playing the hero more often than not, and that gives Ledo the opportunity to be the one who warms to her, rather than the other way around.

Obelisk ze Tormentor

2013-05-06, 19:56

I rather enjoy how even though we're mostly getting his perspective on things, we often get glimpses of how Amy sees him when he's struggling, or at a loss, and the way she'll always go to him to try and cheer him up, or at least make him feel included. She's playing the hero more often than not, and that gives Ledo the opportunity to be the one who warms to her, rather than the other way around.Yep. It’s like the relationship between Sosuke and Chidori in Full Metal Panic!, only with much better interaction, not just “tsundere girl smacking some sense into the soldier boy with her fan” :D.

ChainLegacy

2013-05-06, 21:45

What I've read is that pigs convert 35% of the plants they eat into meat. The cows only get 7%, so, yeah, it would seem the pigs are better. But, they need mud and water to thrive.

So we get back to my question: when there's not much water, what kind of cattle do we raise?

Camels. Camel milk and meat can both be consumed. Though obviously chickens would be a good component too for eggs and easy meat when needed.

Anyways, I liked this episode, but I wasn't exactly thrilled about it. It was completely enjoyable and the light tone made it fun, but I don't think it was on par with the preceding episodes. Sometimes it just seemed silly to the point of breaking the atmosphere of the show (Chamber not saving Ledo when he's plummeting to his doom, Ledo having to run from all the cross-dressers when he'd probably do some badass military style reaction given his past characterization, etc). I also don't think anything really got developed; no plot or character growth, except maybe the curmudgeon guy who has grown to accept Ledo (can't remember his name).

Obelisk ze Tormentor

2013-05-06, 21:51

except maybe the curmudgeon guy who has grown to accept Ledo (can't remember his name).It's Pinion.

Jan-Poo

2013-05-06, 21:57

Damn, I can’t believe I missed your post:
Believe it or not, in my country, there are okamas who behave that way after seeing a guy they really really like (usually those prostitute okamas), and that kinda "chase" did happen afterwards. So, that scene actually hit really close to home for me. That's why I laugh quite hard watching it :D. But of course, not all okamas are like that here.

That's... I find it hard to believe something like that but I'll take your word for that.

However what I was mentioning as illogical in that scene wasn't the fact that Ledo was chased, but that he went all the way from the "underground" to that giant sprinkler in the middle of a farm in order to escape the okama, as if he couldn't think of a better place to escape to rather than a tower!

I mean, what was he planning to do once he reached the top?

Terrestrial Dream

2013-05-06, 22:01

Anyways, I liked this episode, but I wasn't exactly thrilled about it. It was completely enjoyable and the light tone made it fun, but I don't think it was on par with the preceding episodes. Sometimes it just seemed silly to the point of breaking the atmosphere of the show (Chamber not saving Ledo when he's plummeting to his doom, Ledo having to run from all the cross-dressers when he'd probably do some badass military style reaction given his past characterization, etc). I also don't think anything really got developed; no plot or character growth, except maybe the curmudgeon guy who has grown to accept Ledo (can't remember his name). Once and while these kinda of episodes are nice. Sometimes it is fun to see characters interact and just having fun times.
While there weren't any strong character development, I enjoyed Ledo being slowly integrated to the ship and the community.

Obelisk ze Tormentor

2013-05-06, 22:07

That's... I find it hard to believe something like that but I'll take your word for that.Yes, take my word for it. Especially if you're a good looking guy and came across one of those prostitute okamas in my country. :D

However what I was mentioning as illogical in that scene wasn't the fact that Ledo was chased, but that he went all the way from the "underground" to that giant sprinkler in the middle of a farm in order to escape the okama, as if he couldn't think of a better place to escape to rather than a tower!

I mean, what was he planning to do once he reached the top?I think it’s just a “joke scene” which purpose is to bring us from point A to point B. Just like how (in Full Metal Panic!) Sosuke, a super soldier, running scared when being chased by his student peers after causing troubles rather than easily immobilize them one by one. It’s meant for joke and certain characters might do something out-of-character and eye-rolling for it.

Kaoru Chujo

2013-05-07, 00:16

...I mean, what was he planning to do once he reached the top?He was planning nothing, but the director was planning an exciting air rescue. Pure comic set-up with no referent in the real world. I don't approve, but the rescue scene made it all worthwhile.

ReddyRedWolf

2013-05-07, 01:49

I know Ledo is trying the civilian job market but... Why not join the navy?

InBXu-iY7cw

CptChaos

2013-05-07, 02:28

So they even have farmland? That was pretty surprising.

Tenzen12

2013-05-07, 03:15

Actualy I don't think Gargantia has water shortage. Some people/ships might have bigger reservoirs and it's not like they are primitive enough not be able use salt water. I would say it's just tad expensive so...

Mazyrian

2013-05-07, 03:18

jeroz

2013-05-07, 07:10

I still doubt that Pinion actually want to help Ledo, more like he uses it as an excuse to throw a party for himself and the girls. Sadly for him, more people gatecrashed it.

Ledo is still the best girl.

zztop

2013-05-07, 08:42

Has anyone here read the Gargantia tie-in novel 少年と巨人(A Boy and His Giant)yet?

Given how it will narrate Ledo's formative years in space, I believe it will be a very interesting book to read, as this would give us more insight into Alliance culture and who Ledo's friends were(if the cover is any indication), and potentially bridge any narrative gap(if any) of the TV series...

http://gargantia.jp/#product_23

...provided it can get translated into English for the benefit of us non-Japanese readers. Will anyone be planning to make a(unofficial) translation of the novel anytime soon?

kakakka

2013-05-07, 08:53

Not yet released and there is no release date given,

Bern-san

2013-05-07, 10:10

Sorry I am just a bit obsessed with Ledo's adorableness. :heh:
You're not alone:D He is the most adorable guy of the season sorry Nai

I actually wanted Ledo to deal with the okamas since he is a soldier and all that but they went to the silly comedy route. Enjoyed the episode nonetheless although I felt sorry for him and Chamber:heh:

Funkatron

2013-05-07, 10:56

You're not alone:D He is the most adorable guy of the season sorry Nai

I actually wanted Ledo to deal with the okamas since he is a soldier and all that but they went to the silly comedy route. Enjoyed the episode nonetheless although I felt sorry for him and Chamber:heh:

Query: why is this necessary? I repeat: why is this....

Iron Maw

2013-05-07, 16:48

The official twitter account has sometimes additional explanations. It was said there that they can indeed convert the salt water; but people has to buy it, so when it rains they made their own reserves.

As nice as that is, it should be shown in the series itself.

Especially when it is the show that brought it up first. No big deal eitherway though.

Tenzen12

2013-05-07, 17:46

Is it realx needed to be fed by everything explicitly?

Iron Maw

2013-05-07, 19:19

Like I said, it's the show that brought that up. So, that means the creators obviously wanted us to discuss it especially in tandem with the technology shown so far.

Triple_R

2013-05-08, 00:43

This was a pretty good lighthearted episode.

The fanservice didn't strike me as downright obnoxious, and at least it was well-drawn and well-animated. The episode also had a nice, whimsical liveliness to it. There were a few scenes in this episode that just struck me as fun, serene, and pleasant - Like I was right there enjoying the BBQ with the rest of the cast, while having an automated fan keep me cool on a bright, warm day.

On the negative side, this episode did stretch characterization a bit in order to make its comedy work. I agree with much of what ChainLegacy wrote there - Chamber valuing the word of a Gargantian over Ledo's cries for help is a bit hard to swallow, as are a couple other scenes in this episode.

With this episode, I think that the Gen Urobuchi fans who are checking this series out primarily because they were hoping for something vintage Urobuchi might as well accept the fact that they're not likely to get it with this show. We're now five episodes into an one cour show - If Gen was going to pull something like what he pulled in Madoka Magica Episode 3, he would have pulled it already. And as I did two or three weeks ago, I again point to those pirate death scenes from a few episodes back - That's not the way a grimdark show handles death scenes. :heh:

Don't get me wrong, I do think this show will do the classic anime thing of shifting to more dramatic/serious/slightly darker for the final arc, but it'll be just that - Classic anime. I doubt it'll be on the level of what some have come to expect from Gen.

On the whole, the tone and feel of this show reminds me of Rinne no Lagrange. It has a similar blend of serious mecha action with lighthearted slice of life; of dramatic action scenes with colorful fanservice. For good or for ill, I expect that to continue.

P.S. To be fair, I can definitely understand how many (and not just hardcore Urobuchi fans) would be disappointed with this episode. I think its understandable how some were probably hoping for this show to have a heavier feel to it, as mecha shows tend to have. Still, I think the promotional artwork and premise for this show always made it clear that what we're getting now was at least a possibility. So I don't think the makers of this show are doing any sort of bait-and-switch here, and I think the show does have good, largely consistent world-building.

ReddyRedWolf

2013-05-08, 04:13

On the whole, the tone and feel of this show reminds me of Rinne no Lagrange. It has a similar blend of serious mecha action with lighthearted slice of life; of dramatic action scenes with colorful fanservice. For good or for ill, I expect that to continue.

Note similar plot devices.

Ledo's ancestors left Earth due to an ice age. The Polyhedron's ancestor left Earth due to an event that led to an ice age.

Those left on Earth managed to survive and thrive. The prodigal sons and daughters , in this case Ledo is the prodigal son, return to mother Earth.

Human aliens try to learn from their Earther hosts.

jeroz

2013-05-08, 05:59

I just wonder what's with the final image in the preview.

Is there something going on with Amy that she has to dress up like that?

Obelisk ze Tormentor

2013-05-08, 06:53

I just wonder what's with the final image in the preview.

Is there something going on with Amy that she has to dress up like that?Maybe it's some kind of a ritual or festival. Or maybe she's wearing something that belonged to a lost family member?:confused:

Dark Wing

2013-05-08, 10:00

Maybe it's some kind of a ritual or festival.

I'm thinking this as well it just might be the episode where Ledo starts to see Amy in a "different" way. Go Amy tame your space man... :naughty:

-Sho-

2013-05-08, 10:26

Damn what with the generic creepy old cross-dresser...
Anyone isn't shocked that Ledo could have been dead if Amy didn't save him ? Chamber would have gone in rampage mode and end of story :D

Jan-Poo

2013-05-08, 10:55

Anyone isn't shocked that Ledo could have been dead if Amy didn't save him?

I am.
I mean it's nice that for once it's the damsel who saves the squire in distress, but that would've been a pretty lame way to die.

Dark Wing

2013-05-08, 11:21

I am.
I mean it's nice that for once it's the damsel who saves the squire in distress, but that would've been a pretty lame way to die.

Yea being taken out by a gang of cross dressers would be lame after surviving an alien invasion, being sucked into a wormhole, and crash landing in bottom of earths ocean.

I could only imagine what they'd write on his tomb stone...:heh:

Raviel

2013-05-08, 13:45

I am.
I mean it's nice that for once it's the damsel who saves the squire in distress, but that would've been a pretty lame way to die.

Somewhere in an alternate universe that would be how Urobuchi trolls everyone with this show :heh:

By the way, can anyone tell me who's who between Amy's friends? Saya and Melty are always shown together so I've always wondered which of them is which.

Gravitas Free Zone

2013-05-08, 14:04

Melty is the younger, blonder, smaller of the two.

Obelisk ze Tormentor

2013-05-08, 14:49

Anyone isn't shocked that Ledo could have been dead if Amy didn't save him ? Chamber would have gone in rampage mode and end of story :DI guess many of us are :D. Still, since this is a beach/fanservice episode, we kinda expect that things will be “dumbed down” for comedy purposes like you usually get in this kind of episode in many other series whether it’s mecha, harem, rom-com, etc.

In fact, I'm more pissed with the poor strategy the Gargantians displayed against the pirates in episode 3 than all the stupidity that happened in this episode :heh:.

Anh_Minh

2013-05-08, 15:33

I'm of the position that this episode largely didn't happen.

Ledo's looking for work and doesn't find any he can do. End of story.

taofd

2013-05-08, 20:04

I'm of the position that this episode largely didn't happen.

Ledo's looking for work and doesn't find any he can do. End of story.

Well, we learned that bevel is pretty handy with gadgets. He built an automatic fan machine with spare parts.

This was definitely a fan service episode, but it was done with much more class than most fan service episodes in anime.

I'm still waiting for the grimdark, as there is no reason they wouldn't hire Urobuchi Gen if this were an all fluff and joy castaway anime. Just wait for the GA and Hideaze to find Earth at roughly the same time.

Guardian Enzo

2013-05-08, 20:38

Dark Wing

2013-05-08, 22:24

Well fan service and transvestite jokes aside one thing that I kind of liked about this episode was that over head shot of Gargantia during the glider race.That shot lets you see just how huge a city fleet is.

Here is gif I borrowed to illustrate what I mean.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-psSMbs3SMwM/UYbt4bbVZ9I/AAAAAAAAE4k/QKoyO1QKCpo/s0/i+still+really+hate+tumblr.gif

taofd

2013-05-09, 03:06

I didn't find the laughably shallow conversation the girls were having about body types and the mean-spirited tranny humor especially classy, but YMMV.

Getting something of value out of the beach/onsen/pool episode is rare indeed - see Outlaw Star for the template on how to do it perfectly, with TTGL probably coming in 2nd. But even if you're not going to advance the plot or characters the better of them can at least be fun fanservice romps. I just hate to see a show with as much smarts and as big a plot as this one waste an episode when it only has one cour to work with as is - especially as it seems that broad comedy isn't playing to Gargantia's strengths, based on the evidence.

You learn a lot from this episode, so it's not quite fair to say this wasn't an advancement in plot or characters. Quite a few (potentially important) characters were introduced indirectly, and we learned quite a great deals about the infrastructure of the fleet and what occurs during off days (i.e. fleet shuts down for repairs while the whether is nice, and while in calm waters, etc). We also see that they have a fairly complex aqueduct system and potentially where there primary source of food is from.

orpheus2

2013-05-09, 04:43

I'm thinking this as well it just might be the episode where Ledo starts to see Amy in a "different" way. Go Amy tame your space man... :naughty:

Is Ledo even capable of that? I assume his warrior race doesn't even know the concept since there are no families back home.

Well fan service and transvestite jokes aside one thing that I kind of liked about this episode was that over head shot of Gargantia during the glider race.That shot lets you see just how huge a city fleet is.

Here is gif I borrowed to illustrate what I mean.
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-psSMbs3SMwM/UYbt4bbVZ9I/AAAAAAAAE4k/QKoyO1QKCpo/s0/i+still+really+hate+tumblr.gif

No kidding.

Jan-Poo

2013-05-09, 06:53

Is Ledo even capable of that? I assume his warrior race doesn't even know the concept since there are no families back home.

But on Avalon people can reproduce freely, which implies that they can choose their partners.

jeroz

2013-05-09, 07:05

think it's sufficient to say that Gargantia is the main focus in this episode. We see the mundane hobby of the people, the mundane conversation between them, and the mundane activities they do. None of the characters are the focus, not Ledo, not Amy and certain not her two friends. Instead what we should pay attention on is how Gargantia the fleet is presented and how the citizens spend their life on it.
Generally I don't like Slice of Life episodes, but I am interested to see how this episode will further impact on Ledo in the way he sees the people. At the end of episode 4 we saw Ledo opening up his heart to the people, this episode we see how integrated he is to the society even though he's still yet to find a job :P
Yes this episode could've been used as an OVA, BR special. However, the impact of what happened in this episode won't be known until the next episode. I would be interested to see if it's possible to omit this episode if Ledo changed a lot in episode 6.

zztop

2013-05-09, 07:37

Do you suppose an English dub of Gargantia will ever be produced?

If they did, one idea I have is that they could dub it so that Gargantian residents speak(their English) in a myriad of accents and tones to reflect the racial/social diversity present aboard the vessel.
ie. A has a South African accent, B has a Filipino accent, etc.

Alliance people like Ledo would speak(their English) in the same, uniform manner and tone, like a BBC-meets-Spock formal, military English that reflects the conformity and rigidity of Alliance culture.

What does everyone think?

LKK

2013-05-09, 07:56

think it's sufficient to say that Gargantia is the main focus in this episode. We see the mundane hobby of the people, the mundane conversation between them, and the mundane activities they do. None of the characters are the focus, not Ledo, not Amy and certain not her two friends. Instead what we should pay attention on is how Gargantia the fleet is presented and how the citizens spend their life on it.
Adding on to your list of what we saw, we also saw that the fleet consists of independent vessels who have entered into contractual agreements and that the fleet is growing. We shouldn't forget the scene where Ridgett welcomes a new vessel to the fleet after signing the contract with the ship's representative. I'm sure we're intended to add that to our understanding of how the fleet operates if nothing else.

orion

2013-05-09, 21:11

But on Avalon people can reproduce freely, which implies that they can choose their partners.

Not necessarily. They could just have sex as recreation, inseminate females like breeding stock and not bother with partners. If what's entering Avalon are the elite fighters and those fighters had genetic manipulation, then they're not going to be stuck with 1 partner. Donor banking sperm and inseminate as many eligible females as possible or artificial uterus to raise lots of embryos to breed capable fighters for the war is probably the order of the day. Those fighters in Avalon are probably akin to Triple Crown winner race horses being retired.

Jan-Poo

2013-05-09, 22:50

Not necessarily. They could just have sex as recreation, inseminate females like breeding stock and not bother with partners. If what's entering Avalon are the elite fighters and those fighters had genetic manipulation, then they're not going to be stuck with 1 partner. Donor banking sperm and inseminate as many eligible females as possible or artificial uterus to raise lots of embryos to breed capable fighters for the war is probably the order of the day. Those fighters in Avalon are probably akin to Triple Crown winner race horses being retired.

I never said partners for life.
The key point here is that their society isn't structured in a way that would prevent from thinking about the other sex, in fact on Avalon that is probably encouraged.

So nothing should prevent Ledo from seeing Amy "in a different way" which was the original suggestion that originated this chain of replies.
Ledo might be an oddball on its own though, since he apparently doesn't care much about Avalon, but he should know about the possibility for a man and a woman to "pair up" to "reproduce".
And since people are given the option to choose whom to reproduce with, this isn't seen just as a duty. Obviously they choose the ones that they like. Everyone on Avalon is already judged fit for reproduction so the government shouldn't have any problems letting people go with their preferences.

Whether love is a concept that exists or not is open to speculations. Considering that the alliance soldiers are shown to be well capable of human emotions and human-like decisions I find it hard to believe that they do not fall in love ever.
I think that it happens, but they probably do not see it as something that ties people forever hence why families do not exist, along with the fact that they probably aren't free to raise their offspring.

chaos_animagic

2013-05-10, 02:20

Still feeling bad for Ledo and Chamber... it's like they gone from super space soldiers... to... on-call underlings... quite sad, LOL.

Really... instead of using Chamber as a grill... why not just have him power the grill itself?
It's degrading all Mechas there is.
Now whenever I see a Mecha, I'll think, hay, it's a BBQ machine.

Anh_Minh

2013-05-10, 04:15

ReddyRedWolf

2013-05-10, 05:45

I never said partners for life.
The key point here is that their society isn't structured in a way that would prevent from thinking about the other sex, in fact on Avalon that is probably encouraged.

So nothing should prevent Ledo from seeing Amy "in a different way" which was the original suggestion that originated this chain of replies.
Ledo might be an oddball on its own though, since he apparently doesn't care much about Avalon, but he should know about the possibility for a man and a woman to "pair up" to "reproduce".
And since people are given the option to choose whom to reproduce with, this isn't seen just as a duty. Obviously they choose the ones that they like. Everyone on Avalon is already judged fit for reproduction so the government shouldn't have any problems letting people go with their preferences.

Whether love is a concept that exists or not is open to speculations. Considering that the alliance soldiers are shown to be well capable of human emotions and human-like decisions I find it hard to believe that they do not fall in love ever.
I think that it happens, but they probably do not see it as something that ties people forever hence why families do not exist, along with the fact that they probably aren't free to raise their offspring.

Thing by the unisex shower pic the guy is desensitized by the female body.

Can you imagine getting a boner in such a situation? Its embarrassing.

Assuming Avalon has civilians I think soldiers are not given the benefit of family. At least a nuclear one. I think the Alliance has a caste system. They can't be all soldiers or else they wouldn't have a colony.

The picture Ledo is giving of Alliance life is suspect given that he seems to be brainwashed with memories suppressed.

Jan-Poo

2013-05-10, 07:41

Hm... Eugenically speaking, and barring the existence of artificial uteri, the most efficient way would probably be to take sperm and ova from first-tier genetic material, and implant them in second-tier material with great child-bearing hips.

That should be done with extreme caution however, the reduction of genetic diversity could backfire big time on them.

I think that in the long run it isn't very smart to be strict on the genes to keep and those to discard.

Eugenically speaking of course. Given by the similarities of the alliance soldiers that we have seen, it looks like they aren't playing smart with genes, only favoring the "best" according to their current standards. Should something unpredictable happen, like the outbreak of a lethal disease, they might pay a very high price for that.

Thing by the unisex shower pic the guy is desensitized by the female body.

In Starship Troopers they have communal showers too. They still form couples, have sex, love, marry and have families.

Or just think about gynecologists. It's not like they have a boner every time they examine a woman, but that doesn't mean they lose the ability to enjoy sex.