Well, first of all, Merry Christmas to everyone!
Next, while this wasn't the most thrilling of episodes, it had such a mix of emotions that I was a bit at a lost of what to make of it.
The Hashmal battle was awesome and shows Mika's ferocity and how much he doesn't even bother with his own safety when he falls into that mode, not accepting any help and only going in full force.
And now you have Orga, who I have a feeling is like the baby bird in the nest that has grown to big for the nest and so the thorns and bristles that were made into the next is beginning to poke and needle him. Teiwaz is the nest and while I did think they were needed to begin with, I also think that it might be time for Tekkadan to be out on their own. However, Orga still has lessons to learn in being a leader in keeping the goal in mind even within yourself.
Mika's loss is fascinating in how much it doesn't really bother him. Both Atra and Kudelia observe that he hasn't really changed at all from the experience and it's a harsh lesson that we kind of know and they sort of simply have to observe in order to realize. Mika is not like other Gundam MCs, he's pretty much set in his ways. A pretty speech and a nice song might make him interested in other things, but it won't be a life changing experience. He's not just going to suddenly take a vow of non-lethal force like Kira I-will-cut off-the limbs-of-every-mech-I-see Yamato.
He's going to be the same guy from before, mostly unchanged, slightly unhinged, and completely loyal only to one man.
Orga and Mika's relationship once again shows it's dark depths as Orga honestly has no choice but to let Mika keep going. As Nadi says, it's not that he won't, it's that he can't. He and Mika are in this together and as long as he keeps going, so does Mika and vice versa. That scene at the end was quite the deep and somber scene. I hope not, but I see tragedy, or at least a near tragedy on the horizon. Yet, I think if Mika goes, Orga is going with him. I recall that quote in Winter Soldier. "I'm with you, until the end of the line." and I think this would hold true to this pair. In fact, I would add the line "--and beyond" to the end of it. Because even if that "place they belong" ends up being death for Mika, Orga would still guide him there.
But I'm praying that it doesn't end up that way and that somehow this all works out. Though, with all this foreshadowing, something is going on with Teiwaz. Seeing Iok getting thrown under the bus was hilarious.
And now he's working with the idiot in the leopard print coat? Oh this is going to be good.
I think Jasley is going to regret ever having called Iok's number...
I'm wondering how things are going to go for Macky, now that he's been inspired by Mika. He's looking a little sinister there. But hopefully that will work itself out too. Bael looked rather awesome. Gaelio was revived and hidden by someone, but who? And they sent Kimaris back to the Bauduin family...why do I get the feeling like daddy Fareed contacted old pal, daddy Bauduin and that they together have been supporting Vigali? And what is Rustal planning, the looks he was giving while talking to Julietta and Iok seemed rather sinister as well.
So, where is this second half going to go? Hopefully they can get Mika something to get around with so Hush doesn't have to carry him around all the time. And will Atra ever realize that she herself should go out and take what she wants? She wants Mika's baby? Then go for it girl!
This seemed like more of a set up episode than anything, so we'll have to see where it all leads for our Iron-Blooded Orphans.
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