death and dishonor: gwing analysis
17 Apr 2005 04:51 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
kaigoudeath and dishonor: gwing analysis, episodes 9 & 10
It's interesting, in Luxembourg, that Noin emphasizes three times that the beauty of the city wasn't destroyed, as well as the fact that the city will remain beautiful regardless of who rules. Zechs takes a moment to ask her if she understands OZ's objectives (mirroring Treize's similar question to Une). Zechs explains, OZ is fighting to free the countries from the United Earth Sphere Alliance (UESA). Noin's clearly skeptical about this, but she doesn't elaborate. Contrast that with Treize, who implied there were reasons other than the most obvious, and didn't explain, as well as Une's irritation/confusion at his words. Noin isn't quite as starry-eyed as Une, nor does she have as much hubris. That seems to be another theme showing up, along with the setup of the two pairs as mirrors: Une and Treize, Noin and Zechs.
A scene worth commenting on: Une serving a glass of wine to Treize, and she wants to know what they'll do next. "Keep fighting and winning," he says, offhandedly. She wants to know if he plans to take over everything, and his logic is rather skewed but seems to work like this. If he takes over everything, then everyone will hate OZ. And if you're hated, then you've got to remain strong against that combined hate, which is apparently motivation/goal enough for OZ to achieve and then maintain its strength. This is anohter moment where I just wanted to roll my eyes. The guy's a sociopath, when you really look at his words. What's additionally interesting is that this explanation comes after Zechs' explanation to Noin about OZ's intentions, and after a narration segment in which the world's distrust of OZ is explained. I get the impression that things have been twisted. First, Treize tells Une that there's more to OZ's reasons than she realizes, then Zechs tells Noin that OZ is working to liberate the countries. And then Treize says, it's all to make OZ strong not only now, but perpetually. Only then did Noin's skepticism seem well-placed and pragmatic, while Zechs' handy words reveal his own idealism and tunnel-vision: he's only seeing of OZ what serves his purposes, much as Une sees what serves her purposes: "take over the world."
Otto brings the Tallgeese to Luxembourg, and is pretty much beaten up beyond belief from testing the machine. Several broken ribs and internal injuries is nothing to laugh at, which stands as testimony to the viciousness of the Tallgeese (and perhaps implied the viciousness of the Gundams, too). It's worth noting that where Zechs ranged between flattered and confused at Noin's reaction to his arrival, his reaction to Otto's arrival is to pull up at top speed, and leap out of the jeep, yelling for Otto. While their history is never explained (and Otto looks/acts like he's a bit older than Zechs), it's clearly a relationship that means a great deal to Zechs. With the Tallgeese in his possession, Zechs makes his first independent command decision: he's going to Cinq, to free the country from the Alliance's grip.
Noin leads the Leos into battle, demonstrating whatever inexperienced panic she had against Wufei is now gone. She's capable, a good pilot, and keeps her head in the thick of things. When the Alliance reveals they had laser-based defensive weapons, she orders her troops to pull back, out of range. Zechs arrives in the Tallgeese, and orders an all-out retreat, to Noin's surprise. Zechs, however, questions his decision, calling himself a coward.
This isn't a sudden shift in his personality, though. I hadn't seen it the first time, but it's been there all along. He doubted his own standing at the Academy, preferring instead to see it as a result of Noin letting him be first (at the same time wondering why). He doubted his ability to make things happen (and in some instances, his limited power was proven true). He doubted whether Treize's plans would truly change anything, and based on post-speech comments, doubted his own ability to lead troops into Treize's future. And now, he's doubting himself when facing a machine of immense power, three times the Taurus.
I wouldn't say he's got an inferiority complex, strictly speaking, because he does seem to be quite arrogant about his own skills, and to know his own limitations (and he notes as much, when dealing with Tallgeese). It's almost like he doubts the ability to find his full potential, and he's aware his reasons are somewhat empty. In the narration voiceover, it's specifically stated that the course of events has been clear to everyone. The UESA, an U.N.-like organization, began military takeovers of countries unwilling to join the World Organization, to the point that the Alliance – the UESA military branch – had effectively conquered unruly nations (including Cinq). It was only able to do so, however, through the machinery and weapons provided by OZ. So OZ's attempts now to "liberate" the conquered nations is naturally viewed with a good bit of distrust. In other words, Zechs has made a deal with the devil, accepting a ride across the river on the scorpion's back and hoping it doesn't act based on its nature, all so he can free Cinq and have revenge for his family's murder.
It's no surprise, therefore, that he pushes himself in Tallgeese, trying to work up to its potential rather than push it to answer his orders. Everything he's ever wanted – echoes of Wufei against Treize, but even more so – is right there in his sights: a free Cinq. But instead of attacking, he's just barely able to pull up, and get away. He's failed, and blames this squarely on the one weakness of the Gundam-design: the pilot. The more he believes in the Tallgeese's ability in battle, the more he sees himself lacking, because he couldn't push the suit to its limit. He tells Noin, afterwards – while lying injured, acknowledging he should be "happy" he's alive – that he realized the Tallgeese requires a pilot "brave enough to risk death for victory." If it's important, it's worth paying the highest price. Zechs has discovered that somehow – or so he may think – that a free Cinq wasn't truly important enough to him, or he wouldn't have lost his nerve.
Otto, overhearing outside the medical tent, interprets it differently, with perhaps the most poignant line in the series. In the amateur translation, Otto says to himself, "In other words, the TallGeese is a suicide Mobile Suit, just like the Gundams... That explains everything. They're strong because they're always ready to die." But the line with the real impact (for once), is in the official translation: "...the Tallgeese is for suicide missions... The Gundams came to earth seeking a place to die." There's something almost painful about that, that makes me think of elephants seeking the ancient graveyards to die among their kin, or the WWII Japanese fighter pilots who had so little to give but their lives and their machines, and in that one final act would strike a blow for their God-Emperor.
Otto's still injured, and unwilling to let Zechs die at Tallgeese's helm; seeing Tallgeese is basically a building-sized killing-coffin, Otto steals the mecha and takes off to liberate Cinq on his own. Again, we see some of the first major emotions from Zechs. He's distraught, leaning on Noin and yelling at the screen, demanding Otto return. He gives chase in a helicopter, desperately trying to stop Otto from his rash choice. But the lesson's hiding under there; Zechs had just told Noin that he has a long way to go, to defeat his fears. And here's Otto, attaining victory through his own death, committing the greatest sacrifice possible for Zechs as a person, not as a commander or even as a fellow-Cinqian, but as a person. Otto has the guts to die, and Zechs doesn't; if Zechs did, perhaps he wouldn't have Otto's blood on his hands – he could've struck at Cinq instead of fleeing to recover.
Zechs enters the Cinq kingdom, entering the old royal estates, and stops before a picture of his father. He can't accept the crown – despite Otto's dying words of "long live King Zechs!" – because he's a blooded soldier. He feels acutely – again, another failure/weakness – that he can't measure up to the absolute pacifism preached by his father. Now that Cinq is free (if technically), Zechs must find a new mission. His removal of his helmet is indication that his first mission (revenge) is complete; finding the picture of Relena gives him the idea for a new reason to exist. When he picks up his helmet again, it's a sign that he's accepted this self-imposed goal.
Now, to switch over to the tensions in the two pairs. Boy, these episodes were juicy. When Treize and Une arrive to find the Tallgeese, Une is more than a bit annoyed/worried about Treize's liberal treatment towards Zechs. He'll get a big head, she says, if he learns that Treize thinks so highly of him; Treize believes the superior pilot should be given a superior machine. He comes right back with, "You have a problem with that?" which is a rather pointed way to tell her to get back in her place (and stop questioning/correcting him). Treize chides her to worry about the important things.
But Une doesn't stop worrying. While I don't think I'd ever see this pair as anything but a twisted form of power-exchange – and I'm not really even seeing Une worshipping Treize so far other than as an embodiment of some whacked ideal – Une still acts with a possessive greed. Une's outright displeased that Treize would abase himself to thank Zechs and Noin, and her frown grows deeper right as Treize pointedly thanks Noin and compliments her on her front-line battle experience. She's even petty, trying to insist they come with her (rather than let them remain with Treize, taking more of his time and attention).
It's no surprise that Une promptly yanks Noin from the front lines, insisting she stay at command. It's where Treize keeps sticking Une (although she demonstrates, in her attack on Wufei, that she'd go to the front if given the opportunity), and Une is pissed that Noin gets credit for doing what Une can't. But it also highlights the contrast between the pairs, yet again: Noin and Zechs are front-line warriors, while Une stays in command, just like Treize. It's the intellectual commanders meeting with the soldiers, and Noin's not fooled in the least when Une announces Noin will be in command; Noin knows exactly why.
Two things about the scene between Treize and Zechs. Baron is the lowest hereditary title, just above 'baronet' (which is gifted to commoners when recognized personally by the king, and holds no power in the House of Lords). Viscount is the rank just above Baron. The amusing element is that Zechs' adopted surname is translated as Marquise, which is the (french) female version of Marquis – the rank just above Count/Viscount. I'm tempted to write this off as the Japanese playing with titles, with only a basic understanding of how the European imperial system works; one doesn't necessarily get 'promoted' to a higher title, unless lands are attached to one's name (in Europe if I recall correctly, the land normally carries the title, not the other way around). That said, it would have had more of an undertone if Treize were upping Zechs' standing from Baron(et) to (Vis)Count, as this would move him from the position of 'prized commoner' to 'landed gentry'. However, the fact that his surname's rank is higher than his nickname may also underline the fact that he's royalty even though he's playing at being lower rank (commoner); it's also a subtle reminder that while Treize is aristocracy, he is not royalty. From what I can tell, the title of 'your excellency' is one reserved for Counts and Viscounts, that is, sitting near the bottom of the pecking order (below 'your grace' for a Duke, and 'your majesty' for Kings). Treize is not at Zechs' level when it comes to inherited rank.
Treize praises Zechs in Une's hearing (which plays on the competition, I think); Treize may also praise Zechs to his face, but he also skillfully threatens at the same time. "I know I can trust you with anything...Milliardo Peacecraft." Treize, I realized, isn't saying he trusts Zechs. He's blackmailing. He's saying, "I know you'll do what I want, and keep my back, because I know who you are." Whether Treize is testing Zechs – "I look forward to when you remove that mask" – or asking something else, I can't tell. If he's truly looking forward to Zechs revealing himself, it may be because it would lend a definite credibility that OZ lacks. The Alliance struck down Cinq with OZ's help, and OZ stands in the position of being distrusted as a result, with Cinq one of the leading, influential kingdom victims. To have Prince Peacecraft revealed as his second-in-command would be a massive boost to Treize/OZ.
I think, upon consideration, that Zechs is aware of this. He knows he's treading on thin ice, but he has a new mission: install Relena as Queen and return Cinq to its former glory. If he reveals himself at this point, he'll be ostensibly appearing to certify OZ's cause as truly just, and Cinq will be seen as under OZ's sway. He's got to keep his family name out of things until Cinq returns to its own power, at which point his name won't be worth much, having abdicated. Treize won't be able to gain from the alliance.
Another note: the official translation has Zechs saying he'd only have the title of "Killer of His Own Men" (the amateur version is "Subordinate Killer") if he left the military at this point. Either way, it shows just how much Zechs is aware of what people say about him, whether he agrees or disagrees, and how much he takes that onto himself, and possibly projects those titles, as well. While he agrees to continue working for Treize (perhaps because he thinks it will further his new goal), he's worried if he leaves, it'll be in disgrace. Like Heero, he doesn't want something so important to him (in this case, his military career) to end without meaning something.
And back to Une, showing something other than her sledgehammer skills, for once. While giving her speech, she very pointedly says the entire reason for moving the Tauruses is because of the questionable security at Lake Victoria – the first base Noin and Zechs liberated. Once again, Noin's expression says she's fully aware Une thinks she's scored a point, and Noin doesn't like it. Une adds that OZ has been stymied by "cowardly soldiers without the guts to compile data" or some such. In the fansubs, the comment is more subtle: failure has been due to "poor intelligence management by incompetent staff members." I recall that Noin was one of the first to fight a Gundam, and collected no information; I wonder if this is yet another jab by Une, knocking Noin down as incompetent and cowardly.
The next few scenes are classic cinemagraphic setup, with Une speaking of each pilot, and then a short scene showing what each pilot is doing to prepare. Her diagnosis of each Gundam's strength and weakness fits right in with the review I did of the five mecha, so that was cool to see that it made sense this time. Une concludes by yanking Noin back to command, and telling Zechs he'll fight Wing with Tallgeese. She's taking a risk, because if Zechs wins, he will get the glory. If he loses, the blame's on him; Noin considers Une's plan "convenient" (for Une).
However, Une isn't that willing to play her hand. Although the fight seems to be relatively equal, with Duo and Quatre surrounded by the ground forces, Trowa fighting the air forces at their resupply point, and Heero engaged with Zechs, Une interrupts it to turn missles on the colonies, which she calls unprotected and therefore weak, pathetic. Noin is understandably upset – both at the notion of involving civilians, which she insists Treize would not want – and at the fact that after all that posturing, Zechs doesn't even get a chance to finish his one-on-one battle and prove himself.
Une's attitude also creates the solution for what would otherwise be a plot hole. Noin takes a look at Trowa attacking the actual convoy, and suggests calling for back-up. Une flatly refuses. Her own hubris is the source of Trowa, later, being able to retrieve Heero's body and leave without significant interference. He'd already decimated the opposing troops, and Zechs has no intention of stopping him.
Early in the battle preparations, Noin asks which route will be the 'real' one, and Une doesn't answer. So somehow it makes bookend-sense that when Treize (allegedly) refers his command to Une, it comes not from him but via Noin, who tells Une, "you must act more gracefully." There's a perpetual question in the fandom about whether Lady is Une's first name or a title, but I can't miss the emphasis when Noin says (using the fansub version), "Be more elegant...Lady." If it's a title, it's reminding Une of her aristocratic position (which to Treize, means 'honor' if in his own twisted way), and if it's a first-name, it's almost offensive for a lower rank to call a higher rank by her first name alone. Noin basically scores back on Une, with a bit of interest.
Skipping over to the pilots, these two episodes again carry some subtle characterization I'd missed the first time except in the broadest sketches. The (in)famous basketball scene, origin of many a fanfiction where the two play basketball endlessly. What really stands out, though, is Heero's reaction. Duo catches the ball, and comes down the court. Heero, meanwhile, is just standing there – not even facing Duo, though his face is turned towards Duo – and when Duo throws him the ball, Heero catches it, and doesn't move. He just takes it. It's not until other students zero in on Heero that he reacts; it's only in the face of competition of some sort that he seems to find motivation, perhaps. And naturally he clears the decks, once he gets going.
Afterwards, there's a certain intimacy or perhaps informality implied by Duo's hand on Heero's shoulder, while Duo waves at the cheering girls on the bleachers. Heero's turned away from the girls, frowning, while Duo's turned back, to wave. But about that hand: what I mean is that, as adults, we don't often touch each other. There's a sense of personal space around us, which others rarely invade except in certain social situations (such as saying hello, goodbye, when good friends, offering reassurance, etc) or unless we're friends with an intimacy closer than acquaintances. Duo's touch isn't shaken off by Heero, nor does Heero really react. In terms of the pack mentality I pondered in the New Edwards battlescenes, I get the sense that Duo has laid claim to Heero being one of his 'gang'. He doesn't do more – like throw his arm around Heero's neck – but he does enough to differentiate them from simple acquaintances.
What's equally noticeable is that when Heero walks off, Duo's expression is comically, exaggeratedly, 'woah! what's your problem?' The instant the frame goes close-up, though, that jester-like comical reaction is wiped, and Duo looks far more calculating, eyes slightly narrowed, lips curled just a little, but eyebrows lowered. His laugh is abrupt, short, and almost a grunt, as if he finds it amusing despite himself. I backed up and watched again, and my impression remains the same: Duo likes pushing Heero's buttons, and he finds Heero entertaining – especially when Heero proves him right, by reacting predictably.
Side-note: by episode 10, we've seen one instance of Duo mooning (hah) over Heero. No, actually, he's just more trying to figure Heero out, and comes to the conclusion that Heero lacks the inherent humanity/soul to stop and see the beauty of something like the moon. The rest of the time towards Heero, he's alternately sarcastic, teasing, poking here and prodding there while revealing little about himself. Rewatching, I can't see now any more than I could the first time where anyone would get the impression that Duo would pine away privately for Heero.
No, I find it more likely (at this point in the series) that if anyone were to do such, it'd be Heero, moving from a basic attempt to understand Duo into the next step, of trying to make a connection (regardless as a sexual adult or just as a person). By that I mean that I can see Heero (based on the events in these episodes) leaning on Duo as his connection to humanity and/or being in a team, which seems to be a new experience for Heero. In Duo's absence, Heero might feel the lack. However, fanon versions where Duo parades around naked, lovelorn, hoping for a reaction? Not seeing it (considering he's more often far more covered than Heero) except in the sense that he'd do it to unnerve Heero. Hell, I get the impression he'd flirt with Heero quite easily, if he thought it could unnerve Heero.
Their competitive interaction seems to be solidfying by this episode. Duo jabs with almost every line, verbally poking holes in Heero, challenging him (hey, you're just standing there, I'll pass you the ball, take that!). Heero retaliates through actions (slam-dunk). Only every now and then does Heero give a verbal zinger right back. (There are no examples of Heero doing so, or of Duo's momentarily startled reaction, in these two episodes but I seem to recall such sparring occurs again later in the series.)
The next shot is of Heero staring out at the military port. It's not a glare; it's an expression of puzzlement. His eyebrows are angled: lowered at the outside as if frowning, but there's no line at the bridge of his nose, and the interior arch of his brow isn't downward but upwards – like he's concentrating, and is worried. At Duo's voice off-screen, Heero turns to look, and I realized his expression doesn't change to a glare. For that single shot, he looks sad. Maybe even a little lost. He has no idea what to do – possibly also because he has no idea if he can do it.
When Duo speaks to Heero at the railing, I noticed his eyes are drawn even larger than normal. This usually means a certain amount of innocence or a good-natured attitude, but the brows are angled down, as they would if he were a bit annoyed, and his tone is pointed – that's the only word I can think of, since he's not outright sarcastic, but there's something there. It's like he's lecturing Heero, just a little, saying an awful lot without saying more than the surface words. The real kicker is Heero says, "I'm not like you," – Duo had just been speaking of the idea that being secretive draws more attention than being friendly. Heero's clearly saying he can't (or won't) be friendly. Duo zings him right back, more edged tone, a hint of sarcasm, twisting Heero's words (get out of my way) into an observation that Duo, in turn, wouldn't say someone else is in his way. It's when Duo's voice drops just a little – though he keeps the friendly smile – and says, "I can see it in your eyes" – that's the first time we see Heero react (outside of his usual deadpan half-frown). His eyes go a little wide, and it's not surprise so much as a simple "hunh?" Once again, Heero's boggled, but it's not his former "I don't get you" almost-glare, but a more-open expression of slight startlement.
That's when Duo moves in for the kill, in a sense, proving he does understand Heero: he suggests they treat the base as a competition, "first come, first serve". Heero's eyes come back down to their normal size, and his lip quirks up just the faintest in one corner. He's accepted the challenge. When Relena pulls up, it's Duo's turn to be flabbergasted when he realizes who she is; his line about "Longing to see a man who tried to kill her? What a strange girl..." is spoken in a definite whisper. It's meant only for Heero's ears. Heero, in turn, is momentarily surprised at her appearance, but it quickly shifts into the set-glare (while Duo's surprise remains). At Duo's final words, Heero looks away from Relena, with a disturbed expression. Duo's just managed to remind him, yet again, of one of his string of (perceived) failures.
Jumping over to Quatre, getting a stern but worried lecture from the Maganacs; they rant, quite upset about the fact that he put himself in danger and didn't let them help. Quatre remains seated, looking chastised but he's also got a half-smile, like he's patiently (if semi-privately) amused by their reactions. When I place this scene against the one immediately previous – in which Treize tells Une that the strong are always hated – it's quite striking. Because Quatre's revealed himself as anything but weak, and he's definitely not hated. In fact, I'd go so far as to say the Maganacs love him dearly. It's a strong contrast to the loyalty of Treize's people, who may be acting out of frustration with the Alliance, old grudges, or the hope of acknowledgement. The Maganacs don't seem to require Quatre's acknowledgement or really anything he can give them; they're worried about him, and in some ways, it's almost as though the leader becomes the servant, with the 'servants' appropriating the role of chiding the leader for putting himself at risk.
Again with the strange translations, in Quatre's discussion with Rashid. I can't help but twig on the official translation, because it just sounds...well, it's bizarre. "They're violent and dangerous, but they're all nice guys." Hello!, I want to shout, this is not a good thing! Given Rashid's and the Maganacs' protective streak, I would have expected more of a reaction from Rashid. So the amateur translation does seem a bit better, if oblique: "Some of them are extreme, but they're all nice." I can't see Quatre saying something that would prove the Maganacs' fears true, after all. 'Extreme' is a slightly more diplomatic way to put it, and he sounds like less of a naive twit, then, too. This, of course, is the lead-in to the oh-so-famous bit about the uchuu no kokoro, alternately translated as 'the soul of space' or 'the heart of space'. We even get it three times in a row, I suppose in case we missed it the first time. It's really a pity the idea got dropped by Bandai around this time, because it's an intriguing notion (of the colonists undergoing adaptations as a result of their birth/life in space). Regardless, Quatre's final line is spoken much softer, almost to himself, and he looks smugly pleased with himself, as if this is something he's known for awhile and finds a useful thing.
And then to Wufei and Trowa, sitting at the circus campfire. When Cathy approaches, Trowa turns to look; Wufei doesn't move. He doesn't even acknowledge Cathy's presence; Trowa's words are harsh ("What are you doing here?") but his tone is gentle. Only once she leaves does Wufei tell Trowa, "I've got no right piloting Nataku." (Fansub: "I'm not sure if I'm up to this.") Trowa's response is what I've been told is quinessential Japanese: "so desu ka" or something like that ("I see"), the generic murmur that covers everything from agreement to outright sarcasm. But his tone is still quiet, almost like he's just saying it because Wufei needs to know someone's listening. Trowa's aggressive on the battlefied, and his interaction with Quatre has been choppy, but here he seems both compassionate and understanding of the fact that perhaps Wufei just shouldn't be alone. He did bring Wufei back to the circus, after all, which does indicate some level of trust (when he didn't even tell his name to Quatre until he was leaving). Again, I think it may also be that Trowa understands something of despair – which Wufei is clearly suffering – and thus I'm to gather that Trowa himself has, or does, grapple with it himself. (It's also the first time so far that Wufei has spoken Mandarin; when Trowa says, "I see," Wufei replies, "Xie xie", thank you.)
Back to Heero and Duo, as they strike at the base. Duo's having fun slicing and dicing the mobile suits. When Wing appears in his side-screens, there's a flash of annoyance on Duo's face, like he's pissed. Just as quickly it's gone, and the slightly manic smirk is back, as he assures Heero he's left a few for Heero to fight. But like with the basketball game, Heero doesn't catch the ball and pass it; he goes straight for the slam-dunk. It's distinctly reminiscent of that earlier scene, with Heero blasting through three mobile suits and then rising straight up into the air to strike the silo at its very top. Heero looks almost pleased when he confirms the mission's completed; perhaps he considers that a small note of redemption. What isn't clarified is the goal of the mission; we only have their behaviors.
Duo is leveling the base, and hasn't struck at the silo, nor does he make any moves to do so. Heero only declares the mission over when he's destroyed that one point, and he ignores the battle raging around Duo. However, if Duo's mission was also to destroy the silo, then it says a lot about Duo's attitude compared to Heero's. First, Duo is apparently quite happy to get into a thick battle with the defending mobile suits (and not go for the goal), and second, doesn't seem perturbed in the least that Heero struck the final blow. Like in the game, he seems to take the completion of the mission – regardless of who scored that point – as a successful mission for all involved. That's much more of a group-mentality than Heero.
Shortly after this, Relena shows up at the school again. (From later scenes, I think it's supposed to be concluded that she enrolled in the same school.) She gets out of her limo just as Duo and Heero walk past, and Heero regards her warily. Duo's quite cheerful, and the first time I watched, he seems friendly. This time, though, I listened to the tone, and it's definitely pointed. He smiles, waves, shrugs, but his meaning is clear: you stay over there, because we're busy. "Lovely weather! We've got to get to class." Again the dynamics are shifting off-screen, because previously it had been Duo following Heero (away from the basketball game, for instance). Now it's Heero, falling into line behind Duo, who seems to have taken over the role of spokesman for the two of them. He essentially gives Relena a polite brush-off – we're busy with something important – and Heero is more than happy to follow along, even casting Relena an irritated glance as he passes by.
This shift I picked up is, I think, highlighted later when Relena comes to the school to find out from three new groupies (come on, that's what they are, and they never even get any names!) that Heero's transferred. Relena's not surprised; her only real goal currently, it seems, is just to follow his example in some way, and lean on his perceived strength until she gains some of her own. But it's one classmate's comment that caught my eye: "We didn't even have a chance to become friends with Duo and Heero..." They speak of both pilots, and normally you only do that if you're speaking of two friends. The idea of a sub-gang, at this point, seems to be firmly entrenched, but I think it's also a sub-gang (within the pilots' group) in which Duo is really the one running things, not Heero.
A tangential note on Relena, who only appears a few times in these episodes – twice coming to see Heero, and once on her own in what may be a hotel room or a dormitory room. Okay, I've had the "1+R or R+1 or 1+2" discussion with a friend, and neither of us are seeing the 1+R; Heero's still doing his best to keep Relena at arm's length. But I'm not entirely certain it's yet at a point where Relena's in love with Heero, or even really that she's crushing on him in an early-sexual/innocent way. In some ways, she echoes Duo: she's forming a dependence on Heero, following his lead (his ability to face a challenge head-on), the same way Heero appears to be following Duo's lead. But she doesn't push the issue, other than to show up and state she just wants to be near him. She wants to gain, if vicariously, a little of his strength, and pretty much says that right out. Her scene talking to her father is rather sad, too; she's still in mourning, a little bit adrift, and she does seem somewhat aware that she's latched onto the nearest solid object. But she shows strength of her own, despite that, in that she intends to stand on her own two feet as soon as she's able. And she hints at that, when she discovers Duo and Heero are gone, saying that she's facing her own battlefield.
During Une's review of the five Gundams – which is also the point that they receive the designations of 01, 02, and so on – the story cuts over to Heero at his laptop, sitting in his darkened room. His eyes go wide with surprise (but not exaggerated to the point of full shock), and his fingers halt on the keyboard when Dr. J appears on the computer's screen. For all that the fandom often sees J as a callous bastard, here he speaks more as to another adult, if a subordinate. He's not patronizing nor abusive, and in fact explains his reasoning: that developing the Taurus's abilities – potentially allowing it to override a pilot's decisions – bothers him. The screen goes dark, just as Duo pushes Heero's door open, letting it swing wide. I noticed that he doesn't knock, but neither does he enter. He's drawing a line, I think: that he's taken such liberties in their friendship, and he can claim that right (to at least not need to knock), but he doesn't push it further.
The question that's left open here is why Heero accepts Duo's lead. Is it because Duo is too stubborn – insisting they work/play together and just keeping at it until Heero gives up and just goes with it? I can see a basis for that interpretation in the way Duo draws Heero into the basketball game (after just 'happening' to end up at the same school, no less), and then follows Heero to the ocean overlook, and challenges him to compete on the mission.
Is it because Heero is so used to taking orders that in absence of daily orders, Duo's are as good as any? I can see that argument based on the fact that Heero doesn't argue – or even frown, or look mildly irritated, from what I recall – when Duo decides how they'll handle the transport.
Is it because Heero is too bewildered by the 'mundane' life, and it's easier to hide behind Duo, who seems so fluent at it? There's basis for that argument in the way Heero is half-hidden behind Duo both times Relena appears. I point that out because the images and framing are always on purpose. Someone had to specifically put that there, and draw this, and not something else. So having Duo in the foreground, in two scenes with otherwise similar constructs, is a visual pattern to me. It says that one way or another Heero is either hanging back behind Duo, hiding behind him, or possibly leaning on him to act as buffer between Heero and the daily grind.
In that shot – with Duo casually leaning against the door in his 'working garb' while Heero watches him from the desk chair – there's a second hint of the aborted 'newtype' subplot (possibly), when Duo says, "I came to say goodbye, because I've got a bad feeling about this." He does use – if my hearing's right – 'sayonara' and not 'ja ne', and the former is a much more definitive farewell, not just a 'see you later.' Heero remains twisted in his seat, silent while Duo speaks; Duo, in turn, looks disturbed, but not pensive so much as intent. He's not teasing Heero or challenging him; he's deadly serious. Again there's a conflict in the translations: in the amateur version, Duo asks Heero to take the air route; in the official version, he tells him. Both versions are followed with a warning to Heero to be careful, because the enemy will be prepared.
For all that Heero may have the reported lengthy training on his side (and we've seen nothing of missions coming to Duo by any means, although he's spoken of receiving them), Duo is shown to be just as capable, but in a broader scope. Heero had only just received his mission when Duo appears; I take that to mean Duo had a bit more warning, enough to get ready, and come down the hall. Also, Duo is no longer thinking in terms of "we'll both just show up and see what happens" – he's purposefully laying out a plan of attack. He's no longer seeing them as two independent rebel fighters, but a team splitting up to cover all the bases.
At this point, the story jumps back to Une, clarifying that the 02 suit excels in stealth and close combat, and that to defeat 03, hold it at bay until it's used all its ammunition. She adds, "not one mobile suit excells in organized combat." That's the cue to show Trowa, pondering the fact that the enemy is setting it up to expect their attack. Trowa makes the opening assumption that all the Gundams will be fighting, and notes that splitting their forces will split their ability to stop the Taurus shipment, followed by a seemingly-idle speculation of whether he should take the air route. His isolation in his decision underlines Une's comment about the Gundams fighting independently, but both stand in direct contrast to Duo's command decision to have Heero take the air while he takes the land, thus covering all bases.
The back-and-forth works well, from a writer's point of view, because with Une's comment still hanging, and Trowa's lone uncertainty, then we get Quatre marshalling his forces. They'll take the land, he decides, but he has a twist on Duo's idea of working together. For Duo, the decision was to split the difference. For Quatre, it's to choose one, with the intention of notifying the other pilots as soon as he finds out. He continues to think in terms of all five as a team, so it's additionally emphasized when we cut over to Wufei, calling himself a coward as he essentially withdraws from the fight. That's especially ironic given that Une seems to consider 05/Wufei the most dangerous of all five, warning her men to not engage 05 if at all possible, but to barrage him from a distance until he's destroyed.
At the battle itself, again there's a moment of Duo's hinted pre-cog. He saves Quatre, and Quatre declares he's certain the route they choose is the actual route. Nothing around them has changed yet, but Duo replies he's certain it's the decoy – and then he's proven correct when Leos pop up like daisies from the wrecked train around them.
Another tangent: Heero isn't very good at landing. Once again he takes a shot while coming down, and Wing ends up tumbling head over heels for a long distance before he gets control and surges back into the fight. (I'm reminded again of the bucking horse, and Heero's preliminary difficulties always showing up before he gets a handle on things.) Tallgeese appears, and Heero's definitely startled, not sure what he's dealing with. Zechs' declaration (probably to himself) states his purpose: "fight for recognition of superiority." In the cockpit, Heero's fist coming down on the side seems frustrated, like pounding at the console, but then the beam rifle drops away to reveal the beam saber. He's in the fight, even if it's not the fight he'd originally intended.
Trowa, watching from the side, assesses it as a one-on-one battle and not part of his own purpose. His mission is to destroy the Taurus suits, and he leaves Heero to the battle. Meanwhile, Zechs is thrilled that he feels no fear, and is certain this indicates he'll win this fight; he's positive that he can use the suit successfully, winning without having to push it to its limits (and beyond his).
Now for the part I completely missed the first time, except in more broad strokes. Une announces she's going to destroy a colony if the Gundams don't surrender. Ignoring the protest from Noin, what's striking are the reactions from each of the pilots. They each react to whatever is most important to them. Quatre is shocked/upset that someone would target the colonies, while Duo's pissed/shocked that they're supposed to hand over their Gundams. (Heh: who cares about the colonists, I'm not giving this up!) Trowa's convinced it's a trick (though in the fansubs he calls it a cowardly act), while Zechs is furious at the dirty trick. J's reappearance brings a message that undermines the fanon perception that he's truly a callous being, as he states clearly that these means are far too high a price, no matter the ends. (That fits with the Ep0 flashback, in which J's voice protests the intended plan to 'retrain' Heero.)
And, as is probably well-known, Heero accepts the mission. After considering all the observations around the Gundams, his self-destruction makes more sense now (and not just from his own suicidal wish, which seemed to have been dissipating somewhat). Zechs, Treize, Une, and the rest have repeatedly noted that the Gundams are valuable but in some ways the pilots are more so. When J surrenders, stating that he won't give up the Gundam, there's no option for Heero but self-detonation. It can't stay in rebel hands, once the 'rebel' has washed his hands of it, but his orders are to prevent it from falling into OZ's hands. The problem is that if he falls into OZ's hands, it's possibly as good as if he'd just handed Wing over in the first place. Both the machine, and the pilot, are part and parcel of what's destroyed rather than given up. Hence, self-detonation while still on the cockpit door.
Finally, Trowa's actions of picking up Heero have often been marked as a sign of compassion, but given what I've noticed this time, I don't think so. I think he's assuming Heero could not survive, and Trowa's actions are supposed to illustrate that he comes from a group background. Many armies have the motto of 'never leave a man behind' – and that's exactly what Trowa is doing in this case. The fact that he leaves Heero in Heavyarms' clutches, as he drives off to safety (not even bothering to stay long enough to cover the mecha with a tarp), tells me that he's operating on a sense that Heero is a comrade, however unknown, and that one doesn't leave a comrade's body on the enemy's battlefield.
It's interesting, in Luxembourg, that Noin emphasizes three times that the beauty of the city wasn't destroyed, as well as the fact that the city will remain beautiful regardless of who rules. Zechs takes a moment to ask her if she understands OZ's objectives (mirroring Treize's similar question to Une). Zechs explains, OZ is fighting to free the countries from the United Earth Sphere Alliance (UESA). Noin's clearly skeptical about this, but she doesn't elaborate. Contrast that with Treize, who implied there were reasons other than the most obvious, and didn't explain, as well as Une's irritation/confusion at his words. Noin isn't quite as starry-eyed as Une, nor does she have as much hubris. That seems to be another theme showing up, along with the setup of the two pairs as mirrors: Une and Treize, Noin and Zechs.
A scene worth commenting on: Une serving a glass of wine to Treize, and she wants to know what they'll do next. "Keep fighting and winning," he says, offhandedly. She wants to know if he plans to take over everything, and his logic is rather skewed but seems to work like this. If he takes over everything, then everyone will hate OZ. And if you're hated, then you've got to remain strong against that combined hate, which is apparently motivation/goal enough for OZ to achieve and then maintain its strength. This is anohter moment where I just wanted to roll my eyes. The guy's a sociopath, when you really look at his words. What's additionally interesting is that this explanation comes after Zechs' explanation to Noin about OZ's intentions, and after a narration segment in which the world's distrust of OZ is explained. I get the impression that things have been twisted. First, Treize tells Une that there's more to OZ's reasons than she realizes, then Zechs tells Noin that OZ is working to liberate the countries. And then Treize says, it's all to make OZ strong not only now, but perpetually. Only then did Noin's skepticism seem well-placed and pragmatic, while Zechs' handy words reveal his own idealism and tunnel-vision: he's only seeing of OZ what serves his purposes, much as Une sees what serves her purposes: "take over the world."
Otto brings the Tallgeese to Luxembourg, and is pretty much beaten up beyond belief from testing the machine. Several broken ribs and internal injuries is nothing to laugh at, which stands as testimony to the viciousness of the Tallgeese (and perhaps implied the viciousness of the Gundams, too). It's worth noting that where Zechs ranged between flattered and confused at Noin's reaction to his arrival, his reaction to Otto's arrival is to pull up at top speed, and leap out of the jeep, yelling for Otto. While their history is never explained (and Otto looks/acts like he's a bit older than Zechs), it's clearly a relationship that means a great deal to Zechs. With the Tallgeese in his possession, Zechs makes his first independent command decision: he's going to Cinq, to free the country from the Alliance's grip.
Noin leads the Leos into battle, demonstrating whatever inexperienced panic she had against Wufei is now gone. She's capable, a good pilot, and keeps her head in the thick of things. When the Alliance reveals they had laser-based defensive weapons, she orders her troops to pull back, out of range. Zechs arrives in the Tallgeese, and orders an all-out retreat, to Noin's surprise. Zechs, however, questions his decision, calling himself a coward.
This isn't a sudden shift in his personality, though. I hadn't seen it the first time, but it's been there all along. He doubted his own standing at the Academy, preferring instead to see it as a result of Noin letting him be first (at the same time wondering why). He doubted his ability to make things happen (and in some instances, his limited power was proven true). He doubted whether Treize's plans would truly change anything, and based on post-speech comments, doubted his own ability to lead troops into Treize's future. And now, he's doubting himself when facing a machine of immense power, three times the Taurus.
I wouldn't say he's got an inferiority complex, strictly speaking, because he does seem to be quite arrogant about his own skills, and to know his own limitations (and he notes as much, when dealing with Tallgeese). It's almost like he doubts the ability to find his full potential, and he's aware his reasons are somewhat empty. In the narration voiceover, it's specifically stated that the course of events has been clear to everyone. The UESA, an U.N.-like organization, began military takeovers of countries unwilling to join the World Organization, to the point that the Alliance – the UESA military branch – had effectively conquered unruly nations (including Cinq). It was only able to do so, however, through the machinery and weapons provided by OZ. So OZ's attempts now to "liberate" the conquered nations is naturally viewed with a good bit of distrust. In other words, Zechs has made a deal with the devil, accepting a ride across the river on the scorpion's back and hoping it doesn't act based on its nature, all so he can free Cinq and have revenge for his family's murder.
It's no surprise, therefore, that he pushes himself in Tallgeese, trying to work up to its potential rather than push it to answer his orders. Everything he's ever wanted – echoes of Wufei against Treize, but even more so – is right there in his sights: a free Cinq. But instead of attacking, he's just barely able to pull up, and get away. He's failed, and blames this squarely on the one weakness of the Gundam-design: the pilot. The more he believes in the Tallgeese's ability in battle, the more he sees himself lacking, because he couldn't push the suit to its limit. He tells Noin, afterwards – while lying injured, acknowledging he should be "happy" he's alive – that he realized the Tallgeese requires a pilot "brave enough to risk death for victory." If it's important, it's worth paying the highest price. Zechs has discovered that somehow – or so he may think – that a free Cinq wasn't truly important enough to him, or he wouldn't have lost his nerve.
Otto, overhearing outside the medical tent, interprets it differently, with perhaps the most poignant line in the series. In the amateur translation, Otto says to himself, "In other words, the TallGeese is a suicide Mobile Suit, just like the Gundams... That explains everything. They're strong because they're always ready to die." But the line with the real impact (for once), is in the official translation: "...the Tallgeese is for suicide missions... The Gundams came to earth seeking a place to die." There's something almost painful about that, that makes me think of elephants seeking the ancient graveyards to die among their kin, or the WWII Japanese fighter pilots who had so little to give but their lives and their machines, and in that one final act would strike a blow for their God-Emperor.
Otto's still injured, and unwilling to let Zechs die at Tallgeese's helm; seeing Tallgeese is basically a building-sized killing-coffin, Otto steals the mecha and takes off to liberate Cinq on his own. Again, we see some of the first major emotions from Zechs. He's distraught, leaning on Noin and yelling at the screen, demanding Otto return. He gives chase in a helicopter, desperately trying to stop Otto from his rash choice. But the lesson's hiding under there; Zechs had just told Noin that he has a long way to go, to defeat his fears. And here's Otto, attaining victory through his own death, committing the greatest sacrifice possible for Zechs as a person, not as a commander or even as a fellow-Cinqian, but as a person. Otto has the guts to die, and Zechs doesn't; if Zechs did, perhaps he wouldn't have Otto's blood on his hands – he could've struck at Cinq instead of fleeing to recover.
Zechs enters the Cinq kingdom, entering the old royal estates, and stops before a picture of his father. He can't accept the crown – despite Otto's dying words of "long live King Zechs!" – because he's a blooded soldier. He feels acutely – again, another failure/weakness – that he can't measure up to the absolute pacifism preached by his father. Now that Cinq is free (if technically), Zechs must find a new mission. His removal of his helmet is indication that his first mission (revenge) is complete; finding the picture of Relena gives him the idea for a new reason to exist. When he picks up his helmet again, it's a sign that he's accepted this self-imposed goal.
Now, to switch over to the tensions in the two pairs. Boy, these episodes were juicy. When Treize and Une arrive to find the Tallgeese, Une is more than a bit annoyed/worried about Treize's liberal treatment towards Zechs. He'll get a big head, she says, if he learns that Treize thinks so highly of him; Treize believes the superior pilot should be given a superior machine. He comes right back with, "You have a problem with that?" which is a rather pointed way to tell her to get back in her place (and stop questioning/correcting him). Treize chides her to worry about the important things.
But Une doesn't stop worrying. While I don't think I'd ever see this pair as anything but a twisted form of power-exchange – and I'm not really even seeing Une worshipping Treize so far other than as an embodiment of some whacked ideal – Une still acts with a possessive greed. Une's outright displeased that Treize would abase himself to thank Zechs and Noin, and her frown grows deeper right as Treize pointedly thanks Noin and compliments her on her front-line battle experience. She's even petty, trying to insist they come with her (rather than let them remain with Treize, taking more of his time and attention).
It's no surprise that Une promptly yanks Noin from the front lines, insisting she stay at command. It's where Treize keeps sticking Une (although she demonstrates, in her attack on Wufei, that she'd go to the front if given the opportunity), and Une is pissed that Noin gets credit for doing what Une can't. But it also highlights the contrast between the pairs, yet again: Noin and Zechs are front-line warriors, while Une stays in command, just like Treize. It's the intellectual commanders meeting with the soldiers, and Noin's not fooled in the least when Une announces Noin will be in command; Noin knows exactly why.
Two things about the scene between Treize and Zechs. Baron is the lowest hereditary title, just above 'baronet' (which is gifted to commoners when recognized personally by the king, and holds no power in the House of Lords). Viscount is the rank just above Baron. The amusing element is that Zechs' adopted surname is translated as Marquise, which is the (french) female version of Marquis – the rank just above Count/Viscount. I'm tempted to write this off as the Japanese playing with titles, with only a basic understanding of how the European imperial system works; one doesn't necessarily get 'promoted' to a higher title, unless lands are attached to one's name (in Europe if I recall correctly, the land normally carries the title, not the other way around). That said, it would have had more of an undertone if Treize were upping Zechs' standing from Baron(et) to (Vis)Count, as this would move him from the position of 'prized commoner' to 'landed gentry'. However, the fact that his surname's rank is higher than his nickname may also underline the fact that he's royalty even though he's playing at being lower rank (commoner); it's also a subtle reminder that while Treize is aristocracy, he is not royalty. From what I can tell, the title of 'your excellency' is one reserved for Counts and Viscounts, that is, sitting near the bottom of the pecking order (below 'your grace' for a Duke, and 'your majesty' for Kings). Treize is not at Zechs' level when it comes to inherited rank.
Treize praises Zechs in Une's hearing (which plays on the competition, I think); Treize may also praise Zechs to his face, but he also skillfully threatens at the same time. "I know I can trust you with anything...Milliardo Peacecraft." Treize, I realized, isn't saying he trusts Zechs. He's blackmailing. He's saying, "I know you'll do what I want, and keep my back, because I know who you are." Whether Treize is testing Zechs – "I look forward to when you remove that mask" – or asking something else, I can't tell. If he's truly looking forward to Zechs revealing himself, it may be because it would lend a definite credibility that OZ lacks. The Alliance struck down Cinq with OZ's help, and OZ stands in the position of being distrusted as a result, with Cinq one of the leading, influential kingdom victims. To have Prince Peacecraft revealed as his second-in-command would be a massive boost to Treize/OZ.
I think, upon consideration, that Zechs is aware of this. He knows he's treading on thin ice, but he has a new mission: install Relena as Queen and return Cinq to its former glory. If he reveals himself at this point, he'll be ostensibly appearing to certify OZ's cause as truly just, and Cinq will be seen as under OZ's sway. He's got to keep his family name out of things until Cinq returns to its own power, at which point his name won't be worth much, having abdicated. Treize won't be able to gain from the alliance.
Another note: the official translation has Zechs saying he'd only have the title of "Killer of His Own Men" (the amateur version is "Subordinate Killer") if he left the military at this point. Either way, it shows just how much Zechs is aware of what people say about him, whether he agrees or disagrees, and how much he takes that onto himself, and possibly projects those titles, as well. While he agrees to continue working for Treize (perhaps because he thinks it will further his new goal), he's worried if he leaves, it'll be in disgrace. Like Heero, he doesn't want something so important to him (in this case, his military career) to end without meaning something.
And back to Une, showing something other than her sledgehammer skills, for once. While giving her speech, she very pointedly says the entire reason for moving the Tauruses is because of the questionable security at Lake Victoria – the first base Noin and Zechs liberated. Once again, Noin's expression says she's fully aware Une thinks she's scored a point, and Noin doesn't like it. Une adds that OZ has been stymied by "cowardly soldiers without the guts to compile data" or some such. In the fansubs, the comment is more subtle: failure has been due to "poor intelligence management by incompetent staff members." I recall that Noin was one of the first to fight a Gundam, and collected no information; I wonder if this is yet another jab by Une, knocking Noin down as incompetent and cowardly.
The next few scenes are classic cinemagraphic setup, with Une speaking of each pilot, and then a short scene showing what each pilot is doing to prepare. Her diagnosis of each Gundam's strength and weakness fits right in with the review I did of the five mecha, so that was cool to see that it made sense this time. Une concludes by yanking Noin back to command, and telling Zechs he'll fight Wing with Tallgeese. She's taking a risk, because if Zechs wins, he will get the glory. If he loses, the blame's on him; Noin considers Une's plan "convenient" (for Une).
However, Une isn't that willing to play her hand. Although the fight seems to be relatively equal, with Duo and Quatre surrounded by the ground forces, Trowa fighting the air forces at their resupply point, and Heero engaged with Zechs, Une interrupts it to turn missles on the colonies, which she calls unprotected and therefore weak, pathetic. Noin is understandably upset – both at the notion of involving civilians, which she insists Treize would not want – and at the fact that after all that posturing, Zechs doesn't even get a chance to finish his one-on-one battle and prove himself.
Une's attitude also creates the solution for what would otherwise be a plot hole. Noin takes a look at Trowa attacking the actual convoy, and suggests calling for back-up. Une flatly refuses. Her own hubris is the source of Trowa, later, being able to retrieve Heero's body and leave without significant interference. He'd already decimated the opposing troops, and Zechs has no intention of stopping him.
Early in the battle preparations, Noin asks which route will be the 'real' one, and Une doesn't answer. So somehow it makes bookend-sense that when Treize (allegedly) refers his command to Une, it comes not from him but via Noin, who tells Une, "you must act more gracefully." There's a perpetual question in the fandom about whether Lady is Une's first name or a title, but I can't miss the emphasis when Noin says (using the fansub version), "Be more elegant...Lady." If it's a title, it's reminding Une of her aristocratic position (which to Treize, means 'honor' if in his own twisted way), and if it's a first-name, it's almost offensive for a lower rank to call a higher rank by her first name alone. Noin basically scores back on Une, with a bit of interest.
Skipping over to the pilots, these two episodes again carry some subtle characterization I'd missed the first time except in the broadest sketches. The (in)famous basketball scene, origin of many a fanfiction where the two play basketball endlessly. What really stands out, though, is Heero's reaction. Duo catches the ball, and comes down the court. Heero, meanwhile, is just standing there – not even facing Duo, though his face is turned towards Duo – and when Duo throws him the ball, Heero catches it, and doesn't move. He just takes it. It's not until other students zero in on Heero that he reacts; it's only in the face of competition of some sort that he seems to find motivation, perhaps. And naturally he clears the decks, once he gets going.
Afterwards, there's a certain intimacy or perhaps informality implied by Duo's hand on Heero's shoulder, while Duo waves at the cheering girls on the bleachers. Heero's turned away from the girls, frowning, while Duo's turned back, to wave. But about that hand: what I mean is that, as adults, we don't often touch each other. There's a sense of personal space around us, which others rarely invade except in certain social situations (such as saying hello, goodbye, when good friends, offering reassurance, etc) or unless we're friends with an intimacy closer than acquaintances. Duo's touch isn't shaken off by Heero, nor does Heero really react. In terms of the pack mentality I pondered in the New Edwards battlescenes, I get the sense that Duo has laid claim to Heero being one of his 'gang'. He doesn't do more – like throw his arm around Heero's neck – but he does enough to differentiate them from simple acquaintances.
What's equally noticeable is that when Heero walks off, Duo's expression is comically, exaggeratedly, 'woah! what's your problem?' The instant the frame goes close-up, though, that jester-like comical reaction is wiped, and Duo looks far more calculating, eyes slightly narrowed, lips curled just a little, but eyebrows lowered. His laugh is abrupt, short, and almost a grunt, as if he finds it amusing despite himself. I backed up and watched again, and my impression remains the same: Duo likes pushing Heero's buttons, and he finds Heero entertaining – especially when Heero proves him right, by reacting predictably.
Side-note: by episode 10, we've seen one instance of Duo mooning (hah) over Heero. No, actually, he's just more trying to figure Heero out, and comes to the conclusion that Heero lacks the inherent humanity/soul to stop and see the beauty of something like the moon. The rest of the time towards Heero, he's alternately sarcastic, teasing, poking here and prodding there while revealing little about himself. Rewatching, I can't see now any more than I could the first time where anyone would get the impression that Duo would pine away privately for Heero.
No, I find it more likely (at this point in the series) that if anyone were to do such, it'd be Heero, moving from a basic attempt to understand Duo into the next step, of trying to make a connection (regardless as a sexual adult or just as a person). By that I mean that I can see Heero (based on the events in these episodes) leaning on Duo as his connection to humanity and/or being in a team, which seems to be a new experience for Heero. In Duo's absence, Heero might feel the lack. However, fanon versions where Duo parades around naked, lovelorn, hoping for a reaction? Not seeing it (considering he's more often far more covered than Heero) except in the sense that he'd do it to unnerve Heero. Hell, I get the impression he'd flirt with Heero quite easily, if he thought it could unnerve Heero.
Their competitive interaction seems to be solidfying by this episode. Duo jabs with almost every line, verbally poking holes in Heero, challenging him (hey, you're just standing there, I'll pass you the ball, take that!). Heero retaliates through actions (slam-dunk). Only every now and then does Heero give a verbal zinger right back. (There are no examples of Heero doing so, or of Duo's momentarily startled reaction, in these two episodes but I seem to recall such sparring occurs again later in the series.)
The next shot is of Heero staring out at the military port. It's not a glare; it's an expression of puzzlement. His eyebrows are angled: lowered at the outside as if frowning, but there's no line at the bridge of his nose, and the interior arch of his brow isn't downward but upwards – like he's concentrating, and is worried. At Duo's voice off-screen, Heero turns to look, and I realized his expression doesn't change to a glare. For that single shot, he looks sad. Maybe even a little lost. He has no idea what to do – possibly also because he has no idea if he can do it.
When Duo speaks to Heero at the railing, I noticed his eyes are drawn even larger than normal. This usually means a certain amount of innocence or a good-natured attitude, but the brows are angled down, as they would if he were a bit annoyed, and his tone is pointed – that's the only word I can think of, since he's not outright sarcastic, but there's something there. It's like he's lecturing Heero, just a little, saying an awful lot without saying more than the surface words. The real kicker is Heero says, "I'm not like you," – Duo had just been speaking of the idea that being secretive draws more attention than being friendly. Heero's clearly saying he can't (or won't) be friendly. Duo zings him right back, more edged tone, a hint of sarcasm, twisting Heero's words (get out of my way) into an observation that Duo, in turn, wouldn't say someone else is in his way. It's when Duo's voice drops just a little – though he keeps the friendly smile – and says, "I can see it in your eyes" – that's the first time we see Heero react (outside of his usual deadpan half-frown). His eyes go a little wide, and it's not surprise so much as a simple "hunh?" Once again, Heero's boggled, but it's not his former "I don't get you" almost-glare, but a more-open expression of slight startlement.
That's when Duo moves in for the kill, in a sense, proving he does understand Heero: he suggests they treat the base as a competition, "first come, first serve". Heero's eyes come back down to their normal size, and his lip quirks up just the faintest in one corner. He's accepted the challenge. When Relena pulls up, it's Duo's turn to be flabbergasted when he realizes who she is; his line about "Longing to see a man who tried to kill her? What a strange girl..." is spoken in a definite whisper. It's meant only for Heero's ears. Heero, in turn, is momentarily surprised at her appearance, but it quickly shifts into the set-glare (while Duo's surprise remains). At Duo's final words, Heero looks away from Relena, with a disturbed expression. Duo's just managed to remind him, yet again, of one of his string of (perceived) failures.
Jumping over to Quatre, getting a stern but worried lecture from the Maganacs; they rant, quite upset about the fact that he put himself in danger and didn't let them help. Quatre remains seated, looking chastised but he's also got a half-smile, like he's patiently (if semi-privately) amused by their reactions. When I place this scene against the one immediately previous – in which Treize tells Une that the strong are always hated – it's quite striking. Because Quatre's revealed himself as anything but weak, and he's definitely not hated. In fact, I'd go so far as to say the Maganacs love him dearly. It's a strong contrast to the loyalty of Treize's people, who may be acting out of frustration with the Alliance, old grudges, or the hope of acknowledgement. The Maganacs don't seem to require Quatre's acknowledgement or really anything he can give them; they're worried about him, and in some ways, it's almost as though the leader becomes the servant, with the 'servants' appropriating the role of chiding the leader for putting himself at risk.
Again with the strange translations, in Quatre's discussion with Rashid. I can't help but twig on the official translation, because it just sounds...well, it's bizarre. "They're violent and dangerous, but they're all nice guys." Hello!, I want to shout, this is not a good thing! Given Rashid's and the Maganacs' protective streak, I would have expected more of a reaction from Rashid. So the amateur translation does seem a bit better, if oblique: "Some of them are extreme, but they're all nice." I can't see Quatre saying something that would prove the Maganacs' fears true, after all. 'Extreme' is a slightly more diplomatic way to put it, and he sounds like less of a naive twit, then, too. This, of course, is the lead-in to the oh-so-famous bit about the uchuu no kokoro, alternately translated as 'the soul of space' or 'the heart of space'. We even get it three times in a row, I suppose in case we missed it the first time. It's really a pity the idea got dropped by Bandai around this time, because it's an intriguing notion (of the colonists undergoing adaptations as a result of their birth/life in space). Regardless, Quatre's final line is spoken much softer, almost to himself, and he looks smugly pleased with himself, as if this is something he's known for awhile and finds a useful thing.
And then to Wufei and Trowa, sitting at the circus campfire. When Cathy approaches, Trowa turns to look; Wufei doesn't move. He doesn't even acknowledge Cathy's presence; Trowa's words are harsh ("What are you doing here?") but his tone is gentle. Only once she leaves does Wufei tell Trowa, "I've got no right piloting Nataku." (Fansub: "I'm not sure if I'm up to this.") Trowa's response is what I've been told is quinessential Japanese: "so desu ka" or something like that ("I see"), the generic murmur that covers everything from agreement to outright sarcasm. But his tone is still quiet, almost like he's just saying it because Wufei needs to know someone's listening. Trowa's aggressive on the battlefied, and his interaction with Quatre has been choppy, but here he seems both compassionate and understanding of the fact that perhaps Wufei just shouldn't be alone. He did bring Wufei back to the circus, after all, which does indicate some level of trust (when he didn't even tell his name to Quatre until he was leaving). Again, I think it may also be that Trowa understands something of despair – which Wufei is clearly suffering – and thus I'm to gather that Trowa himself has, or does, grapple with it himself. (It's also the first time so far that Wufei has spoken Mandarin; when Trowa says, "I see," Wufei replies, "Xie xie", thank you.)
Back to Heero and Duo, as they strike at the base. Duo's having fun slicing and dicing the mobile suits. When Wing appears in his side-screens, there's a flash of annoyance on Duo's face, like he's pissed. Just as quickly it's gone, and the slightly manic smirk is back, as he assures Heero he's left a few for Heero to fight. But like with the basketball game, Heero doesn't catch the ball and pass it; he goes straight for the slam-dunk. It's distinctly reminiscent of that earlier scene, with Heero blasting through three mobile suits and then rising straight up into the air to strike the silo at its very top. Heero looks almost pleased when he confirms the mission's completed; perhaps he considers that a small note of redemption. What isn't clarified is the goal of the mission; we only have their behaviors.
Duo is leveling the base, and hasn't struck at the silo, nor does he make any moves to do so. Heero only declares the mission over when he's destroyed that one point, and he ignores the battle raging around Duo. However, if Duo's mission was also to destroy the silo, then it says a lot about Duo's attitude compared to Heero's. First, Duo is apparently quite happy to get into a thick battle with the defending mobile suits (and not go for the goal), and second, doesn't seem perturbed in the least that Heero struck the final blow. Like in the game, he seems to take the completion of the mission – regardless of who scored that point – as a successful mission for all involved. That's much more of a group-mentality than Heero.
Shortly after this, Relena shows up at the school again. (From later scenes, I think it's supposed to be concluded that she enrolled in the same school.) She gets out of her limo just as Duo and Heero walk past, and Heero regards her warily. Duo's quite cheerful, and the first time I watched, he seems friendly. This time, though, I listened to the tone, and it's definitely pointed. He smiles, waves, shrugs, but his meaning is clear: you stay over there, because we're busy. "Lovely weather! We've got to get to class." Again the dynamics are shifting off-screen, because previously it had been Duo following Heero (away from the basketball game, for instance). Now it's Heero, falling into line behind Duo, who seems to have taken over the role of spokesman for the two of them. He essentially gives Relena a polite brush-off – we're busy with something important – and Heero is more than happy to follow along, even casting Relena an irritated glance as he passes by.
This shift I picked up is, I think, highlighted later when Relena comes to the school to find out from three new groupies (come on, that's what they are, and they never even get any names!) that Heero's transferred. Relena's not surprised; her only real goal currently, it seems, is just to follow his example in some way, and lean on his perceived strength until she gains some of her own. But it's one classmate's comment that caught my eye: "We didn't even have a chance to become friends with Duo and Heero..." They speak of both pilots, and normally you only do that if you're speaking of two friends. The idea of a sub-gang, at this point, seems to be firmly entrenched, but I think it's also a sub-gang (within the pilots' group) in which Duo is really the one running things, not Heero.
A tangential note on Relena, who only appears a few times in these episodes – twice coming to see Heero, and once on her own in what may be a hotel room or a dormitory room. Okay, I've had the "1+R or R+1 or 1+2" discussion with a friend, and neither of us are seeing the 1+R; Heero's still doing his best to keep Relena at arm's length. But I'm not entirely certain it's yet at a point where Relena's in love with Heero, or even really that she's crushing on him in an early-sexual/innocent way. In some ways, she echoes Duo: she's forming a dependence on Heero, following his lead (his ability to face a challenge head-on), the same way Heero appears to be following Duo's lead. But she doesn't push the issue, other than to show up and state she just wants to be near him. She wants to gain, if vicariously, a little of his strength, and pretty much says that right out. Her scene talking to her father is rather sad, too; she's still in mourning, a little bit adrift, and she does seem somewhat aware that she's latched onto the nearest solid object. But she shows strength of her own, despite that, in that she intends to stand on her own two feet as soon as she's able. And she hints at that, when she discovers Duo and Heero are gone, saying that she's facing her own battlefield.
During Une's review of the five Gundams – which is also the point that they receive the designations of 01, 02, and so on – the story cuts over to Heero at his laptop, sitting in his darkened room. His eyes go wide with surprise (but not exaggerated to the point of full shock), and his fingers halt on the keyboard when Dr. J appears on the computer's screen. For all that the fandom often sees J as a callous bastard, here he speaks more as to another adult, if a subordinate. He's not patronizing nor abusive, and in fact explains his reasoning: that developing the Taurus's abilities – potentially allowing it to override a pilot's decisions – bothers him. The screen goes dark, just as Duo pushes Heero's door open, letting it swing wide. I noticed that he doesn't knock, but neither does he enter. He's drawing a line, I think: that he's taken such liberties in their friendship, and he can claim that right (to at least not need to knock), but he doesn't push it further.
The question that's left open here is why Heero accepts Duo's lead. Is it because Duo is too stubborn – insisting they work/play together and just keeping at it until Heero gives up and just goes with it? I can see a basis for that interpretation in the way Duo draws Heero into the basketball game (after just 'happening' to end up at the same school, no less), and then follows Heero to the ocean overlook, and challenges him to compete on the mission.
Is it because Heero is so used to taking orders that in absence of daily orders, Duo's are as good as any? I can see that argument based on the fact that Heero doesn't argue – or even frown, or look mildly irritated, from what I recall – when Duo decides how they'll handle the transport.
Is it because Heero is too bewildered by the 'mundane' life, and it's easier to hide behind Duo, who seems so fluent at it? There's basis for that argument in the way Heero is half-hidden behind Duo both times Relena appears. I point that out because the images and framing are always on purpose. Someone had to specifically put that there, and draw this, and not something else. So having Duo in the foreground, in two scenes with otherwise similar constructs, is a visual pattern to me. It says that one way or another Heero is either hanging back behind Duo, hiding behind him, or possibly leaning on him to act as buffer between Heero and the daily grind.
In that shot – with Duo casually leaning against the door in his 'working garb' while Heero watches him from the desk chair – there's a second hint of the aborted 'newtype' subplot (possibly), when Duo says, "I came to say goodbye, because I've got a bad feeling about this." He does use – if my hearing's right – 'sayonara' and not 'ja ne', and the former is a much more definitive farewell, not just a 'see you later.' Heero remains twisted in his seat, silent while Duo speaks; Duo, in turn, looks disturbed, but not pensive so much as intent. He's not teasing Heero or challenging him; he's deadly serious. Again there's a conflict in the translations: in the amateur version, Duo asks Heero to take the air route; in the official version, he tells him. Both versions are followed with a warning to Heero to be careful, because the enemy will be prepared.
For all that Heero may have the reported lengthy training on his side (and we've seen nothing of missions coming to Duo by any means, although he's spoken of receiving them), Duo is shown to be just as capable, but in a broader scope. Heero had only just received his mission when Duo appears; I take that to mean Duo had a bit more warning, enough to get ready, and come down the hall. Also, Duo is no longer thinking in terms of "we'll both just show up and see what happens" – he's purposefully laying out a plan of attack. He's no longer seeing them as two independent rebel fighters, but a team splitting up to cover all the bases.
At this point, the story jumps back to Une, clarifying that the 02 suit excels in stealth and close combat, and that to defeat 03, hold it at bay until it's used all its ammunition. She adds, "not one mobile suit excells in organized combat." That's the cue to show Trowa, pondering the fact that the enemy is setting it up to expect their attack. Trowa makes the opening assumption that all the Gundams will be fighting, and notes that splitting their forces will split their ability to stop the Taurus shipment, followed by a seemingly-idle speculation of whether he should take the air route. His isolation in his decision underlines Une's comment about the Gundams fighting independently, but both stand in direct contrast to Duo's command decision to have Heero take the air while he takes the land, thus covering all bases.
The back-and-forth works well, from a writer's point of view, because with Une's comment still hanging, and Trowa's lone uncertainty, then we get Quatre marshalling his forces. They'll take the land, he decides, but he has a twist on Duo's idea of working together. For Duo, the decision was to split the difference. For Quatre, it's to choose one, with the intention of notifying the other pilots as soon as he finds out. He continues to think in terms of all five as a team, so it's additionally emphasized when we cut over to Wufei, calling himself a coward as he essentially withdraws from the fight. That's especially ironic given that Une seems to consider 05/Wufei the most dangerous of all five, warning her men to not engage 05 if at all possible, but to barrage him from a distance until he's destroyed.
At the battle itself, again there's a moment of Duo's hinted pre-cog. He saves Quatre, and Quatre declares he's certain the route they choose is the actual route. Nothing around them has changed yet, but Duo replies he's certain it's the decoy – and then he's proven correct when Leos pop up like daisies from the wrecked train around them.
Another tangent: Heero isn't very good at landing. Once again he takes a shot while coming down, and Wing ends up tumbling head over heels for a long distance before he gets control and surges back into the fight. (I'm reminded again of the bucking horse, and Heero's preliminary difficulties always showing up before he gets a handle on things.) Tallgeese appears, and Heero's definitely startled, not sure what he's dealing with. Zechs' declaration (probably to himself) states his purpose: "fight for recognition of superiority." In the cockpit, Heero's fist coming down on the side seems frustrated, like pounding at the console, but then the beam rifle drops away to reveal the beam saber. He's in the fight, even if it's not the fight he'd originally intended.
Trowa, watching from the side, assesses it as a one-on-one battle and not part of his own purpose. His mission is to destroy the Taurus suits, and he leaves Heero to the battle. Meanwhile, Zechs is thrilled that he feels no fear, and is certain this indicates he'll win this fight; he's positive that he can use the suit successfully, winning without having to push it to its limits (and beyond his).
Now for the part I completely missed the first time, except in more broad strokes. Une announces she's going to destroy a colony if the Gundams don't surrender. Ignoring the protest from Noin, what's striking are the reactions from each of the pilots. They each react to whatever is most important to them. Quatre is shocked/upset that someone would target the colonies, while Duo's pissed/shocked that they're supposed to hand over their Gundams. (Heh: who cares about the colonists, I'm not giving this up!) Trowa's convinced it's a trick (though in the fansubs he calls it a cowardly act), while Zechs is furious at the dirty trick. J's reappearance brings a message that undermines the fanon perception that he's truly a callous being, as he states clearly that these means are far too high a price, no matter the ends. (That fits with the Ep0 flashback, in which J's voice protests the intended plan to 'retrain' Heero.)
And, as is probably well-known, Heero accepts the mission. After considering all the observations around the Gundams, his self-destruction makes more sense now (and not just from his own suicidal wish, which seemed to have been dissipating somewhat). Zechs, Treize, Une, and the rest have repeatedly noted that the Gundams are valuable but in some ways the pilots are more so. When J surrenders, stating that he won't give up the Gundam, there's no option for Heero but self-detonation. It can't stay in rebel hands, once the 'rebel' has washed his hands of it, but his orders are to prevent it from falling into OZ's hands. The problem is that if he falls into OZ's hands, it's possibly as good as if he'd just handed Wing over in the first place. Both the machine, and the pilot, are part and parcel of what's destroyed rather than given up. Hence, self-detonation while still on the cockpit door.
Finally, Trowa's actions of picking up Heero have often been marked as a sign of compassion, but given what I've noticed this time, I don't think so. I think he's assuming Heero could not survive, and Trowa's actions are supposed to illustrate that he comes from a group background. Many armies have the motto of 'never leave a man behind' – and that's exactly what Trowa is doing in this case. The fact that he leaves Heero in Heavyarms' clutches, as he drives off to safety (not even bothering to stay long enough to cover the mecha with a tarp), tells me that he's operating on a sense that Heero is a comrade, however unknown, and that one doesn't leave a comrade's body on the enemy's battlefield.
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no subject
Date: 17 Apr 2005 11:27 pm (UTC)But this part:
Yes. I remember thinking the same thing when I first saw this episode. My first thought was: why aren't they checking whether Heero's still alive. But then I realized that they didn't even remotely believe that anyone could survive that detonation and Trowa's actions were, as you stated, to make sure that not even Heero's body was left in the hands of the enemy.
no subject
Date: 18 Apr 2005 01:30 am (UTC)Boy, gotta wonder what his reaction was once he got back to the circus and discovered Heero was still breathing! Heh.
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Date: 18 Apr 2005 03:01 am (UTC)Make me stop reading this, I need to finish the damn essay!
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Date: 18 Apr 2005 04:13 am (UTC)death and dishonor
Date: 18 Apr 2005 03:09 am (UTC)1.“His (Zechs) removal of his helmet”
Milliardo is really a prisoner of his helmet, I think. One wonders just how well he really “sees” out of that thing. Yet while Treize may understand Zechs, he doesn’t understand Milliardo, he just thinks he does.
2.“while Duo's pissed/shocked that they're supposed to hand over their Gundams”
Not surprising he has such an attachment to his mecha. Not only is it his personal Vengeance, but the gundam was probably Duo’s “meal ticket” out of poverty- with the training and education given him as a pilot, he could be a valuable member on any Sweeper crew. Add that to his gearhead love of gadgets, and the natural human tendency to anthropomorphize anything relied upon day after day, and you are set up for one really heartbreaking scene when Deathscythe is destroyed.
It is interesting how in some ways, all the pilots seem to think of their mechas as not just extensions of themselves, but as having their own “personalities”. At the outset, however, it almost appears that Heero regards Wing as more of an “albatross”, while Duo glories in being the Angel of Death. Although all of them end up flying Wing (in some form, at some point), Wing is Heero’s. He seems so relieved to get Wing back after flying Epyon; though I can imagine Zechs and Heero getting back into their respective gundams and swearing blue streaks about having to reset all the A/C controls and readjust all the seat settings.
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Date: 18 Apr 2005 04:15 am (UTC)But you are so right about Heero seeing Wing as an albatross!
*laughs out loud about the A/C controls*
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Date: 18 Apr 2005 03:21 am (UTC)Give me half an hour to find the almanac and I could even tell you the number of knobs on their coronets. :p ::wanders reluctantly back to work::
no subject
Date: 18 Apr 2005 04:18 am (UTC)Hrm, I think it goes (at least in mainland european countries):
baronet -- commoner given title, not land, addressed as 'sir'
baron - lowest titled gentry, addressed as 'my lord'
viscount - addressed as 'your excellency'
count - addressed as 'your excellency'
marquis - addressed as... I dunno. something.
duke - your grace
earl - ?
those related to king - your highness
king - your majesty
Crap, how do I know even a smidgen of this when I'm a born & bred American? *laughs*
no subject
Date: 18 Apr 2005 03:18 pm (UTC)As far as I remember, viscounts are referred to as Tom Smith, Viscount Wherever, Earls as Lord Smith, Earl of Wherever, Marquis-es as Lord Wherever, Dukes as His Grace the Duke of Wherever, and minor royalty as His Highness Prince Whoever and major royalty as His Royal Highness Prince Charles or Her Majesty the Queen. Addressing them personally it's Milord for anyone who's a lord, then Graces and Highnesses and so on. England is just peculiar.