Otakuism

Now back from a pleasantly relaxing, yet exhausting, vacation to find Gurren-Lagann 18 waiting for me. Excellent.

This episode serves both as a wrap-up to last week’s and a prelude of things to come. Obviously the big revelation here is the nature of the anti-spirals and the spiral power. The use of a clone of Lord Genome was very effective, and a little bit creepy too. Nice to know the guy can still act apathetic when he’s just a head in a tank. Reminded me a lot of the MAGI computer also. The fact that Lord Genome was a spiral knight is interesting and I can see how he went from high-minded idealism to his current draconian self. To Lord Genome the only thing that matters is that some form of the human race is alive at the end of the day, no matter how devolved they are. Rossiu looks to be acting in the same manner. While the preservation of the human race is noble, one can’t help but detest Rossiu for his methods. His belief in the power of the mob is so great he’s willing to cower from the people and throw up a sacrificial lamb ie. Simon. Kind of says something about the human race when politik is considered most important in man’s darkest hour.

In the end it is Simon’s belief in action that saves the day. That, and some nice shooting skills from Darry. Rather than choosing to place to the blame on others to preserve the order like Rossiu, Simon chooses, rather stupidly, to think the people will unite behind him to fight the new threat. Both Darry and Gimmy make the observation that Simon is living in the past, and in many ways he is; choosing to believe that as long as the cause is noble people will unite. While a thought we all want to believe in, reality doesn’t work that way and people blame others, as Simon finds out being arrested by Rossiu. While Rossiu’s methods are the reality of the situation, I prefer to belive in Simon’s idealism. That’s what will save the day. Also, the moment where Rossiu got hit in the head with a rock was great. Not only because I want to see Rossiu hit with things, but you almost see his mind changing to where he’ll be able to justify anything he does as a defense against the violence of the mob. The whole thing just had a chilling intensity to me.

And Evil Nia is seductively sexy. Like a cross between Dark Sakura and Queen Himika. If this really is the “true” Nia, then how will Simon rescue her in the end? What am I saying, obviously it will be the power of love and hot-blooded courage.