Episode 6: Immigrant Fleet Rescue Operation – Go Beyond the Dimensional Barrier!

by Anton Mei Brandt and Kathy Clarkson

Defense Fleet 65 and Dessler’s fleet bear witness to Dezarium’s Autoplanet Goruba space fortress. Everyone is dumbstruck. Dessler, cursing under his breath that this is the true face of the enemy which destroyed Garmillas, recalls a promise made to Ranhart as he contemplates whether or not to fire the Dessler Cannon.

“I want to entrust the future of Garmillas to you. You, bearing a heart that recognizes the meaninglessness of war. Please, use it to guide our people.”

Dessler holds back for now.

[KC]: My, how he’s grown. I’m so proud of you, Abelt. Now blow those bastards back to their planet of origin.

[AMB]: Just wait for his patience to run out. What do you believe Keyman’s stance on blasting Meldarz’ smug face away would be? Would he condone it given the circumstances? Whatever the case may be, Dessler will likely never find out. Given that the Bolar Federation will definitely accept his casual war declaration in 3199, I’m not sure Galman will be any more peaceful than Garmillas was.

Goruba manages to remain quite the imposing space fortress in spite of its narrative predecessor – the Ark of Destruction – towering over it in both size and presence. I’d argue this is mostly owed to the excellent craftsmanship in realizing its truly alien and otherworldly appearance, as well as the creepy synth-imbued SFX attached to it. I know mecha isn’t your primary interest, but what was your first impression seeing this massive hunk of obsidian in its full glory?

[KC]: It definitely has a unique shape, and the fact that it isn’t an obvious fortress bristling with weapons doesn’t make it any less intimidating. Keyman may have called his uncle out on all that totalitarian destruction he was engaged in, but he was still active military; still fought to defend. I don’t know that he would object to Abelt’s more recent choices.

[AMB]: The survival of his people is at stake, so I can’t blame him for shooting first. Though it would have likely gone a bit more smoothly had he allowed Kodai to finish speaking. Wait, you don’t think Meldarz initially intended to just warp away with the refugees as test subjects? His later actions imply that he considers them all noise that needs to be removed by force. So while not impossible, it’s still an out-there idea.

[KC]: I didn’t think he had any use for the refugees. As “noise,” they are beneath his consideration. Even had Kodai finished, I think the speech would have been met with derision. Meldarz can’t be bothered to wait for them to extract the refugees.

[AMB]: Had they not destroyed Garmario, Meldarz might at least have been a bit more agreeable, I think. In any case, later in the episode we see that he has lots of time on his hands, so maybe there’s something else going on.

Kodai begins to broadcast an appeal to reason.

“Calling on the Dezarium army’s commander. You mercilessly destroyed the planet Garmillas. You’ve taken a number of lives, and now you’re attempting to take Iscandar away. We can’t overlook this tyranny, no matter what. I demand a meeting between representatives. Combat is not our intention. In order to avoid further losses on both sides…” we cut to Sanada, whose eyes widen as he notices Deusura III rapidly powering up its main weapon. It fires, interrupting Kodai’s speech.

“Forgive me, Ranhart,” Dessler scowls as the beam attempts to melt through Goruba. “No matter how meaningless it may seem, there are certain things I can’t forgive.” Dessler’s indignance is met by Goruba’s unharmed visage, its shield vibrating in mesmerizing ripples, all flowing toward the point of contact. Ominous sounds are heard as the shield seemingly reboots. Both Dessler and Kodai are stunned to see the Dessler Cannon’s lack of effectiveness.

[KC]: Well, this is depressing.

[AMB]: It’s unfortunate to see Dessler forced to renege on his promise, but it follows an observable pattern. Most of this work is about seeing how our predecessors keep making absurd promises that can’t be kept, and desperately struggling to find compromises. Kodai to Okita and Starsha; Dessler to Mattheus, Erik, Starsha and Ranhart; and of course Starsha, who promised to live on without Mamoru, keeps trying to find ways to die. If I was Domon in this situation, I’d lose my mind.

This scenario acts not only as a parallel to 2202’s Battle of Saturn, but also Kodai’s appeal to Admiral Mazer in Episode 7. There, he called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and showed the enemy mercy, invoking the ire of Saito, who couldn’t believe what he was hearing. In fact, the ordeal was so baffling that Mazer and Nazca experienced an existential crisis.

[KC]: I’m not sure how on-brand it is for a military space opera to promote the message that war is not the answer, but I do appreciate this show’s commitment to that message, even if they often do wind up fighting.

[AMB]: If only the Bolar conflict can be resolved peacefully in 3199…

Goruba’s shield in this scene appears almost organic, neutralizing the Dessler Cannon by transferring energy across its whole superstructure. It bears no small resemblance to the anti-Wave-Motion technology the Ark of Destruction displayed during the battle of Saturn. Its force field absorbed and converted multiple discharges and threw it back in the form of an antimatter gravity field. The mecha guide has some information on this:

“It has a class of phase-transforming armor that can neutralize direct hits from Wave-Motion Guns, cancelling out energy waves by means of reverse-phase waves. Its properties cancel out magnetic waves, allowing Goruba to be completely rendered in stealth mode.”

SF concept advisor Shinya Ogura explains it in greater detail:

“It’s similar to the principle of noise cancellation in headphones. The ‘antiphase wave’ is exactly opposite to the wavelength of the Dessler Cannon, so its energy is received and cancelled. ‘Phase Shifting Armor’ is our name for the mechanism of wrapping the entire Goruba with antiphase waves. The important point is that the entire hull is wrapped seamlessly.”

Read much more about it here.

[KC]: Impressive stuff, and no less threatening for being a defensive feature. I suppose we can at least be grateful that they didn’t absorb the blast and increase their power.

[AMB]: They wish! Then again, it’s possible the Dessler Cannon’s energy powered the gravity manipulators, just like Yamanami’s Andromeda helped power the Ark of Destruction’s anti-gravity field.

[KC]: It is actually what I thought was happening in an earlier episode, when Deda was fired upon and got some report back about percentages of output or something to that effect. Dezarium was gauging how much energy they would be able to pull in from a retaliatory attack.

[AMB]: Great catch! I never considered that before!

Goruba’s lower body opens up like a flower. Meldarz responds to Dessler’s affront as the two horns affixed to Goruba’s head (field generators) light up, powering the fortresses’ artificial gravity. The nearby asteroids start tossing and turning around Yamato and its allies.

“How foolish of you to play around with Wave-Motion energy. You don’t understand anything, as you only live in the moment.”

Aboard Yamato, Miki Saijo reports to Niimi that gravitational inclinations are being detected all around them at seemingly random points across a 300,000 km radius. Goruba isn’t the epicenter for this development. Before Yamato can catch its bearings, a few asteroids slam together like lego blocks, aiming straight at the ship’s bridge. Kodai orders evasive maneuvers, but too late to avoid a heavy scrape to the ship’s belly.

“Gravitational waves are colliding,” yells Sanada. “Each ship escape at their own discretion!” Two Analyzers hold onto each other in the turbulence. “The radial gravity can move planets freely. Once we’re caught, we’re done for!”

[AMB]: It’s in this scene we find out just why Gorubas are called “Autoplanets.” Those horns are capable of generating gravitational axes within celestial bodies, effectively allowing a Goruba to be its own planet. Rather than taking from the universe by applying Wave-Motion resonances, Dezarium uses technology that can optimize energy extraction from dying planets and the movement of celestial bodies without burning up the universe’s lifeforce.

This gravity tech was, like many others we’ve seen, first presented to us within the bowels of the Ark of Destruction in 2202 and its UFO-catcher construction. And as Sanada says, were they to get any closer to Goruba, they might start sporting their own gravitational axes and then they’d be forfeit, just like back in 2202 Episode 19.

As Meldarz speaks, Goruba emits a bright flash of energy that surrounds Iscandar, seizing it in an unbreakable grip.

“Abominable planet Iscandar. That accursed power of yours must be placed in the care of us – Dezarium. You lot are unworthy of such power. You play around with it mindlessly, which will lead to the total destruction of the universe.”

Dessler scowls, unable to do anything to stop Goruba from towing Iscandar away.

“This no longer concerns you. so leave. There’s nothing you people can do. Let Dezarium ‘tune’ everything.”

With that proclamation, Dezarium’s fleet withdraws with their planetary prize.

[KC]: Nothing more infuriating than a villain who gets all holier-than-thou in their monologuing.

[AMB]: Yet his monologue holds hints of understanding that our characters don’t currently have. If we’re to believe Dezarium are future humans who developed Wave-Motion Energy to the point where their humanity was forsaken, Meldarz is perfectly within his rights to claim that humans play with this technology as if it’s a get out of jail free card, exactly what Dessler just did.

As we see throughout 2205, Dezarium doesn’t use Wave-Motion Energy, finding it abhorrent and self-destructive. Instead, they developed the likes of their Phase-Shifting shield which can cancel out the destructive power.

[KC]: At this stage of my life, I can certainly appreciate Dezarium having a different perspective and consider that wisdom, but the conceit of these human stories is that they often have human protagonists, and what the more advanced beings see as their flaw usually winds up being their strength.

[AMB]: Amen to that. In the original tale, Dezarium were – with exception of Alphon – arrogance incarnate. In The New Voyage, they only passed by our galaxy to mine minerals necessary to continue their war effort against surrounding planets. In Be Forever, they sought flesh and skin to rejuvenate their inhuman forms. I appreciate the attempt to give Dezarium something beyond this in the reboot, even if they’ll likely bite the dust in the end.

[KC]: I’m grateful that we’re not sticking with the DEZARIUM NEEDS YOUR MEATSUIT plotline.

[AMB]: Meldarz clearly speaks with experience when he says Wave-Motion Energy will ‘destroy the universe,’ words borrowed straight from Zordar and his many musings about love in 2202. It’s interesting to see him showing mercy to Kodai and Dessler’s fleets; though arrogant, he does intend to ‘tune’ everything for the better. even if it means stealing Iscandar.

Even though Wave-Motion Energy is abhorrent, Dezarium almost sounds like they’re trying to do the universe a favor by locking it away. Or they’re after something mentioned by their Emperor Skaldart in the 3199 teaser in March of 2023: the ‘Grand Reverse.’ Perhaps both.

If they’re truly from the future, then taking away the source of all dangerous weapons and technology mankind could destroy itself with might just steer us away from developing in their horrifying direction. At the same time, by seizing this Grand Reverse (which is more than likely a much more dangerous and powerful Cosmo Reverse with the ability to transcend time and space), Dezarium could save their own timeline from whatever calamity they’re facing.

[KC]: Let’s face it; we may trash Superman IV as an embarrassing chapter of the franchise, but no one was angry at Superman when he rounded up all the nuclear weapons on Earth and tossed them into the sun. Although I don’t know that Meldarz is engaging in mercy here; the humans are merely of no consequence. Like you said earlier, the characters (and by extension the viewers) don’t have all the data that Dezarium has.

[AMB]: Excellent point! Owing to Teresa in 2202, we can probably confirm that time travel in this universe might not have a butterfly effect attached to it, since each strand of time exists separate from one another. If Meldarz is speaking plainly here, none of our attempts to halt Dezarium’s advance will have any consequences. If he’s telling half-truths in an attempt to make us submit to our fate (like Zordar did to Miru in 2202) it could be that his emotions have gotten the better of him, like Deda’s. Though there’s no real evidence to assert this.

A major twist in Be Forever Yamato was that Dezarium had lied completely about their origin, being led by a smoothtalker-in-chief intent on convincing Yamato to give up the chance of having a future. Near the end of the movie, Emperor Skaldart presented a version of events where Yamato would be destroyed in battle. This of course was disproved when Yamato fought against its supposed fate and won.

[KC]: I suspect they’re going for something deeper than subterfuge this time around.

Dessler calls Yamato’s bridge. “Men of Yamato,” he begins. This startles Kodai, who calls him by his formal title “Soto.”

“Looks like I underestimated our enemy’s strength. We’d better withdraw so we can get back on track. Follow me.” With those few words he cuts the feed, baffling Domon.

“What’s with him? He shot without warning and just…”

“That was his way of apologizing,” Shima explains.

Kodai dusts off his cap, mentally preparing for his reunion with Dessler.

[AMB]: This scene is a direct followup to the message Kodai sent Abelt back in Episode 1. Now that I think about it, he probably sent it because he understood Dessler of all people might comprehend the conflicted, soul-crushing feelings wearing him down. Maybe they could be drinking buddies.

[KC]: I feel like that was always the intention, established after that first showdown. Kodai and Dessler have the measure of each other and found a kinship there. So far, 2205 is doing a better job of presenting that than the original third series and the painfully awkward scene of Kodai standing with Dessler for the creepy jackboot parade. With regards to the scene itself, I had to laugh. They took Shima’s plot arc out of 2202 because Teresa didn’t have a human form, but he still gets the best lines that don’t go to Dessler directly.

[AMB]: Shima’s probably the most relaxed guy on the ship now that Shinohara’s left for Asuka.

Defense Fleet 65 has weighed anchor in front of an icy moon to patch up Dessler’s crew and ships. Miyako boards Lambea with Dr. Sado to aid a group of disheveled soldiers as Tokugawa converses with Domon aboard Yamato, mouth stuffed with onigiri. Five years ago, a security agreement was signed between Earth and Garmillas, leading to a growing number of technologies being shared between the two governments to their mutual benefit.

That said, Tasuke can’t help but consider Kodai’s attempt at going down with the ship in the last episode to be reckless, seeing as it resulted in Yamato taking heavy damage and putting the whole crew in peril.

“How could Captain Kodai be so reckless? You were watching him, right?”

Domon recalls Yuki’s plea to Kodai: they’re all in the same boat come what may and nobody gets to take singular responsibility. Her lingering question of why Kodai would dare to throw his life away in spite of lessons learned lingers on Domon’s mind, until Hirata snaps him out of his daze by appealing to his duty to serve the rest of the food. That’s when Domon asks his superior a question.

“‘We’re all in this together’… what’s that all about?”

Hirata’s caught off-guard, then relaxes his expression.

[AMB]: The defense contract Tasuke mentions is the one signed between Earth and Garmillas in 2202. In exchange for a number of unused colony planets like the 11th planet, Garmillas gained access to the Time Fault factory and Earth’s tech data. This was shown most apparently in the Garmillan Andromeda variants of the L’Androméde and Neue Balgrey.

Speaking of Tasuke, is it just me or does he look more corpulent in 2205 compared to 2199? Though perhaps presumptuous of me, would it be fair to say there’s a chance that the stress of losing his father and the luxury of Earth reborn might have promoted this development? I’m not saying he looks unhealthy – far from it – just pointing out there might be some visual storytelling here worth discussing.

Heard here for the first and only time in the 2205 BGM is Wandering Iscandar, an iconic track from the original New Voyage score. It’s found in two different versions on the soundtrack album.

[KC]: Domon is about to be introduced to the lesson serving on board Yamato teaches you. And you might be right about Tasuke, since they also show him eating pretty voraciously.

[AMB]: 2205’s doing its best to hammer home how important the lessons learned in 2202 will be going forward, and how equally important they are to uphold. Yuki’s plea struck a chord within Domon’s heart that won’t reverberate until the very end of the episode, leading to a curious deviation from the source material. Considering Hirata and Domon’s short-lived but memorable bond in Yamato III, it’s very fitting he gets to tell the boy the story about 2202 Episode 13, which was one of director Nobuyoshi Habara’s favorites.

More young blood helps out throughout this scene. Miyako takes the absent Makoto’s place as Sado’s go-to medic and Nagakura’s Mobile Armor squad helps repair broken ships. At 06:03, one can spot three engineering vessels I don’t believe I’ve ever seen before. These are probably what’s ferrying the armors between each ship.

Aboard Deusura III, Kodai convenes with Dessler in front of a holographic status report. At Kodai’s side stand Shima, Yuki and Sanada; at Dessler’s side are Talan and Melda. Kodai relays the current situation.

“Iscandar is being towed by the enemy fortress, and it’s accelerating toward the star called Bolzon. If they manage to destroy it in place of the lost planet, they can transport Iscandar by warping. I believe that’s our enemy’s objective.”

“If we let them get away again, there’s no guarantee we’ll be able to catch them,” Shima adds.

“We should avoid further combat and prioritize the rescue of everyone on Iscandar,” concludes Yuki.

Dessler’s group surveys the tactical map in silence. Talan looks to Dessler, his leader’s eyes shut in contemplation. Dessler finally responds. “Slow down. I do understand the situation.” Yuki buckles at the tension, perhaps empathizing with Abelt. That’s when he opens his eyes, glaring at Kodai. “So, what’s your rescue plan?”

[AMB]: Beautiful display isn’t it? You can thank Professor Shinya Ogura for that. His quote:

“The mission to rescue the Garmillas refugees on Iscandar is being discussed. The design of the monitor in the briefing room was not “Garmillas style” in the “before” version. The “after” version was modified to be instantly recognizable as a Garmillas design by making the panel pupil-shaped and adding a cross icon at the intersection.”

In this scene it’s made abundantly clear that we’re in the Bolzon system, as discussed to death in previous episodes.

[KC]: Is “slow down” an accurate translation, or should the English really be “relax?” It’s nice to see Talan getting more than a quick shot of screen time. I like the glance he gives to Dessler, but I’m not sure if it’s concern or trepidation. There are also several moments angled to show the back of his head, reminding me that for a staunch military man he is sporting a rather fashionable haircut.

[AMB]: The Talan context helps. It appears Kodai’s side is trying to strongarm Dessler into a position where he won’t recklessly fire at Goruba again, appealing to the safety of the refugees. Talan, realizing that Dessler will likely take this roundabout slight to heart, looks worriedly at his leader, who’s closed his eyes in shame at his previous fit of rage.

The less literal, context-dependent translation would be something like this: “Settle down, I’m aware that my outburst made things worse, no need to overwhelm me with what I already know.”

[KC]: I did think that Kodai might also sincerely believe Dessler’s rapport with Starsha would be better than his own. Ridiculous to me, considering what we learned in 2199, but Kodai is great at self-deprecation and as we both know, Starsha has some information of her own to impart soon.

[AMB]: That’s also true! Now why did Dessler choose to bring Melda instead of Berger or Frakken? Probably for political reasons. For one, she’s from the Dietz family, which means he probably wants a report on this whole ordeal once it’s done. For two, she’s friends with Kodai, making it much easier to negotiate if necessary. For three, she’s Garmillas’ official ambassador to Iscandar, meaning she holds valuable information and plenipotentiary power necessary to validate any of Dessler’s political moves. Because remember, he’s not the Garmillas leader anymore. That role probably passed down to Dietz after Hyss’ death.

[KC]: Lots of legitimate reasons you listed for why she’s there. Could it also have been at Talan’s suggestion or request? From what I remember, both brothers were tight with Admiral Dietz in 2199. Maybe Melda insisted on coming. There were a lot of complaints that we didn’t really see her in 2202. I’m sure that has something to do with Melda’s presence at this meeting, but the story possibilities are plentiful.

Sanada explains the gist of the plan: As Iscandar approaches Bolzon, its atmospheric temperature is rapidly rising, causing the frozen parts of the ocean to melt. If this situation continues, it’ll create a chance to rescue the migrant fleet, which is currently stranded in Iscandar’s ocean. Sanada makes a special note of how Garmillan technology alone can assure the success of the proposed operation.

Smiling, Dessler accepts the merits of the plan, but the question of how to save Iscandar’s royalty still plagues him. Melda steps forward to offer a situational report.

“Queen Starsha’s resolve to remain on the planet is firm,” she says, turning to face Kodai. “Captain Kodai, can I ask you to persuade Queen Starsha?” Kodai and Yuki are both taken aback, and she throws a concerned sideways glance at her fiancee.

[AMB]: In this scene Dessler plants some 2199 lore right back into our heads: Queen Starsha is royalty. The purpose is twofold.

(1) Dessler’s supposed to act in an official capacity, evidenced by his choice of allowing Melda to be present. He also probably feels a bit awkward referring to Starsha by her name with so many others present. Very Japanese thing.

(2) Iscandar’s royalty will play a major role in the next episode, meaning it serves as an effective reminder of this story beat.

Also, pay attention to the body language in this scene as it tells its own story about the characters in front of Kodai. Talan has his hands placed firmly on his back, maintaining a gentlemanly composure befitting his role in this meeting. Melda is straight as a needle, muscles tense; evidence of her harsh military training coming from the esteemed Dietz family. And Dessler? Hands at his sides, relaxed and unconcerned with keeping up appearances. Some habits you never grow out of, I suppose.

[KC]: Dessler certainly has respect for these Earthlings from Yamato, but he knows there’s no one here that he has to impress.

[AMB]: The “Garmillan technology” Sanada refers to in a not-so-subtle fashion is none other than the dimensional dive tech found aboard Frakken’s state-of-the-art space submarines. Earth’s defense treaty with Garmillas resulted in Yabu coming aboard Yamato back in Episode 1 to test the implementation of this tech on an Earth vessel. It’s with the utmost scientific curiosity that Sanada craves to see these babies in action once more.

Back in 2202’s first episode, the spy v.s. spy game of gathering data on Garmillan ships was frowned upon by Kodai, but seeing as tensions have since mostly dissipated between the two worlds it makes sense that he doesn’t object here.

“Your brother, Mamoru Kodai, had a tremendous impact on Queen Starsha. If you ask–” Melda’s cut off by Kodai.

“No. I broke the promise with the very person who saved him, and used the Wave-Motion gun right before her eyes. I doubt Queen Starsha will lend me an ear.” At this, Dessler narrows his eyes at Susumu. Melda responds.

“But even Queen Starsha understood!”

“She was left with no other choice,” Kodai says, his allies throwing concerned glances. “I forced her to bend Iscandar’s principles and made her betray her heart.”

[AMB]: Last episode, Berger’s friendship with Kodai wasn’t enough to reach his heart. This episode, Melda’s friendship isn’t either. His principles and the burden of carrying on Okita’s legacy and promise to Starsha weigh too heavily on his shoulders. That’s why he patted down his cap before the meeting, as if searching for guidance.

What’s really sad about this whole situation is that both Kodai and Dessler are too lost in their failures and broken promises to dare speak to Starsha again, and she too – for reasons we’ll find out next episode – is feeling ashamed at the prospect of approaching either of them.

At this point, Kodai’s not so much scared of breaking the promise with Starsha as he is having to face her in Okita’s stead; to be confronted with a failure of ethics and morals. Mamoru’s last words to him (in the Iscandarian capsule) equally placed full responsibility on his kid brother’s shoulders to make Earth return to its former beauty, in both visage and spirit.

And although Melda never met Mamoru herself, she was made aware of his and Starsha’s relationship in 2199 Ep 23, and possibly had the chance to learn more about him in the six years she’s spent as Iscandar’s ambassador. It’s likely that he’s one of three people Starsha ever talks about (those being Mamoru, Abelt and Sasha). Also, the body language is again of interest: Melda loses her taut military manner when conversing with Kodai, because he’s her friend, someone who helped her grow less stiff throughout 2199.

“I believe Leader Dessler is the right person to persuade…” and that’s when he notices Abelt glaring daggers. Kodai swallows whatever he was about to say.

“Kodai. Why did you come all the way here? To save us? Or to run away?” Dessler’s voice is stern, making Kodai cringe. After Talan throws Dessler a concerned look of his own, Abelt lowers his head, recomposing himself.

With closed eyes, he continues. “I understand the plan. I appreciate the kindness of the Earth from the bottom of my heart. I request your continued support in order to save the people of Garmillas.” Without giving the Earth side another glance, he turns his back to Kodai, revealing to the audience alone a weary expression. “It’s become apparent that the future Ranhart bequeathed. was entrusted to a small-minded man.”

Dessler walks away. Kodai’s eyes begin to water.

[AMB]: Talan’s become Abelt’s surrogate dad at this point, staring him down to make sure he plays nice with Kodai so that their people won’t be hijacked by blue space hipsters. As mentioned in the last episode, chinmoku (or silence) plays a large part in high-culture Japan.

[KC]: Dessler is absolutely baiting Kodai into doing what neither of them want to do. This is maybe a good place to state or reiterate my theory, since I cannot recall if I’ve ever brought it up here, that the age difference makes Talan a peer of Abelt’s brother. I believe that in a scene we will never see animated, Ghader Talan made a promise to his friend Mattheus Dessler to look after his kid brother for him.

[AMB]: Given that 3199 will be 26 episodes long and focus to some extent on Dessler’s establishment of Galman-Garmillas and the war with the Bolar Federation, I’m actually not worried that Talan will get relegated to second fiddle. Learning more about Erik, Matteus and Adelcia as Abelt settles into his new home wouldn’t be a bad idea.

Imagine if you will for 3199, a 2202 Episode 15-16 redux where characters on Galman recount past experiences that led them to this point. While it may sound like a pipe dream, there’s a precedent: Yamato III Episode 16, Kodai’s reunion with Dessler. That episode is framed as a trip down memory lane, interspersing all the important moments that led to Dessler to assuming leadership of Galman.

[KC]: I don’t want to get my hopes up, but I am definitely going to. That really would be something. Of course, Dessler reminiscing in Yamato III was typically Dessler-centric, but I expect that if they did something similar in the new series, it would be much richer content.

[AMB]: Maybe Kodai and Dessler could bond over both having lost a reliable golden boy brother? Perhaps this would lead to Talan sharing a cute anecdote about young Abelt and how Mattheus died. Someone must have fought at his side, and who better to shoehorn in that role than Ghader Talan?

[KC]: I lived for the scenes in The Bolar Wars Extended where Dessler and Talan were just sitting around, shooting the breeze together about what was happening, not to mention the times Talan was off getting stuff done on his own. I would really love to have something like that in 3199.

[AMB]: Cheers to hope! As for the ‘future’ comment made by Dessler, it most definitely refers to one of two 2202 scenes. (1) Ranhart entrusting the future of Garmillas to Dessler. (2) Ranhart begging Kodai to ‘seize the future’ before his death. Since Keyman’s records were sent over to Dessler in Episode 1, he’s sure to have heard that last transmission, lending credence to both these interpretations.

Is Dessler referring to himself as a small-minded man here for trying to save Starsha above his own people? Or is he referring to Kodai, who’s stuck in past promises and too scared to face his own sins, like Abelt has? Or maybe it’s a mix of self-derision and disappointment with Kodai.

[KC]: The first time I watched it, I presumed that Dessler was feeling sorry for himself here, but now I’m pretty sure he’s goading Kodai because he doesn’t want to face Starsha even more than Kodai doesn’t. The shame Dessler is experiencing carries an extra dimension, as we know from The New Voyage.

[AMB]: Two men haunted, connected by a thread they cannot cut. They cannot change, not even a little. They should drink with one another. Kodai sees a samurai in the flame – Dessler, it was you! (Apologies for the cheesy reference to the 1978 image song The Rival, I just couldn’t resist.)

Which reminds me: the leitmotif for this song was used in both the Farewell symphonic album and the confrontation between the pair in Yamato 2, the latter of which is a beautiful infusion of the Yamato theme and The Rival. I’d be ecstatic if we got to hear it return for 3199 in a moment where Dessler emerges at the last second to aid Earth’s champions.

[KC]: I was actually going to bring The Rival up myself. I was a fan of that song for years before I learned there were lyrics to it.

[AMB]: A lady of fine taste, you are.

Aboard Frakken’s UX-01, Yabu’s keeping his eyes glued to the continuously refreshing survivor’s manifest, desperately looking for any confirmation about the wellbeing of his family. XO Heyni gives him as good a pep talk as he can, reminding Yabu that the list is far from complete, so he shouldn’t worry too much. That’s when Frakken, austere as always, informs Heyni that their former crew member Bofen’s been wounded aboard one of the other submarines.

“We’re the key to this operation. I’m counting on you to take Bofen’s place since he’s wounded.”

Heyni responds with forced bravado, claiming that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for him. “I’ll command the second ship well.” Heyni takes one last look at Yabu, concern washing over his excitement before leaving the bridge. That’s when Frakken pipes up, addressing Yabu by name.

“I have no words of comfort. But never lose hope.”

Dejectedly, Yabu responds with a simple yes, informing the Captain that he’ll return to Yamato immediately. But before he can make it off the ship, he falls on his knees, crying his heart out in solitude.

[KC]: This is emotional stuff, sure. But that last moment, with the outside shot of the ship and all you hear is him sobbing? Wow.

[AMB]: Won’t be the last man we see unable to hold back tears of frustration and grief in 2205. While it’s a shame we don’t get to see many more scenes with his family, I believe it was the right decision to conceal their fate until the end. This way, we’re together with Yabu on his emotional rollercoaster, giving us the chance to truly empathize with the poor bloke. By the way, am I the only one who gets the feeling Frakken’s speaking from experience here?

[KC]: Oh, I’m sure Frakken has his own stories, and I’d love to hear those, too. As for Yabu, yes. That was damn effective, too. I had this knot of anxiety through the entire series.

[AMB]: Bofen is one of the original UX-01’s main crew members. We last saw him among Frakken’s crew aboard Dessler’s Super Gelvadez at the end of 2202. It appears after producing three more space submarines, he’s been relegated to Captain one of them. His sidelining gives Heyni the chance to show his worth. He’ll wish he hadn’t. As returning viewers already know, this is the last time both Frakken and Yabu see him alive.

Side note: see the original UX-01 crew member lineup here.

[KC]: I maintain that Frakken and all the sub captains and crew should have their own spinoff show.

[AMB]: If they did, the name’s already decided for them: The Warmongers (that’s their cute nickname within the Garmillan navy).

[KC]: I would produce it.

Elsewhere in the Bolzon system, Goruba’s making its steady march toward the Bolzon star itself, towing Iscandar to the tune of Mozart. A feminine voice broadcasts through a receiver aboard the bridge, addressing Meldarz by name.

“Meldarz, I’ve been informed that you’ve lost Deda,” she says calmly. Meldarz hangs his head low, barely managing to squeak out an admission. “I sense fluctuations. Fluctuations deep in your soul.”

“I’ll make amends at once,” the Commander responds.

“No need to panic. Such fluctuations are proof that Dezarium’s thousand-year dream is not some mere fantasy. Try to control it. Don’t push those detestable ones away. Rather, take them in or win them over. That will make us more complete. We, the light side, are paired with Iscandar, the dark side. Make haste.”

With that declaration, her voice fades away, the vinyl record scratching to a halt.

[AMB]: The classical piece of music heard here is Amadeus Mozart’s Fantasia in D Minor, K. 397 (Fragment).

[KC]: This sounds a lot less like villain posturing, but as someone who has been suspicious of Starsha since her blue dress days, maybe I’m biased.

[AMB]: It’s precisely that which worries me. This powerful yet nurturing voice belongs to Keiko Han, a legend of space anime who’s voiced characters like Lalah Sune from Gundam and Annerose von Grunewald from Legend of the Galactic Heroes. But more importantly for our purposes, she’s the voice of Ruda Shalbart from Yamato III, as well as Sasha – the daughter of Mamoru and Starsha from Be Forever Yamato.

This has some disturbing implications. It’s of particular note that Keiko chose to return in 2205, given that she’s opted out of participating in Yamato anime for the past 40 years because she cherishes the bond and image she has with Sasha. Apparently, it was head writer Fukui’s enthusiasm for the role she’d play that won her over.

Interview quotes: “I was very happy that he understood the importance I attached to Sasha, and he informed me that the remake series is a different story from the original, and that I would be playing a different role. He explained, ‘This time you’re playing a kind of computer.’ So, I should be conscious of speaking like a computer.”

Read the interview here.

In Be Forever Yamato, Sasha at first wished to stay behind on Dezarium since she’d never be accepted on Earth – because of her disturbing growth spurt and for her love of Kodai, who already had Yuki. Could the voice we hear be a Sasha from a different timeline? Or is she the new voice of Princess Sada, the mysterious assistant to Emperor Skaldart? Could it also be that Sasha became Sada in their timeline, their names being similar for that reason?

My bet’s that Princess Sada in this reboot will be a ChatGPT digital idol, crafted by Dezarium to motivate their people in a dreary, mechanized dystopian hellworld. Given recent developments in A.I. technology, and the writers’ insistence on staying relevant with contemporary issues, this could actually be the case. Perhaps they’ll tie her into the Mother Shalbart legend, revealing that their goddess was just a hologram designed to lure flesh to the Dezarium meat grinder. The sky’s the limit with this theory crafting!

In the original work Sada never had much of a role (or lines for that matter) so here’s to hoping she gets the 2202 Sabera treatment. In fact, if this is Sada, her introduction is very similar to the white Sabera’s in Ark of the Stars. That was itself a conscious decision to tease Gatlantis in the same way The New Voyage had teased the Dark Nebula Empire.

[KC]: I can’t imagine that they wouldn’t give us more than they did last time, when they seem to at every turn.

[AMB]: You know it!

The terminology used by Keiko Han here (that Meldarz “lost” Deda rather than Deda dying) implies the possibility of Deda’s brain being stored outside his body. Perhaps Dezarium managed to perfect cloud technology to allow their brains to live separately, only to realize with horror that returning to their bodies was impossible.

The “fluctuations within Meldarz” likely refer to a feeling of loss and mourning, proof that he’s becoming more human again, which I’d posit is probably the Dezarium dream. Now what’s this about Dezarium being “the light side” and Iscandar being “the dark side?” Any thoughts?

Keiko’s voice also refers to how “taking in the abominable ones” (those who use Wave-Motion Energy) will make ‘us’ more complete. Is Dezarium truly one big hive mind with multiple personalities this time around? It appears to me that the love of humanity that once ran skin deep has grown more profound. (Badumpshhhh!)

[KC]: Hah! I wonder if the distinction comes from their general sense of righteousness in regard to what they’re doing, or if it’s a specific reference. Maybe not in a spiritual sense, as with The Force, but in a more practical sense; the direction they chose to go with their philosophy and tech versus what Iscandar chose to pursue. The problem for me is that when it comes to Garmillas, they both did something pretty damn awful.

[AMB]: Touché. If Dezarium are a hive mind this time, they will probably be modeled after the Sibyl system from Gen Urobuchi’s Psycho-Pass: in a not-so-far-off future, Japan has industrialized beyond any other nations, perfecting a system of state and crime control where technology can read your “crime coefficient.” This gives the state the right to pull you in for corrective behavior therapy or absolute termination when necessary as a pre-emptive measure against crime. It’s brutal but efficient.

The twist in that work is that the way Sibyl can predict future criminals is by using a hivemind of brains taken from the worst criminals of Japan, each one now free from the ego of the body, in theory capable of making ‘objective’ measurements of every citizen’s mental health. While their personalities as arbiters remain somewhat intact, their decision-making is guided by consensus logic. If a majority declares you a threat that needs to be terminated, you will be.

[KC]: A more scientific take on something like Minority Report, a novel by Phillip K. Dick with a movie adaptation by Steven Spielberg, where law enforcement apprehends criminals based on visions from precognitive individuals.

[AMB]: Exactly! Great movie.

Staring up at the cloudy skies, Starsha and Yurisha ponder what’s going on.

“It looks like they’re waiting for someone,” Yurisha pipes up. Gazing out at the rapidly thawing oceans, she continues. “Not just his own citizens. Dessler will surely seek to save us as well. That’s the nature of Garmillans. because we ‘cultivated’ them that way.”

Hearing this, Starsha’s composure falters. She looks over to Yurisha like she wants to say something, but opts against it.

[KC]: Oh yeah, here we go! The Garmillans dress like fascists, but Iscandar is the true monster. What a twist!

[AMB]: I get the feeling you really don’t like the Iscandarians. Perhaps the next episode will lend you some strong justification!

Who is Meldarz, as Yurisha puts it, waiting for? Theoretically Goruba could make quick work of the Bolzon star and warp at any moment. Maybe he was simply delayed by his report? Given that Dezarium’s invasion of Earth will take another two years (2207), he can’t be waiting for Skaldart to come visit.

Also, no Sith aesthetic comment? This new take on the Meldarz report scene looks like it came straight out of The Empire Strikes Back! In the original work, Meldarz delivered his report standing, right hand held in a Yamato salute. This time he’s kneeling reverently.

As for Dessler’s drive to save Iscandar, next episode will give us more context, but what Yurisha’s saying is essentially true: the Garmillan race has an involuntary propensity toward worshipping Iscandar. That said, Dessler has more than one reason to want to save Starsha and her sister. Love is a cruel thing.

[KC]: You’re right, and the wall Meldarz kneels before is reminiscent of the senate pods found in the Star Wars prequel trilogy. Let’s just say that I have always been suspicious of the Iscandarians, mostly because even in the original series I found it odd that Starsha was so revered and all she seemed to do was sit around on a dead planet.

[AMB]: Meldarz. did you ever hear the tragedy of buff Deda the brash?

[KC]: This is basically The Sith Episode. Someone get Meldarz a cape with a hood!

Aboard one of the refugee vessels, Hilde’s doing her best to tend to a weary-looking Garmillan man, offering some water. He refuses her help, asking her what the point of living through this ordeal is, with Garmillas already gone.

“We have planet Galman,” she asserts with confidence, raising a cup of water for him. “Once we get there-” before she can finish her thought, Vance interrupts her, equally dispirited.

“Leave him alone. You don’t understand how we feel,” he states.

“Why not? Is it because I’m a Zaltsian? Is it because I’m not a native Garmillan?” Hearing this, Vance hangs his head.

“Garmillas invaded and brought ruin to your homeland. So now, our own turn has come. It’s painful for us to see your dedication. It’s like we’re being forced to pay our dues.”

[KC]: We’re three series and a movie in, and I still never tire of the depiction of the everyday human side of what’s going on with Garmillas.

[AMB]: Neither do I. This scene reminds me of when Domel’s forces (Vance included) first met Norran and his second-class Zaltsian squad. They all bond through singing the national anthem of Garmillas, alleviating Berger’s concerns that they’re less patriotic than he is.

What young Berger likely didn’t know or understand at the time was that Garmillas destroyed Zalts, likely in a similar manner to the ruin brought to Alteria. This is the first we hear of it, and it helps explain why Zaltsians are so prolific in Garmillan society. It retroactively explains why their citizenship struggles were prominent in 2199. Much kudos to Velte Talan and Dessler for fast-tracking their procession from being treated like complete vermin.

[KC]: That’s true, and while his older brother factored far more in 2199, I believe that it was both Ghader and Velte Talan who supported citizenship for Zaltsians.

[AMB]: I don’t see why not! I also understand Vance’s feelings here, seeing someone whose life was turned upside down as a consequence of what you helped do as a younger soldier. As a retired veteran, it has to sting to see someone who was once considered an enemy combatant so earnestly trying to help his people. Given his age and status as a longtime veteran, we can infer he served in the war/occupation of Zalts.

[KC]: I’m just going to say yet again how great it is that we are getting glimpses from all angles of this relationship between Earth and Garmillas.

“What’s that got to do with it?” Hilde argues back, much to Vance’s bewilderment. Hearing no backtalk, Hilde continues. “I have two fathers. one Garmillan, the other a Zaltsian! Two fathers! It doesn’t matter where I was born! I’ve received love – lots of love! I want to repay the favor, even if it won’t amount to much. I–” She runs off, tears in her eyes. Vance reconsiders his position.

“It ‘doesn’t matter’ huh…” Vance’s gaze falls on a mother and her two infants, resting together in a corner. “… not where you’re born, or where you’ll grow up…?” His thoughts are interrupted by calls for his assistance, under the correct presumption that he used to be a military man. Apparently, their ship has received an encrypted military transmission, one which the crew hopes Vance can decode. After throwing another concerned glance at the children, he steels his resolve and heads off to help.

[KC]: It’s a great scene, but it leads to an even greater scene.

[AMB]: The “two fathers” motif brought to the forefront in this scene was inherited from Be Forever Yamato, where Sasha was biologically Mamoru’s child but was raised by Sanada in isolation aboard asteroid base Icarus, due to concerns about how her rapid growth and lacking human etiquette would be met with on Earth. It was first applied in 2199 to Yuki, where her biological parents died, leading to Ryu Hijikata adopting her.

The theme of finding your own family and making your own home is a core tenet of 2205’s story. Yabu, Dessler, Kodai; they’ve all either lost or never had family, but found others to fill this role. For Hilde, her two fathers were Vuelke Shulz and Redof Hyss, both of whom have perished. Who knows, maybe Vance could become a third father to her?

[KC]: What about that Garmillas refugee girl from 2202, whose brother died playing with a toy Yamato? She probably could use some family.

[AMB]: Irii? We last saw her in Episode 2, living on Earth. Either she’s found a good adoptive family or she’s been taken in by one of the Yamato families. Makoto taking her in would have narrative value since Kato was instrumental in saving the refugees on the 11th planet. Heck, that would give her a surrogate brother too! (Tsubasa).

[KC]: I like it!

Elsewhere, Frakken’s four UX space submarines dive into the “Sargasso Dimension” as Defense Fleet 65 and Dessler’s forces both begin to move. The encrypted message received by Vance and co. was apparently sent by the UX-01, and reads as follows:

“Fellow citizens of Garmillas, the time has come to escape. This is a race against time. Implement the following instructions immediately. Assess the damage to each ship once again. Abandon non-airtight ships. Hide in the mist and act quickly. Fear not. Enemy eyes will not think to look down.”

Hilde, still not deterred by Vance, dutifully helps reshuffle the refugee passengers to the non-airtight ships.

[AMB]: In this scene, we see glimpses into Garmillan tech and utilities we haven’t seen before, such as the Garmillan lantern, water can and mug used by Hilde. We also see what Garmillan rescue boats look like. It adds to the world building.

This moment also brings back one of the best original BGM tracks from 2202, Dogfight, most famously used for the scene in Episode 13 where Yamato’s crew decides to fire the Wave-Motion Gun at Goland’s fleet together, each accepting the sins that come with that.

I particularly enjoy the way it’s customarily mixed to match the rhythm of the battle, explosions accentuating the track’s high points. That theme of togetherness and found family imbued in the track resonates strongly as a consequence of the bonding between Hilde and Vance, as well as the unity that’s about to be shown between Kodai and Dessler’s groups.

I’m also mighty glad to see that the scurvy dog Frakken is just as candid in writing as he is in speech, only perhaps a bit more frank. The quiet yet dependable Captain who has a secret penchant for writing and prose has always been a space opera trope I hold dearly. It reminds me of the much-beloved secondary characters in Legend of the Galactic heroes: novice poet and pirate enthusiast Dusty Attenborough, and the silent Admiral Ernst von Eisenach.

[KC]: This scene kicks ass. That is all.

Deusura III’s SMITE system sends in small waves of Cosmo Pythons, Cosmo Tiger II’s, and Stuka planes, the latter of which are led by Melda in her Czvarke. Their task is to harass and distract the Pleiades and Hyades-class ships, setting the stage for the vanguard fleet to emerge. After losing two of her Stuka escorts, Melda gets up close to a Hyades bridge, barely managing to knock the ship out unscathed. In response, Akira briefs her Cosmo Tigers on how to proceed.

“Unlike the big ones, we can sink these with a certain number of hits,” Akira confirms, referring to Melda’s daring insertion.

“Why couldn’t they just transport me straight into the belly of these big ships?” Sakamoto jests, prompting Sawamura to say the SMITE system’s not quite that convenient.

Aboard Goruba’s bridge sits Meldarz, surrounded by seven different screens depicting camera feeds around the space fortress. He doesn’t look particularly happy.

“How pointless,” he laments.

[AMB]: Allow me to applaud 2205 for continuing the reboot’s impeccable track record of not forgetting about useful power tools in-universe. The SMITE system? The dimensional dive? Dessler Cannon and Wave-Motion Gun? They’re actively being used in their optimal areas of effec, which lends believability to the story. I’ll never forget how Yamato III introduces Frakken and his space submarines, only to seemingly forget their existence and usefulness in both the series finale as well as in Final Yamato.

Seeing Melda and Akira sharing the same action after ten real-life years and six in-universe years is a real blessing. And they’ll get some more overt cooperative action soon enough. What are your thoughts on that particular pairing, Kathy? Do you think it could still happen post-Keyman’s death, or will Lt. Alphon in 3199 be Keyman reborn for Akira this time around?

[KC]: Story wise, I think I like the idea of Akira with Alphon only because then I don’t have to deal with the original storyline of Yuki with Alphon. Otherwise, I’m personally pro-Garmillas and pro-queer. She should end up with Melda. As far as commentary on this scene goes, maybe it’s my bias, or the way his eyes are shaped, but I think Meldarz looked quite distressed here.

[AMB]: Definitely distressed. But is it out of empathy for what he considers to be futile efforts, or because he’s getting overwhelmed? His physical demeanor looks calm, at least. I’d love to hear what makes the Melda and Akira pairing work for you, if I may ask?

[KC]: I *want* him to be getting overwhelmed, so that is likely where my interpretation is coming from.

Aside from a general support of more queer content in an effort to normalize queer content, Melda is Garmillas, so I’m obviously biased, but I also feel like they already teased that relationship in 2199 and then played it safe in 2202. Still, personally speaking, I am bisexual. If it’s between a female hotshot fighter pilot and Dessler’s damn nephew, that’s a tough choice. So why shouldn’t Akira have both?

[AMB]: Honest as always! As for Akira, I think having Alphon mess with her mind by mimicking Ranhart’s demeanor would be preferable to testing Yuki’s love for Kodai. Then again, it all depends on how it’s done. In the original, the struggle worked because it was less about whether or not Yuki would choose Alphon over Kodai, and more about how far she was willing to go to save Earth and Kodai. Harrowing development for a girl in love. I also say this because said arc has already been adapted scene for scene in 2199, with Norran and Ito taking Alphon’s place in various story developments.

[KC]: True, Keyman was not the only callback. If Alphon is going to mess with her like that, I definitely don’t want Akira ending up with him.

[AMB]: Love can be found in the strangest of places.

Meldarz appears to treat this attack like a chess game, recalling to me Gihren Zabi’s observation of the Battle of Loum in Gundam: The Origin’s fifth episode. Keep in mind, that man has a canonical IQ above 200, lending some human credence to how he managed to oversee a dozen or so screens without issue. Or rather, with pure delight.

The reason he calls this exercise pointless isn’t because he’s noticed Frakken yet, but because he’s actually being pulled into Akira and Melda’s diversion. Realizing that this exercise truly is pointless, however, is what will eventually lead him to notice our scurvy submarine Captain’s efforts to save the refugees.

Final note on this scene: In Toshio Masuda’s draft script for The New Voyage, there was supposed to be a sequence where Yamato’s stuck once more in the Sargasso Sea of space as the vine-like looking asteroid Spideria latches onto Iscandar like an octopus. The somewhat organic octopus asteroid might have inspired a worm-like creature we’re about to see. Whatever the case may be, it definitely inspired the octopus creatures inside the hollow planet seen in Ark of the Stars when Yamato first encounters Dagarm. Deep cut!

[KC]: Also kinda sorta another Star Wars reference; ESB’s space slug in the asteroid, and most recently the tentacled Lovecraftian horror that goes after the Millennium Falcon during its infamous Kessel Run.

The space submarines emerge from underneath Iscandar’s waters, preparing to use their synchronization technology for the purpose of extracting the refugees, five ships at a time. Each vessel gets in place to form a rhombus shape, submerging together with the refugees. Heyni dispatches a couple of decoys beforehand.

Above the planet’s surface, Meldarz momentarily takes note of their sonar ping creating more of his dreaded “noise” before being distracted by the emergence of Deusura III, Lambea, Yamato and Hyuga; each ship laying down suppressive fire at Goruba’s escort ships.

Aboard Yamato, Miki Saijo reports the imminent arrival of the first refugee group. The test was a success. Standing at the ready to escort the five ships to safety is a dispatch group led by Yuki’s Asuka and Shinohara’s Cosmo Pythons. Realizing the plan worked, Frakken transmits another encoded message to each civilian vessel, looking mighty pleased with himself.

“Fellow citizens, don’t give up. Don’t accept fate. In our new land on planet Galman…we’ll survive.”

[AMB]: Even in the face of immense tragedy and hopelessness, never accept fate, fellow strugglers. Those words ring truer coming from the mouth of a man known by his fellow men as a protector of the weak. In Heyni’s past and present character profiles, it states that Frakken went out of his way to save Heyni from a court martial, giving him a new home as a dog of war. Same goes for Yabu. Soldiers can make terrible mistakes, and when they do Frakken’s there to pick them up.

[KC]: This is all very inspiring. A definite feel-good moment. That scrolling bilingual announcement gives me the warm fuzzies like when Lando Calrissian orders the evacuation of Cloud City.

[AMB]: I can definitely see that. The strategy seen here was applied in experimental fashion back in 2202 Ep 24. Forming the same shape, Frakken and his men helped lead Yamato inside the half-broken Ark of Destruction, steering clear of the open front. Yamato proves once again that even weapons built for war and destruction can be turned into tools of salvation, a lesson they taught Starsha in 2199.

As for the decoys, I’m not quite sure. They seem to either create the ping appearing on Meldarz’ radar, or they help create the basin from which the refugee ships are submerged.

[KC]: They are referred to as decoys. Maybe they’re sending Meldarz the wrong coordinates for that ping.

“Hell yeah!” cheers Heyni, fist-bumping his new XO. “All ships maintain synchronization and begin to dive.”

That’s when Shinohara and Heyni both notice a flurry of gold slithering underneath Heyni’s ship. The latter shouts at his XO to report, but it’s too late. The ship’s swallowed whole by a large worm-like entity, its mouth splitting like a lotus flower.

Quickly recovering from this shocking development, Frakken orders the remaining three ships to abort the next diving run and scatter. A baffled Yuki issues a recon alert, ordering Nanbu to inform each migrant ship to spread out.

When next we see Heyni’s ship, it’s stuck motionless inside a wide, ridged artificial chamber. Engine output has flatlined, refusing to respond. This freaks out the crew and forces Heyni to put on a brave face. Peeking through the periscope to reassess their predicament, he sees a honeycombed sphere glaring down at them from the roof. Next, he spots red lights emerging – a rapidly approaching detachment of spider-esque robots are making their way to the space submarine.

They swarm on top of the ship as if scanning it. Reaching the closest hatch to the submarine’s bridge, they begin surgically lasering through its hull, inevitably breaking through. Heyni’s horrified screams echo throughout the hollow chamber and we cut to Goruba’s bridge. What happened to Heyni remains a mystery.

[AMB]: The music for this scene is a fresh new variation of the Invader BGM first heard at the end of Episode 2, adding some jazzy tension to go with the Dark Nebula Empire leitmotif. Just like the NEW New Cosmo Tiger Theme, it’s a welcome addition to the score that builds on the past with great success.

[KC]: Things were going so well, you knew something had to happen. I hope that’s not the last we see of Heyni. He’s another very likable fellow.

[AMB]: It was quite the shock, seeing him go. It could also be the case that those spider mecha are intent on kidnapping the crew and their technology for study. And maybe to steal their skin and human faces, like in Be Forever. If Heyni’s visage and voice is worn by a skinwalker in 3199, that might just be a fate worse than death. What do you think?

[KC]: Oh I definitely don’t want to see him again if it has to be like that, but the lotion/basket jokes are already forming in my head.

[AMB]: In the last episode we found out that this space is inside Goruba’s belly, rather than inside the worm. In the design documents, it’s referred to as the “Goruba Dome,” indicated to be within the middle of the main structure. The honeycomb is its main reactor, according to the same designs in the Complete Works book.

As for the spider-bots (or “multi-legged tank”), they’re not quite as original as they first appear! Back during the era of PS2 Yamato games, Kazutaka Miyatake worked tirelessly to produce multiple variations on established mecha designs for the Be Forever game, as well as providing completely new ones like a four-legged spider mecha.

In the 2205 mecha notes, it’s made clear that the primary design inspiration for these spiders were the tripod tanks from Be Forever. Personally, I can see their practicality usurping that of the Dezarium patrol mecha in the same vein that the Medaluza usurped Yamato 2’s Gatlantean tanks for 2202.

See the Kazutaka design here.

Anton’s mock-up of potential design inspirations behind 2205’s take on this machine.

Meldarz issues a boastful proclamation, raising his finger in the air.

“That should be the last (of the) noise. I was careless for not predicting the practical use of their dimensional dive. However, the method of detection and capture of a submerged ship shouldn’t exist in this space-time.”

As he speaks, the battle rages on. Kodai and Dessler are at their wits’ end. Starsha and Yurisha observe the proceedings without a word.

“This marks the end.” Meldarz revs up a powerful red beam, reported by Miki Saijo to be aimed directly at the dregs of the migrant fleet still in the sea.

Various suggestions are floated around the bridge as to how best to save the migrants. Kodai suggests that Asuka use its Wave Barrier Missile, but it’s too far away. Kitano asks if they should try firing the Wave-Motion Gun at Goruba, but Nishina waves him off, saying there’s no way their gun will make a difference when the Dessler Cannon couldn’t make a dent.

[KC]: Never mind whether Dezarium is our future, or what they might know. This guy is an ass.

[AMB]: Not to play devil’s advocate or anything, but he did warn our heroes against pursuing him. I bet he could have taken all four space submarines if he wanted to. This was probably his way of sending a message: don’t try that again.

Returning to the worm. what in Starsha’s name was that thing?! We’ve never seen anything like it in the original saga. In a later episode, Meldarz will refer to it as “the net,” lending credence to his claim that this is a tool used for “detecting and capturing” a submerged ship. In the design documents, it’s referred to as a “Capture Field,” described as “Dezarium’s super science.” If I understood the entry correctly, this is the first time in the history of the Goruba Dome that this tool has been used. Its lotus flower look reminds me of the crystalline core of Dezarium’s true appearance in Be Forever Yamato.

Also, the reason Meldarz says he’s surprised at the practical implementation of the dimensional dive is because he didn’t expect present-day mankind to have perfected this tech. Why? Because in their universe, Yamato probably didn’t live past the battle of Saturn in their timeline. This means it never went through the desperate test trial of the tech in 2202 Ep 24, which affirmed its viability. Given how overt and blatant Meldarz’ narrative hints are getting, would it be safe to at least presume at this point that Dezarium are from some version of the future?

And regarding the worm, it looks pretty organic, doesn’t it? If I interpreted the scene correctly, whatever it swallows gets transported to Goruba’s belly. Curious, curious thing.

[KC]: I’m pretty confident that you’re right about them being from the future, and somewhat less confident that they are us from the future.

[AMB]: You’re thinking they might be human LARPers, tricked by Emperor Skaldart into believing they were the original humans from their timeline?

Also, just like in the original work, Yamato decides against firing the Wave-Motion Gun for ultimately very well-founded reasons. It just won’t work.

[KC]: If they are us from the far future, interesting that we became blue ourselves at some point.

[AMB]: Eiffel 65 had it right all along!

Domon speaks up: “The Wave-Motion Shield. Sit in the line of fire and deploy the Wave-Motion Shield at maximum output. That should at least deflect the attack.”

“But will Yamato hold out?” asks Kitano.

“Is there any other choice?” Domon pipes back, rising from his chair to confront Kodai directly. “We’re all in this together, right?!”

Hearing those words, the bridge falls completely silent. Kodai, wordless, simply nods. Yamato steers its way straight into the jaws of danger at maximum speed, aided by Hyuga! Soon enough, Dessler picks up what Kodai aims to do, ordering Deusura III to deploy its Geshtam Wall and follow Yamato! As the three ships approach with renewed vigor, Starsha can’t help but crack a weary smile.

[KC]: Loving the flow of this scene as we pan around Dessler, who’s turning to watch Yamato streak past, then his flagship racing to meet and turn in unison with the Earth captains. It was nice to see in earlier series when it was Garmillas in general. Now it’s Dessler himself, side by side with Yamato, and I am loving it!

[AMB]: Those panning shots always get to me. In hindsight, there’s some dark comedy in seeing Kodai and Dessler racing each other to commit seppuku (honorable suicide). Who knows, maybe Starsha’s smile is one of welcoming death. This trio needs therapy.

Half-jokes aside, this is definitely an uplifting moment meant to show that our heroes have learned from Domon’s example. They’re all in this together, better than ever. The lack of a closeup shot of Sanada here is probably intentional, given that he’s not particularly suicidal.

This scene completely subverts one of Domon’s key defining moments in Yamato III: firing the Wave-Motion Gun to save Galman-Garmillas from a planet-destroying missile fired by the Bolar Federation. This was a choice he made after at first harboring deep prejudice against Garmillans after growing up under their bombardment. Sounds familiar? This iconic Yamato III moment was reused in 2199 Ep 23, when Nanbu – who inherited these character traits from the original Domon – saved Garmillas with the Wave-Motion Gun.

[KC]: They gave us so much Yamato III content in 2199 that they have no choice but to give us a new story.

[AMB]: In hindsight, that actually makes it way easier to condense what remains to be adapted from Yamato III, so I’m totally cool with it.

The three ships successfully brush off Goruba’s beam, but their defenses are greatly depleted. Yamazaki reports that Yamato’s Wave-Motion Shield output has dropped to a mere 23%.

Meldarz turns his back to the display with a huff, looking either impressed or amused at their display of reckless bravery. Goruba rapidly powers up for a second shot.

Dessler hangs his head. and that’s when Starsha calls out from within Isk San Aria, saying “Stop this!” The capital’s tower emits an ephemeral beam of golden light, powering up a massive projection of Starsha. Meldarz turns back around to face the Queen of Iscandar.

Starsha’s projection buffers and refreshes in all its glory, prompting Dessler to call out her name. She begins to speak, each word tinged with authority.

“No more fighting.”

Her face tilts upward, addressing Dezarium’s representative. “I know what you want. I’ll ask the commanders of the Earth and Garmillas forces to leave. Give me some time.”

Meldarz asks her what will happen if he refuses. “You won’t get what you want.” Hearing this, Meldarz accedes to her demand and powers down Goruba’s beam.

[AMB]: Goruba’s beam here is inherited from Be Forever Yamato! It’s an “Ultra-large gravitational field convergence type Beta Cannon.” The Beta Cannon was equipped on Emperor Skaldart’s personal Grodez ships, supposedly “limitless” in its output. Meldarz proves this theory very well. This admittedly gives it the drawback of not being one of the more powerful guns in the franchise, as it fails to successfully sink Yamato both in Be Forever and 2205. Aside from being an effective callback to a classic Yamato work, its inclusion also helps hammer home yet another striking similarity with the Ark of Destruction – one which wasn’t present in the original A New Voyage: its phallic, lower body moon-shattering beam cannon from episode 25 of 2202!

The original “Stop this!” scene came after Dessler rammed Goruba with his red flagship, which should have occurred in place of Domon’s wholesome plan. But don’t worry, all the pain and suffering that comes with Dessler ramming Goruba will be seen next episode, recontextualized. Starsha’s projection is a holdover from Yamato III, used by Mother Shalbart, from which many of Neue Iscandar’s storyline originates from. Neat reference.

And hey, isn’t it nice to see Meldarz willing to negotiate? Maybe I’m batting for the guy too hard.

[KC]: He seems to know that Starsha isn’t bluffing, and Iscandar really is the only reason he’s here. Your joke that you’re only taking half-credit for is funny, because it’s true. Starsha would detonate her planet with her on it if provoked, and Meldarz knows it. The original Starsha did precisely that.

[AMB]: Seeing as Teresa showed us that past Yamato iterations have happened in different timelines, do you think Dezarium has seen those records, like we have? Maybe the classic timeline wasn’t lost in the ‘Great Loss.’

[KC]: If they’re focused on coming back in time to right a wrong, it’s possible that they only acknowledge this one linear timeline.

Starsha’s projection turns to face the three ships behind her. “It’s time to tell you the truth. the truth about the blue blood of Garmillas.”

“Truth…?” Dessler asks himself.

“Commanders of both forces, come to the Crystal Palace. I’ll be waiting.” With those words, Starsha’s projection scatters like dust to the wind.

Kodai, wearing an indiscernible expression, grips the brim of his hat, head lowering. Dessler stands motionless aboard his bridge, his own expression likewise hidden from us. The episode ends with rays of sunlight shining down upon the golden dust left behind by Starsha, and the three ships floating in the sky.

[AMB]: Now, how did Kikuko Inoue feel about returning to the role of Starsha?

Inoue: “This time, I was able to talk about the past and new facts that were not depicted in 2199. I cried when I read the script for those episodes. I was thinking, ‘I’m going to play this? This is a very difficult event.’ But I also felt a strong sense of responsibility to tell the story properly. It’s not a story that makes me happy, but I was very happy to be able to tell it.”

In fact, this “truth” line was the one that made the greatest impression on her, and for good reason. There are layers of deep-rooted pain conveyed through her performance, at the same time she acts regal and authoritative.

Inoue: “It’s the first line that touches on various pasts and truths, so I wanted to say it with all my heart. When I acted out the many words that followed in Starsha’s scenes, I felt the sorrow and pain that I’ve experienced in my own life. That’s how I was able to relate to her in the scene where she talks about her past and the truth.”

We’ll delve deeper into both her and Kouichi [Dessler] Yamadera’s thoughts on playing out many of the cruel and heart-wrenching scenes come next episode. Meanwhile, read the full interview here.

[KC]: We’re almost at the end, now. A lot of old emotional plot will come up and we’ll get some new emotional plot as well. I can’t wait to go over all of it!

[AMB]: This episode had quite a lot of surprises in store for us! A more in-depth exploration of what makes Goruba tick, our first meeting with whom I’d wager is Princess Sada, and lots of emotional character studies. It’s a shame the dimensional diving operation went to hell, but at least Starsha finally put her foot down. If Serizawa were here to see this mini-Ark of Destruction, he’d have suffered a stroke and a heart attack at the same time.

[KC]: Hahaha! You left a space for me to comment here thinking I would revel in the idea of Serizawa having a conniption? He’s not bothering Yamato anymore, so I won’t wish any ill on him.

[AMB]: As with the last episode, this one covered extremely little ground from the original work, relative to its runtime: around 10 minutes. Out of The New Voyage’s runtime, 76 of 95 minutes have been covered. Next episode will feel like it’s plucked straight out of Yamato III with mostly fresh content to aid the reboot’s story beats. Please look forward to hearing our thoughts next time!

Continue to Episode 7

Coda

Theatrical release: Space Battleship Yamato 2205, The New Voyage Chapter 2: STARSHA contained episodes 5-8. It premiered in Japanese theaters February 4, 2022.

Japanese video: Theater-exclusive Blu-ray February 4, 2022. Standard Blu-ray & DVD March 29, 2022.

Series credits

Writer: Harutoshi Fukui
Scriptwriter: Hideki Oka
Director: Kenji Yasuda, Satelight Studio
Character Design: Nobuteru Yuuki
Guest Character Design: Chiziru Kobayashi, Takahiro Kishida, Kiyoshi Tateishi
Mecha Design: Junichiro Tamamori, Yasushi Ishizu, Mika Akitaka
Prop Design: Kio Edamatsu
Art Directors: Hiroshi Aroku, Yusuke Ikeda, Kenichi Tateto
Color Designer: Kumiko Nakayama
Director of Photography: Shinya Matsui
CG Animation Director: Hiroyuki Goto
Editing: Ryoko Kaneshige
Music: Akira Miyagawa, Hiroshi Miyagawa
Sound Director: Tomohiro Yoshida
Executive Producer: Shoji Nishizaki
Production: Yamato 2205 Production Committee