Mobile Suit Gundam Episode 9 Discussion

gfsdfgsdgsdfgs said:
This episode really leaned into the burden of being a child soldier, or more generally being a soldier. Amuro has been exhausted, scared for his life, unable to sleep because all he sees is combat. And when he returns from combat, what does he see? The refugees he's trying to protect are demanding for more, or stealing food from the children. In other words, ungratefulness for all of his struggle. Last but not least, he views himself as nothing more than a decoy for the greater Federation.

That is how you push a character into the corner. Feeling underappreciated, exhausted, and used. Therefore, it's a great time to zone in on the motivation for fighting. Two lines that stuck out to me were specifically one where Amuro stated, "What about me? I'm tired of being scared!", and the explicit, "What are you fighting for, Mr. Bright?!".

Bright's answer was very hands on, and along with Fraw Bow, it was one of shame. Literally beating the boy and calling him a disappointment that will put everyone else in danger. Shame can be a strong motivator but it felt very harsh and I wasn't sure if it would work. Following shame however, a personal vendetta was brought up, Char the Red Comet. It was Char's name which struck Amuro especially hard and I think it reminded him of a personal reason to fight. Combining the two, Amuro wants to best his rival, and he probably wants to help his peers, but only one of those motivations may not be enough. It ended up being a good combo to get him moving, in my opinion.

Last but not least in this train of thought, Amuro was thanked by a Federation representative, as if to say, no, you are not just a tool to be used and discarded by us. It helps that it was the first time Amuro felt womanly charms, hahahahahahahaha.

I liked the episode for Amuro focus, but also for the Zeon focus. I've gotten more and more interested in Garma and Char. When the two were first introduced, I had questions about the foundation of their relationship. If it was a friendly rivalry, or if there was true animosity under the seems. As we have continued to proceed, it appears that Garma is a superior to Char which adds to the competitiveness or envy. A feeling that the captain should be superior to his subordinate, and from Char, a feeling that he should be where Garma is. To continue to fuel the sense of unfairness or animosity, there is the constant reference of the elder sister and Garma's spoiled upbringing. As if to say, Char worked to get here and Garma was handed his superior position. Perhaps the two were friends in their youth but they have grown apart and now, in my eyes, I am certain to view their niceties as nothing more than niceties, a mask to greet an old friend, even if they aren't a friend anymore.

I don't know if this reading is correct, but Char willingly allowing Garma to go into danger is very fascinating and it has me curious to see his reaction if Garma is to die. If there is any form of fondness underneath, that is the moment we will see it away from niceties for appearances sake.