Separately, the show also brings up the idea of "liberal imperalism," which in this case refers to rule for the people but not by the people. I would have chosen the wording differently, but whatever. It is a bizarre situation when an autocrat is pushing reforms that expand people's rights, while an elected government is stripping them away.
There are many characters who get well-deserved characterization and backstory here, such as Mittermeyer and Reuenthal. Kempff also feels more like his own person at this point, interacting with his family, among other things. He never really got a chance before. Some of the interactions between Reinhard and Hilda also develop both pretty well here.
Many scenes have been notably expanded from the novel and are different than in the OVA as well. For instance, when discussing Reinhard's reforms, you can see some random citizens cheering for him and thinking about what they will do with their new rights. When Julian goes out on his first mission as a fighter pilot, a few characters and scenes were added. We also see more of Oberstein's dog for some reason. The fortress battle lasts for three full episodes (and actually a bit more), and I am a bit torn on whether it felt a bit too long already. I would maybe cut a few minutes, but it isn't a huge issue.
I still liked the visuals quite a bit. Some people always dislike CGI, no matter how it is used, but I am not one of them. It works very well in space battles especially.
But let's have some fair criticism too.
"Show, don't tell" is broken on a few occasions. For instance, Mecklinger is described as highly capable, but he has been sidelined so badly that he has never got any real chance to demonstrate his skills. Want us to think that he is competent? Show him do it.
This is a general observation about Reinhard, but his reaction to Kircheis' absence is so weirdly misdirected. There would be better ways to process his emotions than insist on imperialist conquest. Actually, it is Kircheis' fault as well. Perhaps "live in peace" would have been better as parting words. However, they did a good job highlighting that the narrative does not endorse Reinhard's approach. Several characters point out that the focus on military expeditions is unwise, to say the least, and even Reinhard himself feels alienated by his newfound power. That is emphasized here a bit more strongly than in the OVA.
The last episode ended at somewhat of a weird point, but there will be another set of episodes soon, so it isn't a huge issue.
Regardless, it is a very strong adaptation effort. You often see novel adaptations rushed and ruined, but here they are investing proper time into it.
