Every new layer of Die Neue These becomes more complex because of the relation it bears with itself, previous parts, whole series and Original Version as well. But only starting from it as an isolated work can one assess it's strengths and weaknesses relative to the other works or parts.
Although I took my time finishing this part, I have lots of good memories with it. We start in the midst of battle, with Kempf threatening the Alliance. Not long ago we remember his departure from his children and wife, and his promise of return to his family. The tragedy of his death is motivated by his refusal to return home defeated, with a 1/5 of his fleet remaining. His death as the very subtle effect of sending off his people. On the surface it seems reckless, but he actually leaves behind with a paternal care his peers and family, to protect them. He dies seeing his family one last time, in a heartbreaking scene. This is the scar that Mueller has to bear with his future resentment coming to fruition on the battlefield. Aside from the sorrow of Kempf's family, his death gives reason to an increase in Mittermeyer's and Reuenthal's skepticism towards Reinhard's reign.
Through the political intrigues sewed by Phezzan, Reinhard acts accordingly to his trusted admirals' skepticism, by using Phezzan and innocent lives to achieve dominance. His securing of Annerose, as well as the manipulation of Erwin Josef, treated as a tool of trade, and the death of innocent lives by his hand settle the precedence of his hidden, tyrannical reign that fills the void left by the departure of Kircheis.
The other side of the Galaxy looks shallow on the surface, but boils inside because of the actions of the Empire. While suspecting a potential threat, Yang has to reconcile with having Julian on board. Because of circumstances, Julian must travel to Phezzan. There is a big difference to be felt between his presence next to Yang, and Yang's behavior in Julian's absence. The second half of the season presents the struggles Yang has in the absence of his pupil. While episode eight gives us a heartwarming experience meant to reconcile their parting ways, the end of the season could be understood as Yang's doubts about Julian's leave coming to fruition.
But there is a lot more going on in this season. There is a lot of character-affirming dialogue, revealing motives and critical, technical and emotional assessment by the characters over their circumstances. On the Phezzan side, we see a reflection of the whole allegiance in the artificial conflict between Rubinsky and his son, Rupert, a shallow relationship resembling that between Phezzan and the Alliance. We see bounding moments between the main characters, on one side Hildegard towards Reinhard, in an effort to soothe the "unscrupulous" behavior of the future tyrant, and on the other side, Frederica's warmth towards Yang in an attempt to ease his separation anxiety from Julian. The fight emerges by the end of the season, with a spectacular fight between the Fortress and the Empire fleet, on one hand, and Walter versus Reuenthal, on the other. The finale is tragic in it's juxtaposition of social glory and death of one's self, as Reinhard's new reign over the Phezzan Corridor crowns him as a victorious kaiser, and while the music and surroundings suggest earthly glory, his dedication to Kircheis makes the scene a shallow tragedy. Although Reinhard isn't a scary character, the final scene suggests a contradiction in his feelings and way of being, which will determine the new kaiser outlook.
Overall the art, music, dialogue, scenery, pace, narration, characters, motivations, justifications and design are impressive and an inquiry into their creation is both educating and fascinating to pair with the following of the story. A great 10/10.
