Everything that can be gleaned from this episode is complex. War and ambition guide men, represent glory and social advancement (Reinhard). But at the same time they are the fruit of pain and hopelessness (Jessica & Yang's friend). On the other hand, battles can also be analyzed from a tactical point of view as beautiful, even magical (Rubinsky). Also, how battles can be affected by men personal thoughts, more related to social or diplomacy & personal aspects than military ones (Moore).
The other aspects of the show, good dialogues, music interpretation and a good direction of the scenes by the director follow the usual brilliant dynamic. Among the most remarkable, in my opinion:
Despite Reinhard's victories, on many occasions the most direct rival is at home. This idea is well reflected, and we can understand better the Imperial "old" guard. Very good scene the Emperor talking to Reinhard, is something that we dont see often in the real series. Specially as we see the Emperor is no fool, when he asks Reinhard directly if he considers himself above the clouds. Because this expression was used from Reinhard before. A pitty they didnt leave it there so he could answer it, instead they accompany with other things. Also curious that they didn't separate Kircheis from Reinhard for the invasion. It can be understood that perhaps this would be more difficult, since he is his second in chief, but if they have the power to take away the rest, why not him too? The fact that Kircheis could be removed just before departure would be too fancy a touch for the conspirators.
The scene of Yang Weng Li letting his friend ask for marriage is a bit strange. If Yang really loves her, why? Do you not consider yourself good enough for the task? In any case, the blond boy should also interpret what is happening, and he does. A little sad to be the 2nd option, but in the end he is the one who is going to get married. The wordless scene is quite well constructed and the background music in the restaurant is at least not typical Strauss. Great scene. The scene of Yag looking at himself is brutal. What am I doing? It's the best and yet what a pain.
In this sense, Yang's attitude towards Jessica is the same as Kircheis's towards Anne-Rose, perhaps with different arguments.
That "Drinking in despair" already tells us the magnitude of Yang's disciple.
The conversation between Yang and Trunhit. awesome. Although it is a problem for Yang, because its only hurts him beyond getting upper the ranks. Thats something Yang i think is wrong. He considers getting more power equal to be more autocratic. But the fact is that you can just try to get more power just for you dont die in the battles or your friends, without being autocratic. Besides, its a pretty well written character.
Anne-Rose's key question. And what will you do afterwards, Reinhard? Its curious, it is unknown to what extent Reinhard wants to conquer the universe or save his sister first. Of course his answer is one of a true politician. But, what would have he chosen if given the case?
OTHERS OPINIONS COMENT: Lastly, i agree with @kekekeKaj and @stonnyfor: "Overture to a New War" is more character driven, and is far better for it. We have good examples though of the latter on the OVA 110 eps series though. Regarding the battle, is true. Is less realistic this mistake but still is "you can buy it". It compensates with the Yang and Reinhard battle attrition strategy. Also true regarding the villains. Also true with sound department. Quantity not often means quality but in this case it does. In the case of the 7th sypmhony used on death scene, true but if you listen it dosent go to the "sad part", they mantained / they keep the momentum without reaching the next notes.
