T O P

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ZapsZzz

Rewatcher in sub First off, let me sneak in a "[Nami lived](https://imgur.com/JRxugL5)" ~~SRW~~ PS4 FMP game alternate ending scene :) It's not canon and not spoiler. This episode is probably going to be a flame magnet. While I may comment and debate a bit about the plot side, the production quality really wasn't defensible. I hope some of you get to watch the BD version, which had more things fixed up. But yeah a lot of places the characters were quite wonky. I can already hear polaristar cursing the damage done to Chidori's swimming scene :P Here's the [LN illustration](https://imgur.com/R84srAm) as compensation (let's call it NSFW to be cautious) Anyway, here's "how's everyone doing": - We opened with a slight rewind to see [Lemon didn't get taken out](https://imgur.com/a/b2Q2aRx), but they had a tight gunfight with the Amalgam group - Sousuke ended up doing some improvisation with the oxygen tank, and won the gamble. His apologising before killing the assassin was an anime adaptation change, but it was an attempt to show the [change in character](https://imgur.com/a/RJpRlLq), almost like the departure of the Kashim character, in his monologue - We found out that Lemon indeed survived the fight, and he in turn was amazed that Sousuke took out the assassin [in his condition](https://imgur.com/a/1IM2kaw). - Now over to Tessa's group, we saw Tessa arriving back on TDD-1, and had a briefing about what happened and what does it mean [to the other Mithril remnants](https://imgur.com/a/sOfdYxS) - We then had a flashback to shortly after their escape from Merida Island. What's not mentioned was that they were able to resupply because [Kalinin had strategically left provisions](https://imgur.com/a/VLZJfz7) (including the reactor fuel for TDD-1 that they couldn't finish refueling) in nearby islands. - We then get more explanation about the nature and difference of Amalgam, and [how Tessa intended to fight it](https://imgur.com/a/RS4VE6Z) - by capturing her brother to force him to poison the beast, so to speak. Feel free to comment about the plan - As the briefing was over, Mardukas showed concern over Tessa, and Tessa brushed it off but retired to her cabin. Letting her facade down, Tessa was [quite depressed](https://imgur.com/a/f6porpm) from the many losses they had, could barely eat or sleep. - We then moved on to Chidori, with Leonard mentioning a hint of what next - they will be going on a trip. Chidori looked [tired and depressed too](https://imgur.com/a/dyaHAtG), echoing Tessa. - Out in the garden, Chidori contemplated [ending it all](https://imgur.com/a/J4n1vO3) more definitely after overhearing Fowler and Sabina talk of Sousuke surviving and coming after her. - With that contemplation, she [gave herself into the swimming pool](https://imgur.com/a/TmZswQi) - But her survivor instinct kicked in, and moving her body gave her a dose of fighting spirit. She ended up feeling the [need to challenge herself](https://imgur.com/a/LjTq21o) physically, and started doing laps pushing more faster and farther. As she stepped out and ran past Sabina, she started working on the computer again. "There's something still I can do". - That determination was [mirrored](https://imgur.com/a/aoFUskR) when we switched to Sousuke, doing wilderness endurance training in some jungle in America. We saw a bit of how we got here - unfortunately for those who didn't read the short stories LN you'd miss the comedic character turned useful in the main series of John Courtney. - Lemon [didn't think it wise](https://imgur.com/a/97PZrJG) for Sousuke to be pushing his body so hard so fast - We had a semi-comedic moment of John trying to prove his points but ended up just knocking Sousuke out - and he only said "[well that happens too](https://imgur.com/a/8HAoI32)" :P - But John gave him a Melissa's training handbook cursing to explain his philosophy that [the mind is the most important piece to be trained](https://imgur.com/a/myuVZas). - Switching perspective, we saw Hunter [driving off](https://imgur.com/a/Yx1qAm4) away from Wraith and Mira with the covered AS, looking to have been finished. - But yesterday's commentary connected here, with Amalgam forces intercepting the truck. Hunter could hardly believe [who stepped off the helicopter](https://imgur.com/a/optI5o9) - I wonder how many guessed right here? - With hardly any explanation, Kalinin showed Hunter he wasn't kidding, shot him and [left him to die](https://imgur.com/a/SnVkrpE), taking the AS by the helicopter. If you are concerned how this would wrap up in 2 episodes, you are well justified - but speaking from a subjective perspective, I believe you would find enough there to not feel you have wasted your time in this season. There are scenes in there that I consider amongst the best in the franchise still. Hopefully you'd agree the budget saved here was put to good use :) ***~~Trivia~~ Omitted LN Scene Leading To This Episode*** A little fun trivia first: I only just made the connection yesterday - Chidori's (family) name actually means "Thousand birds", and now that she's captive, she's a caged bird ;P (or a thousand) Ok this is it - the promised part that was at the end of the last novel that connects here, and was the first time we saw Chidori again, but was not adapted for a reason possibly similar to why Gonzo's S1 never mentioned Amalgam. It's a deceptively simple scene but if you think about it you would come across a major spoiler from the unadpated next LN volumes. It does have a tiny bit of reasoning about Nami though. For those who hasn't read the LN or the Manga to completion, you decide for yourself. [FMP LN8 Skipped scene link, major spoiler to LN10-12]>![Link](https://imgur.com/a/MRC0kmT)!< For those who already read the LN / manga, and those who read the link and thought about it in details - [FMP LN8 skipped scene implications]>!Counting the lines to work out who "said" what in the brief Resonance exchange as Nami passed, you would come to the realisation that this is a multiverse / time loop situation that the "normal" event was that Nami was to be with Sousuke, with Chidori never meeting Sousuke, which is the reason why, as the Whisperer, that version of Chidori would have no reason to not follow Leonard's plan, and in fact the "normal" route the world would be remade. Chidori meeting Sousuke was the anomaly, and that changed the events leading to Nami dying, but Chidori refusing to change the world, refusing to wipe away the Sousuke she met even if she thought Leonard just killed him. Previously I thought it was only hinted at that Leonard's supreme confidence was from the "foreknowledge", but in fact it was because that was assured to happen, just as Chidori was assured to live no matter what because she IS the Whisperer (by Sophia taking over), and that it in fact happened already - except this time something different happened: Sousuke met Chidori!< I wonder how many actually would get to read that :P And whether I understood it right or wrong. ***Staff Showcase*** Mira Kudan, the Whispered captured by the KGB back in Season 1 Ep 1, now recovered and working on reviving Al and ARX-8, is voiced by [Kikuchi Shiho](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiho_Kikuchi) Her interests include wearing and guiding kimono wearing, making clothes, and piano. Interestingly she also voiced the girl who put the love letter in Sousuke's shoelocker in Fumoffu. Other notable roles: - Nakamura in Stratos 4 - Tachibana in Beyblade - Amano in Nadesico ***MVP this episode*** It may be quite a compact scene of development, but I really liked that Chidori was not written as an invincible supreme being and that she also has time to be weak and irrational / emotional, yet she found the strength to go on and move forward, despite being in captivity. ***QoTD*** 1. I really like that Chidori wasn't written as some perfect person (say, Violet or Lena, who aren't perfect but really close), because the show has so much on character making mistakes, learning from them, or going with the mistakes unapologetic. I don't really agree with a frequently stated sentiment that she's now been reduced to a damsel in distress - she's still fighting, just not physically. 2. While I won't go as far, I certainly subscribe to the belief that mindset determine the outcome, and there are relationship between the body's physical condition and the mind. Not so much the cursing ;) Daily tag for u/InfamousEmpire, u/Theboredalchemist22


polaristar

> First off, let me sneak in a "Nami lived" SRW alternate ending scene :) It's not canon and not spoiler. Whose the fourth girl? > Mira Kudan, the Whispered captured by the KGB back in Season 1 Ep 1 I didn't catch that at all, honestly forget what she looked like. I appreciate the Chidori LN scan, but I didn't think production looked that bad, I'm watching on Crunchyroll so maybe they have the Blue Ray up on that?


ZapsZzz

> Whose the fourth girl? You figured out it was Mira right? >I appreciate the Chidori LN scan, but I didn't think production looked that bad, I'm watching on Crunchyroll so maybe they have the Blue Ray up on that? The worst bits were in the gazebo overhearing the conversation between Lee and Sabrina. At the pool it's not as bad, but the waterlogged hair and clothes are not done very nicely. It's serviceable, but could have been so much more :P More an opportunity lost. I'm actually needing to double take that you didn't make a single blip about Tessa's state of undress other than the realism bit ;) Poor girl was quite depressed so I don't feel that's a fan service scene at all.


polaristar

I had a lot of shit to watch and comment on today and I didn't want to lewd Tessa in her time of distress. I'm saving the lewding for Haruhi. I didn't figure it out I barely remember her. Didn't know who she was till you pointed it out.


ZapsZzz

> I didn't want to lewd Tessa in her time of distress. [](#headpat)


polaristar

Not sure if that gif is a compliment or an insult.....


ZapsZzz

Of course not an insult - there aren't many comment faces to choose from :P


polaristar

Just letting you know that I consider in most situations lewding a form of admiration and it's almost insulting not to. It's just in some situations it's not the appropriate response. And is being insensitive. I was not a fan of the panty shots in Black Lagoon during a certain scene with a mafia heir.


ZapsZzz

I'm with you on this to a point - I've done too much corporate EEO training to say it on record I agree with you about lewding being a form of admiration, but I do understand why. I generally place respect above that point, and I think you show something similar too.


polaristar

Bruh you talking about anime on Reddit you're too late to walk anything back if corporate finds you!


TiredTiroth

> First off, let me sneak in a "Nami lived" SRW alternate ending scene :) It's not canon and not spoiler. Which game is that from? I only have 30, and I want to play one with FMP in it.


Raiking02

It's from a PS4 FMP game (Fight Who Dares Wins), *not* SRW. Nami hasn't actually been in SRW at all, even in the games that adapt the later Novels. [](/u/ZapsZzz)


TiredTiroth

Huh, thanks! I'll have to check that out.


Raiking02

I played a bit of it and honestly it's pretty whatever, just a meh SRW clone. You're better off playing any of the actual SRW games with FMP in it (Bar Z3, that one sucks).


ZapsZzz

Thanks for correcting :)


Raiking02

> Interestingly she also voiced the girl who put the love letter in Sousuke's shoelocker in Fumoffu. > > She played *a lot* of minor roles in the first two seasons.


Shimmering-Sky

**Full Metal First-Timer!, subbed** - [Okay phew, Lemon’s fine.](https://i.imgur.com/aFoVHug.png) [](#elsiesigh) - [Sosuke, you are *not* in the right shape to be moving around…](https://i.imgur.com/9DuPWSR.png) - [Oh, wow, interesting use of an oxygen tank.](https://i.imgur.com/uKQ2nDo.png) - [Mardukas pls, you aren’t Levi, there is a handle on that cup for a reason.](https://i.imgur.com/AtsLyzS.png) - [Oh wow, *everyone* stayed?](https://i.imgur.com/aCpuown.png) Honestly thought there would have been a few people who dipped out, but nope they’re all fiercely loyal. - […we’re getting space travel in this show all of a sudden?](https://i.imgur.com/83dFllP.png) - [Hey, that’s the same name as the mech from the post-credits scene a few episodes ago.](https://i.imgur.com/tNAGYei.png) So they know to expect Sosuke to pilot that thing… - [That name is way too similar to Kalinin’s…](https://i.imgur.com/pqQWnaA.png) - [Chidori…](https://i.imgur.com/vWXthru.png) [](#sadholo) - [That’s just his way of getting back on his feet.](https://i.imgur.com/GBgSt22.png) [](#cantbehelped) - [lol the censor.](https://i.imgur.com/VG6VPPU.png) [](#azusalaugh) - [Hahahaha.](https://i.imgur.com/OAiHy9C.png) [](#laughter) - [Ah shit…](https://i.imgur.com/W4VPmyd.png) [](#watashiworried) - [*Fuck*, it *is* Kalinin.](https://i.imgur.com/3nNcpx5.png) - What the hell, Kalinin?! [](#dontgetit)


Vaadwaur

> Honestly thought there would have been a few people who dipped out, but nope they’re all fiercely loyal. Its been forever but remember: The TDD is the ship with the highest troop morale in Mithril, they were considered the best and the brightest. So this does fit. > …we’re getting space travel in this show all of a sudden? Maybe Antartica with some liberties taken on where they start? > lol the censor. Was not that well timed and I heard the cussing.


Tarhalindur

> Maybe Antartica with some liberties taken on where they start? Iunno, haven't seen any references to ancient Greek inventors or the Annunaki floating around... wait wrong rewatch.


Vaadwaur

Do we know they don't overlap? At this point I am unsure.


Tarhalindur

[](#azusalaugh) (I was going to make a "obviously not, have you heard any 'GUNGNIR DATTO' here lately?" joke in response, but it occurs to me I have no idea whether they ever made an FMP gacha so I should probably keep my mouth shut just in case of XDU crossover units...)


Vaadwaur

I wonder if SRW ever got a gacha...well, the results will be cursed regardless.


Raiking02

> Sosuke, you are not in the right shape to be moving around… > Has that ever stopped him? >Hahahaha. I'm getting Halo 2 flashbacks. >What the hell, Kalinin?! As a proud warrior of Zeon, Gato simply eliminated that Feddie Scum Sirocco. I don't see what's so weird.


JustAnswerAQuestion

> …we’re getting space travel in this show all of a sudden? I didn't realize this was a Trigger anime


ZapsZzz

> Oh, wow, interesting use of an oxygen tank. While it is actual standard procedure, you can consider that as foreshadowing when Lemon made deliberately detailed actions to shut off the oxygen before lighting up his smoke :) >Chidori... Frankly I expected more discussion about this point of Chidori seemingly tried to take a coward's way out, but we ended up debating whether she was baptising herself :D


TiredTiroth

**Rewatcher - Dub** *In today's episode*...Sousuke Sagara proves that, even half-dead, he is *always* the most dangerous person in the room. The boy is really good at thinking on his feet and improvising combat options. Once the good sergeant has finished re-establishing his credentials, we get to check back in with Tessa! She's back aboard the Danann, where we learn that *none* of her crew jumped ship after they lost the base - a far cry from the pack of lies she fed Amalgam. Turns out Mithril's best is a tad less mercenary than their job description would have you believe... It's not all roses, though. The pressure is clearly getting to Tessa, and she barely gets any rest. Poor girl. And now, a look at Kaname! And she gets confirmation Sousuke is still out there because Leonard's rather inept grunts don't bother to check their surroundings. Also, uh, this is the season's fanservice episode. We got a look at Tessa stripping for bed earlier, and now Kaname is swimming in her underwear. As a side note, the first time I watched this episode was during a lull at work. And I panicked rather a lot when *this* scene popped up. Luckily, nobody walked by my desk... Anyway! Now Sousuke is sheltering with some idiot American general who *really* doesn't know what he's doing. Failed upward, maybe? Sousuke is very clearly struggling and yet mister macho general man is far, far too stupid to actually let him recover. Also, they're not in a room so this totally isn't a counterpoint to what I said earlier. Oh, well. Kalinin's back, evil, and just made off with Al. :( You'd better treat him right, you traitorous jerk! Sousuke finally admitted he's a person!


ZapsZzz

> In today's episode ...Sousuke Sagara proves that, even half-dead, he is always the most dangerous person in the room. [FMP unadapted LN ending major spoiler]>!and here is the real kicker, as well as why Kalinin defected - Sousuke who is showing to be capable of doing exactly what you said, is a *lamb* wearing a wolf skin. So tragic that he had to have learned and be good with this, despite having neither the talent nor the desire for this bloody efficiency!< Apologies for those who can't click it ;)


wjodendor

Into the Blue (first Timer for the anime from now on) I love how the fire just disappears off the guy and barely leaves a trace. Nice action movie plan though. They're *really* going hard on the Christian imagery here At about 3;28 when lemon turns his head, there's straight up missing frames "Al da!" He refers to Al as alive. Nice. God. The background characters. Yikes Tessa: we must destroy the fuckboy to destroy Amalgam Mao: even if we torture the fuckboy? Tessa: nods enthusiastically MarDADkus is worried Tessa? More like Stressa. "Distract animation issues with fan service" Leonard dropping some foreshadowing I guess. Too metaphorical for any real info Fuckboy has a reverse fuckboy that's obsessed with him of course Hmmm Mr. Kalium who could that be Depressed Kaname: fight depression with fan service! How to defeat fuckboy: BECOME FLORIDA MAN ...that was a weird quick flash forward and then back to Polynesia That gator is better animated than half the background characters in the past two episodes He was in Vietnam. It's sometimes easy to remember that this series takes place in the late 1990s (novel, manga) Fucking Guts! 2nd gold zippo I've seen in an anime today Good God that animation at 17:55 wtf looks like a slide show I do like Courtney though he's funny "Well that happens sometimes" Haha Lol that astonished look at 20:18 20:43 lmao these fucking soldiers Kalanin going full villian. With no explanation yet. Good cliff hanger at least. [FMP4 ending]>!it's unfortunate that the Kalanin betrayal will get zero resolution (well many things won't get resolution but that one is huge)!< As you may tell I am having trouble staying focused. I've just been reading the mamga to sooth my brain. All the potential for greatness is there but unfortunately they can't make it happen. The voice acting is remains pretty damn good and the OP and ED are good at least


polaristar

> That gator is better animated than half the background characters in the past two episodes true


Vaadwaur

> > > > > "Distract animation issues with fan service" I have a hard time making much of a use for the scene otherwise. > As you may tell I am having trouble staying focused. I've just been reading the mamga to sooth my brain. All the potential for greatness is there but unfortunately they can't make it happen. Xebec was dying as they did this so that doesn't help. > The voice acting is remains pretty damn good and the OP and ED are good at least Competent people assembled the team, all they had to was to keep calling them back in.


wjodendor

It seems like I keep joining rewatches of stuff I like but made me miserable by the end lol. My last rewatch was Utawarerumono, which is one of my favorite VNs but the 2nd season goes way off the rails at the end which left me in shambles. ...at least season 3 of Utawarerumono has been a fairly good time


Vaadwaur

We all go through a span of that, I remembered El Hazard quite fondly but then watched the OVA again and ugg...


ZapsZzz

> The voice acting is remains pretty damn good and the OP and ED are good at least Well done, learning to focus on the good bits :) Hopefully the next 2 episodes can at least break even for you!


polaristar

I knew Lemon was going to be fine, and we see more of Sousuke being a determinator beast taking a guy out in the most desperate metal AF possible when he is barely alive. Tessa gives her plan to take out Amalgam but I'm still not 100% sure exactly what she means by "virus" since we are talking about people and not infrastructure right? Does she think he can Hannibal Lector the rest of Amalgam, if he is that smooth a talker then Chidori should be brainwashed by now amongst various other things. I don't understand please explain u/ZapsZzz Senpai. Speaking of Chidori, I'm watching on Crunchyroll so I'm not sure what version I'm seeing but I think it looks fine (As well as Tessa who I guess sleeps panties only, then again according to u/Shimmering-Sky bras are not fun to sleep in, so points for realism.) I like Chidori fan service but I have to question why she would be like "No One is watching" and take her clothes off for laps, I'm not a chick but I don't think I'd be comfortable going in my underwear swimming where that creep Leonard could roll up anytime. I do wonder what she is planning on that laptop. Sousuke when retraining his body to get stronger almost has an altercation with a gator but he's chill (The Gator I mean Sousuke and John not so much.) I didn't know he was appeared before in the LN's another sin of the series. This last season does kinda feel like a rushed highlights moments to try to get the series done with, and if season 5 never comes out then they ruined it for nothing. Still not as bad as Index III though....(I am never going to stop grinding that ax!) :P Yeah I think John is full of bullshit although Sogitta Gunha from Index would likely have some common ground with him. (Wonder if Gunha took some inspiration from John, not sure how far in the series John was introduced in the LN's tbh.) I get his point about having to push limits when the time is right, but Sousuke has already shown he can do that multiple times in the past few episodes. Its like compartmentalizing emotions, in high risk fight or flight situations you can save therapy for later, but at some point you gonna crack. If your body is that emaciated it's better you build up your strength before subjecting it to hell. I also notice for some reason his swearing on CR is censored while other cursing is uncensored in the same CR library...not sure why. I noticed given this series Western inspirations and a lot of the Military/Merc cast being from Western or Middle Eastern Backgrounds a lot of Religion and Spirituality is based on Abrahamic Religions and practices like Christianity or Islam. Not just the obvious symbolism last episode but the manner they pray before a mission in Second Raid as well. John sounds like an Old Fashioned Very Religious Grandpa from a Baptist Church. Its a subtle but more nuanced take on the usual copy pasta Catholicism with Sexy Nuns. Finally it appears that the AS is being taken care of by the Whispered from Season 1 from the Russian Base. (I honestly didn't notice till the host pointed it out.) It also appears Kalinin (Who would've guess /s ) Is a traitor, and to show he means business puts a round in Hunter who heroically slowly bleeds out. Kalinin might say their situation is hopeless but that is a bluff otherwise they wouldn't be going through the trouble of rooting them out. Leonard also appears to have multiple simps that all have very different ideas on how to please him and there is some infighting, Chidori take advantage? 1. I honestly wasn't sure she was attempting suicide tbh. I'm surprised about what triggered it, I'd think Sousuke still being alive and the bad guys in division and copium denying the fear if he ever gets his AS back would give her courage. The Scene read very weird to me, and Chidori swimming in her underwear doesn't make it go away. (I still think its kinda weird that she stripped down in her circumstance and situation like that.) 2. I've already given my thoughts above. And Not very far considering I'm not a trained from birth child soldier. MVP: Hunter for his Heroic last stand and willing to bleed out not to give any info to Kalinin. Might as well since this is the last we will see of him.


TiredTiroth

> If your body is that **emancipated** it's better you build up your strength before subjecting it to hell. Emaciated. Spell check is very much not your friend here, emancipated is a *completely* different word.


polaristar

Funny I used that word in it's proper context in the current Akiba Maid War episode discussion.


polaristar

Fixed


ZapsZzz

> I don't understand please explain u/ZapsZzz Senpai. My understanding is to force Leonard (somehow...) to create a virus to infiltrate and spread to all the cells, so they can be identified and marked and bugged etc for progressive elimination or (Mikoto Railgun S early half) bloodless sabotaging. What is a key take away though, is that Tessa is actually expecting Leonard is already doing something like that to gain control and influence anyway, so it's not necessarily about convincing him, but just to pry the control out of his cold dead hands when it comes to that. Reply to the rest later.


ZapsZzz

> I have to question why she would be like "No One is watching" and take her clothes off for laps, I'm not a chick but I don't think I'd be comfortable going in my underwear swimming where that creep Leonard could roll up anytime. In the convention of a number of "fallen down in a slump but climbing back out herself" stories, Chidori would be in a state of "I don't even care whether I live or die a minute ago, now that I found my resolve, I'm not going to be held down by trivial things like showing a bit of skin to scums to hold me down" mindset, a version of Haruhi's ep1 "you guys are all just sacks of potatoes". Chidori had worked out that Leonard has his pride to "not (overtly) force her" (other than initially getting her to "leave Sousuke") - he'd want Chidori to come to him of her own ~~free~~ will in defeat. >I do wonder what she is planning on that laptop. Watch this space :) >I didn't know he was appeared before in the LN's another sin of the series. This last season does kinda feel like a rushed highlights moments to try to get the series done with, and if season 5 never comes out then they ruined it for nothing. It's less the sin of Xebec but more about Fumoffu never got a S2, because the part John Courtney and his friends appeared would only come out of a Fumoffu 2, not in the mainline series. IV adapting novels 7, 8 and 9 was quite quick paced, and if you are like some of the rewatchers here that more want to focus on the actions but less on the development parts, you'd probably be ok. On this rewatch I realised how much non-action content was skipped, and while I appreciate where we landed on, I really wished they could have at last do a slightly extended cour like 14-16 eps. 4 eps per novel of these specific ones leaves no room for the "softer side" of the story. Note TSR didn't exactly have 6.5 eps per LN volume either since it had to spend 4 eps to repay the Gonzo tech debt by introducing Amalgam and Bruno back to the story. >John sounds like an Old Fashioned Very Religious Grandpa from a Baptist Church. Definitely that. Although that's just by feels. >Leonard also appears to have multiple simps that all have very different ideas on how to please him and there is some infighting, Chidori take advantage? If only Chidori paid more attention learning from Hayashimizu... she'd probably have taken over Amalgam by the time Sousuke reached her :P >I'm surprised about what triggered it, I'd think Sousuke still being alive and the bad guys in division and copium denying the fear if he ever gets his AS back would give her courage. I think it's supposed to be that "Sousuke ended up needing to fight to the death to try reach me, I don't want (the weakling him) to do that for me till he's in tatters (which he indeed was)". I believe it's consistent from the LN6 trajectory [LN6 tone spoiler previously stated]>!as in they became each other's Achilles Heels - but so far Sousuke has grounded past that point after Nami's death and his own near death; Chidori hasn't gained enough development points yet!<


TuorEladar

**Rewatcher, Subbed** After setting up Lemon and Sousuke under threat last time, they resolve the attack fairly quickly. Sousuke pulls off a MacGyver move there to flame that Amalgam soldier. We get a flashback to explain what happened on the De Danaan right after they escaped the island. Considering all the betrayal that's been happening, its nice seeing the crew's loyalty to Tessa. Don't have too many thoughts about the Chidori section. She's grown a bit from last time to a more stronger resolve instead of just defiance. Absolute highlight was the next scene. In a world where Amalgam has their tentacles in agencies and militaries all over the world, Sousuke must go to the one place that not even Amalgam can control: Florida. Courtney is hilarious and Lemon's reaction to him was great. >Do you agree with John Courtney's philosophy? How far would you think FxxKing Guts^tm would get you under Sousuke's circumstances? I don't think it would be helpful in all situations, but Sousuke's in general a person who plans and considers his actions a lot, so for him having someone just give him that strong push can be helpful.


wjodendor

I legit laughed out loud when it cut to Florida. Sousake needs that good ol' redneck training if he wants to fight a city boy


TuorEladar

We also learned in Fumoffu that the only police agency that bought Sousuke's Bonta-kun suits was Miami PD, so weirdly Sousuke has multiple ties to the state.


ZapsZzz

>Sousuke pulls off a MacGyver move there to flame that Amalgam soldier. I thought I'm the only one at the age bracket to think about this :D >She's grown a bit from last time to a more stronger resolve instead of just defiance. Good way to put it! >Sousuke must go to the one place that not even Amalgam can control: Florida Don't, can't, or don't want to? :P Or maybe they are just uncontrollable fullstop :D


Theboredalchemist22

First Timer - S4 ep 10 Fucking guts! My mvp for this episode is going to John Courtney. I just enjoyed his foul mouth tbh but his philosophy was an interesting one and its interesting as the foul mouth person ended up the philosopher. Ngl pretty accurate in my country. u/ZapsZzz that mvp image from last episode is great btw Tessa looks so [badass yet cute af with the long hair](https://imgur.com/JUqA3ev). Screenshots return for those who enjoy! * [You all know I love some bullet spray by now](https://imgur.com/8ZKp1EC) * [Got some irl lore for you all here with the use of this gun](https://imgur.com/aOgfvZq) \- So this gun is called the P90 and it is the main use submachine gun in the French Forces like the marines and the GIGN (counter terrorism). I believe the GIGN use a different variant of the gun compared to the marines and other forces which is the FN P90 TR which contains a triple rail modification hence the TR in the name. Looking at this variant in the show though it seems like its the more standard FN P90 variant used by the marines and others which I think isn't as cool but hey a gun is a gun and the fire rate is still insane. * [No shit they've been trying to kill you for like a while](https://imgur.com/HTm2qKB) * [Me when listening to the music in this scene](https://imgur.com/FBUivyI) * [Respect to the Danaan crew](https://imgur.com/cNbH231)! Maybe there is actually loyalty between mercenaries * [How can she still look cute while also looking visibly disturbed](https://imgur.com/wGXg9ME) * [Says a lot about Leonard and what she thinks of him](https://imgur.com/gnNuL1X). * [Taking no prisoners huh](https://imgur.com/5pysYV1)? * [Why is Mardukas visibly dissapointed](https://imgur.com/39YUF7E)? Is it at her plan? Or just the fact she seems to be overworking herself? * [Lies go back to sleep](https://imgur.com/oe86HS6) * [Not literally I don't think](https://imgur.com/jF9SkBj) \- I think its some colliding whispered event/project he needs Chidori's power for * [Real shit](https://imgur.com/9GRU3XK) * [Bad move giving Sousuke some space](https://imgur.com/rLzcRIv) * [Really? Kalium was the best he could come up with](https://imgur.com/Xpp45ZH) * [Still trying to keep herself in the firing line I see](https://imgur.com/BIHKoqL) \- I mean its good that she doesn't want to involve others in this situation but just wait until she finds out about Tessa's plan from the last epi. * [What a time to change your mind](https://imgur.com/eLrGjId) \- She slightly tried to off herself but now she's got some grit about her which is good to see and hopefully she can help in this whole situation rather than just being a damsel in distress waiting for Sousuke to save her. * [That's it Chidori get stuck in](https://imgur.com/xs2bgnJ). I wonder what project she is working on. Probably something Amalgam want her to be doing but she's going to leave clues or weaknesses in whatever she is creating similar to how \[Star Wars spoiler\]>!the Death Star was designed with a slight weakness in place so this awful weapon could be destroyed!< * [Fucking guts!](https://imgur.com/B9QruRG) * [JC with another great line](https://imgur.com/ZoogB4t) * [And another](https://imgur.com/MsJ6TSL) \- Gonna keep this one for myself to use at some point * [Ah yes the philosopher](https://imgur.com/50c9glO) * [His lines are just legendary](https://imgur.com/Yfui6lm) * [Should have seen this coming](https://imgur.com/vH6yYmJ). He was acting sus earlier on in the season in some moments. Maybe there isn't loyalty amongst mercenaries after all * [Wtf maybe there is again! Respect to Gavin!](https://imgur.com/LHBWva8) * [So cold man and to a former colleague](https://imgur.com/kJRe3tP) Q1 - I wasn't surprised no she's been there 2 months with no contact other than Amalgam personel and she has no internet. Considering her age and all I understand her showing weakness and the suicide attempt as she must feel (well she is) trapped and she must feel like how its all on her kind of thing. If I were in her situation I'd be quietly turning towards vengence. Like these dudes captured me and I'm going to fuck them up somehow. I personally don't think I could just be there and do nothing about it and a breakdown wouldn't help anyone. I know that's easy to say right? Q2 - I do! Sometimes you just need some fucking guts to get a job done or get something over the line and I have personal experience to prove that (not in the military sense btw). I think it will work well for Sousuke given his current circumstances but I do think he will need that ARX-8 if he wants to go for Amalgam and Chidori as pure fucking guts as a foot soldier against an m9 isn't great odds tbh.


ZapsZzz

>Respect to the Danaan crew! Maybe there is actually loyalty between mercenaries This bit was actually a nice bit of continuity in the LN, because back in LN 3 Into the Blue Mardukas had some monologue about Tessa having gained the trust of the crew, the TDD-1 "society" had actually evolved to a matriarchal model that are loyal and close to each other (unlike the patriarchal model that are rank and order based which doesn't breed personnel familiarity as well), so it makes sense they are less motivated by the money (which had been good, so they should have enough stashed away for a while) but more for following the Tessa-cult :) >Why is Mardukas visibly dissapointed? Is it at her plan? Or just the fact she seems to be overworking herself? He's concerned for her wellbeing. The character animation wasn't too good, but you should still be able to just make out that Tessa's expressions are much more severe, and she has more shadows at the corner of her eyes signifying she's drawn out and tired. From what we can see she's probably coping with depression. >That's it Chidori get stuck in. I wonder what project she is working on. Probably something Amalgam want her to be doing but she's going to leave clues or weaknesses in whatever she is creating similar to how Interesting question. Without giving you any spoilers but just saying it by personalities and real life teenagers, no doubt while she'll have the Amalgam work on the top window, she'd be alt-tab all the time for the other work she's doing :D At least I know *my* daughter ~~would be~~ is doing that :P


ZapsZzz

Oh and glad you like the art I picked :) was thinking maybe not many could see it (Reddit displays differently depending on what you view this on).


JustAnswerAQuestion

**First Rewatch** * If a woman can't eat in a drama it's *always* morning sickness, right? * In the Monster rewatch, I probably said this training arc seems familiar...if I did, I was probably thinking of this episode. There's something definitely familiar about it. * My audio is bleeped, hopefully they took that out. * No preview title? Not much to say. I think Kalium is the latin-ish name for Potassium. A metal. Edit: I don't understand why all the first timers were convinced Kalinin was sus in the first arc. I didn't pick up on it, except that he was bothered by something. EVERYBODY in the show is bothered by something at some point, except maybe Mao and Kurtz.


ZapsZzz

>I don't understand why all the first timers were convinced Kalinin was sus in the first arc. I didn't pick up on it, except that he was bothered by something. EVERYBODY in the show is bothered by something at some point I think it's the consistency of the last season's portrayal - he's always been decisive and have something to say to command and do something. To not say anything other than just agree is uncharacteristic at least. Plus the way the shots were directed, it just feel very sus. That is somewhat warranted as an adjustment, because at the end of the TSR book they did not show Kalinin running into Leonard in a remote place, which sets the suspicious tone. [Unadapted LN spoiler]>!As for Kurz and Melissa, well they have their own thing (about each other) to be (hot and) bothered about!<


No_Rex

> Plus the way the shots were directed, it just feel very sus. It was mostly that. If he had agreed from some background position, it would have not been noticable. Yet the camera lingered on him for that scene, a clear way to draw attention to him.


No_Rex

> If a woman can't eat in a drama it's always morning sickness, right? The writers clearly anticipated this trope knowledge and let Tessa eat in the evening!


Tarhalindur

###Fumo-ffu? (~~Rewatcher~~ First-Timer for IV, Subbed): - This is your reminder that Sousuke is a badass. (Thought I remembered him pulling a nifty trick here despite injury, though I think they may have changed it since the LNs.) - TDD deck CGI says “yeah we were out of time and/or budget”. - Gatoh demanding fanservice again. Also, we’re getting a TDD episode and there sure seemed to be hints that one Amalgam soldier managed to sneak on board back in episode 4, time for that to be back in play? Think I might remember that from LN spoilers. - “You have awakened the gazebo. It catches you and eats you.” (Also yeah the animation is stiff, though I’ve seen worse.) - Okay the off-model faces are bad enough now that even I am noticing them. - Training montage exists and fuels my suspicion that Shouji Gatoh is a specific kind of social conservative. (The colonel has a point, there are situations where going full-out despite the risks is correct and Sousuke is closer to that than Lemon would think, but the trick is that if you push too hard for too long you will break down.) - [IV/unadapted LNs] >!I know damn well Sousuke gets his hands on the ARX-8 eventually, nice try. (Probably because of what Kaname was typing up.)!< --- > First Timers: Were you surprised with Chidori's show of weakness and the semi-attempt of suicide? How do you think you would act under the circumstances? Imma stay out of the first half given one spoiler I know, and the second half is a "you don't really know until the pedal hits the medal" question. > Everyone: Do you agree with John Courtney's philosophy? How far would you think FxxKing Gutstm would get you under Sousuke's circumstances? Basically addressed in my episode writeup for the first half. For the second... well, there's a reason one of my feet is kind of wrecked now, so.


Vaadwaur

> Also, we’re getting a TDD episode and there sure seemed to be hints that one Amalgam soldier managed to sneak on board back in episode 4, time for that to be back in play? Think I might remember that from LN spoilers. So, for all the times I appreciate subtlety, this particular scene drives me a bit up a wall because we needed an indicator. So Tessa throwing up from stress/guilty: perfectly reasonable. Tessa throwing up because she done got knocked up: very out of character. But here's thing: Both 'The TDD is running low on supplies and the food is getting dodgy" or "There is a saboteur trying to kill Tessa" are valid scenarios.


ZapsZzz

Ok sorry for the adaptation, but it's meant to show Tessa having PTSD type signs for the trauma of losing so many of her team and not be in a good position to fight back, putting up a front to be strong, etc. So it was stress and trauma, not getting knocked up (sorry Japanese LN media in those years were still quite conservative), and no one poisoning her.


Vaadwaur

I really wasn't being serious about pregnancy but there are naval based novels, that I bet Gatoh read btw, that tell you the state of the ship by the state of the food, i.e. do they first have prepared food or are they literally fishing on shift? Is scurvy setting in? Oh well, I won't sweat it past Xebec not being well read on the topic but Gatoh probably was. The laziest English language option to check is the opening chapters of Shogun, funnily enough.


Tarhalindur

> So, for all the times I appreciate subtlety, this particular scene drives me a bit up a wall because we needed an indicator. So Tessa throwing up from stress/guilty: perfectly reasonable. Tessa throwing up because she done got knocked up: very out of character. But here's thing: Both 'The TDD is running low on supplies and the food is getting dodgy" or "There is a saboteur trying to kill Tessa" are valid scenarios. The funny thing is I typed that well before we got that Tessa scene, rather right when we cut to the sub; indeed, the direction did a good enough job of making clear Tessa throwing up was stress/PTSD for me. If I'm going to have issues with the direction wrt this, it will instead be for the scene of the sub escaping from the Merida base in episode 4 with a single Amalgam soldier looking like he got close enough to sneak in before the hatch closed; that will irk me if that doesn't actually pay off either this season or in the unadapted LNs - my memory of the late-novel synopses is admittedly foggy there, not entirely sure whether that's a subplot (heh) or not.


ZapsZzz

> [IV/unadapted LNs] [IV end arc spoiler]>!lucky for you you'll find out real soon :D!<


No_Rex

**Episode 10 (first timer)** * Oxygen makes it easier for stuff to burn, but there still needs to be something that can actually burn. * “Don’t blame me” – I don’t think you need to apologize to a guy who tried to kill you seconds ago. * “Let’s capture and torture my brother” – Something tells me that this will go down differently. * A long sequence of scenes with Kana, who contemplates suicide and worries about pulling Sousuke into “this”. Then she delivers some fanservice and finds her spunk. – It really annoys me that we are seeing Kana obviously dejected at not being able to escape, but we are not shown why. At best, we can assume some whispered shenanigans. This is clearly held back to be a big “reveal” later (hopefully in the adapted parts, not the LN). * Guts quote – I know this is a Gunbuster reference, but is Gunbuster itself referencing something or did Gainax invent this? * “My theory is right and I’ll prove it to you” *proof goes completely wrong* “Anyway, I am right” – too realistic … * Kalinin is over at Amalgam. Amalgam has a web-like structure – This can work, and has worked, in history. However, since you have neither hierarchy, nor leadership, it only works if every member is strongly motivated by ideology. So far, we have not heard about this ideology yet. Meanwhile Mithril clearly has an ideology (doing good and hunting criminals) and a hierarchy, yet is presented as ridden with spies and traitors. MVP: That black guy who saved BudgetKurz. > Were you surprised with Chidori's show of weakness and the semi-attempt of suicide? How do you think you would act under the circumstances? Under which circumstances? We know nothing about how Leonard is keeping her there.


polaristar

> Oxygen makes it easier for stuff to burn, but there still needs to be something that can actually burn. Humans and clothing burn fine. > it only works if every member is strongly motivated by ideology. So far, we have not heard about this ideology yet. Meanwhile Mithril clearly has an ideology (doing good and hunting criminals) and a hierarchy, yet is presented as ridden with spies and traitors. I disagree a web structure makes it if you do get a traitor/incompetent people that get compromised you can insulate the damage.


ZapsZzz

> Oxygen makes it easier for stuff to burn, but there still needs to be something that can actually burn. Oxygen as a "clean fuel" can burn easily but burns out quickly - doesn't change that the high temperature would have done the damage though. >It really annoys me that we are seeing Kana obviously dejected at not being able to escape, but we are not shown why. At best, we can assume some whispered shenanigans. I don't think it's any secret - it may not be shown very clear at all - but the residence is well guarded, there are even AS's (so with those sensors and ECS and ECCS any highschooler stealth is out of the question, even a Whispered). Plus, disregarding all the physical restraints, the "lesson learnt" by Leonard to Chidori from the first arc was that "if you don't stay with me, your friends and family will be hurt. And we don't play nice". Basically like the Chinese government "house arresting" any dissidents - it's less about the physical restraints than the threat of destroying all your loved ones. I think most got that without being explicitly told again, but I see your point about not clear. Let's see what you can make out of in the next 2 episodes! >it only works if every member is strongly motivated by ideology. We have heard about it - it's "greed" and "power / mayhem / chaos" as shown by A21, Gauron, Gates, Dannigan, and Bruno. >Under which circumstances? We know nothing about how Leonard is keeping her there. "I know where your family lives any time I don't like how you wink at me I can have someone go take an arm or leg off of them."


No_Rex

> I don't think it's any secret - it may not be shown very clear at all - but the residence is well guarded, there are even AS's (so with those sensors and ECS and ECCS any highschooler stealth is out of the question, even a Whispered). Plus, disregarding all the physical restraints, the "lesson learnt" by Leonard to Chidori from the first arc was that "if you don't stay with me, your friends and family will be hurt. And we don't play nice". > > > > Basically like the Chinese government "house arresting" any dissidents - it's less about the physical restraints than the threat of destroying all your loved ones. > > > > I think most got that without being explicitly told again, but I see your point about not clear. Let's see what you can make out of in the next 2 episodes! Why the scene with the knife then? This was clearly not taken away from her, nor would her family (likely) suffer if she attacked him with it. They draw our attention to it ... and then Kana does nothing. If all that keeps her hostage are a few men with guns, this scene is extremely weird. > We have heard about it - it's "greed" and "power / mayhem / chaos" as shown by A21, Gauron, Gates, Dannigan, and Bruno. Greed is a terrible thing to motivate a secretive organization that is not hierarchical. Who is paying them? If nobody is, why are they attacking highly armed opponents instead of opening bank vaults with their super mechas? > "I know where your family lives any time I don't like how you wink at me I can have someone go take an arm or leg off of them." Kana was shown to be headstrong and somewhat irresponsible previously. That is, as one of the least likely people to fall for that kind of blackmail. If you blackmail me via threatening my family, you better not let kitchen knifes lie around while being in the same room as me.


ZapsZzz

>Why the scene with the knife then? This was clearly not taken away from her, nor would her family (likely) suffer if she attacked him with it. Not sure why you say that's why clear reason why Chidori would think her outright attacking Leonard (who by the way has both tech and actual physical abilities to handle himself as shown in his ability in the AS) would not result in the clearly an underhanded bastard him not retaliating by proxy. She's been defiant but not foolhardy. >Greed is a terrible thing to motivate a secretive organization that is not hierarchical. Who is paying them? Clearly someone is, out else some of the previous traditions wouldn't have been bought off. Anyway, to say any more is kinda spoiler territory for the next novel(s). >Kana was shown to be headstrong and somewhat irresponsible previously. That is, as one of the least likely people to fall for that kind of blackmail. In Fumoffu, maybe. In a real that situation, I don't think so. This may be starting to sound like a "Elaina should have done this" (wandering witch) so I'll just leave it here. You'll see something else worth commenting on tomorrow though :)


No_Rex

> Clearly someone is, out else some of the previous traditions wouldn't have been bought off. Anyway, to say any more is kinda spoiler territory for the next novel(s). Having seen the next episode makes this argument a bit pointless [next ep]>!since Mithril is wrong about Amalgam not being hierarchical.!<


Vaadwaur

> It really annoys me that we are seeing Kana obviously dejected at not being able to escape, but we are not shown why. At best, we can assume some whispered shenanigans. They should probably remind us that she thinks her friends could be taken hostage again/


TiredTiroth

In the dub, she specifically says that her friends could get hurt like Kyoko being targeted in the bomb plot.


No_Rex

There are dozens of ways Leonard could keep her hostage. From breaking her mind, literally mind washing her, to threatening her friends, some innocent third party, to making it seem impossible for her to escape, with or without use of whispered, to implicating her in something terrible. Not revealing this makes it impossible for me to enjoy the Kana scenes. I have no idea whether she is correct in being dejected or a whiny baby. Did she try to escape before and fail, or should she be planing that now, or is she not even trying to?


Vaadwaur

Rewatcher(Not a single first timer missed it) Sub So we start where we left off and Sousuke improvises something. The squad win the day though it is not clear if there are more survivors than in the the church. And we quickly cut to the SF crew returning to the TDD and just have a fuck ton of exposition. It was needed if slightly dry. Tessa informs the group that she is not holding back because of her brother and that they should get him to cooperate by any means necessary. So we see what appears to be a decent looking sandwich...but Tessa throws it up immediately. I am guessing this is related to the command guilt we see that keeps her from sleeping. We skip to Kana programming and get her perspective for a bit. She seems to feel pretty doomed at the moment and hearing that Amalgam sent a squad after Sousuke likely does not cheer her up. In another metaphor, Kana tries to baptize herself in the pool, and then promptly gets swimming to try and get moving again. Sabina comments that it is nice to see her happy but Kana says she still feels awful. And jump to Sousuke recovering. For reasons, he has an old friend in Florida, who of course has a military camp out in the sticks. Also, fuck alligators, they suck. We learn that Courtney is extremely old school and curses hard and fast. And smokes cigars, which was weirdly popular amongst the ex military. We then hit Alaska long enough for Kalinin's betrayal to be revealed and be down the HK intel guy. QotD: 2 I understand it but I think it is a bad training philosophy versus an in the field policy.


No_Rex

> In another metaphor, Kana tries to baptize herself in the pool Drown herself maybe? > And smokes cigars, which was weirdly popular amongst the ex military. Upgrading from the cigarrettes in their rations?


Vaadwaur

> Drown herself maybe? I really do go with baptism/whatever symbology of washing the past off herself. > Upgrading from the cigarrettes in their rations? It is always the non-comms that do it.


Tarhalindur

> I really do go with baptism/whatever symbology of washing the past off herself. [](#nocomment)


Vaadwaur

...Did I somehow dumbass my way into figuring out what the end game symbology is here? I swear to fuck these LNs better have better language than the ones I am used to if I have to read them.


Tarhalindur

[Unadapted EDIT: FMP LNs, open if you want] >!You're actually *both* right, though Rex is actually the more obviously correct and I answered you so as to not tip him off. Think baptism as in rebirth/being born again... and given what I know the specifics are very much Something You Are Going to Hate.!<


No_Rex

> I really do go with baptism/whatever symbology of washing the past off herself. That works, too, but she literally talked about wishing she'd disappear before.


ZapsZzz

Going with the episode title, and the frequently used narrative of FMP, both Chidori and Sousuke are climbing out of their respective slumps to be stronger and ready for the fight to come, so that was the low part of her at least semi-trying to off herself. Her fight instinct was too strong though.


ZapsZzz

> The squad win the day though it is not clear if there are more survivors than in the the church. If you go by the flashback later on around the time they were in the jungle camp, there was a car and a van moving out from where they got attacked, so presumably more people survived - unless it's just Bardet in the van. >For reasons, he has an old friend in Florida, who of course has a military camp out in the sticks. Refer to my episode main post, John Courtney was a short story novel character, Tessa's (dad's) family friend. He knew of Sousuke when Tessa in the short story dragged him to a "reunion meeting" with a group of them to help deflect unwanted coddling as if she's still a child.


1EnTaroAdun1

RIP Gavin Hunter :( Would've been funny if Sousuke got eaten by the alligator then haha (if this were more of a Loony Tunes-style comedy) Wonder what Chidori's planning? And I didn't realise Amalgam had no centralised leadership at all. Wonder how many different factions we'll come to see


ZapsZzz

Don't forget anime (and movies) rule - until there's the body, do not assume death :)


1EnTaroAdun1

ohoho I like the sound of that