Blogging Legend of the Galactic Heroes–The Retriever Episode 3

What child could say no to that?

The third episode of The Retriever features yet more tactics and intrigue as the  Hässliche Entlein tries to make its way back to Iserlohn. Reinhard has to deal with the job of dealing with a couple of close calls with Alliance patrols. Kircheis, on the other hand, has the task of trying to get the access code from Margareta as well as playing an important role in the fighting. With the Alliance now sure of what they are dealing with, the journey back to Iserlohn gets that much harder.

Blogging Legend of the Galactic Heroes – The Retriever Episode 2

The old "hide behind the asteroid" trick. They fall for it every time.

The second episode of The Retriever takes place entirely inside Alliance space as the Hässliche Entlein tries and then succeeds in catching the transport carrying Helksheimer. They arrive at the exit of the Phezzan Corridor and receive information that the transport had already left, after debate on which ship to chase Reinhard makes the call. They catch up to the right ship at the right moment. In the aftermath, they still have many problems to solve before they can return to Iserlohn.

Blogging Legend of the Galactic Heroes–The Retriever Episode 1

Kircheis would not be stopped on his journey to the bridge

The Retriever starts as a story where Reinhard would have to prove he could command the Hässliche Entlein. The episode begins with hand-to-hand combat practice, in which Reinhard’s side in command of the ship comes out on top, barely. After that, Reinhard is summoned to take on a secret mission to track down Helksheimer, who had fled to Phezzan with a new piece of military equipment. After accepting, he fully embraces the challenge of trying to get to Phezzan through Alliance space without calling for assistance.

Blogging Legend of the Galactic Heroes–The Duelist Episode 4

As if this arc couldn't get any more silly, they do this.

The 4th episode of The Duelist concludes in rather contrived circumstances. Reinhard spends time depressed over the duel, when suddenly his opponent wants another chance at him. While Benemunde worries about closing loose ends so she isn’t discovered, Reinhard puts work in on improving his skills with a sword. The final duel comes, and while the conclusion was never in doubt, the duel itself leaves plenty of questions.

Blogging Legend of the Galactic Heroes – The Duelist Episode 3

This would be suggestive had the character designs not fallen off a cliff.

The third episode of The Duelist takes in the actual duel itself and comes to a rather inconclusive ending. The participants all gather at a venue prepared by Littenheim, where after a careful inspection of the equipment and some tips given by Kircheis, the duel gets under way. After a tense battle for his life, the Kaiser intervenes. However, the danger remains for Reinhard.

Blogging Legend of the Galactic Heroes – Golden Wings

Funny how this probably scarring incident is never brought up again by anyone.

The Golden Wings movie is the first of the crop of movies from the series that I have seen, and to be honest, it probably shouldn’t have been made in the first place. The story takes in Reinhard, Kircheis and Annerose’s first meetings, some childhood antics and early military career landmarks. Finally it ends on Iserlohn, or something resembling it.

Blogging Legend of the Galactic Heroes – The Duelist Episode 2

I swear I'm going to find the lost plot out here in the middle of these woods, away from anyone who could possibly help me.

The 2nd episode of The Duelist sees Benemunde begin to exert her influence behind the scenes. The members of the court react to Reinhard serving as the agent in a duel, while Reinhard himself still has plenty to learn about both the rules and how to fire a gun. Helksheimer’s man of choice shows off his skills in targeting hands and shoulders of a target with ease. However, Benemunde’s choice of agent challenges him to a duel before going on to make himself the agent who would oppose Reinhard.

Blogging Legend of the Galactic Heroes – The Duelist Episode 1

Reinhard gets introduced the wonderful world of bureaucratic red tape

The story of The Duelist begins after Reinhard’s transfer from the Hameln II. Assigned to do paperwork on military expenditures he notices something that is not right. When he reports his findings to his boss, he is told that his role is merely to limit the amount of abuse to the system. This leaves him despairing about the state of the military and wanting a return to combat duties. When presented with an opportunity to meet with his sister and her few allies, he quickly volunteers his services to one of her friends who needs assistance in a duel.

Blogging Legend of the Galactic Heroes – Mutineer Episode 4

Once again I try to appeal to a different audience, I swear it will work this time

Mutineer concludes in a manner befitting an action movie. Reinhard has to make several personnel calls as he sends Beltram down to work with the people whose comrade he killed earlier. Then, one of his subordinates freaks out at Reinhard’s plans before the future Kaiser takes care of that situation in typical fashion. Then a problem with the repairs leads to an odd pairing for what appears to be a suicide mission, which ultimately saves the rest of the ship. As a result, Reinhard earns another promotion and a move to another post.

Blogging Legend of the Galactic Heroes – Mutineer Episode 3

Kircheis ran out of gum to the dismay of his subordinates

The 3rd episode of Mutineer sees the conflict between Beltram and Reinhard reach a conclusion, but not without consequence. Beltram goes to the two highest ranking officers remaining on the ship with a plan of his own, but not to rescue them at all. Fearing for their lives, Kircheis is dragged in and he is forced to try to rescue Reinhard. After getting some help from the other sailors, Reinhard is able to take control of the ship, but Beltram is able to recover in time to force a standoff where he reveals his own motivations. Then, the captain reappears from sickbay to ultimately decide a matter that had already gone too far.

Blogging Legend of the Galactic Heroes – Mutineer Episode 2

And you thought only Hilde's father got to see that side of Reinhard.

The 2nd episode of Mutineer sees the title of this story begin to make sense. Reinhard starts to make connections with the enlisted sailors, so as to educate himself on the proper action to take should the circumstances arrive. That situation arrives quickly as Reinhard is thrust into command during a surprise attack by the Alliance and comes into conflict with Beltram as a result. After the crisis diminishes, Beltram has Reinhard put under arrest in his quarters even though the danger was not yet over.

Blogging Legend of the Galactic Heroes – Mutineer Episode 1

The Hameln II, or rather a giant metaphor for the state of the Empire

The Mutineer story continues the tale of Reinhard’s and Kircheis’s ascent up the Imperial military ranks. They receive their first fleet assignment as officers aboard the Hameln II. Even with the ship and crew divided along class lines, Reinhard quickly finds himself the target of both groups. Given a chance to prove his skills, Reinhard begins to set about changing minds.

Blogging Legend of the Galactic Heroes: Valley of White Silver Episode 4

Reinhard goes for the "jump out from behind an object and fire" trick, and it comes off realistically.

The 4th episode sees a conclusion that is somewhat unsatisfying for all parties, but represents the best possible outcome for all concerned. Reinhard returns to Herder and urges an attack on the Alliance base. Herder agrees to it as he was under pressure to deliver results both militarily and to the court. Reinhard sees through the plans and sets a trap of his own which nearly works out to perfection. However, Imperial law sees to it that he would have to wait to get his revenge on Benemunde.

Blogging Legend of the Galactic Heroes: Valley of White Silver Episode 3

You do NOT say that about my sister!

The 3rd episode sees Reinhard and Kircheis fight for their own lives on more than one occassion. They finish the battle with the Alliance soldiers, then they have to deal with Herder trying to finish the job. In the midst of these skirmishes they begin to learn just how deep the feelings against Reinhard go at the court level. Finally, they return from their mission and manage to save the base while a worried Herder wonders how much they know.

Blogging Legend of the Galactic Heroes: Valley of White Silver Episode 2

Meanwhile on Ice Planet Hoth...

The second episode really splits into two separate parts. On the one hand, there is the immediate situation on Kapche-Lanke where Reinhard and Kircheis are put into a difficult situation. The other part involves Kircheis remembering Annerose and the foundations of his own friendship with Reinhard. By the end of the episode the presence of Alliance soldiers presents an opportunity for them to get back to base.

Blogging Legend of the Galactic Heroes: Valley of White Silver Episode 1

This cake is so delicious that it's beautiful

The first episode of the first Gaiden series of Legend of the Galactic Heroes begins with the story of Reinhard and Kircheis on their first assignment as Imperial officers. Already at the start of their careers, the two friends are having to deal with issues at the Imperial court. At the same time, as Kircheis fondly remembers his childhood with Reinhard and Annerose, they also have to deal with a lack of discipline from the other officers. By the end of the episode, Reinhard’s pursuit of honors on the battlefiel, hatred from the officers and a secret order from the court mean that the two of them will have to fight on the frontlines on their own.

Blogging Legend of the Galactic Heroes: Spiral Labyrinth Episode 14

Jeikmeister rebelled against his father with books.

The final episode of Spiral Labyrinth wraps up with the story of two men based on Kefenhiller’s research. On the one hand is the idealist Jeikmeister and the other Michaelsen. Yang ultimately dumps his interpretation of the research onto Cazellnu and Attenborough, but even he cannot say that is truly what happened. After that, Yang is given a new assignment and everyone moves on in their careers.

Blogging Legend of the Galactic Heroes: Spiral Labyrinth Episode 13

Dusty simply vacuums up everything he eats

The penultimate episode of Spiral Labyrinth returns to one of the themes from earlier, one’s future being determined by family. Patorichev and Yang are stuck handling the arrangements for Kefenhiller’s funeral. After a week longer than anticipated, they leave for Heinessen where they part ways. Attenborough picks Yang up at the space port and they talk about the former’s life before becoming a soldier. The conversation continues as they arrive at Cazellnu’s new residence for dinner. Finally, Yang prepares to tell Attenborough and Cazellnu the results of the investigation into Ashbey’s death.

Blogging Legend of the Galactic Heroes: Spiral Labyrinth Episode 12

I personally think a name like Hadrian's Wall Pale Ale would be a better name for a beer than this.

The 12th episode of Spiral Labyrinth marks the end of the journey for Kefenhiller. Yang continues his search into finding out the mystery of Ashbey’s death while at the same time helping Kefenhiller move and then spends some time with him at a space port during a stop over. Once there, Kefenhiller talks to Yang and Patorichev about his career prior to his capture.

Blogging Legend of the Galactic Heroes: Spiral Labyrinth Episode 11

Murai steps in as they key player in his cameo.

The 11th episode of Spiral Labyrinth sees Murai make his arrival on Econia. He takes interviews on the events from Costea, Yang, Patorichev and all of the others who were involved before finally making his decision on punishments. When that is all done, Yang is once again contacted by Cazellnu for his next assignment.

Blogging Legend of the Galactic Heroes: Spiral Labyrinth Episode 10

That section of wall really wasn't installed properly.

The 10th episode of Spiral Labyrinth sees Yang and Patorichev get out of their little situation. With the help of Kefenhiller and Presberg they make their way back to headquarters to confront Costea. After that, a blatant lie from Patorichev sees Yang placed in charge of the complex until Murai is able to make it there to investigate.

Blogging Legend of the Galactic Heroes: Spiral Labyrinth Episode 9

Considering how many rounds it took to kill him, I doubt Patorichev felt this at all.

The 9th episode of Spiral Labyrinth sees a group of Imperial prisoners take hostages and plan an escape. Yang and Patorichev are provided with a contrast of character between a pair of Imperial nobles. Then, they are forced into becoming hostages themselves as an order. Kefenhiller then enters the scene to become a hostage himself while letting Yang and Patorichev in on a much greater scheme.

Blogging Legend of the Galactic Heroes: Spiral Labyrinth Episode 8

This looks like a nice, hospitable place to live for an extended period.

The 8th episode of Spiral Labyrinth features Yang’s arrival at his latest assignment, secretary at a prison camp on the desert planet of Econia. Patrichev picks him up and walks him through the important details of working at the base. Then, Yang talks to a few men who happened to be at the 2nd Battle of Tiamat. Finally, Yang tells Patrichev about the investigation into Ashbey’s death.

Blogging Legend of the Galactic Heroes: Spiral Labyrinth Episode 7

Perhaps the most realistic fate of any admiral to date

The 7th episode of Spiral Labyrinth follows on from Rosas’ suspicious death by looking at a number of people who knew him. Yang attends the funeral of Rosas and finds out more about himself than he would have liked. Later, the careers of the rest of the 730 Mafia are examined. Finally, Yang is called back in to normal service for a new assignment.

Blogging Legend of the Galactic Heroes: Spiral Labyrinth Episode 6

Imperial fleet charging in on its own? Nothing bad can happen, can it?

The 6th episode of Spiral Labyrinth sees the conclusion of the 2nd Battle of Tiamat as well as the end for Bruce Ashbey. The battle is portrayed with the typical ebb-and-flow that has been a trademark of the series. After the conclusion of the story of the battle, Yang remains left with a number of questions to answer.