When you blow up 500 of Alex Cazellnu's ships, you would have that same expression.

The 46th episode of Legend of the Galactic Heroes focuses exclusively on events at Iserlohn. Yang is forced to abandon the fortress he seized two years earlier, but everyone knows that he has to make that call. Reuenthal, meanwhile, begins to be caught in a battle between what he should do and his own ambitions.

The episode begins with a dream Reuenthal has while sleeping on the bridge of his flagship. His father says that he never should have been born as police take pictures of the body of his mother after she had been poisoned. Reuenthal then says that he indeed never should have been born, but since he was born he may as well. Unfortunately, his thought is cut off by Bergengrün who wakes him up to tell him Lutz and Lennenkampt want to meet with him. Reuenthal asks him if he said anything while he was asleep, and Bergengrün answers no.

On Iserlohn, Yang tells his commanders that he wants to abandon the fortress. Murai immediately begins questioning the decision, and Yang tells him that occupying the fortress no longer makes sense since the Empire has invaded through Phezzan their fleet would have no impact on the war if they stayed. Murai asks Yang if they could stay at Iserlohn and defend it hoping to get a peace treaty out of it, but Yang says that the Empire would just demand it back as part of the terms of the treaty, so it would make no sense to continue defending it. Murai continues to question Yang saying that it would have a psychological effect on the men if Yang was seen to be fleeing Iserlohn, Yang admits that is possible, but he sees it as something outside of his control. Schenkopp steps in and sides with Murai and says they should wait until the government begs for Yang to come back and protect them, only then would they realize how valuable Yang is. Yang responds by saying that it would be far too late and they would lose their chance at winning. Schenkopp is surprised that Yang thinks they can win, but Yang says that even though they are at a tremendous disadvantage, they still have one minute chance at success. Schenkopp asks what that is, and Yang says that Reinhard isn’t married.

On Phezzan, Reinhard is pleased that Mittermeyer encountered no resistance when entering Alliance space. He then asks for an update on Iserlohn, and he is told that the latest information has the two sides at a stalemate. Reinhard, though, is confident that Yang is preparing to abandon Iserlohn at this very moment. Reinhard is asked if he is sure Yang will abandon the base because he could be executed upon his return, but Reinhard says if Yang is executed, who would lead the Yang fleet. Reinhard says that is the only way the Alliance could win, and they wouldn’t punish Yang for abandoning the base if they did win. He is asked about that only way the Alliance could win, and Reinhard says that it is simply his death on the battlefield.

Back on Iserlohn, Yang talks to Schenkopp alone. Yang says that Schenkopp held back in the meeting earlier. Schenkopp says that he wanted to say that there is a possibility if things took a turn for the worse, the cowards in government may abandon the people and flee to Iserlohn. Schenkopp says if this happens, they should be punished for ignoring their obligation to protect the people they should be serving. He says they could arrest them and hand them over to Reinhard, or better yet just execute them. After that, Yang could become the ruler of a new Republic of Iserlohn. Yang says he approaches political power like sewage, it is something that is necessary, but should not be sought out. Schenkopp says that many do not approach it because they want to, and he points out that Yang did not want to join the military because he wanted to. Yang ignores that last comment and says that dictatorship does not always come from military lineage, and if it did result he wants out. Schenkopp responds by saying that the people are responsible for changing a corrupt dictatorship.

Finally, Schenkopp asks Yang if he knows the answer to a question he has had since he fled the Empire 30 years ago. How do you solve the paradox of a majority of citizens desiring a dictatorship over a democracy? Yang says no one can answer that question. He goes on to say that fire still exists many years after it was discovered, and in the few thousand years since democracy has existed it is still too soon to judge. Yang says there’s no sense arguing over tomorrow’s breakfast when tonight’s dinner hasn’t even been prepared yet. Schenkopp continues the analogy and says they are returning their hosts’ ingredients before they have even been prepared. Yang says that they are just returning it because they no longer need it. Schenkopp asks what happens if they need it again, and Yang says they will just take Iserlohn back. Schenkopp says that borrowing fortresses isn’t that easy, much like borrowing someone’s wife. Yang says if they ask they will just be turned down, so Schenkopp says they need to trick them. Yang responds by saying that they are going up against Reuenthal, so it should be a good challenge.

Meanwhile, Reuenthal is meeting with Lennenkampt and Lutz about strategy against Yang. He points out that if the fortress could be taken by force it would have changed hands several times, but only Yang has succeeded in taking it. Lennenkampt still refuses to think that Yang would abandon the fortress because he would be accuses of desertion and because it would go against being a warrior. Reuenthal states that Yang knows that staying at Iserlohn would have no impact on the war, so he would have to leave. Lennenkampt, though, argues that by staying at Iserlohn he could protect his reputation as an officer. Reuenthal says Yang would stay if he were like Lennenkampt. Lutz interjects and says he would like to attack too, but says they should follow Reuenthal’s orders. Reuenthal apologizes for being too blunt, but says that there is no point sacrificing men for something they could get for free by waiting. Lutz asks if they should just surround the fortress, but Reuenthal says that would just buy time for them, so they come to an agreement to launch low risk attacks on Iserlohn.

One such attack begins, and Poplan complains about having to work when he shouldn’t have to. Yang decides after a while to send Attenborough out to chase the enemy away, but to not pursue beyond the range of the Thor Hammer. Cazellnu begins complaining to Yang about the enemy interfering with their ability to calculate what they will need to escape and the effect it is having on the health of the soldiers. Yang just tells him he sent a fleet out to deal with it. Cazellnu then receives word that a group of civilians is complaining about the situation, so he says Yang will just have to deal with that too. Yang comes across the group of them in a corridor and tells them that they are trying their hardest to get everyone to the capital. The civilians are excited to be participating in another El Facil.

Back in his office, Yang grumbles about the fact no one can guarantee him everything will be fine. He then bemoans the fact that Reuenthal seems to know exactly what they are about to do and it making things harder on him to escape. Outside, Attenborough stands firm in not allowing anyone to advance out of the range of the fortress. However, he still wants to ask Yang if they can advance. He calls in to Yang and says that since morale is high, they should be allowed to advance. Yang flatly rejects the idea though. Attenborough asks again, but again the answer is no.

Back on the ship, Poplan says when this is all over he wants to create a pilot’s union to prevent pilots from being overworked. Ivan Konev responds by saying he thought Poplan only wanted to chase women when he got back. Attenborough walks into Yang’s office asking the same question again, but Frederica coughs which Attenborough picks out as a signal. He then asks Yang to go ahead with a plan he says will be sure to win. Attenborough then leaves happy and Yang tells Frederica that they have enough problems as it is. She then apologizes.

Reuenthal receives information that ships have been spotted leaving Iserlohn. He asks Bergengrün what he thinks about the situation, and he thinks the ships are likely VIPs and other non-military personnel leaving the fortress. However, because Yang is commanding it all there are doubts among the two as to what the ships contain. Emil von Reckendorf interrupts their conversation to say Lennenkampt decided to pursue the ships fleeing Iserlohn. Reuenthal doesn’t have a problem with it, though Bergengrün is hesitant to allow Lennenkampt do something he could boast about. Reuenthal says that if Lennenkampt succeeds it means Yang has lost his powers, but he will just wait it out and hope for the best from him.

Lennenkampt launches his attack by planning to cut off the escape and attacking from behind with Klapstein’s fleet. When the move begins, Iserlohn’s turrets begin firing on Klapstein’s ships which begin taking heavy damage. At this point, Reuenthal decides he has to intervene. Lennenkampt’s fleet continues pursuit and eventually he decides to go after the transport ships. The transport ships, though were traps and rigged to explode. Lennenkampt’s fleet takes heavy damage and Reuenthal is forced to send Lutz’s fleet in to help. Lennenkampt calls Reuenthal’s ship and apologizes for taking heavy damage, but Reuenthal says it was helpful because they no what Yang is planning on doing.

Reuenthal explains to Bergengrün that the attack was designed to discourage pursuit when they decided to abandon Iserlohn. Bergengün asks if they should prepare to pursue, but Reuenthal says there’s no need since they can just take Iserlohn at no cost. Bergengrün is still concerned about letting Yang go, but Reuenthal says that his force alone shouldn’t have to deal with Yang alone. Also, he says that there is a saying that says that there would be no need for hunters if there were no wild animals, so they avoid hunting all of them. Bergengrün then warns Reuenthal that statements like that could be punished if they were interpreted in the wrong way.

Back on Iserlohn, Yang complains about the name of the operation to Cazellnu as not being creative enough. Cazellnu says that evacuating over 5 million people presents enough to worry about and blowing up 500 transport ships in the last skirmish did not help matters. Attenborough walks toward Yang, but after hearing Cazellnu, he retreats quickly. Cazellnu says they are being forced to transport civilians on battleships.

On the Ulysses, they recieve word they are transporting 600 babies and their mothers. An officer yells out that they are lucky because women are most beautiful after giving birth, but another man expresses worries over the sheer amount of babies.

Back on Iserlohn, Yang tells Frederica that they are planting bombs around the fortress that are there just to hide the bigger trap they have hidden. They are designed to be found quickly enough to drop their guard after finding them. Yang then says that there is a possibility that their trap won’t be successful or if they will ever need to use Iserlohn again. Frederica, though, is sure that they will need to return because it is the true home of Yang’s fleet.

Yang’s fleet departs and Reuenthal tells his men not to pursue. Lennenkampt asks if Reuenthal is sure they shouldn’t, and Reuenthal says nothing good would come out of it. Lennenkampt accepts the decision, which Reuenthal puts down to his earlier defeat. Reuenthal then tells Bergengrün that after the fortress is secure to chase after Yang, but not to engage with his fleet. Lutz calls in to say that they should be worried about bombs being hidden on Iserlohn and they should send in an explosives team first, which Reuenthal agrees they should.

A few minutes later, Yang and his men watch Iserlohn in the hope that the bombs do not go off. Frederica completes the countdown and there is no explosion. Yang is relieved, while on Iserlohn the bombs expert explains to Reuenthal that if it were five minutes later they would never have disarmed the bombs in time. Reuenthal believes that there is something else hidden in the fortress, but he says it doesn’t matter since it would not be his responsibility and that Yang may not actually get another chance. Yang tells Reckendorf to send the message to Odin that Iserlohn has been captured.

As the Schenkopp and Poplan pay their respects to Iserlohn, the new occupying force has to deal with the matter of a soldier who misappropriated resources from the Alliance. Reuenthal put him through a rapid trial and decided to execute the man himself. The man’s last words accuse the current Admirals and High Admirals of war crimes that have been ignored because they’ve won. He says his crimes are tiny in comparison and that the world is not fair as a result. He goes on to call Reinhard a devil who is intent on taking the country for himself. Reuenthal asks the man why he doesn’t go on and take the country himself before shooting him. As Reuenthal walks away, he asks himself why he doesn’t take over the country.

Thoughts: Since Reuenthal now obviously has designs on taking Reinhard’s job at some point in the future, he is obviously going to have to wait for a chance to do so. Reinhard’s death on the battlefield would be one possibility, but as there are still 64 episodes to go I don’t see that happening…The last part of the episode seems to continue the trend of disproportionate punishment on the Imperial side, someone steals some money and they die while letting millions die for strategic purposes gets rewarded.

Burned out? Not so much as completely devoid of ideas.

One year ago today I started this little project in writing having really no idea what I wanted to focus on and perhaps mainly as a way to kill time since I did not have anything to do the next day. With almost half of my posts in the past year devoted to Legend of the Galactic Heroes, as great as that is, I still think things haven’t quite gone to plan. Since I have a tendency to perhaps overreact to anything new in the most negative way possible (see my Worst Spring Ever posts from the first week of April), I though I would reflect on how this fall compares in the short term compares to last year.

Firmly proving that I don't actually have to finish a show to get a reference

Last fall had tons of quality in shows that I did not actually manage to finish. While I could go on about insanely melodramatic school dramas, cheapening reset endings, post-apocalyptic settings that do little more than provide atmosphere, the worst case of DVD-pushing censorship ever seen or finding someone who cannot tolerate any character named Hime, I can only go off the fact that is all hearsay. So what the hell was I watching last year you probably aren’t asking?

Eight minutes of a couple of characters eating cakes can be entertaining.

My slice of life series last year was Hyakko, while it lacked in plenty of areas the attempts at comedy were usually short lived never lasting more than a few minutes. A solid if unspectacular series basically. This year, Seitokai no Ichizon has been my attempt to fill that little niche. To say it is going pretty badly is an understatement. Episode 5 in particular felt like it was draining away my life force as I kept watching. Why haven’t I dropped this yet?

Advantage: 2008

I think this OVA was probably one of the better things I've watched this year.

For my fan-service-heavy-but-weak-in-plot needs I watched Akane-iro Somaru Saka. While the implied potential incest angle could be questionable in taste, it wasn’t full blown like Koi Kaze. I can remember watching a few of the episodes in the middle where my interest would never be maintained. The series that probably fits closest to this now is Sora no Otoshimono. While I would say the plot is pretty much paper thin from what I’ve seen. The level of fan service can would probably be a bit less that I expected, but I have to give some credit for the strange mix of continuity and episodic elements.

Advantage: Push

2008: The Year When Lengthy Mid-Battle Exposition Became Acceptable

As my direct comparisons are going to fall apart rather quickly I think I’ll just have to do this one at a time. Toaru Majutsu no Index, would not be something I would have classified as a guilty pleasure necessarily. It took me a while to go back to this after the first half of the series, but the quality of certain arcs was pretty poor while others were good. Take episode 17 as an example, trying to rush in character development for Kanzaki in the middle of a battle just made the episode a gigantic shambles in the space of a couple of minutes. The Accelerator arc on the other hand worked for me because it kept things simple. Bad guy gets what’s coming to him and Touma gets the girl…sort of.

Trying to compare that to Kämpfer would be silly, but some of the same lessons can be applied. While it would be hard to call anything in this gender-bender combat fighting series excellent, it does do well in recognizing how absurd it is from the constant disregard it shows for the fourth wall. Unfortunately, I don’t see how they can keep it simple for as long as even 12 episodes.

This kind of attention to detail had me forgetting what they were arguing about in the first place

About this time last year I was trying to catch up on episode of Kannagi. For the effort of a disgraced director trying comedy again it was alright. Such was this show’s influence on me that I have forgotten if there was actually a plot developing toward the end of the series. I get that it is popular, but I don’t really know why.

Contrasting with that is Madhouse’s latest effort with the Aoi Bungaku series of short stories. While I’ve only seen the first 3 episodes which cover just the “No Longer Human” story, it is good to see modern sensibilities applied to classic stories. I also wasn’t expecting much in the way of social commentary, but I’ve been impressed by what I have seen so far.

If ChäoS;HEAd had worked it's way back to this ending, I probably would have had immense respect for it

Last of the fall 2008 series was ChäoS;HEAd; which gets some credit like all things that try as hard as they can to run into a hard brick wall. While there is something that could be said about the quality of writing that gets several girls attracted to a hikikomori, it’s all just a delusion anyway. How I wish the ending would have been a lot more negative.

For the rest of this fall’s shows I’m sticking with, there’s the shoujo/yuri combination of Kimi ni Todoke and Sasameki Koto that I’m shocked to be watching and enjoying. While the former seems to be well-packaged and quick to avoid cliche writing, I worry about the ability of the series to generate conflict beyond a certain point. The latter is probably the best directed series airing at the moment, while I’ve been largely impressed with the music direction in the dramatic moments.

Finally, there’s Trapeze or Kūchū Buranko or whatever it is called. I can’t really pass judgement on this without seeing the complete work. Well, maybe if I took some mind-compromising substance I could.

Overall I would say 2008 wins this comparison at the moment. I can probably revisit this in my end-of-year post when I’ve probably gotten my current shows trimmed to a similar number as last year.

The way I see it Hosinger is continuing the series' fine tradition of combining strategy meetings with heavy consumption of alcohol.

The 45th episode of Legend of the Galactic Heroes focuses largely on the reaction to the news from Phezzan on Heinessen, and what the Alliance government plans to do about it. While there is disappointment at the public statements coming from the government, behind-the-scenes, the government and military seem to finally getting their acts together.

The episode begins with Reinhard gazing at the night sky from a suite on Phezzan. He has never seen many of the stars, yet he only sees them as objects to be conquered in the future. Seconds later, the new year begins and the assembled Imperial officers toast to the new year. Another officer, Turneisen calls for a toast to the final year of the Alliance and Reinhard raises his glass to that.

Mittermeyer and Müller are observing this interaction, and the former notes that Müller apart the younger officers like Turneisen have a tendency to show off. Müller puts that down to the widespread view that the war is coming to an end. Mittermeyer moves the conversation onto the upcoming invasion, and he believes the Allied force will be led by Bucock a man he says has more experience than the two of them plus Reuenthal and Bittenfeld combined.

Reinhard interrupts their conversation and begins to ask Mittermeyer about his tactics for the invasion since the Allied forces will in all likelihood act like a cornered rat. Mittermeyer says that if the Allied force were large enough, they could meet them at the exit from the Phezzan Corridor. However, he doesn’t think this will be the case and instead the Alliance will try to draw them deep into their territory and stress the Imperial supply lines in a move similar to Amlitzer 3 years earlier. Mittermeyer does see opportunity to win when the Alliance does make their move though by splitting their forces. Müller agrees and thinks that if the Alliance cannot resist the urge to fight, they can turn the situation into a war of attrition they will almost certainly come out on top. Reinhard comments that would be a rather boring conclusion and hopes the Alliance can maintain some order.

Hilde is also in attendance at the party, and Turneisen says to her that future historians will envy the position she is in. Hilde thinks that Turneisen was in Reinhard’s class when the two were younger, but thinks that he may be too obsessed with Reinhard. As the clock turns to 2:00, Mittermeyer tells Reinhard that his men are about to depart, and Reinhard says they will meet again on Heinessen if all works out to plan.

Turneisen talks to another officer Sombart about positions under Reinhard. Since Mittermeyer and Reuenthal are each commanding the two combat theaters, their influence will only continue to grow. Turneisen understands that it is because they have a history of success that they get more opportunities. Sombart says that under the old system success did not guarantee advancement, so this is an improvement. Turneisen says that even two years ago, Mittermeyer wouldn’t have been a force in the military because of his background. Sombart then refers to Müller, who at 29 has not had the level of success, and the only way he could have advanced must have been in the confusion of war. The two then agree that since the war is coming to an end that there are almost no more opportunities for advancement.

As the party appears to be dying down, Reinhard has a seat and begins to nod off thinking about Kircheis. He is awoken by Hilde, and he confides a feeling of uncertainty about the times. He has no doubt that he will win the war, but he doesn’t know what will happen after that. He can’t think of a world where he does not have an enemy to fight. He quickly regains his composure and says the war hasn’t been decided yet, as he sees Mittermeyer’s fleet launching from the window. He then thinks about all of the soldiers who have won battles but have been ignored by history because they lost their final one. He says that he cannot be one of them and hasn’t been able to live his own life for some time.

On Heinessen, the High Council received word that Phezzan had been conquered and they set out an agenda to make sure it was not reported on. Unfortunately for them, word spread quickly through merchants fleeing Phezzan. Outside the High Council building, a group of journalists has assembled because the public has been left in the dark about the Alliance’s response. The Press Secretary arrives and reads out a short statement that the High Council has responsibility for this event. Needless to say, that does nothing to calm the crowd down.

In a press truck outside, a monitor shows William Odets’ outrage at the fact that the people seem to not be cooperating with the government. One of the men journalists comes in and tells the other man in the truck that Truniht was not in attendance at the High Council meeting. Truniht is nothing more than a demagogue politician it seems, but the Council now seems to be run by Secretary of Defense Islands. One of them wonders what the second string politician can do apart from getting rebates on military equipment.

At the High Council meeting, Islands is trying to get a consensus on whether they fight to the death or not. He asks if anyone is for immediate surrender, and none of the ministers are. Then he asks if they fight until every citizen is dead or if they should fight to gain a better position in negotiations over a peace treaty. Again, there seems to be little response from the other ministers.

At military HQ, Islands arrives and asks Bucock for military cooperation to fight for better positioning on a peace treaty. Bucock gladly agrees on those terms. As Islands leaves, he says he finally has clarity on what he is supposed to be doing, but he says it is probably much too late. Bucock comments that it is good to finally have a Defense Minister who is motivated to work. The situation has progressed to the point where he adjutant wishes the coup would have succeeded because the defense would have been much stronger. Bucock strongly objects and says it would not have been worth it to turn the Alliance into a dictatorship to compete with the Empire’s dictatorship. He says it is much better to allow the Alliance to die as a democracy than to live on as a dictatorship. He then also says that a nation that cannot protect its people or its founding principles has no reason to exist, and Bucock says his job is to do both. Bucock then gets up to leave to go see Dawson, the head of the Military Council, because Bucock cannot be trusted to make decisions on his own.

At the Alliance’s Strategic Planning Centre, Bucock dictates to Dawson what his plans are for what is left of the Alliances forces. All that remains is the 1st Fleet, now commanded by Paeta, apart from Yang’s forces at Iserlohn. They decide to create a 14th and 15th fleet out of 20,000 ships from around the Alliance to be led by Lionel Mouton and Ralph Carlsen.

At the Legitimate Imperial Government headquarters, a debate has turned personal. Carnap says that protecting the Kaiser is now much harder without Phezzan to help them, while a drunk Hosinger says everyone is more concerned about their own safety because they opposed Reinhard. Remscheid is not happy at the outburst and says Hosinger is embarrassing his name with what he is saying, but Hosinger responds by saying he doesn’t have a name to embarrass in the first place, so he can say what everyone else cannot. So he proposes giving up the Kaiser to Reinhard. The statement shocks everyone else, especially Radbruch who questions Hosinger’s pride as a nobleman and calls him a disgrace.

Outside the meeting, Lansburg and Schumacher asks Schneider where Merkatz is. They are disappointed to hear he is in the meeting and the two say they will return later. Lansburg vows that he will sacrifice his life for the Kaiser, and leaves a message to Merkatz asking if there is anything he can do. Schumacher asks Schneider for information on Phezzan as he is worried about what will happen to the rest of the men he left behind there since they were part of the Lippstadt Alliance.

Back at the Strategic Planning Centre, Bucock receives word of Ozman suffering an aneurysm. Mouton says it must be because he was overworked. Bucock then calls for a man who served under Ozman, Trung Yu-Chang, known for being a second generation baker.

Trung arrives a little late carrying a bag of sandwiches made with day-old bread. He comments that steaming the bread taste OK if it is a little stale, which has Carlsen shaking his head. Bucock starts the meeting by telling them they have already decided what to do for the most part. They will draw the invasion fleet in and attack from behind once their supply lines are stretched, which will damage them to the point where they are forced to withdraw. Trung then asks if they could just recall Yang back from Iserlohn since his knowledge and fleet are important to the Alliance and the current situation is one he likens to putting fresh bread in the refrigerator. The rest of the men are shocked by the idea, but Trung continues. He says that since the enemy is coming from Phezzan, Iserlohn is basically worthless. Paeta says that Yang is still fighting the enemy at Iserlohn, so recalling him isn’t so easy, but Trung says Yang will manage it somehow. The situation may even turn to one where the Alliance is destroyed but Iserlohn survives, and even if they do get a peace treaty, the Empire will demand Iserlohn back as part of the terms. The Alliance doesn’t have the resources to waste Yang protecting Iserlohn. Bucock asks Trung if they should tell Yang to abandon Iserlohn then. Trung says they do not have to be so specific, and that they should just tell him the General Staff Office will take responsibility so he should do what he thinks is best. Trung thinks Yang will abandon Iserlohn in response.

At Phezzan’s embassy on Heinessen, Pletweri is busy taking stock certificates and shredding documents deep into the night. He is interrupted by Boris Konev who is uncertain as to whether he has a job in the aftermath of Phezzan’s conquest. He cannot leave himself to abandon a sinking ship as a sailor. He says that he has been unable to get information from Phezzan and asks Pletweri to use his military connections to get some news. Pletweri says his hands are too full to deal with Konev’s optimistic request, and he asks for some help gathering papers to flee. Konev then wonders how things are going for his old ship, then he says the only way he can get back to Phezzan is for the Alliance to lose. Then he says he hopes Yang doesn’t do anything stupid.

At Iserlohn, Frederica informs Yang of the order he has received from Heinessen. He reads over Bucock’s instructions and expresses relief that he has a commander who is reasonable. He reads off the order to Frederica and she says that it must mean that he has free rein to do whatever he has to do. Yang jokes back that it must mean Bucock is making him work harder than his salary justifies.

Back at the military headquarters, Bucock receives word that he has been promoted, and asks if it is their way of saying not to come back alive. His conversation is interrupted by the news that the adjutant Captain Fyhen has died of a heart attack. Bucock goes ahead and names the man who informed him of the death, Soun Soulzzcuaritter, as the new adjutant.

At the Legitimate Imperial Government headquarters, Remscheid walks in on Merkatz sitting alone. He asks what happened to the other ministers, and Merkatz simply shakes his head.

The episode ends with the three Allied fleets departing from Heinessen and Bucock’s arrival on the Rio Grande flagship, while Mittermeyer’s fleet breaks through the Phezzan Corridor and meets no opposition.

Thoughts: My question from last week about Reinhard not knowing what to do after the war remains unresolved, but here he seemed to acknowledge it was a problem…With Yang now being free to do whatever he wants, does that mean he is going to manage to save the day for everyone. Also, how exactly is he going to manage to get away from Reuenthal. It isn’t as though he is going to just let him waltz back into Allied space unopposed.

Mittermeyer is about to make a few men experience the full wrath of "The Gale Wolf."

The 44th episode of Legend of the Galactic Heroes takes place almost entirely on Phezzan. This episode features an assassination attempt and further insight into the independent spirit that has guided Phezzan throughout its century of autonomy with the usual Julian heroics thrown in at the same time.

The episode begins with what had been the general consensus of Mittermeyer’s actions to this point. He was guiding his fleet to Iserlohn to assist Reuenthal in finally defeating Yang. However, the uninformed front line men had not been told the true stated destination and were wondering why they seemed to be heading further and further off track. They are unwilling to say anything until Mittermeyer finally reveals that they are heading to the Phezzan Corridor. Mittermeyer says that is only the first part of their mission. They will be using Phezzan as a base to attack the rebels who dare to call themselves the Free Planets Alliance. He says that beating the Alliance will not be easy because it is a vast area and they have at least one outstanding commander, but controlling the Phezzan Corridor should give them a tremendous advantage. The soldiers seem motivated after his speech as he orders them toward Phezzan.

On an observation platform above Phezzan a shift change is about to take place. While the men seem more concerned about what they will be doing later that evening, Mittermeyer’s fleet comes out of warp. While they try to contact the fleet to convince them to stop, they all realize that it is in fact an Imperial invasion. As futility sets in, they contact Rubinsky’s office and wonder why no one knew that Phezzan’s situation had come to this point.

On the surface, civilians begin to panic as Imperial ships come into view. At his residence, Rubinsky expresses his surprise that Reinhard would have come this far this quickly. Boltik has been bought off, and both he and Rubinsky agree that he would be supported by the Imperial Government to run Phezzan, though he lacks the talent to do the job effectively.

Kesselink begins to talk to Rubinsky in the past tense. Rubinsky would be the shortest-serving ruler of Phezzan, and his age is effectively over. Rubinsky is not so sure about that, but Kesselink says that he like Boltik is tired of actors dominating the stage when they have clearly lost the right to be there. Rubinsky sees that opinion as a badge of honor that he can be harder to manage than Boltik. Kesselink laughs that off and pulls out a handgun from his jacket. Rubinsky calmly dismisses Kesselink by saying that while he was showing ambition in looking for an opportunity to take him down, he was naive in thinking this was the right time to do so. He also begins to talk down to Kesselink by calling him by his first name. Kesselink insists he can overthrow Boltik at anytime, but Rubinsky, his father, is the one standing in the way. Rubinsky again calls Kesselink by his first name, which make the latter extremely angry, but Rubinsky says he can because he is Kesselink’s father.

As Kesselink begins to formulate a response to that, two guards break through a wall behind him and Kesselink is mortally wounded. Rubinsky stands over Kesselink and tells him he was naive and knew exactly why he came to his house on this evening. He asks him why he thought Dominique San Piel was an ally. Kesselink curses her while Rubinsky continues to say that if Kesselink were less like himself he probably would have handed him control in time. Kesselink responds by saying he thought Rubinsky would never hand him anything and he was forced to try to steal it. With his last words he vows to leave his father with nothing.

His son now dead, Rubinsky’s security detail asks what they should do now. Rubinsky says Truniht was able to go into hiding during the Alliance’s coup and that he should now do something similar.

As Julian and Mashengo try to make their way back to the Alliance High Commissioner’s office, Mittermeyer gives his men a list of targets to secure for the purpose of gathering important information for the invasion of Imperial space. Mittermeyer also stresses that he will not tolerate any actions that would reflect badly on the Empire, and the punishment would be execution via firing squad after a short hearing.

Julian and Mashengo arrive at the office and immediately seem like the only ones willing to do anything. Julian asks for the computers to be wiped and Henslow only agrees after Julian is willing to take responsibility for it. In response, Julian jokes that they could always leave the computers as they are and hope the Imperial forces will be lenient. Henslow’s eyes light up before Julian says he will do it.

Throughout the capital, the Imperial ground forces get to work. They start at Rubinsky’s office and find nothing. Back at the Imperial High Commissioner’s office, Julian and Mashengo return to find Henslow sitting alone with every other official having abandoned their post. Julian reluctantly tells Henslow to grab some money and change clothes and prepare to escape. He then asks Mashengo to help him assemble an automatic rifle firing device.

The ground forces get to Rubinsky’s residence and only find Kesselink’s body. They arrive at the High Commissioner’s office to find themselves fired upon by Julian’s device. Glaeser responds in kind by firing into the second floor window, he then realizes something is up when there is no return fire. He orders men into the building and they find nothing in there but empty computers. In the confusion, Julian, Henslow and Mashengo managed to get away from the building unnoticed. Julian tells the Commissioner that they have to find an independent merchant willing to send them out of Phezzan and Julian back to where he belongs, alongside Yang.

In the days that followed, Mittermeyer proved himself an able administrator. Few changes were made that were noticed amongst the ordinary citizenry. The economy was kept as is and Mittermeyer put in a regime to prevent rapid price changes to protect against Phezzan’s notoriously predatory merchants. Mittermeyer is also out to prove what he said about defending the reputation of the Empire with a public execution.

A few men had raped a civilian woman, then stole all of her belongings, and the men involved would now be paying with their lives, while Mittermeyer wishes he could pull the trigger himself. The head of their company appealed for leniency, but Mittermeyer will have none of it.

Meanwhile, Julian takes his two companions to meet Mariensk, an independent merchant and business officer who is willing to find them a ship for the right price. Mariensk is quick to point out that there isn’t much separation between the two of them. His captain, Boris Konev, and Yang were childhood friends. Unfortunately, Boris Konev is on Heinessen, but Mariensk does no another talented pilot willing to take the job because a contract is the most sacred thing for Phezzani. Mariensk asks Julian to provide payment, which Julian provides in cash from Henslow. Mariensk leaves to get the pilot, but Henslow asks if his money is worth the trust he seems to have in the merchant. Mashengo also warns Julian that he may have to kill Mariensk or the pilot if they are betrayed. Julian says he is ready to do anything to return to Yang’s side.

At St. Theresa’s Square, the public execution is being set up. Two soldiers talk behind Mittermeyer’s back about the admiral’s past. Before he joined Reinhard’s side, Mittermeyer had executed a noble-born soldier who killed a civilian to rob them. While correct under military law, Mittermeyer’s common background had the nobility outraged to the point where he was thrown in prison and nearly murdered. Reuenthal then sought help from Reinhard. The proceedings quickly get underway. The prisoners are fired upon and killed. The public in attendance can’t help but applaud at what they have seen.

Müller arrives on Phezzan and is greeted by Mittermeyer. The two go for a ride and talk about how easily the occupation seems to be going. However, Mittermeyer remains worried because the people seem to have accepted the current situation, but there must be some who resent it. In addition, they let Rubinsky escape, and he could be capable of organizing a resistance.

In the restaurant “Drakur,” Cary Willock expresses his resentment at the present state of Phezzan. The government did not do a very good job in gathering intelligence on Odin and because they could become officials in the Imperial government. Willock believes that the three powers will all disappear with Reinhard becoming the Kaiser of the entire universe. Willock gets up and tells the bar patrons that they are all free people who do not need a Kaiser to unite behind. An old man in the corner begins to speak about states not having the right to continue existing. Willock adds that although Phezzan may disappear temporarily, that they will bring it back by building a nation for free independent traders.

Mariensk enters the room and claps at Willock’s speech. Willock asks why he is there, and Mariensk tells him he has a job. Willock instantly accepts without hearing the details. Willock says he would accept a job from the devil if it meant not rotting in dying Phezzan.

Reinhard arrives on Phezzan flanked by Hilde and Oberstein. The assembled crowd begins chanting their love for their Kaiser. Reinhard comments that they are impatient, but he waves to the crowd anyway.

Later, Mittermeyer briefs Reinhard on the situation. Rubinsky and Henslow remain at large and they did not get any information from the Alliance High Commissioner’s office. Reinhard seems content and says there is no need for Mittermeyer to apologize. He then says he could care less about Henslow and they can get data from the Navigation Office. Rubinsky, though, remains a concern for Reinhard. Hilde says that Rubinsky has accepted defeat, but he anticipates Boltik won’t be up to the job of controlling Phezzan, and he can then turn up to take control back. Reinhard is still bothered by something else. He believes Rubinsky and Boltik know something, but aren’t telling them and Reinhard can’t put his finger on it.

Reinhard arrives at the Navigation Office’s main computer room and goes in alone. He loads the map of Allied space with its sites of older battles. He then looks down at his picture of Kircheis and tells his dead friend that they are on their way to gaining control of the universe.

Thoughts: It looks like the Phezzan invasion went pretty easily and the Alliance should be next on the agenda…I’m beginning to wonder what Reinhard will do after all of this is over. The whole ruling thing seems to be something he delegates, but without enemies will he be able to function?

Schenkopp returns after failing to change history, and you know there is no way that is his blood on his armor.

The 43rd episode of Legend of the Galactic Heroes primarily focuses on the battle between Yang and Reuenthal at Iserlohn. Predictably, the battle turns out to be highly tactical while both commanders realize the whole exercise is serving as a diversion.

The episode begins with Reuenthal’s fleet taking potshots at Iserlohn. Yang cannot help but be impressed by the formation being deployed against him even though it is a diversionary operation from the Empire’s point of view. Reuenthal then has Lutz move into a half-enveloping formation in an attempt to force Yang to do something.

Standing by on Iserlohn is Attenborough, but Yang tells him to wait so he can determine what they are doing. Murai interjects and says if they allow things to continue as they are, the Imperial forces could linger in the dead areas where the Thor’s Hammer cannot hit them. Yang relents and has Fischer join Attenborough in an attempt to disrupt the enemy’s movements.

Lutz’s forces charge at the fleet as it comes out which presents a new problem to Yang. Attenborough and Fischer are concentrating more on avoiding collisions with other ships, regardless of affiliation, and Yang cannot fire on the mass of ships without hitting any of his own. Yang wonders what he can do to overturn the advantage the Imperial ships now have, but Schenkopp has an idea of his own.

Reuenthal waits for an what Yang will do next, if he sends out reinforcements Reuenthal can send out his own reinforcements and turn the battle into a war of attrition. With the reputation of his opponent, Reuenthal knows Yang will try something that will live up to his nickname as “the Magician.” Reinforcements do eventually come out of Iserlohn, which has Attenborough wondering if a war of attrition would work. Reuenthal sees the reinforcements coming out and instructs his reinforcements to move in, until he sees that Yang’s flagship Hyperion is part of the reinforcements. Reuenthal directs all of his ships to attack Hyperion as he sees it as a chance to end the battle quickly.

Before they can get within firing range, Reuenthal’s ship is attacked by an Alliance ship which attaches itself. Reuenthal and his crew are then forced to worry about hand-to-hand combat, but Reuenthal laments at being beaten by such a simple trick. Schenkopp and the rest of the Rosen Ritter emerge from the ship and begin taking on Imperial soldiers. Schenkopp makes it clear their objective is Reuenthal. On Iserlohn, Yang is pleased that the plan seems to have worked, but he is quick to acknowledge that only second-rate tricks would work against someone as skilled as Reuenthal. Even if they do not capture or kill Reuenthal, they still would have forced him into withdrawing.

Schenkopp and his men fight through waves of men through the ships corridors before Schenkopp enters a room where Reuenthal happens to be getting equipped for combat.  The situation quickly turns into a duel between the two men. Reuenthal is able to fight off Schenkopp for long enough to allow reinforcements to arrive, which forces Schenkopp to withdraw. Reuenthal says that it is farcical for a fleet commander to be forced into hand-to-hand combat against the notorious Rosen Ritter. He orders his forces to withdrawal while acknowledging that he was a bit to quick to try to end the battle.

The Imperial fleet retreats, and Yang asks Attenborough if there is any chance of pursuing them. Unfortunately, Attenborough can’t see any openings, so Yang has his fleet return to Iserlohn. Schenkopp arrives on the bridge, and says they let the big one get away but at least they were able to board the enemy’s flagship. Schenkopp describes his battle with Reuenthal, and Yang disappointingly says that Schenkopp was unable to change history.

The debriefing on the fleet battle begins later. Yang says Reuenthal could have won if he had continued to press on, but he says that makes him as one of the Empire’s Twin Stars different. Cazellnu laments that the skilled commanders always seem to be coming from the other side, while Schenkopp asks if Yang could win if it became a battle between fleets. Yang says that based on Reuenthal’s superior abilities to Kempf and the fact they barely won against the latter that it would just come down to luck. Schenkopp is disappointed with the answer and restates his point that he thinks Yang can beat Reinhard, but asks what he would do if he can’t beat Reinhard’s subordinate. Yang responds by saying that Schenkopp is free to think what he wants, but self-confidence does not translate into results.

As far as the ongoing battle was concerned, it had quickly turned into one of attrition. Reuenthal’s fleet would not enter firing range, and would withdrawal at any sign of being challenged by the Iserlohn fleet. Murai says they are trying to exhaust the soldiers on the fortress because the prospect of an enemy lurking just outside will fray at a soldier’s nerves. Frederica then asks Yang to get some rest because he looks more depressed than tired. Yang decides to take up the offer.

In the cafeteria, Poplan and Konev have another discussion on battlefield tactics. Poplan is frustrated at being powerless to change the situation, but Konev says they are safe inside the fortress and this is really a job for their defenses. Konev, though, wonders how serious the Empire is in trying to take Iserlohn back. Poplan says he much prefers someone who would take the job of seizing the fortress like a game than someone who would just do it seriously. Konev is still worried about the Empire’s intention, but Poplan says that Yang has it covered since no one is a better strategist.

The conversation moves on to the topic of conversations. Poplan says he talking to someone who effectively “plays catch” makes it easier for him to focus. He could do that with Julian, but not with someone like Konev. Konev then asks Poplan if Julian’s absence is more important to Yang. Poplan says yes and says Julian’s value is greater than most people think. That they can both agree on.

In his quarters, Yang talks to his cat, who he says is as inconvenienced as he is by Julian’s absence and wonders if he should have Charlotte take care of it. The cat meows, which Yang jokingly interprets as the cat gaining the ability to understand human speech. He begins talking strategy, and expresses his own frustration at the fact that he is powerless to act despite knowing what Reinhard is doing. He looks over at the cat which has now gone over to sleep on the couch and wishes that Julian was still there. His rest is interrupted by Frederica who calls to tell Yang that there are movements in the enemy fleet.

Upon returning to the bridge, Schenkopp tells Yang that groups of 500 Imperial ships have been engaging in hit-and-run attacks on the fortress. Yang orders the Thor’s Hammer to be fired while also deploying Iserlohn’s mobile turrets. The battle takes on a pattern of an Imperial ship lost for each turret damaged on Iserlohn. That changes when an Imperial ship crashes into Iserlohn’s surface which creates a weak point for other Imperial ships to fire on. Yang instructs turrets to be moved into the area while having the main gun fire inside the flowing metal. While this would destroy many of the turrets, it would move the metal back into place. Cazellnu, though, is thinking about the cost of all of this. They fire the gun which takes out a couple of Imperial ships who were too close and shores up the defense.

Reuenthal is impressed at Yang’s fighting strategy, but decides they need to press on since many of Iserlohn’s turrets would be unusable. Yang has the Thor’s Hammer fired at less than full strength to break up Reuenthal’s formations, which is successful. Reuenthal asks how much damage has been done on each side. Reuenthal’s fleet has lost 200 ships while destroying 200 of Iserlohn’s turrets. Reuenthal elects to withdraw and says they should have done enough damage to the enemy and any more would be pointless. Reuenthal then says the real drama is about to begin.

On Heinessen, the High Council receives word that the Empire has failed in their attack on Iserlohn and retreated back into Imperial space. Based on the imformation they have received from Phezzan, Reuenthal is asking for more reinforcements to stage another attack on Iserlohn.

On Phezzan, Kesselink reads from the same set of information and continues saying that Reinhard expressed regret at Reuenthal’s difficult fight, but he is now expressing the need to take Iserlohn in one blow. He intends to bring in the fleets of Mittermeyer, Steinmetz, Wahlen and Müller to take out Iserlohn. Phezzan also included a video of Reinhard giving out these orders in person while also stating that he will also be waiting should they need more support.

On Odin, the fleets depart, with Reinhard commenting that this is the beginning of the end to Hilde. She thinks she is about to go on a long journey, and must see Heinrich before departing.

Thoughts: I am liking the fact that it is being made obvious just how badly the Alliance government is being played by Phezzan and the Empire…I could have done without the exposition dump in the form of talking to a cat though…It looks like Phezzan will be revisited soon as that’s where the Imperial forces will be headed in all likelihood. Will Julian be able to make a difference?

Part of me wishes that those girls want some of Mashengo or imagining Julian as a harem lead.

The 42nd episode of Legend of the Galactic Heroes serves as an introduction to life on Phezzan to Julian as well as a look at the final preparations for the upcoming battles between the Alliance and the Empire. Politics behind the scenes on Phezzan are the order of the day. Preparations go seamlessly for the Imperial forces, while Bucock and Yang have to fight their own governments complacency.

The episode begins as Julian wakes up on the day of his arrival on Phezzan. Seemingly unable to wake up later than 6:30 am, he wonders how Yang must be doing on his own. Julian remembers a time when he had to prod Yang by telling him the enemy was approaching and future historians would look down on him for not getting out of bed. But Yang as always had a defense for staying in bed for just a few more minutes.

Julian then remembers a conversation he had with Frederica before he left. She remembers Yang at El Facil as a disheveled officer who was might have been so looked down upon that his superiors abandoned him. He didn’t look like he could take care of himself or even eat properly. These appearances though did not stop Frederica from liking him because of his potential, because at that point he was hardly a famous commander. Julian, though, wonders how Yang feels about their situation.

Julian arrives on Phezzan and is talked down to by the Alliance High Commissioner on Phezzan, Viola. Julian tries his best to get through the situation with dignity in tact, but as he leaves he comments to Mashengo that he is indeed in enemy territory. That was just amongst the Alliance officers stationed there. Mashengo says that they are all Truniht supporters, which goes some way toward explaining the hostility directed at him.

The two then set off on a little sightseeing around Phezzan. Three girls scream at Julian as he walks past for being so attractive and naïve. Julian negotiates the price of a jacket at a clothing store before Julian and Mashengo stop at a sidewalk café. The two comment on how much different Phezzan seems from the Alliance. There’s no hyperinflation or people worrying about where they will get their next meal. Even the stray cats are significantly overweight. Mashengo then says they should continue their sightseeing trip at the Imperial High Commissioner’s office. They get there and they know they are already being followed, so Julian thinks it would just be better to go to sleep early for the welcoming ceremony tomorrow.

At the ceremony, Julian is able to joke about life on Phezzan with the other guests. The guests joke about how easy it is to buy things with money, even women, though one says that Julian could probably do it without money. Julian uses this to segue into making Yang’s scenario for the battle public. He says that Phezzani independence and the Phezzan Corridor are just objects available at the right price. One man disputes this saying that warships aren’t allowed in the corridor, but Julian says that if it was a law it could simply be undone. Reinhard’s history for bending rules should also be taken into account. Kesselink intervenes and says Julian shouldn’t be throwing out conjecture of that sort. Julian says he wonders about that, but before the conversation can continue, Viola ends it.

Outside, Kesselink reports to Rubinsky and says Julian’s thoughts confirm that Yang has seen through everything. Rubinsky remains confident that Yang is powerless to do anything, however. Kesselink remains more worried about potential political backlash from the conversation, but Rubinsky tells him not to worry.

Kesselink drives to a building where he is keeping the Terraist bishop Degsby. Kesselink has forced Degsby to take all manners of drugs and engage in sinful activities. Kesselink comments that the Grand Bishop on Earth wouldn’t look too kindly upon Degsby’s actions. Degsby argues with Kesselink and says that he will eventually realize the errors of his ways. Kesselink laughs the suggestion off as well as Degsby’s question of fearing righteousness. To Kesselink, might is the only thing that determines where one gets in life. Rudolf wasn’t a righteous person, nor is Rubinsky, but they gained real power. Kesselink then tells Degsby that he would like him to take the Grand Bishop’s place while Kesselink overthrew Rubinsky. Degsby laughs hysterically at the thought of that playing out and compares Kesselink to a dog trying to take on an elephant. Kesselink threatens Degsby with leaking the footage of his drug use.

Meanwhile, Reinhard has his forces prepare for the coming invasion via actual combat. Oberstein informs him that 100 casualties were suffered in the preparations, but that is lucky considering 4 million took part in the exercises. Oberstein then discusses the role of Boltik after the invasion. The two come to an agreement that Boltik would not be up to the job of governing a Phezzan that was no longer independent, but they will allow him to fill the position without supporting him.

Reinhard then gives out the assignments for the invasion. Reuenthal is to lead the force headed to Iserlohn with Lennenkanpt and Lutz supporting. Mittermeyer is leading the force going through the Phezzan Corridor with Müller, who is denied the chance of redemption at Iserlohn, assisting him. Reinhard appointed himself to lead the third force with the Admirals Artringen, Brauhitz, Karnap, Gruneman and Therneusen supporting him. Oberstein, Hilde, who is being treated as a Commander; Streit, Lucke and Kißling are to be on board the flagship. The fourth force is headed by Steinmetz, and the fifth by Wahlen. These two would be necessary should the corridor be closed after the main invasion force made it to Alliance territory. In addition, Bittenfeld’s and Fahrenheit’s forces would remain on standby to play an important role in finishing off the Alliance fleet. Reinhard also orders Eisenach, a man noted for his support skills more than anything he had actually done in combat, to support the Iserlohn forces. Reinhard has Kesler and Mecklinger stay behind on Odin. Reinhard then tells everyone that the operation will begin with the departure of Reuenthal’s fleet on November 5th.

Behind the scenes, Reinhard made sure that only information pertaining to the Iserlohn aspect of the operation was leaked to the Alliance and Phezzan, which is clearly having an impact on a meeting of the Alliance’s National Defense Council. The bureaucrats assembled seem to have little doubt that Yang and Iserlohn will be able to stand up to whatever is thrown at them even if the present situation is a bit of an emergency. Bucock then asks for them to consider the possibility that the Empire would use the Phezzan Corridor. There is shock at the suggestion. Why would Phezzan throw its independence away and lose the profitability of everything they have provided the Alliance? Bucock says that Phezzan has spent on defense for each planet, but hasn’t spent anything on the Alliance government, but then he asks if they actually have. Appalled at the suggestion that they’ve been bought off, the meeting adjourns without addressing Bucock’s ideas.

On Iserlohn, Yang finalizes plans for how they will defend against the attack. The fleet will hide in the corridor then emerge to force the enemy into the Thor Hammer. It’s a simple strategy, but Murai wishes they had more ships for reconnaissance. Cazellnu walks in and informs everyone that budget cuts from the government have meant that they have to use manned ships for recon missions even though they are already shorthanded. Frederica then informs Yang that the Ulysses is out on a recon mission.

On board the Ulysses, crew members speculate on why their captain seems to be in a bad mood. The theories range from losing a game of cards to an argument with his wife to the even more absurd love of his life Julian leaving for Phezzan. Either way he does not appear too happy. It only gets worse when Reuenthal’s fleet appears before them. The crew wonders what to do, but they are ordered to retreat because the undefeated Iserlohn fleet stays undefeated by avoiding unwinnable battles.

On Reuenthal’s ship, he tells his men that it isn’t worth following just one battleship. It is more useful for them to return and spread rumors amongst their crew. The far greater concern for Reuenthal is the chance to take on Yang and Iserlohn.

Back on Iserlohn, Cazellnu tells Yang that the number of ships spotted is far greater than the amount that participated in the earlier attack on Iserlohn. Frederica asks Yang if this is part of a greater strategy, while Murai comments that they should stop sending the Ulysses out on recon missions because it always spots enemy forces approaching. Yang responds by joking that they could always raise the alert level by one whenever the Ulysses is sent out. After it falls flat, Yang tells everyone to start preparations.

Frederica still looks concerned, but Yang tells her that he is confident that the fortress will stand up to anything that can be thrown at it. What worries him more is what the Alliance forces will do. If they are ordered to leave, the fortress could be seized and the fleet could be attacked on two sides. Yang has Frederica send the military a report that they are about to be attacked, but Yang says to include his thoughts that the Empire is probably going to use the Phezzan Corridor as well and to focus on reinforcing that side. Yang says it is probably no use, but he has to help Bucock back on Heinessen.

The episode ends on November 20th with Reuenthal’s fleet beginning the attack on Iserlohn.

Thoughts: I expect the next episode will focus on Reuenthal as he finally gets his dream shot at taking on Yang…I also wonder if Yang’s report will be twisted by those in power as a way for Yang to take glory for himself on the road to controlling the government…I also wonder what Julian will manage to do to save the day on Phezzan.

Sakurai Tomoki or whatever passes for a male lead these days.

Trying to look at groups of people based solely on TV ratings and DVD sales can be a frustrating exercise indeed. For example I could say that the general public in Japan likes animation that is nostalgic and/or child friendly based on rankings like this, or I could say those who actually buy the product like samurai and moe anime based on this. However, that would be as much of a logical fallacy as saying American men who buy beer like football and objectifying women based on a bunch of adverts. That doesn’t stop them from being made, though.

In a brief conversation with Twitter, the topic of Japan’s efforts to promote anime in an attempt to expand its “soft power” came up and this response got me thinking. Could this be the answer I was looking for in all of this?

The otaku making stuff for other otaku point could make sense logically. The idea of members of a niche subculture making something that caters to other members which reinforces the subculture and sets it further away from mainstream seems reasonable. I happen to be further separated from this by being part of a separate mainstream culture in another country thousands of miles away, which is just a really elaborate way of saying the material is becoming more inpenetrable because it is made for a selected group.

There’s really no way I can see this trend reversing anytime soon, and I am completely powerless to do something about it. There’s really no point in raging over the fact I can’t get an ever increasing percentage of what I am watching anyway. So I remain pretty much limited to asking myself why I like or dislike something constantly or trying to come up with ideas on why something gets made or if something like Saimoe is indicative of the future of character design?

Is it a pointless exercise? Most likely, but I can still have a go at criticizing the passive wish fulfillment in Sora no Otoshimono even if I do laugh at some of the silliness and it is well executed overall. I might not give the highly academic analysis of what I am watching (apart from my few years old idea of a look at snow removal in anime based on Kanon) but I can at least continue the constant introspection that has become a part of my experience watching anime.

It appears I have come from this at the wrong angle in asking why I decide not to finish 30-ish% of what I initially start. Maybe I should just start with why I like to watch anime in the first place over a lot of other activities I could be enjoying?

Seitokai no Ichizon is in the top half of the MAL ratings for this season, but does the concept show a lack of ambition?

A few months before I started this blog, I decided to take a trip back in time and find out if I had in fact been living a lie, or if anime really was better back in the day. Ten years seemed a decent enough cutoff, so I watched all of the Summer 1998 new shows , all three of them.

This number wasn’t all together too surprising to me, as the explosion in number of new shows had a clear starting point, so watching all 3 should have been easy enough. Turns out it didn’t quite work out like that.

Serial Experiments Lain was something I had always intended to go back and watch at some point anyway. I definitely wasn’t disappointed, but as the best of these shows it looked worryingly dated. A symptom of trying to use technology as the defining plot element in all likelihood.

NightWalker ended up simply being an episodic rehashing of various Western monster cliches packaged into a short series. The ending is also shockingly ruined in the final minutes while hilarious alluding to a second season that never happens.

Shadow Skill seemed a pretty average fantasy/action series with an animation budget that seemed to approach zero with each passing episode. I ended up dropping this before I got to the supposedly awful ending.

So 1 out of 3 dropped, which is about on line with how I am in general, but I don’t think it really means anything here. It could mean I could not want to watch anything longer than 13 episodes (Shadow Skill being 26). More likely, it means I simple watch for the purpose of being entertained and nothing more than that. Instead there was something else that struck me about these three shows. There didn’t seem to be any catering toward a niche audience.

While the steam may be opaque the attempt to drive DVD sales is as transparent as ever

The hallmarks of a lot of more modern anime that I watch like token onsen episodes, blatent attempts to sell more DVDs, casts of characters with no depth so they are easy to write for. Instead it seemed like was about trying to put out the best product possible within whatever meager constraints they had and hoping the quality would sell the show. Essentially all three showed ambition even if 2 of the 3 utterly failed to make a mark on me.

The conclusion I ultimately reached was that in 10 years anime had slowly gone from something desperately trying to reach mass appeal to something that was just content with the safety of a niche audience in 90% of the cases, but lacks confidence in selling itself to that niche. What does the new product say about its intended niche audience though?

I've gone from liking stuff with explosions to thinking Sasameki Koto might be the best show of the season. Evidence of change I guess.

I didn’t always be like this. I would gladly finish whatever series I had decided to watch, then something changed. I bring this up because MAL (or rather should I say whatever I have put in) says I’m on 199 drops or 32.9% of anything I have started watching.

This raises a variety of questions such as:

• Do I even like anime?
• Why don’t I just stick to genres that I know I like?
• Is there a brutality to my style of watching?

To answer those 3 simple questions; I keep watching it don’t I?, it is hard to stick to certain genres when hardly anything of quality gets made in those anymore and sticking to specific genres is a little narrow-minded in my opinion, and it’s not really brutal since I doubt any of the creators care what this blogger with a microscopic readership thinks.

Instead I think it has something to do with the my own perceived cost of media consumption. Not to get sentimental again, but I remember having to download anime over a dial up connection. So at that point it made sense to me continue watching since I had invested more time than anything in getting just 20 minutes of entertainment. That also led me to buy DVDs back in the expensive days since $30 in the place of 4-6 days worth of effort made sense. On reflection a lot of errors were made there (glances at Love Hina boxset on shelf).

Over time, it has become incredibly easy to just grab pretty much anything in a short amount of time. Within a couple of hours I can decided to download the first episode of Tatakau Shisho to deciding that it isn’t worth my time. It was like anime viewership had changed from experimenting with recipes I was trying to cook myself to just trying new items off a fast food menu. The emotional investment in new series was practically gone. In addition, the explosion in new series at about the same time suddenly introduced a fierce urgency to plow through shows I may not necessarily want to continue. So I started dropping a lot.

That was about five years ago now, so here’s how I did from memory:

In a world where this is good enough to finish...

Completed: Kakyuusei 2, Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha (3 years later), ToHeart ~Remember My Memories~, Final Approach, W~Wish, Moon Phase, School Rumble, Futakoi, Zipang (2 years later), Genshiken (6 months later), Rozen Maiden, Grenadier, Air, Legend of Duo (only to write this)

and this doesn't last beyond episode 1.

Dropped: Windy Tales, My-HiME, Beet the Vandal Buster, Kannazuki no Miko, Viewtiful Joe, Uta~Kata, Desert Punk, Fantastic Children, Bleach (after about a year), BECK, Gundam Seed Destiny, Yakitate!! Japan, Gakuen Alice, Major

With the emotional investment removed, I was suddenly dropping a Gundam series which would have been unthinkable at the time (though many would argue I dropped the right one) and I was loading up on shows that mostly were not ever going to be classics. Should I try to get the emotional investment back or was I living a lie from the beginning?

Reinhard certainly has the nation behind him

The 41st episode of Legend of the Galactic Heroes focuses on two elements for the upcoming resumption of conflict between the Empire and the Alliance. The first is the continuing breakdown of structures in the Alliance, which sees the country at what is definitely a low ebb. The second is Reinhard’s strategy for dealing with Phezzan politically and Yang militarily. Already it appears that it will take a miracle for the Alliance to survive the coming battle.

The episode begins on Odin as scores of young men have left their jobs for another chance to fight the high nobles hiding in the Imperial Legitimate Government. A rally is being held in front of the Premier’s mansion where Reinhard and Oberstein are able to see the full effect of their planning. The people of the Empire are firmly united against the Alliance who have given the nobles security.

On Heinessen, Julian complains to Mashengo about the ceremony involved in accepting the assignment on Phezzan. He is certain it could only take five minutes, but he had to wait a few hours. As they head to Bucock, they come across a queue for rationed goods. Julian comments that everything seems gloomy around the capital.

On Phezzan, Kesselink briefs Rubinsky on morale in the respective nations. To the citizens of the Alliance it seems like just another battle and no one is taking Reinhard’s declaration seriously not even those in government. Rubinsky says that it is related to control of Iserlohn, and the incompetent politicians are living off of one key victory which will come back to haunt them.

Back on Heinessen, Julian meets Bucock and hands him Yang’s letter. Bucock asks him how he was treated by the Livermore of the Personnel Department, and Julian says nobody said anything. This prompts Bucock to remark that Livermore wouldn’t lower himself to earning Julian’s gratitude even if it improved his standing with Truniht. Julian asks why he would be seen positively by Truniht even though he was so closely allied with Yang, but Bucock says it was Truniht himself who requested Julian’s transfer. Julian says that being liked by Truniht is a nuisance, but Bucock says he shouldn’t be so open about how he feels about that. Bucock goes on to explain that the government has been shifting people away from Yang who they feel could help him if he were to decide to take power for himself. Merkatz was moved to the Legitimate Government, Julian was moved and Bucock thinks Cazellnu and Schenkopp may be next. Julian doesn’t understand why they would weaken Yang so much, but Bucock says that factional politics is all the politicians know how to do. It creates a paradox where they are weakening the very man they have entrusted to protect them. Julian then asks Bucock to read Yang’s letter.

Back in the Empire, Reinhard assembles his admirals for a strategy session. He tells them that they are not going to make the mistake of trying to take Iserlohn again, but instead they are to invade through the Phezzan corridor.

Bucock finishes reading the letter in which Yang predicts an invasion through the Phezzan corridor. Bucock says that in the past the Alliance would have been prepared for such a scenario, but with the vast difference in strength that is no longer possible. Yang wrote that their best hope lies in grassroots resistance amongst the Phezzani and using that to prevent Phezzan from being used as a supply base for the invasion. Bucock says that morally using the Phezzani as a shield for the Alliance is a worse crime than killing on the battlefield, but the sense of independence among the Phezzani is indominable. The only hope would be in resistance amongst the Phezzani being enough to make the Empire reconsider its direction.

Bucock says that while Yang is very good at predicting the events of the near future, he doesn’t have the authority to act on them because of the system in place. Bucock says he can’t really blame the system because he personally believes it is right for the power of soldiers to be restricted in a democracy. When the military gains too much power, it effectively becomes a nation within a nation and no longer listens to the people. Bucock says that democratic government isn’t wrong, but the system is alienated from the democratic system that it originated from.

Back on Phezzan, Rubinsky and Kesselink’s conversation turns to Julian. Kesselink sarcastically asks how well he was loved before dismissing Julian’s abilities because he is 16. However, Rubinsky is quick to point out that Reinhard had established a reputation by the time he was 16 as a Lt. Commander and Julian might be just behind his pace. Kesselink says that Julian is simply riding Yang’s coattails, but again Rubinsky points out that Reinhard could have been seen as riding Annerose’s coattails. This makes Kesselink think about what he wanted to do when he was 16, and he remembers making up his mind on bringing Rubinsky down. Rubinsky asks how things are going on Boltik’s end.

At Reinhard’s meeting, Boltik is presented as evidence that Phezzan is cooperating with the plan. Reinhard, though, is quick to point out that Boltik has been paid a large sum of money for his services. Bittenfeld is angry at Boltik for selling out his nation, but Boltik argues that he was merely selling off Phezzan’s formal independence which was not a reality anyway. Bittenfeld remains unconvinced as does Reuenthal who can’t bring himself to trust someone as scheming as Boltik, and Phezzan could still close off the corridor after they pass through. Bittenfeld and Reuenthal then begin to argue over a strategy should Phezzan betray them. Bittenfeld believes that the difference in strength should over come any possible Phezzani strategy, but Reuenthal thinks the losses would be too great if the Alliance turned around and attacked.

Reinhard then takes control of the meeting and points out that the decision to only invade through the Iserlohn corridor in the past was an arbitrary one made by people. It’s the preferable option for Reinhard even if it only ends up being a surprise. Reinhard then tells the admirals his plans. He wants to send a larger force through the Iserlohn corridor than Kempf and Müller had, while the main force will simply pass through the Phezzan corridor. Yang would be stuck on Iserlohn and none of the other commanders in the Alliance has any sort of reputation worth noting. Mittermeyer is still worried about Yang leaving Iserlohn and defending the Phezzan front, but Reinhard says they can surround him as he is retreating from Iserlohn and finish him off. Reuenthal wonders aloud if it will actually go that well, Reinhard simply says that he wants it to go well.

The conversation then turns to the name of the operation. Reinhard says it will be called Ragnarok, the final battle of the gods. Bittenfeld immediately asks for his fleet to be at the head of the attack and the other admirals jump in asking to participate as well.

After the meeting, Oberstein talks to Reinhard and says he should not expect much out of Boltik. Reinhard says he will be easier to manage than Rubinsky, but Oberstein doubts he has the ability to control the situation on Phezzan. Reinhard says Boltik will just have to use whatever talent he may have to overcome dissent. Should he succeed there would be resentment and that would make dealing with Boltik’s successor much easier in Reinhard’s opinion.

Oberstein is surprised that Reinhard has thought it that far out, and he turns the conversation to the position of Governor General of the Alliance after the war. Reinhard can only think of Yang because he hasn’t received the credit and adulation he deserves from the Alliance, and wonders if he would maintain his loyalty to democracy after being forced to be Governor. Oberstein is also worried about rebels and dissidents in the Empire and wants to increase surveillance.

Müller, Mittermeyer and Reuenthal discuss strategy when it comes to Phezzan. Reuenthal quickly turns Mittermeyer’s confidence of success into a question of strategy should their force be cut off from supplies. Mittermeyer says they would have to get them on the spot to feed the troops, but they would come to be known as pillagers, which isn’t a pleasant thought to him. Reuenthal then says there would still be the possibility that there would be no goods to plunder if the Alliance used the same scorched earth tactics they fell victim to a year earlier. Being hated from the moment of unification would be disadvantageous. Müller says that it is still up to Reinhard.

The car the three admirals are riding in is passed by a car containing a man who Mittermeyer recognizes as Lang. He was in charge of the Social Discipline Support Office under the previous regime and had been sentenced to death along with most of the other nobles. But here he was heading to the Premier’s mansion. Müller believes there is no way Reinhard could want to bring back the secret police. Reuenthal begins to think about Reinhard’s impartiality and judgement  which means he has been the only one who can rule, but if things begin to change Reuenthal begins to wonder.

Oberstein meets with Lang, who immediately states that the role of government is for a small number of people to control a large number of people. Oberstein quizzes him on democracy, and Lang breaks it down a rule by a majority within a majority and says that shows the futility of democratic governance. Lang justifies his previous role by saying that it is necessary for stability in his vision of government. Oberstein says that a secret police becomes hated for merely existing and that is why Lang’s old office was broken up and why reformers wanted him eliminated for heading it. Lang says he was just trying to devote himself to the Empire and he never used his position for personal gain. He tells Oberstein that making loyalty something to be punished for would not be good for Reinhard. Oberstein says Reinhard does not care much for Lang’s existance, but Lang says that is because Reinhard is a soldier first and wants to deal in straightforward battles. However, a wild rumor could be more powerful than a massive fleet. Oberstein asks how Lang intends to repay Reinhard for his virtue. Lang says he will repay it with his loyalty to Reinhard and the state. Oberstein says they can’t simply resurrect Lang’s old office so Lang comes up with the name Domestic Safety Security Office. Oberstein nods his head in agreement.

Later, Hilde asks Reinhard if there is a way for the Alliance and Empire to co-exist. He says that if they rounded up the Kaiser and the kidnappers it would buy them some time, bit ultimately the Alliance would deserve to be destroyed for what it has done. Reinhard asks if Hilde thinks his ways are foul she responds by asking if he would be happy if she denied it.

At the Legitimate Government headquarters, Julian talks to Schneider who complains about everybody trying to get positions in a government with no power or influence. He jokes that Julian would be a Lt Commander if he were to join him and says Merkatz has been given the position of Field Marshal while he has been promoted to Commander despite the fact there are no troops. Julian asks how busy Merkatz is, and Schneider says that he is very busy even though Merkatz expected it. However, the state of the Legitimate Government is horrible. He wonders how they think they can confront Reinhard, if it is genuine preparedness or if they are throwing caution to the wind. Schneider does take comfort in the fact that there are several examples of ordinary people beating geniuses like Reinhard, but asking for a miracle from the start is absurd. The two then reflect on the positions that the men they serve have been put in and find common ground. Julian is then called to leave for Phezzan by Mashengo.

Later, Reinhard resumes his conversation with Hilde. He thanks her for going to see his sister and convincing her to accept more security. He says that even though his sister may now hate him, he must take on the role as the one to restore unity to the universe. He can’t bring himself to leave it to nobles decided by heredity or men devoted to profit. He says they will announce the abdication of the Kaiser tomorrow.

The next day, the Kaiserin Catherine was named as ruler of the Goldenbaum dynasty at a mere 8-months-old and likely to be its last ruler.

Thoughts: The conflict between Oberstein’s pragmatic approach and Hilde’s moral approach and their affect on Reinhard seems to loom larger than the upcoming battle…On a tactics related question, couldn’t the Alliance forces rushing to reinforce Iserlohn merely stay back? If they have so much confidence in Yang he shouldn’t really need the help anyway. I’m sure they will just rush into Iserlohn like expected anyway…Kesselink’s attempts to take down Rubinsky could be well worth watching in the longer term, but for now it seems that he has done little.