Newten, Cowdrunk, Samjaz, Daotherkenji, Wraith, Catolf, Mediaright… you all weren’t kidding about this episode packing a wallop. Phew… after a couple of the major deaths in DEATH NOTE were spoiled for me through a combination of talkback comments and DVD cover subtitles, it was… novel (that’s the best word) to experience a surprise like this without any idea it was coming. If you’ve been following the show with this column and you want to have the same experience I had, then stop reading right here and go watch the episode, because I’m not going to hold off on any spoilers in my discussion, here.
...done? Good. You were probably as surprised as I was.
Like I’ve said, I’ve been watching this show without any expectations, so I’m experiencing it how Gainax more or less wanted people to experience it. It’s always kind of surreal when things I wonder about in this column get answered by the show. Last time, it was in respect to that bizarre episode (number 5?) that ended up being by a guest director who did such a bad job, it actually got somebody fired. This time, the concerns I raised last episode about this show being a little too light and airheaded, as well as the questions I had about the Yoko/ Kamina/ Simon love triangle have been soundly answered, and in short order.
If this is a sign of what GURREN LAGANN is going to be for the rest of the series, then I’m definitely seeing what all the hype was about, now. This was the first episode where everything clicked. The action was more thrilling, the humor had more bite and the emotional/character/thematic stuff had a LOT more weight to it. As involving as Simon’s Shinji-esque angst and doubt about Yoko’s “rejecting” him was, the pep talks from Kamina were powerful. Like these weren’t trite platitudes - - they felt real. Even if a girl might come between them, even if Simon might just beginning to harbor some envy for Kamina… the knucklehead's still going to be his big bro.
And now he’s dead?!?! WHAT??!?! No, c’mon… he can’t be… not this early… not when I’m just starting to like him this much.
Watch this episode, "Later, Buddy" below for yourself and try to fight back the tears.
Tom Pinchuk’s the writer of HYBRID BASTARDS! & UNIMAGINABLE. Order them on Amazon here & here.
I was floored when such a significant character like Kamina was killed. I didn't know how the show could go on without all the badass talk. The fighting was really good and fun to watch as taking on a walking battleship Gunman is no walk in the park. The love triangle was an interesting touch but it came and went in a flash (and man I liked how Kamina manned up to kiss Yoko). But with Kamina gone we now get to focus on other characters' skills and interaction.
Episode eleven. You will cry manly tears of pride.
I am crying at the mere memory.
Tengen Tappa Gurren Lagann is really an epic in 4 acts. This is evidenced by the changing typeface on the title and ending cards. Subtle but telling. You can think of episode 8 as the end of Act I.
The changing tones of this show are one of its biggest strengths. They're nearly all unexpected, and each is executed amazingly well. You never feel like something is outside of this show's core competency. And through it all...it's still the same show. The same rules apply. It never feels like you're watching two or more separate shows. It's quite a feat.
As to what's next for the gang...I'll just let you imagine the kind of implications this event is going to have, especially for our little Simon. It's easy to assume certain things if you've seen Eva, but I'll say that Simon is no Shinji. The reason why just made his grand exit.
What follows is an arc that trudges just a bit, but any arc that feels like that in this show...oh you can just imagine what the payoff must be like.
There are definitely more surprises to come, so please watch your step around comments and the interwebs. I'd ask the commentors to help out on that front, but I know no good will come from that. Just remember that this is a 27 episode series and big stuff always happens at the half-way marks and endings. Everything else...you'll just have to play by ear.
And please...I know you see no issue with the dub, but at some point, you really should find a subbed version, if only to hear Kamina in Japanese. Oh, he's amazing. Keep moving brother. It's quite a ride.
And yes...I did cry.
Don't get me wrong though, it was a sentimental moment for me as well. I don't usually like hotheaded characters, but Kamina managed to work.
I have to dissagree, it's alot easier to feel the hotbloodedness of the characters when you can understand them.
this wont be the last time you fight back tears in this show
He went out like a man. ^^
But now it's time for the team to pick up the pieces. I can promise you myself you'll get swept up in this rag tag groups plight and it just get's better and better.