Gundam 00 Episode 9: Smooth

For once, Gundam pilots get into trouble not because their opponents got a Bigger Robot, but because their opponents were actually thinking. Gundam 00 clearly makes full use of tactical mind games to create dramatic tension. Let’s just hope they don’t degenerate into Death Note’s insane Xanatos Roulettes.

I like Lockon Stratos even more now. He is so good at forming meaningful emotional connections with intellectual girls. Just look at how Felt draws strength from his words in battle. It’s a refreshing break from the hackneyed and/or dysfunctional relationships that often plague the Gundam franchise. Now I know why he carries Haro around: it’s a geek girl magnet.

(Screenshots via Random Curiosity.)

You’re Under Arrest Full Throttle Episode 7: Natsumi and Miyuki Earn Back My Attention

I was about to give up on the anime You’re Under Arrest Full Throttle right after that sickeningly saccharine Car Lock Baby episode, but the series redeems itself as the girls get down to some actual police work in After That Mysterious Taxi!

Miyuki goes CSI and takes a pipe to the head, while Natsumi goes streetwise and gets wasted. Even Nakajima goes Evil Knievel and busts some heads. All that, and the girls wear cute wigs, too. Finally, we’re seeing the more of the full throttle featured in the first episode.

Congratulations, girls. Even though you got smacked by a pipe and kicked to the curb, you’ve earned back my attention.