Animation

---

Gundam 00 Episode 12: Lockon Versus Graham!

It’s like watching a fight between Han Solo and Char Aznable. Lockon Stratos and Graham Acre duel to a Mexican standoff in Gundam 00 episode 12. Throw in a PTSD-fueled rampage by Setsuna against a jihadist coup d’etat, and you get an episode that perfectly exemplifies Gundam 00’s unique style of stylish-yet-gritty war drama.

No surprise, then, that this is the highest-rated episode of the series so far. This much awesomeness should tide us over until the next episode on January 5.

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.)