Gurren Lagann ep. 19, "We Will Survive By Any Means Necessary" Review - Fresh Takes #18
Welcome to another edition of Fresh Takes, featuring our anime lovin’ team of Brock and Mike! As the people turn against Team Dai-Gurren and Simon, Rossiu takes matters into his own hands. Things just got political, my dudes. Thankfully, Leeron is there still being the funniest and best character on the show outside of my favorite, Yoko, who’s strangely absent. Hm. Also, the Arc-Gurren is pretty badass! Let’s get started with the video!
Okay, can we just address how annoying Rossiu is? I mean, geez, what an ass! I’m so upset at him! He’s such a traitorous little weasel! It’s too bad that Kittan didn’t crack that guy in the nose at the end, but it just means that when Rossiu does get his comeuppance, it’ll be that much more sweet.
As Simon is put on trial for the crime of trying to protect the populace and the Anti-Spiral’s propaganda, riots erupt in Kamina City. Rossiu makes his play for power and influence and condemns Simon, but not before “evil” Nia arrives to deliver yet another threat. I really like Hynden Walch’s far more menacing performance here, as well as Nia’s new Anti-Spiral design. Sweetheart Nia is too much for me, but “evil” Nia? Sign me up! (I’m kidding, everybody, don’t @ me.)
Anyway, the Anti-Spirals send a Mugann to attack the city, and Simon asks Rossiu to let him pilot Gurren Lagann into battle in order to save everyone. Rossiu reluctantly agrees, adding that Gurren Lagann will be strapped with explosives, programmed to go off if Simon should try to escape. And the kicker? All the explosives are wired to Kinon, who decides to make herself useful to Rossiu and ensure that Simon stays under the new government’s control.
I literally have no words to express my utter hatred of that character right now.
The good news is everyone survives. The bad news is that Mr. POS Rossiu sentences Simon to death. And the better (or possibly worse?) news is… when Simon arrives in prison, who does he see but Viral. Things are about to start popping, to quote the Joker.
I’m loving season two of this show even more than season one, because I like a little political intrigue baked into my mecha anime. Must be all those years spent watching Robotech and Gundam Wing/SEED. Anyway, we’ll see you for the next episode very soon, Renegades! Be safe and take care of each other!
-Neoplasmic
On the next Marvel After The Credits, Captain Kaye and Organoid Zero look at Marvel’s Halloween Special, Werewolf By Night.