What They Say:
Episode #42 “SETTLEMENT”
With the repairs to the Barbatos complete, Tekkadan musters its fighting strength. The members ready their resolve for the confrontation with Jasley.
The Review
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers)
Jasley sealed his fate by targeting a friend of Tekkadan. He did this on purpose, to draw out and trap Tekkadan. However, he’s an idiot. He is blatant in his disregard of Tekkadan and McMurdo, and the old man isn’t an idiot. He can see the backstabbing and treachery Jasley is attempting and simply lets Tekkadan handle the situation.
Why the old man let the situation get this bad is beyond me. Also, did Jasley seriously think he’d be able to accomplish his coup? Subtlety is not his strong suit, and subterfuge is not in his playbook.
For Tekkadan the fight has turned personal. They start cutting ties as to not make the situation worse for their allies. First, they leave Teiwaz, then they end all contracts with Kudelia. Kudelia is becoming even further removed from the plot this season, which makes it appear that she’ll probably be one of the sole survivors of this series. Even Merrybit has cast her lot with the fate of Tekkadan, a fate which is looking far closer to certain death episode by episode. By divesting off all their allies except for McGillis they are standing alone. Tekkadan’s always been alone, they just didn’t realize it.
The bulk of what is happening here is pure revenge. The show jumps straight to the action to show us how outmatched Jasley’s forces are by Tekkadan. He has numbers, but not the skill. He’s expecting backup from Iok’s men but they’ve been held up and held back by accusations of corruption from McGillis. With no help coming, Tekkadan easily rips apart his forces. Also joining the fray are Hush in Lafter’s old mobile suit and Mika in a newly upgraded Barbatos, the Barbatos Lupus Rex. It has a kickass tail now that can slash at enemies. The action is good, which has been the norm for this series. The suit to suit combat in this episode doesn’t disappoint, even though we’ve seen better.
In the end, Jasley does get what’s coming to him, but the damage has been done. Friends are dead, alliances lost. Tekkadan’s fate is firmly entwined with that of McGillis, who promises not to betray the group. Sure he does, but we know we can’t trust him. We get a glimpse of Vidar and Julieta watching the beginnings of the coup, which leaves Vidar as the biggest question mark in the final arc. Seriously, what will Gaelio do?
Episode Grade: B
In Summary:
Kudelia’s statement at the end of this episode points toward the story entering its final arc. Tekkadan has been forced to cut ties with everyone but McGillis. They are truly going it alone now. King of Mars or bust. I feel like bust is what we’re going to get. Perhaps Gaelio will see what the corruption was and even though everyone will fall independence will be gained. Who knows how this whole thing will play out, but I have a feeling we’re going to lose many more soldiers before the final curtain falls.
Streamed by: Daisuki, Crunchyroll, Youtube, and Gundam.info in select regions.
