No screencaps this week. This was pretty much another recap episode. All the footage used in this episode was old. We also got some scenes from the first season of GS. Sure we get to hear Athrun and Kira’s thoughts about the whole situation, but it still doesn’t take away from the fact that it is another “cheesy clip show”. The only good thing about this episode was seeing Kira making quick work out of Zaft again. Oh, and the preview for episode 42.

The first few minutes of the episode are wasted on seeing Shinn and Rey become a part of Faith. After that part the episode pretty much went uphill from there. Cagalli totally made up for her uselessness in this episode. Akatsuki is the perfect mobile suit for someone who isn’t a great pilot. We get to hear a new FictionJunction song, “Akatsuki no Tobira” as well. Cagalli taking charge and getting Jona arrested was long overdue. Of course Shinn had to appear at the end to be the asshole that he is.

Whew, lots of good stuff in this episode. We get minimal scenes with Shinn, so this episode was already off to a good start. It appears Mwu still has some memories of the past or he is starting to remember stuff. I thought it was cool to see Kira piloting Strike in its original colours again. Although while heading up into space with boosters it reminded me of GP-03 from Gundam 0083. It was about time Bartfeld got an upgrade. He should have gotten something better than a repainted Gaia, but better than what he was using before I guess. Kira could have taken out the enemies with just his Strike, but I guess they needed it to be damaged to give Cagalli a reason to pilot Akatsuki. The last few minutes of the episode was filled with nothing but action. We get to hear a longer segment of T.M.Revolution’s “vestige” once Kira gets a hold of Strike Freedom. Kira with fin funnels, now he better go beat the crap out of Shinn.

I’m sorry but this new opening song does not fit the series. It seems like the new trend is to choose songs that either suck or don’t fit. At least we have See-Saw doing the new ending song. Luckily I think that song works. As for the episode itself, I definately have mixed feelings about it. Lunamaria with Shinn? That’s just wrong on so many levels. In the words of Koiwai Yotsuba, “I’ve misjudged you [Lunamaria]!” Shinn is going to have to do some major repenting for anyone to accept this. Of course, Shinn dying would be the easiest and best solution. The good thing about this episode is it’s full of action. We finally get to see Lunamaria back in action as well. Too bad she gets a hand-me-down Impulse. Destiny Gundam’s action sequences were cool, especially when he goes up right to Destroy Gundam’s head and blows it up. With 5 Destroy Gundams out this time, I thought it would be difficult to fight them. As it turns out they’re extremely weak and get slaughtered by Shinn, Rey, and Lunamaria with ease.

Gunlex: The hunt is on. After all this time Athrun finally comes to his senses. Meyrin in her underwear. That in itself made this episode a winner. I didn’t expect things to turn out the way it did though. I was thinking Athrun would end up escaping Jibraltor by himself. It looks as if Meyrin and Athrun will be attempting to join up with Kira. Definately won’t be easy considering they have Legend and Destiny chasing after them.

Gunlex: This episode felt really short. I guess it was just that entertaining. First of all, we see that Kira didn’t sustain any major injuries. Meaning he’ll be ready to go beat some sense into Shinn sooner. Athrun began step one of his redeemtion program. The punch was long overdue. I just had to rewatch it a few times cause it was so enjoyable. We’re also shown briefly of what Lacus is up to. It looks like she’s mass producing Dom’s. Dullindal unveils Destiny Gundam and Legend Gundam to Athrun and Shinn. Maybe it’s just me, but Destiny Gundam looks like Calamity Gundam’s head put on top of Zeta Gundam’s body. At least it has those similarities to me. With the build-up of the offensive against Logos at full throttle, we finally get to see Athrun appear as if he’s having second thoughts. Shinn on the other hand is giggling like a school girl after being told he will be given a new mech. One of the best things about this episode is we see that Lunamaria has recovered completely.

Gunlex: Lots of action in this episode. Primarily Freedom vs Impulse. Shinn is a cheap bastard, plain and simple. Using replacements after getting owned by Kira. Taking advantage of the fact Kira doesn’t aim to kill too. I wonder how Kira is going to pull through though, it looked like the sword went right through the cockpit. Shinn totally doesn’t deserve to pilot Destiny Gundam, especially after this episode. Oh yeah, Athrun was once again useless.

Gunlex: With Stellar now gone, Shin seems to only have killing Kira on his mind. Athrun was useless as usual. We now have confirmation that Neo is indeed Mu, at least physically. With almost 20 episodes to go, it’s anyone’s guess what’s going to happen now.

Gunlex: Wow, so much happened in this episode. If you like action, then this episode won’t disappoint. Destroy Gundam went down sooner and a lot easier than I had expected. With the way things turned out, I’m not sure what’s going to happen now. I’m looking foward to the next episode to see where the plot’s headed.

Gunlex: Damn that Neo, playing with Stellar’s memory again. Now that Stellar’s piloting Destroy Gundam, it looks like it’s up to Shin to save her once more. Destroy Gundam reminds me of Psyco Gundam (especially with the finger lasers) from Z-Gundam. And of course Athrun was useless as usual in this episode.