The End of Gundam 00 (Only Not Really)
I finished Gundam 00 a couple of nights ago. I haven't really read many reaction posts (mainly as I was staying away from LJ to avoid spoilers until I'd caught up... I sort of wish I hadn't let myself get so behind, but in a way it felt amazing to watch those last few episodes one after another. For me, S2 went downhill after the first couple of episodes and failed to captivate me in the middle (save for a few moments/eps), but I have to admit that I loved the developments of the end of the series, the final few episodes in particular. I actually felt very rejuvenated by my love for it and the fact that it managed to stir emotion in me again.
I'm waiting for you already, 2010...
And just because, a few thoughts which will contain spoilers.
TIERIA. Yes, I did get slightly teary-eyed, but I think it was a very fitting end (and not conclusively the end at all, really). Experienced a horrible but momentary sensation when he was shot, as it was so abrupt - but I had a feeling that wouldn't truly be the end for him. I was quite prepared for his death, having spent most of the second season anticipating it at some point - still expecting him to have a more final death in the film (and still convinced that there will be an emotional astral plane reunion with Lockon).
I'm surprised that so few characters were killed off. Less surprised when I realised that things were being set up for the film, though.
I also liked the Lyle/Anew relationship. I remember when Anew was first introduced (and even before we'd got to know her as a character) there was quite a lot of hatred for her, and as I've been quite distant from the fandom I don't know whether that trend continued, but I found her very likeable.
Surprisingly, I really grew to love Setsuna during S2. I found him slightly difficult to connect with before. (One moment that I really loved was his discussion with Lyle about what would happen were Lyle to meet Anew on the battlefield as an enemy...that very resolute/practical yet understanding side of Setsuna that I think attracted me to him this season really came to the fore there.)
JUPITER. I watched S1 with Tom before S2 started airing, and although he gave up with S2 after the first few weeks he would occasionally ask me whether we knew more about what happened on Jupiter... And now the series has ended and we still don't know, LOL.
I never quite got over my desire to maim Marina. She was the biggest failing of the series for me. I suppose it was because she exemplifies exactly what I dislike in female characters (or, well, any character). The ridiculous song and the flock of children surrounding her this season didn't help matters. The only time I actually felt even the briefest spark of interest in her was when she was with Setsuna when he'd been injured.
Lyle became a much more interesting character than I was expecting. I feel he was handled very well and became an interesting counterpoint to his twin.
I didn't really care much for most of the Innovators. I feel a little alone in this as there was a lot of visible love for them in the fandom, but never mind.
I obviously couldn't keep this brief.
In short (as if that exists in my journal), I loved the conclusion to S2. Couldn't stop smiling when Daybreak's Bell started playing. And I'm so thankful that it's not over yet, and that I still have something to look forward to.
And of course, Fullmetal Alchemist starts airing in Gundam 00's slot this weekend.
And now for something other than anime...
Another love (alongside reading) that has recently come back into focus for me is cooking. Right now, I'm in the process of cooking a vegetable stew with herb dumplings, and the kitchen smells gorgeous. I have always found cooking so satisfying, and as I am currently back to working mornings rather than split shifts or evenings, I have much more time and energy to put into trying new things. A recent discover that I feel compelled to share is red pesto lamb with pasta. Easy to cook and full of flavour. Yum.
I'm waiting for you already, 2010...
And just because, a few thoughts which will contain spoilers.
TIERIA. Yes, I did get slightly teary-eyed, but I think it was a very fitting end (and not conclusively the end at all, really). Experienced a horrible but momentary sensation when he was shot, as it was so abrupt - but I had a feeling that wouldn't truly be the end for him. I was quite prepared for his death, having spent most of the second season anticipating it at some point - still expecting him to have a more final death in the film (and still convinced that there will be an emotional astral plane reunion with Lockon).
I'm surprised that so few characters were killed off. Less surprised when I realised that things were being set up for the film, though.
I also liked the Lyle/Anew relationship. I remember when Anew was first introduced (and even before we'd got to know her as a character) there was quite a lot of hatred for her, and as I've been quite distant from the fandom I don't know whether that trend continued, but I found her very likeable.
Surprisingly, I really grew to love Setsuna during S2. I found him slightly difficult to connect with before. (One moment that I really loved was his discussion with Lyle about what would happen were Lyle to meet Anew on the battlefield as an enemy...that very resolute/practical yet understanding side of Setsuna that I think attracted me to him this season really came to the fore there.)
JUPITER. I watched S1 with Tom before S2 started airing, and although he gave up with S2 after the first few weeks he would occasionally ask me whether we knew more about what happened on Jupiter... And now the series has ended and we still don't know, LOL.
I never quite got over my desire to maim Marina. She was the biggest failing of the series for me. I suppose it was because she exemplifies exactly what I dislike in female characters (or, well, any character). The ridiculous song and the flock of children surrounding her this season didn't help matters. The only time I actually felt even the briefest spark of interest in her was when she was with Setsuna when he'd been injured.
Lyle became a much more interesting character than I was expecting. I feel he was handled very well and became an interesting counterpoint to his twin.
I didn't really care much for most of the Innovators. I feel a little alone in this as there was a lot of visible love for them in the fandom, but never mind.
I obviously couldn't keep this brief.
In short (as if that exists in my journal), I loved the conclusion to S2. Couldn't stop smiling when Daybreak's Bell started playing. And I'm so thankful that it's not over yet, and that I still have something to look forward to.
And of course, Fullmetal Alchemist starts airing in Gundam 00's slot this weekend.
And now for something other than anime...
Another love (alongside reading) that has recently come back into focus for me is cooking. Right now, I'm in the process of cooking a vegetable stew with herb dumplings, and the kitchen smells gorgeous. I have always found cooking so satisfying, and as I am currently back to working mornings rather than split shifts or evenings, I have much more time and energy to put into trying new things. A recent discover that I feel compelled to share is red pesto lamb with pasta. Easy to cook and full of flavour. Yum.