Xam’d Lost Memories 4

It felt like a lot happened this episode, even though it really didn’t, because there were so many tantalizing plot developments that were introduced and then left hanging. If there’s one thing this show is good at, it’s making me want more.

Xam’d has three simultaneous and interconnected plots: Akiyuki on the Zanbani, Akiyuki’s friends and family back on Sentan island, and the situation with the war and each faction involved. 

Xam’dofumi ~Stories of the Parachuting Letter~

 Akiyuki’s first job as a mailman is to deliver letters from the dead with the help of his trusty talking staff… oh sorry, wrong show. Akiyuki’s real job involves stamping, but not just any kind of stamping – Olympic speed stamping. Clocking in at 100 letters in 3 minutes and 18 seconds that’s 1.98 letters per second. Not bad but I bet he could win the gold if he became ambidextrous.  

Nakiami has also been taking Akiyuki to daily Xam’d lessons with their resident spiritual wisewoman, Tenshin. In typical wiser-than-thou fashion she doesn’t really explain anything but instead urges him to get in touch with his inner Xam’d.

It’s no longer just Nakiami who looks like someone out of Nausicaa.

“What does Xam’d seek?” was Akiyuki’s homework assignment. I probably would’ve said a 5 hour workweek and double the pay but after some thought Akiyuki decides that Xam’d just wants to live alongside others. Apparently the Hiruko inside him is lost and unsure, which incidentally is where the title Xam’d: Lost Memories comes from. 

I’m guessing that being lost and without a homeland will become a main theme throughout the show. Nakiami has already identified herself as sharing the same fate as the Tessik who lost their homes, their past and subsequently turned traitor and began working with the Northern Government. As for Akiyuki  he too is far from home and unsure of himself, caught between being human and being Xam’d.

Oh, and Akiyuki? Just write a damn letter home already. Your parents and Haru don’t care if the spelling and grammar is off, they just want to know you’re still alive. 

The War Continues

I suppose I should’ve guessed this earlier, but we finally get to see what’s inside the humanforms:

And here I’d thought that they were humans who had been turned into monsters instead of just pilots. I liked the way he was controlling it but unfortunately I was distracted by the finger positioning. Thanks a lot, Ranka.

What ’bout my advanced biological weapon?

Meanwhile Sannova, founder of the religion (cult?) Ruikonism, has for the moment given up on bus bombings and instead ordered her people to return the Hirukon to the Ruikon in the land of lost souls. Did you get all that? Good, me too. Moving on…

Sentan Island

Xam’d has been doing a pretty good job so far of emphasizing the cost of the war. Although there haven’t been any heads blown off or anything they do keep mentioning that large amounts of civilians have been dying. The ever present threat of planes flying overhead is also a good reminder that the people on Sentan Island really are in danger.

Things are progressing quicker than I excepted with Akiyuki’s father, Takehara Ryuzou. I didn’t think they’d meet so soon but already Kakisu’s assistant Prois Sukakki (Prois, what a great name) has approached him on behalf of the Free Zone HQ. She wants him to help with an anti-Humanform research lab they’ve just started building on the island and she tries to convince him by bringing up Kakisu’s name. Turns out Ryuzou saved Kakisu’s life during the Barador battle. Which makes them drinking buddies and soul brothers for life… well, maybe not.

And finally…

I could end this post by talking about a number of intelligent things but instead I ask you: who is making this show more fun right now, Ishu Benikawa or Akushiba?

On the one hand we have the blue haired, cigarette smoking, don’t-give-me any nonsense Benikawa who has so far punched Akiyuki and slapped Nakiami. And then she felt bad about beating up Nakiami and drank herself into a stupor. Classy.

On the other hand we have the dreadlocks wearing, goofy and fairly useful sidekick Akushiba with Kamina’s voice (who, I just checked, is also “I really love my daughter… a lot” Sergay Wang of My-Otome? My world is crumbling). In episode 2 Akushiba won me over by attempting to protect Nakiami from Xam’d armed only with a broom and this episode I couldn’t help laughing when I saw this:

I’m sensing a trend here… good luck, Akushiba! Every side character is behind you in your quest to win the heart of a main character.