Xam’d Lost Memories 10

The way this episode is put together is pretty interesting. It’s entitled “Moving On” but what it really focuses on are memories. Akushiba remembers the day Raigyo became a Xam’d, Haru remembers how her sister got hurt, Akiyuki’s father prays for his dead comrades on Armistice Day and Raigyo asks the crew for a photo, thereby creating and preserving another memory. Yet the characters also look towards the future. Haru’s decision to break away from her past is the most obvious example but I can think of at least one other – Akiyuki getting his first Xam’d lesson from Raigyo so that he will be able to control his body.

Because of this juxtaposition between past and present, the episode itself felt like a transition between what we’ve already seen and what we’re going to see next. Which is to say, it’s been good so far and it’s just gonna keep getting better.

I hope they release some kind of mecha design book because I will certainly buy it. Raigyo turning into Xam’d was just cool and I’ve loved all the other designs as well, from the ships to gadgets. The main mechanical designer is Kimitoshi Yamane who worked on shows like Cowboy Bebop and Gundam…. speaking of Bebop, I knew that Nakiami’s plane reminded me a little bit of Spike’s Swordfish II. The Humanforms and Xam’d are designed by Kenji Mizuhata and Seiichi Hashimoto respectively, neither of whom have done much work as mecha designers. They’re doing a great job.

Ishu slapped Nakiami six times. Yes, I counted. I guess that’s 3 per cheek? Well, at least she’s symmetrical about it… Death the Kidd would be pleased.

They’re making it way, way too easy to make Sauron jokes. I have to resist the urge to crappily Photoshop his eye on it.

I’m glad we finally got to see Akiyuki’s parents again even if only for a brief while. I find their relationship to be very touching and down-to-earth. For the sake of unhappily married couples everywhere I hope they work out their issues with as few food fights as possible.

I know this isn’t Macross so why do I feel like Xam’d is trying to make me choose a girl? For the record I like them both but Haru, I choose you.

Nakiami had me a little worried this episode. She was very preocuppied with something, no doubt the news about Kujireka and what she should do about it. I started getting a bad feeling around the time that Raigyo suggested they take a picture, if only because now would be a good opportunity to kill one of the minor characters off. That bad feeling intensified when Nakiami apologized to Ishu for always causing trouble. It seemed like she was trying to say goodbye so I wouldn’t be suprised if she leaves the ship within the next few episodes.

I guessed correctly last episode when I said we’d probably be learning how Haru’s sister was crippled, but this flashback actually shed more light on Haru rather than the sister (although the fact that she was hit by a military vehicle may be important. I bet Prois was driving).

But what I was trying to say about Haru before Prois so rudely interrupted was that the flashback mirrored Haru’s current situation. Ever since episode 1 she’s been running after Akiyuki and in the flashback she beats him in the race, but this is completely unimportant compared to her sister’s condition. Now Haru ha decided (with more than a little pressure from Kakisu) to stop chasing after Akiyuki. Her reason for being in the military now is to protect her family and home.

Does this mean Haru has given up on Akiyuki? Hardly. It’s clear she still loves him but she has to choose her own path and be her own person. Perhaps this will give her a chance to meet Akiyuki on even footing instead of forever chasing after him. By the way, why are girls in anime always cutting their hair to show their resolve?

Raigyo’s spirit camera was pretty interesting. I can’t guess how but I suspect it will come in handy at some point.

I guess it’s about time for another Humanform fight. It probably won’t happen just yet, but I look forward to the time when Akiyuki finally transforms into his full Xam’d form.