Gundam 00 — Episode 4
I just love Gundam 00 episode 4. It’s highly politically charged and it has all the girls the series has to offer in one convenient 24-minutes package. What more can one ask for?
“The only thing I contribute to this organization is my cuteness.”
I just wonder how big Liuming’s wardrobe is. She seems to be wearing something new every single scene.
This episode is about a South American republic, Taribia, unilaterally declaring its secession from the Union and sprouting a whole lot of anti-American rhetoric. It’s so cool. America is pissed off and sends in their 2nd Fleet while Celestial Being prepares to intervene in the brewing conflict.
Last week I said that タリビア is probably “Talivia” and speculated that it’s either modern day Bolivia or Colombia due to their proximity to the equator (and thus Union’s orbital elevator). I decided that Bolivia was more likely because Colombia is hardly anti-American other than the left-wing FARC.
Well looks like I was wrong on both counts. It’s spelt “Taribia” and according to the maps shown on-screen, it is actually modern day Venezuela (probably the most anti-American nation in South America other than Cuba).
It makes sense actually because the Taribian Prime Minister sounds just like Hugo Chavez as he made his worldwide broadcast to announce Taribia’s secession. Also, Taribian looks a lot like Taliban. (Probably coincidental…)
“Bush Brian is the devil!”
Also, did I mention that the last name of the Union’s President is “Brian”? I thought “Shrub” would’ve been a more appropriate allusion. :)
“I am the leader of the free world. Call me President…Brian.”
Some screencaps from episode 4:
“Tamil Tigers are not terrorists! Celestial Being is!”
Marina’s advisor (background) looks and sounds evil…
“I am tsundere. Watch me tsun.”
“Let’s give those fangirls more to work with!”
Two cannon fodders have joined the party
“I look evil even when I drink tea.”
In the future, USN’s uniforms will resemble that of a nutcracker
More costume-changing action than a mahou shoujo
Union Flag Graham Custom — twice the usual speed
Paint it red for thrice the speed
What’s really nice about this episode is that Marina’s (evil) advisor gives a thorough analysis of the political powerplay that takes place during and after the entire incident. Perhaps it’s Sunrise’s way of telling modern politically-ignorant youths to take a greater interest in world events before Japan ends up in ruins and becomes the 52nd state of America. (51st being Canada of course.) Or perhaps not.
I just finished translating this episode for Mendoi-Conclave and I must say that this is the toughest episode that I’ve ever done. I do hope that Lolfang has found someone competent to help him out if not tragedy will repeat itself nyoro~n. :)
I just love Gundam 00. (In a completely platonic way.) Now it’s time for some sleep.
November 27th, 2007 at 2:13 am
You’re right. Talivia is probably a simulation of the contemporary state of Venezuela, headed by Hugo Chavez. The irony is, USA depends on Venezuela for energy, not the other way round.
March 19th, 2008 at 5:56 am
Where can I download a Mendoi-Conclave subbed episode 4 of Gundam 00 from, everytime i try i cant find a good download and it doesnt play