Gundam: The Witch from Mercury has reached its second season finale with episode 24. Admittedly, the first season of the series was somewhat flawed. It dedicated excessive time to developing the supporting characters, resulting in a lack of progress in the main storyline. It was only in the last few episodes that the series truly became captivating.
However, season two brings about a remarkable transformation. The first season serves as a foundation for the multitude of thrilling plot twists and turns that occur in the second season. Each episode is consistently engaging, making us confident that Gundam: The Witch from Mercury will play a significant role in the future of the Gundam franchise. Here are several reasons why.
Breaking New Ground
From the very beginning, Gundam: The Witch from Mercury aims to push boundaries and offer something fresh and innovative to rejuvenate the franchise. This is evident through its introduction of new elements such as a female main protagonist, an elite high school setting, relatively non-threatening Mobile suit duels for the first season, and the inclusion of a yuri couple, among others.
This penchant for surprising viewers not only persists in the second season but is heightened even further. In fact, nearly every episode of Gundam: The Witch from Mercury's second part holds something that will leave viewers astounded. Whether it's the heart-wrenching death of an innocent girl in Guel's arms, the revelation of the dark truths behind Ericht Samaya, Gundam Aerial, and Suletta, or the harrowing experience of Miorine witnessing a massacre unfold before her very eyes.
So as you can see, there are numerous elements, occurrences, and choices presented in this series, particularly in the second part, that have never been explored in any of its predecessors. While not all of them succeed as planned, this is especially evident in the first season. However, when it comes to pushing the limits, Gundam: The Witch from Mercury stands out above all others.
One of The Most Brutal Gundam Series
In addition to its commendable willingness to experiment and push boundaries, The Witch from Mercury's second season achieves greatness in another aspect as well. This success can be attributed to its skillful incorporation of traditional Gundam tropes and themes into the narrative. After all, the franchise's iconic status stems not only from its impressive mobile suits, but also from its complex political landscape, treacherous conflicts of interest, ruthless military operations, as well as the presence of deception and betrayal.
The first season of the show felt dry and repetitive due to the absence of traditional story elements. However, the second season brings a change in this regard. The conflict between the Spacian military and rebel forces on earth is portrayed, illustrating the devastating effects of unchecked military power on innocent people. Additionally, the second season showcases numerous deceptions and betrayals.
Furthermore, The Witch from Mercury's second season goes even further in its attempts to shock viewers. While death is not uncommon in the Gundam franchise, the second season of this series features particularly brutal deaths. The storyline intentionally makes us develop an attachment to certain characters before their untimely demise. Notable examples include the mentioned little girl, the first Elan, and Sophie and Norea. This treatment intensifies the impact and devastation of their sudden deaths.
The Future of The Witch From Mercury
What is the future of Gundam: The Witch from Mercury, and how will it impact the franchise? Most Gundam series typically have 40 to 50 episodes, with the exception of Gundam Reconguista in G. Considering the overwhelming success of The Witch from Mercury, both in terms of the anime and the plastic model, it is safe to assume that there will likely be a third and possibly even a fourth season of this series.
The impact of The Witch from Mercury on the Gundam franchise is significant. It demonstrates that the audience is open to the changes and innovations made to this beloved franchise, as long as the storyline is compelling. This series proves that experimentation is acceptable, as long as the end result captivates the audience. Hopefully, future Gundam films and series will follow the bold example set by The Witch from Mercury and embrace new ideas.
Gundam: The Witch from Mercury's second season demonstrates that this new Gundam series can deliver a captivating storyline, arguably surpassing its predecessor, Gundam: Iron Blooded Orphan. It's safe to assert that The Witch from Mercury sets a new benchmark, demanding that all future Gundam series strive to reach its exceptional standard.