Unlocking the Mystery of Laplace's Box

Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn is a riveting political thriller that ranks among the best in the Gundam franchise. The plot revolves around the search for "Laplace's Box," and the series' complex narrative keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. However, when the true nature of the box is finally revealed, it defies all expectations and adds significant depth to the story. Originally released as a series of seven OVAs between 2010 and 2014, Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn takes place 16 years after the One Year War and follows protagonist Banagher Links as he becomes embroiled in a quest for the elusive box and takes on the role of pilot for the Unicorn Gundam, a powerful machine that holds the key to its discovery.

What People Think The Box Is

The Laplace's box is a highly coveted object, yet only a select few truly understand its significance. Initially presented as a weapon capable of toppling the Earth Federation Government, this mysterious box becomes the focal point of Gundam's central conflict in the Universal Century Timeline. The struggle between the Earth government and the space-dwelling factions is at the heart of the series, with the Laplace's box serving as a crucial element in this ongoing battle.

What The Box Actually Is

As the Earth's population continued to grow, the need for space exploration became a necessity. However, the spacenoids, who were born and raised in space, yearned for independence and despised being governed by a planet they may never even set foot on. This conflict is the driving force behind the original Mobile Suit Gundam series, and Unicorn explores a new chapter in this ongoing struggle. The armed groups of Neo Zeon, composed of rebellious spacenoids, are rumored to possess Laplace's Box, which could potentially wipe out the Federation. Banagher witnesses firsthand the ruthless tactics employed by those seeking the box, including the brutal attack on his home that sets the entire story in motion.

The Universal Century is introduced in the inaugural episode, set in the Laplace space colony. The Prime Minister of the Federation delivers a speech marking the occasion, wielding a charter signed by the United Nations. Abruptly, an anti-federation group launches a terrorist attack, disrupting the proceedings.

The significance of this moment is made apparent in episode 7, where Banagher and Mineva discover the owner of the box, Syam Vist, and the contents it holds. Laplace's Box is not a weapon, but rather the original charter, featuring a clause that guarantees greater freedom to those residing in space.

The revelation uncovered a shocking truth about the root cause of Gundam's conflict, shaking the very core of the Universal Century's history. It suggests that the multitude of wars that plagued the era could have been prevented had the buried clause been brought to light earlier. The attack on Laplace in U.C. 0001 was not simply a rebellion against the federation, but a calculated assault orchestrated by a radical right-wing political faction that aimed to suppress the spacenoids' quest for greater autonomy.

The Power of Words

Unicorn takes a unique approach with Laplace's Box, portraying it as a symbol rather than a weapon. The box represents a powerful force that questions the legitimacy of empires and their actions, and validates the anger and resentment felt by those oppressed in space. While it may seem like just words on stone, the power behind those words is undeniable. This twist is a stroke of genius, as it highlights the idea that the lives lost in the pursuit of freedom were always possible, and even tacitly approved by Earth's nations. In the grand scheme of the Universal Century timeline, the seemingly insignificant MacGuffin becomes one of Gundam's most crucial pieces.

The Unicorn series resonates with many because it tackles the theme of history being written by the victor. In real history, powerful individuals have erased entire stories, and Unicorn captures this concept effectively. The series is able to create unparalleled drama through its grounded approach, making it stand out in the mecha genre.