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Gate Thus The JSDF Fought There Episode 2 Review – Quick Summary
In Gate Thus the JSDF Fought There episode 2, “The Two Armies,” Senator Casel confronted Emperor Molto Sol Augustus over the his army’s catastrophic failure on the other side of the gate. That loss cost 60% of the imperial army, and now a force of unknown capabilities had setup camp on Alnus Hill, the gate’s home. Not only that, but the loss left the empire open to attack from its “allies.” This material seemed serious. So why is the emperor almost gleeful? What plan could he possibly come up with to counter those terrible losses? And what can a single Princess named Pina Co Lada do, in spite of her father’s scorn?
Note: This post may include spoilers, so be cautious.
Favorite Quote from Gate Thus The JSDF Fought There Episode 2
I was a little surprised that Itami preferred Magical Girls. I was even more surprised that the series he mentioned really exists! Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.
Youji Itami, having just received command of the 3rd Recon Unit, sat beside his driver, Takeo Kurata, as they headed for the elven village in the woods. To pass the time, they talked about their hobbies, and Takeo said felt disappointed that they’d only seen humans so far. Itami said that he must really have wanted to see some “cat-eared girls.” The driver said that he wasn’t particular — a “voluptuous sorceress” would also be fine. Then he asked Itami what he hoped to see.
Blushing (I really didn’t know until this moment that Itami could blush!), Itami that he said he really liked Magical Girls. Emyu from Mei Com in particular.
When Kurata scoffed, Itami got as stern as we’ve heard him (so far) and said (17:15), “Hey, I’m gonna get pissed if you talk about my girl that way.”
Do not get between Itami and his waifu.
Best in Show Moment for Gate Thus The JSDF Fought There Episode 2
Emperor Molto knew exactly what he was doing when he ordered the attack. Shrewd SOB… Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.
Setup: To Be Believable…
I’ve read a ton of science fiction and fantasy. Literally — if you weighted the number of paper backs I’ve read, I’m pretty sure it would push 2,000 pounds. If there’s one thing that can make or break a story, it’s how realistic the author makes the world.
I’m trying to write novels (a journey which I’d love for you to read about on my novelist site). I’ve spent lots of time defining social/economic movements and detailed organization charts for the United Nations, European Union, and even the companies in the book. Ninety-five percent of that will never make it into the final product. But almost all of it helped fashion what did make it into the book. So I really appreciate good world-building.
This show put a lot of thought into its world building. Even what could be a throw-away scene where Duran and the other lords argued was consistent with the world. Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.
Gate has very, very good world building.
Consider, from the empire’s perspective, what happened in the first episode. The battle was an absolute disaster. They lost tens of thousands of men, not to mention the materiel. Did Gate just brush that under the rug? Nope! This episode starts with Senator Casel confronting the emperor with these facts. How did the emperor respond?
Delivery: A World Has to be Realistic
Casel Tried to Be Reasonable
The writer setup the scene well. Casel, standing in the center of the chamber, laid out the facts. Occasionally, Casel’s supporters would shout their encouragement. The emperor at first feigned exhausted concern, saying the people would be not only be worried about the actual loses, but that the aligned states might revolt against the empire “and attack the imperial capital itself” (01:02). Casel didn’t quite know what to make of it.
Then the emperor threw down the rhetorical gauntlet. The emperor said that such concerns were ridiculous, because each time danger confronted the empire, the people, the emperor, and the Senate all pulled together. Did you see what the emperor just did there? He accused Casel or fermenting dissent at precisely the time they needed unity.
Casel knew he’d lost this round — even though he had the empire’s best interests at heart. Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.
Emperor Molto Was Even More Reasonable
The emperor then went on to appear to their patriotism and sense of tribe. He said that surely no one would want to waste time here, debating what needed done, when an enemy camped on Alnus Hill. By this time, the pro-war factions were getting fired up, and Casel knew he’d lost this battle. More importantly, the emperor knew he’d won. By the time another man asked what they should do, the Senate was ready for the emperor’s answer: Muster the armed forces of their allies and hurl that force at Alnus.
As the Senate cheered, Casel approached the dais. He said (02:55), “Your Majesty, it will be a bloodbath.” The emperor just grinned at him.
Casel warned the emperor that the next attack would be a bloodbath — just like the previous attacks. They both knew the answer to that. Capture from the Crunchyroll stream.
Not only did the emperor maintain control of the senate. He just solved the problem of his neighbors being stronger than he was. And he could rely on the JSDF to take care of the dirty work. That’s some realistic politics right there. It’s one of things that endears me to this story.
What did you think of Duran’s stand? What was your Best in Show moment? Let me know in the comments!
Gate Thus The JSDF Fought There Episode 2: Other Posts
Other Anime Sites
- Reddit: [Spoilers] Gate: Jieitai Kanochi nite, Kaku Tatakaeri – Episode 2 [Discussion]
- RABUJOI: GATE – 02
- Chibi Reviews: Gate Jieitai Kanochi nite Kaku Tatakaeri Episode 2 Anime Review – All Out Assault
This Site (Crow’s World of Anime!)
- Gate Thus the JSDF Fought There Episode 1: The Self-Defense Force Goes to Another World
- Gate Thus the JSDF Fought There Episode 2: The Two Armies
- Gate Thus the JSDF Fought There Episode 3: Fire Dragon
- Gate Thus the JSDF Fought There Episode 4: To Unknown Lands
- Gate Thus the JSDF Fought There Episode 5: The Battle of Italica
- Gate Thus the JSDF Fought There Episode 6: Ride of the Valkyries
- Gate Thus the JSDF Fought There Episode 7: The Princess’ Decision
- Gate Thus the JSDF Fought There Episode 8: Japan, Beyond the Gate
- Gate Thus the JSDF Fought There Episode 9: The Hakone Mountain Night Battle
- Gate Thus the JSDF Fought There Episode 10: Despair and Hope
- Gate Thus the JSDF Fought There Episode 11: Visitor
- Gate Thus the JSDF Fought There Episode 12: What Would Itami Do?
GATE is certainly a master of worldbuilding as you said. The first few episodes do a great job in establishing it’s settings and characters. Glad to see that you are discussing this series- it is certainly an underappreciated gem in my opinion and one of my examples of a good isekai.
I really enjoyed this series, and the great world building was part of it. Like you, I’ve read mountains of scifi and fantasy from back when they called it “speculative literature” and a believable world is paramount for my enjoyment. Thanks for the insightful post!