Anime Best in Show

Review: Astra Lost in Space Episode 09 – Best In Show

Quick Summary

In Astra Lost in Space episode 09, “Revelation,” Kanata Hoshijima thinks long and hard about what Zack Walker discovered, and the implications are crushing. Quitterie Raffaeli and Funicia Raffaeli’s excitement at learning the results of Zack’s tests quickly turns to confusion and then horror as the young crew unravels some of the core mysteries affecting them. Meanwhile, their parents discuss their plans in great detail, confirming many of Kanata and Zack’s conclusions. What drove events to this stage? How will the crew react to the implications? And how Polina Livinskaya react to the news?

Note: This post may include spoilers, so be cautious.

Best Moment in the Show

It takes strength and honest conviction to bring people back from an emotional ledge. Kanata has both in abundance. Capture from the Hulu stream.

It was emotionally difficult to watch Quitterie and Funicia go from being all excited to find out if they were really related to finding out they were clones. But that was only the start. They had deduced that they were all clones whose “parents” were their DNA donors. They had been created for a single reason: Using Zack’s “dad’s” memory technology, the kids were to become the vessel for their original’s minds. They had been created to give their originals immortality.

And now that their planet had passed a law outlawing clones, the originals had to cover their tracks. They had sent their clones into space to die where their bodies would never be found — so no DNA testing could be conducted.

Astra Lost in Space has become one of my favorite shows this season in part because of how well it presents its characters, particularly for a science fiction series. So often, science fiction shows will make characters secondary to the effort. In fact, I’ve read some science fiction authors suggest that characters should be secondary, and that the science ideas should be front and center. My Best in Show moment says otherwise.

Kanata pointed out that they all had one thing in common: They weren’t loved. That seemed to loose Quitterie’s feelings. “But… but that’s…” she said as she pounded the console with her fists (9:27). She dropped to her knees and said, “We… we were vessels!”

Quitterie’s a strong young woman, but this revelation was almost too much for her. Capture from the Hulu stream.

The enormity of what they’d deduced crashed over her. Zack tried to comfort her, but she battled his hand away.

Then Funicia started to cry (9:52). Seeing her tears, hearing her sobs, hammered home just how how awful and painful their situation was. The little girl’s tears set off an emotional cascade. Zack struggled to keep his feeling in check; Yun-Hua Lu covered her mouth and started to cry. One by one they started to crumble. 

That moment’s raw emotional power is worth the Best in Show recognition. But what happened next is my choice. Kanata stood and and yelled (10:04), “We are family!”

The loud conviction in his voice caught their attention. “No parent? Who cares? Discarded clones? Who cares? We were born under the same destiny and overcame hardships together as a family! Let’s all go home together and surprise them.”

It was exactly what they all needed to hear — even Kanata, I think. I enjoy the plot twists; I enjoy the technology. But moments like this make me love the series. 

As an aside, there’s a part of me that’s really happy to see that Aries Spring’s mom doesn’t fit the mold.

What did you think of the reveals in this episode? What was your Best in Show moment? Let me know in the comments! 

Other Posts about This Series

Other Anime Sites

This Site (Crow's World of Anime!)

tcrow
Copyright 2022 Terrance A. Crow. All rights reserved.
https://www.crowsworldofanime.com

11 thoughts on “Review: Astra Lost in Space Episode 09 – Best In Show

  1. I am loving this show so much. It’s the perfect mix of character and plot, one minute making me cry with laughter, the next making my jaw hit the floor with shock. Best in show moment? For me it was that ending.

    1. “Best in show moment? For me it was that ending.”

      That was a good one, too! Polina’s growing shock, the kids’ not understanding her… This show really knows how to delivery powerful moments!

    1. “I am digging all the twists”

      I am too, and I’m surprised they blend so seamlessly into the plot! The show’s done a great job laying the groundwork so that when we get a surprise, it makes sense, even though it’s still a surprise!

      “The reaction to the engagement was funny too.”

      The combination of flames behind Zack and Aries’ combat stance really made the scene for me!

  2. ******They had been created to give their originals immorality.*****

    Awesome typo. (Though I think they already had it.)

    As for Aries: it’s quite clear to me that she shares DNA with Seira (the girl from Charce’s story). She even got the same name (even if backwards). The two of them would have to have been made at the same time, considering their age. A test run, and then given up for adoption? We know at the very least that Seira’s parent probably couldn’t afford such cutting edge technology.

    You know how I suspected Funicia’s doll to sabotage the communicator? I now think it’s more likely Charce sabotaged the communicator, and also provided the ship. He finds Aries, a tube-mate of Seira, hears about the plan, and throws a spanner into the works by providing a space ship to rescue them. Why sabotage the communicator? Well, better not warn all those big shots that their plan has failed. The less time they have to prepare, the better, no? Why not tell them the truth, though, is something I don’t know.

    And what happened to the Earth? And if it was Charce, where did he get the same model ship? (They are a retro country where he’s from, so…)

    Fun show.

    1. “Awesome typo. (Though I think they already had it.)”

      Man, I wish I’d planned it that way! Thanks for catching that; it’s fixed now.

      “You know how I suspected Funicia’s doll to sabotage the communicator? I now think it’s more likely Charce sabotaged the communicator, and also provided the ship.”

      That’s interesting — Charce does look like he’s still hiding something, or hoping something isn’t discovered.

      Maybe…

      “They are a retro country where he’s from, so…”

      So maybe Polina was asleep for considerably longer than she thought.

      “Fun show.”

      It really is. It’s a treat to watch a show that not only has such great characters, but also has a plot that generates enjoyable discussion. So far, the writers have rewarded folks who have paid attention; I think that’s a great sign of respect.

    2. >A test run, and then given up for adoption?

      Hmm…. But wouldn’t there be a difference in their ages? (Between Aires and her classmates.) Otherwise, an interesting thought.

      A lot of people are coming to regard Charce as the traitor. Makes sense… His parents aren’t going to be bound by the laws the other parents (who all seem to be from the same country) would be.

      1. “Hmm…. But wouldn’t there be a difference in their ages? (Between Aires and her classmates.) Otherwise, an interesting thought.”

        That’s a good point. At the same time, Seira looked identical to Aries, so something’s up…

        “His parents aren’t going to be bound by the laws the other parents (who all seem to be from the same country) would be.”

        Also a good point. I really like how this show, even after multiple major reveals, still has so much room for conjecture. They’ve crafted a solid plot!

      2. Yep, Aries’ age is a problem. Maybe cloning is actually a known technology in Charce’s country? There’s also that a photographic memory (assuming Seira had it, too) would be a desirably trait should you genetically engineer spies…

  3. Yes, I want to know about Aries and why she seems to be the odd one out. Of course, I also want to know more about Polina’s revelation at the end of the episode. This series has been a great watch this season and I’m really glad I picked it up.

    1. “This series has been a great watch this season and I’m really glad I picked it up.”

      Me too — both that it’s been a great watch and that you picked it up. I’m enjoying your reviews!

Please let me know what you think!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.