| Episode 16: Vulnerable Mind |
| Review Once again, an episode in the second season has a great opening. Liz is greeted once again by Luca, but her dreams tell her that Takeshi is on her mind. The other team members are taking notice, too. It really makes one wonder at this point if she fears Takeshi or if something else is there. Takeshi is still in the frame of mind that nothing is wrong with him, and the problems lie with everyone else. It doesn’t become so obvious until the team meeting begins for the race against Team White Snow. Andrei begins with pointing out the problem, in which Takeshi is already showing signs of disbelief. The disbelief resides in him, but he cannot see that yet. That’s why things get moody with him as Andrei reveals a plan to beat White Snow that involves Takeshi not being on the offensive. Andrei makes a very good point when he says that it’s not about Takeshi. Takeshi doesn’t take that well, as he still thinks that he is being punished for some reason. The series takes another step in showcasing the amazing directing style with all of the occurrences of Liz and Amy. Amy notices the look on Liz’s face as Takeshi walks out. She really cares about him, but maybe in a more aggressive way than most others. This is all foreshadowing, of course. And that concept leads to us seeing Team White Snow ‘starting the next phase of the plan’. It’s no coincidence that as Amy sits down for some research online that Judy and Max greet her. It’s funny that Amy is researching, not about the race, but about Liz. It also shows her care for Liz. That’s why the conversation that follows with Judy and Max from Team White Snow is so important to the character development of all three of them. Judy only talks about Liz, and brings up the fact that Liz’s orphanage was demolished. Amy looks a little apprehensive, but at the same time worried about the truth behind her apprehension. Judy was expecting the response, and hoping for it. If she can bring down Team Satomi in any way, it will only help them win. The psychological aspect is another case for the great directing. Many other shows would simply hit the race track without any development, and leave all the ‘conflict’ there. But the fact is that this is how real life goes. What happens on the track has a direct connection with the emotions of the pilots. And if Team White Snow can pierce the happy thoughts, the race will go smoother for them. The character development lies in the fact that Max doesn’t quite get it, even though she does. Max is quiet about throughout the conversation because she doesn’t quite know how to react to what her teammate is doing. Judy knows exactly what she is doing, and it is pretty rotten. Liz makes a ‘peace offering’ by buying Takeshi a hot dog. This also shows that Liz cares; even something as simple as buying someone a small gift demonstrates that they mean something to you, or that there is meaning in the conflict between them. Amy is also concerned, as she discovers what is wrong with her teammates. And as the scene changes to the button mashing required for formations, we find Amy is struggling with the concept. Her concern is what is blocking her from performing better, as she admits when she says that she has a lot on her mind. That thought is preceded by Liz yelling at Takeshi for being inconsiderate of Amy’s feelings; not even expressing his true thoughts to her face. Amy is standing right behind them and hears the whole thing. She is shocked by Liz sticking up for her, but Liz deserves some credit for yelling at Takeshi with some meaning behind it. Takeshi is feeling a little indifferent about it, only thinking of Fantine at night. We know something is up as right before the commercial break, we see the computer screen in the mech room turn on by itself and a diamond-shaped eye leaf through the data. If one hasn’t figured it out by now, it should be known that Team White Snow is up to no good. But until Team Satomi discovers that, they are in a confident mood. Both Liz and Amy look at each other as they are carried to the garage before the race, without noticing each other. Then Liz approaches Amy and talks to her about how the team is going to cover for her. Amy is confident in herself, which shows how headstrong she is. Liz reveals to Amy how they are all stronger when they can depend on each other, and Liz even remarks she wishes Takeshi could realize it. Liz gets very close to Amy to reveal this, not out of ‘affection’ like some may want to believe, but out of persuasion. One should realize that there is a psychological aspect to that. Talking to someone with tender words right in your face would make you think about what they are saying, right? That was the point behind this scene. As the race begins, everything looks good. But Takeshi is still in that mood. Once again, Liz pulls a stunning mood by getting up close. She grabs Takeshi’s mech to get his attention. She still believes in him, and that gives Takeshi confidence. Now everything is good…or is it? As the formation goes under way, Andrei and everyone are convinced they will squash Zanak (forward). But the ‘perfection’ wasn’t meant to last long, as he dodges it. Takeshi is now feeling down again, which may lead to his downfall. As the race continues, we are introduced to a new part of the course. Team White Snow uses these sets of walls to perform advanced maneuvers. Zanak pulls ahead as he bounces off the walls and Judy swings her arm to hurt Takeshi. It gives Team White Snow the edge they need to gain the lead. Takeshi is still not giving up, but we are left at that for next week. This episode is also a showcase for the awesome technical aspects of the show. As we hear the race move along, we can perceive many things from the surround sound aspect that really brings the show alive. It’s worth reiterating the fact that this show didn’t have to have 5.1 audio; in fact practically no shows have it. Not only does this show have it, but it also sounds better than 90% of movies I hear. That is topped by the well-detailed animation. Thinking about everything before the race, there’s so much going on here, and once again, this episode excels at that. Why is that important? It shows that those who will care about these kinds of things will find substance in that. But that is merely a front for the deeper aspects of this show. The fact that the episode exceeds in all areas is worth commending. The outcome is unknown, but we can anticipate a lot from the next episode because of the set up. When I say set up, I mean in all areas. We have incredible character development to go by, and the plot will keep one’s attention. Can Takeshi overcome a great opponent? This episode leaves it open for you to decide what that is-Team White Snow or himself. |
| Judy talks with Amy about a possible problem with Liz. |
| Team Satomi practices their new formation patterns with Andrei. |
| Team White Snow is very confident in their first race against Team Satomi. |
| Additional Pictures |
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| USA original air date: June 3rd, 2006 |
| Japan original air date: February 8th, 2006 |
| Original Japanese Title: Vulnerable Mind |
| Summary Takeshi, Liz and Amy have a lot of work to become the League Champion, and Team White Snow may be the opponent that shows them that they need some work. The team members can't seem to get along and Takeshi and Liz have got to get along to pull off a win here. Can Team Satomi form a master plan to beat Team White Snow, an unfamiliar team to them? This episode introduces Team White Snow's mechs and even more of IGPX City and Team Satomi's facility. It also introduces the training the team does. |
| OVERALL SCORE: 9 out of 10 |
| Additional Information |
| Toonami Version Differences -A very small amount of footage was cut (in total, less than 5 seconds). |