The following will contain spoilers for episode 22 of Mobile Suit Gundam the Witch from Mercury.
The latest episode of Mobile Suit Gundam the Witch from Mercury has dropped, and we finally get to see the debut of Gundam Calibarn following the hype of its surprise reveal last week, as well as the downgrade of Gundam Schwarzette to being Lauda’s tool for reasons that no one cares about.
The episode starts with yet another failure by the Space Assembly League to put a dent on Quiet Zero. We then go straight to Asticassia where it’s nice to see everyone coming together in preparation for the confrontation with Prospera and Ericht/Aerial. It just took hundreds of people dying on Earth and a gigantic Permet space battle fortress. Suletta was able to achieve several wins in this episode. First is taking back the title of holder from Guel in a fencing match that I can only think of as an homage to Amuro and Char’s final confrontation in Mobile Suit Gundam. She was also able to pull Miorine out of her depression episode and she finally boards the Calibarn.
I really like how Suletta’s GUND Format connection sequence with Calibarn parallels and almost matches her mother’s attempt in doing exactly the same with Lfrith. Except that this time, Suletta was able to successfully link and raise the Permet score to five.
And finally, we get to see Gundm Calibarn make its combat debut in a manner that many have compared to how the Banagher in the Unicorn Gundam entered the battle to fight Riddie in the Banshee Norn. It doesn’t help that the Calibarn is a mostly white mobile suit with red shell units, also in the same manner as how the Unicorn Gundam has red glowing Psychoframe.
And in case you haven’t noticed, the Calibarn uses this long-barreled rifle with multiple thruster units at the back as primary weapon and propulsion, in the same way a witch uses her broom as means for transport. Yes, the Calibarn is the witch Gundam suited for the witch from Mercury.
Well, if it doesn’t feel like the end is near for this series, then I don’t know what you’re watching because things are really coming to a head as Suletta confronts Eri/Aerial while Lauda, in the Schwarzette, does his misguided fight with Guel. I don’t really see the point for the latter, but if it’s for Guel to atone for inadvertently killing his father during the first season finale, then this is a fight we also have to see, I guess.
