Gurren Lagann ep. 22, "This is My Final Duty" Review - Fresh Takes #21

Brock and Mike are back to discuss the gyroscopic effect with Leeron on the latest edition of Fresh Takes! We’re now up to episode 22 of Gurren Lagann and it’s been one heck of a series! The path of man and beast intersect as Simon and Viral, along with Team Dai-Gurren, stand with Rossiu and the remaining survivors of Earth as they take on the Anti-Spiral forces in an epic battle! Who lives? Who dies? Who escapes with their lives but the only souvenir they have is a corny t-shirt? Okay, I’m just messin’ around with that last question. Let’s get to Mike and Brock’s commentary! Hit that play button!

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So, this is a huge episode that reminds me a lot of the Gundam series I’ve watched throughout the years, except this is better! I mean, there’s a beam platform on the moon? Because that’s no moon, it’s a frakkin’ Death Star! I’m sorry, I couldn’t help myself.

Okay, let’s talk about the animation in this episode. Specifically, it’s great! Definitely some of the best quality I’ve seen in this show, and that’s saying a lot, as Gainax doesn’t skimp on the artistry and creativity of their series. For instance, the transformation sequence when Gurren Lagann merges with the Arch-Gurren is one of the most stunning sequences in the show, and my favorite giant robot transformation since the Autobot city in 1986’s Transformers animated film!

“Smashing through both karma and fate! The screams of life echo across the galaxy! Raging wave combining! Arch-Gurren Lagann!!!” I love it so much! This show has made me proud to be a fan of anime when so very few others have lived up to my expectations. And that is truly the greatest compliment I can ever give to the animators who worked on it and the directors, producers, writers, and actors who poured their talents into it. I’m gonna miss it when it’s over.

Also, Leeron once again gets the best line of the episode: “I don’t just want your words of praise, I want your BURNING HEART, too!” God bless you, Steve Blum, and thanks for being so cool when we met in Hawaii that one time. And, of course, my Yoko is there in the thick of the battle, too. Yes. So much yes.

Sorry for the gush-fest, everyone, but I really have become a fan of this show! I can see why Brock and Mike are head over heels for it, and it’s an amazing series with a lot of grit and a ton of heart. Until the next one, guys, we’ll catch ya later. Spin on!

-Neoplasmic