The Space Colonies, the United Earth Sphere Alliance, and the OZ Special Forces (an arm of the sinister Romefeller Foundation) remain locked in a three-way struggle in this 49-part series that aired in Japan from 1995 to 1996. The outcome hinges on the actions of the five young pilots and their indestructible Gundam mobile suits. Duo and Quatre, who is the heir to an enormous fortune, hide out in the desert with sympathetic rebels while their three counterparts undergo various personal crises. Having lost a sword duel to Treize, Chang broods and announces, "I have no right to fight." Heero seeks forgiveness for having inadvertently caused the death of pacifist leader Marshal Noventa--and offers to let each of the Marshal's relatives shoot him. Trowa is overcome with admiration for Heero's nobility, and almost kills himself in an attempt to follow his example. Dissuaded by circus performer Catherine, Trowa helps Heero prepare for a mobile suit duel with Treize. Meanwhile, Relena tries to assassinate the icy Lady Une and forges an alliance with Lieutenant Noin.
The plots and character motivations may sound improbable, but the episodes deliver plenty of robot vs. robot battles--which is what Gundam fans want.
Rated 13 and older for occasional profanity and violence, largely restricted to machines attacking each other. --Charles Solomon
