Char Returns

Infobox Gundam Episode (MSG)


Title=Char Returns
episode_no= 26
prod_code=
airdateJ

airdateUS= August 24, 2001
Episode -2=Black Tri-Star
Episode -1=The Battle of Odessa
Current Episode="'Char Returns
Episode +1= A Spy on Board
Episode +2= Across the Atlantic Ocean

"Char Returns" is the twenty-sixth episode [http://www.mahq.net/animation/gundam/series/msgep26.htm] of "Mobile Suit Gundam".

Plot summary

Amuro is practicing docking the Core Fighter with the Gundam modules in the shortest amount of time possible, even though Bright tells him that they can’t be docked any faster. The "White Base" arrives at the port city of Belfast, of the former Northern Ireland and a Federation base. As it flies over the city a girl named Miharu Ratokie takes a picture of the ship and sends it to a "Mad Angler" class Zeon submarine. The picture is blurry and Char decides to go out on a "Sealance" boat to confirm that it’s indeed "White Base".

After having landed, the crew meets with General Revil. Revil congratulates them on everything they’ve accomplished from Side 7 to their work at Odessa. He says that after the ship is repaired their next assignment is to head for the Federation Forces headquarters in Jaburo, South America. Revil explains to Fraw that technically they have broken the law by gaining access to government secrets and that they could go to jail for at least one year. Amuro objects to this but Revil continues the briefing. He tells everyone that Zeon are developing new mobile suits and mobile armors to match the Gundam.

The crew is given shore leave. Amuro asks Fraw why she doesn’t want to join the military and she explains that if she did she wouldn’t know where the kids would go if they left the ship. Outside the base Miharu tries to sell trinkets to Amuro and Kai but they refuse.

Close by, Zeon Captain Flanagan Boone sends out two new amphibious Gogg mobile suits to attack "White Base". The Goggs set off underwater mines, and Boone’s submarine provides covering fire. The Goggs reach the surface and begin their attack. With only the Gundam readily available, Bright sends out Amuro. Bright tells him that the beam rifle doesn’t work.

Defensive artillery proves to be ineffective against the Goggs. Amuro attacks the Gogg with an upgraded hammer, but it has no effect on the Gogg’s heavy armor. During the attack Revil is asked to taken to a shelter but he refuses to do so. He doesn’t seem to like how necessary mobile suits are for battle. Sayla wants to sortie in the G-Fighter or G-Bull, but it is not ready for battle yet. On the street, Kai finds Miharu and tells her to seek shelter. Hayato is sent out in the Guntank.

Amuro is still fighting the Gogg. The hammer and the vulcans are ineffective against the Gogg. Amuro asks if the G-Fighter is ready and returns to the ship. He combines the Core Fighter with the G-Bull and returns to the battle. He uses the G-Bull’s cannons and destroys one of the two Goggs.

Sayla launches in the G-Fighter and docks with the G-Bull. The G-Bull and G-Fighter separate and allow Amuro to use the Gundam. The lone Gogg jumps into the water, luring Amuro to go after it. Underwater, the Gogg has an advantage and fires its missiles against Amuro. The Gogg grabs the Gundam but Amuro drives his beam saber on the Gogg’s mono-eye and uses the second one to slice it in half. The ensuing explosion underwater and loss of radio contact leaves everyone wondering if Amuro survived the explosion. Sayla flies overhead and spots the Gundam.

Char arrives at Boone’s submarine and examines the pictures sent by the Goggs. He’s now convinced that the "White Base" is in the city. Boone feels embarrassed for the defeat in battle. Char assures him that the Gundam isn’t just a mass-produced mobile suit. In his thoughts he vows to defeat the Gundam and redeem his pride.

Characters introduced

* Flanagan Boone
* Miharu Ratokie

Mobile suits introduced

* MSM-03 Gogg
* "Mad Angler" class submarine

Resources

* [http://www.mahq.net/animation/gundam/series/msgep26.htm] MAHQ episode site

References