Kidou Senshi Gundam GQuuuuuuX [Season 1 Episode 2]

A Nostalgic Yet Polarizing Ride: Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX Episode 2 Review

If you’re a Gundam fan, you’ve probably been waiting for Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX to drop its second episode with bated breath. And boy, did it deliver—though not without stirring up some heated debates among fans. Produced by Sunrise and Studio Khara, this sixteenth installment in the Gundam franchise takes a bold step by blending nostalgia with a fresh alternate timeline. Episode 2, titled Char’s Gambit, dives headfirst into the lore, leaving some viewers exhilarated and others scratching their heads.

A Blast from the Past

The episode opens with a bang, reintroducing Char Aznable, the iconic Gundam antagonist, in a scenario where he successfully captures the Earth Federation’s latest mobile suit, the Gundam. This alternate history twist is a love letter to longtime fans, packed with callbacks to the original 1979 series. From the retro soundtrack to the classic sound effects, the episode oozes nostalgia. One fan on MyAnimeList gushed, “The OST, the OG Gundam sounds—I don’t mean to be all member berries, but even that aside, the dummy thicc Zakus were all excellent!”

However, not everyone was sold. Some newcomers felt lost, with one user admitting, “As someone who hasn’t seen any UC, I have no idea who Char is, but he seems cool (I have no idea what the heck is happening).” This divide highlights the episode’s biggest strength and weakness: it’s a treat for veterans but risks alienating new viewers.

The Char Conundrum

Char’s portrayal was a major talking point. His new voice actor (VA) sparked debates, with some fans missing Shuichi Ikeda’s legendary performance. “Not to say the new VA is bad, but I wonder why they didn’t go with Ikeda Shuuichi for Char, considering he’s still active,” one fan mused. Others, however, praised the fresh take, arguing that the new VA nailed Char’s charisma and intensity.

The episode also showcased Char’s tactical brilliance, with one battle scene earning rave reviews for its animation. “The sakuga was incredible—humans will no longer be held down by Earth’s gravity!” a fan exclaimed. Yet, some felt the pacing was rushed, especially compared to the movie version of the same events. “They cut out a LOT from this episode compared to the movie,” lamented another viewer, referencing missing scenes that added depth to Char’s arc.

A Tale of Two Tones

One of the most polarizing aspects was the episode’s tonal shift from the series premiere. Episode 1 introduced Amate Yuzuriha, a high-school student drawn into the world of mobile suits, while Episode 2 abruptly pivoted to Char’s backstory. “Starting with an episode introducing the new cast, then ignoring them entirely in the second episode for a backstory featuring an entirely different cast of characters is just a bizarre choice,” criticized one fan.

This structural oddity left some viewers confused about the show’s direction. Was this a standalone flashback, or would the two narratives eventually merge? “I enjoyed this episode but it felt rushed and I kept feeling reminded this is VERY different tone from what I watched last week,” admitted another.

Technical Triumphs

Despite the narrative hiccups, the episode’s technical achievements were universally praised. The animation, particularly the mobile suit battles, was lauded for its weight and realism. “The thing I noticed most is how they keep showing how heavy the MS are—I absolutely love Gundam doing it, and it’s so easy to just not do it with CGI,” noted a fan.

The sound design also earned accolades, with the original series’ sound effects and music seamlessly integrated into the modern aesthetic. “Hearing the new Char doesn’t feel the same, but the references and appreciation towards the original Gundam were spot-on,” commented another viewer.

Final Verdict: A Love Letter or a Misstep?

Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX Episode 2 is a rollercoaster of emotions. For longtime fans, it’s a nostalgic feast, packed with Easter eggs and a fresh take on Char’s legacy. For newcomers, it’s a confusing detour that might leave them yearning for more of Amate’s story.

As one fan perfectly summarized, “It’s a strange decision to have the opening episode be a punk, stylized show for a new generation; and then the second episode be nostalgia bait for the original series. Maybe it meshed together better in the movie, but I’m worried trying to be two different shows is gonna end up pleasing no one.”

Whether you loved it or hated it, one thing’s for sure: Gundam is back, and it’s not afraid to take risks. Here’s hoping Episode 3 finds a way to bridge the gap between old and new.

Rating: 7.5/10 – A flawed but fascinating entry that’s bound to spark debates for weeks to come.

What did you think of Episode 2? Let us know in the comments!