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Legend of the Galactic Heroes: Die Neue These
Episode 8

by Christopher Farris,

How would you rate episode 8 of
The Legend of the Galactic Heroes: Die Neue These ?
Community score: 4.3

It feels like it's been a while since Legend of the Galactic Heroes checked in on the Imperial side of things. This episode serves to touch base with that side, see how Reinhard and Kircheis have been operating, and take stock of how the seismic shift that was the Alliance's capture of Iserlohn affects them. Though some of these events feel rather episodic, there are several developments that reverberate through the escalating plot. This episode covers a lot of ground, but perhaps doesn't do so as impressively as it could have.

The first half deals with Die Neue These's retelling of a story that's pivotal to LOGH: Kircheis's quelling of the Castrop rebellion. The exact details of how this plays out aren't as important as the implications it has for virtually everyone we've seen on the Imperial side so far. Reinhard has been granted a whole fleet of admirals under his wing, and the power he wields is viewed suspiciously, as he seemingly shares it equally with his right-hand man. Much in the same way Reinhard had to prove himself at the beginning of the series, Kircheis has to do the same here.

The narrative makes strong use of all those surrounding Imperial commanders to demonstrate the rise of opinion on Kircheis. Most notably, fans will thrill to Mittermeyer and Reuenthal finally making their proper appearance in the series, their casual confidence contrasting with the doubt that other members of command show. Of course, as with Reinhard and Yang's prior shows of success, there's never a question of whether Kircheis will succeed or not. His opponent is the kind of grandstanding idiot we've seen the effective tacticians of the series take down several times before, and while his tic of constantly punching his subordinates is both funny and portentous, there's no real threat from him. Even with a pair of subordinates in the background worriedly doubting Kircheis's moves, our interest in the story comes not from if he will be victorious, but how.

To that effect, this segment does well to keep us on the edge of our seats. Just like with the broader maneuvering that has taken place so far in the story, each move is important not just for where it puts the pieces in the moment, but for the next several moves it sets up. Kircheis's victory is very satisfying to watch play out, not just because it's well-directed karma against the abusive enemy commander, but because of how definitive it feels. Kircheis doesn't just win for victory's sake, he wins to make a point.

That demonstrative element of this episode falls into place very well at the episode's halfway point. We see the commanders turn their opinion of Kircheis around, and it demonstrates the contrast in the power of inspiring leadership Kircheis and Reinhard carry versus their less impressive foes. It also gives us a little time to reflect in Kircheis's headspace, but the execution there comes off extremely dry, highlighting the key issue with this episode, particularly its second half.

That latter portion is all about the Empire coming to grips with the loss of Iserlohn, and how the sole survivor, Oberstein, parlays his desertion into a position with Reinhard. There is some good content here. For one thing, it's neat how the series structures Oberstein ‘leaving’ as part of the plot that centered around Yang and the Alliance and migrating back to Reinhard and the Imperials. It shows off the breadth of the story's setting and the connections between everyone in it all at once. But the execution is perhaps too underplayed. Kircheis giving Reinhard the news of Iserlohn's capture is more muted than revelations like that need to be for our key players on this side. Die Neue These has already added elements that play up Yang's rivalry with Reinhard, so more reaction on the Imperial side would better sell the drama of this new development. Admittedly, the decorum of the Empire is meant to be stuffier than the Alliance, but Reinhard and Kircheis at least had some flair and chemistry early on in the series, so it's notable when that tone goes missing.

Similarly, the discussion and confrontation with Oberstein comes off more low-key than it should. The music and direction does increase the drama as Oberstein works up to his rebellious suggestions, but the whole thing stops short of being properly stirring. Oberstein's revelations have massive gravity, and they set off a wave of repercussions that will have impact through almost the entire rest of the story that's being adapted this season. With that in mind, this anime could stand to inject more tension into such a major turning point. Prior fans will understand why this character's introduction and Reinhard's reaction to him is such a big deal, but others won't be signaled as well about the implications for the long run. Technically, this episode is fine, but after the previous weeks showed how excellent this adaptation could be when embracing its unique strengths, it's disappointing to see it fall back down to above-average coasting.

Rating: B

Legend of the Galactic Heroes: Die Neue These is currently streaming on Crunchyroll.


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