Ep 41. What Stands in the Way

The episode titled "What Stands in the Way" from season one of Mobile Suit Gundam SEED HD Remaster follows the continuing battle between the Earth Alliance and ZAFT. The Earth Alliance has launched a new weapon, the Requiem, which is capable of destroying anything within a 3000 km radius with a single hit. The Requiem's target is Orb, a neutral space colony and the home of many of the main characters.

The episode starts with the Requiem being fired at Orb, causing chaos and destruction. The Archangel, the ship that Kira, Athrun, and their friends are on, tries to evacuate as many people as possible but soon finds itself under attack by ZAFT's forces. The Archangel is no match for the new mobile suits being used by ZAFT and is quickly overtaken. Kira and his friends must fight for their survival as they attempt to retake control of the ship.

Meanwhile, Athrun has defected back to ZAFT and is piloting one of their newest mobile suits, the Infinite Justice. Athrun's relationship with Kira and the rest of his former allies is strained, and he struggles to connect with the people he once called friends. However, when he learns of the Requiem's target, Athrun tries to contact Kira to warn him about the impending attack.

The battle between the Archangel and ZAFT intensifies, with both sides taking heavy casualties. Kira and Athrun eventually face off in their respective mobile suits, the Strike Freedom and the Infinite Justice. The fight is intense, with both pilots fighting to protect their friends and their beliefs. The emotional weight of the battle is palpable, as Kira and Athrun try to reconcile their past with their present.

As the battle reaches its climax, the true nature of the Requiem is revealed, and Kira must make a difficult decision that will affect the outcome of the war. The episode ends with a cliffhanger, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats, wondering what will happen next.

"What Stands in the Way" is a gripping episode, showcasing the intense emotional struggle of the characters as they fight for survival and their beliefs. The intense battle scenes are complemented by excellent animation and music, creating a thrilling viewing experience. Fans of Mobile Suit Gundam SEED will not be disappointed by this installment of the series.