Ep 45. The Nightmare Reborn

The Nightmare Reborn is the 45th episode of Mobile Suit Gundam SEED HD Remaster season 1. The episode picks up with the Archangel and the Eternal still scrambling to find a way to stop the massive Requiem laser from firing. They're aware that the weapon will completely decimate the Earth Alliance's enemies - namely, the PLANTS - but it will also cause disastrous environmental conditions that many innocent lives will have to suffer through.

Sensing the urgency of the situation, Kira and Athrun head out in their Gundams to once again try and intercept the beam, even though they know the task is nearly impossible. There's an extra layer of dramatic tension added when it's revealed that the Archangel and the Eternal are running out of power, and if they don't figure out a way to stop the laser, they won't have the energy necessary to escape the blast radius.

Meanwhile, on the PLANT side of things, we see some major character development with Chairman Durandal. Despite his outwardly calm demeanor, it's revealed just how far he's willing to go to achieve his goal of a "perfect" world. He reveals to his underlings that he's purposely keeping them in the dark about his plans, and that their subservience is a means to an end for him - he has no qualms about betraying them if it means getting closer to his ultimate goal.

There's also some significant tension between Athrun and his old friend, Yzak. As we've seen throughout the series, Athrun is fighting to protect the PLANTS and his friends there, even though he's technically aligned with the Earth Alliance. Yzak, on the other hand, is a loyal soldier with the Earth Alliance and doesn't feel any kinship with Athrun's former comrades. This differing perspective leads to some heated exchanges between the two.

As the episode progresses, we see Kira and Athrun engage in battle with the powerful Requiem laser, all while the Archangel and the Eternal race to evacuate the area. This leads to some truly spectacular action sequences, with plenty of giant robot battles and fiery explosions.

But just as it seems like all hope is lost, we see a glimmer of light on the horizon - literally. A powerful solar flare erupts and illuminates the battlefield, giving Kira the chance he needs to deflect the laser and save the day. It's a heart-pumping moment of heroism, and one that reminds us of just how high the stakes are in this ongoing conflict.

Overall, The Nightmare Reborn is a thrilling episode of Mobile Suit Gundam SEED HD Remaster. It delivers on the action and drama that fans of the series have come to expect, all while throwing some new twists and turns into the mix to keep things fresh. With the stage set for even more intense battles and dramatic moments to come, it's clear that the war between the Earth Alliance and the PLANTS is only going to get more complicated from here on out.