Ep 1. (Dub) Blue-Eyed Casval

(Dub) Blue-Eyed Casval is the inaugural episode of season 1 of Mobile Suit Gundam The Origin. The episode runs for approximately 1 hour and sets the foundation for the rest of the season. The story takes place in the Universal Century timeline and follows the character, Casval Rem Deikun, in his struggle against oppressive government forces.

The episode opens with Casval, a young boy, attending his father's funeral. His father, Zeon Zum Deikun, was a prominent leader in the Space colonies who spoke out against Earth-based powers and advocated for autonomy for the people of space. However, shortly after his father's death, Casval and his sister, Artesia, are attacked by government forces and forced to flee for their lives.

The rest of the episode jumps between flashbacks of Casval's life and his efforts to survive while on the run. Throughout the flashbacks, it is revealed that Casval has a unique origin, including his blue-eyed gaze, which sets him apart from other characters in the show. Additionally, flashbacks reveal the relationship between Casval and his father, as well as the oppressive actions of the Earth-based government.

Meanwhile, Casval and Artesia are taken in by the family of their father's bodyguard, Ramba Ral. While staying with the Rals, Casval reveals his true identity as Zeon Zum Deikun's son and tells Ral of his plan to plot his revenge against the government. It is apparent that Casval's experiences have hardened him, and he is willing to go to any length to seek justice for his father's death.

As the episode progresses, the audience sees Casval's transformation into a colder, more ruthless character. The transformation is driven by his desire to protect his sister and avenge his father, but ultimately, his actions lead to a rift between him and Artesia.

(Dub) Blue-Eyed Casval is primed with action, intrigue, and political subtext. Character development is at the forefront of the episode and is executed magnificently. The episode works to humanize its characters through their tragic experiences. This titular episode sets the stage for a sci-fi world steeped in political corruption and serves as a warning against all-consuming ambition. This being the launching point of the series, the series seems to be promising and calls for a binge-watch session.