Ep 6. Rise of the Red Comet

In the sixth episode of the Mobile Suit Gundam The Origin season 1, titled "Rise of the Red Comet," the storyline takes a historical perspective on the rise of the future Red Comet, Char Aznable, the iconic character of the Gundam franchise.

The episode begins with a flashback sequence, showing a young Char and his sister Sayla as they try to flee from their home colony that's been attacked by the Earth Federation fleet. Char's family and his father, Zeon Zum Deikun, was killed, and he was left stranded with Sayla, who was later taken to Earth for adoption. In contrast, Char stayed behind and began his journey of seeking revenge.

The focus of the episode jumps back to the present, where Char, now a member of the Zeon space forces, is stationed on the Zum City space fortress. The base's mission is to defend the asteroid fortress A Baoa Qu, the final line of defense for Zeon, where the war with the Earth Federation is coming to a head. Char's skillset as a pilot and his strategic thinking have made him indispensable to the Zeon command.

Char's rise to fame as the Red Comet reminds the series' audience of his place in Gundam Universal Century history. The nickname, Red Comet, refers to his exceptional piloting skills, especially in mobile suits, and red color schemes on his mobile suits. Despite his achievements, Char remains unsatisfied as he yearns for revenge against the Zabi family, who are responsible for the death of his father.

The episode also delves into the politics of the Zeon hierarchy, highlighting Char's interactions with members of the ruling Zabi family, including Gihren Zabi, the head of the family, and his father, Degwin Sodo Zabi, the nation's Supreme Leader. Char is aware of the Zabi family's ambition to maintain their status quo, and he continues to work towards his revenge against them.

As the Earth Federation launches a full-scale assault on A Baoa Qu, Char's team is tasked with defending a critical point on the fortress, Point 225. The ensuing battle is one of the highlights of the episode, showcasing Char's exceptional piloting skills. The episode also highlights the importance of teamwork, with Char's squadron demonstrating excellent coordination to defend their station until the end.

Despite initially successful defenses against the Earth Federation troops, the Zeon Space Force's grip on A Baoa Qu begins to loosen, and the fortress is about to fall. Char and his team retreat to an area where the Red Comet's legendary mobile suit, the Zaku II, is stored. Char personally engages in combat in the Zaku II, quickly turning the tide of the battle and helping the Zeon forces gain momentum in the fray.

The episode concludes with Char and his team successfully repelling the Earth Federation onslaught and a new phase of the war begins. Char emerges as a hero once more, a timely reminder of his enduring place in the Gundam franchise's history.

In conclusion, Mobile Suit Gundam The Origin season 1 episode 6, "Rise of the Red Comet," offers a rich backstory of Char Aznable's character, one of the franchise's most iconic figures. It provides a deeper understanding of the background of the Red Comet's ambitions and motivations, as well as highlighting his exceptional piloting skills. Additionally, the episode showcases the devastating toll of war and the importance of teamwork, all while forwarding the larger plot of the series.