Ep 27. Char's Return

Char's Return is the 27th episode of the first season of the popular Japanese anime series Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam. Directed by Yoshiyuki Tomino and written by Hiroyuki Hoshiyama, the episode originally aired on Japanese TV in 1985, and has since become a cult classic among anime enthusiasts.

The episode picks up from where the previous one left off, as the AEUG and the Titans continue their clash over the skies of Earth, with both sides taking heavy casualties and suffering major setbacks. In the midst of this chaos, the legendary ace pilot Char Aznable makes a dramatic return to the battlefield, much to the surprise and delight of his followers.

Char, who had disappeared after his final showdown with Amuro Ray in the previous series, is now leading a new faction known as Neo-Zeon, which seeks to challenge the dominance of both the AEUG and the Titans and establish a new order in space. His sudden appearance shakes up the power balance and throws both sides into disarray, as they struggle to cope with the new threat.

The episode features several intense battle scenes, as Char and his army of loyalists launch a surprise attack on a Titan base, catching them off guard and inflicting heavy damage. The AEUG, led by protagonist Kamille Bidan, tries to intervene and prevent the conflict from escalating, but they soon find themselves caught in the crossfire.

Amidst the chaos, Char and Kamille come face to face for the first time in years, sparking a tense and emotional confrontation that sets the stage for the rest of the series. Char, who was once Kamille's ally and mentor, is now his mortal enemy, and the two engage in a fierce battle that climaxes in a stunning revelation that shocks both of them to the core.

Throughout the episode, the tension and drama are heightened by the complex political and emotional dynamics between the various factions and characters. Char's return throws into question the loyalty of many of his former allies, who must decide whether to follow him into the next revolution or remain loyal to their current faction. Meanwhile, Kamille struggles with his conflicting feelings towards Char, whom he both admires and resents for his role in the previous war.

Overall, Char's Return is a thrilling and thought-provoking episode that showcases the best elements of Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam. With its gripping action, nuanced characters, and complex themes of loyalty, betrayal, and revolution, it sets up the rest of the series for even greater excitement and drama to come.