Watch Pilot Candidate

Pilot Candidate is an anime series that follows the journey of a group of teenagers who are vying to become pilots in space. Set in the 22nd century, humanity has now ventured beyond the Earth and has established colonies on other planets and moons. However, with the threat of an alien race looming, the Earth-Space Alliance is in need of skilled pilots to operate the advanced weapons and machines that have been created to defend against the extraterrestrial beings.

The series begins with the introduction of the main character, Zero Enna, a skilled pilot who has been chosen as a candidate for the elite space defense force. Along with him are seven other candidates, each with their own unique personalities and strengths. They are all competing for the coveted position of becoming a pilot, but the process will not be easy.

In order to become a pilot, the candidates must first undergo rigorous training and testing. They are put through a series of challenges designed to test their physical and mental abilities, as well as their teamwork and leadership skills. The candidates are pushed to their limits, facing obstacles such as simulations of battles and zero-gravity environments.

Throughout the series, Zero and the other candidates face various challenges, both in and out of training. The pressure of competition, the fear of battle, and the desire to excel fuel both the candidates' determination and their weaknesses.

Besides the challenges of training, Pilot Candidate also explores the interpersonal relationships of the candidates. Zero develops friendships and rivalries with his fellow candidates, and eventually begins to understand the complexity of working in a team, more so as it becomes clear that they are not just competing against each other for pilots roles, but instead against the world.

Moreover, the show also touches upon the ethical implications of war, touching on the idea that sacrificing one's life for the "greater good" seems to be ingrained in the psyche of a warrior, blurring the lines of what is moral and what is not.

The show also has a heavy emphasis on mecha, or giant robots, that the pilots operate. These machines are intricately designed and have their own personalities that are apparent through their movements and fighting styles. They are also co-dependent on the pilots operating them, which further adds to the importance of teamwork and trust.

In summary, Pilot Candidate is a thrilling anime series that explores the limits of human ability and skill, pushing the candidates to their utmost limits. The show combines mech battles with themes of competition, teamwork, and sacrifice, that give an extra depth to it's characters and narrative. This show stands out as one of a kind for the year 2000, showcasing what can be achieved in animation, whilst simultaneously touching upon profound topics of interest.

Pilot Candidate is a series that ran for 1 seasons (9 episodes) between May 5, 2000 and on AsianCrush