Gundam SEED

SEED is the first Gundam show I saw, and it made a big impression. I’ve read opinions that it’s not as good as previous shows, but I find that hard to believe. I’ve seen Gundam Wing since watching SEED, and although it has lots of good points, there is no category in which SEED does not exceed it (exSEED – geddit?). (Actually, even compared to an old show like the original Macross, Wing was a step backwards.)

Visually, SEED is stunning for the most part, although things do get a bit crude and drab on Earth, especially in the desert. On the other hand, in space and in the colonies, the visuals have great purity of design, and brilliant colours. I loved the way the characters’ eyes looked like beautiful jewels.

Sound and music were also first class, and added greatly to the enjoyment. When the music was played by a symphony orchestra, it had quite an impressive epic feel.

The characters were mostly interesting and believable, and interactions didn’t have much of that fake anime drama that some shows rely on – it was all realistic emotions generated by intense situations.

The story is a retelling of the standard Gundam epic, and I was impressed by the believability of the characters and the ongoing dramatic narrative. I guess the story was padded a bit to make it longer, but it wasn’t too bad, and helped to make the show feel bigger and more immersive.

If you like science fiction “space opera” epics, and especially want to see that kind of show in a really top-class production, Gundam SEED is the way to go. I’m not hugely into action or mecha shows, but this is definitely in my top 10 as a classic.