Gundam 00 Season 1 Afterthoughts

Plot Summary from AnimeNewsNetwork:

It is the year A.D. 2307. Fossil fuels on Earth have been depleted entirely, with mankind turning to the next available power source: solar energy. During this time, 3 orbital elevators with solar power generation systems are built, each under control by the Union of Solar Energy and Free Nations (formerly United States of America), the Human Reform League (Russia, China and India) and the Advanced European Union. However, not all countries are able to enjoy the benefits of this system, leading to widespread resentment and war. Arising out of the conflict, a mysterious military organization known as Celestial Being appears, dedicated to end all warfare using Mobile Suits called Gundam. This begins the stories of Gundam Meisters (pilots) Setsuna F. Seiei, Lockon Stratos, Allelujah Haptism and Tiera Erde as they are thrown into conflict between the 3 superpowers and the various other factions.

The first season of Mobile Suit Gundam 00, the latest installment of Sunrise's long-running franchise, ended last week with episode 25, and season 2 will be continued on October 2007. Gundam 00 is the first Gundam series to be set in the AD, the 'real' timeline, whereas the other shows took place on alternate timelines (Universal Century, etc). The series is about a mysterious organization called "Celestial Being" who appears and proclaims to the world that they will end all conflict using superior technology and powerful mecha called "Gundam", and unite the world. The absurdity of ending conflict with conflict, bringing about change in the world with superior technology, and finding out a reason for fighting and existing were themes that the first season explored, and did wonderfully well.

Honestly, at first I didn't enjoy it as much, I found the first few episodes a bit generic. Thankfully though the pace picked up halfway and it just kept getting better ever since. Another decision I wasn't too keen of when it started was their decision to set it in the  AD timeline, but seeing how effectively they integrated a lot of modern day politics and events into the show, I think the writers did an awesome job. The mecha designs were really topnotch, especially the mass-produced "grunt" units, and how it reflected real-world war vehicles, like how the Union's "Flag" Mobile Suits were reminiscent of US Air Force jets. The titular "Gundam" units were also wonderfully designed, and they really emanated that "powerful" presence every time they were onscreen.

Though "Gundam" shows were mostly made to sell and advertise merchandise, they also feature excellent character drama and writing. And Gundam 00 didn't disappoint. Having characters from all factions and sides really gave the show a lot of depth, as you can see how the world reacts to the actions of Celestial Being, as well as how they begin to see why the world needs change.

Sunrise has always been making consistently excellent animation in their shows, and Gundam 00 as the first "Gundam" show to be presented in High Definition, was excellently done. The score was on an epic scale as well, my favorite being "Intervention", the theme that plays when the Gundams show up. The OP and ED songs didn't seem to fit very much, but the second ED, "Friends" by Stephanie, is probably my favorite.

Gundam 00 Season 1 has been an awesome ride. With amazing animation, characters, writing and mecha designs, I believe that it achieved being the "Gundam of the new generation", the title that the previous series "Gundam Seed" was trying to claim. I can't for the next season!