Turn A Gundam Staff, Production, and Episode Analyses – Episode #11 “The Fall of Nocis”

Turn A Gundam‘s eleventh episode was broadcast on Fuji TV on June 18, 1999.

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This is an event-heavy episode, so bear with me!

The episode begins with Dianna (as “Kihel”) enjoying the early morning breeze and admiring the beauty of the land. Loran finds her and comments that the sunrise reminds him of how full of life Earth is. Dianna wonders if all Moonrace feel the same—Loran believes so, much to her satisfaction. They ride back together on bicycle, with Dianna wishing all her people can see the clouds, the sky, and the wind the same way she is right now. This scene is a glimpse of the type of interactions we’ll see between the two; Dianna using the role of “Kihel” to ask questions and Loran facilitating her curiosity. I’m personally a big fan of this scene and even own an animation cel from it! Once at the manor, Loran heads out to the Mountain Cycle to assist Sid with his excavations.

Turns out the infamous Corin Nander has recovered from his previous embarrassment, and he’s itching for combat despite the cease-fire. He also namedrops “Agrippa Maintainer”, a character whose relevance will become clearer as the story progresses (Tomino sure likes to introduce important characters in such a manner!). Corin suspects Agrippa is taking a more hardline approach on the Moon and will send reinforcements to Earth.

We shift perspectives to the Soleil, at which Kihel has been masquerading as “Dianna”, clearly out of her element but doing her best. In the midst of conversation, she curiously examines all the technologically advanced marvels in front of her. Harry and Miran discuss the possibility of relocating the Soleil to the Sunbelt region to scout out new lands for the Moonrace to migrate to. Harry wonders what would happen to the returnees who’ve already settled. Kihel agrees, so they make plans to further negotiate with Guin Lineford. Kihel also requests that she gets another chance to speak with “Kihel Heim”, to Harry’s suspicion.

The Militia has gone rogue and decide to autonomously launch an all-out offensive on the Soleil, without the White Doll. They begin by attacking Moonrace settlements, which provides Corin Nander the trigger that he needs: he immediately launches a counterattack on Nocis City. All bets are off. Chaos and mayhem ensue as the city is under fire, reminiscent of the first few episodes of the show. A swarm of Militia fighter jets approach the Soleil and mercilessly attack, but Harry and Royal Guard fend them off and fire warning shots. Per Kihel’s orders, they’re forbidden from actually fighting back and killing the Militia members. Despite pleas from her subordinates, Kihel insists on remaining on the bridge and taking command instead of hiding (she’s already taking on her new role rather well, eh?). She orders the Soleil to take flight and retreat and wonders if Dianna would’ve done the same. The Militia onslaught intensifies with mobile suits entering the fray; the Kapools, stolen worker suits, and the FLAT that Keith sold to the Militia—now piloted by Jopseh. Not even Kihel understands why the Militia is so hellbent on fighting with their inferior technology.

Back at Nocis City, Corin is absolutely wrecking havoc. Guin scrambles, trying to figure out who even ordered the Militia to attack. He’s forced to evacuate in a private car, but amidst the chaos his driver abandons him since masses of people are blocking the roads. Guin then attempts to bribe someone’s horse, trying to use his status as future Lord of Inglessia as a bargaining chip. They tell him to eat dirt, because Ingless is done for and his money and status have no value anymore. Corin stands atop a destroyed Nocis Castle and laments the fact that the “Gundam” isn’t coming to fight him. According to him, when you did something like this the “Gundam” would always come running to save the day. This further implies that there’s a deeper meaning to his place in the story and what he represents on an overarching thematic level.

At the Mountain Cycle, Loran has excavated what appears to be a shield, and the White Doll’s systems recognize it as such. Sid informs Loran that Nocis City is burning down and tells him to sortie in the White Doll. Dianna (as “Kihel”) frantically tells Loran she has to return to carry out her duties. When she notices Loran’s confusion, she quickly realizes that she’s playing the role of “Kihel” and tries to pass it off as talks with the Soleil’s commander. She’s met “Dianna” before and has a good relationship with her, so it makes perfect sense for her to head into the thick of battle to speak with her, right?

Before they can head out, Phil’s team of WaDoms approach the Mountain Cycle. He wants to attack and blow up the entire mountain, much to Poe and Zenoa’s chagrin because they need to further research the Dark History’s remnants. Phil thinks this attitude is what has allowed the Militia to grow full of themselves as they excavate more mobile suits. Sensing danger, Loran orders all Militia members to hide underground before the WaDom bombardment commences. As the WaDoms attack, Loran uses the freshly unearthed shield to protect both himself and Dianna from the rocks and hubris flying around.

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