Ep 8. Then and Now

In season 1 episode 8 of ALDNOAH.ZERO entitled "Then and Now," tensions rise as the battle between Earth and Mars intensifies. The episode beings with Inaho and the others discovering that the Princess is actually still alive, much to their surprise. However, their reunion is cut short as they must immediately devise a plan to take her back to the Moon Base before the Martians catch up with them.

As they make their way back, the team is forced to face the brutal reality of the war. They come across an abandoned town that has been devastated by the Martians and Inaho witnesses first-hand the effects that the war is having on ordinary civilians. These distressing scenes bring home the fact that this is not just a battle between two opposing factions, but has real, devastating effects on innocent people caught in the crosshairs.

Meanwhile in space, the Martians are making moves of their own as they prepare to launch their new super weapon, Aldnoah. Their preparations are not going unnoticed, however, as the Earth forces are closely monitoring their every move and trying to find a way to counterattack.

Back on Earth, things take a turn for the worse when Inaho and the group encounter a Martian scout ship. They manage to destroy it, but not before one of its pilots manages to escape back to his own troops, revealing their location to the enemy. This sets off a chain reaction of events that brings the battle between Earth and Mars to a new level.

As the episode progresses, we see how the war is changing the characters on both sides. In particular, the Martian princess sees firsthand the brutality of her own people and begins to question her loyalty to them. On the other side, Inaho is forced to make difficult decisions that cause him to confront his own humanity.

In addition, the episode takes the time to explore the past of certain characters, such as Slaine, who is shown to have a tragic backstory that informs his actions in the present. It's an emotionally impactful moment that adds depth to an already complex character.

Throughout the episode, the tension builds as the stakes continue to rise. The Earth forces are faced with a seemingly insurmountable challenge as the Martians launch their Aldnoah weapon. It's a desperate situation that leaves the viewer on the edge of their seat, wondering how it will all play out.

Overall, "Then and Now" is a powerful and emotionally charged episode that showcases the best of ALDNOAH.ZERO. It's a show that takes the time to explore the humanity behind the war, while still delivering intense action and a gripping storyline. Fans of the show will not be disappointed by this episode, and newcomers will find it an excellent starting point to get caught up on the series.