Captain Harlock Season 1 Episode 21 Gohrum! the Tragic Soldier

The episode "Gohrum! the Tragic Soldier" of Captain Harlock season 1 follows the events of a character named Gohrum, a soldier who once fought alongside Harlock in a war long ago. Presently, Gohrum is fighting in a new war where he leads the opposing army of the Arcadia. The crew of the Arcadia is tasked with fighting their way through enemy territory, and they encounter Gohrum in the midst of his battle.

Gohrum has a past with Harlock and is initially shocked to see him alive. Their dialogue reveals that they were once comrades, fighting together in a war against the Illumidas. However, after the war had ended, Gohrum was imprisoned and his skills as a soldier were exploited in experimental tests. As a result of these experiments, Gohrum was transformed into a cyborg, capable of extraordinary feats of strength and endurance. This had come at a heavy price, however, as he had lost his soul and humanity in the process.

Whilst Gohrum fights to the death against the Arcadia, the crew members of Harlock's crew discuss the tragedy of his story. They wonder how a man who was once brave and honorable could have fallen so far. They speculate that the experiments had destroyed his mind, causing him to become little more than a killing machine.

As the battle rages on, Gohrum finds himself on the brink of defeat. Despite his enhanced abilities, the Arcadia crew are able to outmaneuver him at every turn. Seeing the futility of his situation, Gohrum begins to question his own existence. He laments the loss of his humanity and his inability to feel anything other than anger and rage.

In a poignant moment, Harlock confronts his old friend and urges him to remember their past together. Harlock reminds Gohrum that he was once human and that his life had meaning. Harlock encourages Gohrum to fight for his own honor and refuses to kill him, even when given the opportunity. In the end, Gohrum is allowed to live, but not before he decides to take his own life. His last act is one of bravery, as he sacrifices himself to protect the Arcadia crew from a danger he himself had created.

"Gohrum! the Tragic Soldier" is an emotional and thought-provoking episode that explores the nature of war and the consequences of inhumane experiments. The story is told with skill and subtlety, and the characters are developed in a way that makes them relatable and sympathetic. The themes of redemption and honor are central to the plot, and they are explored with intelligence and sensitivity.

Overall, "Gohrum! the Tragic Soldier" is a standout episode of Captain Harlock that will leave a lasting impression on viewers. The story is well-crafted, the animation is stunning, and the characters are memorable. It is a must-watch for anyone who loves science fiction, anime, or good storytelling.