Ep 7. 5 Years Later

Five years have passed since the events that unfolded at the Millennion headquarters. In this seventh episode of Gungrave's first season, appropriately titled "5 Years Later," the story takes a leap forward, introducing us to a world significantly altered by time and the consequences of past decisions.

The episode begins with a brief glimpse into the life of Brandon Heat, who is now known as Beyond the Grave, an undead assassin wielding powerful guns known as Cerberus. Throughout these five years, Grave has been undertaking missions for Millennion, the powerful underground organization he pledged his loyalty to.

As we dive deeper into this post-Millennion era, a striking contrast becomes evident. The cityscape, once vibrant and bustling with life, has decayed into a desolate wasteland. The rise and fall of Millennion have left indelible scars on the world, and the consequences of its actions are all too present.

We are introduced to Harry MacDowel, the former best friend of Brandon and now the new leader of Millennion. Harry's character is a stark juxtaposition to Brandon's, as he embodies a cunning and manipulative persona. His thirst for power and control is palpable, and he seems to relish in the destruction left in Millennion's wake.

In this episode, Harry convenes a secret gathering of what remains of the Syndicate. The Syndicate, once the backbone of Millennion, now appears fractured and weakened. Harry, however, has a plan to reestablish control and restore the Syndicate to its former glory.

As the meeting progresses, tensions between the members of the Syndicate become evident. Loyalties are questioned, and alliances are tested. Harry skillfully manipulates the situation, playing the group like a master puppeteer. His charisma and strategic mind are evident as he sets in motion a plan to eliminate those who oppose his vision for Millennion.

Amidst this machiavellian power play, we catch a glimpse of two individuals who bear significance in the grand scheme of the story. Sherry Walken, a former member of the Syndicate and Brandon's former lover, now leads a life of solitude and reflection. She has chosen a path of redemption, haunted by the choices she made during Millennion's reign.

In contrast to Sherry's introspection, we are introduced to Maria, a young girl rescued by Brandon in a prior episode. Maria has spent the past five years under Grave's protection and guidance, becoming a sibling figure to her. As the episode unfolds, we witness Maria's determination and unwavering belief in the goodness of others, which serves as a stark contrast to the dark world in which she lives.

"5 Years Later" thrives on the exploration of its complex characters. It carefully examines the repercussions of their past actions and the emotional toll it has taken on them. The episode further delves into the themes of loyalty, power, and the human condition in the face of adversity.

The animation in this episode is visually striking, masterfully depicting the grim and decaying world the characters find themselves in. The art direction enhances the somber tone, effectively immersing the audience in this post-apocalyptic milieu.

As the episode comes to a close, the stage is set for a brewing conflict between Harry and the remaining Syndicate members who refuse to yield to his control. The tension ratchets up, leaving viewers on the edges of their seats, eagerly awaiting the next episode's resolution.

In "5 Years Later," Gungrave continues to weave its intricate narrative, exploring the depths of its characters and the dark consequences of their actions. With its compelling storytelling and compelling visuals, this episode guarantees to captivate viewers and leave them hungry for more of the enthralling tale that Gungrave has to offer.