Ep 10. Entry

As the title suggests, "Entry" focuses on the arrival of a new character to the Garde's crew on Sidonia. By this point in the second season, the show's world has grown increasingly complex as the Gauna threat continues to evolve, cultural rifts within Sidonia's society widen, and several key characters have experienced personal revelations and developments. Amid all of this, "Entry" takes a moment to introduce a fresh perspective into the mix.

At the start of the episode, we see Tanikaze and Izana escorting the latest addition to the Garde, a young girl named Lala Hiyama. Lala is initially presented as being rather timid and skittish, overwhelmed by the sterile, high-tech environment of Sidonia and the imposing presence of fellow crew members. However, as she begins to settle in, we start to learn more about her past and her motivations for joining the team.

What makes Lala a particularly intriguing character is that, unlike some of the other Garde members who were born and raised in Sidonia, she was not actually from the ship. Rather, she hails from a group of humans who have been living in hiding on a nearby planet since the Gauna awoke centuries ago, and who have only recently reconnected with Sidonia's society. This sets up an interesting dichotomy between Lala and her new comrades, as she has experienced a very different way of life from theirs and has her own unique perspective on the war with the Gauna.

Throughout "Entry," we see various characters interact with Lala in different ways, highlighting both the strengths and weaknesses of Sidonia's society. Some are welcoming and try to make her feel at home, while others are suspicious and resentful of her presence. Lala herself struggles to adjust to the customs and expectations of her new home, such as the custom of wearing special suits to regulate one's menstrual cycle. These scenes flesh out the worldbuilding of the show even further, showing us how even seemingly small details of Sidonia's culture can have a big impact on how its inhabitants interact.

Meanwhile, as Lala tries to assimilate, we see the Garde face a new Gauna threat. This attack is particularly destructive and puts several key characters in danger, including Tanikaze, Izana, and Yuhata. The action sequences here are as thrilling as ever, with the show's signature blend of mech combat and high-stakes drama. However, what sets this battle apart from previous ones is the way it ties into Lala's arc. Without giving too much away, the Gauna's capabilities in this episode force Lala to confront some of her own fears and reservations, and her response ultimately proves crucial to the success of the mission.

Overall, "Entry" is a standout episode of Knights of Sidonia's second season. While it lacks some of the bombast and spectacle of other episodes, it more than makes up for it with its thoughtful character development and exploration of the show's world. By introducing a new perspective through Lala, the episode deepens our understanding of Sidonia and sheds light on some of the less glamorous aspects of its society. At the same time, it doesn't skimp on the action and excitement that has made the show so beloved by fans. It's a prime example of what makes Knights of Sidonia such a unique and compelling anime.