Legend of the Galactic Heroes: Die Neue These Season 2 Episode 11 Farewell to the Days of Old

As the penultimate episode of the second season of Legend of the Galactic Heroes: Die Neue These, "Farewell to the Days of Old" stakes out the stage for the final act. Having come this far in the battle for sovereignty between the Galactic Empire and the Free Planets Alliance, both sides are in dire need to reassess their priorities to bring the bloodshed to a close, and this episode deftly puts that into question.

The 11th episode takes place in pivotal moments for both Yang Wen-Li, the commander of the Free Planets Alliance, and Reinhard von Lohengramm, the ruler of the Galactic Empire. Yang, along with Julian Mintz and the other key officers, is stationed at Iserlohn Fortress on the brink of being conquered by the Empire. Reinhard, meanwhile, has made great strides in his dominion over the universe, having taken control of the Alliance's capital and making a strike towards Phezzan.

For Yang, the predicament begins on shaky grounds. He is vexed by the possibility that the victory he once achieved could slip away, and that he may end up a footnote in history. The conflict, he believes, has gone on too long, resulting in lost lives and a fractured universe. However, this is difficult to prevent, for he and his subordinates are fighting for more than just defeating their enemies; there is a fundamental desire for freedom, free will, and autonomy. Despite their current afflictions, the Iserlohn crew cannot forfeit their dreams, and this is where Yang's impasse lies.

Meanwhile, Reinhard too is facing a crisis. Despite his swift success in quelling the Alliance's forces, he is haunted by the ghosts of his past, particularly the loss of his sister and father. He is teetering between his honed sense of duty and the remnants of his humanity, shrouded by the sinister shadows of ambition. The indecisiveness is vulnerable to exploit, mainly by his right-hand man Kircheis, who seems an extension of Reinhard's thoughts and emotions - caution, worry, and above all, admiration.

As Yang's Iserlohn soldiers mark what they believe could be their final hours alive, we are provided with a reflective episode which explores the characters' innermost workings, their feelings on the cruel realities of their struggle. In there are moments of emotional vulnerability for Yang, showing him in a rare state of weakness as he recognizes his impending doom. As he contemplates his past with Lieutenant Frederica Greenhill, the woman who once spurned his love, he realizes that his choices have determined his fate. Around him, Julian and the other soldiers hold onto hope as they watch their superior come to terms with the thoughts that have fiercely haunted him.

At the same time, Reinhard comes to terms with the harsh truth of his own fate. With Phezzan ripe for capture, he can almost see the day when his empire reigns without question over the galaxy. It is tempting, and yet it is also a reminder of the sacrifices he has made to attain power. As Kircheis yearns to protect his best friend, Reinhard reiterates that he trusts him, a trust that comes at a great cost. The words seem pregnant with meaning, haunting the episode until its conclusion.

Overall, "Farewell to the Days of Old" is a beautifully paced episode that provides the viewer ample opportunity to absorb the complexities of the story. The cinematography and sound design contribute powerfully to that density, providing an atmosphere of tension, weariness, hope, and futility. As for the characters, what makes them dynamic is that they cling to their dreams and ideals no matter the grim situation before them. The reasons why both sides persist in their fight for freedom are so compelling that the viewer empathizes with their plight, without necessarily taking sides.

In short, "Farewell to the Days of Old" is a well-written, well-rendered, and insightful episode that displays the strengths of this narrative powerhouse. It juggles the five-star talents of its writers, director, artist, voice acting cast, and sound effects, culminating in an episode that should satisfy anyone who's made it this far in one of the most arresting anime series ever made.