Ep 17. In the Midst of Scattered Light

In the Midst of Scattered Light is the seventeenth episode of the second season of Mobile Suit Gundam 00. The episode follows the aftermath of the battle between the Earth Federation and Celestial Being over the consumption of a massive concentration of solar energy from the African continent. The episode largely focuses on the individual reactions of the series' characters to the conflict, as well as their views on the role of Celestial Being and the actions of the other factions vying for power within the series' universe.

The episode opens with the characters still coming to terms with the devastation that the battle has wrought upon the Earth. Many are alarmed at the level of power that Celestial Being has acquired, and fear the ramifications of such an organization being able to dictate the world's energy supply. Others feel that the intervention of Celestial Being is necessary to prevent the other factions from imposing their own agendas upon the world and causing further harm.

Over the course of the episode, each of the series' main factions - Celestial Being, the Earth Federation, and the Innovators - are shown grappling with their own beliefs and priorities. Celestial Being, in particular, faces a crisis of leadership in the aftermath of the battle, as the characters must learn to navigate a world that is forever changed by their actions.

Interspersed throughout the episode are various character-focused scenes, which delve into the personal beliefs and motivations of each character. One standout scene involves Setsuna, the protagonist of the series, struggling with the idea that his actions have caused harm to others. Another centers on Saji Crossroad, a supporting character whose life has been upended by the conflict. Through these scenes, the episode explores its characters' emotional journeys and highlights the humanity of each member of the series' sprawling cast.

What sets In the Midst of Scattered Light apart from many previous episodes in the series is its focus on the personal and emotional over the action-packed. While there are a few brief skirmishes and a few moments of political intrigue, the episode primarily focuses on the individual struggles of the characters and their attempts to reconcile their beliefs with the world around them. This approach allows for a deeper exploration of the characters and themes that have been central to Mobile Suit Gundam 00 throughout its run.

Ultimately, In the Midst of Scattered Light serves as an excellent episode of Mobile Suit Gundam 00, showcasing both the series' strengths and its ambitions. By exploring its characters' emotional journeys with such care and attention, the episode highlights the complexity of its world and grounds its story in a relatable, human context. It's an episode that will surely stick with viewers long after the credits have rolled, and one that showcases Mobile Suit Gundam 00 at its finest.