Ep 11. E 11

Wildfire scares everyone at the JAXA training center in episode 11 of Space Brothers. On the brink of the selection test, this fire spreads from the nearby mountain and causes chaos in the center. The staff and astronauts-in-training are instructed to evacuate, but Mutta ignores the instructions. He decides to venture into the abandoned training center to retrieve a USB drive he had forgotten in his locker. As he runs through the center, he realizes that he might become the center of the wildfire.

Before the wildfire, the episode opens with a screening of the last recorded psychological test by the astronauts. After the test, the examiner announces that Serika, who had the lowest expanse of variation in her answers, did well above average. Mutta, who had the highest expanse of variation, scored an average grade. Afterwards, Jennifer appears and informs them that they have two days before the selection test.

Shocked, the astronauts decide to make the most of the remaining time they have. Some of them participate in sports, some of them polish their knowledge, and some of them cook. Mutta, on the other hand, decides to sketch the two remaining candidates whom he considers his rivals. As he sketches Kenji, he remembers the time he spent with him and the two promise each other that they will stroll around the Rimrock Lake after selection.

When the wildfire occurs, Mutta enters the abandoned training center to retrieve his USB drive. For more context, in the previous episode, Mutta spent the day with his family and happened to forget his USB drive in his locker. So now, he ventures through the fiery corridor, which the sound design team has enhanced with fiery sounds to make it more realistic. Motions such as the friction beneath his shoes and the smell of smoke are also heightened to create an immersive experience. Mutta’s only hope is to find his USB drive and exit the center before it becomes too dangerous for him.

Meanwhile, Kenji takes charge and formulates a plan to douse the fire. The remaining 10 astronauts, who evacuated from the center, return to battle the wildfire. Kenji and Mutta eventually meet inside the center, both evacuating to avoid danger.

After they evacuate, Jennifer informs the astronauts that they have passed the selection tests and will be sent to Houston to train for 2 years. However, before that, they will have one final test on the next day: a survival test to test their survival instincts.

Overall, episode 11 of Space Brothers captures the anxiety and fear that come with natural disasters. The wildfire serves as a reminder of how vulnerable and powerless humans can be. Amidst the chaos, the episode also conveys a message of the importance of teamwork and leadership. Kenji’s quick thinking and Mutta’s determination during the wildfire helped the astronauts confront the challenge together. The episode climaxes on an optimistic note, signifying that the astronauts are ready to tackle the challenges that lie ahead.