conchobhar
What's Shenmue?
After several years, I finished watching Legend of the Galactic Heroes. What an ending. What a show. I don't think there's much I can say about LoGH that hasn't been said before, but I enjoyed it so much that I’d be remiss not to say something about it anyway.
For those unfamiliar with the show, LoGH is the story of two admirals, Yang Wen-li and Reinhard von Lohengramm, who are on the opposite sides of a galactic war (representing the Free Planets Alliance and the Galactic Empire, respectively). What makes it so fascinating is that it takes a big picture approach to the conflict, focusing less on the shooting and more on everything else surrounding it: the ideological origins of the conflict, the strategizing and logistics of managing such a conflict, the impact it has on society, and all the internal power struggles that arise because of it. It's not so much a "war story" as it is a treatise on governance and power, mixed with a character study (comparing/contrasting Yang and Reinhard's aims and careers).
What's key to the series, I think, is that there is no explicit "good" or "bad" side. Both the Alliance and the Empire are depicted as flawed states, rife with complacency and demagogery as they're locked in their own factional strife. The internal politicking is where the series really comes alive, as Yang and Reinhard spend just as much time in political struggles as they seek to rejuvenate or reform their nation. To make a wildly ridiculous but relatively topical comparison, I'd liken it to Dorohedoro in this regard: both follow two sets of protagonists who are nominally opposed, but rarely come into direct contact with each other and mostly have their own things going on. It's a really great dynamic, because not only does it keep both sides engaging, but it gives no clear answer on which one we should be rooting for.
The sole criticism I would make of the series is that its perspective is limited. LoGH follows the great man theory— that history is driven by the actions of a few individuals who possess exceptional qualities— and is written accordingly, following the exploits and struggles of leaders and other members of the ruling class, and with nary an eye to the common people. With all the societal upheaval that happens over the course of the story, it feels like a missed opportunity to not explore what that actually entails for the citizenry— because changes do happen, it's just that they're explained by the narrator rather than something we see in action. This has the unfortunate effect of making citizen unrest sudden and contrived, like it’s just happening because the narrative needs it, rather than something that naturally follows. But I mean, it is called Legend of the Galactic Heroes; I can't really fault it too much for living up to its name.
Oh, also, one thing in the finale that I have to mention: (massive spoilers, obviously) Oberstein's death. Given that he'd spent the entire series as a ruthless and immoral schemer, loathed by everyone yet somehow escaping any serious scrutiny, him getting his just deserts was not only a long time coming but something I was eagerly anticipating. And for him to be felled by one of his plots, intentionally or not, was some incredible schadenfreude. And yet… that his last words were not some self-serving justification or defence of his actions, nor a cry that it wasn’t his time, but a simple request that his dog be taken care of— "feed him chicken; he doesn't have much time left"— actually made me a little sympathetic for him. Not, you know, a lot, but it was a rare moment of humanity from a character who spent the series unflappable and disinterested. For as low key as it is, it is one of the most memorable deaths in the show.
Anyway, Legend of the Galactic Heroes is certainly not a show for everyone, or probably even most people… but if the idea of a space opera that spends its time really delving into the nature and method of the conflict appeals, I cannot recommend it highly enough.
For those unfamiliar with the show, LoGH is the story of two admirals, Yang Wen-li and Reinhard von Lohengramm, who are on the opposite sides of a galactic war (representing the Free Planets Alliance and the Galactic Empire, respectively). What makes it so fascinating is that it takes a big picture approach to the conflict, focusing less on the shooting and more on everything else surrounding it: the ideological origins of the conflict, the strategizing and logistics of managing such a conflict, the impact it has on society, and all the internal power struggles that arise because of it. It's not so much a "war story" as it is a treatise on governance and power, mixed with a character study (comparing/contrasting Yang and Reinhard's aims and careers).
What's key to the series, I think, is that there is no explicit "good" or "bad" side. Both the Alliance and the Empire are depicted as flawed states, rife with complacency and demagogery as they're locked in their own factional strife. The internal politicking is where the series really comes alive, as Yang and Reinhard spend just as much time in political struggles as they seek to rejuvenate or reform their nation. To make a wildly ridiculous but relatively topical comparison, I'd liken it to Dorohedoro in this regard: both follow two sets of protagonists who are nominally opposed, but rarely come into direct contact with each other and mostly have their own things going on. It's a really great dynamic, because not only does it keep both sides engaging, but it gives no clear answer on which one we should be rooting for.
The sole criticism I would make of the series is that its perspective is limited. LoGH follows the great man theory— that history is driven by the actions of a few individuals who possess exceptional qualities— and is written accordingly, following the exploits and struggles of leaders and other members of the ruling class, and with nary an eye to the common people. With all the societal upheaval that happens over the course of the story, it feels like a missed opportunity to not explore what that actually entails for the citizenry— because changes do happen, it's just that they're explained by the narrator rather than something we see in action. This has the unfortunate effect of making citizen unrest sudden and contrived, like it’s just happening because the narrative needs it, rather than something that naturally follows. But I mean, it is called Legend of the Galactic Heroes; I can't really fault it too much for living up to its name.
Oh, also, one thing in the finale that I have to mention: (massive spoilers, obviously) Oberstein's death. Given that he'd spent the entire series as a ruthless and immoral schemer, loathed by everyone yet somehow escaping any serious scrutiny, him getting his just deserts was not only a long time coming but something I was eagerly anticipating. And for him to be felled by one of his plots, intentionally or not, was some incredible schadenfreude. And yet… that his last words were not some self-serving justification or defence of his actions, nor a cry that it wasn’t his time, but a simple request that his dog be taken care of— "feed him chicken; he doesn't have much time left"— actually made me a little sympathetic for him. Not, you know, a lot, but it was a rare moment of humanity from a character who spent the series unflappable and disinterested. For as low key as it is, it is one of the most memorable deaths in the show.
Anyway, Legend of the Galactic Heroes is certainly not a show for everyone, or probably even most people… but if the idea of a space opera that spends its time really delving into the nature and method of the conflict appeals, I cannot recommend it highly enough.
