Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ [Season 1 Episodes 1-47]

Alright, let’s dive into Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ—the third installment in Sunrise’s iconic Gundam franchise and the final TV series of the Shōwa era. Airing from March 1986 to January 1987, this 47-episode sequel to Zeta Gundam picks up right after the Gryps War, with the AEUG (Anti-Earth Union Group) reeling from losses and facing a new threat: Haman Karn’s Neo-Zeon. But while it’s packed with mecha battles and political intrigue, fans have a lot to say about its wild swings—especially when it comes to that one episode with the most confusing death ever.

First off, let’s get the basics straight. Set in Universal Century 0088, the series follows the crew of the Argama as they grapple with Neo-Zeon’s rise. We’ve got returning faves like Bright Noa and Kamille Bidan, plus new faces like Judau Ashta, a scrappy teen who stumbles into piloting the ZZ Gundam. The show tries to balance serious war drama with lighter, comedic moments—think Moon Moon, a colony of primitive people that’s equal parts weird and divisive. But where ZZ really stirs the pot is in its later episodes, particularly the Hong Kong arc.

Ah, the Hong Kong arc. If you’ve seen it, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Fans are obsessed with Episode 41, and not in a good way. Let’s break down the chaos: Rasara, a character from the Moon Moon colony, dies suddenly during a battle… but no one can figure out how. Seriously—rewatch the scene, and you’ll see falling debris doesn’t touch her. She just collapses, and the crew acts like it’s the most tragic moment ever. Comments from MyAnimeList sum it up perfectly: “THIS IS AN ANIME ONLY DISCUSSION POST. DO NOT DISCUSS THE MANGA BEYOND THIS EPISODE. …Alright, how the hell did Rasara die?!? I rewatched that part twice and it clearly did not look like she got hit by any rocks, or whatever. It’s just like … she died.” Another fan joked, “Rasara died of despair from how pathetic the show has become.” Ouch.

The confusion doesn’t stop there. Fans are split on whether the arc is “lame” (as one put it) or just a weird detour. Some compare it unfavorably to Zeta Gundam’s Hong Kong arc, calling this one “utter garbage” and “the worst two episodes next to the Moon-Moon stuff.” Others find the absurdity hilarious—like the idea that Rasara died from a dust cloud or “drained her spiritual power” to stop a mobile suit. Even the animation gets flak: “The falling debris didn’t even touch her! I mean if you squinted you could imagine the edge of the falling debris decapitated her, but it obviously didn’t.”

But it’s not all hate. Some fans defend the show’s highs, like the colony drop arc, which they call “the best part of the whole show.” And let’s not forget the little wins: Elle using a bazooka like a boss, or Haman Karn’s dramatic moments. Plus, the series has its share of nostalgia—with shoutouts to Back to the Future (a DeLorean cameo!) and Fist of the North Star (Judau’s haircut is totally Kenshiro vibes).

What makes ZZ so polarizing is its tone whiplash. One minute you’re laughing at Moon Moon’s antics, the next you’re scratching your head at a character dying from… nothing. Fans argue whether director Yoshiyuki Tomino was “not even trying” or just experimenting with storytelling. As one user put it, “Tomino isn’t even trying.. I actually feel like dropping this now T.T but only 6 eps to go :D”

So, is Gundam ZZ worth watching? If you’re a die-hard Gundam fan, yes—if only to debate Rasara’s death with friends. It’s a messy, chaotic ride that’s equal parts frustrating and fascinating. The animation holds up (for its time), the mech designs are cool, and the political stakes feel real. But be warned: you’ll probably end up yelling at your screen during that Hong Kong arc.

In the end, Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ is a product of its era—ambitious, flawed, and unapologetically weird. Whether you love it or hate it, one thing’s for sure: it’s never boring. And hey, if nothing else, it gives us the best anime death meme since The Room’s “You’re tearing me apart, Lisa!”

So grab your ZZ Gundam model kit, cue up the opening theme, and get ready for a wild ride. Just don’t ask about Rasara’s death. We’re still trying to figure that out. 🤷♂️