Girls’ Frontline: The Comet 01

“Squad Negev & AR-15”

There is a saying that all good things must come to an end. Whether it's relationships, eras, or anime, there comes a point where we must say goodbye and move on. It wouldn’t be an understatement to say that I have dragged these reviews out a little longer than I should have. I’ve even gone as far as to review other anime while slowly churning these out. To be honest, it's not because I didn’t have the time; it's more a matter of feeling disconnected at times with this series. I do not hate Doll’s Frontline, and I will not pan it in the same way others have. I’ve just felt that this series was missing that oh-so-special something that should have made this series a classic.

Nevertheless, “Comet 01,” the 11th episode in this series, picks up where the last episode left us, dazed and confused. Sort of, but no. On the contrary, this episode opens with tension as Gentiane and her comrades await the order to continue the search for AR-15. As a refresher, the AR-15 has been compromised and infected with the Parapluie virus, which can overtake a T-Doll's mind. If the virus is successful, it could spell the end of Griffin. AR-15, because of her knowledge, is wanted by both Sangvis Ferri and Griffin. The question is, who will reach her first? The answer goes to the one who has the most to lose.

A flurry of emotions runs through her mind. She remembers the words of Dreamer that “she has been chosen,” but reflects on her relationship with M4A1. Their relationship is one that the gaming lore does a better job explaining, but AR-15 believed she was destined for greater heights and not a foot soldier under M4A1. However, being her subordinate created resentment and a rift between the two, unbeknownst to M4A1. Despite her disdain and jealousy due to the essential nature of M4A1, AR-15 considers herself family, and outright betrayal is not an option. Unfortunately, she is the only one who knows that, and it casts a dark shadow over the show's mood. Enter Team Negev….

Team Negev is placed under the command of Gentiane, who has now become a more mature and seasoned officer, as observed by Shi Jun. Squad Negev is brilliant, and by brilliant, I am referring to their outfits and the scenery surrounding them. They are comprised of Newtype T-Doll, models, the foursome Tavor, Galil, Uzi, and their leader Negev. Team Negev is placed under the command of Gentiane, who has now become a more mature and seasoned officer, as observed by Shi Jun. Helian commissioned the unit with the mission of finding AR-15. A task that these ladies are pretty upbeat about accomplishing.

That brightness does not last long as Alchemist and her legion of Jaegers ambush them. Outmanned and outgunned, the unit holds on, but desperate measures must occur for them to survive. Pressed Squad Nevgev must hold up in a nearby planetarium, a welcome change as many structures are sheds, buildings, or military installations. As they were being jammed, Galil was sent on an errand to find a safe space to radio for reinforcements. She nearly becomes a casualty herself when she runs into AR-Team.

AR-Team is also in the area searching for their missing teammate, though their mood is more one of anxiety and rightly so as they wonder if, cornered, will she surrender. The narrative alternates between the present day and flashbacks, and we learn that, despite their differences, both M4 and AR-15 seek friendship. As the fight intensifies, we see a focused M4 disobey orders and push to save Squad Negev. M16, who is generally cold and the voice of reason, is calmly accepting of M4’s decision and heads off to make contact with Gentiane. Perhaps M16 is aware of what will happen next.

As the all looming eye of Persica from 16LAB gazes from behind the screen, we learn more about Squad Negev. The first is that Galil comes off as somewhat of a coward, though she is focused on her team's safety. Uzi is our fan-service girl, while Tavor is reserved and wonders whether AR-15 is worth all the commotion. Negev again explains to her and the viewers that Team AR possesses a different type of neural cloud from theirs, and that their deaths are final. It is a humbling statement coming from the proud Negev.

Alchemist continues the trend of T-Doll disdain, even referring to Squad Negev as “unripened fruit.” She is more or less cold and focused, lacking intrigue. Not much is known about her, except she is probably the architect of the virus, as she is the only Ringleader seen to wield it when she nearly infected Tavor. She is perhaps also the Sangvis Ringleader who infected AR-15 when she was held captive.

As the curtain falls, a heaviness looms over the episode. A reunion clothed in falsehood, a wounded SOPII, and a missing M4. As the enemy approaches, Gentiane searches for another Ringleader, one who may be in charge of the impending onslaught. Takashi Watanabe performs a better musical composition this time which helps to move the tide of battle and emotion. This episode is best enjoyed via headphones, as the tension is apparent.

This episode is one where M-16 and SOPII are minor actors. I feel M4’s burden and the heaviness that surrounds AR-15. There is nothing M16 can do besides be a source of encouragement. SOPII, the baby sister of the bunch, wants answers and the band to stay together. Hideyuki Kurata could have saved the comedy by letting the chips fall where they may. This episode has transitioned from light to dark, with M16 and SOPII staring at a damaged planetarium. Perhaps a sign that the answers are closer than we think.