After a long break from a post on Kaiba, we return with episode 6 of the series, "A Muscular Woman". This episode certainly advances the storyline and brings in, for the first time, Neiro (and her seiyuu Noto Mamiko).Gel, the cyborg body Neiro is currently in. Kaiba 06 - A Muscular WomanEpisode SummarySo for the first time we see Neiro, though in a different form, as a cyborg named Gel. Certainly she admits that she is a woman halfway through the episode or so. Also, it seems that something happens at every stop the ship makes, this time on a planet of memories known as Lolo.The old couple Warp sees that no one else bothers to save, due to the terrorists found onboard the ship, is actually traveling the world to see it in their old age. As they explained, their old bodies could not be sold, and they had not been converted to chips unlike others as they could not afford it and did not want to anyway. Their memories are kept in their minds and also in pictures, much like how we do it in contemporary times today.Kaiba also takes a deeper look into the issues of gender, as the genders of Warp and Gel are twisted in this episode, and in a slightly amusing scene Warp tries and help Gel with the urinating part, as the latter is unaccustomed to doing it the male way, and though not shown, Gel also helped Warp with his. As Gel observes, neither of them know the ways of the other gender, and hence their respective problems with even simple things like peeing.Gel also mentions Warp's name and what it means. Warp is the king that tries to enslave people and memories, but little else is known about his actual disposition and what else he does, aside from likely being a tyrant that is hidden above the clouds.Finally, we realize the actual meaning of the title "Kaiba" - a legendary plant capable of eating memories. Though nothing much else is known about the plant at this point, it is obvious that the huge explosion, likely caused by Gel (indicated by Warp's observation of the loss of her arms when Gel is found and being recharged), of the memory tanks created a huge food source for Kaiba, and it is seen at the end increased in size.Neiro is also shown for sure at the end, along with the reappearance of Popo, who appears to be her superior in the same terrorist organization.The old couple that Warp rushes to assist.IssuesThe first issue we take a look at is the importance of gender as discussed in the normal yet far-reaching conversation between Gel and Warp of how they are unable to understand the other gender's problems. It is theoretical, but what if one day you were to wake up and find yourself in the body of the other gender? Confusion as to what you should think, what you should do, and the like will inevitable arise. It may even lead, like in Gel's case, to impulsive action brought about by the other gender's body instead of making rational decisions. Certainly, it is huge food for thought as to how gender is actually a social issue and the way we view our own, and the other gender, is largely a result of social factors and education instead of actual rational discernment.This brings to mind a great book, classified under science fiction, by the title of "The Left Hand of Darkness", by Ursula K. Le Guin. It is a highly recommended read as it focuses on Genly Ai, who tries to assimilate a newfound planet into a vast consortium of planets. The biggest difference between the humans found on this planet and what Genly perceives as normal is how the humans have no specific gender; their sexes change only when mating seasons come and only change into a certain gender based on the reaction of others during the mating season. This leads to profound implications for Genly who struggles to deal with the idea of a society with no gender constraints, alongside other different social aspects that he must learn to overcome and learn about in order to bring this planet and its inhabitants into the larger picture for the better good of all. The Left Hand of Darkness is a really good book that takes a look at the same issue discussed above in this episode of Kaiba.The second issue is more about ageing. The old couple as described in this episode have nowhere else to go, nothing much to do, aside from quietly spending their time as they please. Their memories are left, as mentioned, in photographs and their minds, much like how it should be if we ever had a choice to convert our memory chips. Old-fashioned thinking to the new generation that is used to memory chips, but certainly, for old people, nostalgia and memories are the only things that they live for and go by in order to feel alive.The third is a minor issue, regarding how everyone refuses to help, near the start of the episode. As Warp observes, "everyone is pretending to be busy and not notice". Few people also lend a helping hand to others even in our world today, thinking that "someone else will help". This brings a detrimental effect as everyone thinks the same way and no one steps forward to help. Findings have indicated that the larger the group, the more likely no one will assist someone in need.The last deals with the memories. For amusement, memories are stored in a large tank and are summoned or called upon by visitors to view these memories. At closing time, the scariness and all-too-real setting of the memories rising up show Warp how these memories and the beings that were once them feel about the matter, much like how exhibits would feel like in zoos and artificial settings, for viewing pleasure. Freedom for animals and other lifeforms is how it should be, is what I feel the issue is trying to address. Knowing and respecting the feelings of others and even other lifeforms is certainly going to be helpful for many.The first look at Kaiba, the legendary memory-eating plant.My ImpressionsNot much has been left unsaid. The story has advanced to a point where we learn about the organization Popo and Neiro are working for, even if it is not much. Neiro is shown to have destroyed the factories on Abipa, and now she destroys the largest memory tank in the entire federation.Warp is slowly learning to deal with his gender issue, and thanks to Gel, comes to terms with himself and his female body that he is stuck in. Vanilla's corruption is starting to bring upon consequences that he never imagined, or perhaps did expect but not so soon. It goes to show that crime does not pay, especially if you are in law enforcement or the like and begin to go corrupt.Kaiba's appearance as a memory-eating plant, that is described as legendary, is strange at this point in time. It is obvious however that evolution occurs as Kaiba consumes more memories (the evolved form is shown at the top), and such memories can only be found in roe form as raw food for Kaiba, instead of converted chips. This may in time be important to the storyline, though we can only see in later episodes.I found it especially touching though, that the old man, despite knowing about his wife's affairs, still stayed by her side, especially since it is inferred that she has lost everything as she is now old, and still not famous. Very devoted man.In terms of issues, this episode touched upon social rather than other more far-reaching issues, and thus it is important as a lesson for all of us to look at the issues touched upon for sociological purposes, such as gender, and ageing. Certainly, it complements my studies in introductory sociology and psychology that I have undertaken, however elementary.
Read the rest of this entry Entry meta