The Turning Point

The Turning Point
The Turning Point (さだめの楔, Sadame no Kusabi)
Episode Data
Episode	Mobile Suit Gundam SEED: #29
Script	Shigeru Morita
Airing
Runtime	23:54
Japanese	2003-04-26
English	2004-11-06
← Previous	Kira
Next →	Flashing Blades

The Turning Point is Phase-29 (Phase-27 in the HD Remaster) of Mobile Suit Gundam SEED. It first aired in Japan on April 26, 2003 and in the United States on November 6, 2004.

Summary

The Archangel, without Cagalli and Ledonir on board, leaves Orb territory for Alaska. The Zala Team, who is patiently waiting, engages them in a battle. Kira grounds the Duel, Buster, and Blitz with the help of Mu and Tolle, who is now the second Skygrasper pilot. As Kira and Athrun fight, Nicol intervenes, but he steps into Kira's fatal attack.

Notes & Trivia

Errors

• The Aile Strike Gundam's beam saber barely grazes the Blitz Gundam's right backpack thruster as it slices off its arm, leaving minor scratching. When the Blitz charges at the Sword Strike Gundam, the same thruster is depicted with far more damage, having its side melted off.
• Kira and Athrun react to Nicol's return before he yells for Athrun to retreat or turns off the Blitz Gundam's Mirage Colloid to indicate his presence.

HD Remaster Changes

• Nicol's death was changed into an accident - instead of Kira reflexively swinging the Schwert Gewhir at the Blitz Gundam. Kira dodges and angles his sword such that Nicol ran into the blade while charging at the Strike. The change in choreography reangles the Schwert Gewhir's handle from pointing towards the Blitz's left parallel from the ground to towards its right with the handle slightly angled up, with all scenes of the aftermath reanimated to account for this.
• During the battle of Strike against the four stolen machines, the background music Strike Shutsugeki plays just like the Special Edition. For the original, Meteor is played instead.

Newly Animated Scenes

Italicized lines are from the BD/DVD Release.

• The Aile Strike slicing off Blitz Gundam's right arm before kicking it off its Guul.
• The Aegis witnessing the destruction of the Blitz.

Appearances

• Categorized
• Overview

Characters

Earth Alliance

• Kira Yamato
• Flay Allster
• Murrue Ramius
• Natarle Badgiruel
• Arnold Neumann
• Dalida Lolaha Chandra II
• Jackie Tonomura
• Sai Argyle
• Tolle Koenig
• Kuzzey Buskirk
• Romero Pal
• Miriallia Haw
• Kojiro Murdoch
• Mu La Flaga

PLANT/ZAFT

• Athrun Zala
• Yzak Joule
• Dearka Elsman
• Nicol Amalfi - (Decease)
• Unidentified Vosgulov-class Captain (Le Creuset Team)
• Andrew Waltfeld - (Flashback(s) Only)
• Romina Amalfi - (Mentioned; Voice heard; In Flashback(s))

Orb Union

• Cagalli Yula Athha
• Caridad Yamato
• Uzumi Nara Athha
• Ledonir Kisaka
• Erica Simmons
• Haruma Yamato

Others

• Birdy - (Flashback(s) Only)

Characters

Name	Timestamp	Notes
Kira Yamato	00:01
Cagalli Yula Athha	00:01
Flay Allster	00:13
Caridad Yamato	00:34
Uzumi Nara Athha	00:40
Birdy	00:45	Flashback(s) Only
Athrun Zala	00:46
Murrue Ramius	02:43
Ledonir Kisaka	02:43
Natarle Badgiruel	02:50
Arnold Neumann	03:05
Dalida Lolaha Chandra II	03:27
Jackie Tonomura	03:27
Sai Argyle	03:55
Tolle Koenig	04:00
Yzak Joule	05:14
Dearka Elsman	05:14
Nicol Amalfi	05:29	Decease
Unidentified Vosgulov-class Captain (Le Creuset Team)	05:29
Kuzzey Buskirk	08:02
Romero Pal	08:02
Miriallia Haw	08:09
Kojiro Murdoch	08:12
Mu La Flaga	08:15
Erica Simmons	08:56
Andrew Waltfeld	09:45	Flashback(s) Only
Haruma Yamato	11:02
Romina Amalfi	21:45	Mentioned; Voice heard; In Flashback(s)

• Categorized
• Overview

Mobile Weapons

Earth Alliance

• GAT-X105 Strike Gundam
  • GAT-X105+AQM/E-X01 Aile Strike Gundam
  • GAT-X105+AQM/E-X03 Launcher Strike Gundam
  • GAT-X105+AQM/E-X02 Sword Strike Gundam

ZAFT

• ZGMF-1017 GINN - (Image(s) Only)
• GAT-X303 Aegis Gundam
• GAT-X103 Buster Gundam
• GAT-X102 Duel Gundam
• GAT-X207 Blitz Gundam - (Destroyed)

Ships & Vehicles

Earth Alliance

• Archangel-class
  • "Archangel"
• Cargo Truck (EA)
• FX-550 Skygrasper
  • FX-550+AQM/E-X01 Aile Grasper - (First Appearance)
  • FX-550+AQM/E-X02 Sword Grasper
• Drake-class - (Flashback(s) Only)

ZAFT

• Vosgulov-class
• Supply Submarine - (First Appearance)
• Guul

Orb Union

• Kuraomikami-class
• Jeep - (Flashback(s) Only)
• Orb Elecar - (Flashback(s) Only)

Mechanics

Name	Timestamp	Notes
Archangel-class	00:13
Kuraomikami-class	00:46
Jeep	01:05	Flashback(s) Only
Cargo Truck (EA)	03:23
ZGMF-1017 GINN	04:00	Image(s) Only
Vosgulov-class	05:07
Supply Submarine	05:08	First Appearance
FX-550 Skygrasper	08:12
Orb Elecar	08:55	Flashback(s) Only
GAT-X105+AQM/E-X01 Aile Strike Gundam	12:02
GAT-X303 Aegis Gundam	12:02
Drake-class	12:03	Flashback(s) Only
GAT-X105 Strike Gundam	14:04
GAT-X103 Buster Gundam	14:32
GAT-X102 Duel Gundam	14:32
GAT-X207 Blitz Gundam	14:38	Destroyed
Guul	14:57
GAT-X105+AQM/E-X03 Launcher Strike Gundam	15:40
FX-550+AQM/E-X01 Aile Grasper	16:11	First Appearance
FX-550+AQM/E-X02 Sword Grasper	16:12
GAT-X105+AQM/E-X02 Sword Strike Gundam	20:16

• Categorized
• Overview

Organizations

• Earth Alliance
  • OMNI Enforcer
    • Archangel Corps
  • Atlantic Federation
• Orb Union
  • Five Great Clans - (Mentioned Only; Indirectly)
    • Athha family
  • Morgenröte
  • Orb National Defense Force
• PLANT - (Mentioned Only)
  • ZAFT
    • Zala Team
    • Waltfeld Corps - (Flashback(s) Only)

Organizations

Name	Timestamp	Notes
Athha family	00:01
Archangel Corps	00:01
Morgenröte	00:01
OMNI Enforcer	00:01
Orb Union	00:01
Earth Alliance	00:01
Atlantic Federation	00:13
Orb National Defense Force	00:34
Zodiac Alliance of Freedom Treaty	00:46
Zala Team	00:46
Five Great Clans	03:48	Mentioned Only; Indirectly
PLANT	09:15	Mentioned only
Waltfeld Corps	09:45	Flashback(s) Only

• Categorized
• Overview

Locations

• Earth Sphere (Cosmic Era)
  • Earth (Cosmic Era)
    • Orb Archipelago
      • Onogoro Island
        • Morgenröte Headquarters
        • Orb National Defense Headquarters - (Flashback(s) Only)
      • Yalafath Island
        • Athha Estate - (First Appearance)
    • Panama Base - (Mentioned Only)
    • Carpentaria Base - (Mentioned Only)
    • JOSH-A - (Mentioned Only; Indirectly)
    • North Africa - (Flashback(s) Only)
      • Tassil - (Mentioned Only)
      • Banadiya - (Flashback(s) Only)
      • ZAFT Banadiya Base - (Flashback(s) Only)
  • Heliopolis - (Mentioned Only)
  • Junius Seven - (Mentioned Only)

Locations

Name	Timestamp	Notes
Earth	00:01
Onogoro Island	00:01
Earth Sphere (Cosmic Era)	00:01
Orb Archipelago	00:01
Morgenröte Headquarters	00:01
Orb National Defense Headquarters	00:34	Flashback(s) Only
Panama Base	02:42	Mentioned only
Carpentaria Base	02:47	Mentioned only
JOSH-A	03:02	Mentioned Only; Indirectly
Heliopolis	04:04	Mentioned only
Tassil	04:45	Mentioned only
Junius Seven	07:37	Mentioned only
Athha Estate	08:41	First Appearance
Yalafath Island	08:41
ZAFT Banadiya Base	09:42	Flashback(s) Only
North Africa	09:42	Flashback(s) Only
Banadiya	09:42	Flashback(s) Only

• Categorized
• Overview

Conflicts/Events

• First Alliance-PLANT War
  • Operation Spitbreak - (Mentioned Only; Indirectly)
  • Battle of Heliopolis - (Mentioned Only; Indirectly)
  • Battle near Junius Seven - (Flashback(s) Only)
  • Second Battle near Orb - (First Appearance)

Conflicts/Events

Name	Timestamp	Notes
Operation Spitbreak	02:45	Mentioned Only; Indirectly
Battle of Heliopolis	04:04	Mentioned Only; Indirectly
First Alliance-PLANT War	12:02
Battle near Junius Seven	12:02	Flashback(s) Only
Second Battle near Orb	14:44	First Appearance

• Categorized
• Overview

Technologies & Weapons

• Laminated Armor
• Elecar (Cosmic Era) - (Flashback(s) Only)
• POSEIDON CO pistol
• ZAFT Handgun - (Flashback(s) Only)
• Striker Packs
• Assault Shroud
• Anti-ship Sword
• Mirage Colloid
  • Mirage Colloid Stealth System

Technologies & Weapons

Name	Timestamp	Notes
Laminated Armor	02:38
Elecar	08:55	Flashback(s) Only
POSEIDON CO pistol	09:02
ZAFT Handgun	09:46	Flashback(s) Only
Phase Shift armor	12:02
Striker Packs	12:02
Assault Shroud	14:32
Anti-ship Sword	16:12
Mirage Colloid Stealth System	21:15
Mirage Colloid	21:15

• Categorized
• Overview

Items & Miscellanea

• OMNI Enforcer Uniform
• Orb Military Uniform
• ZAFT Uniform

Items & Miscellanea

Name	Timestamp
OMNI Enforcer Uniform	00:13
Orb Military Uniform	02:43
ZAFT Uniform	05:11

• Categorized
• Overview

Terminology

• Coordinator
  • Ultimate Coordinator
• Natural
• Gundam (Cosmic Era)

Terminology

Name	Timestamp
Coordinator	00:01
Ultimate Coordinator	00:01
Natural	00:01
Gundam	12:02

• Categorized
• Listings

Music

• Believe - (OP)
• Distance - (ED; First Appearance; HD Remaster Only)

Music

Title	Timestamp	Notes
Believe (OP)	01:10
Distance	21:58	ED; First Appearance; HD Remaster Only

Quotes

“	Natarle: "Are the rumors true that former Representative Athha knew nothing about this ship and the mobile suits back then?" Murrue: "Lieutenant Badgiruel!" Ledonir: "It is true that he knew nothing about it. A number of cabinet ministers acted independently, yielding to the pressure from the Atlantic Federation. Close ties with Morgenroete were also disclosed."	”
—Natarle Badgiruel and Murrue Ramius asking Ledonir Kisaka if Uzumi Nara Athha was involved with the Atlantic Federation, Mobile Suit Gundam SEED, The Turning Point

“	"I do understand the opinions held by some that Orb should make clear which side we're with. However, if we get involved in the war, it is the civilians who will suffer the most. As was the case with Heliopolis. That's the last thing Lord Uzumi wants, and that's why he continues stating his position on this, knowing the difficulties of maintaining it. Although you might view him as unrealistic."	”
—Ledonir Kisaka explaining Uzumi Nara Athha's stance on the war, Mobile Suit Gundam SEED, The Turning Point

“	"Don't mention it. You helped us as well. You see, I no longer have any family there, but Tassil is where I was born. There's no meaning in temporary victories. But when I saw what was happening, I just had to do something about it. And I was also able to bring our rowdy runaway girl home. I thank you very much."	”
—Ledonir Kisaka to Murrue Ramius and the bridge crew of the Archangel, Mobile Suit Gundam SEED, The Turning Point

“	Athrun: "Why did you volunteer to fight for the military, Nicol? Ah, I'm sorry. That's none of my business." Nicol: "It's okay. I felt that I, too, should be fighting. I felt that when I saw the news about Junius Seven. What about you, Athrun?" Athrun: "For the same reason, Nicol."	”
—Athrun Zala and Nicol Amalfi about why they chose to join the military, Mobile Suit Gundam SEED, The Turning Point

“	Uzumi: "Cagalli. Are you planning to join them on that ship?" Cagalli: "Yes." Uzumi: "So you're planning to be an Earth Forces soldier and fight against the PLANTs. Do you wish to fight that badly?" Cagalli: "No, I don't! It's not as if I want to fight!" Uzumi: "Then why?" Cagalli: "I want to help them! And I want to put an end to this damn war quickly!" Uzumi: "Will the war end if you fight?" Cagalli: "No, but..."	”
—Uzumi Nara Athha and Cagalli Yula Athha about her fighting in the war, Mobile Suit Gundam SEED, The Turning Point

“	Uzumi: "If you should kill someone's husband, his wife would hate you. If you should kill someone's son, his mother would hate you. And if someone should kill you, I would hate that person. Can't you figure out this vicious cycle?" Cagalli: "I understand that! But I can't remain in this country, sitting back like everything's fine." Uzumi: "What can you accomplish with such a cheap and smug sense of heroism? Pointing a gun isn't the only way to fight. Learn the causes of war, Cagalli." Cagalli: "Father." Uzumi: "Attacking each other isn't going to end anything."	”
—Uzumi Nara Athha and Cagalli Yula Athha about the cycle of hate, Mobile Suit Gundam SEED, The Turning Point

“	Kira: "Take care of yourself, Cagalli. And thanks for everything." Cagalli: "Kira! Don't get yourself killed!" Kira: "Don't worry. I'll be all right."	”
—Kira Yamato and Cagalli Yula Athha saying goodbye, Mobile Suit Gundam SEED, The Turning Point