For a show I was mixed about at the start, I have to say they’ve sold me on this story.  This has gone on to be an incredible ride and this episode was definitely my favorite so far.  We have action, comedy, evil, struggle for survival, and an explosive ending that teases the end of a world war!  Tune in at ten for the action!  (Check your local listings for channel information.)

To be serious for a moment, Tanya has come a long way since the beginning of her journey, rising through ranks and becoming an accomplished leader.  Yet we also see why this show has such a dark and enticing title, especially with the horrifying decisions our protagonist decided to make last episode, sweeping away responsibility and hiding behind a very apathetic defense that wouldn’t quite hold up in the Nuremberg Trials.

“And my stew is as bloody as the innocents I’ve sentenced to die.  Man, I love contrasting metaphor!”

In fact, this episode actually opens up with a return to our main character’s viewpoint as she looks down at the blood red stew she’s eating, trying hard to convince herself her actions are snow white in the face of its alarming metaphoric color.  As Tanya attempts to find conviction, she meets an old friend, the (now) Major Uger, who shares with her a secret that immediately turns this war on its head.  The Empire has found a way to win and end this world war before it gets any worse.  The plan unfolds over the course of the first half of the episode:  A false retreat to entice the enemy to follow until they go in too far and the Empire encircles them, trapping the main force of the Republic and destroying them.  Tanya comments on the parallel to the tactics of our own historic leaders who had done similar things in the past.  With the main force defeated, the Republic can no longer continue, forcing an end to the conflict and saving the Empire from having to stretch already thin supplies any longer.

The guy on the left in the white hat is really making me wonder what the hell is happening off-screen.

With punishing but successful phase one complete, Tanya finds herself at headquarters in an interesting meeting to begin phase two:  A “shock and awe” sneak attack against the Republican headquarters in order to leave them in disarray, further confusing the enemy front line so that they keep advancing into the trap with no word from headquarters to fall back. Tanya finds herself with a smaller portion of her remaining battalion manning this almost suicide mission deep into enemy territory.  But how are they going to sneak in?

With rockets.

A wonderful and entertaining return of everyone’s favorite Atheist-found-God mad scientist, Doctor Shugel is back with another one of those block rockin’ beats, much to Tanya’s chagrin.  His plan involves the first use of rockets that we see in this universe, once again parallel to our own WWII in which Nazi German scientists were among the first in the world to successfully harness and employ the power of rocketry.  With her squad prepped, the enemy none the wiser, and a good night’s sleep allotted, Tanya and company are literally strapped to rockets and take off for surely one of the most intense battles they’ve ever had, accelerating towards it like a shooting star leaping through the sky.

You crazy son of a bitch.  I love you.

Instead, here’s a French guy trying to smile.  Yes, that is supposed to be a happy smile.