Source is from episode 2.
This series is an interesting one to me. I think it is probably one of the most grounded depictions of what a future might look like in which access to human spaceflight is relatively attainable. Probably one of the best sci-fi slice of life series out there, though there are some romance elements later on in the series (more on that later).
One of the strengths of this series is that it mostly keeps itself rooted in realistic physics (I am a physicist, I am sensitive to these things), like navigating by providing thrust through your center of mass. There are whole sequences depicting training of using gas propellant to maneuver on space walks and it looks reminiscent of how astronauts used the “zip gun” to maneuver on early Gemini missions.
As for a weakness of the series, the thing I liked the least about it was the romance plot which grew in importance in the back half of the show. I don’t want to get into spoilers, but I felt like it wasn’t satisfying and it didn’t really fit some of the characters. I think that it feels so out of place because it is a futuristic slice of life series in which humanity has transcended the bounds of Earth, but then the female romantic lead is being dragged down by the weight of Japan’s cultural expectations of married women. Despite all the advancements and achievements of humankind in this show, it seems as though Japan’s social conservatism and rigid gender roles remained firmly in place.
Agreed on like 90% of your takes. The “real”-feeling near-future sci-fi was excellent. And the thought put towards the physics was very much appreciated. Where we diverge a bit is on the romance track. I didn’t have an issue with the direction, and was actively rooting for them. Their affection felt organic and natural. But as you said, it derailed a bit and, combined with career choices, left me disappointed at the very end. But the good was so freaking good.
I’ve had a hankering to re-watch lately. I’ve got the DVDs, and they will do in a pinch, but it’s hard to go back to SD anymore. Last I checked the show was in rights purgatory, with no discs in print or a way to stream it. Maybe I’ll finally get around to reading the manga.
Yeah, I think that is a fair take. I think I am allowing the ending to cast a shadow over the rest of the relationship buildup in my memory. However, the reason the ending had such an impact on me was because of how invested I was in the relationship that had been built. So, I think you are right that the romance had some real bright spots in the buildup.
Also, you are right that Planetes is currently unavailable to stream anywhere legally (at least in the US). I was able to find blu-rays on Amazon, but they are Asian region, so your player would need to not be region restricted (most players are restricted). To get a good, high-quality source for this clip, I sailed the high seas. Frankly, I usually do that for episodes that I want to make a clip of because a rip of a blu-ray is a way higher quality than a screen recording of a compressed stream.