Warning do not read unless seen episode.
This is my favorite episode/two parter of the series and one of my favorite episodes in general. This no doubt predated "Back to the Future part 2" and the TV shows "Sliders" and "Fringe". This is another alternate reality story but it's one of the ones done right and well, it was also a really dark but I love that seeing animated shows push the envelope in storytelling.
We see the alternate world and it is literally Hell on Earth. We see the consequences of Cobra's takeover, it has made the world dirty, grimy, and worst of all corrupt. There are lots of slightly disturbing details like seeing slavery becoming a thing again, certain national landmarks demolished and made into mockeries, Dreadnoks made into cops which means the law system has been completely compromised and broken.
However the most heart sinking discovery is discovering that everyone in G.I. Joe is deceased. I'll admit seeing that really gave me a sinking feeling inside knowing that the protagonists I know and love can actually die, it just goes to show how human the Joes truly are and that in the battle between good and evil it's never a one sided affair and that it really does matter who wins.
Other than seeing the characters defending themselves throughout their plight while finding a way out of the mad world their in. The real heart of the story is on the character Steeler. This was really surprising and risky move putting the focus on an unpopular character, but this was actually a great idea because Steeler unlike the others he's a regular guy, which made him all the more relatable.
His character I find sympathetic as he is a man suffering from Post Traumatic Stress, the war against Cobra has finally taken it's toll on him as it's not just put a damper on his personal life but he's almost lost his life in one instance. This of course worst of all makes him lose faith in the cause he's fought for, that it's become meaningless. So, his venture throughout the alternate world is sort of his quest to renew his faith.
The highlight is when we find out something about the Baroness in this world. We find out that the Baroness turns out to actually be a double agent for G.I. Joe but the big kicker is both Baroness and Steeler are in that world a couple. When I saw that I thought OMG, I honestly didn't expect that but then again this is an alternate world after all anything is possible. I'll admit it was both surreal and sweet seeing the Baroness actually a warm person let alone without the glasses and a pink robe which she looks great in.
All I can say to Steeler is way to go my man you've got great taste. In a way you can say this is once again the notion of how the most unlikely person can get the girl that seems unattainable. It's a motif that's been in many things "Spider Man" with Mary Jane and Peter or even "Metal Gear Soild 4" with Johnny and Meryl. But I like that couples like that do exist and a good message showing you don't have to be some super model or mister popular to find and attain love. I do like the chemistry between both of them, I bought that the Baroness did have a relationship with Steeler from the alternate world. I kinda wish that both Steeler and Baroness had more scenes together but due to time constraints it couldn't be helped.
And I really liked the ending which was sweet and hopeful. From what he's been though in the alternate world his faith in the cause has been renewed, realizing it does matter. But most importantly he's staying because there is someone for him there, someone that loves him and he wants to stay also for her sake to protect her and help bring a better world for both of them to live in.
This two parter really makes you grateful that heroes still exist in this world and the next.
Rating: 4 stars
This is my favorite episode/two parter of the series and one of my favorite episodes in general. This no doubt predated "Back to the Future part 2" and the TV shows "Sliders" and "Fringe". This is another alternate reality story but it's one of the ones done right and well, it was also a really dark but I love that seeing animated shows push the envelope in storytelling.
We see the alternate world and it is literally Hell on Earth. We see the consequences of Cobra's takeover, it has made the world dirty, grimy, and worst of all corrupt. There are lots of slightly disturbing details like seeing slavery becoming a thing again, certain national landmarks demolished and made into mockeries, Dreadnoks made into cops which means the law system has been completely compromised and broken.
However the most heart sinking discovery is discovering that everyone in G.I. Joe is deceased. I'll admit seeing that really gave me a sinking feeling inside knowing that the protagonists I know and love can actually die, it just goes to show how human the Joes truly are and that in the battle between good and evil it's never a one sided affair and that it really does matter who wins.
Other than seeing the characters defending themselves throughout their plight while finding a way out of the mad world their in. The real heart of the story is on the character Steeler. This was really surprising and risky move putting the focus on an unpopular character, but this was actually a great idea because Steeler unlike the others he's a regular guy, which made him all the more relatable.
His character I find sympathetic as he is a man suffering from Post Traumatic Stress, the war against Cobra has finally taken it's toll on him as it's not just put a damper on his personal life but he's almost lost his life in one instance. This of course worst of all makes him lose faith in the cause he's fought for, that it's become meaningless. So, his venture throughout the alternate world is sort of his quest to renew his faith.
The highlight is when we find out something about the Baroness in this world. We find out that the Baroness turns out to actually be a double agent for G.I. Joe but the big kicker is both Baroness and Steeler are in that world a couple. When I saw that I thought OMG, I honestly didn't expect that but then again this is an alternate world after all anything is possible. I'll admit it was both surreal and sweet seeing the Baroness actually a warm person let alone without the glasses and a pink robe which she looks great in.
All I can say to Steeler is way to go my man you've got great taste. In a way you can say this is once again the notion of how the most unlikely person can get the girl that seems unattainable. It's a motif that's been in many things "Spider Man" with Mary Jane and Peter or even "Metal Gear Soild 4" with Johnny and Meryl. But I like that couples like that do exist and a good message showing you don't have to be some super model or mister popular to find and attain love. I do like the chemistry between both of them, I bought that the Baroness did have a relationship with Steeler from the alternate world. I kinda wish that both Steeler and Baroness had more scenes together but due to time constraints it couldn't be helped.
And I really liked the ending which was sweet and hopeful. From what he's been though in the alternate world his faith in the cause has been renewed, realizing it does matter. But most importantly he's staying because there is someone for him there, someone that loves him and he wants to stay also for her sake to protect her and help bring a better world for both of them to live in.
This two parter really makes you grateful that heroes still exist in this world and the next.
Rating: 4 stars
