Zeta Gundam Volume 5

My first time through Volume 5 left me hopelessly lost. The show jumps back to outer space after two completely Earth-centric volumes, and it doesn't make the transition smoothly. As it turns out, not much happened in space while Kamille and pals were fighting on the surface, but it tries to carry on as if we haven't been away from the vast majority of the cast for ten whole episodes.  In order to have a complete grasp of everyone and everything, you have to recall some fairly minor details from back in Volume 2.  I suggest having that disc (or the Internet) handy in case you need a refresher.

The other problem with Volume 5 is that it has no central narrative arc.  Coincidence or not, each of the previous Volumes felt like a unified set of episodes, all focusing on the same concepts and characters.  Volume 5 starts off trying to establish Paptimus Scirocco as a legitimate antagonist, but around halfway through it switches its focus to the rest of the Titans, including new pilot Yazan Gable (who we'll see far more off in the next disc).

As for the AEUG, Fa Yuiry makes her return, and wastes no time trying to become a pilot herself.  Between her and Katz Kobayashi, we have plenty of candidates to replace Kamille as the annoying kid who disobeys orders and flies off with a Mobile Suit.  Speaking of Mobile Suits, the Zeta Gundam arrives, giving Kamille a craft which is capable of going toe to toe with the Titans' numerous Mobile Armors.  As a result of Zeta's arrival, we also see Emma Sheen taking a more prominent role as a top pilot, taking permanent ownership of the Gundam Mk 2.

Overall, Volume 5 is not centered around any one character or concept.  Everyone gets some time in the spotlight, and some large scale battles are pitched in quick succession.  Specifically, the last three episodes involve a moon assault, a counterattack, and a mission to prevent the Titans from dropping a colony on the lunar cities.  This is an incredibly thrilling Volume, but you have to keep track of everything in order to really enjoy it.  I'm glad I was finally able to do so, and I look forward to the next half of the show, which I will be seeing for the first time.