Wow, I should really learn not to get all negative and jump to conclusions like I did earlier this morning.
The episode wasn't too bad at all. In all honesty... it... kindof did its job. It pretty much to me was Episode 48 of Gundam SEED on speed, trying to tidy up some character arcs and relationships before the big battle. The pregnancy bit with Viletta and Ougi wasn't that bad, but then again I couldn't help but think that it was going to be a factor given their rather strained relationship. I liked how all the main players on the leading stage are not really holding back in terms of wishing to take one another out.
It's like the writers, production crew, seiyuu, and everybody else knows that the show won't end well (perhaps not just on an aesthetic good/bad basis but also in terms of the actual story and universe). So they're essentially steering their trains toward one another and both are waiting with anticipation for the big disaster. It's kindof nice that they know who their characters are, what they are willing to do to another to the point that they can set the series on autopilot of sorts and see them off. It's not exactly the most ideal way to cap off a final battle, but it seems to work for the meanwhile. I did enjoy Schneizel and Lelouch essentially waging war like it was an RTS game.
Also I didn't really think Nunally needed to shut up or anything, since she didn't really say that much to really ask for that. Other than what has been said here's some other notes for good happy success...
-Jeremiah just jumping from a few hundred feet above and landing in the prison pen was really neato torpedo.
-While Cornelia's role I wish was a bit more expanded other than her just jumping ship and joining Schneizel, I must admit I would love to have an automated machine gun that I could summon with a snap of my fingers.
-Where the hell is Rivalz? I guess the Rivalz hate decided to come back once again, since he is nowhere to be found.
Gah, two more episodes to go.
7 of 10 for right now.