Much appreciated.

To be fair, you have to have a very high IQ to understand The Magnificent Kotobuki. The humour is extremely subtle, and without a solid grasp of aerodynamics most of the jokes will go over a typical viewer's head. EDIT: Watched the episode. You sound like you're confused and legitimately asking, and are not saying you disliked it or talking about it as a matter of opinion, so I'll give you my take. The purpose of this episode was to provide additional backstory to key characters and set the stage for the following climax. It also revealed some plot points to give the story real stakes and a true reason for existing—the hole in the sky (a portal?) and the worsening political relations in the region, which should culminate in a battle and involve the Kotobuki corps somehow... Kirie choosing not to leave the corps for what will be the final battle is indicative of her embracing what's to come and having found somewhat of a purpose for herself. Confusingly executed, sure, but it all makes sense. I wouldn't be surprised if it wants to leave room for a second season.

@Maxine, thanks for the comment. And yes, while I generally understood and enjoyed this ep I was kinda confused by some things - probably because of replaying various parts of episode out of order while working on it, or maybe, as you said, because of confusing execution. When you put it that way a lot more things make sense, maybe I should rewatch it one more time lol. And I do hope for s2, I really like this show's dogfights among other things, I will miss them when it's over.

No worries, I agree to some extent and definitely see how you arrived at that conclusion. I think they're just pressed for time, since there are only 3 episodes left.

thanks releasing this mate!

thanks for the superior subs

Thanks!