Captain Earth, and the Arc of Humanity: Thematic-Review-Before-Ep-6

Captain Earth concerns itself with the plight of humanity as it finds itself moving away from Earth, long considered its center. One clear focus is on how humanity itself evolves, not simply its technology. In particular, genetics and biochemistry, considered to be stable in an average human, have apparently created great anomalies in certain individuals.

For instance, Hana Mutou, a mysterious brown-skinned girl, is revealed to have an unknown organelle, capable of generating energy that can power mechas, through the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Mitochondria provide the role of powering cells, but they do are not capable of macroscopic effects – so presumably these unknown organelles are not simply mitochondria. Secondly, conservation of energy dictates that energy is not generated – rather it involves conversion from one form to another.)

Though a novel organelle may seem trivial, this occurrence represents a fundamental change in human biology. Textbooks continually draw attention to the Golgi apparatus, the endoplasmic reticulum, the nucleus, and other such organelles as human organelles – whatever Hana is, she’s not exactly human. Now, this unique organelle is apparently quite beneficial, so Hana represents the evolution of humanity during a dire time – humans become capable of transforming themselves, even without the presence of genetic engineering.

Captain Earth also explores how genetic engineering can lead to evolution in human abilities while also presenting consequences. The following episode, episode five, it is revealed that Teppei, a silver-haired boy with no knowledge of his family, was created through designer genes. (Though techniques such as in vitro fertilization exist, the show is likely referring to splicing genes together using plasmid technology.) Though he appears normal, he has the ability to portray brilliant rainbows above his hands, isolating him from other people. Since birth, he has been forcibly separated from others, which has made him pessimistic.

Beyond that, the show looks at how a genetically engineered being fits into a social concept such as “family”. In the spaceship Tenkaido, Teppei meets his “father” Eiji Arashi, who provided the male genetic material. However, generally speaking, a father is someone present throughout one’s life – a figure of social importance, not simply the provider of genetic material. Thus, Eiji is not necessarily his father.

Though it has been years, Eiji recognizes Teppei readily – he refers to himself as Teppei’s father, suggesting that their relationship is beyond mere genetics. However, Teppei has grown accustomed to his lack of a true family, and he rejects Eiji’s conclusion. In response, Eiji tenderly holds Teppei and explains his regrets over not being enough of a father for him. After a battle breaks out, Eiji plays decoy to draw enemy fire, allowing Teppei and his comrade Akari to escape. Afterwards, Akari comments that Eiji looked at Teppei with a loving expression like a father, which draws him comfort. Finally, Teppei has found the family he has craved for so long, even though it was for a short amount of time. And, despite not being natural, he is given humanity through this arc with his father.

But, if genetically engineered beings are capable of such complex emotions, they cannot be seen as tools – nor should humans be so easily constructed through this manner. With the advent of technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9, zinc fingers, transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs), and meganucleases, such genetic engineering is easier than ever. This leads to a few questions. What rules should govern genetic engineering? Does genetic engineering stop someone like Teppei from feeling a relationship to his gene donor? Or are the two things separate and neutral to each other? If Captain Earth does not know or will not ponder it, then hopefully the future will provide some answers.