The Silent Service – Episode 7 “The Battle of Tokyo Bay” Recap & Review

The Battle of Tokyo Bay

Episode 7 begins in the summit hall, where we see Shiro Kaide, leader of the newly formed country of Yamato. The stage is set for discussion, and the summit is being broadcast on TV, capturing the attention of viewers around the world, including the President of the US and his diplomats. Kaide starts by explaining Japan’s history, highlighting how it gained independence from Britain about 200 years ago. 

Japan aimed to become a global superpower, wanting to create a strong military capable of acting as a global police force to maintain peace and order worldwide. However, after World War II, Japan had to surrender to Western powers and was compelled to disarm itself.

Kaide proposes a deal where Japan will supply Yamato with all necessary provisions, including basics like food, water, and oxygen, as well as advanced supplies like replenishing nuclear fuel and torpedoes. When Kaide is asked what Japan will receive in return, Kaide surprises everyone by stating that Japan will not ask for anything. 

Kaide believes this deal would demonstrate Japan’s commitment to a world without war. President Bennett and his diplomats are pleased to hear this, confident that no country will agree to such a deal, especially Japan, where he receives nothing in return.

The Prime Minister of Japan and his diplomats request some time to discuss Kaide’s proposal in private, which Kaide agrees to. In their private discussion, Japan’s Defence Minister warns that supporting Kaide can harm their relationship with other nations, while another officer suggests standing with Kaide. The PM, feeling unsure, turns to Wataru for advice. Wataru assures the PM that he stands with him and will support whatever decision he makes.

After a moment of contemplation, the PM makes his decision. When they return to the discussion table, the PM officially announces that Japan is willing to establish bilateral relations with Yamato on the condition that Yamato agrees to coordinate with the Japan Self-Defense Forces (SDF) as necessary. The PM also states that Japan intends to maintain its relationship with the United States. Kaide agrees to these terms. Japan’s PM gives the thumbs up for bilateral relations and also calls for an emergency general meeting of the UN to discuss the Yamato situation. 

Before the talks can continue, the Prime Minister of Japan receives a call from President Bennett, who wants to speak with Kaide. Kaide agrees, and during the call, Bennett tells Kaide that if he wants to work with world powers and become a global power, he should disarm immediately. Kaide refuses. Bennett then accuses Kaide of talking like a terrorist and says that if he truly cares about world peace, he should give up nuclear weapons.

Kaide asks why America, if it cares so much about peace, doesn’t give up its own nuclear weapons. The argument heats up between Kaide and President Bennett. Finally, the Prime Minister of Japan interrupts and suggests that President Bennett should call for an emergency UN General Meeting, with Kaide attending as a representative of Yamato. Surprisingly, Kaide agrees, meaning he will have to go to New York for the meeting. This decision shocks everyone.

Kaide is prepared to attend a meeting in New York. Meanwhile, President Bennett orders the sinking of the Sea Bat, Yamato’s country, before it reaches American soil. He appoints Logan Steiger to lead the 7th fleet and instructs them to sink Sea Bat at all costs. Commander Steiger assumes command of the fleet. Japan, under Kaide’s supervision, is assisting with the repair and maintenance of Yamato. Captain Fukamachi is escorting the maintenance boat of the Yamato as instructed.

Steiger prepares for the attack, but Doyle raises concerns about a potential nuclear attack. Steiger responds that if Yamato had a nuclear weapon, it would likely target South Bay, an area so close to Japan that a nuclear strike there would severely impact the Japanese capital, Tokyo.

The 7th fleet realizes that the SDF is escorting Yamato. Steiger orders an attack on the SDF, and the fleet launches three torpedoes. Tatsunami detects all three torpedoes and moves the submarine’s position to safety, but one of the torpedoes collides with Tatsunami, causing an engine leak. The other three torpedoes narrowly miss Tatsunami but hit the maintenance boat directly.

Everyone is frightened, but Kaide remains calm and takes control of the boat. Tatsunami is damaged, but Fukamachi is confident that Tatsunami won’t sink unless the US Navy targets the electric stern, a crucial mechanical part in the center of naval boats and submarines. The US is eager to sink Yamato before it reaches New York. They order the USS Charlotte to attack, and Steiger commands it to fire four torpedoes.

Tatsunami detects the torpedoes and moves to a safe spot, but the maintenance boat is hit again. It is sinking, but it has completed the repairs on Yamato, so Kaide returns command to the boat’s captain and prepares to leave with Yamato. Fukamachi calls Kaide and asks him to reconsider his actions, but Kaide is hell-bent on continuing.

As the torpedoes continue to miss, Steiger becomes frustrated and orders more torpedoes to be fired. Tatsunami once again detects the torpedoes and moves to safety. Fukamachi, tired of being on the defensive, orders a counterattack. Tatsunami prepares to fire back, and the episode ends on a cliffhanger.

The Episode Review

Episode 7 surprised us by taking us back to the sea instead of focusing on high-level political drama. This adds more action to the story, especially since Yamato is not alone this time, making the underwater battle more exciting to watch.

However, we still haven’t seen Doyle’s full potential, and it feels like he’s been pushed aside because of Steiger, who now controls the 7th fleet. As we approach the final episode, we can expect intense underwater action with Yamato (Sea Bat) back in action. Additionally, if Kaide reaches New York, we might see some political drama that could set the stage for the next season.