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Meer Campbell

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Meer Campbell (ミーア・キャンベル Mīa Kyanberu?) is a character introduced in the anime Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny.

Personality & Character[]

Meer is the doppelganger to Lacus Clyne. Gilbert Durandal needed to influence the public to realize his Destiny Plan; he found Meer to sound just like Lacus and modified her body to take the original's place. Posing as Lacus, Meer would become one of the most important and influential people during the Second Alliance-PLANT War.

Dreaming to be a successful singer, Meer idolized Lacus and wanted to be relevant. So desperate for fame, she was willing to undergo reconstructive surgery to mirror her idol. Durandal manipulated her goodwill by asking for her help and she readily accepted. As Meer (posing as Lacus) toured and gave public speeches, she realized her influential power; she felt confused over her merits and success. Meer convinced herself that her achievements are her own and not because of Lacus.

She experienced deep anxiety and an identity crisis when the real Lacus returned. Her insecurities were further pushed by her minder, Sarah, who knew Meer was fearing for her future. When Sarah recognized Meer as the true Lacus, it motivated Meer to get rid of Lacus to solidify her identity. However, after meeting Lacus, Meer realized the error of her ways and intended to join the Clyne Faction. In an act of selflessness, Meer took a bullet for Lacus and died wishing people to remember her song. Overall, Meer is a girl that wanted to be loved and didn't feel loved until she wore the skin of another person.

Skills & Abilities[]

Singing - With a voice similar to Lacus Clyne, Meer used her singing talents to solidify herself as the successor to the original Lacus for fame and influence - but much more importantly, to be loved by others even if that meant they only loved her because they believed her to be Lacus.

Physical Aspects & Clothing[]

Originally, Meer had dark grey hair, dark brown eyes, and a freckled complexion. After going through extensive cosmetic surgery, her appearance became nearly identical to Lacus Clyne's, possessing pink hair, blue eyes, and a similar facial structure.

History[]

Early Days[]

Little is known about Meer's past, other than she was a Coordinator living in PLANT. A talented singer, Meer idolized Lacus Clyne and hoped she could be like her one day. Meer's voice was often complemented to sound just like Lacus and she hoped to debut her song(s) one day. Meer would have her chance when Durandal searched for a doppelganger for Lacus.[1]

After the First Alliance-PLANT War, Gilbert Durandal succeeded Patrick Zala as PLANT's Supreme Council Chairman and head of ZAFT's military. Durandal wanted to make the world a better place through his Destiny Plan initiative. To realize his goals, he needed influential reach like Lacus Clyne. Unfortunately, Lacus disappeared after the first Alliance-PLANT War. Lacus secretly moved to Orb to be with Kira Yamato and looked after the orphaned children. Without the real Lacus, Durandal opted to find someone to take over Lacus' identity and loyally serve him.

Becoming Lacus Clyne[]

Before the second Alliance-PLANT War conflict, agents of Durandal discovered Meer's voice sounding exactly like Lacus's and approached her to succeed Lacus. Although Meer thought it was unusual, her desire for stardom and the chance to become her beloved idol superseded any suspicions. Meer agreed to undergo reconstructive surgery and it successfully made her identical to Lacus. Although excited to become Lacus, the real Lacus always kept her life private; Meer did all the research she could about her idol to make sure her transformation was complete. After the transformation process, Meer met her benefactor.[1]

Although Durandal was responsible for turning Meer into Lacus, he didn't see Meer throughout this time. They met before the start of the Second Alliance-PLANT War, during a meeting where Durandal used his manipulative charm to convince Meer that he needed her help to make the world a better place. Moved by his reasoning, Meer agreed to pose as Lacus to help him achieve his plans.[2] In reality, Durandal used Meer as an influential figurehead to pacify opposition and sway support to his agenda(s).[3]

Second Alliance-PLANT War[]

After the First Alliance-PLANT War, both sides agreed to a non-aggression pact through the Junius Treaty. Unfortunately, both parties never truly resolved their issues with each other. ZAFT secretly used that time to rebuild its military power and strengthen its defenses. Within the Alliance, members of Blue Cosmos and Logos had taken a stronger hold of the military. They have also rebuilt and strengthened their forces in hopes to eliminate the Coordinators.

Meeting Athrun & First Appearance[]

When the Alliance declared war against PLANT and launched a surprise nuclear strike, ZAFT successfully repelled the attack with a powerful weapon called the Neutron Stampeder.[4] The public within PLANT learned from the news about the attack and was eager for retaliation. However, Meer made her public appearance and helped placate the denizens of PLANT by making a public statement that acknowledged the heinous actions of the Alliance, but also called for calmness and sang a song for peace. The tactic worked and it managed to calm the rage of the public. It was during that time Athrun returned to PLANT, he was confused to see an oddly energetic and loving Lacus embrace him. He was confused over her behavior, but didn't have time to understand the situation as her manager called her to make a public statement; things would be clarified when Athrun had a private meeting with Durandal. It was during the private meeting (just as news of the Alliance attack happened) that Durandal told Athrun he was using Meer, admitted that Lacus' influence surpasses his and he needed her power to pacify the public. While Athrun didn't agree with using Lacus' image falsely, he didn't openly reject Meer's imposition. After the meeting with Durandal, Meer met Athrun, told him her real name, and dragged him to dinner.[3]

Meer was briefed on Lacus' life, but it was based on older information from two years ago. As far as Meer was concerned (as Lacus), she was engaged to Athrun Zala and loved him. However, nobody realized that Athrun and Lacus already moved on and had new partners. Athrun was now with Cagalli Yula Athha and Lacus was with Kira Yamato. Smitten with the romantic stories of Athrun's actions for Lacus in the first war, Meer was very interested in Athrun and was surprised to learn how quiet and shy of a person he was. However, she hoped to learn more about Lacus through Athrun's experience with her over dinner. As they spoke, Meer asked him about the speech she delivered. Athrun didn't respond, saddening her. Athrun, feeling sorry, reassured her by saying she was almost identical to the real one which made her face lit up with happiness. Athrun frankly told her that it was not her, but Lacus' "power" that the chairman needed. Meer replied that she didn't mind if it was only for the moment because she could help the people by being Lacus as she was a nobody and was never needed by anyone.[3]

As time passed, Meer already took the pretending way too seriously fearing that she would go back to her old life of being unwanted. This was shown when she became angry when no one greeted her when she arrived and when her manager said "It's the real one (Lacus)" who boarded the shuttle.[5]

When he defected, Athrun attempted to convince her to escape Gibraltar with him, but she refused, claiming that she was Lacus and that she preferred to be Lacus. (In Gundam Seed Destiny: The Edge, Meer actually stayed with Athrun after he and Meyrin began moving towards a car she had taken through the two left in more amicable terms compared to the anime as she refused to accompany them to the mobile suit hangars.)

Lacus' Return & Disappearing[]

Following the battle between ZAFT and the Orb Union, Meer's imposture was revealed to the general public by Lacus after interrupting Meer's TV news broadcast.[6]

Trap at Copernicus & Meeting Lacus[]

In the aftermath of Lacus' return and being exposed as a double, the public was confused over who was the real Lacus Clyne. Durandal still valued Meer and had her hidden away. In a private meeting within a space terminal, Durandal offered calm words to Meer, telling her there was nothing to worry about. However, Durandal wanted her to stay out of the public eye. He assured Meer that she'll be treated with care and affirmed his appreciation of what she's done for them. Meer was subsequently hidden away in the lunar city of Copernicus along with her bodyguard Sarah until things settle.

Meer temporarily resided in a private residence at Copernicus, a large mansion with servants to tend to her needs and Sarah as her security. Lacus' return caused Meer to experience great anxiety over her own future. While walking around the pool area, Meer tried to calm herself down by singing In This Quiet Night, but the thought of Lacus' scared her. She tried to convince herself that all the accolades she has gotten were from her own efforts and not the real Lacus, but it wouldn't settle her anxieties. Sarah arrived to serve Meer some tea. Meer wanted to see if there has been any news from Durandal, but due to the recent attack at PLANT and the war effort, Sarah explained the chairman has been preoccupied to reach out. However, Sarah reported to Meer the crew of the Archangel has arrived at Copernicus.[7]

Sarah was an agent (suggestively an intelligence agent) of Durandal and sensed Meer's anxieties since Lacus returned. In an attempt to wipe out key elements opposing Durandal (such as the Clyne Faction), Sarah manipulated Meer in her fragile mental state. Sarah feigned ignorance, expressing uncertainty about their reasons for being on Copernicus and theorizing that Lacus was with them. Sarah referred to the real Lacus as "that person from Orb" that sided with the Archangel. Sarah went on to explain the supposed real Lacus doesn't know the trouble she's causing and risks wasting the Chairman's efforts. Sarah suggested to Meer that the true Lacus wasn't that sort of person. The real Lacus Sarah knew was always right and loved peace. The real Lacus guided them through difficult times when necessary, someone willing to enter the battlefield and fight alongside them. Sarah explains a Lacus who doesn't do such things was nothing but a fake; Sarah believed Meer's efforts since the start of the war for the chairman make her the real Lacus. Sarah suggested the existence of another Lacus was a problem and should be dealt with. Sarah's words had a frightening impact on Meer, causing her to go through an anxiety episode. However, it convinced Meer to reach out to Lacus.[7]

With the Archangel crew, Lacus has been in hiding for weeks and wanted to stretch her legs while docked at Copernicus. Although Athrun was against it, Kira felt they should enjoy the scenery. As Kira, Athrun, Lacus, and Meyrin Hawke went shopping, Meer's Red Haro surprisingly appeared before Lacus. The Haro gave a handwritten note to Lacus with a drawn map of the amphitheater: "Help!! I'm gonna be killed! - MEER". Meyrin believed this was a trap and everyone agreed to the obvious intent. However, Athrun believed they can't ignore it, theorizing Durandal's agents expect them to come despite it. Athrun planned to have Kira look after Lacus and call for backup to check it out. However, to everyone's surprise, Lacus wanted to meet Meer, intending to answer Meer's call despite the danger. Kira supported Lacus' decision to meet Meer, and while Athrun was troubled by this choice, he ultimately relented to the meeting. At the amphitheater, Meer awaited Lacus' arrival while surrounded by three armed men waiting in an ambush. Sarah instructed Meer to lure their target(s) onto the stage upon their arrival, but things didn't go as planned.[7]

Lacus' group made it to the amphitheater to meet Meer. Athrun wanted to stealthily infiltrate the amphitheater, but Meer's Haro gave away his position. Meer was surprised to see Athrun alive (whom she thought had died after he was branded a traitor) and emotionally approached Athrun in relief. However, Meer's actions threw off Sarah's intended kill zone and her team took time to adjust their positions. Athrun surprised Meer by drawing his gun onto her. Athrun confirmed he received the note and knows this meeting is a trap. He's here to give Meer one last chance and it's the reason he's here. It was then Lacus appeared to speak with Meer.

Lacus greeted Meer, expressing her pleasure to finally meet her. Lacus told Meer she read her note and was here to help her; she asked Meer to come with her. Although Meer idolized Lacus, meeting Lacus in person made her realize how much she was a threat to her status as a pop idol. Meer reacted in anger, claiming she was the real Lacus Clyne. Meer's recollection of Durandal's and Sarah's words of her importance had a deep effect on her psyche. Meer tried to justify she was the real Lacus with her voice and face. She pulled out a pistol and tried to shoot Lacus, but Athrun fired his gun and disarmed Meer. To Meer's surprise, Lacus told Meer she can have her looks and voice, but they'll still be different people. Lacus encouraged her to sing her dreams for her own sake and not allow others to use her dreams for their benefit. Meer realized the error of her ways when Sarah attacked.

Sarah had re-positioned herself, hidden behind the amphitheater's shrubbery to assassinate Lacus. However, Birdy's arrival brought Athrun's attention they were being targeted. Athrun saw the weapon and rushed Lacus to Kira as he runs back to get Meer. Frozen on the ground in fear of gunfire, Athrun grabbed Meer and put her behind the amphitheater's walls for cover. Sarah and three of her men converge for the kill with machine guns as Athrun tried to fire back. While shooting and covering, Athrun asked Meer if she knew how many men there were, but she only knew of Sarah. While Kira and Meyrin defended their position and provided cover fire, Athrun moved forward to neutralize the attackers.

Although outnumbered in firepower, Athrun's superior reflexes and marksmanship killed the first shooter and injured Sarah's left shoulder. During this time, Meer was covering her ears in fear of the shooting and Lacus crawled to her side to comfort her, believing they'll come out victoriously. Lacus' words helped eased Meer a little when Kira warned them they had to move when one of the gunmen launched a grenade. Meer, Lacus, Meyrin, and Kira relocated to the corner of the wall and avoided any harm. Sarah charged through and attempted to throw another grenade at Lacus, but Kira and Meyrin shot it back at her, blowing her away. Athrun managed to shoot the second gunman and killed the third one just as the Akatsuki arrived for assistance. The battle was presumed over, but it would be Meer's end.

Death & Legacy[]

Mu La Flaga arrived in the Akatsuki just as they finished their fight. Kira directed Mu to quickly transport Lacus away. As Lacus got ready to leave, Kira also extended his hand to Meer. Although hesitant at first, Meer agreed to go with them. It was then Meer realized Sarah still lived and aimed at Lacus. Meer dashed towards Lacus, warning her of danger but everyone was too slow to react. Meer took the shot on her upper body and fell to the floor. Athrun returned two shots, the last bullet killed Sarah. Although the fight truly ended, Meer suffered a mortal wound and knows she's dying. (Meer's death was altered in Gundam Seed Destiny: The Edge as she is again killed by Sarah but died shielding Lacus as she attempts to regroup with Kira somewhere safe.)

Lacus tended to Meer, holding Meer in her arms. Meer gave Lacus a picture of herself before her cosmetic surgery, and after begging her not to forget her songs and life with a sincere apology, saying she liked to meet them all properly she dies in a tearful Lacus's arms. Athrun carried Meer's dead body to the Archangel, where a brief but heartfelt funeral service was held for her in her honor. Later, Lacus and the others read Meer's personal diary about her life. Lacus tearfully promised Meer that she and her friends would never forget about her and her life. Meer was laid to rest with military honors. Although remembered by the Archangel crew and the Clyne Faction, the truth about Meer had not been revealed to the public, and Durandal used Meer's death, proclaiming her as the real Lacus, to proclaim his Destiny Plan. (In the Omake Quarters CD, Meer is only briefly touched on by Shinn and Lunamaria after the war, who referred to her purely as "the fake Lacus".)

Relationships[]

Gilbert Durandal[]

Meer initially trusts Gilbert and supports his ideals. She is happy to help him as 'Lacus' and does her job diligently. After Athrun warns her that she's being used, she starts to mistrust him and fears that he will try to kill her like he did with Athrun.

Lacus Clyne[]

Meer respects Lacus and looks up to her as an idol, referring to her with '-sama' in the Japanese version. She genuinely believed that Durandal's ideals were good and that Lacus would have agreed with him, so she thinks that she is fulfilling Lacus' wishes and takes pride in this. However, her insecurity and fear of no longer being useful leads her to resent Lacus, and she is manipulated by Sarah into luring Lacus into a trap. She attempts to shoot her at first but eventually is moved by her words and decides to join her, even taking a bullet for her when her life is soon endangered. At the end of her life, she shows Lacus a picture of what she used to look like and asks her to remember her. Lacus is seen crying over dead body, mourning her loss.

Athrun Zala[]

Meer first approached Athrun because she thought he was still the fiancé of the real Lacus. While she thought it was part of her act and would help her understand the real Lacus, she did take a fancy to Athrun and lamented about how nice it would be if they were actually a couple. She tried to seduce him at one point and was disappointed when he didn't do anything with her, but figured that it was probably due to his devotion to the real Lacus. When she learnt of Durandal's plot, she warned Athrun that he was in danger and was worried for him. However, she would not believe him when he told her that she was being used and would also be disposed of, insisting that she was the real Lacus. The two would reunite when she was coerced into luring the real Lacus into a trap, and Athrun attempted to reach out to her once more. Athrun and Lacus managed to convince her but she died soon after, causing Athrun to mourn her death. After reading her journal, Athrun was filled with regret and wished he could have helped her.

Lunamaria Hawke[]

The two were jealous of each other as each wanted Athrun for themselves. Lunamaria later learns she is a fake, but does not pursue the matter.

Quote[]

Quote:Meer Campbell

Gallery[]

Character Desings[]

Anime[]

Illustrations & Artwork[]

Games[]

Notes & Trivia[]

  • Meer's name has two meanings: Her name is Dutch for "lake" (as a counterpart to Lacus's name, which is Latin for "lake"), and it's also the phonetic spelling of the English word, "mirror". This shows a symbolic connection between Lacus and Meer through their appearances as well as suggests Meer's impersonation of Lacus.
  • Meer Campbell has been known to have a voice that sounds very similar to her idol's, Lacus Clyne. Reflecting this, both Meer Campbell and Lacus Clyne are voiced by Rie Tanaka[8] in the Japanese version and by Chantal Strand[9] in the English dub. Jillian Michaels provides the English singing voice of both as well and Stephanie Sheh provides the voice of Meer in NYAV Post dub.
  • Meer's last name may be a reference to Miia (whose Japanese name is also ミーア), a member of an alien race known as the "Campbellians" from Chōdenji Robo Combattler V.
  • In Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny: Alliance vs. Z.A.F.T. II, Meer can be summoned by the Live Concert Zaku to have a short singing performance. Should the Zaku attempt to summon her to a battlefield in space, she will wear a yellow and red spacesuit when she performs.
  • Meer's name also may be a reference to a relatively well known and well debunked conspiracy theory about the English band The Beatles, in the theory the band member Paul McCartney in some accounts was supposedly replaced with a "William Campbell" who was given plastic surgery to resemble the original Paul McCartney, which links to Meer being a singer brought in to replace Lacus Clyne for political purposes.

Appearances[]

Television Series
Manga

References[]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny PHASE-47, Meer
  2. ↑ Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny PHASE-08, Junction
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny PHASE-10, A Father's Spell
  4. ↑ Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny PHASE-09, Bared Fangs
  5. ↑ Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny PHASE-26, The Promise
  6. ↑ Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny PHASE-43, A Call for Counterattack
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny PHASE-46, The Song of Truth
  8. ↑ http://www.gundamofficial.com/worlds/ce/destiny/credits/index.html
  9. ↑ http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=2669

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