Codename: Robotech.

Zentraedi warships close in on the SDF-1 as the film opens.

Original Air Date: Mar. 1, 1985. Running Time: 74 minutes. Written by: Carl Macek. Directed by: Robert V. Barron.


THE PLOT:

As the converted alien battle fortress SDF-1 rests in the ocean, having returned to Earth after two years away, Capt. Gloval prepares a report on the events that led to this moment. He recounts how the alien ship crash landed on Earth. The discovery of the existence of aliens possessing vastly superior technology led to a focused worldwide effort to reconstruct the battle fortress for human use.

The Zentraedi reached Earth just as the SDF-1 finally became operational. Thanks to the Veritech fighters created from the alien "Robotech," the humans were able to hold the aliens off long enough for the battle fortress to take off. However, a desperate space fold resulted in not only the ship, but also the entirety of Macross City, being transported into deep space.

Gloval recounts how the ship began its return voyage. It would be a long journey - with the Zentraedi chasing them every step of the way!

Rick, Ben, and Lisa are taken prisoner by the Zentraedi!

CHARACTERS:

Codename: Robotech is a heavily abridged version of the first thirteen episodes of the series. As such, the characters are reduced to their most obvious traits. Capt. Gloval and Lt. Commander Lisa Hayes come across most strongly, not least because Gloval is the one preparing the report and a number of scenes are ones showing them on duty on the bridge of the SDF-1. Even with them, we see Lisa as a stern military commander, but we don't see her emotional side at all.

Rick, who is the hero of the series, almost comes across as a supporting character. Since most of the plot-establishing scenes in the early episodes were focused on either the bridge crew or the Zentraedi, many of his scenes are heavily condensed or removed entirely. He comes to the fore in the second half, and we get glimpses of his infatuation with Minmei and his early sniping with Lisa, but there's little indication of him being a character of any depth.

In short, the film fulfills its function of introducing the major characters, but they are only shown in the broadest of strokes.

The heroes engage in a fistfight with
the giant Zentraedi commander, Breetai.

INCIDENTAL MUSIC:

Codename: Robotech makes a couple of misjudgments with regard to music, the biggest of these being the repetition of the same couple of tracks. I hope you like the main theme and the show's primary "battle score," because you are going to hear them a lot.

As I've noted in my episodic reviews, I don't think the Robotech theme works very well as incidental music. It's a superb '80s television theme, setting a tone that suits both this adaptation of Super Dimension Fortress Macross and the American audience that was Robotech's target. However, it's extremely bombastic, drawing attention to itself rather than supporting dramatic scenes. Magnify that issue exponentially here, where the theme is recycled seemingly once per Act, to a point that's somewhere between annoying and comical.


BACKGROUND:

Codename: Robotech was broadcast on March 1, 1985, the Friday before the first episode, Boobytrap, aired. The goal was to introduce the ongoing story and its complex mythology to an American after-school audience that would be made of kids not used to following complex ongoing narratives. The hope was to create a picture of the larger story to prepare them for watching it in single installments.

I think it's better viewed after the series. The first set of episodes are quite well-scripted overall and make a much better introduction to the narrative than this movie does. Still, on its own terms, Codename: Robotech is a decent abridgement of the "Macross Saga's" first Act.

Once it gets past a badly misjudged opening, at least...

Khyron disobeys orders while sneering.
So at least the film captures all of his nuances...

A MISJUDGED OPENING:

The goal may have been to clarify the series, but the 10-minute, context-free opening action sequence seems ready-made to confuse the heck out of series newcomers. Who are these people? Why are they so confident that the attacking aliens won't destroy the ship? What's this "pinpoint barrier" that they keep screaming about? Since nothing has been introduced, none of this means anything - It's just activity.

Not helping is some truly awful editing continuity. The sequence was pieced together from bits of multiple action scenes, and it shows. The SDF-1 transforms into robot mode to fight the Zentraedi. Then it's a ship again for a couple shots. Then it's a robot. Then it's a ship again. Macross offered plenty of action scenes with the ship in both modes, so it should have been possible to put this together with more consistency.

Once that sequence is done and the SDF-1 lands on Earth, things settle down, and then the film actually becomes enjoyable.

Rick battles the Zentraedi as the Miss Macross contest airs.

OTHER MUSINGS:

At its core, Codename: Robotech is basically a feature-length version of the clipshow, Gloval's Report, with the captain detailing the ship's long journey for his superiors. I wasn't a fan of that episode. Within the context of the ongoing series, I was basically watching a rerun of episodes I had just viewed, with the minimal new material adding almost nothing.

As a standalone film, the frame works much better. Thanks to having a couple of years' separation from my viewing of Macross, the action has sufficiently faded in my mind that I can enjoy re-watching the story in this form. Also, the feature-length running time provides breathing room for the flashback narrative. A number of small character interactions that Gloval's Report lacked time to include have been put back into Codename: Robotech, giving viewers a chance to form some level of attachment to the main characters.

Wisely, the editors have focused on just a few incidents from the first 13 episodes. Included are: the opening three-parter; the modular transformation and Lisa's Daedalus Attack, which are edited to be part of a single fight rather than two separate ones; the Miss Macross contest and Rick Hunter's encounter with the three Zentraedi spies; and the three-parter in which Rick, Lisa, and Ben are captured, with Max going to their rescue.

The biggest chunk of running time goes to the initial episodes. The heroes' capture and escape forms the movie's climax, and thus also gets a fair amount of screentime. Other incidents are represented by a couple of scenes each, and between Gloval's narration and (mostly) good editing choices, each bit that's included develops the characters or introduces a piece of information about the overall conflict. Given the restrictions of the running time, it's reasonably well done.

Inevitably, there are a few seams. There are minor continuity issues, such as Gloval reassuring Lisa that the ship's engines will work because they were build on Earth - a reassurance that feels odd, since a previous scene in which the SDF-1's original alien-built engines pulled free of the ship was removed. Khyron and Azonia receive a fair amount of focus in the in media res opener; Khyron is then barely featured in the rest of the movie, and Azonia is never seen again. Most glaringly, the scene in which Rick, Lisa, and Ben are brought before Lord Dolza has been cut for time, with Gloval narrating what happened and the regulars commenting on it.

Most of this could have been reduced or eliminated had the film simply opened with the ship on Earth and Gloval preparing his report. That would have allowed another ten minutes to include at least some of these scenes, notably the one with Dolza.

Capt. Gloval takes in the sunrise for the first time in two years.

OVERALL:

It's a shame about that misjudged opening, because Codename: Robotech is otherwise a decent presentation of Robotech's first 13 episodes. There's enough retained to introduce, or at least tease, many of the series' major themes and character dynamics, from the way Earth's popular culture confuses the Zentraedi to the character interactions among Rick, Lisa, and Minmei.

It's limited by being an abridgement - but it's pretty good for what it is, and it's much better than I expected it to be.


Overall Rating: 6/10.

Next Movie: Robotech - The Movie

Review Index

To receive new review updates, follow me:

On BlueSky:

Follow @RandomMusings09 on BlueSky

On Threads:

Follow@randommusings09 on Threads

1-26. Messenger/The Messenger

A chance for peace: Exsedol meets with Capt. Global.

Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Messenger

Original Air Date - Macross: Apr. 17, 1983.
Written by: Ken'ichi Matsuzaki. Directed by: Katsuhito Akiyama, Noboru Ishiguro.

Robotech: The Messenger

Original Air Date - Robotech: Apr. 8, 1985.
Story Editor: Steve Kramer. Supervising Director: Robert V. Barron.


PLOT - MACROSS:

After Lord Britai orders a cease-fire, Archivist Exsedol travels to the Macross as a peace envoy. He meets with Capt. Global, the other leaders on the ship, and the Zentradi defectors, and all of those present try to figure out what happens next. However, even if the cease-fire holds, there is still the issue of the Zentradi main fleet: more than 4 million ships, enough to overwhelm the Macross, Britai's fleet, and even Earth through sheer force of numbers!


PLOT - ROBOTECH:

After Lord Bree'tai is convinced to order a cease-fire, Exedore travels to the SDF-1 as a peace envoy. He meets with Capt. Gloval, the other leaders on the ship, and the Zentraedi defectors, and all of those present try to figure out what happens next. However, even if the cease-fire holds, there is still the issue of the Zentraedi main fleet: more than 4 million ships, enough to overwhelm the SDF-1, Bree'tai's fleet, and even Earth through sheer force of numbers!

The Zentradi defectors react to seeing Exsedol.

CHARACTERS:

One element of this episode that I appreciated in both versions: the captain is realistic in his reaction to the Zentradi peace overture. He is hopeful that the cease-fire is authentic, but he remains ready for a trap. When he leaves to meet with Exsedol, he orders Claudia to fire on the enemy if they do anything aggressive.

Several amusing moments are wrung from Exsedol's confusion about human culture. He fully believes that Kaifun actually possesses the superpowers seen in the martial arts movie. He also refers to Minmay's singing as a psychological attack; when the Macross command staff doesn't understand what he's talking about, he entertainingly performs a few lyrics from My Boyfriend Is a Pilot, complete with falsetto voice and exaggerated twisting motions.

Though these moments are funny, the episode never reduces him to a comedy figure. He's the perfect representative to the humans, reasonable and intelligent, but capable of being firm. The response of the renegade Zentradi to him is telling. Milia provides an instant salute, responding automatically to a superior officer. The three defectors quake in terror until he assures them that he isn't here to harm them. Given that this show was a product of the '80s, it's fair to compare this to the reactions of a Soviet defector arriving at a meeting only to find that the head of the KGB is the guest of honor.

Advantage: None.


NARRATION:

Robotech (again) doesn't trust its audience to keep up with the plot turns. Narration is layered over the entire scene in which Bree'tai's flagship shoots down Khyron's fighters to stop an attack on the humans, all to make sure that even the dumbest child will understand what's happening.

Macross lets the same scene play out without narration, because those writers did trust the viewers to comprehend. Besides, there's a Britai/Kamujin scene immediately after it that provides a full explanation. As a result, the Macross version of the scene is more dramatically effective... and it feels nice to be respected as a viewer rather than to be talked down to.

Advantage: Macross.

Exsedol has a plan - and it's a lot more detailed in Macross.

CUTS AND ALTERATIONS:

Britai Acts Alone; Bree'tai Follows Orders: For some reason, the Robotech episode insists that the cease-fire was ordered by Lord Dolza, meaning that Bree'tai is just doing as he's been told. Macross makes it clear that Britai is acting alone, improvising to try to control the disorder within his fleet... which is the version that makes sense, given that in both episodes the crisis point comes when the main Zentradi fleet learns what is happening. I suspect this was a product of a very rushed translation/script writing process.

Animation Error Removed: Probably the only change that's for the better, and it's purely cosmetic: In the Macross episode, while Col. Maistroff drives Exsedol through the city, a red car randomly flashes onto the screen before blinking away again. Robotech snips away that shot, deleting the error.

Exsedol Encounters an Additional "Military Secret": Exsedol is stunned by a poster showing a woman in a skimpy swimsuit. The colonel, embarrassed, allows him to believe this is a "military secret." Robotech ends the scene there. Macross continues, with Exedole then noticing a brassiere in a shop window and asking for clarification of this "armor's" purpose, showing him - just like Milia - viewing everything through the lens of a fully militarized culture.

Robotech's Exedore Thinks Max Was a Zentraedi Prisoner: Another continuity error. In Macross, Exsedol recalls Hikaru from his time as a Zentradi prisoner, but he only recognizes Max from the wedding broadcast. In Robotech, Exedore seems to believe that Max was also a prisoner, even though he was the one who evaded capture and ended up breaking the others out. Oopsie.

Misa's Father Actually Has Two Brain Cells; Lisa's Does Not: Misa's father does not expect the cease-fire to hold. In Macross, he reasons that the cease-fire is only with the small portion of the Zentradi that are already here, and he predicts (accurately) that it won't apply to their main fleet. In Robotech, because Lisa's father is ambecile, his only justification is to huff that "the Zentraedi cannot be trusted."

Protoculture: For Macross's Zentradi, "protoculture" is human culture, with the threat being the disruption caused by exposure to such a different way of life. In Robotech, "protoculture" has been re-imagined as a MacGuffin to be chased, and so dialogue adjustments make clear that the Zentraedi want to recover the "protoculture factory" on the SDF-1. Bree'tai also informs Azonia that their fleet needs that factory because the Zentraedi supplies of protoculture have run out.

Exedole's Plan: Though Exsedol presents the same plan for dealing with the main fleet in both versions, the Macross episode allows him to share substantially more detail. The Robotech version skims over these same details, presumably on the theory that kids will find strategy boring.

Advantage: Macross


INCIDENTAL MUSIC:

Both episodes use their incidental scores to perfectly fine effect. The Robotech episode might get a slight edge from the music buildup near the end, when we see the main fleet, but it's not enough of one for me to give the nod to either version this time.

Advantage: None.


OVERALL ADVANTAGE: MACROSS:

This is an excellent episode. That said, the changes made slightly weaken the Robotech version. Some elements are simplified, such as Exsedol's plan. Others are dumbed down: Misa's father (Macross) responds to the peace talks with intelligent skepticism, while Lisa's father (Robotech) is just a warmongering idiot. Other changes introduce small but noticeable continuity errors. None of these are enough to remotely ruin the episode, but they do diminish it.

Britai explains their situation to Lap Lamiz. In Robotech,
Bree'tai also tells Azonia that their protoculture is running out.

OTHER MUSINGS:

Even in its Robotech version, Messenger is a terrific installment. It's a "calm before the storm" entry, made up mainly of characters sitting in rooms talking... but the characters not named Kaifun or Kyle (or, in Robotech, Lisa's father) are intelligent, the things they say are interesting, and the larger situational context makes it gripping even before the crisis point is reached.

The series continues to reinforce the theme about the power of culture. Exsedol expands on previous hints that Zentradi have been exposed to culture shock before, with results that were considered undesirable. The Zentradi defectors insist upon - and are, in fact, evidence of - the power of Minmay's songs. Exsedol outright admits that without her music, the fragile alliance being forged would not be possible.

It's also an episode that significantly raises the stakes, with the main fleet now a specter of oncoming doom. The final shots of the Zentradi main fleet filling the sky make for such a strong cliffhanger that it took an act of will for me to stop and write this review before moving on to the next installment.


Overall Rating: 9/10.

Previous Episode: Virgin Road/Wedding Bells
Next Episode: Love Drifts Away/Force of Arms

Review Index

To receive new review updates, follow me:

On BlueSky:

Follow @RandomMusings09 on BlueSky

On Threads:

Follow@randommusings09 on Threads

1-25. Virgin Road/Wedding Bells.

The first inter-species romance: Max and Milia marry.

Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Virgin Road

Original Air Date - Macross: Apr. 10, 1983.
Written by: Sukehiro Tomita. Directed by: Noboru Ishiguro, Hiroshi Yoshida.

Robotech: Wedding Bells

Original Air Date - Robotech: Apr. 5, 1985.
Story Editor: Steve Kramer. Supervising Director: Robert V. Barron.


PLOT - MACROSS:

Max meets Milia for their date, only for her to immediately attack him. He manages to disarm her and, while she is weeping and begging him to kill her to end her shame, he declares his love for her. The new couple immediately announces a desire to marry.

Hikaru sees the potential for their union to act as a bridge between the warring races. Capt. Global agrees, broadcasting the wedding not only within the ship but also to both Earth and the Zentradi fleet. But the festivities spark fear and outrage in Lord Boldozaa, who orders Lord Britai to launch an all-out assault to destroy the Macross!


PLOT - ROBOTECH:

Max meets Miriya for their date, only for her to immediately attack him. He manages to disarm her and, while she is weeping and begging him to kill her to end her shame, he impulsively proposes marriage.

Rick is flabbergasted... until he sees Miriya and is overwhelmed by her beauty. Capt. Gloval sees the potential for the union to act as a bridge between the warring species, broadcasting the wedding not only within the ship but also to Earth and the Zentraedi fleet. But the festivities spark fear and outrage in Lord Dolza, who orders Bree'tai to launch an all-out assault to destroy the SDF-1!

Britai and Exsedol react to the wedding.

CHARACTERS:

In the wake of the desertion of several soldiers, Macross's Britai expresses sympathy with their reasons for defecting. It's also Britai who calls off the attack when the dissatisfaction in the ranks becomes clear. By contrast, Robotech's Bree'tai insists that there can be no excuse for disobeying orders, and he has to be persuaded by Exedore to call off the assault.

I think the marriage is a bit too sudden to be fully dramatically satisfying. Even so, I actually would consider Max and Milia to be a good couple. In Max, Milia has met the one rival she cannot defeat; in Milia, Max has met someone who is almost his equal. I have some objections to how rushed it all feels in this episode, but I like them as a couple just fine.

Advantage: None.


NARRATION:

This episode is a rare case: The Robotech narration is better written than the Macross voice over! The Macross opener has that sense that I sometimes get from its Americanized counterpart: That it's trying to squeeze too much exposition in. The Robotech narration flows better into the main action, and is even used to paper over some of the rushed pacing.

Advantage: Robotech.

Max and Milia duel. Amazingly, the Robotech
version of this scene is better written.

CUTS AND ALTERATIONS:

The Duel: Robotech's Max is genuinely confused when Miriya attacks, while Macross's Max recovers from the surprise a little too quickly. The Robotech fight also ends with Max making his proposal while acknowledging that it is crazy. It doesn't make the events less rushed, but at least it serves to lampshade it.

Hikaru Sees a Chance for Peace; Rick Just Ogles a Hot Chick: One of the few Robotech changes that's definitely for the worse. Both Hikaru and Rick argue with Max that it's too soon to marry a woman he's just met. Hikaru recovers from his shock and recognizes the opportunity to lay groundwork for peace. By contrast, once Miriya arrives, Rick just drools over her. Hikaru tells Max to take her to see the captain; Rick just says something about wanting to kiss the bride. In short, Rick is made horny, dumb, and honestly a little creepy.

The Captain's Speech: In both versions, the captain starts by recounting the aggressions of the Zentradi before making a heartfelt plea for forgiveness and peace. Amazingly, it's the Robotech version that is better-scripted, with Gloval's pivot to peace coming across as more natural and his words seeming more persuasive.

The Idol Sings: Macross's Minmay sings a version of Runner, the end credits song, only with more optimistic lyrics to suit a couple just getting married. It's a lovely piece, beautifully sung... unlike Robotech Minmei's The Man in My Life. I was all set to say that at least Robotech gave Minmei a new song. The song is too short to cover the full scene, though, leaving her switching to her old standby, To Be in Love, to make up the difference.

The Sobbing Maitre'd: A comedy moment in Macross, as the venue employee collapses to his knees to sob over the damage, demanding to know why the Zentradi had to attack now. Robotech turns this into a dramatic moment, with the man instead terrified and praying. Both versions work - but I think I prefer the moment of comedy in Macross.

Ending Contemplation: Both Hikaru and Rick think of Misa/Lisa. In Hikaru's case, he's thinking of how they might actually be moving toward the peace wanted by both him and "Captain Hayase." Notably, Hikaru does not refer to her by her first name even in inner monologue. Robotech's Rick seems to be mainly wishing for Lisa's return. He reflects on Roy's (offscreen) advice that before you can love somebody, you first have to like them - and he observes that he likes Lisa. Again, both versions work... but this time, I prefer the Robotech scene.

Advantage: Robotech. Though it's closer than it would have been, because of that one very misjudged scene of Rick the Idiot Horndog.


INCIDENTAL MUSIC:

Robotech uses the track that sounds like a march during the wedding scene. This proves to be a perfect match of music and visuals, and is enough on its own to win the category this time.

Advantage: Robotech.

A wedding in space.

OVERALL ADVANTAGE: ROBOTECH:

This particular Macross script feels as if it was churned out in a hurry, with the Max/Milia relationship skipping a step or several. It's impossible for Robotech to completely correct that, but the writers do what they can to minimize the problem. The whole thing still feels a bit rushed, with a sense that an extra episode was really needed to get the couple from duel to nuptials, but it plays out just that little bit better in the American version.


OTHER MUSINGS:

Virgin Road/Wedding Bells is important in terms of the overall arc. Max and Milia go from rivals to a couple. Their marriage, broadcast to the Zentradi fleet, adds further fuel to the unrest among the aliens, which from the "next time" blurb seems likely to be the focus of the next episode.

Unfortunately, it's not one of the series' better offerings.

Prior episodes haven't done enough to build the Max/Milia dynamic. The two didn't even share screen time until last episode's arcade scene. I think it would have played better had Milia been arrested, with Max going to talk to her afterward and then proposing. Just one more conversation, but it would have made the difference between it feeling insanely rushed and feeling like a more natural plot turn.

Other aspects of the episode feel equally rushed. The captain, Hikaru, and Misa all hope this marriage will become a bridge between species, while Lord Boldozaa and Misa's father both see it as a potential threat to their plans... but since there is so much plot for the episode to get through, their viewpoints receive barely any exploration.

So that this review doesn't come across as a complete bashing, I'll end by talking about something that was well-executed: The spreading chaos within the Zentradi forces, with some soldiers refusing to join in the attack. Because the foundation was carefully laid in previous episodes, this crisis for the Zentradi feels like a natural next stage in the story. I just wish the rest of it worked as well.


OVERALL:

I have the same opinion of this episode that I remember having of too many installments of Star Trek: The Animated Series - namely, that this should have been a two-parter. There are good ideas, but they get no room to breathe because there's too little time and too much story. As a result, the entire 25 minutes feels like a mad dash to the next plot point.

It's far from my least favorite episode, and the Robotech version does improve on the worst of the rushing. But the events here really needed a little more time to play out.


Overall Rating - Macross: 4/10.

Overall Rating - Robotech: 5/10.

Previous Episode: Goodbye Girl/Showdown
Next Episode: Messenger/The Messenger

Review Index

To receive new review updates, follow me:

On BlueSky:

Follow @RandomMusings09 on BlueSky

On Threads:

Follow@randommusings09 on Threads

1-23. Drop Out/Reckless.

A plea for asylum: The former Zentradi spies ask to stay on the Macross.

Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Drop Out

Original Air Date - Macross: Mar. 27, 1983.
Written by: Hiroshi Ônogi. Directed by: Noboru Ishiguro, Ryô Yasumura.

Robotech: Reckless

Original Air Date - Robotech: Apr. 3, 1985.
Story Editor: Steve Kramer. Supervising Director: Robert V. Barron.


PLOT - MACROSS:

After fending off the Zentradi attack, Hikaru is summoned to an official hearing. To his surprise, he learns that 23 Zentradi have requested asylum, led by former spies Loli, Warera, and Conda. They want to live on the Macross, where men and women interact freely and where Minmay sings her songs.

The request divides the ship's command officers, but it also leads to some soul searching by Hikaru and Misa. Humanity's only long-term path to survival rests in making peace. Misa hopes that the Zentradi defections might be the first step toward that end, leading her to prepare a request for Capt. Global...


PLOT - ROBOTECH:

After fending off the Zentraedi attack, Rick is summoned to an official hearing. To his surprise, he learns that 23 Zentraedi have requested asylum, led by former spies Rico, Bron, and Kondo. They want to live on the SDF-1, where men and women interact freely and where Minmei sings her songs.

The request divides the ship's command officers, but it also leads to some soul searching by Rick and Lisa. Humanity's only long-term path to survival rests in making peace. Lisa hopes that the Zentraedi defections might be the first step toward that end, leading her to prepare a request for Capt. Gloval...

Misa advocates for the defectors, while Hikaru is uncertain.

CHARACTERS:

As usual, Macross's characters feel a bit sharper than Robotech's do, with more layers in their interactions. Hikaru's first instinct at seeing the Zentradi defectors is to respond with anger. Rick reacts more mildly, which makes his reversal later in the scene seem less meaningful. In both versions, Misa/Lisa is firmly on the defectors' side from the start, seizing on their presence as an opportunity that can't be ignored.

Both Macross and Robotech show the leads responding to this development with thoughtfulness and reflection. Think back to the first episode, in which Hikaru was a hothead and Misa was so brittle she was ready to snap at anyone for just about anything, and it's remarkable how much both characters have grown, and so gradually and naturally that the growth has mostly been invisible.

Advantage: Macross.


NARRATION:

Robotech features a bit more narration than Macross, but it doesn't drench it in narration. The only bit that annoyed me was near the beginning, when the episode cuts from Rick to show Khyron trying to stop the deserters. It's a standard cutaway; we really don't need the narrator to hold our hands through it.

On the other hand, there was one piece of added narration that I quite liked: The short bit of voice over at the very end pairs well with the visuals and is actually quite effective.

Advantage: None.

The defectors react to the sight of a broken Minmay doll.

CUTS AND ALTERATIONS:

The Doll: An excellent early scene sees the Zentradi defectors emerging from their battle pods and finding a broken Minmay doll. The previous episode specifically showed that the Minmay doll the spies had brought back was precious to the defectors - and this identical doll on the Macross was destroyed thanks to their attack, which brings home what they've done to the human city. Macross keeps the focus on this realization. The Robotech episode instead shifts to them talking about saving themselves, which seriously undermines the moment.

Hikaru's Reaction to the Aliens vs. Rick's: Hikaru's initial reaction to the Zentradi defectors is to angrily reject them. This makes it more effective when Misa's words and his interactions with the aliens lead to him changing his mind. By contrast, Robotech's Rick is merely temporarily annoyed at the thought that "all is forgiven" before enthusiastically supporting their request.

Restaurant Musings, Curtailed: After the meeting, Hikaru and Misa walk through the wreckage of the city and end up at Minmay's family's restaurant. In Macross, they reflect on the overall situation, both with the war and with their respective feelings toward Minmay and Kaifun. This scene still exists in Robotech, but it's been noticeably shortened and is less effective as a result.

Ending: The only real improvement in Robotech, but it's a big one. The ending sees Misa making her request to Capt. Global, followed by a split screen shot that tracks both her and Hikaru as they barely miss each other while walking in different directions. I prefer the Robotech version of the entire sequence. Macross's Misa sounds too emotional when making her request. In Robotech, voice actress Melanie MacQueen keeps Lisa's tone measured and professional, which feels more in character. Robotech also layers contrasting inner monologues over the final shots of Rick and Lisa, showing the parallel directions of their thoughts. This, and some actual well-used ending narration, enhances what was already a strong ending.

Advantage: None. 


INCIDENTAL MUSIC:

Both episodes do a good job with their respective scores, but I'm giving the edge to Macross for one specific moment. Hikaru stumbles across Minmay and Kaifun just in time to see them kiss. He arrives too late to see that the kiss was forced upon Minmay, and he leaves too early to notice her push Kaifun away. As he walks away, an instrumental version of the show's closing theme plays, and it keeps playing over the battle that follows.

Advantage: Macross.

Diverging paths: Hikaru and Misa just barely miss each other.
Amazingly, this scene is even better in Robotech.

OVERALL ADVANTAGE: MACROSS:

The difference is so minor that I'd almost mark them as even, particularly with Robotech having the better version of the ending scene. Still, this is a heavily character-based episode, and the characters just come across as more fully realized in Macross, whether it's Hikaru's more complex reaction to the defectors or the expanded Hikaru/Misa scene in the restaurant.


OTHER MUSINGS:

This episode ends up being memorable less for its big scenes than its small, reflective moments. The scene with the broken doll ranks among my favorites of the series, particularly in its Macross version, and I absolutely loved the conversation between Hikaru and Misa.

In story terms, it definitely adds some important bricks to the wall. But what stands out are the character moments, which make this a highly enjoyable 25 minutes.


Overall Rating: 8/10.

Previous Episode: Love Concert/Battle Hymn
Next Episode: Goodbye Girl/Showdown

Review Index

To receive new review updates, follow me:

On BlueSky:

Follow @RandomMusings09 on BlueSky

On Threads:

Follow@randommusings09 on Threads

1-20. Paradise Lost.

Return to duty: Britai is ordered to reclaim
command of the operation to reclaim the Macross.

Original Air Date - Macross: Mar. 6, 1983.
Written by: Ken'ichi Matsuzaki. Directed by: Noboru Ishiguro, Hiroshi Yoshida.

Original Air Date - Robotech: Mar. 29, 1985.
Story Editor: Steve Kramer. Supervising Director: Robert V. Barron.


PLOT - MACROSS:

In the wake of the disaster caused by the Macross's experimental barrier system, the Canadian government has withdrawn its offer to accept the ship's civilians as refugees. Capt. Global is given an ultimatum: launch the ship into space at once, or face attack by Earth's own defense forces!

Meanwhile, Britai retakes command of the Zentradi fleet, adding a large number of reinforcements to their total numbers. He doesn't rush to action, however, instead waiting to hear the report of Loli, Warera, and Condi, who have returned from their time as spies among the humans with a range of interesting artifacts...


PLOT - ROBOTECH:

In the wake of the disaster caused by the SDF-1's experimental barrier system, Capt. Gloval is given an ultimatum: launch ship into space, complete with its civilian population, or face attack by Earth's own defense forces!

Meanwhile, Lord Breetai retakes command of the Zentraedi fleet, adding a large number of reinforcements to their total numbers. He doesn't rush to action, however, instead waiting to hear the report of Rico, Bron, and Kondo, who have returned from their time as spies among the humans with a range of interesting artifacts...

Capt. Global delivers bad news. Somehow, Kaifun
manages to react like a halfway decent human being.

CHARACTERS:

In Macross, there are additional layers to Britai's resumption of command. After he receives his orders from Lord Bodolzaa, he reunites with Exsedol and tells his old friend: "I understand exactly what his Excellency Bodolzaa intends." There's a sense that he's carefully choosing every word, and that his return to command is less a vote of confidence than a way to potentially dispose of him. All of this is sadly missing from Robotech, which just plays the scenes as straightforward. 

Oh, and just because I'm a big believer in being fair to characters I dislike: This episode sees Minmay's cousin Kaifun having a moment of actual compassion. When a distraught Capt. Global makes his grim announcement to Macross's population, Kaifun actually consoles him (Robotech's Kyle gets an extra line as well). I actually like this, as it shows that Kaifun has a sliver of humanity underneath the layers of "jackass" that have defined him thus far.

Advantage: Macross.


NARRATION:

Once again, Macross uses narration to skim over a scene of characters making a report, in this case the three spies summarizing their findings for Britai. The narrator talks over them, only allowing a small section of the scene to play out. This eventually happens in Robotech, as well, but the narrator allows much more of the report to be given by the characters. As with other examples in the series, this just plays much more smoothly.

Advantage: Robotech.

The new veterans: Hikaru and Max discuss their
new promotions as they enjoy one last Earth sunset.

CUTS AND ALTERATIONS:

Return to Command: In Robotech, Breetai is entirely respectful to Lord Dolza as he's ordered to retake command, and the scene itself is entirely straightforward. The exchange plays differently in Macross. Britai is terse, outright demanding additional ships. His manner does not go unnoticed by Lord Bodolzaa, who observes that the officer's "speech has become impolite." A close-up shows Britai clenching his fist even as he assures his superior that he must be imagining it.

Macrossians: In Macross, a young boy and girl watch the supply trucks drive through the city, and they speculate that the rumors must be true that they won't be allowed to leave. As children who have spent more than a year on the ship, they aren't too bothered by this, deciding that they're "Macrossians" now. It's a nice little moment, one that's been sadly removed from Robotech.

The New Veterans: One of the better character moments sees Hikaru/Rick and Max going up on deck to enjoy a last sunset. In both versions, they discuss their changing situation, with both having received multiple rapid promotions. Macross makes the grim subtext clearer: Max is being given his own team, while Hikaru is being made squadron commander. With the deaths of so many of the more experienced pilots, the squadron dynamics have changed: Hikaru has replaced Roy; Max is replacing Hikaru; and these characters, who were rookies not all that long ago, are now the ship's veterans.

The UN's Plan: A bit of watering-down for the US kiddie audience. In Robotech, Capt. Gloval says that Earth government wants the ship to draw the aliens away from Earth. In Macross, he's more blunt, speculating that the government hopes that if the Zentradi destroy the ship, it will pave the way for peace talks. In Robotech, they're expendable; in Macross, they are a sacrificial offering.

Minmay's Song: The episode ends with Minmay singing over the final set of visuals. This works a lot better in Macross, with Mari Iijima's singing of My Beautiful Place a perfect complement to both the context and the visuals. Meanwhile, Robotech's Minmei just sings This Is My Time to Be a Star. Macross's Minmay sings a lament for a lost home; Robotech's Minmei might as well be singing that this works for her, since she's a bigger star on the ship than she would ever be on Earth.

Advantage: Macross.


INCIDENTAL MUSIC:

Both shows apply their incidental music well, so there is no clear advantage this time.

Advantage: None.

The Zentradi spies enjoy one last meal on
the Macross before returning to the fleet.

OVERALL ADVANTAGE: MACROSS:

This is a transitional episode, but also one that puts a lot of emphasis on character moments. As such, it's little surprise that Macross, which has tended to show more layers and subtlety in its presentation of its characters, makes a stronger impression. The Robotech adaptation is fine as far as it goes, with a few good exchanges of its own... but it definitely feels shallower overall.


OTHER MUSINGS:

After a couple of episodes with big action and big emotional beats, Paradise Lost is a moment of quiet. It's an important episode, as it sees the ship finally forced to leave Earth again and returns Britai to command of the Zentradi fleet.

The focus is very much on the character interactions: The three spies are anything but delighted to return home, enjoying a last meal on the Macross before returning, then clinging to the treasures they've collected, trying to hold onto a way of life they preferred to their own. The captain all but breaks down over his failure to help the civilians under his care. Hikaru struggles to write a letter to Kakizaki's parents as he realizes that he's now in Roy's old position, whether he's ready to be or not. Minmay uses the influence of her stardom in just the right way at just the right time, seemingly without even thinking about it. Even Kaifun shows a hitherto-unglimpsed bit of decency. All of this gives the story added weight. The plot mechanics may be transitional, but each scene exists to reinforce the characters and increase our emotional investment in them.

Ther's also a nice touch with regard to Britai's ship. Earlier episodes saw Hikaru and Misa observing how poorly maintained the Zentradi ships were. In this episode, despite all the time that's passed since the humans' escape, Britai steps onto his bridge... and we see that all the damage Max inflicted remains unrepaired. Points to the artists and animators!


Overall Rating: 7/10.

Previous Episode: Burst Point/Bursting Point
Next Episode: Micro Cosmos/A New Dawn

Review Index

To receive new review updates, follow me:

On BlueSky:

Follow @RandomMusings09 on BlueSky

On Threads:

Follow@randommusings09 on Threads

1-19. Burst Point/Bursting Point.

The Macross's experimental new barrier system goes awry...

Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Burst Point

Original Air Date - Macross: Feb. 27, 1983.
Written by: Ken'ichi Matsuzaki. Directed by: Noboru Ishiguro.

Robotech: Bursting Point

Original Air Date - Robotech: Mar. 28, 1985.
Story Editor: Steve Kramer. Supervising Director: Robert V. Barron.


PLOT - MACROSS:

Capt. Global has managed to persuade the independent government in Ontario, Canada to accept the civilian refugees. The Macross flies to Canada, with a sense of relief among the bridge crew that something finally managed to go right.

Their relief doesn't last. Fed up with a command not to attack the humans, Kamujin finally directly violates orders, launching a full-scale attack. Normally, Lap Lamiz would send Milia to intercept him. But, her confidence shaken after her defeat by Max, Milia has requested to be made a miclone spy so that she can find the human who bested her!

As Kamujin's ships attack in force, Capt. Global orders the ship's experimental new barrier to be activated - with devastating consquences!


PLOT - ROBOTECH:

Capt. Gloval has managed to persuade the independent government in Ontario, Canada to accept the civilian refugees. The SDF-1 flies to Canada, with a sense of relief among the bridge crew that something finally managed to go right.

Their relief doesn't last. Fed up with a command not to attack the humans, Khyron violates orders again, this time on a grand scale. He launches a full-scale attack on the humans. Normally, Commander Azonia would send Miriya to stop him. But, her confidence shaken after her defeat by Max, Miriya has requested to be made a miclone spy so that she can find the human who bested her and destroy him!

As Khyron's ships attack in force, Capt. Gloval orders the ship's experimenal new barrier to be activated - with devastating consquences!

Kamujin openly violates orders for the first time.
In Robotech, Khyron violates orders for about the 78th time.

CHARACTERS:

The main difference, as usual, between the two versions is in the characerization of Kamujin vs. Khyron. In Macross, this is a significant moment for Kamujin. Until now, he has skirted orders and pushed the boundaries of orders, but he's never actually violated them. This makes his blatant disobedience all the more striking. It shows how much his frustration has built over the past year, to the point that he's finally openly going rogue. In Robotech,  this is merely the latest of myriad times that Khyron has ignored orders. "Khyron has disobeyed the commander again. It must be Wednesday."

In other threads, Hikaru is dealing with the aftermath of Roy's death. When he inherits Roy's fighter, he comments on the irony: Roy, who was killed despite never once being shot down, is gone; Hikaru, who is still alive despite being shot down repeatedly, has taken his place. Max and Kakizaki invite him to town to cheer him up - though Kakizaki mainly cheers himself up by ordering an enormous steak platter that he plans to eat all by himself (alas, he only gets a single bite before being called to duty).

Meanwhile, Minmay's cousin hijacks a press conference to demand an immediate end to the war. Which is all very well and good, but an end to hostilities requires agreement from both sides. Otherwise, "making peace" amounts to unconditional surrender, while hoping the Zentradi will be satisfied with merely enslaving the humans rather than breaking out their copy of To Serve Man.

In short, Kaifun/Kyle isn't just a jerk. He's a moron, too.

Advantage: Macross.

Minmay calls Hikaru at the worst possible time.

MINMAY'S PHONE CALL:

This episode sees Hikaru taking a call from Minmay... and, for the first time ever, having absolutely no interest in it. This is a development I would normally cheer, and the scene in which it occurs is wonderfully staged and highly effective: She cheerfully blathers to him on the phone, totally oblivious to his emotional state, until he finally just hangs up.

It's a great scene. But I do feel a need to defend Minmay. Yes, at this moment, her bubbly attitude feels to Hikaru as if tiny knives are scraping across his skin. However, that's to do with his own emotional state. Minmay has no reason to believe that anything is wrong. In any other circumstance, he would be delighted that she called him. She just happened to pick the exact wrong moment on the exact wrong day.

Don't get me wrong, I'm never going to like the character of Minmay. But in this instance, she does absolutely nothing wrong - and that's true in both versions of the episode.

Advantage: None.


NARRATION:

Both episodes' narrators provide only the standard recap before getting out of the way of the plot. The Robotech narrator needs to try this more often.

Advantage: None.

Claudia remembers and grieves for Roy -
but most of this is cut from Robotech.

CUTS AND ALTERATIONS:

Claudia's Grief Gets Trimmed for Time: Macross intercuts Hikaru and Claudia, both remembering Roy and silently grieving for him. Robotech cuts the shots of Claudia to almost nothing, de-emphasizing her grief in favor of Rick's, even though her loss was arguably the greater.

Awkward Dialogue: For whatever reason, Robotech's early scenes feature a lot of dialogue that just sounds... off. Capt. Gloval overexplains himself on the bridge. Rick's conversation with Lisa is punctuated by a few too many clichés. Neither of these is a new problem for the show. In this episode, though, it's particularly noticeable, whether because the early part is so character focused or simply because there's too much awkward dialogue in a short space of time. Thankfully, this improves as the show goes on, but it bears note just the same.

Misa Chews Out Hikaru, while Lisa Agrees with Rick: During the battle, Macross's Hikaru complains that if the attack continues, then they'll all be wiped out. Misa (quite rightly) reprimands him, snapping that Roy never would have made such a statement during a battle. Robotech's Lisa just blandly agrees that the situation looks bad.

The Captain's Phone Call: The end of the battle is followed by the Canadian authorities contacting the ship. In Macross, Capt. Global declines the call, already anticipating the bad news. In Robotech, Gloval starts to take the call on the bridge, then has it routed to his quarters.

Advantage: Macross.


INCIDENTAL MUSIC:

Macross gets points for giving Minmay another pretty good new song, while Robotech's Minmei continues to have a total repertoire of three pieces ranging from mediocre to ear-stabbing. However, the second half of the episode is extremely action heavy. An action emphasis tends to favor Robotech's more energetic score, and the Robotech cues are particularly well used here.

Advantage: Robotech.

Max and Kakizaki try to cheer Hikaru up.
Their down time gets interrupted, of course.

OVERALL ADVANTAGE: MACROSS:

This is another episode in which both versions are substantially the same, and it's a very good installment in either version. However, while changes are few, they are consistently for the worse, and Robotech's dialogue is noticeably clunky, leaving Macross with just a bit more emotional weight.


OTHER MUSINGS:

It's no surprise that the captain fails in his goal of resettling the civilians... but there are surprises in exactly how that failure occurs. Meanwhile, the character material is pitched at a surprisingly adult level, even in the ostensibly more kid-friendly Robotech.

Much of the first half is taken up by the grief shared by Hikaru and Claudia. I was struck by the shots in the Macross episode that showed them both in the same café, mere feet apart, both looking out the window and thinking of Roy. They never speak, but those first shots visually connect them even as the context does. Then Misa arrives, sees both of them, and decides to talk to Hikaru - again, showing their growing relationship without having to spell it out.

The Robotech version loses a point for awkward dialogue and for changes that I think weaken the effectiveness of certain moments. It's still very good - but it's definitely the lesser of the two versions.


Overall Rating - Macross: 9/10.

Overall Rating - Robotech: 8/10.

Previous Episode: Pineapple Salad/Farewell Big Brother
Next Episode: Paradise Lost

Review Index

To receive new review updates, follow me:

On BlueSky:

Follow @RandomMusings09 on BlueSky

On Threads:

Follow@randommusings09 on Threads

1-15. China Town/Homecoming.

Minmay reunites with her cousin, Kaifun.

Super Dimension Fortress Macross: China Town

Original Air Date - Macross: Jan. 23, 1983.
Written by: Ken'ichi Matsuzaki. Directed by: Noboru Ishiguro, Fumihiko Takayama.

Robotech: Homecoming

Original Air Date - Robotech: Mar. 22, 1985.
Story Editor: Steve Kramer. Supervising Director: Robert V. Barron.


PLOT - MACROSS:

The Macross has returned to Earth. As the civilians organize a celebration for their return home, Capt. Global and his First Officer, Capt. Misa Hayase, fly to Alaska for a hearing that will decide the course for the future of the Earth/Zentradi conflict. Though Misa's father is the admiral running the meeting, Capt. Global does not anticipate a warm reception.

Meanwhile, Hikaru flies Minmay to Japan to reunite with her parents. They are overjoyed to find that she's alive - but when she announces her intention to return to the Macross to continue her entertainment career, they refuse to let her go.


PLOT - ROBOTECH:

The SDF-1 has returned to Earth. As the civilians organize a celebration for their return home, Capt. Gloval and his First Officer, Lt. Commander Lisa Hayes, fly to Alaska for a hearing that will decide the course for the future of the Earth/Zentraedi conflict. Though Lisa's father is the admiral running the meeting, Gloval does not anticipate a warm reception.

Meanwhile, Rick flies Lynn Minmei to Japan to reunite with her parents. They are overjoyed to find that she's alive - but when she announces her intention to return to the SDF-1 to continue her entertainment career, they refuse to let her go.

Minmay waves to her fans as Hikaru looks on.

CHARACTERS:

While I'm no fan of either version of the character, Robotech seems to be trying to make Minmei look shallow and selfish. Early in the episode, her car is besieged by fans. Macross's Minmay sighs wearily about not being able to even casually drop in on her uncle, a complaint that's easy to empathize with. Meanwhile, Robotech's Minmei all but spits venom about the "mob," making her grin and wave in the next shot seem more than a little two-faced. If you're already showing an ostensibly sympathetic character on a bad day, then why alter the dialogue to make her even worse?

This is a significant episode for showcasing Misa's strained relationship with her father, with his willingness to risk civilian lives for a (probably imaginary) tactical advantage pushing her even further away from him. Capt. Global already seems to anticipate this result, arriving at the hearing already resigned. In Macross, he flat-out tells Misa to remember that these men aren't just military officers; they're politicians, too.

This episode also introduces Minmay's cousin: Lynn Kaifun in Macross, Lynn Kyle in Robotech... and excrement by any name will smell as rotten. He is an advocate for peace, which should make him admirable. But he's possessed of that type of personality that is so strident and aggressive that even many who agree with him will quickly wish for him to shut up and go away. He does act as a sort of mirror for Hikaru, however. Kaifun's attitude upon meeting him is very reminiscent of Hikaru's scorn toward Roy's military deeds in the first episode. In Robotech, Rick observes that "maybe (he's) grown up" over the last year, while Kaifun has all the punchable self-certainty of a pompous adolescent.

Advantage: Macross. It would be even, but for Robotech's determined sabotage to Minmei's character.


NARRATION:

The Macross narrator unnecessarily steps on one scene, while Misa delivers her report. As was true in Blue Wind, the narrator summarizes the report in Macross, while Robotech lets Lisa give her report directly before moving to the next scene.

That said, this is the only moment in which the Robotech narrator is more restrained than the Macross one. The entire rest of the episode has Mr. Narrator back to telling us what we're watching, while we're watching it. "Meanwhile, Gloval and Lisa are in Alaska." "Meanwhile, Rick and Minmei arrive in Japan." "Meanwhile, the sky is blue and the water is wet."

Stop. Talking. Please!!!

Advantage: Macross.

Roy and Claudia enjoy a moment -
one that's considerably milder in Robotech.

CUTS AND ALTERATIONS:

The Substitute Captain: In both versions, a military officer from Earth arrives to fill in during the captain's absence. In the Japanese language Macross, this replacement is generally professional in his demeanor. In Robotech, he's reframed as a clueless bureaucrat for the sake of a few cheap jokes. Oddly enough, a check of the ADV dub of Macross shows it following Robotech's lead in making this guest character as obnoxious as possible. Wasn't the entire point to creating an official dub to have it be faithful to the original?

The Celebration: Several individual shots are trimmed for time in the US show, and likely also in order to make the event look less Japanese. A dialogue alteration is also made. In Macross, the three Zentradi spies get drunk and decide they're taking the day off; in Robotech, they enjoy fruit punch.

The Flyby: As Macross's Hikaru leaves with Minmay, Max and Kakizaki do a flyby. This annoys Hikaru, particularly when the two tease him about his crush on Minmay. Robotech's Rick is cheerful about their company, and all the teasing has been removed.

Claudia and Roy: Claudia visits Roy's quarters. Macross shows a centerfold posted on the wall by his bed. When he notices Claudia, he grabs her and pulls her to the bed, where they kiss. Robotech carefully edits the scene to remove the centerfold, the grab, and the interracial kiss. There's still enough to confirm that the two are still in a relationship, but it's all basically neutered.

Entering China Town: Minor, but noticeable when viewing the two versions back to back. Several shots of Hikaru and Minmay entering China Town have been shortened or removed entirely for Robotech. Also, a few moving shots have been replaced with still frames, I'm guessing to get through it a bit faster. Got to make time for one more ad!

Rick Is Snarkier Than Hikaru: There is one change for the better, though it's a very small one. Minmay points out a tower that was the tallest in the world when it was built, proudly declaring that it's the same age as her. In Macross, Hikaru expresses surprise that it's that old; in Robotech, Rick snarks, "It looks it." The Robotech version is funnier, and his deliberately phrased snark emphasizes that he's already getting fed up with this trip and with her attitude toward him.

Minmay's Parents: During the argument, Macross's Minmay is shocked when her parents compare her new career as an entertainer to being a "comfort woman." In effect, they're calling her a prostitute. Needless to say, this has been replaced by milder dialogue in Robotech. However, this has a knock-on effect: Since the parents are less actively hostile, the tantrum by Robotech's Minmei once again makes her look worse than her Macross counterpart.

(Note: A reader has tipped me off that the "comfort women" line is a mistranslation in the subtitled version. Minmay's father more accurately compares her to an entertainer of troops. This changes the interaction from horrible to merely harsh... though I think the rest of the original point stands.)

Advantage: Macross.


INCIDENTAL MUSIC:

Both episodes use their incidental music well. Macross has Minmay's arrival at the celebration punctuated by an instrumental of My Boyfriend is a Pilot. Robotech sticks to its quieter tracks, which accompanies the character-centric action quite well. Neither one has any musical standout moments, and both versions do a good job of making sure the music complements the story without distracting from it.

Advantage: None.

The civilians celebrate their return to Earth.

OVERALL ADVANTAGE: MACROSS:

I prefer the Robotech title, Homecoming, to the Macross title, China Town.

...And that, a single scene's narration, and Rick's one-liner about the old tower are basically it for things I prefer in Robotech. This is the opposite of Blue Wind: As in that case, several small changes have been made. This time, however, the changes are firmly for the worse.

Most notably, the Robotech episode makes Minmei borderline unbearable. Worst is that this seems like it has to be deliberate. It's not like this episode represents a shining moment for Macross's Minmay - but at least her reactions seem human and relatable, and it is made clear how much pressure she's feeling. Meanwhile, Robotech's Minmei mostly just comes across as a brat. If I was Rick, my crush on her would die somewhere between her calling her fans a "mob" and her throwing a toddler's tantrum at her parents.


OTHER MUSINGS:

This episode sees a return to the series' previous animation standard. Character art has detail again, faces are expressive, and most movements are fluid. In short: The show looks good again.

The script is well-written, with both "A" and "B" plots emphasizing characters finding homecomings that are a lot less happy than expected. Both Misa and Minmay encounter unexpected resistance from their parents. Minmay's disappointment is a personal one; she is achieving her dream, at least on the ship, and her parents don't approve. Misa's disappointment is on a larger scale, with her father proving to be as dishonest and hypocritical as the rest of the bureaucrats. He even tries to get her to abandon her post to stay out of danger, a request that she firmly declines.

Not surprisingly, the political plot with the captain and Misa is the more interesting thread. It features many strong moments: The captain reminiscing about past misadventures during the Unification Wars; Misa bursting out laughing like a schoolgirl at his stories, her first real moment of levity since the escape; the images of the officials looming over them during the briefing, with the impersonal remove of being on video monitors as they twist the information to their own ends; and the captain's gloomy outlook being proved all too accurate.

This is a good episode - and in animation terms, it's a welcome return to the series' original form.


Overall Rating: 7/10.

Previous Episode: Global Report/Gloval's Report
Next Episode: Kung Fu Dandy/Battle Cry

Review Index

To receive new review updates, follow me:

On BlueSky:

Follow @RandomMusings09 on BlueSky

On Threads:

Follow@randommusings09 on Threads