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

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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

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1-22. Love Concert/Battle Hymn.

Defectors: The Zentradi spies plan their return to the Macross.

Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Love Concert

Original Air Date - Macross: Mar. 20, 1983.
Written by: Hiroshi Ônogi. Directed by: Noboru Ishiguro, Tatsuya Kasahara.

Robotech: Battle Hymn

Original Air Date - Robotech: Apr. 2, 1985.
Story Editor: Steve Kramer. Supervising Director: Robert V. Barron.


PLOT - MACROSS:

Unrest is spreading among the Zentradi battle fleet. Spies Loli, Warera, and Conda returned from the Macross with information for their superiors, as planned... but they also brought back stories and objects that tantalize the other Zentradi, with a singing Minmay doll particularly catching the soldiers' attention. The spies persuade many of the others that life is better aboard the human ship, and they hatch a plan to defect during the next attack.

Their wait is not a long one. Lord Boldozaa has ordered Britai to capture a "miclone" for study as a prelude to a final assault. Britai decides to take it a step further, plotting to lure the Macross into performing a Daedalus attack and then turning it against them by sending in a boarding party.

The attack comes in the middle of Minmay's latest concert. With destruction surrounding her, and with no chance for either her or her audience to reach any kind of shelter, she does the only thing she can: Keeps singing.


PLOT - ROBOTECH:

Unrest is spreading among the Zentraedi battle fleet. Spies Rico, Bron, and Konda returned from the SDF-1 with information for their superiors, as planned... but they also brought back stories and objects that tantalize the other Zentraedi, with a singing Minmei doll particularly catching the soldiers' attention. The spies persuade many of the others that life is better aboard the human ship, and they decide to defect during the next attack.

Their wait is not a long one. Lord Dolza has ordered Breetai to capture a "micronian" for study as a prelude to a final assault. Breetai is delighted when Exedore hatches a plan to lure the human ship into performing a Daedalus attack and then turning it against them by sending in a boarding party.

The attack comes in the middle of Minmei's latest concert. With destruction surrounding her, and with no chance for either her or her audience to reach any kind of shelter, she does the only thing she can: Keeps singing, even as the battle rages.

Hikaru decides on his reason to fight: protecting Minmay.

CHARACTERS:

In the first half of the episode, Macross's Kaifun and Robotech's Kyle come across as more than a little creepy, but in different ways. Kaifun is fixated on Minmay in a clearly romantic way. Kyle is also attracted to his cousin... but in an inner monologue just before the Act break, he expresses frustration at people paying attention to her instead of to the war. This adds an extra element to an already disturbing character, indicating that he resents Minmei even as he feels drawn to her. The close-up on his eyes just before the fade-out does nothing to make him seem less malevolent.

Both versions of the episode show Hikaru/Rick succumbing to fatalism. Surprisingly, this is more blatant in Robotech, as Rick wonders if he's going to "go out fighting" the way Roy and Ben did. He seizes on fighting to protect Minmei, and is shouting her name as a battle cry in the episode's closing moments.

Meanwhile, Minmay receives another good episode. Unsurprisingly, Macross handles her concert heroism better. When she resumes singing during the attack, her voice catches and falters for several seconds as she battles her own fear. In Robotech, someone basically just starts the record playing, with Minmei singing at full voice from the very start. Robotech also features a small gaffe here, with the "singing" animation starting a second or two before the actual music cuts in.

Advantage: None. Minmay is better in Macross, as usual, but I prefer Rick's more outright fatalism in Robotech, making this one a wash.


NARRATION:

Robotech's opening recap feels unusually strained and awkward. It's as if the translators/scriptwriters couldn't quite decide which bits of exposition to focus on, and it becomes labored as they try to squeeze in too much.

Advantage: Macross.

Lord Bodolzaa fears what the humans might be capable of.

CUTS AND ALTERATIONS:

The Nature of Protoculture: This is an ongoing issue, given that the Robotech writers seized on "protoculture" as a way to combine all three series. In Macross, Lord Boldazaa states that the humans are protoculture, and he wants them destroyed because of the inevitable effect they will have on the Zentradi. Robotech's Dolza believes that the humans have protoculture, which in this version is a type of technology, and that makes them dangerous. As ever, the Macross version of "protoculture" directly connects to the show's themes, while Robotech diminishes it to an undefined MacGuffin.

Britai's Plan Becomes Exedore's: The plan to board the Macross is entirely Britai's in the original version. Robotech has Exedore come up with the plan, with Breetai's contribution amounting to smiling and nodding.

One Song vs. Two: In Macross, the spies use a wire to flip a switch on the singing Minmay doll, which makes it start into a second song. This part of the scene has been trimmed out of Robotech, with a line added in which the spies let the others know that there is a second song.

Added Flashbacks: While Rick leans next to Minmei's poster, the Robotech episode adds flashbacks to The Long Wait. The Robotech episode also extends an existing flashback while Lisa is thinking of Kyle, adding dialogue to it. All of this is fine, if a little hamfisted - but then Lisa has an internal monologue indicating that Kyle's words are making sense to her, even though both Macross's Misa and Robotech's Lisa have previously firmly (and, given the overall situation, quite correctly) rejected his stance.

Advantage: Macross.


INCIDENTAL MUSIC:

This is an action-heavy episode, which would usually tip this category in Robotech's favor. However, this episode frames itself around Minmay's concert - and by this point, it goes without saying that the Macross version of the concert is better in general, along with the Macross songs making an effective complement to the action.

Advantage: Macross.

Kaifun urges Minmay to keep singing during the attack.

OVERALL ADVANTAGE: MACROSS:

This one's a closer call than the last, as both versions of the episode work well. The deciding factors are ongoing issues: by turning "protoculture" into a plot device, Robotech harms it own thematic depth; and... well, in an episode framed around a Minmay concert, there's no getting around how much better a singer Macross's Minmay is.


OTHER MUSINGS:

In both versions, this is a good episode. I found the most interesting thread to be the three spies and their effect on the fleet. Knowing that they risk execution if they're caught, they and their fellow soldiers still resolve to defect in order to enjoy a life they'll never be able to have among their own people. The Cold War parallels in this 1980s show are obvious, but there's also something universal in their craving for music, culture, and romance.

The episode advances multiple threads. During the attack, Milia/Miriya finally identifies Max as the enemy she's been stalking. The Zentradi decide on a new plan for the humans, with it becoming clear that the impasse Hikaru and Misa discussed is now breaking, and not in humanity's favor. The show is headed toward another Act change, and I look forward to seeing what happens next.

Though some of the character art is less detailed than in other installments, I'd make a fair guess as to why: The end battle scenes have many moving elements at work, from the combat animations to the flames to the destruction in the city. I'd wager all of those elements took a lot of time and effort to complete, and I can't blame the animators for taking a few short cuts elsewhere.


Overall Rating: 7/10.

Previous Episode: Micro Cosmos/A New Dawn
Next Episode: Drop Out/Reckless

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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

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1-13. Blue Wind.

Misa, Hikaru, and company all receive promotions.

Original Air Date - Macross: Jan. 9, 1983.
Written by: Sukehiro Tomita. Directed by: Noboru Ishiguro.

Original Air Date - Robotech: Mar. 20, 1985.
Story Editor: Steve Kramer. Supervising Director: Robert V. Barron.


PLOT - MACROSS:

Hikaru, Misa, Kakizaki, and Max receive a hero's welcome on the Macross. They are promoted, they are the guests of honor at a public reception, and they receive leave. Despite this, Hikaru and Misa find it difficult adjusting to what had been normal life, and neither feels comfortable being called a hero.

Zentradi spies Loli, Warera, and Conda are also having trouble adjusting. They have no frame of reference for the things they see on the Macross. They find themselves filtering everything, from changes of clothing to advertising signs, through their military background, which cannot accommodate much of their new experiences.

Meanwhile, after hearing Misa's report, Capt. Global decides that the Zentradi simply will not be willing to destroy the ship. He hatches a desperate gambit for the sake of the people on the Macross. But his plan doesn't account for the defiance of Zentradi commander Kamujin Kravshera...


PLOT - ROBOTECH:

Rick, Lisa, Ben, and Max receive a hero's welcome on the SDF-1. They are promoted, they are the guests of honor at a public reception, and they receive leave. Despite this, Rick and Lisa find it difficult adjusting to what had been normal life, and neither is comfortable being called a hero.

Zentraedi spies Rico, Bron, and Kondo are also having trouble adjusting. They have no frame of reference for the things they see on the SDF-1. They find themselves filtering everything, from changes of clothing to advertising signs, through their military background, which cannot accommodate much of their new experiences.

Meanwhile, after hearing Lisa's report, Capt. Gloval decides that the Zentraedi simply will not be willing to destroy the ship. He launches a desperate gambit for the sake of the people on the SDF-1. But his plan doesn't account for the defiance of Zentradi commander Khyron...

The Zentradi spies are confused by everything they see -
including differences between men's and women's clothing.

CHARACTERS:

The most interesting aspect of both versions is the theme of culture shock. The Zentradi spies boggle at literally everything they see, from changes of clothes to the various advertising displays around the city. Hikaru and Misa also experience a degree of this, both seeming uncomfortable in their return home. Misa returns to the bridge almost immediately. Hikaru attempts to return to duty. Roy orders him back to standby, insisting that he take his leave whether he wants it or not.

Advantage: None.


NARRATION:

This episode apparently occurred on opposite day. For a change, it's the Macross episode that suffers from overuse of narration, while Robotech is more sparing. It's Macross that feels the need to tell us that the Zentradi spies are on the ship, right before we see them on the ship discussing their mission, and it's Robotech that just cuts straight into the scene and trusts us to follow along.

An even more egregious example occurs during the briefing. In Macross, the narrator summarizes the group's discoveries. In Robotech, Lisa reveals her findings while making her report, which plays far better.

I never thought this day would come - but this one time, the Robotech episode is much less intrusive in its narration than the Macross one.

Advantage: Robotech.

The command staff is skeptical of Misa's report.

CUTS AND ALTERATIONS:

Robotech Cuts More Abruptly to the Zentraedi Spies: Robotech cuts the shots leading up to the first scene with the Zentraedi spies. This does mean that Macross's unnecessary narration is removed, which is a good thing. But it does make for an abrupt and jarring scene transition.

No More Disco: The spies steal their clothes after they see the three bridge officers going to change out of their uniforms. In Macross, we hear the bridge officers chatting about going to the "disco." Robotech was released in 1985, by which point disco was dead and its corpse rotting, so the dialogue has been adjusted to remove that reference.

Rick Makes Fun of Ben at the Briefing: In both versions, it quickly becomes clear that most of the command staff do not believe the escapees' report. In Robotech, Ben comments on this, and Rick teases him that it's because he looks shifty. I prefer this to the original version, in which Kakizaki remarks on Misa's impressive memory, only for Hikaru to whisper back that she's smarter than Kakizaki will ever be. In Robotech, Rick is clearly teasing in a good-natured manner; in Macross, Hikaru is just being mean, and for no good reason.

A Change of Rank: In Macross, Hikaru is promoted to First Lieutenant, and Kakizaki and Max to Second Lieutenant, while Misa is made a captain. Robotech adjusts those to match the US navy, where the original promotions would have the characters jumping two ranks in one go. Thus, Rick becomes a Second Lieutenant and Lisa a full commander.

Macross Lingers More on the Spies' Culture Shock: In Macross, there are multiple shots in which the three spies stare at the sight of males and females mingling, which reinforces their society's strict segregation of the sexes. Robotech dispenses with this (got to get in that extra ad break!), jumping straight to the comedy moment in which Bron realizes that his clothes - which include a skirt - are for women and not for men.

Better Dialogue at the Reception: The newly anointed heroes wait on stage in front of the public. Macross's Misa complains to Hikaru that she doesn't like events like this, while Robotech's Lisa tells Rick that she actually felt more comfortable as a prisoner. Then Minmay comes out to aware each of them with flowers. The crowd cheers for her... and Macross's Kakizaki complains about Minmay getting attention at their reception, while Robotech's Ben instead expresses unease about being put on display. In all of these instances, the Robotech lines are sharper, better, and more in character.

Return to Duty: But Robotech worsens the dialogue in the scene in which Lisa returns to the bridge. In Macross, Claudia teases Misa for being too serious. Misa instantly puts on a fake "giggly schoolgirl" attitude, then asks if that's really how she should behave. This is both fun and in character (and it helps that she's dead right). Robotech just has her blandly appreciating the well wishes, with the "giggly" animations at odds with the changed context.

Khyron's Motives Are Simplified: In both versions, Kamujin/Khyron attacks the SDF-1, but with very different motivations. Macross's Kamujin worries that the battle fortress will escape (again) and that it will reflect badly on his clan. Robotech's Khyron makes no mention of these concerns. He's just tired of being held back from fighting the way he wants to.

Advantage: None. Each version has multiple scenes that work better than its counterpart.


INCIDENTAL MUSIC:

Robotech's music is not only better, in this episode it's extremely well used. For example, the Robotech theme is invoked not during an action scene, but instead as music that is played at the heroes' public reception. The theme is often distracting when used as incidental music; in this context it works perfectly. And yes, it all but goes without saying that the action scenes in the second half benefit greatly from the Robotech music. Macross doesn't do anything wrong in this area, but it doesn't do anything special either.

I will say that both Macross's Minmay and Robotech's Minmei desperately need to get a new song. We have heard their respective debut songs three times in the last four episodes. I may like My Boyfriend Is a Pilot a lot more than This Is My Time to Be a Star, but at this point both songs are getting equally old.

Advantage: Robotech.

Minmay performs for the newly anointed heroes. Character art
is noticeably less detailed than in previous episodes.

OVERALL ADVANTAGE: ROBOTECH:

This is a rare instance in which Robotech feels more polished. The music is better, the narration is more sparing, and even much of the dialogue is sharper - and dialogue is not generally Robotech's strong suit! I wonder if, by this point in production, Macross was facing a crunch and there just wasn't time to properly polish this particular script. Whatever the case, watching the two versions is a bit like comparing a rough draft to a final draft.


OTHER MUSINGS:

I've read that Macross's production ran into problems, including an increasingly tight schedule and multiple switches of animation studios. Given that three of the past four episodes have had visible issues, I'd wager that this run of episodes came during a crisis point.

Whatever the case, there are once again some obvious problems. Characters appear noticeably less detailed than in most of the past episodes. There are also visual continuity errors - glaring ones. At the episode's climax, the ship undergoes its transformation into Giant Robot Form (TM). A few shots later, it is briefly a ship again, only to return to being a robot a few shots after that. Warera/Bron, who unwittingly put on a skirt early in the episode, is suddenly in that skirt again during the transformation... and back to pants a single shot later.

Though I think the Robotech script for this episode is generally more refined than the Macross one, in both cases I find myself wishing that it had been split in two. I would have liked a full episode dealing with the characters' return to the ship and their issues adjusting to that, and I think the action plot that dominates the second half could easily have been expanded into its own episode. If I'm right about the production crunch, though, that might have been asking too much of the beleaguered production team at this point in Macross's development.

Despite the issues, this is a solid episode - even if, for a rare change, Robotech ends up doing better by it than Macross did.


Overall Rating - Macross: 6/10.

Overall Rating - Robotech: 7/10.

Previous Episode: Big Escape/The Big Escape
Next Episode: Global Report/Gloval's Report

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