Yes, the week has finally come. It's the week where we are going to analyze the Red Impulse Team. So everyone, make your true opinions known...

WOOHOO!!!! I LOVE the Rangers!! Colonel Cronus/Red Impulse you're an asshole, but I love you and your team!! Love them love them love them. Can't wait for James to fill us in on all their stats!!!! Yeeehaaaa!!!! SJ

Well... Masaki and Oniishi were both pretty cool in eps. 76 and 104. Some thumbnails from Reboekah's site:

Awww thanks LB!! I wub my widdle red guys!!! The Rangers have always featured prominently in my fics as I love them muchly and now that I am seeing pics I am all squiggly and want to write another one with them in it.

Well, I think most people know how I feel about RI, and those feelings tend to spill over to Cronus. If you didn't know, my Halloween Avatar pretty much sums it up...

BWAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! Brilliant!

Well I think Cronus/Red Impulse is a real bastard to the Eagle and the team but I do think he has his place in the show. After all we would not have all that Eagle angst or rage if Cronus/Red Impulse had not given his son to Nambu/Anderson.

Ok, I just *have* to include this great cartoon about Red Impulse...done by the great Diinzumo!

That's awesome!!!!!

haaa, haaa haaa! That is great Springie.

Originally posted by Springie Ok, I just *have* to include this great cartoon about Red Impulse...done by the great Diinzumo!

I love this one! So true too. Poor Ken...

And then again... Here is what was once "proposed" for an earlier remake of Gatchaman If I remember correctly, this is from a professional Roberto Ferrari. Anyhow - these (and other pictures) were posted on his website a while back (I need to find that URL... ) how about Ken's MOM! as Red Impulse!

Somehow, that uniform has more of a Star Trek feel than Gatch. A remake? Do you mean like early OAV planning? I can image it would be much more devastating to Ken to be abandoned by his mother.

Originally posted by Transmute Jun Somehow, that uniform has more of a Star Trek feel than Gatch. A remake? Do you mean like early OAV planning? I can image it would be much more devastating to Ken to be abandoned by his mother.

I'll have to dig out the "Bird Scramble" issue to get more details - unless TatsunokoFan beats me to it!

But it would bring more women into dominate roles in the show. So this gets me to thinking, if RI is Ken's mother in this AU how did Ken lose his father? Would he have been a pilot as well? Ohhhh, now my muses are flowing, not a good thing for them to do at this moment when I am too busy to write.

Just tried the old URL I had for Roberto Ferrari's website - with no luck. A quick Google search came up empty.... I'll keep looking.... And looking for that Bird Scramble issue also.... Just remember.... IT NEVER HAPPENED!

Were they really planning make Ken's mother the Red Impulse character instead of Ken's father, or were they just planning to show her once being a member of the Red Impulse team? Either way could have been interesting -there is so little canon info about Ken's mother, and not many female characters in Gatchaman.

The pictures do bring things to mind--I wish they had filled Ken's background some more but I really wish the series had given some clue about Jun's background. Love the cartoon Springie! and I love the other guys from Red Impulse.

Springie that cartoon is great... I don't dislike Red Impulse, but they should of just let the character be put to rest... Ken's mother Red Impulse? Oh boy... I agree CondorFan... I wish they had given Jun a background story... Especially since it seems to me atleast, that they show her more than the others outside the series...

Hi all! Just time for a quick reply at the moment. The Red Impulse designs that Carol posted were from a proposed Gatchaman remake that Tatsunoko put together in 1998. That proposal did not garner enough interest from potential sponsors, and was eventually shelved. Roberto Ferrari, the Character Designer for the proposal, posted a few images from it on his now defunct website, which is where the image Carol posted came from. That design was on Red Impulse in her "casual" wear. Her combat uniform looked different. I'm not really at liberty to say very much about the detail of this proposed series, but in an attempt to keep speculative misinformation from getting too far along, I can tell you that this version of Red Impulse was not going to be Ken's mother. As a matter of fact, she wasn't going to be related to Ken at all. James

Originally posted by tatsunokofan I'm not really at liberty to say very much about the detail of this proposed series,

Interesting choice of words, James. Dare I take this to mean that you were in some way involved and therefore bound by a kind of confidentiality agreement?

Hi all! More like I have a copy of the planning, but it was with the understanding that I wouldn't share the contents in a public manner. James

Originally posted by tatsunokofan I'm not really at liberty to say very much about the detail of this proposed series, but in an attempt to keep speculative misinformation from getting too far along, I can tell you that this version of Red Impulse was not going to be Ken's mother. As a matter of fact, she wasn't going to be related to Ken at all. James

Ah... Thanks for the correction, James. As usual, my memory is spotty at best - especially since I only had the opportunity to read through the material once - make mailing comments - and then pack the APA away and scoot back down under for another six month stint... Ah, the joys of one week home every six months, with two APAs to review and comment thereupon. Many thanks!

James, I know how omniscient you are about the gatch world, but you always continue to astound me! Reboekah, if you ever find that article, we'd love to see it!

I just remembered a tribute video that Fairlight65 made about Red Impulse and Ken. It's very well done, (though you won't see RI beating up Ken, trying to drown him or throwing him across a room here!) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1qhIVu_Nxs

Thanks for that info James. Still it is an interesting take for anyone who would like to try a new AU.

Hi all! I'm a little late to the party for Gatchaman's acrobatic flying team, but better late than never! Because of its length, I'll have to split this over a couple of posts. It had long been speculated that Red Impulse was based off of Japan's Blue Impulse acrobatic flight team, a group similar to the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels. This detail was confirmed by Jinzo Toriumi in an interview he did in 2000 for the Gatchaman DVDs. Unlike the Black Birds and the Devil Stars, some background on Red Impulse did appear in the Planning Establishment for the series. In it, the function of Red Impulse is described as follows: "The sole purpose of the "Science Ninja Team" is to uncover their [Gallactor's] headquarters. It is for this reason that they want to search out the cells, to lead in the hunt." "When the others are attacking a "Gallactor" cell, an adult flying group sometimes appears on the scene. They take care of the disposal of the cells after the "Science Ninja Team" has completed their search." "The group is called "Red Impulse (Like a red shock wave)." The members of this group are completely covered in a unique costume, including a mask over their faces, making their identities impossible to make out. The boys of the "Science Ninja Team" anticipate and are envious of the actions of this group. Who is the Captain of "Red Impulse," the elusive group of justice......? Up to now, Ken, the Eagle has secretly been seeking out his father. But because of what is at stake in their mission, it has been their destiny to be unable to meet together and profess their hearts. These feelings between father and child supply the episodes with the essence of human emotions." The idea of having the Science Ninja Team locate Gallactor bases, search them for information regarding the location of Gallactor's Headquarters, and then leaving the task of mopping up the base to Red Impulse makes sense in a real world scenario, but I suspect that the writers quickly realized that it made things pretty boring for our heroes. "Another day, another base we've snuck into unseen, another dead end. Oh well, let's get out of here so those other guys can have all the action." Since we weren't watching "The Red Impulse Show," it's probably just as well that they decided to let our heroes take the lead in taking down the Gallactor strongholds. Unfortunately, that is all that the Planning says regarding Red Impulse. As I've mentioned in the past, the only characters that had any sort of write-ups there were the five Ninja Team members. The closest thing to an "official" write-up for Red Impulse came in the Gatchaman movie program, where they said the following: "Red Impulse Captain" "Kentaro Washio, Ken's father." "He was a battle-tried warrior during the Pacific War, and a test pilot for new and powerful airplanes. But, unexpectedly one day, he suddenly disappeared from before the young Ken and the others. Since near the end of the Second World War, he joined Dr. Nambu's fact team in order to detect the activities of Gallactor, forming the Red Impulse." I'm sure you can easily see the problems with this. Simply put, if this was to be believed, Red Impulse is ancient. Even if he was a "battle-tried warrior" of 18 when the war ended in 1945, he'd be 74 years old by the 2001 time frame for the series. Obviously, whoever did that little write-up in 1978 didn't really think these things through. That, or Grecian Formula was his friend. So, to be generous, we'll pretty much ignore that particular reference. Without planning or decent official background sources to look to, we have to rely on the show itself. From that, we know the following: Red Impulse Captain. (Character Voice: Hisayoshi Yoshizawa) He is Kentaro Washio, Ken's father. His closest friend is Dr. Nambu (Episode #52). He was originally a test pilot in Dr. Nambu's laboratory. 14 years earlier, Dr. Nambu had discovered that Hontwal was cooperating with Gallactor in preparations for the V2 Plan, and asked Kentaro to sneak into Hontwal to steal the plans. However, since he and his associates would be spying on both a country and a very large evil organization, he was concerned for the safety of his family. To keep them safe, he entrusted Dr. Nambu with the care of the 4-year-old Ken, and pretended to die in an airplane accident in the "Southern Skies." With his name now erased and his appearance disguised, he snuck into Hontwal (Episode #52). When operating undercover, he would often wear a white suit and hat (Episode #'s 51, 52). Not long after the Science Ninja Team went into action, he and his team began to show up during their missions, generally appearing flying their unique Red Impulse airplanes. Often called onto the scene by Dr. Nambu (Episode #'s 10, 22, 44, 76), Red Impulse would usually either lend assistance to the Science Ninja Team (Episode #'s 9, 10, 15, 38, among others), or save their lives when they were overwhelmed by Gallactor (Episode #'s 5, 11, 44). All of this was done while keeping his true identity a secret from Ken. At first, Ken wasnt sure if Red Impulse was a friend or an enemy, but those concerns were dispelled after Ken and Red Impulse worked together to save the rest of the Science Ninja Team from being killed by Gallactor after their enemy had stolen the Blue Hawk. (Episode #11). Despite the necessity of keeping his true identity a secret, Red Impulse would try to help Ken to improve his skills (Episode #44) or to accept the sometimes harsh responsibilities that comes with being a leader (Episode #40). From his experiences working alongside Ken, Red Impulse knew that his son would never give up, even when the odds seemed hopeless, and was willing to stay out of a fight in order to give Ken every chance he needed to succeed (Episode #'s 22, 44). When not operating as a spy in Hontwal, Red Impulse operated out of a secret base located on a remote island in the South Seas. This location included hangars for the Red Impulse jets and training facilities for Red Impulse and his men (Episode #44). When the V2 Plan was finally utilized by Gallactor and threatened to destroy the Earth, he volunteered to pilot the rocket that would save the Earth from destruction. Before Red Impulse could board the rocket, his true identity was revealed to Ken. The two shared a brief moment as father and son before Red Impulse forced his way past Ken and onto the rocket. Thinking of Ken with his final thoughts, the rocket piloted by Red Impulse detonated in the skies over the Arctic Ocean, killing Red Impulse but saving the world (Episode #53). Masaki (#'s 44, 76, 104) (Character Voice: Masaru Miyashita (#44), Mitsuo Yokoi (#76), Takeshi Aono (#104)) One of the members of Red Impulse. When the Science Ninja Team went to Red Impulse's Secret Base to receive special training, Masaki was placed in charge of training Joe, Jun, Jinpei, and Ryu. After the death of their Captain, he and Oniishi continued working to uncover the secrets of Gallactor. The two helped save Ken when he was shot by Mechaziner (Episode #76), and used Joe's Bracelet to tell the Science Ninja Team the location of Gallactor's Headquarters. He was shot and killed while trying to lead the Ninja Team into the Headquarters (#104). Oniishi (#'s 76, 104) (Character Voice: Mitsuo Yokoi (#104)) One of the members of Red Impulse. At some point in his past, his throat was cut by Gallactor, leaving him unable to speak. Since then, he risked his life to bring down Gallactor as a member of Red Impulse. After the death of the Red Impulse Captain, he worked with Masaki to uncover the secrets of Gallactor (#76). Like Masaki, he too was fatally shot while leading the Science Ninja Team into Gallactor's Headquarters. As he was dying, he wrote out his final message with his finger on Jun's palm (#104). The members of Red Impulse are in top fighting condition, and can perform feats similar to those of the Science Ninja Team (Episode #'s 11, 51). They are all armed with pistols and are crack marksmen (Episode #'s 11, 52). All three of the Red Impulse are pilots, and are trained in using their planes in aerial acrobatics (Episode #'s 5, 44). Their airplanes are armed with both machine guns and rockets (Episode #11), and the wings are strong enough and sharp enough to slice through metal cables (Episode #3. If necessary, these airplanes can also use used to transport large objects (Episode #15). They have also created disguises that fit over the planes, allowing Red Impulse to conceal their true identity (Episode #51).

Hi all! Let's see, what other notes of interest are their regarding Red Impulse. Well, going back to original scenario drafts for Gatchaman episodes, we discover that the first appearance of Red Impulse was not originally intended to be in episode #5 of the series, but rather at the end of episode #2. In the climax of that story, the God Phoenix was supposed to be attacked not only by the head of Turtle King, but by a number of koi-shaped rockets that launch from the Undersea Aircraft Carrier. Similar to what we saw, the Ninja Team used the Firebird to destroy their attackers, but the Undersea Aircraft Carrier still remained a threat. Just then, well... Here's how it's described in the scenario: *Sky and sea Three crimson jet planes come flying overhead, attacking the undersea Aircraft Carrier. The Undersea Aircraft Carrier goes up in flames. *The God Phoenix Control Room Everyone watches in mute amazement. The three jet planes approach. The man who seems to be the Captain laughs and waves. Ken: Who are you......? Voice: Ladies and gentlemen of the Science Ninja Team, we are Red Impulse. Ha, ha, ha, ha...... Ken: Red Impulse......? Voice: Until we meet again, farewell...... Red Impulse flies away with splendid acrobatic flight. Ken: Who are those fellows. Are they an enemy, or an ally? *In the clouds The God Phoenix flies into the glittering sunset. --The End-- I'm sure that most of you have noticed that this sequence is nearly identical to the way Red Impulse did first appear in episode #5. I can only assume that the staff decided that they should have a few episodes to establish the Science Ninja Team before they threw Red Impulse into the mix, and simply decided to move that sequence and rewrite it slightly to fit the attack of the saucer mecha in episode #5. Masaki was actually the first member of Red Impulse to be given a name, not that viewers knew it at the time. In the scenario for episode #44, Masaki was the Red Impulse in charge of training Joe, Jun, Jinpei, and Ryu while Red Impulse was off with Ken trying to prepare him to withstand the g-forces he would face to destroy Archaeo. His name does not appear in the finished episode, but in the scenario draft for that story, there was a line of dialogue where the Red Impulse Captain introduces him. No, he doesn't look the same as he did when we saw him again in episode #'s 76 or 104, but it is supposed to be the same fellow. Masaki in Episode #44 Masaki in Episode #76 Masaki in Episode #104 Anyway, the scenario also included several scenes of Masaki putting the Ninja Team through their paces like a Drill Instructor. At first, Joe refused to listen to Masaki, and was finally angered enough to punch the Red Impulse member. Amazingly, the punch doesn't even cause Masaki to flinch. With grudging respect, Joe, Jun, Jinpei, and Ryu then submit to Masaki's training regimen, which includes marathon-length runs, meditating under a freezing cold waterfall, training in gymnastics, boxing, and wrestling, and time spend in a centrifuge. It's unfortunate that these scenes were eliminated from the episode, but I suspect that they were dropped because they took up too much time. The scenario version of Masaki and Oniishi's return in episode #76 also had some material that didn't make it to the final version of the story. After most of the material that we saw, the scene between the Red Impulse men and Ken was intended to continue with Masaki giving Ken the Red Impulse uniform, which Ken then put on. Upon seeing Ken in the uniform, Masaki comments to Ken that he "...is just like your father." Red Impulse also made two appearances in the Gatchaman radio drama. The first was in episode #3, which was an adaptation of episode #11 of the TV series. His second appearance was in episode #4, which was an adaptation of episode #'s 52~53 of the TV series. Sadly, these would be the final times that Red Impulse's voice actor, Hisayoshi Yoshizawa, would perform the role. On January 20, 1979, he fell from his home to the railroad tracks of the Ikenoue Station of the Keio Inokashirasen train line, and was struck and killed by a passing train. According to member of the theatrical group he was working with, he was exhausted from their rehearsals, and it is believed that this exhaustion is what led to his fall. He was 49 years old at the time of his death. Like so much in the OAVs, the OAV version of Red Impulse is much more vague than his TV series counterpart. The basic premise behind the character is still the same, and most of what fans tend to think they know about the character is extrapolated from the TV series. Regardless, here are some of the facts we do know about him: Red Impulse Captain (Character Voice: Unsho Ishizuka) He's Ken's father, and left to uncover information regarding Gallactor when Ken was still a young boy. The last time Ken had seen his father was at his mother's funeral, which took place sometime after she died on March 27, 2055. Red Impulse was unable to be by his wife's side when she passed away because he was away on "important business." At the funeral, Red Impulse gave Ken a pendant with an eagle head and wings. As he departed, Red Impulse left the heartbroken Ken in the care of Dr. Nambu. By August 22, 2066, Red Impulse had infiltrated the Gallactor base on BC Island. It was here that he and Ken met once again, initially as Red Impulse saved Ken's life during an aerial dogfight in the skies near BC Island. They subsequently encountered each other face-to-face on BC Island itself when Ken repaid this debt by saving Red Impulse from the Jupiter Ninja Alan. By the end of their mission there, Ken had realized who Red Impulse really was, but dismissed the notion (OAV Vol. 2). Red Impulse was part of a very large group known as the International Secret Ninja Squadron Red Impulse. This group had managed to infiltrate Gallactor's Black Birds, and by the time the Science Ninja Team arrived on BC Island, roughly half of the Black Birds on the base were actually Red Impulse members in disguise. Aside from their skill in hand-to-hand combat, the Red Impulse Squadron used swords and rocket launchers as weapons. It is unknown exactly how many of the Red Impulse survived the battle on BC Island. We only see three Red Impulse planes flying away at the end of the story, but that does not mean that more had not escaped (OAV Vol. 2). Following that mission, Dr. Nambu charged Red Impulse with finding the location of Gallactor's hidden Headquarters. However, by October 16, 2066, Gallactor had believed that it had managed to hunt down and kill all the members of Red Impulse, eliminating this threat. The Red Impulse Captain had managed to survive, though he was left with two scars on his face during some unseen struggle. He managed to infiltrate Gallactor's Headquarters and was able to free Joe from captivity. Revealing that he was indeed Ken's father, Red Impulse gave Joe a sword to give to Ken, and it was with this sword that Ken managed to kill Berg Katse. Leaving Joe, Red Impulse soon found himself surrounded by Gallactor troops. With Ken in his final thoughts, Red Impulse detonated an explosive that destroyed the Camouflage System that hid Gallactor's Headquarters (OAV Vol. 3). Red Impulse was also a character in the Gatchaman novels published while the OAVs were first being released. These series of three novels featured original stories taking place in the world of the OAVs. Red Impulse appeared in Vol. 2, "Cinderella Operation," and Vol. 3, "Farewell! Condor." I have not examined these novels very closely, so I cannot comment on what details regarding Red Impulse they may contain. And, hopefully, that helps to give you all a little information regarding Red Impulse that you either didn't know or had forgotten about. James

OAV novels???? I don't suppose any of these were translated inrto English? I know, vain hope... Tahnk you for your (as usual) thorough and fascinating information on the Red Impulse Team, James. I still don't like RI, but I can appreciate the thought and plot development that went into his character creation. And it's interesting to have information about Masaki and Oniishi as well. Thank you!

Sighhh.... James you are my hero Thank you for sharing all this info with us and teaching us a little more about all of these awesome characters!!!!

Wow! I only have time to skim through this info right now...but it is amazing! Thanks so much!!!

Thank you, James -utterly informative, as ever! However, now I have an image in my head of Joe sitting under a waterfall...

Thank you James for all this interesting information. Love how you are always able to enlighten us about these little know, to me and it looks like to others as well, characters.

Hi all!

OAV novels???? I don't suppose any of these were translated inrto English?

No, none of them have been translated.

James. I still don't like RI, but I can appreciate the thought and plot development that went into his character creation.

You know, I realize that a lot of people don't like Red Impulse, but I've never really understood exactly why the character generates so much animosity. He never bothered me. James

Originally posted by tatsunokofan You know, I realize that a lot of people don't like Red Impulse, but I've never really understood exactly why the character generates so much animosity. He never bothered me.

Well I can't speak for others, but for me the answer is twofold. First, there is no need for the Red Impulse Team in the series, except as a way to introduce the guy as Ken's father. But we'r told early on in the series that the Earth has ANOTHER team who is fighting off Galactor and (by the way it's usually presented) better at doing this than the KNT. If that's the case, then why does the KNT exist at all? The RI Team undermines the position of the KNT and they taunt the KNT with their 'inexperience' and inability to 'keep up'. It's that kind of arrogant superiority that I usually associate with the 'bad guys'. Second, the way the Red Impulse treats Ken is abhorrent to me. I understand that Japanese societal norms are different from the relationship I have with my children, but IMHO, Red Impulse should be put in jail for physical child abuse. That's aside from the emotional trip he sent Ken on, which has screwed the Eagle up entirely. So being a fan of the Eagle, I'm naturally not impressed with RI. Just to reiterate, these are MY OWN opinions. I'm not claiming that anyone else feels this way, or should feel this way.

Originally posted by tatsunokofan Hi all!

OAV novels???? I don't suppose any of these were translated inrto English?

No, none of them have been translated.

James. I still don't like RI, but I can appreciate the thought and plot development that went into his character creation.

You know, I realize that a lot of people don't like Red Impulse, but I've never really understood exactly why the character generates so much animosity. He never bothered me. James

[FONT=comic sans ms]What you talking about? Red impulse rules!...thanks for the input...nice![/FONT]

Thanks James for your wealth of information. I didn't realize there was so much to know about Red Impulse! Red Impulse doesn't bother me... I guess I just think of them as being another side team just like the Black Birds and the Devilstars...

It bothers me that Red Impulse, in the show, is never presented as being anything less than a noble self-sacrificing hero. I see a fair amount of arrogance and selfishness in his actions, and it would have placated me if someone on the show had at least questioned some of the things Red Impulse had done -like pretending to be missing/presumed dead for so many years, leaving his wife and son with no real idea of whether he was alive or not. And, I can see why a military-oriented father might think that rough handling is good for his son (toughen him up, and all that) but it doesn't impress me! That said, I think RI did possess courage and intelligence, and he did, on rare occasion, look like he might be regretting things he'd done (ie. wiping a tear away from his eye in ep. 11).

Originally posted by Transmute Jun That's aside from the emotional trip he sent Ken on, which has screwed the Eagle up entirely.

Yes, tragic for Ken, but it sure does give us fic writers a lot to work with.

Wow, James! Thank you yet again for imparting your knowledge and insights on us! I've certainly learned more about Red Impulse than I'd ever known before. Great background info, not only for the fan, but for us fic writers too! As for RI, I don't seem to harbor the same resentment and disdain as most people seem to. I think he was an integral character to the series and for having us understand who Ken was and why. I mean, if it wasn't for RI, the character of Ken wouldn't be who he was and wouldn't have been the Eagle we all know and love (and sometimes want to smack upside the head!). The personal and emotional angst that RI brings to the show as a whole is something that cannot be denied. Not saying that I agree with his actions or how he treated his son/family, but I understand it in a plotline sort of way. Ok, go ahead and . I know my POV is in the minority. (I'll be standing on the sidelines with Shamrockchick and James!) Oh, and ITA, LB!! Ken's issues certainly do give us tons of fic fodder!!

Hi all! Maybe I watched too much Speed Racer as a kid, since some aspects that people seem to dislike about Red Impulse were traits that were virtual duplicates of traits displayed by Racer X. Let's be honest here, Red Impulse really is little more than a retread of the Racer X concept. Think about it, both characters are an older relative of the series lead who left when that lead was young and have come back wearing a masked disguise and do not reveal their true identity. Both do essentially the same job as the lead, and do that job better than the lead. Both often push the lead to his limits, but always in an effort to make the lead better at that job. When I saw Red Impulse, and Ken, it was very familiar because of what I had seen with Racer X and Speed Racer. So it never bothered me that the Red Impulse were the "cool" guys who were better at doing the Science Ninja Team's job than the Science Ninja Team was, because I'd already seen it done before. Of course, if you want to look at things from a practical perspective, it does make sense that Red Impulse would be better at their job than the Ninja Team was, since Red Impulse had been doing that job 14 years longer than the Science Ninja Team had. That could also explain why you would need the Science Ninja Team. Assuming Kentaro Washio was roughly the same age as Dr. Nambu, and that Masaki and Oniishi were in that same general age bracket as well, these guys are all pushing 50 years old. How much longer could they have been expected to be able to pull off the stunts that they do? After 14 years, and with no end to the struggle against Gallactor in sight, it makes sense that Nambu would need a second team to take over the battle. As for Red Impulse abandoning his family and leaving them wondering what happened to him, that really wasn't the case. Don't forget, he faked his death, crashing a plane into the ocean. As far as his wife and Ken were concerned, he should have been thought of as dead. Obviously, Ken didn't accept that he was really dead, but we are never told exactly why Ken believed this. The idea of faking his death may seem like a cruel hoax to pull, but he did it to protect his family. And for 14 years, it worked. Look what happened the instant Gallactor figured out the identity of the spy operating in Hontwal. They tricked Ken into coming to Hontwal so they could capture him and use him as bait to lure Kentaro Washio out in the open. And that's real important to remember: They weren't going after Ken, the Eagle to get Red Impulse, they got Ken Washio to get Kentaro Washio. If Kentaro hadn't taken the steps he had, both Ken and his mother may have been made into targets years earlier. So, it seems to me that Kentaro faking his death and abandoning his old life really was the right thing to do for the safety of his loved ones. But hey, that's just a few rambling thoughts from me on the subject. James

I like that view on things James, and I have to admit in my AU I had come up with the idea that the team could not operate a peak efficiency much beyond 40 years of age. That is when I went back and started introducing new teams into the mix. Our team training new recruits, between missions. Each of our members leading, in some form, teams until the new "fledglings" were able to take on missions and work as teams of their own. As for RI, I still do not like the abuse he is shown subjecting Ken to as a child, but I am sure he would explain it as toughening up the kid so Ken would survive until adulthood.

Hi all!

As for RI, I still do not like the abuse he is shown subjecting Ken to as a child, but I am sure he would explain it as toughening up the kid so Ken would survive until adulthood.

Ummm, the only scene I can think of at the moment that could potentially be qualified as "the abuse he is shown subjecting Ken to as a child" would be Ken's dream of his father dunking his head underwater. That was pretty clearly shown as being done in a playful manner, not one intended to "toughen him up." Admittedly, if the sequence of events and their duration is to be taken literally from what is shown, I'd have to agree that he held him down longer than he should have for it to be considered "fun" for Ken. Some Japanese fans have cartoons regarding that scene that I ought to dig out and post here sometime. Still, the fact that the scene is shown from the context of a dream, with added emphasis on certain portions of it, makes me question exactly how long this event actually took. Of course, regardless of whether it lasted 3 seconds or 30 minutes, it certainly left an impression on Ken. James

Don't forget RI beating up Ken in ep 40 or throwing him across the room in ep 52.

I always figured he threw him across the room to buy time to get into the ship without Ken following him. It might have made more sense to just belt him one on the jaw and try to knock him out, but the whirl-and-throw was more dramatic.

Originally posted by Barrdwing It might have made more sense to just belt him one on the jaw and try to knock him out, but the whirl-and-throw was more dramatic.

Not to mention so much more embarrassing right in front of his team.

I don't think it would be as memorable if Red Impulse just punched him...

Originally posted by Barrdwing I always figured he threw him across the room to buy time to get into the ship without Ken following him. It might have made more sense to just belt him one on the jaw and try to knock him out, but the whirl-and-throw was more dramatic.

That is what I thought it was as well, but I do agree it was or would have been a great embarrassment with his team standing right there. Perhaps RI was using it as a final insult to the Eagle in font of his team and friends. *shrug*

Hi all!

Don't forget RI beating up Ken in ep 40 or throwing him across the room in ep 52.

Well, Heather covered Red Impulse throwing Ken across the room pretty well. In context, it works and adds to the dramatic effect of the scene.

Not to mention so much more embarrassing right in front of his team.

That is what I thought it was as well, but I do agree it was or would have been a great embarrassment with his team standing right there. Perhaps RI was using it as a final insult to the Eagle in font of his team and friends. *shrug*

You know, I have to assume that you're both just kidding here, because I would find it very disheartening to think that anyone, no matter what their opinion of Red Impulse, would come away from watching that scene believing that Red Impulse would be trying to humiliate his son. As for the scene between Red Impulse and Ken in episode #40, well, that one I'll have to give you, partially at least. While Ken certainly needed someone to knock some sense into his head, Red Impulse didn't need to do quite as much knocking as he did there. I'd chalk it up to writer Takuji Umetani falling back too much onto Japanese writing cliches, and like most cliches, it plays poorly. Regardless, what Red Impulse says to Ken afterwards, in particular how Ken should quit feeling sorry for himself and either confirm that Jun is actually dead or find where she is and save her, since that is what a true teammate would do, makes sense. As a Leader, Ken was setting a bad example for the others, and someone needed to call him on it. On that same subject, it's somewhat annoying that no one seemed to be willing to listen to Nambu when he told them that the capsule Jun was wearing would have protected her from the flames. They trusted what Nambu said every other time (Even when he wanted to use a centrifuge as a surgical instrument...), why not now? Of course, there is another notion as to why Red Impulse could have been a little crabbier than he might have been normally when Ken arrived home, courtesy of a Japanese fanzine... James

Originally posted by tatsunokofan Well, Heather covered Red Impulse throwing Ken across the room pretty well. In context, it works and adds to the dramatic effect of the scene.

A lot of things RI did seemed designed to have a dramatic effect, and even come off as a bit "over the top." Look at episode 11, when he shoots at some goons and then, purely for show, spins his gun around in his hand. Or, earlier in that episode, his hand-to-hand fight with Ken has Ken looking nearly incompetent. Things like that have me thinking "Hey, the show's called Gatchaman, not 'Red Impulse' -stop one-upping Ken all the time, or trying to impress us with how cool you are!" I can believe that the older and more experienced RI team might be better at some things than the younger Science Ninjas, but I guess because I'm so biased in favour of Ken, Joe, Jun, Jinpei and Ryu, I can't help but resent RI a little... Does this make any sense?

Originally posted by tatsunokofan You know, I have to assume that you're both just kidding here, because I would find it very disheartening to think that anyone, no matter what their opinion of Red Impulse, would come away from watching that scene believing that Red Impulse would be trying to humiliate his son.

I can't speak for CD, but that's always the feeling I've had when I watched that scene. I know I'm not the only one to feel this way, but I respect that you see it differently, and that your understanding of Japanese cultural norms (and Tatsunoko animation) allows you to be more open-minded and understanding than I am.

As for the scene between Red Impulse and Ken in episode #40, well, that one I'll have to give you, partially at least. While Ken certainly needed someone to knock some sense into his head, Red Impulse didn't need to do quite as much knocking as he did there. Regardless, what Red Impulse says to Ken afterwards, in particular how Ken should quit feeling sorry for himself and either confirm that Jun is actually dead or find where she is and save her, since that is what a true teammate would do, makes sense. As a Leader, Ken was setting a bad example for the others, and someone needed to call him on it.

I agree with you on both counts. I do find it sad that RI had to beat the cr*p out of Ken in order for Ken to listen to him, though.

On that same subject, it's somewhat annoying that no one seemed to be willing to listen to Nambu when he told them that the capsule Jun was wearing would have protected her from the flames.

I have often wondered that myself! I think the idea is that Nambu didn't realize that the others were thinking this (he seems genuinely surprised in his lab to hear that the others think she's dead) and by the time he brings up his point they've already mentally accepted her death. I agree that it's a bit weak, plotwise. Besides, why wouldn't Nambu bring up this issue when they were firebombing the flowers to begin with. Everyone was refusing to do it because they thought they'd be killing Jun. Why not bring up the protective capabilities of the suit THEN? I maintain that Dr. Nambu isn't always the best at reading other people's emotions. Thanks for the cartoon, James! That was amusing!

Thanks for the cartoon! That was great... For episode 40, I thought Jinpei had brought up the fact that Jun was wearing the suit earlier.. so maybe that's why Nambu didn't bring it up and suggested burning the field.

The cartoon is funny -I especially liked Masaki and Oniishi's contribution! I suppose one possible way to "fanwank" the fact that everyone thought it would kill Jun to set the field of jigokillers on fire, despite the fact that Dr. Nambu said the suit would protect her against flames, would be to assume they feared she might suffocate in the fire or die of smoke inhalation, rather than actually burn.

Originally posted by tatsunokofan You know, I have to assume that you're both just kidding here, because I would find it very disheartening to think that anyone, no matter what their opinion of Red Impulse, would come away from watching that scene believing that Red Impulse would be trying to humiliate his son.

I feel very uncomfortable during what is going on and what is being said during that scene, so maybe it is more my own embarrassment being projected onto how I "think" Ken would feel. BTW: Love the cartoon James, it does explain it all

Hi all!

A lot of things RI did seemed designed to have a dramatic effect, and even come off as a bit "over the top." Look at episode 11, when he shoots at some goons and then, purely for show, spins his gun around in his hand. Or, earlier in that episode, his hand-to-hand fight with Ken has Ken looking nearly incompetent. Things like that have me thinking "Hey, the show's called Gatchaman, not 'Red Impulse'

Episode #11 in particular emphasized the "showy" side of Red Impulse, an intentional emphasis to be sure. Even though it was the fourth time the character had been in the series, that episode was designed as more-or-less a second introduction for Red Impulse, as well as being the first time we see him outside of his jet. A lot of the "Ain't Red Impulse so cool" stuff reminded me of how Racer X was in his first "Speed Racer" appearance (In "Challenge of the Masked Racer," in case you cared to look it up), so it probably bothered me less than it might have otherwise. I am curious, though, is it only over the top when Red Impulse twirls his gun, or is it also over the top when Ken twirls his Boomerang or Joe twirls his Air Gun?

For episode 40, I thought Jinpei had brought up the fact that Jun was wearing the suit earlier.. so maybe that's why Nambu didn't bring it up and suggested burning the field.

Jinpei did mention this in episode #39, before they decided to burn the field of Jigokillers. It isn't until episode #40 that Nambu brings up that Jun should still be alive if she was wearing the capsule. James

Originally posted by tatsunokofan I am curious, though, is it only over the top when Red Impulse twirls his gun, or is it also over the top when Ken twirls his Boomerang or Joe twirls his Air Gun?

Good point, but Ken and Joe are teenagers!

I laughed the first time I saw Red Impulse twirl that gun, because my immediate thought was, "Like father, like son!"