Gatchaman Episode 67 – Mortal Blow! Gatchaman Fire

I want to apologize for the quality of the screenshots in this episode review. The footage seems to be very dark in spots, even on the ADV disc. I’m guessing the original film was damaged.

Thanks also to Sosai Tim for creating the large images from some of the ‘pans’ that appear in this episode.

*****

Gatchaman Episode 67 – Mortal Blow! Gatchaman Fire



Throughout the technological development of its civilization, humanity has been able to achieve great prosperity. But in exchange, it has produced pollution that has eaten away at the core of people’s hearts. And now humanity is on the verge of losing its longtime friends: the natural world, and all of its inhabitants.

Grim music plays as we see scenes of oil refineries and ocean drilling. Everything is grey and cloudy, emphasizing the ominous nature of this place. We see more factories, dark cities, and pollution pouring into the waterways.

In order to resurrect our dying world, scientist plan to develop non-polluting energy with resources like subterranean magma in the Earth’s mantle to bring back life all over the planet.

Now we see magma boiling and bubbling below the Earth’s crust.

To this end, the scientists have started a project. This project’s aim is to create a place where people can live truly peaceful lives. It’s called the Mantle Project.

And this is by far the most I’ve ever heard about the purpose of the Mantle Project. And we even get to see a diagram of how it’s supposed to work!



Now we are hearing soft, happy music, seeing people walking happily in a large park. But then we switch to a familiar building.

Here at the International Science Organization, scientists and engineers have been researching the project with tireless determination.

Now we see a snowcapped mountain. A snowstorm is brewing in the area. Berg Katse’s Devilstar ship is flying nearly. One of the jet planes shoots out, approaching the mountain.



It is piloted by Katse himself.



It seems Katse has come to this remote place to speak with Leader X. Hmmm… this is quite a hint as to X’s location, and the location of Galactor Headquarters.

“Berg Katse,” X asks his minion, “are you ready to launch the connecting Iron Beasts?”



“Yes, Sire. Things are going smoothly.” Katse assures the Leader.

“Good! Destroy the Mantle Project with the Jellyfish mechas, the scientific gems of Galactor.” X orders. But Katse doesn’t look too thrilled with this idea.



“Yes, Sire. Just one thing…” Katse hedges.

“What is it?” X asks impatiently.

“Wouldn’t it save us trouble if we waited for the Mantle Project to be completed first, and then conquer the world?” Katse asks. Hey, he’s not as dumb as he looks!

“What did you say?” X asks angrily, much to Katse’s shock.



“In other words, Galactor can steal the entire Mantle Project once it’s completed.” Katse explains.

“Enough! We can survive even in the worst pollution.” X lashes back. “We’ve no need for it!”

“Yes, but Sire…”

“Silence!”

X is clearly angry that Katse has brought this up, and just as clearly, Katse is confused as to why this angers X. Hmmm… could it be that they are operating with two very different agendas? Dun dun dun…

“It would appear that you still don’t understand the scope of my plan!” X shouts. “But eventually the day will come when your measly intellect will comprehend my brilliance, and you will see the sheer genius of it all! And on that day, Katse…” X’s eyes narrow and turn red.



“Is that the day I will…?” Katse gulps nervously. “The final curtain?”

“Don’t be ridiculous!” X snaps. “On that day we successfully conquer the world, I shall grant you the name, Leader Z.” Hmmm… Z for Zoltar?

As X speaks, we see through his eyes, looking at Katse.



Hmmm… I don’t think I want those ‘X-Glasses’ for Christmas.

“Leader Z? That’s kind of catchy!” Katse says excitedly. He leaves X’s Audience Chamber, and just beyond the exit door is his waiting Devilstar plane.

“Leader Z!” he laughs evilly to himself. “Ooh! I get to become a Leader! Sweet success!”



The Devilstar plane flies away from the snowy mountain, and we see back in X’s chamber.



“There’s only room for one Leader here.” X cackles nastily as he reappears on his fiery screen. “Z is my code for ‘murder’.” So now we see that X is not only the true Leader of Galactor, but also that his plans are far more sinister than even Katse knows. Katse truly is a puppet for X’s ambitions, then.

But of course, Katse doesn’t know this. We cut to a scene of a peaceful city, but a strange ship emerges from the cloudy skies above. It is a sphere surrounded by a ring, and tentacles hang off of the ring.

“What the hell is that?” asks a city guard, as he sees it approach.



The mecha emits a beam from the bottom of the sphere, and… you guessed it… the beam destroys everything in its path.



And now we cut to slow, lazy music, accompanied by the drone of the civilian G-1’s propeller. It looks like it’s coming in for a landing on an island runway.

Or perhaps not. Many people line the runway, and the G-1 only swoops overhead as its pilot looks down.



“I’ll bet these folks have really been looking forward to getting their air delivery!” Ken says to himself, grabbing a bag at his side.



But even as he prepares to make the drop, his bracelet beeps and lights up.

“G1, come in!” says Nambu’s voice.

“This is G1 here. Go ahead, Doc!”



“This is an emergency call. All members of the Science Ninja Team are to rendezvous and stand by at Point Double-O Six!” Nambu instructs. .006? Is that next to the James Bond honorary .007?

“Roger!” Ken replies, before swooping his plane down near the ground. The people nearby wave and smile. Ken smiles back as he opens his cockpit cover. Then he tosses out the bag of mail.

“Here you go!” he shouts.



“Hey, thanks!” one man shouts, even as the bag hits him in the head. “Wow! Do you really have to be so rough, man?”

But the G-1 has already flown off, and we have reverted to stock footage (yep, from episode 1) of Ken transforming into Birdstyle in his plane. This is cut short, and we instead segue into more stock footage of the G-1 docking with the God Phoenix.

Ken enters the Bridge.

“What took you Big Bro?” Jinpei asks. “You’re ten minutes late!”



“Come on! Cut me some slack!” Ken protests. “I was working my part-time delivery job.”



“So you’ve got the green, then!” Jinpei smirks.



“What do you mean?” Ken asks suspiciously.

“You can pay your bar tab at Jun’s Joint!” Jinpei explains.



But Ken’s only response is a casual whistle.



“What did you say?” he mumbles between whistles. He approaches the front of the Bridge.

“That cheapskate’s changing the subject!” Jinpei says angrily.



“Jinpei!” Jun warns him.

“Well, I guess we’d better contact Dr. Nambu!” Ken says casually.

“Hah! He got you that time!” Ryu remarks, not letting Ken get away with his dodge so easily. Dr. Nambu’s image appears on the communications monitor.

“Members of the Science Ninja Team,” Nambu begins, “the pollution-free city being constructed under the Mantle Project has been destroyed by Galactor! Also, Galactor rockets are headed for the Goli Desert, which we believe is the next target.”

“The Goli Desert?” Ken repeats.



“Correct.” Nambu confirms. “The ISO is building a large dam in the middle of the Goli Desert, designed to turn salt water brought in from the sea into fresh water. We believe that this is what Galactor wants. The dam can transform vast deserts into habitable greenery. It’s one of the most vital facilities in the world. If the facility is destroyed, it could terminate the project. Do your very best for us, Science Ninja Team!”

As Nambu speaks, we see images of the dam, which looks like a refinery situated among green grasslands.

“Joe, go on and focus the radar on the Goli Desert.” Ken orders. Unfortunately, Joe seems to be taking a nap right now.

__________________

When we return, we literally see the God Phoenix crashing and burning.



“Ryu! Reverse the thrusters and try to make a soft landing!” Ken orders from his G-1. “At this rate we’ll be blown to pieces!”



“I know… but the controller won’t move!” Ryu reports.



The Firebird goes away, but the ship is still exploding. Ryu pulls on the controller with all of his might.



And the burning God Phoenix lands!

“Everyone, get out before you get caught up in the blast!” Ken shouts, already halfway out of his G-1.



And everyone evacuates.





Jun needs help from a heroic Ryu.



“Are you okay, Jun?” Ryu asks her.

The Team huddles behind a sand dune from a distance and watches the God Phoenix explode.



“The fuel tank must have caught fire or something.” Ryu mutters.



“Damn it! So much for our invincible God Phoenix!” Joe curses.



A strange purple swirl explodes, and the resulting wind blasts sand into the faces of the Science Ninja Team.



When it clears, Ken gasps in shock!



“No! The God Phoenix! Our God Phoenix is just burning away!” And he screams like Tarzan.



Nope, I’m not kidding. In the ADV dub, he sounds just like Tarzan.

We cut back to the Crescent Coral Base, and Ken is pounding the wall in frustration, as a fish looks on curiously.



“We lost… we really lost…” Ken moans. I guess he’s wondering what happened to that ‘heroes always win’ clause in his contract.



“That’s why I told you we couldn’t keep fighting with just Bird Missiles and the Firebird.” Joe says, punching his fist into his other hand.



“Doctor!” Ken screams. But he’s shocked when Nambu actually answers him.



“Ken, you are not the only ones who are in this fight against Galactor.” Nambu tells him, moving over and opening a panel on the wall. “Take a look at this.”

Wow, they’re building a new God Phoenix!



“All the engineers and workers out there are giving it their all to resurrect the God Phoenix.” Nambu tells the Team.

“Can they really rebuild her, Dr. Nambu?” Jun asks.



“I don’t know how long it will take.” the Doctor admits. “But we will work around the clock at full capacity to make it happen.”

“Galactor won’t just sit around and wait for us!” Joe points out.



“I know that!” Nambu snaps. “But UN Forces are supposed to protect the facilities while the Team is inoperative.” Yeah, because those UN Forces have always been so effective before.

Sure enough, we see UN tanks protecting a facility as the separated Galactor tentacle mecha approaches. UN Planes approach as well.

The narrator explains that UN Forces are trying to protect the ISO’s facilities while the Science Ninja Team’s operations are suspended. But they are no match for Galactor’s Jellyfish mechas! Sure enough, we see the tanks and planes being easily destroyed.

And in the meantime, the Team is hanging out at the Snack J.



“How can you work at a time like this?” Joe asks Jinpei.



“It helps me.” Jinpei says sharply, his face glum.

“Just to let you know, I don’t have any money.” Ken says as Jinpei places a drink in front of him.

“Yeah, I know. It’s on me tonight, okay?” Jinpei replies sadly.



“Whoa! Check it out! Galactor again!” Yes, there are other patrons inside of the Snack, and they’re reading the news paper.

“They destroyed the longest channel bridge in history like it was nothing!” the patron exclaims angrily to his friend. Ken listens grimly to their conversation.



“What the hell’s the Science Ninja Team doing?” the friend asks.

“Sitting around on their butts?” the first patron asks, and both men laugh.



Jinpei frowns, and turns on the tap beneath the sink, splashing water into the faces of the two men.



“What in the hell did you do that for?” One of the men shouts at Jinpei.

“Sorry about that. My hand just slipped.” Jinpei smiles.

“Oh, so is spraying water on your customers a special on your menu today?” the man asks angrily, standing up in a threatening manner. Of course, he doesn’t realize who is listening next to him.



“What kind of dump is this, huh?” the man goes on as Joe stands up.

“Let’s split, Ken.” Joe says, stamping on the man’s foot. He isn’t very happy about this.



The man moves to punch Joe, but Joe dodges and smacks him on the butt instead.



The man falls and climbs up to the bar, reaching for a drink… Ken’s drink. Ken smashes the drink onto the man’s hand.



“C’mon!” says another patron. “Let’s wipe the floor with them!” A number of other men join him.



However Ryu sticks out his leg and trips them all.



“Bad trip or something?” Ryu asks casually, moving to join his teammates.



The next thing we know, the door to the J is opening, and Ken, Joe and Ryu are leaving.

“Tough crowd.” Ken laughs.



And inside, Jun is playing guitar softly in the middle of her ruined bar.



But now, the new God Phoenix (no, not the New God Phoenix Gatcharooster, but the original beautiful God Phoenix rebuilt) is ready!



“Far out!” Jinpei says. “The God Phoenix is totally resurrected!”

“All of the G-Machines are now equipped with weapons.” Nambu informs the Team.



“Really? Weapons, huh?” Ken asks.



“That’s right. However, they’re for self-defense purposes only.” Nambu says sternly “Not for killing.”

Yeah. Riiiiiiight…..

“Understood.” Ken agrees.

“Right then. Let me give you a rundown.” the Doctor says.

But even as that’s happening, the Jellyfish mecha is attacking the area around the ISO building! Its lasers and beams are destroying the city.

“The ISO, you say?” Nambu says, receiving the news on his big phone. “Yes, I understand!”

“Those Galactor terror-mongers have struck again!” he tells the waiting Team. “The ISO Headquarters is being attacked as we speak!”



“Science Ninja Team, prepare to re-launch the God Phoenix!” Nambu orders.

Meanwhile, onboard the Jellyfish mecha, Berg Katse is gloating.

“The day has finally come to destroy the ISO, but first we’ll steal the data on the facilities and locations of the Mantle Project.” Katse says. “Without the Science Ninja Team, we’re unstoppable!”

“Lord Katse, the God Phoenix has been sighted.” a goon reports.

“What?” Katse screams.

Sure enough, we get a couple of ‘money’ shots of the God Phoenix arriving on the scene.



“Gatchaman! You survived the explosion?” Katse is astounded.

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BOTP Episode 10 – Raid of the Space Octopus

“10-4! Big Twinkle!” Zark greets us. “I copy! Pick up some motion lotion and do it for Home 20! Cut some Zs on the backstroke! We gone!” Yuck. Maybe Zark thinks he’s a CBing trucker?

Zark turns and breaks the fourth wall as he is startled to see the viewers there.



“Oh! I was just rapping with a robot pilot on his way to the big dipper.” Zark explains. “We do that to pass time when there’s nothing much happening out in space. You know, just small talk, like, ‘What do you hear from the computers over on Sagittarius?’ or ‘Met any neat new robots on Corona Borealis lately?’” Okay, that’s TMI, Zark.

“Most of the time I’m too busy to chit chat.” Zark tries to reclaim his dignity. Too late, Zark, it was gone with the fist BOTP episode I saw.



“I’m the eyes that never close for G-Force,” Zark says proudly, “keeping watch throughout the galaxy for any sign of alien space invaders! Right now it’s time for me to check things here on Earth.”

“Everything seems to be in good order.” he tells us.

And now we see factories and plants under a grey, polluted sky.

“Our vast energy plants and supply areas are working smoothly.” Zark voices over. “But we mustn’t let that lull us into a false sense of security! There are forces outside our galaxy whose own planetary resources are almost gone. We’ve dug deep to discover new resources, even tapping molten areas below the Earth’s crust!” We see shots of bubbling magma accompanying these words.

“Here on Earth, all seems normal and peaceful.” Zark goes on, as we see shots of birds flying and people walking through a large park. “Our scientists in Earth’s special laboratories are constantly seeking new ways to stretch our own resources.”

“So far, G-Force has managed to repel all attacks.” Zark assures us, lest you are worrying about the safety of the Earth and its resources. “But I’m certain Planet Spectra will pay us another visit soon!”

Yeah, like, in a couple of minutes? Maybe even sooner!

And sure enough, we see Zoltar speaking with the Luminous One.

“Our galaxy is doomed, Zoltar, unless we have Earth as a supply base.” the Luminous One declares.

“I understand, Great Spirit!” Zoltar replies, bowing.

“Do you?” the Luminous One questions. “I have sent you down there many times before, and you have always returned empty-handed!”

“Not this time!” Zoltar says, but his expression isn’t too confident.

“Zoltar!” the Great Spirit shouts.

“I swear by the dual red suns that shine above Spectra, Earth shall be conquered!” Zoltar promises.

“How?” the Luminous One wants to know.

“By a magnificent new giant robot machine, that is operated electrically, under my control!” Zoltar answers.

“In that case, Zoltar, any mistakes will be yours alone!” the Great Spirit reminds him.

“I am ready, oh Luminous One.” Zoltar bows his head.

“Your new base is in a remote area of the Arctic.” The Great Spirit informs Zoltar. “The polar magnetic currents there will disrupt enemy scanner probes. Strike at Earth’s power centers! Without their ability to produce Vita Lumis, the Intergalactic Federation will crumble!” The Blue Chicken’s eyes turn red as he says these last few words.

“Earth shall be destroyed!” Zoltar vows. “This I promise you, Great Light of Wisdom.” Um, wait… that wasn’t what the Great Spirit wanted…

“I have heard your boastful words and your glowing promises before, Zoltar!” the Luminous One recalls. “I warn you!”

“I promise! I shall return victorious!” Zoltar says in a soft voice.

Now we see Zoltar’s Devilstar ship hovering over a cold snowy area… the Arctic base?

“This is one time I must not fail the Luminous One!” Zoltar says to himself, from inside his ship.

Back on Spectra, we see the flaming viewscreen of the Great Spirit, but the Blue Chicken is not there. But apparently he’s communicating with Zoltar.

“The guardians of Earth seem unprepared, Zoltar!” the Great Spirit says as he appears. Ooh, is this a burn on Zark, the ‘Guardian of Center Neptune’?

“Your approach is good, and you may have succeeded in launching a surprise attack!” the Luminous One tells his servant.

And now we see space. Or at least, space as the Sandy Frank animators imagined it. A white dot of a ship is passing through that space… could it be Zoltar, headed for Earth? I guess he wasn’t at that Arctic base yet, after all?

I have to say, it’s very strange to be watching this footage with music only, and without all of Zark’s usual voiceover blather. A little more ominous and spooky… which is, of course, the mood the episode is going for. It works well.

Of course, it can’t last. As we see Earth approaching, Zark comes on to talk to us.

“I’m right!” Zark declares. “Interplanetary Patrol advises that an unidentified alien object has just entered our universe! And it’s orbiting toward Earth!”

Um, how can you ‘orbit toward Earth’? It doesn’t make sense to me, but hey, I listened to it three times, and I’m pretty sure that’s what he said.

The Devilstar ship is in a snowstorm again, but this time it really is on Earth at the Spectran Arctic base. One of the jets comes off of the Devilstar and Zoltar pilots it into a mountain, which presumably is the secret entrance to the secret base.

“My receptors advise me that the alien invader is definitely from Spectra.” Zark informs us as we see shots panning over a city. “And that means trouble! I evacuated the area and alerted all defense units, but I can’t seem to locate Mark, the Commander of G-Force!”

So… how did Zark know which area to evacuate? This city looks like it’s nowhere near the Arctic. But sure enough, there’s a spherical tentacle spaceship flying through the clouds above. It emits a beam and begins destroying the city! Good thing all of those people were evacuated.

“Center Neptune, calling all members of G-Force!” we hear Zark say, as we now see Mark’s detransmuted plane flying over some islands. “Red alert! This is 7-Zark-7 calling G-Force! Emergency!”

Despite Zark getting his panties in a twist, the background music is calm and peaceful.

“Mark, do you read me?” Zark asks urgently. Gee, if I were flying my plane peacefully, I’d want to ignore that annoying robot too. However, Mark is nobler than I am.

“Ears on, Zark!” Mark says, responding to the call. “I read!”

“All G-Force units scramble, Commander!” Zark orders Mark. “Assemble on command ship at once! Spectra invaders have attacked power centers!”

And Mark zooms down, and then flies away. He transmutes in midair and joins up with the Phoenix. There’s a really bad segue here from slow, deep, ominous BOTP music to the upbeat Gatchaman trumpet music of the G-1 docking.

“About time!” Keyop burbles, as Mark appears on the Phoenix Bridge.

“Sorry, I was taking a little pleasure cruise over the islands.” Mark explains. “Zark says it’s Spectra again. What’s the word from Security?”

“Anderson’s just coming on the monitor now!” Tiny says. And sure enough, there he is.

“As you know, Spectra has launched a new attack against Earth.” the Chief states. “Their objective this time appears to be Earth’s power plants, especially those supplying energy to our Vita Lumis laboratories.”

“What are the enemy coordinates?” Mark asks.

“106 by 34 degrees east.” Anderson replies. “The Space Octopus is moving north at approximately 350 knots. It appears headed for Energy Complex AB-2.”

Sure enough, we see footage of a large power plant on a river.

“Your orders, based on our latest readings, are for you to proceed to battle stations.” Anderson tells Mark. So, how do they proceed to battle stations? Aren’t they already at their battle stations? I guess this is Anderson’s way of telling the Team to be prepared for a fight?

“Zark will give you the computer support needed to achieve your objectives.” Anderson concludes before disappearing.

“What’s our present course, Navigator?” Mark asks Jason. But Jason appears to be sleeping on the job.

“Jason! Get with it!” Mark shouts. “Energy Complex ABZ! Go!” Well, it was actually Energy complex AB-2, but we won’t let a small thing like that stop us, now will we?

“Phoenix flight path locked in.” Jason says. “Activate ANL! Get a reading on that Space Lobster!”

“I think Chief Anderson said it was a Space Octopus!” Princess corrects him.

“All seafood turns me off.” Jason scowls.

“I wish you’d stop! You’re making me hungry!” Tiny complains.

“You can all stop.” Mark says sharply. “We’re approaching attack area. Check thermodyne booster!”

The Space Octopus approaches the energy plant. There is a dam there, and the Octopus uses its beam attack to destroy the dam. There’s a bad cut, made more obvious by the music cut that accompanies it, and suddenly the Phoenix is there!

“Target ahead! Ready to intercept!” Mark calls.

“Rocket missile pod ready, but energy shield controls are jammed!” replies Princess.

“The Spectra ship is blocking our control units!” Mark deduces.

“Backup system’s fouled!” Princess reports, as Tiny maneuvers the Phoenix around the Space Octopus.

“Keep working on it, Princess.” Mark advises. “Jason?”

“We can try the rocket pod!” Jason suggests. We see a hatch on the Phoenix open, and the ‘rocket pods’ are visible below.

“G-Force is having trouble on their command ship!” Zoltar says gleefully from his Octopus. “Now is the time to strike with all our power! Annihilate them!”

“Hang tight! I think we’ve got a big problem.” Mark tells everyone.

“I know!” says Tiny, as the Space Octopus grows bigger on the viewscreen.

“Had it!” Keyop burbles.

Wow, I’ve never seen the G-Force Team so pessimistic before! What’s going on?

The Space Octopus separates into smaller units before their eyes.

“Too many!” Keyop broops.

__________________

“I want that one with the 6 bow legs!” Jason chortles, as he drives up to meet another robot octopus. His car opens up to reveal a Gatling gun, which fires and destroys the ship.

“Okay, octopi, in your eye!” Princess smiles, as she opens up her bike to reveal a rocket launcher. She easily takes out another robot ship. The recoil sends her bike backing into a cliff.

“My turn!” Keyop burbles, letting a bomb drop from his Space Buggy. It hits a ship and explodes.

“Zoltar’s command ship is the only one left!” Mark tells the others.

“G-Force is gaining!” Zoltar tells his men. “Increase power! Full jets!”

And sure enough, G-Force is all back onboard the Phoenix now, and staring at the main Bridge viewscreen.

“Rocket bay open, ready for launch!” Mark announces.

“I’ve been waiting for this one a long time!” Tiny says, pressing an ominous red button in front of him.

“How will I ever be able to explain this inglorious defeat to the Luminous One?” Zoltar worries, as he sees what’s about to happen. “But now, an expedient retreat is called for.” He presses a button and escapes on his chair just as Tiny launches missiles from the Phoenix. There’s no sign of the soldiers on Zoltar’s ship escaping. Oh, the horror!

Or maybe not. A ship appears from amongst the wreckage and flies off. This is from a different Gatchaman episode as well, but I’m not sure which one.



“They’ve had their little triumph, but one battle does not win the war!” Zoltar shouts, pounding his control panel.



“I shall return, more determined than ever!” he vows.



Back onboard the Phoenix…

“Sky looks kind of peaceful all of a sudden.” Mark notes.

“Yeah, but it won’t last. They’ll be back.” Jason sighs.

“Poor old Zoltar.” Tiny empathizes.

“Poor you!” Keyop broops and burbles.

“I just meant that it’s going to be kind of dull around here.” Tiny backtracks. “Hey, I’m hungry! Anybody for Spaceburgers?”

“Tiny, I’ve never seen anyone except you who can do a dangerous job, finish it, and start eating.” Mark says, his expression serious.

“Nothing could ever kill his appetite.” Jason chuckles.

“All I want to say is that each of you did your job in top fashion.” Mark commends his Team. “Headquarters can be proud of you. I am. You’ve never failed in your responsibilities.”

“Well,” Zark comes in on voiceover, “it won’t be dull. My acute sensors show that Zoltar and his crew managed to escape safely again! And he’ll be back, more determined than ever!”

But for now, the Phoenix is flying off into the sunset to the sounds of happy shupa trumpet music.

Unfortunately we can’t end the show there. We go back to Zark at Center Neptune.

“Now that G-Force has the new Phoenix and all the exciting private vehicles I created for them, I wonder how long it will be before they invite me to join them on one of their missions to Mars, or someplace.” Zark wonders. Sheesh! From this you’d think that the private vehicles were brand new! But since they appeared n the very first episode of BOTP, we know they’re not.

“Of course, I don’t have a winged cape like theirs, and I can’t fly.” Zark says. Remember this is an early BOTP episode, before he got his little cape that allows him to fly across the room.

“And I don’t have a sonic boomerang like Mark’s, or an electronic bolo like Princess and Keyop.” Wait, when did Princess get bolos?

“And I’m not as strong as Tiny or as daring as Jason.” Yep, we get it Zark. You suck. Finally you get something right!

“Let’s face it. I’d really be a drag in outer space, wouldn’t I?” he says.



Yep, Zark, we all agree.

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Great job of summarising my favourite episode, TJ!

I have to totally agree - the old GodPhoenix was so much more beautiful than any of the ones that came after it..

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Exaggeration misleads the credulous and offends the perceptive. ~Eliza Cook

Thanks again for another great recap, TJ, and also for the Gatchafunnies! As LB said, I like this episode also for its sense of continuity and the different aspects attributed to the characters' attitude. And, Green, you're right! The GodPhoenix is just uncomparable, though I cannot deny that I also liked the modern and sophisticated look of the Gatchaspartan in Gatch F, and the way in which all five vehicles united to form it instead of just docking in a larger vehicle.

Poor Jun must have been left with a much smaller clientele than the usual after that episode! And I bet Santa Claus would like the Eagle's contribution as a helper due to the haste in which he delivers parcels!

quote:

Originally posted by Transmute Jun Yeah, yeah, we all know that Zark is f---‘ing awesome.

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To be or not to be a gatchamaniac - that's the dilemma!

The funny thing is, this is the biggest crowd I ever recall seeing at the Snack J... with the possible exception of the episode where there's a blackout and Jinpei and Jun are on the dance floor. I'll have to check when the Dave the Hippie episode comes up... there might be more customers then. But in any case, I think you'd all agree that it was a big crowd for the Snack!

Yes, this is certainly a historic episode, and it comes on Disc 12, in Volume 6, which is one of the hard-to-find box sets. I'm wondering if this episode is the reason why. It's certainly memorable for the God Phoenix being destroyed. Add the Snack J being destroyed, and the new weapons on the individual mecha, and it ranks right up there with the three 2-part episodes, the 3 RI-is-Ken's-father-but-dies episodes, and the last 5 episodes of the series as a major episode and turning point of the series.

And let's not forget the Owl's hero moment, where he rescues the Swan!

I know that for myself, I found that the episodes after this point were far more interesting plot-wise, and showed a lot of creativity of the writing staff. Not to say that the episodes before were bad, but after this point you can see that the creators of this show were 'in the groove', and had long since moved past the formulaic 'mecha of the week, let's destroy it' theme.

It's interesting that BOTP used this episode, even having to cut so much out (to the point of having to add in footage from other episodes instead of just Zark and G-Force Ready Room). But it still makes an impact, and I vividly recall watching the Phoenix get destroyed as a kid and holding my breath to see if everyone would make it out alive.

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I've been working on BotP reviews, and the Ready Room hasn't appeared yet.

A lot of the mysteries of the series are cleared up when you consider the original series planning. The SNT were supposed to find the base, while the Red Impulse squad did the actual ass-kicking. To me, this accounts for the lack of weapons in their vehicles: they weren't supposed to engage Galactor unless they had to, and that meant aboard the GP. That they might need vehicle-mounted weapons at other times was just not in the plan.

Leader X is a computer program created by Berg Katse. That explains why Galactor steals weapons and technology. Surely, Leader X's species already has workable solar power -- unless they never had to develop it. An ET would bring its own technology with it. (Although we can come up with reasons why extraterrestrial technology might not be workable on Earth.) This episode is the first plain evidence that X and BK are working from different scripts. We can imagine the surprise for the viewers if the original idea had continued. Then the attentive ones could think back and say, 'They dropped all sorts of hints, didn't they?'

Berg Katse is a woman disguised as a man. Yeah, being unmasked would be a disaster after years (decades) of trickery.

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Benefits, not features; benefits, not features

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"When I'm old, I don't want them to say of me, "She's so charming." I want them to say, "Be careful, I think she's armed." -G. Stoddart

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