Crossing the Andromeda
The EDF command is watching the Argo's escape. Meanwhile, citizens in the city see the light from the exploding battle satellite. Venture's little brother sits atop a crane and daydreams about his brother Mark.
Eager sees no sign of pursuit as Venture announces they're passing the moon surface station. Fighters from the moon station approach the Argo. Wildstar orders all hands to battle stations. The gunners track the fighters as they make a pass. The fighters come back around, and the lead fighter waggles his wings. Wildstar gasps as he realizes who it is. Conroy announces that the Black Tiger Squadron and the Moon forces request permission to join the Star Force. As the pilots land in the hangar, Wildstar greets them personally.
The Andromeda, with Gideon in command, closes in on the Argo. His first officer apprises him of the situation with the moon base flyers, and Gideon says his orders are to stop the Argo no matter the cost.
The crew is having a mixer on the rec deck, and Sane's cat M-mi livens up the enterprise. Wildstar chases the cat down the corridor, and finds Nova has stowed aboard. Wildstar urges her to leave, because she ignored regulations--but Dr. Sane points out that he's broken rules himself, even with a good reason. Um, then Nova starts to undress--OH, she's getting into a spacesuit. Wildstar relents and orders her to resume her duties as part of the Star Force. He says that asking her to rejoin was too much to ask of her, but she says she is a member of the Star Force as much as anyone else. Then they embrace.
The Andromeda gets one of Argo's beauty shots as it closes in. Gideon orders his crew to intercept the Argo just before it enters the asterod belt.
Conroy opens a portal to bid farewell to the Earth--and sees the Andromeda closing in on the Argo's radar blindspot. All hands rush to their battle stations again. Eager updates Wildstar and Venture on the Andromeda's approach when Nova arrives on the bridge. The rest of the crew celebrates her arrival. Gideon sends a message for the Star Force to surrender. Wildstar refuses to answer. Sandor suggests they hide in the asteroid belt. Gideon is determined to pursue them.
Venture pilots the Argo through the tight quarters of the asteroid belt. The Andromeda tries to keep up, but the asteroids are giving them difficulties. Nova leads Venture through a narrow canyon on a large asteroid. Orion says he's getting too old for this shit. The Andromeda can follow them no longer; Gideon orders his crew to circumvent the belt and catch the Argo when it emerges.
The rest of the crew celebrates when they lose sight of the Andromeda, but Wildstar isn't so sure.
The Argo emerges from the asteroid belt in sight of Jupiter's orbit. Nova picks up the Andromeda again. The Andromeda closes in very slowly. Sandor suggests Wildstar talk to Gideon; Venture concurs. Homer opens a channel. Gideon orders him to return. Wildstar tries to reason with him. Gideon insists the Star Force has no authority to investigate the message. Gideon apologizes, but he must follow his orders. The Argo crew prepares for battle.
The Andromeda's computer trains its cannon batteries on the Argo. Wildstar aims the Argo's main shock cannons and prepares to fire. The range between the two ships closes. The crews wait tensely. Gideon is surprised that Wildstar seems to really mean it. The turrets track the Argo as it glides just over the bow of the Andromeda. Gideon's XO orders the turrets to realign behind them, but Gideon orders them to stand down and hopes Avatar has taught them well. Gideon tells the EDF he was unable to locate the Argo, and gives the Argo his regards and tells them he respects their courage. The crew celebrates throughout the ship and salutes the Andromeda from the observation deck. Gideon surmises that Wildstar will make a great captain. And it would have been awesome if he had added "In whatever navy you end up serving."
The Comet Empire tracks the Argo as it passes Jupiter. They decide to leave the Argo to its own devices. Then Desslok calls them and scolds them for discounting the Star Force. The Comet Empire leaders are scornful of the Star Force and Desslok's obsession with them.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Battle Satellite
Battle Satellite
Oh, so the planet has been called Telezart all along. Wow. I never thought I'd be so dependent on subtitles.
The Earth Defense Force are notified of the mass desertion of the ex-Star Force Members. They monitor the crew of the Argo remanning the Argo. They decide it's mutiny, and order the Star Force to return to their assigned posts. BTW, the Star Force are back in their first season uniforms.
On the Argo's bridge, Wildstar appeals to the memory of Avatar. Orion isn't ready to take off, but Wildstar orders them to launch anyway. Wildstar and Sandor discuss the impending retaliation from EDHQ. Then Homer reports that they're calling for Wildstar right now. They put the commander of the EDF on-screen, who orders them to return to their posts. Wildstar refuses. General Stone initially gave them thirty minutes to decide, but then wants to override the locks that allow them to launch.
Mark Venture is at home, still brooding, when Jordy comes home. Venture leaves for a walk rather than play ball with Jordy. Venture calls Dr. Sane. Whatever Venture says causes Sane to freak out. He takes the cat and starts to leave, but Nova knows what's happening, and insists on going. Even though SHE'S JUST A GIRL. BLEAUGH.
Wildstar addresses the crew and reminds them that they are all volunteers and if they decide to stay on Earth, it's their decision. Sandor tells him that Venture hasn't arrived. Wildstar decides they have no choice but to leave without them. General Stone tries to prevent them from launching rather than reasoning with them. Eager and Dash are concerned that the locks are closing, but Wildstar is unworried.
Venture, Sane and Nova meet at Avatar's statue/ Venture voices his doubts. Sane, his cat, and Nova are going despite the risks.
The Argo is preparing to launch. Wildstar is in the pilot's seat when IQ 9 tells him Venture asn't arrived. He orders the gangway retracted. Orion releases water into the launching dock. The EDF commander calls him again, and warns him that they'll be mutineers. Wildstar reaffirms their commitment to leave. The Argo is fully submerged, and Wildstar orders the launch. Then, a hand closes over Wildstar's on the flight controls. It's Venture. Venture increases engine power and they take off.
General Stone orders missiles fired, though the commander argues they only want to prevent them from launching, not destroy them. Unfused missiles are launched. Eager warns them, and Wildstar has torpedoes launched to intercept them. One missile gets through and fastens to the Argo, followed by another. Sandor surmises they're only trying to weigh them down so they can't launch.
Orion activates the wave motion engine. Sandor asks Venture for maximum engine output to shake off the missiles. The ship surfaces and the manget missiles drop off. As the ship moves through the atmosphere, two fighters barnstorm them. One clips its wing on the Argo's conning tower.
General Stone decides they'lve let the Star Force get away with too much. He activates the battle satellites.
Eager picks up the satellite. Sandor advises Wildstar that it's gone active. Wildstar aims the shock cannons at the satellite as it charges up. It fires, and Venture evades the beam. IQ 9 says he helped design that satellite. Wildstar fires, destroying the satellite. The commander tells General Stone to let the Star Force get away. General Stone orders Gideon to take the Andromeda after the Argo. The EDF commander, privately, says to himself that the Star Force has his blessing in their mission.
The Comet Empire's generals are apprised of the launch of the Star Force. Zordar orders them to stay on plan.
The Argo is now space-bound, and Venture hopes they're doing the right thing.
Oh, so the planet has been called Telezart all along. Wow. I never thought I'd be so dependent on subtitles.
The Earth Defense Force are notified of the mass desertion of the ex-Star Force Members. They monitor the crew of the Argo remanning the Argo. They decide it's mutiny, and order the Star Force to return to their assigned posts. BTW, the Star Force are back in their first season uniforms.
On the Argo's bridge, Wildstar appeals to the memory of Avatar. Orion isn't ready to take off, but Wildstar orders them to launch anyway. Wildstar and Sandor discuss the impending retaliation from EDHQ. Then Homer reports that they're calling for Wildstar right now. They put the commander of the EDF on-screen, who orders them to return to their posts. Wildstar refuses. General Stone initially gave them thirty minutes to decide, but then wants to override the locks that allow them to launch.
Mark Venture is at home, still brooding, when Jordy comes home. Venture leaves for a walk rather than play ball with Jordy. Venture calls Dr. Sane. Whatever Venture says causes Sane to freak out. He takes the cat and starts to leave, but Nova knows what's happening, and insists on going. Even though SHE'S JUST A GIRL. BLEAUGH.
Wildstar addresses the crew and reminds them that they are all volunteers and if they decide to stay on Earth, it's their decision. Sandor tells him that Venture hasn't arrived. Wildstar decides they have no choice but to leave without them. General Stone tries to prevent them from launching rather than reasoning with them. Eager and Dash are concerned that the locks are closing, but Wildstar is unworried.
Venture, Sane and Nova meet at Avatar's statue/ Venture voices his doubts. Sane, his cat, and Nova are going despite the risks.
The Argo is preparing to launch. Wildstar is in the pilot's seat when IQ 9 tells him Venture asn't arrived. He orders the gangway retracted. Orion releases water into the launching dock. The EDF commander calls him again, and warns him that they'll be mutineers. Wildstar reaffirms their commitment to leave. The Argo is fully submerged, and Wildstar orders the launch. Then, a hand closes over Wildstar's on the flight controls. It's Venture. Venture increases engine power and they take off.
General Stone orders missiles fired, though the commander argues they only want to prevent them from launching, not destroy them. Unfused missiles are launched. Eager warns them, and Wildstar has torpedoes launched to intercept them. One missile gets through and fastens to the Argo, followed by another. Sandor surmises they're only trying to weigh them down so they can't launch.
Orion activates the wave motion engine. Sandor asks Venture for maximum engine output to shake off the missiles. The ship surfaces and the manget missiles drop off. As the ship moves through the atmosphere, two fighters barnstorm them. One clips its wing on the Argo's conning tower.
General Stone decides they'lve let the Star Force get away with too much. He activates the battle satellites.
Eager picks up the satellite. Sandor advises Wildstar that it's gone active. Wildstar aims the shock cannons at the satellite as it charges up. It fires, and Venture evades the beam. IQ 9 says he helped design that satellite. Wildstar fires, destroying the satellite. The commander tells General Stone to let the Star Force get away. General Stone orders Gideon to take the Andromeda after the Argo. The EDF commander, privately, says to himself that the Star Force has his blessing in their mission.
The Comet Empire's generals are apprised of the launch of the Star Force. Zordar orders them to stay on plan.
The Argo is now space-bound, and Venture hopes they're doing the right thing.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Underground City
Just a quick note before I go on with today's episode: I've found Space Battleship Yamato--dubbed. So, I'm going to finish up with the second season of Starblazers, and then I'm going to do something a little weird and go back to all of the previous eps of Star Blazers and add my commentary on the SBY version of each episode. So I can go back to my initial plan of comparing the Japanese original to the "retooled for American consumption" version.
Now. . .
Underground City
The Andromeda triumphantly lifts off as a bunch of little kids watch. One of them reminds the others that the Star Force is stronger, having defeated Gamilon.
Wildstar is overseeing the repairs to the Argo when Venture and Nova arrive. Sandor calls Wildstar to the message decoding room. They have deciphered the message, and Nova realizes it originates from far in space. They listen to the garbled message. Ugh--that's gonna give me a headache. Wildstar says it sounds like someone in distress. Sandor is still analyzing the origin, and he and WIldstar speculate that the message could be garbled due to jamming. They try to convince the Earth Defense Force council that something is up. Um, the Council isn't swayed so easily.
Later, Sandor, Wildstar, and Venture discuss the goings on. Sandor mentions that the power disruption was due to the destruction of an energy base on Venus. Wildstar decides to take off--with the Star Force veterans--in the Argo. Venture doesn't want to be an outlaw, but Sandor decides to tell the Star Force.
Wildstar and Nova are out for a drive, and Nova notices Derek is brooding even more than usual. Derek tells her not to worry. She urges him not to keep secrets. They leave the road and head out on a blasted, un-reclaimed stretch of Earth, then take a massive elevator to an underground city, a relic from the battle with the Gamilons. They reminisce about the last series--for the sake of the viewers. Wildstar scoffs at the EDF's thinking--do they believe Earth can never face such danger again?
Nova knows why Derek brought her down to the city, and suspects that he's gonna go rogue with the Star Force and the Argo. Suddenly, she leaves for a moment. Derek is left standing by himself, flummoxed. Nova goes by herself to have a good cry--she can't bear to let Wildstar go, but she knows she can't ask him to stay.
Desslok is aboard his flagship as it enters the Magellanic cloud. He thinks back to the time the Star Force defeated him there. His entire remaining Gamilon fleet is meeting up with him here. The various commanders sign in and the fleets form up. Desslok addresses his troops and prepares them for the coming war. He orders all ships to advance to Telezar.
Wildstar surveys the Argo in the hangar and promises her that they'll take to the skies soon. In the deserted bridge, he is surprised when the ship's systems come to life. Sandor and Orion arrive, and Sandor tells him that Orion's placed his gear aboard and completed the repairs. Homer, Dash, and Eager join them on the bridge. But where's Venture?
Desslok's ships approach Telezar. He plans hi ambush against the Star force.
Meanwhile the Comet Empire's comet is destroying asteroids for fuel/ Zordar and Invidia are notified that Desslok has arrived at Telezar. Zordar then is apprised of the impending attack on the Earth's outer defenses. He orders the attack to commence. Crewmembers make the preparations for the comet to join the advance fleet.
The Star Force prepares for launch aboard the Argo.
Now. . .
Underground City
The Andromeda triumphantly lifts off as a bunch of little kids watch. One of them reminds the others that the Star Force is stronger, having defeated Gamilon.
Wildstar is overseeing the repairs to the Argo when Venture and Nova arrive. Sandor calls Wildstar to the message decoding room. They have deciphered the message, and Nova realizes it originates from far in space. They listen to the garbled message. Ugh--that's gonna give me a headache. Wildstar says it sounds like someone in distress. Sandor is still analyzing the origin, and he and WIldstar speculate that the message could be garbled due to jamming. They try to convince the Earth Defense Force council that something is up. Um, the Council isn't swayed so easily.
Later, Sandor, Wildstar, and Venture discuss the goings on. Sandor mentions that the power disruption was due to the destruction of an energy base on Venus. Wildstar decides to take off--with the Star Force veterans--in the Argo. Venture doesn't want to be an outlaw, but Sandor decides to tell the Star Force.
Wildstar and Nova are out for a drive, and Nova notices Derek is brooding even more than usual. Derek tells her not to worry. She urges him not to keep secrets. They leave the road and head out on a blasted, un-reclaimed stretch of Earth, then take a massive elevator to an underground city, a relic from the battle with the Gamilons. They reminisce about the last series--for the sake of the viewers. Wildstar scoffs at the EDF's thinking--do they believe Earth can never face such danger again?
Nova knows why Derek brought her down to the city, and suspects that he's gonna go rogue with the Star Force and the Argo. Suddenly, she leaves for a moment. Derek is left standing by himself, flummoxed. Nova goes by herself to have a good cry--she can't bear to let Wildstar go, but she knows she can't ask him to stay.
Desslok is aboard his flagship as it enters the Magellanic cloud. He thinks back to the time the Star Force defeated him there. His entire remaining Gamilon fleet is meeting up with him here. The various commanders sign in and the fleets form up. Desslok addresses his troops and prepares them for the coming war. He orders all ships to advance to Telezar.
Wildstar surveys the Argo in the hangar and promises her that they'll take to the skies soon. In the deserted bridge, he is surprised when the ship's systems come to life. Sandor and Orion arrive, and Sandor tells him that Orion's placed his gear aboard and completed the repairs. Homer, Dash, and Eager join them on the bridge. But where's Venture?
Desslok's ships approach Telezar. He plans hi ambush against the Star force.
Meanwhile the Comet Empire's comet is destroying asteroids for fuel/ Zordar and Invidia are notified that Desslok has arrived at Telezar. Zordar then is apprised of the impending attack on the Earth's outer defenses. He orders the attack to commence. Crewmembers make the preparations for the comet to join the advance fleet.
The Star Force prepares for launch aboard the Argo.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Blackout
Blackout
The crew of the Argo is disembarking, meeting with their families. Derek and Nova reunite, and Nove sees Derek's bandage, insisting that Dr. Zane look at it. Zane says "Is that it?!" Then IQ 9 shows up. Today happens to be a holiday in honor of Captain Avatar. Wow, I really miss Captain Avatar and we're only two episodes in.
Wildstar and Nova think about Earth's progress since they returned from Iscandar, and have dinner or something in a restaurant looking over the megalopolis.
Zane, meanwhile, is getting drunk--er, drinking SPRING WATER at Avatar's statue and reminiscing about the Iscandar mission. He also gets a cat drunk. Then the rest of the Argo crew, with Venture and Sandor, arrive and they have a reunion in honor of Avatar, administrated by Dr. Zane. The crew hang out in the park, drinking "spring water" and watchthe ship Andromeda return from her test run.
Wildstar approaches Zane and ask him if everything is all right on Earth--Wildstar has a feeling that something is about to happen to Earth. Wildstar tells them that they were attacked by unknown ships. Everyone reacts.
Later, Wildstar is walking alone in the Star Force drydock and sees the Andromeda. He's confronted by by guards, but identifies himself and requests to see the captain. Wildstar meets Captain Gideon, and realizes that he was his instructor in the academy. Then they space-lawyer each other over right-of-way, and Gideon is an asshole. And he dismisses Wildstar. Sandor and Wildstar leave together, and they discuss the improvements and refinements of the Andromeda vs. the Argo. The look at the new engines and weapons, and comment on how everything is automated. Neither Sandor and Wildstar approve of the reduction of the crew to automatons. Sandor says the higher-ups think the Argo's crew was merely along for the ride, but both he and Wildstar know that success was due to the people working together.
Sandor and Wildstar also discuss the mystery foe. The machines have been unable to analyze the transmission from the day before. In Sandor's . . . office? Station? They listen to the transmission, and then Sandor shows him some unidentified "comet" that is emitting a power ray that accounted for both Wildstar's and Sandor's system issues. Sandor supsects that it's something that merely looks like a comet.
Sandor and Wildstar begin refitting the Argo with new weapons, ships, and a time-radar. Orion is concerned with improving the wave motion gun. The higher-ups want everything on board the Argo to be centralized. Wildstar is upset. He's goes to argue with the commandant. It doesn't go very well.
Then the lights go out. EVERYWHERE. Civilians panic. The power outages spread, and cause chaos.
Dr. Zane, in the middle of an operation, uses a new robot's power cells to restore OR power. IQ 9 feels sad.
Wildstar, driving on the surface, sees and recognizes a Comet Empire ship.
The Comet reconnaissance commander reports to Zordar and Invidia, and shows them the chaos the power outage has caused. Desslok cautions them, and Invidia teases him. He leaves to head them off for when they decipher the garbled message. Invidia doesn't trust Desslok. That's okay, 'cuz ol' eyebrows Zardor has put a commander loyal to himself under Desslok.
Next episode, Desslok meets up with former Gamilon officers.
The crew of the Argo is disembarking, meeting with their families. Derek and Nova reunite, and Nove sees Derek's bandage, insisting that Dr. Zane look at it. Zane says "Is that it?!" Then IQ 9 shows up. Today happens to be a holiday in honor of Captain Avatar. Wow, I really miss Captain Avatar and we're only two episodes in.
Wildstar and Nova think about Earth's progress since they returned from Iscandar, and have dinner or something in a restaurant looking over the megalopolis.
Zane, meanwhile, is getting drunk--er, drinking SPRING WATER at Avatar's statue and reminiscing about the Iscandar mission. He also gets a cat drunk. Then the rest of the Argo crew, with Venture and Sandor, arrive and they have a reunion in honor of Avatar, administrated by Dr. Zane. The crew hang out in the park, drinking "spring water" and watchthe ship Andromeda return from her test run.
Wildstar approaches Zane and ask him if everything is all right on Earth--Wildstar has a feeling that something is about to happen to Earth. Wildstar tells them that they were attacked by unknown ships. Everyone reacts.
Later, Wildstar is walking alone in the Star Force drydock and sees the Andromeda. He's confronted by by guards, but identifies himself and requests to see the captain. Wildstar meets Captain Gideon, and realizes that he was his instructor in the academy. Then they space-lawyer each other over right-of-way, and Gideon is an asshole. And he dismisses Wildstar. Sandor and Wildstar leave together, and they discuss the improvements and refinements of the Andromeda vs. the Argo. The look at the new engines and weapons, and comment on how everything is automated. Neither Sandor and Wildstar approve of the reduction of the crew to automatons. Sandor says the higher-ups think the Argo's crew was merely along for the ride, but both he and Wildstar know that success was due to the people working together.
Sandor and Wildstar also discuss the mystery foe. The machines have been unable to analyze the transmission from the day before. In Sandor's . . . office? Station? They listen to the transmission, and then Sandor shows him some unidentified "comet" that is emitting a power ray that accounted for both Wildstar's and Sandor's system issues. Sandor supsects that it's something that merely looks like a comet.
Sandor and Wildstar begin refitting the Argo with new weapons, ships, and a time-radar. Orion is concerned with improving the wave motion gun. The higher-ups want everything on board the Argo to be centralized. Wildstar is upset. He's goes to argue with the commandant. It doesn't go very well.
Then the lights go out. EVERYWHERE. Civilians panic. The power outages spread, and cause chaos.
Dr. Zane, in the middle of an operation, uses a new robot's power cells to restore OR power. IQ 9 feels sad.
Wildstar, driving on the surface, sees and recognizes a Comet Empire ship.
The Comet reconnaissance commander reports to Zordar and Invidia, and shows them the chaos the power outage has caused. Desslok cautions them, and Invidia teases him. He leaves to head them off for when they decipher the garbled message. Invidia doesn't trust Desslok. That's okay, 'cuz ol' eyebrows Zardor has put a commander loyal to himself under Desslok.
Next episode, Desslok meets up with former Gamilon officers.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Ambush At Jupiter
Ambush at Jupiter
Here we go, on to season 2 of Star Blazers. They even updated the theme song!
It's been a year since the Cosmo DNA rejuvenated the Earth. But a new threat approaches. A comet that devours every natural satellite it encounters--it's the home of the Comet empire. We see carriers deploying fighters as ground installations fight back. Are these ground installations on Earth? Or some other target planet? Must be a different planet, as a mushroom cloud wipes out the place.
The comet emperor Zordar and his daughter Invidiadrule drool over the renewed Earth. Zordar and his nobles? Commanders? Whoever--plot to invade Earth. Then Desslok arrives and Zordar greets him warmly. Desslok quizzes--oh, they're generals--on their strategy. The General outlines their plan. There are several forces deployed, one moving in to Earth, one disrupting Earth's energy. They even have a couple divisions in reserve for Desslok to command.
Desslok tells them they've overlooked the Star Force. The Comet Empire doesn't consider the Star Force a credible threat, and point out that even the Earth government doesn't believe in the usefulness of the Star Force. Desslok warns them . . .
The Argo is out on patrol at the edge of the solar system as mining and energy installations are being established throughout the planets. Wildstar is in command of the Argo, and is approaching Earth after a year on patrol. Homer teases Wildstar about Nova, who is working at a hospital on Earth.
We go live, to Nova at the hospital. And, IQ 9 is there. And his head falls off. Nova gazes out a window as the robot leaves, and we get a neat transition from Earth sky to Argo flyby.
Wildstar's radar operator picks up three UFOs. Wildstar starts to dismiss them as cargo ships, but they're unrecognizable. Wildstar orders Homer to get updates from Earth. Their transmissions are . . . jammed!
The Comet Empire ships launch missiles at the rear guard ships. The damaged escort ship tells Wildstar that they'll land for repairs. The enemy ships fire on the Argo. Wildstar rushes to the hangar and launches in his fighter. Hello, hotblooded hero. It's been a while.
Wildstar engages two of the ships (they look like horseshoe crabs). The speed of the enemy ships impresses Wildstar--then Homer calls him back--their energy systems are overloading.
Two Comet Generals discuss this energy overload. And gloat. And they mock Desslok.
The Argo crew is attempting to stop the energy overload. Sandor calls from Earth, telling them to cut off power transmission--but it's not coming from Earth. Sandor resorts to physically cutting the receptor circuits. Then IQ 9 arrives and his head falls off again. Urgh.
Sandor's men had picked up a transmission just before the power surge. Nova is concerned that it's affecting ships in space. Like Derek on the Argo.
Wildstar and Homer wonder about the planes, the damage, and the power surge. They resolve to return to Earth.
The comet empire discusses the source of the transmission--a client planet was trying to warn Earth. Zordar dismisses the threat/ Desslok speculates that the Star Force will launch a rescue mission, and Zordar places him in charge of the operation against the Argo.
The Argo approaches the Earth, but the pilot . . . can't find a parking spot. Or get ahlod of ground control. Then another ship appears on their radar--a new Earth ship. Wildstar has Homer warn them out of the Argo's way, but the radio is still out.
I think these ships made the colonizing trip to Glorie from Libertie. The captain of the new ship calls the Argo a tub. This turns into a game of chicken. Argo has the right-of-way, but the new ship doesn't want to lose their test results. And the captain freaks out when he realizes Wildstar is in charge. The Argo holds its course. The two ships just barely miss each other. Homer reports that they've lost two coats of paint. The two crews relax, and Wildstar loses his mind and starts laughing. The rest of the bridge crew joins in.
On Earth, Sandor repairs IQ 9, who leaves for a date with a lady robot. The Argo prepares to land. But, the message they've received will . . . do things. To other things.
Look forward to it!
Here we go, on to season 2 of Star Blazers. They even updated the theme song!
It's been a year since the Cosmo DNA rejuvenated the Earth. But a new threat approaches. A comet that devours every natural satellite it encounters--it's the home of the Comet empire. We see carriers deploying fighters as ground installations fight back. Are these ground installations on Earth? Or some other target planet? Must be a different planet, as a mushroom cloud wipes out the place.
The comet emperor Zordar and his daughter Invidia
Desslok tells them they've overlooked the Star Force. The Comet Empire doesn't consider the Star Force a credible threat, and point out that even the Earth government doesn't believe in the usefulness of the Star Force. Desslok warns them . . .
The Argo is out on patrol at the edge of the solar system as mining and energy installations are being established throughout the planets. Wildstar is in command of the Argo, and is approaching Earth after a year on patrol. Homer teases Wildstar about Nova, who is working at a hospital on Earth.
We go live, to Nova at the hospital. And, IQ 9 is there. And his head falls off. Nova gazes out a window as the robot leaves, and we get a neat transition from Earth sky to Argo flyby.
Wildstar's radar operator picks up three UFOs. Wildstar starts to dismiss them as cargo ships, but they're unrecognizable. Wildstar orders Homer to get updates from Earth. Their transmissions are . . . jammed!
The Comet Empire ships launch missiles at the rear guard ships. The damaged escort ship tells Wildstar that they'll land for repairs. The enemy ships fire on the Argo. Wildstar rushes to the hangar and launches in his fighter. Hello, hotblooded hero. It's been a while.
Wildstar engages two of the ships (they look like horseshoe crabs). The speed of the enemy ships impresses Wildstar--then Homer calls him back--their energy systems are overloading.
Two Comet Generals discuss this energy overload. And gloat. And they mock Desslok.
The Argo crew is attempting to stop the energy overload. Sandor calls from Earth, telling them to cut off power transmission--but it's not coming from Earth. Sandor resorts to physically cutting the receptor circuits. Then IQ 9 arrives and his head falls off again. Urgh.
Sandor's men had picked up a transmission just before the power surge. Nova is concerned that it's affecting ships in space. Like Derek on the Argo.
Wildstar and Homer wonder about the planes, the damage, and the power surge. They resolve to return to Earth.
The comet empire discusses the source of the transmission--a client planet was trying to warn Earth. Zordar dismisses the threat/ Desslok speculates that the Star Force will launch a rescue mission, and Zordar places him in charge of the operation against the Argo.
The Argo approaches the Earth, but the pilot . . . can't find a parking spot. Or get ahlod of ground control. Then another ship appears on their radar--a new Earth ship. Wildstar has Homer warn them out of the Argo's way, but the radio is still out.
I think these ships made the colonizing trip to Glorie from Libertie. The captain of the new ship calls the Argo a tub. This turns into a game of chicken. Argo has the right-of-way, but the new ship doesn't want to lose their test results. And the captain freaks out when he realizes Wildstar is in charge. The Argo holds its course. The two ships just barely miss each other. Homer reports that they've lost two coats of paint. The two crews relax, and Wildstar loses his mind and starts laughing. The rest of the bridge crew joins in.
On Earth, Sandor repairs IQ 9, who leaves for a date with a lady robot. The Argo prepares to land. But, the message they've received will . . . do things. To other things.
Look forward to it!
Friday, February 10, 2012
The Journey Home
The Journey Home
This is it. The end of the epic. Well, the first season, anyway.
The Star Force loads the Cosmo DNA on the Argo, leave Iscandar for Earth, and bid farewell to Alex Wildstar and Starsha. The crew works to assemble the Cosmo DNA so they can use it as soon as they land.
On the bridge, Wildstar and Venture admire the home galaxy from afar. Homer cheers--they can contact Earth. Earth command contacts them, and they tell them they have the Cosmo DNA, but that Avatar is ill from radiation sickness.
In Avatar's quarters, Dr. Zane examines the captain. Avatar tells him of a dream he had of the Earth. Zane assures him that they'll reach the Earth. Venture and Wildstar anticipate one final jump to Earth. Venture says it's lonely without the Gamilons at every step.
Oh, Venture, you had to say it. Desslok is closing in on them in a ship of his own. He prepares to fire the Desslok cannon, but the Argo warps just as he fires. Desslok orders his crew to jump after them.
The Argo warps into their home solar system--and Desslok's ship warps into the same spatial coordinates and they collide. Desslok orders his crew to prepare for boarding, and unleashes radioactive "sleeping" gas. Orion and the survivors of the engineering crew get helmets on and try to hold off the boarding party, but they get past them. Orion notifies the bridges crew, but the boarders are relying on the gas. Wildstar comes face to, um, helmet with Desslok. As the gas slowly fills the ship, Desslok taunts Wildstar.
Venture issues a warning to the remaining crew about the gas. Nova rushes from sickbay to the Cosmo DNA. Sandor protests--it hasn't been tested yet. As the gas begins to overcome Sandor, she tells him to walk her through the process from the control room. Just as she's engulfed by the radioactive gas, she starts the machine.
The gas is cleared from the ship, but Nova collapses.
Desslok and his boarding party are driven off of the Argo by the cleaned air. They disengage from the Argo and jump away, vowing to return. Sandor tells Wildstar about Nova, and then goes to find Dr. Zane. Wildstar has a heroic blue-screen-of-death over Nova's unconscous form.
Wildstar is in Avatar's quarters, beginning to lose hope that Nova will recover. Avatar gives him a lecture on the quality and meaning of hope.
They finally reach the Earth, and the surviving crew gathers at the observation deck to celebrate. Wildstar mopes through the joyous throng, brooding over Nova. he enters sickbay and caresses Nova's face. Wildstar picks her up and carries her to the observation deck. They had a good opportunity for a series of flashbacks while Wildstar has a monologue about how he's fallen in love with Nova, but it doesn't happen. He carries her out onto the bridge. The crew turns and watches, and they give Wildstar encouragement.
Man, this scene is rough.
The Gamilons have closed in behind the Argo again. Desslok prepares the cannon and fires. Eager detects the energy surge and Venture evades. They're not going to make it when Sandor flicks a switch and the ship glows white. The energy bolt strikes the Argo--and is deflected back at Desslok. Desslok watches in dismay as he's consumed by flames.
Sandor explains that he's just finished a reflecting force-field based on the Gamilon reflex cannon. Venture pilots them to Earth.
Avatar asks Dr. Zane to leave him alone for a while. Zane leaves reluctantly. Dammit, he's going to die RIGHT NOW, isn't he? He takes out a picture of his family. He apologizes to the Earth that he won't live to see it green again.
God, I love this show--BUT IT FUCKING SUCKS.
Whew. Okay. I'm all right now. Yeah, I know there's some internet dipshit right now who's going, "Gawd, you could see this coming from a mile away." Fuck you, dipshit. I knew it was happening. It was just really well executed. So piss off.
Wildstar takes Nova from the bridge to Dr. Zane when she regains consciousness. Yes, dipshit, you knew that was happening, too. Congratulations for winning anime. Fuck you. Wildstar and Nova do a little dance around the bridge and the Argo finally returns to Earth.
This is it. The end of the epic. Well, the first season, anyway.
The Star Force loads the Cosmo DNA on the Argo, leave Iscandar for Earth, and bid farewell to Alex Wildstar and Starsha. The crew works to assemble the Cosmo DNA so they can use it as soon as they land.
On the bridge, Wildstar and Venture admire the home galaxy from afar. Homer cheers--they can contact Earth. Earth command contacts them, and they tell them they have the Cosmo DNA, but that Avatar is ill from radiation sickness.
In Avatar's quarters, Dr. Zane examines the captain. Avatar tells him of a dream he had of the Earth. Zane assures him that they'll reach the Earth. Venture and Wildstar anticipate one final jump to Earth. Venture says it's lonely without the Gamilons at every step.
Oh, Venture, you had to say it. Desslok is closing in on them in a ship of his own. He prepares to fire the Desslok cannon, but the Argo warps just as he fires. Desslok orders his crew to jump after them.
The Argo warps into their home solar system--and Desslok's ship warps into the same spatial coordinates and they collide. Desslok orders his crew to prepare for boarding, and unleashes radioactive "sleeping" gas. Orion and the survivors of the engineering crew get helmets on and try to hold off the boarding party, but they get past them. Orion notifies the bridges crew, but the boarders are relying on the gas. Wildstar comes face to, um, helmet with Desslok. As the gas slowly fills the ship, Desslok taunts Wildstar.
Venture issues a warning to the remaining crew about the gas. Nova rushes from sickbay to the Cosmo DNA. Sandor protests--it hasn't been tested yet. As the gas begins to overcome Sandor, she tells him to walk her through the process from the control room. Just as she's engulfed by the radioactive gas, she starts the machine.
The gas is cleared from the ship, but Nova collapses.
Desslok and his boarding party are driven off of the Argo by the cleaned air. They disengage from the Argo and jump away, vowing to return. Sandor tells Wildstar about Nova, and then goes to find Dr. Zane. Wildstar has a heroic blue-screen-of-death over Nova's unconscous form.
Wildstar is in Avatar's quarters, beginning to lose hope that Nova will recover. Avatar gives him a lecture on the quality and meaning of hope.
They finally reach the Earth, and the surviving crew gathers at the observation deck to celebrate. Wildstar mopes through the joyous throng, brooding over Nova. he enters sickbay and caresses Nova's face. Wildstar picks her up and carries her to the observation deck. They had a good opportunity for a series of flashbacks while Wildstar has a monologue about how he's fallen in love with Nova, but it doesn't happen. He carries her out onto the bridge. The crew turns and watches, and they give Wildstar encouragement.
Man, this scene is rough.
The Gamilons have closed in behind the Argo again. Desslok prepares the cannon and fires. Eager detects the energy surge and Venture evades. They're not going to make it when Sandor flicks a switch and the ship glows white. The energy bolt strikes the Argo--and is deflected back at Desslok. Desslok watches in dismay as he's consumed by flames.
Sandor explains that he's just finished a reflecting force-field based on the Gamilon reflex cannon. Venture pilots them to Earth.
Avatar asks Dr. Zane to leave him alone for a while. Zane leaves reluctantly. Dammit, he's going to die RIGHT NOW, isn't he? He takes out a picture of his family. He apologizes to the Earth that he won't live to see it green again.
God, I love this show--BUT IT FUCKING SUCKS.
Whew. Okay. I'm all right now. Yeah, I know there's some internet dipshit right now who's going, "Gawd, you could see this coming from a mile away." Fuck you, dipshit. I knew it was happening. It was just really well executed. So piss off.
Wildstar takes Nova from the bridge to Dr. Zane when she regains consciousness. Yes, dipshit, you knew that was happening, too. Congratulations for winning anime. Fuck you. Wildstar and Nova do a little dance around the bridge and the Argo finally returns to Earth.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Iscandar
Iscandar
So I've been misspelling it all along. Oh well.
The Argo is making the final approach to Iscandar. Eager reports that the environment is similar to Earth. Homer reports that Starsha is calling them. Wildstar puts in on speakers. She warns them of the atmospheric conditions, and they land in a bay near the capital city. The ship docks and Wildstar, Nova, IQ 9, Venture, and Sandor disembark to find Starsha greeting them. Sandor remarks that Starsha looks like Nova.
The crew members introduce themselves and Starsha mistakes Nova for her sister. They explain that Astra had crashed on Mars, killing her. Wildstar tells her how they found the message capsule, and that's how they got to where they are now.
They begin loading the Cosmo DNA parts as Orion, the doctor, and the captain watch with Sandor keeping track. Sandor wishes they could assemble it under Icandarian supervision, but they're out of time and have to do it on the trip. Avatar expresses his total confidence in Sandor.
The crew is exploring the planet by riding around on a weird monorail thing. Nova and Wildstar and with Starsha at . . . a graveyard? Starsha says it may be all that's left of Iscandar. Nova says they have seen no people--and Starsha says she and her sister were the only survivors of a mysterious virus. They asked the Gamilons for help., but the Gamilons decided to conquer instead.
Starsha tells them to follow her to the city--there is someone from Earth that they must convey back with them. She takes them to some kind of ICU-like room, and Derek sees his brother Alex, resulting in a tearful reunion. Starsha leaves and cries in private, until Nova approaches her. Starsha explains that he had been captured by the Gamilons. On the trip to Gamilon, the ship carrying him crashed on Iscandar. She says he must go back to Earth, but Nova points out that Starsha is in love with him.
In the mess of the Argo, crewmembers wonder if they'll make it to Earth in time. Orion is confident that they can repair the damage to the Argo. Sparks is a total Debbie Downer--and wants to stay on Iscandar. Orion, has none of that nonsense.
Nova and the Wildstars (that's really fun to say) return to the Argo. Alex visits Avatar, who is shocked at his survival--Sandor, Alex's old classmate, is the first of pretty much the entire crew to visit. Meanwhile, Sparks loses his mind and kidnaps Nova. Derek suggests taking Starsha with them to Earth. Derek asks her in person, but Starsha cannot bring herself to leave her homeworld. She shows a plane from the Argo--people including Sparks have landed on a volcanic island that might sink. Wildstar rushes off to the rescue as the ground quakes.
Wildstar returns to the ship, only to be informed that SParks and others have deserted. Sparks calls to tell them of his intentions. They argue for a bit. Then Sparks reveals that they've kidnapped Nova. Well, that's creepy as all hell. Wildstar tries to warn them of the islands instability. Then Eager picks up a tidal wave--well, a tsunami, but they call it a tidal wave. Venture prepares to launch to avoid the wave.
The deserters are terrified at the earthquake on their island. The Argo lifts off and launches, um, things. Meanwhile, the tidal wave hits the island and a volcano erupts. The things the Argo launched turn out to be rescue ships. One picks up Nova and flies her back to the Argo.
What about Sparks and the other 10 deserters?
Venture meets the other department heads in Avatar's quarters. Wildstar gives the order to prepare for the trip home. Avatar urges Starsha one last time to come to Earth with them, but she insists on staying at her home. As they're leaving, Nova urges her to keep Alex with her, but She doesn't answer.
Alex says his final goodbye to Starsha, and she finally breaks down and declares her love for him. She rushes off, and Alex starts after her. He asks Derek to forgive him, and then makes the decision to stay on Iscandar. Derek and Nova watch them leave, and Derek seems happy for his brother. He calls them the Adam and Eve of Iscandar. And then tells Nova their turn is next. Ummm . . .
The Argo lifts off for the return trip, carrying the Cosmo DNA. They only have 131 days left.
So I've been misspelling it all along. Oh well.
The Argo is making the final approach to Iscandar. Eager reports that the environment is similar to Earth. Homer reports that Starsha is calling them. Wildstar puts in on speakers. She warns them of the atmospheric conditions, and they land in a bay near the capital city. The ship docks and Wildstar, Nova, IQ 9, Venture, and Sandor disembark to find Starsha greeting them. Sandor remarks that Starsha looks like Nova.
The crew members introduce themselves and Starsha mistakes Nova for her sister. They explain that Astra had crashed on Mars, killing her. Wildstar tells her how they found the message capsule, and that's how they got to where they are now.
They begin loading the Cosmo DNA parts as Orion, the doctor, and the captain watch with Sandor keeping track. Sandor wishes they could assemble it under Icandarian supervision, but they're out of time and have to do it on the trip. Avatar expresses his total confidence in Sandor.
The crew is exploring the planet by riding around on a weird monorail thing. Nova and Wildstar and with Starsha at . . . a graveyard? Starsha says it may be all that's left of Iscandar. Nova says they have seen no people--and Starsha says she and her sister were the only survivors of a mysterious virus. They asked the Gamilons for help., but the Gamilons decided to conquer instead.
Starsha tells them to follow her to the city--there is someone from Earth that they must convey back with them. She takes them to some kind of ICU-like room, and Derek sees his brother Alex, resulting in a tearful reunion. Starsha leaves and cries in private, until Nova approaches her. Starsha explains that he had been captured by the Gamilons. On the trip to Gamilon, the ship carrying him crashed on Iscandar. She says he must go back to Earth, but Nova points out that Starsha is in love with him.
In the mess of the Argo, crewmembers wonder if they'll make it to Earth in time. Orion is confident that they can repair the damage to the Argo. Sparks is a total Debbie Downer--and wants to stay on Iscandar. Orion, has none of that nonsense.
Nova and the Wildstars (that's really fun to say) return to the Argo. Alex visits Avatar, who is shocked at his survival--Sandor, Alex's old classmate, is the first of pretty much the entire crew to visit. Meanwhile, Sparks loses his mind and kidnaps Nova. Derek suggests taking Starsha with them to Earth. Derek asks her in person, but Starsha cannot bring herself to leave her homeworld. She shows a plane from the Argo--people including Sparks have landed on a volcanic island that might sink. Wildstar rushes off to the rescue as the ground quakes.
Wildstar returns to the ship, only to be informed that SParks and others have deserted. Sparks calls to tell them of his intentions. They argue for a bit. Then Sparks reveals that they've kidnapped Nova. Well, that's creepy as all hell. Wildstar tries to warn them of the islands instability. Then Eager picks up a tidal wave--well, a tsunami, but they call it a tidal wave. Venture prepares to launch to avoid the wave.
The deserters are terrified at the earthquake on their island. The Argo lifts off and launches, um, things. Meanwhile, the tidal wave hits the island and a volcano erupts. The things the Argo launched turn out to be rescue ships. One picks up Nova and flies her back to the Argo.
What about Sparks and the other 10 deserters?
Venture meets the other department heads in Avatar's quarters. Wildstar gives the order to prepare for the trip home. Avatar urges Starsha one last time to come to Earth with them, but she insists on staying at her home. As they're leaving, Nova urges her to keep Alex with her, but She doesn't answer.
Alex says his final goodbye to Starsha, and she finally breaks down and declares her love for him. She rushes off, and Alex starts after her. He asks Derek to forgive him, and then makes the decision to stay on Iscandar. Derek and Nova watch them leave, and Derek seems happy for his brother. He calls them the Adam and Eve of Iscandar. And then tells Nova their turn is next. Ummm . . .
The Argo lifts off for the return trip, carrying the Cosmo DNA. They only have 131 days left.
Monday, February 6, 2012
The Battle of Gamilon
The Battle of Gamilon
The Argo is in the Gamilon sea of sulfuric acid. Wildstar asks IQ 9 for confirmation. IQ and Sandor warn him that the rain and the seawater will destroy the Argo. Then a flight missiles approach and they evade, trying not to dive into the sea.
In the Gamilon HQ, Desslok watches as Krypt orders continued missile barrages. Desslok orders the sulfuric acid storm machine, and then gloats. Krypt offers him wine as a toast, but Desslok rebuffs him.
The missiles continue to batter the Argo. Nova, after Wildstar catches her during a fall, tells him to consult with the captain. Avatar asks Wildstar how the crew is holding up. Wildstar says the crew is holding up, but he doesn't know what to do. Avaar tells him to submerge the ship and find a volcano, triggering it to erupt with the wave motion gun.
Wildstar relays the orders, to Venture and Sandor airing their objections. They batten down the hatches (seriously) and Wildstar submerges the ship. Desslok and Krypt watch--everyone knows they have only 10 minutes under the acid/ IQ 9 finds a suitable volcano and guides Venture toward it. IQ is going slowly and methodically, and Sandor starts to freak out a little as bits fall off the ship. IQ 9 directs them to a volcano connected to other volcanoes, and Wildstar charges the wave motion gun.
They fire.
The blast disintegrates the base of the volcano. Magma churns out of several volcanoes and the Gamilon fortifications are severely damaged.
In his headwuarters, Desslok watches the eruption in stunned silence. Then he breaks into hysterics. His men watch in terror.
The Argo breaks the surface of the sulfur sea. Krypt reports to Desslok, who has now calmed down. To the point that he thinks it's a ghost ship. He flips out and orders are weapons launched. Krypt then turns on, urging him to stop the fight before the Star Force destroys them.
Wildstar is hearing Sandor's damage report. And they see another approaching wave of missiles. The missiles hit and Wildstar orders all remaining guns to fire. As the missiles continue to swarm around the Argo, Wildstar orders them to charge into the heart of the command post. Some funky looking missiles detach from the roof of the planetwide cavern and while some are destroyed byt the Argo's guns, others trigger a massive cave-in, dropping more missiles in the midst of the Gamilon fortifications.
The Gamilon headquarters is ruined. Desslok staggers to his feet, surrounded by his dead troops. He dodges a cave-in and gets into an escape ship of some sort.
The crew of the Argo pick themselves up out of the wreckage. The dubbers added some dialogue between Sandor and Eager so it doesn't look quite so sepulchral. Wildstar finds Nova on an upper deck. She's exhausted and overcome by the fighting. Wildstar suspects the Gamilons are done fighting. The ship is just as severey damaged as the Gamilon command post. Wildstar helps Nova to her feet--they need to patch up both the crew and the ship. They return the the bridge, and Wildstar gives the order to make the last leg of the trip to Iskandar.
The Argo emerges from the caverns of Gamilon. In his quarters, Avatar watches the approach to Iskandar. He congratulates the crew over the PA. They make the final approach to Iskandar--only 161 days left.
The Argo is in the Gamilon sea of sulfuric acid. Wildstar asks IQ 9 for confirmation. IQ and Sandor warn him that the rain and the seawater will destroy the Argo. Then a flight missiles approach and they evade, trying not to dive into the sea.
In the Gamilon HQ, Desslok watches as Krypt orders continued missile barrages. Desslok orders the sulfuric acid storm machine, and then gloats. Krypt offers him wine as a toast, but Desslok rebuffs him.
The missiles continue to batter the Argo. Nova, after Wildstar catches her during a fall, tells him to consult with the captain. Avatar asks Wildstar how the crew is holding up. Wildstar says the crew is holding up, but he doesn't know what to do. Avaar tells him to submerge the ship and find a volcano, triggering it to erupt with the wave motion gun.
Wildstar relays the orders, to Venture and Sandor airing their objections. They batten down the hatches (seriously) and Wildstar submerges the ship. Desslok and Krypt watch--everyone knows they have only 10 minutes under the acid/ IQ 9 finds a suitable volcano and guides Venture toward it. IQ is going slowly and methodically, and Sandor starts to freak out a little as bits fall off the ship. IQ 9 directs them to a volcano connected to other volcanoes, and Wildstar charges the wave motion gun.
They fire.
The blast disintegrates the base of the volcano. Magma churns out of several volcanoes and the Gamilon fortifications are severely damaged.
In his headwuarters, Desslok watches the eruption in stunned silence. Then he breaks into hysterics. His men watch in terror.
The Argo breaks the surface of the sulfur sea. Krypt reports to Desslok, who has now calmed down. To the point that he thinks it's a ghost ship. He flips out and orders are weapons launched. Krypt then turns on, urging him to stop the fight before the Star Force destroys them.
Wildstar is hearing Sandor's damage report. And they see another approaching wave of missiles. The missiles hit and Wildstar orders all remaining guns to fire. As the missiles continue to swarm around the Argo, Wildstar orders them to charge into the heart of the command post. Some funky looking missiles detach from the roof of the planetwide cavern and while some are destroyed byt the Argo's guns, others trigger a massive cave-in, dropping more missiles in the midst of the Gamilon fortifications.
The Gamilon headquarters is ruined. Desslok staggers to his feet, surrounded by his dead troops. He dodges a cave-in and gets into an escape ship of some sort.
The crew of the Argo pick themselves up out of the wreckage. The dubbers added some dialogue between Sandor and Eager so it doesn't look quite so sepulchral. Wildstar finds Nova on an upper deck. She's exhausted and overcome by the fighting. Wildstar suspects the Gamilons are done fighting. The ship is just as severey damaged as the Gamilon command post. Wildstar helps Nova to her feet--they need to patch up both the crew and the ship. They return the the bridge, and Wildstar gives the order to make the last leg of the trip to Iskandar.
The Argo emerges from the caverns of Gamilon. In his quarters, Avatar watches the approach to Iskandar. He congratulates the crew over the PA. They make the final approach to Iskandar--only 161 days left.