Short Synopsis: This is the episode… where all hell breaks loose.
Highlights: Sheryl, Kuran and of course Michael.
Overall Enjoyment Value: 8/10
So this is where the big climax of Macross Frontier begins. Ranka’s pet has finally revealed its true colours as the larvae of not just one Vajra, but an entire Vajra colony who go rampant as soon as they’re hatched. To make matters worse, the Vajra’s from outside have noticed this ad come to help their new comrades. Leon manages to make use of the confusion in order to successfully carry out his coup, but that still makes me wonder how he’s planning to solve that Vajra-problem he’s ended up with.
I really liked Sheryl in the episode. I remember how in the first half, she was one of the more annoying characters, but her character is really the one that received the most development through this series, and it’s really beginning to show now. Like expected, in this episode, she overcomes her anxieties and provides the support for not only Ranka, but also for the people who are hiding for the Vajra. Her character is really getting stronger with every episode, and I appreciate that a lot.
I wish I could say the same about Ranka, though. That girl is getting more annoying with each episode, and especially here she keeps whining and clinging to Alto, now that the shock of seeing Alto with Sheryl caused her song to lose its power over the Vajra. At this point, she really is my least favourite character of this series, and that’s not a good thing, seeing as how she’s the central character in this series. I really hope that she doesn’t end up ruining the finale of this series.
The real climax of this episode was of course the scene between Kuran and Michael. It’s the creators’ way of saying: “yes, we mean business” by killing off Michael so easily, just after he officially became a couple with Kuran. It’s an often-used plot-device, but the interesting thing is obviously going to be how this is going to affect both Alto and Kuran for the final five episodes.
Oh, don’t worry about Ranka. This episode was basically a set up for her development on future episodes. It’s just like Sheryl, she hit rock bottom on episode 18 but is now rising from her ashes, the same is happening to Ranka only that because she is more important to the main plot they decided to let her development for the final episodes. Also, notice that she is regaining her memories. So expect her to grow up from this episode onwards.
And yes, Michel (ugh! why!?), Klan and Sheryl were amazing.
I want to watch this anime, but I don’t know if I would be able to understand it since I haven’t watched the other Macross series.
Stellae: yeah, I really hope that the creators will be able to develop Ranka well enough for the final episodes.
Blackitty: this also is the first time I’ve watched a macross-series, and it’s not that hard to understand. All you need to know that in the Macross Universe, songs can be used as weapons. 😉
psgels: now that I know that I will be able to understand it, I will start downloading it right away! thanks a lot for your help.
I just see it as Ozma dodging the “dramatic death” bullet and Michel unfortunately being the one to catch it. Sheryl has really become a stronger and more sympathetic character. I remember her originally as the most annoying and self-absorbed character at the start of the show. She’s definitely has come a long way (and makes better sense for Alto, but the guy is so wishy-washy about which girl he wants I don’t think he really deserves either one at this point).
It’s obvious Ranka will redeem herself but the thing that caused her “low point” is so laughable compared to Sheryl’s in episode 18. Seriously saying “I want to die” after seeing Alto and Sheryl on the roof, that was just fucking pathetic Ranka. The way they both girls have handled their “hardships” shows the clear contrast between them.
Ranka’s character was always going to be one that was going to come out of her shell, but the small steps forward she took in episodes 10, 12 and 15 have been for nothing now in the last 5 episodes. It’s funny how I can watch the blueray rips of the first episode and enjoy her character a lot but can’t stand her atm in the latest episodes.
god~! why Michael needs to die?!?!?! so sad T_T my mouth was wide open when i’m seeing Michael dying, can’t believe it.
> I totally agree with your opinion psgels^^ \m/
Is Michael dead? I could see him surviving being stabbed by the Vajra and he is part Zentrati right? So he could survive in space for a short time? And we do know that the medic was outside blasting the Vajra away? Do you see where I am going with this? I hope so, his Character was a likeable character and it would be too sad for Kuran!
Oh ffs let Michael rip, he got sucked into space with a fricken gaping hole in his body.
Alto is just as wishy-washy as Rick, but he is becoming much clearer in his intentions, even if he does not yet realize it. That is good character development by the writers as we can see the subtle changes in him before he does.
Micheal being the new Roy was bit of a shock, especially with Ozma having an _identical_ experience as Roy (really expected him to die there).
I am continually amazed how the writers are able to remain true to the original and yet weave something completely new and interesting. At first I was worried that they would blow it all with an initial single that was fantastic and then overplay if for the rest of the series. instead they have done it right by gradually building the quality of the music.
I would have to say that this is the #2 series of the season behind Daughter of 20 Faces (though its not fair to compare the two).
The characterisation has been pretty brilliant so far. Sheryl’s gone to become one of my favourites. Ranka’s portrayal is realistic as well, an antithesis of Sheryl’s. Ranka’s story is always full of uncertainty and trepidation. So when she’s soaring she goes higher and further than Sheryl but when it comes to falling, she falls harder. It’s very well done.
Just adding: it kinda sucks that Alto is a personality-free zone. He seems to be the empty palette where Sheryl and Ranka’s emotions mix. Other than that, he doesn’t seem to be serving any other purpose. Fortunately, the rest of the cast makes it up all too easily. Fantastic stuff.
Just let this be a leson to all of you!
Don’t tell someone you love them or they will die!!
First they will be stabbed and then shoved into a vacuum!
’nuff said
~SIGH~ that’s the LAST STRAW!
Evey episode all I hear is Ranka whining, whimpering and dear GOD why oh WHY doesn’t she toughen up a bit!? I mean look, the Frontier is constantly under attack, people are “dieing” everywhere and the survivors are facing “their” issues, why cant she? Anyway I Just LOVED the stupid look on her face when she said ‘no way!’ priceless. always jump to conclusions and cause indirect chaos! the whole “concept” of “love” goes WAY over that little girl’s head, I’m sure a lot of people will try to justify that the damage was not Rank’s fault BUT LOOK! even when her best friend and supporter was injured and was left with Sheryl all she did was ‘space out’ as Alto pointed out NOT because of the death and carnage around OR that fact that her close friend may be dead but because her crush (for I can not believe her misguided feelings after the whole hold hand and think of her “brother” scene as anything near actual LOVE) may hug someone, sure its Sheryl that’s understandable at least confront them to be sure what their relationship really is, not run away squealing like a pig that got thrown onto a electric fence.