The kiss that started a crisis of faith…(aka Yurilicious)
Well that was a fine episode that has basically catapulted Sheryl in esteem. No longer is she merely the haughty pop princess, but rather she is simply Sheryl a woman who has worked hard to get where she is and has the ambition and drive to succeed. While her career has defined her she is nonetheless capable of human qualities and quite capable of turning on the charm.
I like how they add a little snippet at the beginning of most episodes to immerse the audience into the Macross universe. The colony fleet has a charm all its own. Though in all honesty, much of it for me is due to the nostalgia I feel every time I see a familiar sight from San Francisco. It gives a sense and awe of scale how the fleet is one of many and is a successor to older fleets. The frontier fleet is big and yet small in the grand scheme of things. Perhaps this only adds to my affection for this series as Satelight loves my home town as much as I do.
Yeah who the hell asks for a suspension?
Oh you done did it now…
How could you Ozma?! How dare you make her cry.
So poor Ranka is getting an ear full from Ozma about how hard it was to get her into an all girls private school, and then proceeded to tell Ranka that her dreams are silly. Suffice to say I felt that getting a wok to the face was suitable recompense. Being suspended I can understand, but taking a shit on you little sister’s dreams is not exactly good parenting. Also Ozma committed a horrible crime in making Ranka cry. Nice house by the way Ozma, Nob Hill is a nice neighborhood.
With no school for the day Ranka goes off looking for Alto-hime for some encouragement. Unfortunately for Ranka Alto-hime is off on a quest to find Sheryl’s earring which he left back at SMS along with Giliam’s personal effects. However his first search is interrupted and he swiftly grabs Sheryl and stuff them both into a locker to avoid detection. It was a close encounter of the awesome kind, in no small thanks in part to Alto-hime stowing his phone in his right pocket, I smell a trend. Good to know that Alto-hime has by now broken his entire school and there are few who do not know him by the name of Princess. Good to know that Alto-hime is a shy and bashful princess who endeavors to avoid suitors no doubt from both genders.
I approve of yuri-lurvin in lockers.
Oh yeah Sheryl is so ruined for marriage, Alto-hime you must take full responsibility…
How I wish Alto-hime were just in possession of a deliciously flat chest…(turns on yuri-goggles) much better.
I like how the phones in this place look radically different in appearance yet are all tied together by the same holo-display interface. Unlike Shirukii I like Ranka’s phone it’s alive I tell you alive! Though it dies every so often it too can come back from the dead, hence why I want ot call the phone Buddy Jesus. Ozma’s concern for Ranka is interesting since when Cathy showed up he looked so excited to see Ranka but his expression rapidly soured when he saw her. Ozma has been raising a lot of death flags already with his admission of NBR onii-chan to Alto-hime, the failed relationship with Cathy, and not the rift with Ranka. If Ozma makes it out I will be pleasantly surprised, but these occurrences do no bode well. Mr. Brilier looks like an odd fellow I suspect he has an implant in the form of a ring and I have no idea why there seems to be a bulge on his right eye that looks like a sickly green pustule.
Nostalgia is a funny thing.
There is no girlfriend, but there is a HUGE fan club of both boys and girls…
No but it should be illegal to be a boy and look that hawt. Oh who am I kidding this is THAT blog…amirite?
I am glad that Luca is aiming for Nanase, I am sure that Luca is broken by Alto-hime, but nonetheless I can see why Nanase make him burn with passion. Unlike that other shouta of mecha Luca is not prone to using nii-san when referring to Alto-hime. That dastardly Mikhail though seems more able to get along with women and with but a gesture sent Luca into a panic over Nanase. Too bad Mikhail seems to be indifferent to romantic love but I guess the guy enjoys teasing people at least the ones who cannot crush him. Though I have agree that getting involved in a sibling dispute is messy business, but I do like how Ranka finding him first forced that lout Mikhail to follow her around for a day.
So onto the juicy Alto-himexSheryl dayto I have to say when Sheryl snatched Alto-hime’s amulet I did for a second imagine that Alto-hime was a girl as she he looked down her his shirt. You know if Alto-hime were a girl he could have easily gotten it back without having to risk sexual assault charges. I like the fact that Alto-hime is cognizant of the fact that trying to get it back from the embrace of Sheryl’s bosom was a losing proposition. Sheryl playing with the butterflies was strangely compelling, as was her teasing of the currently single Alto-hime. The boy is still shy around women, perhaps being in kabuki for most of his life has made him inept in the ways of courtship given that he could not make heads of tails of that sophomore’s confession and his now habitual fear of Sheryl’s bare bosom and racy ads. Indeed now that I have seen these ads I guess Alto-hime is even more justified in calling Sheryl and exhibitionist.
So who’s going to be the onee-sama?
And you don’t treat Alto-hime as a boy, do ya?
Now with his amulet seal broken the woman within Alto-hime shall burst forth…BURST FORTH! Dang guess it didn’t work.
I am surprised how they worked in a little banter about implants as well. Did I mention how much I love seeing the cable cars in this show? In any case this more polite Sheryl is far more agreeable than her haughty version, and you do get the sense that this idol thing is an adventure for her given how awe struck she was with the cleaner and radically different colony fleet that makes up Marcoss Frontier. Given how UN Spacy here seems to be having recruitment problems I guess the absence of slums isn’t too big of a shock coupled with the fact that Frontier seems to be a more elegantly assembled fleet than Galaxy which put the factories within the same island as the residential areas. I just love how every so often Sheryl and Alto-hime’s interaction looked nearly yuri. I don’t think that Sheryl was looking around as if she were in a zoo, but rather more like a tourist. Everything seems exotic to her to what Alto-hime probably sees as mundane. If I was suddenly plopped in the middle of a Zentran-Meltran settlement for the macronized I am confident that many of use would be overwhelmed by the sense of awe of our giant cousins; especially if you also ran into Klein-sama.
Speaking of Klein-sama I say her macronized form is every bit as elegant and lovely as her micronized form. Like a good upstanding citizen Kelin-sama confronted Sheryl about the latter’s shoplifting. Thankfully the Alto-hime magic was able to smooth ruffled feathers and Sheryl and Klein-sama were able to see eye-to-eye. I am sure that Klein-sama was once burning with ambition and purpose in her younger years and fully understands the simple outlook on life that Sheryl and Alto-hime share. Ranka was able to sing again much to the shock and awe of Mikhail who thought a little ice cream would convince Ranka otherwise. Clearly Ranka the idol would make fore a formidable rival to Sheryl who acknowledges her worthy adversary. Nevertheless Sheryl steals a kiss from the Kabuki Princess in plain view of Ranka and Mikhail. Mikhail’s mind onviously wandered into yuri territory, but Ranka was visibly distraught by this.
Her pdeo-sense is tingling…
Oh-shit its the Feds!
The best ice cream is the kind you never pay for…
The date was not the only intriguing thing, as there was some clue as to what the Vajra are. It seems that they are not truly alive as they are more like biomechanical machines that lack the independent brainpower to function without outside control. We know that they are keyed to find Ranka, but for them to do so there has to be some one near by to give orders and depending on how large the Vajra’s radius or rather sphere of action is there might be a traitor or a plant within the fleet. We know that the Vajra can wipe out a colony fleet in short order given how Galaxy could not even send out a distress signal and needed a courier who seems to have barely gotten out of the Vajra encirclement. However thus far only probing attacks have been made and to what purpose they have for Ranka is still hidden. Nevertheless at Island 3 what was clear is that the humans along with their distaff cousins remain oblivious as to the full nature of their foes, only aware that their enemy will give no quarter and are not living creatures. The only good news is that whatever chemical solution they used to disintegrate the captured bogie is effective, but again is of little use in a battlefield.
Sheryl’s Thighs.
Best View EVAR!
Your glance betrays you. So you are interested in Alto-hime…If you will not claim her him then perhaps she will.
I admit this episode allowed Sheryl to score major points with me since SherylxAtlo-hime do look sweet together. While I did anticipate Sheryl being a formidable foe for Ranka I did not expect Ranka to show her childish and dependent side as Sheryl displayed her real self. In light of this I my faith in Ranka has been shaken to the core. I don’t get the sense yet that Ranka was romantically interested in Alto-hime by episode’s end, but rather Ranka liked to bask in the attention and encouragement he offered to her. Sheryl on the other hand was disappointed how Alto-hime declared that he would show up to her “last” Frontier concert only to deliver her earring. Sheryl is not dependent on Alto-hime but rather she fancies him not only for his Kabuki Princess looks, but because he is not intimidated by her fame. Besides he makes her laugh. Coupled with the fact that Alto-hime did not post pictures of her bare bosom probably gave her the impression that Alto-hime was an honest lad.
What just that? No flowers?
Sad Sheryl is fine too. (I told you she was disappointed Kabitzin.)
Like I said he’s prettier than most girls this season.
Other highlights included Mikhail’s not so brave retreat from All Meltran Klein-sama, I agree with comrade Haesslich in that a bra does wonders for the brave captain of the Pixies. With a more radiant and faithfully rendition of Macronized Klein-sama the Shirukii doctrine of, “Microned Klein > Macroned Klein. An infallible statement made of truth, win and loli” is most disagreeable. Rather Klein is fine regardless of form, for Klein-sama is AMAZING. (BTW I was not slacking you ingrate. I just figured out how to work this newfangled IRC whatchamacallit. I was also busy with something call school, and recovering from watching this with yuri goggles.) As Kabitzin and others have said animation quality is dropping, but considering how they really made up for it with the ersatz yuri dayto, “What ‘bout My Star,” beautiful cityscape, and Klein-sama making Mikhail fearful I can over look this minor transgression. Besides I am not going to slam them since the made the sacrifices in the proper places, if only they had a bigger budget. I am very glad that the love triangle, Alto-hime brokenness, dog fights, and background all flow seamlessly together. It could have easily degenerated into Ranka going ZOMG Alto-hime and Sheryl on a dayto must follow and watch them from my clever disguise which they will never see through! Lastly even if Luca is shouta at least the lad has good taste in women. After all who wouldn’t want to date a busty moe megane in high school? Too bad for Luca freaking Mikhail has to rain on his and every one else’s parade.
Alto-hime is fine too…wait what the?
Such is the beauty of Alto-hime that Ranka is still in awe after five episodes.
He guys party at my Fleet!
28 Comments
Ranka should be glad Ozma just yelled at her and didn’t punch her in the face (like what he did to Alto-hime). The jury is still out regarding Luca.
@Kabitzin
If Ozma did Ranka would sic some Vajra on him to squeeze out an apology.
Perhaps the jury is still out on the boy, but at least he seems ready and eager to get along with Nanase.
It was fun to watch Sheryl frolic around like a kid. If this episode was meant for people to appreciate her character more, then I guess they did it. Sheryl isn’t so bad like I first thought she was. lol I loved Ranka’s version of “What ’bout my Star” though. It’s stuck in my head. I also like how they exposed Ranka’s bratty side this time. It just gave her personality more depth in my opinion. But at the end of the day, my fave is still Ranka. I’m just waiting for her to redeem herself, but it prolly wouldn’t happen next episode after seeing that ‘kiss’. AltoxSheryl are like too beautiful together. Both have experience in entertainment, both are even prettier than Ranka haha Really, what does Ranka have that they don’t? A moving hair and the Vajra that loves her voice oh so much. Oh yeah, and the green thing. I heart it too. How can you not love that weird cellphone?
*raises hand* Is it wierd for me to notice the appearance of the VF-2SS-II defolding from Macross Galaxy? I mean, in-timeline the thing isn’t even supposed to exist, as it’s a mainstay of the alternate-universe sequel Macross 2.
@Ricaryx
I think that for me this is going to be a back and forth affair given how Sheryl and Ranka have both made strong impressions on Alto0hime though he doesn’t seem to be leaning one way or the other in terms of romance at the moment. Ranka will have her dayto, but hopefully it will be similarly delightful.
@Myssa Rei
It’s kind of weird but I guess they decided to reconcile the two and probably have multiple VF contractors producing and testing different designs. I think that as this is going to be the first real dose of Macross that it really isn’t much of an issue. Nevertheless its good to see the old warbird again. Besides at one point it was not so weird to see space dwarfs in 40k.
Given how Sheryl has described Macross Galaxy as being significantly different than Frontier it is possible that the VF-2SS-II was once the mainstay fighter there as their colony fleet construction philosophy differs drastically from Frontier may the difference carried over to fighter design? Perhaps in this incarnation the VF-2SS-II has enough parts commonality that the Galaxy forces found it to be of better use for their unique circumstances. Or it could be a one off prototype, which never entered production, that they could spare as a courier . Maybe it was one amongst many that were scrambled in a breakthrough attempt using every fighter and shuttle they could lay their hands on.
I guess we find out next time.
I might have to give up and call it an ‘obscure in-franchise reference’ for longtime fans. Hopefully it ends there though, as it’ll be a little wierd hearing talk of Ishtar, Marduk, et al.
You know I think as long as its just the VF-2SS-II or a newly designed look alike ala MIG-29 and SU-27 there should be few problems. Who knows it might not even by a VF-2SS-II maybe its a new model that looks like a VF-2SS-II…
I take it as something like seeing a bunch of MiG-29s parked at NAS Mirimar, slightly out of place but not too far fetched.
While I did anticipate Sheryl being a formidable foe for Ranka I did not expect Ranka to show her childish and dependent side as Sheryl displayed her real self. In light of this I my faith in Ranka has been shaken to the core. I don’t get the sense yet that Ranka was romantically interested in Alto-hime by episode’s end, but rather Ranka liked to bask in the attention and encouragement he offered to her.
Ooh you said it exactly. I enjoyed Ranka x Alto in ep 4, but loved the chemisry he had with Sheryl. It was like a totally different feeling. More grown up and real. Ranka was way too needy this episode. It’s like more she needs his encouragement then she actually understands him or likes him. I’m sure this triangle will go back and forth. As of right now mutual understanding
and feisty chemistry beat out comfort and protection.
Great episode. What´s that? The fifth episode in a row that´s made of pure win?
I love this series
All the various Sheryls look just great, and my good Ranka´s phone! Is that alive or something? And I also like that it seems like everyone has their own personal cellphone with a complete personal design.
Oh well, now all I have to wait for is the subs for the next episode. Seems like it´ll be more action and less drama. Not that I mind getting service shoots of Ranka or Sheryl but I do want to see some action as well.
I feel lost in all this advanced Macross chatter. Maybe I should go do what Kurogane did and catch up on the older titles.
¯\(º_o)/¯
I’ve seen the original and Plus and I’m still lost in all the Valkyrie talk.
SherylxAlto-hime is way too sweet for me to handle. It’s sparkle-y, and I get enough of that during holidays. So far, Ranka has been so much more interesting, displaying a handful of different emotions. She has a shadowy background, suffers from memory loss, is sometimes clingy, selfish, sometimes determined and devoted. I don’t deny that things might change (like me going irreversibly rabu rabu over Klein-sama), but the standard never-met-anyone-who-doesn’t-care-about-my-fame has yet to float my boat.
The Vajra info was tasty. It does not think, it kills. Useful.
Ranka x Alto all the way! But you know that’ll end up happening anyway since Ranka was FIRST!
@anne
Yeah Sheryl is more mature than Ranka at this point since Sheryl has achieved quite a lot at age 17. It also helps that she is both the same age as Alto-hime as well as share public performance as a an interest. Ranka is just about to step out into her late teens so I guess Ranka is going to have to grow up a bit. Right now she probably gives off a little sister vibe to Alto-hime.
@manga
Yeah next time Alto-hime will being going on a group dayto with his VF-25 to help out Klein-sama to the cheers and squeals of the bridge crew.
Still there might be some development in store as Sheryl and Alto-hime do meet. In any case it will be a good battle with lots of missiles and kabuki battle posing.
@Shin
Why not? It is after all a part of the history even if it looks a dated.
@otou-san
Macross II was very odd creature and was overshadowed by its more famous brethren.
@Myu
I don’t think Sheryl was being completely honest about mever meeting any one who didn’t care about her fame schtick. Rather I am confident that Sheryl is attracted to feminine qualties give how she was doting upon Ranka. I trust that given Alto-hime’s girlish looks that Sheryl’s icy exterior was melted by the fires of passion burning within her. Granted that almost every other girl gives due respect to Alto-hime’s beauty it was inevitable that Sheryl too would find Alto-hime to be pretty.
It will be interesting to see how Ranka is going to behave post kissu.
Indeed Vajra were meant only to kill…
@HiT0Mi
Ranka will probably get Alto-hime in the end, but having Sheryl around will force Ranka to ascend into womanhood that much sooner.
Wow, and I thought Alto-hime broke me. You’re far beyond repair. A trap is fine too, but a nyan nyan is superior!
Bah for you Alto-himexRanka = OVER 9000.
You are broken, sadly you are still in denial. You tune will change.
Myssa Rei: That looks more like a VF-11 with a Super pack on it – the ailerons on the front, plus the bulging FAST pack are closer in design to the image above than to the VF-22SS. Plus the ‘bulge’ at the nosecone is VERY much like the VF-11B/C’s own… and given that they appeared in Macross Plus as being the ‘current line’ fighter which the VF-17 was supposed to replace, would fit with the appearance here as an older fighter which COULD be spared to go for help.
Kabitzin: Ozma only hits boys. Girls, he yells at or ignores.
To everyone talking about pairings: there’s flirting on Sheryl’s side, but I don’t quite see the relationship yet. Or, if you want to put it in original Macross terms, Sheryl’s playing Hikaru to Alto’s self-absorbed Minmay at the moment; he’s not looking (and neither was Minmay) at the moment. Give it time, and we’ll see how everyone develops as friends first before Alto, Ranka, or Sheryl find themselves crosisng a line somewhere.
Ranka’s childish… but she IS young, and she hasn’t had much of a chance to interact with others, which is what Alto’s giving her. Sheryl’s not exactly the MOST mature of the three, but she’s certainly above Alto-hime… but even she has her childish moments (look at how she was looking for the earring in Episode 2).
All-Meltran Klein with bra is quite stunning, though – it’s less frightening when she’s NOT bouncing all over the place with every breath. Plus that outfit works for her – a pity we didn’t get to see much of Nene, though.
*Ninja edits Haesslich’s botched link code*
Thank you kindly. The VF-2SS has a wider intake below the wing, and a set above the wing, which appear to be missing in the above shot, plus it’s missing the canards that are clearly visible above. On top of the whole ‘not being canon’ thing due to lack of Kawamori and Studio Nue involvement…
It’s episodes like these that make me forget that the Valkyries and evil alien Vajras exist in the story.
That said, Sheryl’s image was one of austure initially so she gave me the vibes of a new Misa from the original Macross. I had the thought that if Macross F is to make tons of reference to the original, Sheryl is likely to be the one for Alto eventually. However, this episode has changed my impression of Sheryl in a way that she is not exactly a copypaste Misa so I guess anything goes.
Oh and I foresee a Broadway musical for Macross in the near future. Deculture nyan~
@Haesslich
Thanks for the clarification on the VF-11. Well problem solved.
I guess with 25 episodes to go we shall see where Atlo-hime, and Sheryl, and Ranka will go in life. In any case I am sure that the Pixies will have their day soon enough. I hope they have a preflight check…
@The Sojourner
Yeah given that neither Sheryl nor Ranka is an exact copy pasta I am intrigued as to where this is headed, though I am sure it will be a fun journey.
Sojourner: She never WAS a copy-paste Misa – she had some Minmay traits, along with the whole ‘idol’ thing going for her. She has SOME Misa traits (hard worker, fights with the main male character)… but so does Ranka with her self-doubts… something that Minmay rarely had to deal with, since she was rather… self-absorbed? Arrogant?
Either way, it should be an interesting ride. Even Lieutenant Glass isnt’ a copy-paste, despite looking a LOT like Misa…
I think the only one who knows if Glass is a copy pasta would be Leon…
leon’s hairstyle still bugs me.
lol actually I am disappointed because I kinda liked Misa so a copypasta is fine. =p
@Tmoo
Well it does not bug Cathy… or I think. heh
Luca is so hot for Alto. What are you talking about?
@Tmoo
As The Sojourner said, you can’t argue with the results.
@TheBigN
I am talking about the busty moe megane Nanase with her thigh highs that has also grabbed Luca’s gaze. Luca is enamored with Alto-hime, but he’s gunning for Nanase until Alto-hime gets retconned into a girl. Besides Alto-himexLuca? DO NOT WANT.
Yeah,sure Ranka and Alto…that is a joke,right…I mean suddenly she realized he likes him and just because she saw him first…that isn’t a real reason.I got to admit to a few points with you,Alto is far more beautiful than Ranka but not than Sheryl,she is the woman and the character for which I like the anime in the first place…they really had to start the love triangle and it is such a pity,they really shouldn’t have…I am tired of lame triangles,in my view it would be clear enough for any guy to pick Sheryl in all respects.
I don’t like how Ranka sings,Sheryl’s -What about my star is notable better,sorry for the voicing stars but it’s true,I prefer a more refined voice like Sheryl’s.