[ljacone]

Ultraman Episode 39 - Goodbye, Ultraman. When the Earth is invaded by a fleet of UFOs, the Science Patrol Japanese HQ is the first and best hope of defending the planet. The fleet is turned back, but they unleash their Space Monster Z-Ton in a last act of agression. Ultraman battles the alien monster, but Z-Ton may be too strong even for the defender of humanity to defeat.

Tsuburaya and company lay it all out on the table in this big blowoff episode. There's a dogfight between the JSDF and the Saucers, a kaijin-sized seijin, Science Patrol HQ directly atacked, Fuji assaulted and left for dead, and a back and forth fight between Ultraman and Z-Ton. And of course, the arrival of Zoffy and the departure of Ultraman from Earth. There's not a lot of wiggle room here as there is a lot to cram into 24 minutes, but it is a fitting finale to the series. Z-Ton is a very interesting Space Monster, really emphasizing the "alien" aspect. The dogfight is nice, although the explosions on both sides end up showing the wires for the models. Quaint but still a little silly. But a great action episode as the series comes full circle.

Overall I loved watching this series. The sheer creativity on display in each episode more than make up for the occassional weak entry and the TV quality effects. For a Japanes TV show of this era, the effects really are quite good -- better than a lot of Toei shows from later years. Any time you put on an episode the chances are you will be solidly entertained for 24 minutes, and that's what I ask for from an action-adventure show. Thumbs way up.

Now, off to Amazon to order my Ultraseven DVDs...