[SHINOBI03]

New Mill Creek Anthology BD: Ultraseven 55th Anniversary:
https://www.amazon.com/Ultraseven-55...f_=as_li_ss_tl

[Frontier]

This was a much better recap episode compared to the previous one. Figures since it was focused on characters we actually care about.

Anri with her hair down looks spectacular.

So the Space Aliens ARE coming from a specific planet. So it's an intentional and heavy invasion? One that's been going on since 1999? The creatures are so different so are they deliberately designed that way or modified from actual wildlife on that planet?

We also finally get Emi's backstory that she was an overachiever who graduated from MIT at 17 and got caught hacking into the government. Seems like part of it was motivated by trying to get her scientist dad to pay attention to her.

That was a nice scene between Gento and Teruaki over Blazar.

[Daikaijuman54]

You know, I was thinking we haven't seen much from Emi as much as the others this season, so it's kind of funny how a recap episode gave us a glimpse into her background (though that'll probably change as the series progresses, as evidence by the preview for the next episode).

Anyway, interesting possibility about Bazanga and Gebalga coming from the same planet, I felt the distinction for "Space Monster" seemed like it was of significance in Episode 1, and now we're exploring that venture. Curious to see how it all goes on...

Also, this was a nice recap episode that gave us some interactions with the SKaRD team which was nice (Anri might just be best girl).

Next Episode: Fight Flight! Is that Zigra from Gamera:Rebirth retrofitted for flight!?

[GrandComplete]

One thing I want to point out is how this recap is directed by a brand new director Ryuta Miyazaki and really this whole thing feels like a test to see what he can bring to the table and with shots like these I can't wait when he properly works on the franchise.

[Fish Sandwich]

This was a really successful take on a recap episode from Blazar. It's never bogged down by stretches of replaying old footage that last too long, and what is there is generally at least accompanied by some new narration on top (narration which also comes from the main characters in this case, which is all the better), and it presents the viewer with plenty of legitimately interesting information to mull over, from bits of backstory to hints of future plot points. It's not the most exciting genre of episode to begin with, obviously, but this was notably well-crafted for what it was.

[Switchblade]

Damn it, y'all are making it sound like this clip show is worth not just skipping like usual.

[Sunred]

This recent episode definitely I think should be considered one to refer to when writing recap episodes for tv shows even for those who aren't into toku. Next best thing being the time vent episode from Ryuki.

[SHINOBI03]

I am now officially done with all of Ultra Q. Neo Ultra Q was a good attempt, better than Dark Fantasy, but I think the original series was a lightning in a bottle. None of the sequels managed to reach the same impact as the original Ultra Q nor were they a close attempt that matches the better Ultraman shows compared to the 66 series. From this point I thin the franchise should stick to homaging the original Ultra Q whenever they could instead of another reboot.

[Frontier]

I don't know what's cuter, Anri playing with the figurines or Yasunobu naming Earth Garon "Earth-kun" or the MOP "Mopy."

I guess you can't take the hacking out of the hacker as Emi kind of goes a little rogue to get some answers on what's going on, answers that could have some severe consequences on SKaRD if she's not careful.

The more Retsu shows up, the more trouble SKaRD is in, though it seems like he's considerate in his own way, just mindful of the public image of SKaRD and everything working against it if they don't perform.

Deltandal, the Moonlight Kaiju! A high-speed aerial type that's much faster than Earth Garon. Maybe they should throw a jetpack or wings on it? Though it's also got an explosive orb attack in it's chest.

So it's all connected. The mission Gento was on that lead him to Blazar, the disappearance of Emi's father, the Space Kaiju that have arrived on Earth...all involving this "V99." So are the V99 a race of aliens or something else? Was the experiment that caused the ruckus some kind of attempt at communicating with alien life that went wrong and kidnapped a bunch of scientists?

I don't trust this Yu Dobashi guy. He acts like a reasonable old guy who tries to keep fit and doesn't know much, but he seems ready to throw his weight around and intimidate someone if necessary.

Deltandal may not be a Space Kaiju, but he's still quite dangerous, but luckily Earth Garon is able to flush him out even if Anri has to fight all the doubts about her aiming skills to hit him.

"I'm going to fix the antenna" - smooth Gento, smooth!

Blazar unleashes Rainbow Slash but it's an aerial dual with the Tilsonite Sword that decides the battle, especially when they clash with their finishers.

Kind of surreal watching the Fly Off happen when the Ultra is already in the air.

I figured Gento didn't know about Emi's dad. And of course he can't deny her the chance to find out what really happened to her father, come what may for SKaRD itself.

So THAT'S why Emi had an "in" with command and seemed close to Retsu. He was her dads' best friend and apparently practically her uncle. That's also why Retsu is involved in what's going on.

New ED! Emphasizing the shows' communication theme with some pleasant and serene vocals!

Next week: Gavadon! Because it's not a Showa tribute until you get the episode where the kids make their own Kaiju.

[Daikaijuman54]

So, I'm assuming V99 is the planet/region the Space Kaiju are coming from. Interesting how it's under the naming scheme of the likes of M87 which is the Ultra's homeworld.

Retsu has been gaining more focus, and primarily for the Waves of Space Kaiju from Bazaanga and Gebalga, and with the revalations Emi has been discovering, seem to suggest he knows about the goings on with them. I almost wonder if he knows about Gento being Blazar since he doesn't really seem bothered by Blazar being the one to finish every Kaiju, or at least knows about that facility being where Blazar was first "witnessed."

But anyway, a fun aerial battle with an interesting Kaiju! All good stuff. Also glad to see Emi taking center stage since she's been the most nebulous member of SKaRD thus far.

And finally, a new Ending Theme! I already miss Black Star, but we've come to expect this trend in Ultraman so far.

Next Episode: Oh boy! Gavadon (my stupid memory called him Gabira when they showed off the Kaiju in the Press Conference, I'm very dumb), this is going to be fun.