EPISODE 3: INTO BURNING SPACE
SUMMARY: Gene and Hilda are able to defeat their attackers and discover the MacDougall brothers paid for the attack. Hilda decides it would be prudent to leave Blue Heaven now despite Gene's less than thrilled reaction. While leaving they are again attacked by the same group, but manage to survive thanks in part to a ship from the Ctarl Ctarl Empire. Having successfully left Blue Heaven the group plan to rendevouz with some of Hilda's friends but find they have all been wiped out by the Kei Pirates who are also being helped by the MacDougall brothers. The gang manages to flee but they are unaware that they have been "marked" by Tao Magic. Next stop: Farfallas to recover the special ship apparantly created by both the Pirates and Space Forces!
CHARACTERS INTRODUCED: Aisha Clanclan, Ron and Harry MacDougall(actually appear)
THOUGHTS: Checking in with the narrator again we hear about the natural outbreak of another age of pirates once mankind developed fast enough means of space travel. It is emphasized once more that the Outlaws are not inherently on the side of either the Pirates or Space Forces. Interestingly the photos of Outlaws we see during this explanation are of Hilda and Swanzo, perhaps they are the first true Outlaws we are introduced to in the series? Hilda does show she may be someone to be feared when she successfully interogates the one grunt and learns of the MacDougall involvement. Her quickness to flee might also be telling us the brothers are a true threat.
We get our first mention of the Galactic Leyline here, a place that will be mentioned MANY times throughout the series. All we know for sure about it now is that the pirates believe it is a place which contains great treasure. Throughout this episode I couldn't help but think of Star Wars. The scene where Jim mans the guns once Gene chickens out reminded me of Han and Luke fighting off the Tie Fighters in A New Hope.
I was reminded of Obi-Wan's reaction to Alderaan's destruction from the same film when the gang try and meet Hilda's buddies. Finally, planting a tracking device on the ship(Pagua Sanfa Approved!) reminded me of the one on the Millenium Falcon in The Empire Strikes Back. All of these are coincidental I'm sure...
We are finally introduced to the Ctarl Ctarl Empire and boy do they make an impact. Jim describes them as both human and tiger and I can see what he means from the design. Interestingly only Aisha seems to be female aboard the ship...I am probably wrong but I dunno all those men in the pink tights chanting looked so ridiculous to me. Aisha Clanclan, 18 years old, is introduced as an Ambassador, but she'll lose that title by the episode's end due to some incompetence, mainly letting her emotions get the better of her which we'll see might be a common problem. You might not guess she'd become such a central character if not for the opening theme, as well as a primary location of comic relief Speaking of comic relief, that little back and forth involving Melfina inquiring about Gene's ability to "perform" is great stuff.
This episode, as mentioned, also finally gives us a glimpse of the MacDougall Brothers. Only Ron, age 35, speaks though. He is the older brother voiced by John Snyder in the dub who I at least most commonly associate as the voice of Gouda from GitS: 2nd Gig, if not this role. The MacDougalls have to be my favorite antagonists in the series along with a rather quirky doc Harry's, age 18, design actually reminds me of the Elder Toguro Brother from Yu Yu Hakusho. We'll see his personality isn't far off either...but I always enjoyed Ron as a character more. He gives off a genuinely menacing vibe when first introduced here aboard the Kei Pirate ship. He seems fairly helpful, but you know something sinister is hidden underneath those eyes. While we're on the subject of Ghost in the Shell voices, the Governor who demotes Aisha is voiced by the dub voice of Chief Aramaki which I never noticed before.
The final notable thing about this episode, so far as I can tell, is Gene's past and hesitency to be in space. This episode has that great scene that was made famous for me and I'm sure many others when it appeared during a Toonami promo where Hilda asks him if he's gonna just keep running away. Such a great scene for both characters and I really enjoy it. That's it I guess for now, I'll be back with a much more significant episode later!
EPISODE 4: WHEN THE HOT ICE MELTS
SUMMARY: The group reaches Farfallas and the asteroid that hides the XGP15A-II, a very special ship created by both the Pirates and Space Forces. As it turns out Hilda actually stole this ship from the groups. We meet the ship's computer, Gilliam II, who eventually registers them all as members of the crew. Unfortunately the Kei Pirates have followed our heroes and seek to reclaim the XGP. Hilda leaves the ship in an attempt to stall them while the ship readies to launch with some crucial help from Melfina. The MacDougall Brothers eventually arrive and attempt to destroy the XGP having been hired by another client. They leave after having seemingly completed their mission, but the ship survives, though at the cost of Hilda's life. Gene decides to name the ship the Outlaw Star in her honor.
CHARACTERS INTRODUCED: Gilliam II
THOUGHTS: The narrator informs us of the origin and initial outbreak of grappler arm technology which becomes significant later in the episode. Interestingly we see the images of the MacDougall Brothers and one other person whose identity is unknown to me...anyone got any idea?
The episode title basically spoils the big surprise though I still think it is probably one of my favorite episode titles for the series. Looking back now I think the death of Hilda really didn't surprise me too much, but you definitely expect her to live longer. I mean we know who our main cast is because of the opening theme, but she has really taken command of the situation/plot for almost the entire series up to this admittedly early point. She definitely goes out like a badass though with some explosive dental work! A character I always enjoyed, she will be missed.
The MacDougall's show their ruthlessness here for the first time as they are willing to attack the same group they were until only recently working for. It may have been implied in an earlier episode but it seems to be stated here that Hilda and Ron had a past together. Just what their actual relationship was I don't know but he seems all too eager to kill her which he basically accomplishes. Add the revelation that their ship was involved with the death of Gene's father when he was a child and you've got definite primary antognist material. Harry gets a few lines in this episode and my comparison to Elder Toguro seems even more apt...although funnily enough Steve Staley, his dub voice actor, does the voice for Hitsugaya from Bleach.
An often overlooked, I assume at least, character we first meet here is Gilliam who almost seems from the start to manage to #### Gene off. Their comedic banter is something I've always enjoyed about the series. Of course we also get another hint regarding Melfina's importance here and her "ability" gets a pretty hilarious reaction from Jim and Gene. We still don't really know much about Melfina and her ability to navigate the ship nude in a cylindrical chamber is...interesting. I can't remember what my initial reaction to this was but I recently began watching Van Dread and a male character in that series seems to steer the main ship in a similar way, I wonder if this is common with anime?
So the Kei Pirates we met in the first episode are finally dead, but we'll be meeting more. Although it appears next week we'll have some more to do with Aisha. Until then I suppose, I really enjoyed these two episodes and definitely look forward to continuing my rewatch of this wonderful series!
EPISODE 5: BEAST GIRL, READY TO POUNCE!
SUMMARY: Gene and friends arrive at Blue Heaven with the Outlaw Star in search of supplies and information. What little they get is insufficient so they'll need to see an old friend of Gene's for the rest. The ship does get registered and a nice new paint job though. Oh yeah, a crazy cat-girl from the past returns seeking revenge.
CHARACTERS INTRODUCED: Fred Luo(mentioned)
THOUGHTS: This is for the most part a rest episode. After the first four episodes which culminated with the acquisition of the Outlaw Star and the death of Hilda our cast is left with the task of accepting her death and figuring out just what comes next. Hilda gets a tiny shred of backstory from Swanzo, but really nothing we didn't already know. Melfina seems most upset over her death, hoping she might provide some answers regarding who she is and who made her. Gene doesn't notice initially but he is also upset over losing Hilda; Jim seems to take it the best.
I noticed that this is really an episode that focuses on getting to know our cast better. As just said, Jim isn't given much here but several other characters are. We start the episode with a rare look at Swanzo without his suit on and learn a bit about his past with Hilda. The big scene of the episode though, to me, takes place just after the episode break when Gene and Melfina flee from Aisha. Gene has something of an episode showing he hasn't totally gotten over his past in space just yet. Melfina is there for him but her lack of a past and identity is clearly getting to her as she draws tears. Gene really steps up though and declares that he will help her find the answers she so desperately seeks. The two really lean on each other for support here and I think the scene works rather well. I remember laughing pretty hard at the "rather eat sheet" exchange on my first watch.
But of course, the episode title refers to Aisha. Prone to wearing her emotions on her sleeves she even bursts into the narrator's opening scene explaining her happy childhood that was taken away from her when she was thrust into space after graduation. She really seems like the prime comedy relief character of the series here...until the next episode... Regardless she gets her goofy scenes fairly often. We learn a Ctarlctarl can transform into some kind of beast but she fails to.... twice... with humorous results. She is no doubt strong physically though as an otherwise fatal slash to the midsection by Gene merely results in the blade being shattered. I really do love Aisha as a character even if I probably prefer the other two female leads over her. She can come across as a clumsy loud mouth, but we'll see later just how helpful she can be. She too learns Hilda has died after cornering Gene, blaming him for her being left on Blue Heaven instead. In the end she ends up the butt of another humorously unfortunate, and somewhat karmic, event.
Lastly, the largely comedic and quarrelsome relationship between Gene and Gilliam does get a small nod in this nice little break episode. Next time we'll meet a character Jim seems none too pleased about seeing again and oh yeah, a female assassin!
Count_ChocuIa wrote:
The last time I re-watched Outlaw Star was in like 2008 or so.
I'd like to join in on this, though I might only have a few sentences to add here and there. I know I'm joining in pretty late, is it still alright?
Absolutely! All participation is welcome!
I'll probably post my thoughts regarding episode 6 later on tonight, plan to watch it soon.
EPISODE 6: THE BEAUTIFUL ASSASSIN
SUMMARY: Gene and crew return to Sentinel to meet with Fred Luo, an old friend. Gene happens to be at the right place at the right time though when an assassin named Suzuka arrives and tries to kill Fred. Gene fights her and manages to get her to agree to kill him before she can kill Fred. Having saved his life, Gene is given the remaining supplies for the ship by Fred.
CHARACTERS INTRODUCED: "Twilight" Suzuka, Fred Luo(actually appears)
THOUGHTS: The narrator opens the episode by describing Suzuka, the beautiful assassin for whom the episode is named. I remember the pose they give her when her image is inside of that sword particularly well. She is voiced by Wendee Lee in the dub, a famous dub actress. Not much is really known about her character at this point except that she uses a wooden sword that she can somehow use to cut trucks in half, is extremely prideful and deadly, and likes to kill at twilight, hence the nickname.
At this point in the series she really comes across as one of the most physically powerful and threatening enemies, but as he says she underestimates Gene...with sexy/hilarious results. Fred Luo is a character on the completely opposite end of the spectrum. He clearly prefers men to women and is deeply in love with Gene, whose reactions to him are used well for comedic effect. I wonder how Toonami handled the Fred Luo character as I never watched the series on Toonami. Fred comes from a fairly influential family and is not above going through some questionable channels to get what he needs. I probably consider him the funniest character in the series.
The landing at Sentinel informs us that Gene hadn't been in space for 6 years and never really learned how to land a ship. We also get more of a sense that caster shells and weapons aren't really in popular use anymore and Gene using one might be significant. Aside from that not much else about this one to say really. It is more comedic and action oriented and tends to go by faster than any other episode so far for me. We know Suzuka will play a large part in the series from the opening alone, but the preview shows we'll see her in the next episode too.
PS: I'm 99% sure one of Fred's bodyguards was voiced by Michael McConnohie. He has a fairly recognizable voice and is famous for several anime roles such as Charles zi Britannia from Code Geass or Ikari from Paranoia Agent.
EPISODE 7: CREEPING EVIL
SUMMARY: While on Sentinel our heroes try to earn some money and get the ship ready for takeoff. They are attacked by more Kei Pirates who demand to know what happened to Hilda and the others. Suzuka comes to Melfina's aid while Gene repels his attacker, but is severely wounded in the process.
CHARACTERS INTRODUCED: Hazanko(mentioned only)
THOUGHTS: Once again the narrator spouts out exposition, this time informing us of how the pirate groups in this universe are devided. The Kei Pirates seem to be taking orders by an apparent tyrant of sorts named Hazanko who will prove to be the primary antagonist in the group. The really strong Kei Pirates, called the 108 Stars, seem to be masters of magic like abilities called Sunjutsu. We see it in action here when Suzuka battles the burly one who also chants "Pagua Sanfa." Speaking of Suzuka, we learn she might not like these pirates for some reason as evidenced by her willingness to help fight them. Her immense physical strength is further reinforced by rather easily defeating and killing her opponent, while Gene barely manages to force his to retreat.
This episode always felt like the first of a two-parter to me, thanks in large part to the cliff-hanger ending. The very beginning with Gene constantly failing to launch the ship is a nice hint at the next episode. The rest of the first half of the episode is pretty slowly paced and character driven. Jim seems to make sure Gene stays out of trouble and keeps the group grounded in reality during the scenes where they look at the sky and sleep at night. The coloring for these scenes is really nice to look at and gives off a nice atmospheric vibe. We also see that Gene has some...less than admirable traits when comforting Melfina.
Gilliam and Melfina get some nice moments in the episode too just to ensure we remember they exist. The second half of the episode is almost pure battle though. I don't think either of these Kei Pirates get names, but they are both fairly forgettable, particularly the generic hulkish brute Suzuka takes on, though I liked his purple energy blasts The other guy gives off the creepy vibe the episode title refers to, I can't help but be reminded of the first member of Team Masho from Yu Yu Hakusho when I see him what with the facepaint and all. He shoots some kind of darts from his wrists or palms and is otherwise fairly acrobatic as well. He is the more memorable of the two(which makes sense seeing as how he's in another episode), but not too memorable as mentioned.
Seeing as how the ending is a cliff-hanger I guess I'll leave any lingering thoughts for the next episode, which looks even more action oriented judging by the preview(and having seen it several times.)
EPISODE 8: FORCED DEPARTURE
SUMMARY: Gene has been poisoned and the Kei Pirate offers an antidote in exchange for the Outlaw Star. Melfina is able to heal Gene though and Suzuka dispatches the little weasel easily enough. More Kei Pirates are on the way though so the ship must make a forced departure from Sentinel. The launch succeeds and a battle with three grappler ships ends with victory for our crew, who leave Sentinel III behind, perhaps permanently...
THOUGHTS: The general theme of this episode is one of beginning an epic journey. The narrator urges Gene to set a course for the Galactic Leyline, but notes that he controls his own life and destiny, so he should not fear the new journey that awaits him. Gene accepts this and says goodbye to Hilda, thus taking full control of his life and new ship. It really does feel like an initiation, although we've already seen Gene and crew in space facing down pirates, the battle near the end of this episode feels like the first step in a grand adventure.
The healing scene is very...interesting. I wonder how Toonami handled that one...still Melfina and Gene are closer thanks to the experience I supose. Our good friend Fred Luo pops in briefly to inform the crew that he's made their lives more difficult. Speaking of Fred, I hinted at this in an earlier episode but the young Gene is clearly voiced by Fred's actor in the dub, as we see the flashback of his father's death one more time. Gene feels alone, but Melfina is there for him, she heals him moreso than in a purely physical sense.
The space battle feels like the first we've seen and in a sense it is as the Outlaw Star hasn't really battled hand to hand yet. I like how the arms can use weapons such as guns or axes. The battle is quick but it is definitely fun to watch and won't be the last. Suzuka seems to be welcomed along for the ride rather quickly and with no question. I'm not sure I'd consider her a permanent crew member yet, but her badass skills are certainly appreciated by all. Aside from that not much else to say, we'll get something of a side episode to start next week on a new location.
PS: Gilliam's "My crew is full of lunatics" line was the best of the episode for me.
EPISODE 9: A JOURNEY OF ADVENTURE! HUH?
SUMMARY: On the way to Heifong Gene decides to stop at a rest station of sorts to collect some money on a bounty named Zomba. He succeeds, but it turns out it was just a cyborg duplicate. The real Zomba was captured by Suzuka. While wandering around Gene notices the MacDougall Brother's ship is involved in a Space Race being held at Heifong, so the crew set out to their primary destination.
THOUGHTS: The narrator speaks of adventure and how life is full of journeys. He even comments on the young men who were once young boys like he did so many episodes ago. Much of this episode centers on Gene and Jim and their opposing viewpoints on how to treat life. Gene is much more casual, letting things come as they may and not allowing the "small stuff" to cloud the bigger picture. To Jim, this way of thinking is lazy and idiotic. He is concerned with getting to anywhere where they can reopen their business and start maing money. Thus, as Suzuka points out, when they argue over it all they look rather childish which is perhaps worse for Gene.
The Zomba bounty hunting scenes in the later portions of the episode serve as a reconciliation of sorts for the two as they capture him together. Once they get their bounty Jim is even willing to start talking big again. Gene finally starts to get serious after noticing the MacDougall ship...but that's for the next episode. Overall this feels like a very slow, transitional episode of sorts which makes its biggest contribution by further fleshing out the relationship between Gene and Jim. They really do come off as an Odd Couple of sorts with Gene as the slob Oscar and Jim, ironically younger, as the uptight Felix. It is easy to overlook these types of episodes where little happens to influence the main plot, but they do have their merits I suppose. We are introduced to the pink Gilliam after all.
Next episode promises the return of several secondary characters and even a new one!
EPISODE 10: GATHERING FOR THE SPACE RACE
SUMMARY: After arriving at Heifong the crew decides to join the annual Space Race to make a name for themselves and catch MacDougall. To do this they need to be sponsored by Fred Luo, who agrees as long as they finish in the Top 3. Suzuka decides to sit the race out, but Gene and company reunite with Aisha...the experience is less than pleasant. Gene believes a ship called the El Dorado belongs to the MacDougalls, but doesn't know for sure as he has never actually seen them. After 14 hours in the race Gene tries to cut some time by taking a dangerous route to a checkpoint....will the Outlaw Star make it???
CHARACTERS INTRODUCED: Professor Nguyen Khan
THOUGHTS: The opening lines for this episode with Jim showing concern and Gene blowing it off basically sum up the entire previous episode in 5 seconds. Considering the race itself, which our narrator provides a brief history of, doesn't begin until 2 or so minutes left much of the episode involves meeting familiar faces. Fred Luo is first and he informs us that the Kei Pirates have not given up on Melfina. He also provides a hilarious wardrobe for the crew should they win the space race. Aisha's reappearance is full of surprises as we learn life has not been kind to her. She proves her resourcefullness however by taking command of a Ctarl-Ctarl ship involved in the space race.
Suzuka doesn't believe in lending or borrowing money, but she still bets on the Outlaw Star to win, showing she has faith in them. We also see Gilliam fairly confident that the ship can't be matched which is a nice change of pace. We see Harry MacDougall again, going by an alias, but his brother is nowhere to be seen. Instead he has what appears to be a couple of cronies helping him along. He arrives "fashionably late" for the race as we learn the El Dorado has participated before and is a favorite. Just seeing the ship is enough to anger Gene into ignoring the race and chasing him down, but cooler heads prevail...at least until the actual race episode cliffhanger.
We must not forget Melfina is still anxious to know about her past but has little luck here. We are introduced to Professor Khan, a rather odd speaking fellow who somehow knows the XGP simply by seeing it. His lone scene is very brief though so more on him later...next time the exciting conclusion of the great space race!!!
EPISODE 11: ADRIFT IN SUBSPACE
SUMMARY: The Outlaw Star narrowly avoids the dangerous wave and passes through the checkpoint successfully. At a rest stop Gene confronts Harry MacDougall, but he claims not to know about anything about what Gene asks him. Later while trying to go into warp the El Dorado shoots missiles at the ship damaging the engines. Aisha, who has come aboard, tries to whip the crew back into race shape. Gene manages to form a plan using the ether stream around Heifong and they finish the race 4th overall, but 1st in the privateer class which is good enough to break even with Fred. Gene is only interested in the El Dorado though and receives some kind of message....
THOUGHTS: The narrator talks about the natural dangers that pirates were, and to an extent still are, willing to take a chance on like huge waves, in space these would be ether waves. Indeed, they do play a pivotal role in the race, which is fairly tense throughout. Gene's crazy thinking pays off in the end proving his resourcefullness. His confrontation with MacDougall is quick, but the hidden look on Harry's face shortly after implies a much more sinister nature...we'll get there next time.
Aside from that Aisha kinda unofficially joins the crew after finally accepting they no nothing about the Galactic Leyline. Her observations regarding the ship and Melfina in general are funny, but she certainly likes to hear herself talk. She has an admirable never say die attitude though I suppose. Her extremely abrupt turn from enemy to crewmember is probably made easier because of her design and personality...she just seems easily likeable...at least to those outside the show's universe. She also claims she is seen as useless on her home world, which could be sad, but the moment passes rather quickly. I suppose frantic would be the best term to describe her and this episode in general. It is rather fast paced outside some random shots of Suzuka and Fred just to let us know they're still involved. Things are moving quickly, and the battle may turn fierce in the next episode!
EPISODE 12: MORTAL COMBAT WITH THE EL DORADO
SUMMARY: Gene and the Outlaw Star have been challenged by Harry MacDougall to a duel in an asteroid field. The battle commences with the Outlaw Star eventually finding the El Dorado and capturing it, but a second El Dorado allows MacDougall to escape, but not before discovering Melfina...
THOUGHTS: The opening narration informs us of how infamous the MacDougall brothers are. We are reminded that they are not on the sides of anyone but themselves. Although not the "final" villains in the series, they are certainly the most built up. Suzuka is MIA in this one, but Aisha picks up the slack. She informs us that the Galactic Leyline is supposedly the location of a great treasure. Gene has heard that it is some sort of gateway. Aisha is also crucial in actually finding the El Dorado...well one of them.
The first half of the episode is interspersed with several flashbacks. This is an interesting storytelling device, but not the first time the series has used it. The gang finally meets Professor Khan, although only briefly. He still gives off a rather strange and unpleasant vibe and Gene wouldn't hesitate to take him out, but it isn't necessary. Speaking of strange and unpleasant Harry MacDougall first meets Melfina in the episode and the experience is rather disturbing for our heroine. She will basically become his desire for the rest of the series and his actions will further cement him as one of the most demented characters. For now though he can't stand up to Gene and is only saved by his older brother, who is clearly the dominant person in their partnership.
Aside from that I thought the episode was certainly enjoyable enough, but next time we'll be getting some much more memorable side-stuff.
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