Super Dimension Fortress Macross Part 3 Episodes 11-15

When a recon mission goes wrong, Hikaru Ichijo, Misa Hayase and the rest of Hikaru’s squad find themselves in the hands of the Zentradi themselves.  It’s a First Contact unlike any anticipated and the culture clash could provide some of the most useful intel on the Aliens yet.  As the dire situation brings Hikaru closer to Misa, the Macross closes in on home after a months long journey.  Captain Gloval is determined to get his crew and the civilians back to their homeland at any cost.  But what kind of homecoming awaits the long lost battle fortress upon its return to Earth?

Today’s Macross found our heroes in one of science fictions most exciting yet terrifying scenarios: First Contact…which would prove to be kind of awkward for both sides.  Some unintentionally or even intentionally funny moments aside, the Macross fought its way back home in this set but it looks like their real fight for survival is only just getting started.

We picked right where we left off, with Britai manhandling the entire Vermillion Squadron, except while this was still a brutal fight, the freeze framing approach to it was a major distraction. I thought something might’ve been wrong with the streaming platform I was using but nope, I think that was a corners cutting moment and it kind of sucked…which is a shame cause Britai literally tearing Hikaru’s Valkyrie apart is both terrifying and pretty cool.  Once that was over with though, it was time for the big First Contact moment between Humans and Zentradi.  Hikaru, Misa and Kakazaki found themselves face to face with a Zentradi tribunal who’s ranks included Britai, Exedore and those three Zentradi scouts from last time (Hikaru wrecked their ship while they, and ironically he, were discracted by the Miss Macross broadcast).  Seeing the full Zentradi fighting force in all of its glory is definitely a crap your pants moment, especially considering the size of the armada Bretai alone commands.  Global later surmises that they might have a 4-5 MILLION strong battle fleet and that’s just insane.  That’s Legend of the Galactic Heroes amounts of ships to have at any given time (did their numbers even reach the millions?).  One thing is certain: the Zentradi know nothing but battle and theyre good at it.  If they wanted to, they could dust Earth in seconds with one a single full fleet barrage…like I said, craping pants revelation there.

However, the terror of the Zentradi was dulled by their inability to comprehend pretty much any bit of human culture.  Civilians, men and women living together…and more importantly, that kiss.  Yep Hikaru and Misa’s constant back and forth bickering led to the kiss that will change the fate of a species forever…and the Zentradi reacted to it like a grade school kid thinking he’s been exposed to COOTIES!!!  It’s ok to laugh at these reactions but it does get a bit sad when its revealed that the Zentradi were close to human once, both in size and in civilization standing.  However, to combat the briefly whispered “Supervision Army”, the Zentradi turned themselves into giant and left all notions of peace, love and understanding behind.  The fact that Humans still possess these qualities could be seen as the Zentradi “Kryptonite”.  But it’s easier to call it what they call it, “Protoculture”.  One kiss can throw even the toughest Zentradi into complete disarray…how to weaponize that kind of reaction is still tbd.

The kiss opened up the door to the growing bond between Hikaru and Misa and, I’ve gotta say, Misa is easily superior to Minmay.  While Misa is a dedicated, career driven soldier, she still has more in common with Hikaru because of that.  I could smack Hikaru for his chauvinistic views that “women shouldn’t be soldiers” but Misa is able to put him in his place in my stead, “I cant believe they gave you command”.  But once the two were on their own behind enemy lines, the banter became more lighthearted and Misa seems to be more approachable and easier to talk to.  She certainly isn’t as full or herself or an attention snob like Minmay.  Misa even teased Hikaru about his one sided love for Minmay.  The funny thing is, Minmay didn’t even seem to be overjoyed when Hikaru got back to the Macross.  It made me wish Hikaru had a moment where he realized he and Misa had different duties to attend to so they couldn’t hang out once they were back on duty.  Yes, he has that problem with Minmay too, especially now that Minmay’s cousin, Lynn Kyle, is coming to the Macross to watch over Minmay, who is all over him…ehhhhhhwwww.  Point is: I’m team Hikaru/Misa all the way.

Once Hikaru, Misa, Max and Kakazaki were all back home, Global made the risky gamble to just head straight for Earth.  Given the intel gathered on the Zentradi, getting it to the UN Spacey higher ups was crucial and the Macross was more than up to the challenge of blasting through a blockade.  It was here we got our first glimpse of female Zentradi, who had their own armada.  Their commander, Laplamiz, but the green haired goddess Miriya stole the show.  Her simple mission to sneak those three now micronized scouts: Loli, Conda and Warera, into the Macross, resulted in her blasting her way through scores of Valkyries.  Even Roy was freaked out by her ability. I hope Miriya has a bigger role to play going forward.  Anyway, because the Zentradi want to find a way to use Protoculture against their enemies, they couldn’t let the Macross get destroyed.  Kamjin returned briefly to get embarrassed when he couldn’t destroy the ship AND was forced to stop his attack on Laplamiz’s orders.  So I guess the Macross is safe for now?  Or will the Zentradi step their game to capture the ship?

However, the Zentradi might not be the Macross’ biggest problem anymore.  The UN Spacey welcomed the battleship back with pure coldness.  Not only have they lied about the fate of the Macross and the 50,000 civilians, declaring them all dead, but they are also forbidding the civilians from returning to Earth because they don’t want the planet to panic knowing theyre at war with Aliens.  One of the men in charge of this decision was Misa’s father, Admiral Hayase, and even he was selfish in just wanting his daughter to leave the Macross and leave everyone behind.  I’ve seen a lot of this selfish political maneuvering and power playing in Gundam, so I shouldn’t be shocked that the UN Spacey is being jerks about this whole affair.  In their only minor defense, a handful of ships against a fleet of millions requires a well thought out plan.  If the Zentradi are interested in the Macross alone, having the ship lead their attention away might buy them the time they need.  It’s a plan, even if it is heartless and I don’t fully agree with it.

Special spotlight should be given to Zentradi spies Loli, Conda and Warera.  If you thought their reaction to Hikaru and Misa’s kiss was hilarious, they hardly spend an hour in Macross City before theyre overwhelmed by their perception of Protoculture.  Warera even ends up in a dress without realizing it’s meant for a woman.  Honestly, I’m surprised there wasn’t a spin off manga or side animation about these three cause it would be a very fun tale to tell.  Granted, theyre not going anywhere anytime soon but I feel like a more indepth story that’s both interesting and gut bustingly hilarious is waiting to be told.

So, the largest fleet of battle hungry aliens wants to keep them while their home planet doesn’t want them…I doubt this was the homecoming anyone on Macross wanted.  Either way, when we return on Monday, the battle returns to planet Earth…and things are gonna change forever.  See you next week for more Super Dimension Fortress Macross right here at the Gundam Anime Corner.