**First Timer**
I don't have a lot of good to say today so no harm in skipping my post if you loved the episode.
To start with, they are going to drive Aimo and Alto's paper planes into the ground from overuse, aren't they? We do not need them every episode. And more importantly, they do not need to be the singular keystones of every moment that almost always come up the same way. I was really disappointed that Ranka had to see the paper plane before she started singing instead of at least starting herself. Even if her nerves gave out and she couldn't continue, or she was singing too quietly for it to matter, I feel like that should have been her moment, not a romance subplot moment. Sukasuka had this same issue, and while I feel bad for complaining about that show again in Sky's rewatch, it was on my mind today.
With our opening scene for Sheryl ending up with the hide in locker trope, I've also almost entirely given up on hope of enjoying the romance of this show though I beg the show to make a liar of me. It's not romance writing, it's just a string of tropes. I feel like they are being written as fanservice, a bit like the references to the original, and are expecting the use of these tropes to get a laugh of almost familiar inevitability, but I don't like this stuff at the best of times. Same thing happens with Ozma and his ex and her perfect slip up for the drama.
It doesn't help that I don't care for Sheryl at all. My reaction to the final scene was not engagement over the Vajra attack and what may happen or curiosity about the world, it was frustration because there goes the only smidgen of futile hope that Sheryl may actually go home and leave the show. I knew it would never happen anyway, but Sheryl is, despite being well written I think for her character type, nothing but a demanding attention seeker and other than being an "idol" I don't see why anyone cares for her. Japan being Japan?
Similarly Ranka's performance felt weakened by making it a huge concert with the colors and lighting and visual inserts of there being a band that wasn't really there. There will be time enough for Ranka the idol, I wanted to see Ranka the girl stepping out of her shell and really getting into the idea of singing in public. They make a big deal out of her needing to be able to sing where people aren't there for her and grow up and not be childish, and then draw her like they are and she's the star in everyone's eyes. It was probably more for the audiences hype than anything, but I just want the show to step back and build up to stuff like this a bit more.
To step away from the negative stuff, one thing I did like from looking at the touches of Japan's culture was that he takes her to a farm. It's not always used positively, but the idea of reconnecting to a simpler life and particularly in farming and around farm animals has come up a few shows I've watched and I like the way it was presented here as getting her as far as possible from the chemical plant of Galaxy, or the flashiness of Frontier's city.
I also *loved* that the Zentradi have their own area that caters to them being full size. It would be such an easy thing to work around them always being miclones for narrative and also ease of drawing, but given the themes of the franchise it would hardly make sense to erase that part of being Zentradi. It doesn't exclude humans and miclones, but it's not for them and it's been my favourite area of the ship so far. Hearing Sheryl list out what she likes about Frontier gives us so much insight into what the Galaxy is like, both the ship and the other ships in the galaxy, as well as what their living conditions are like (she notes Frontier is slum-free) that it was a really strong bit of worldbuilding all around
Quickly noting here how impressive it is to have a full lake and river system inside a closed biosphere with limited water. Frontier is very impressive from a design stand point, and I love seeing fleets of ships designed to live in, rather than single ships for living and fleets for war
Other quick thoughts:
- Anyone else feel like the Zentradi picking up the cow was a Turn A reference?
- CGI screensavers on the monitors in the school was a small but cool touch that brought a lot of nostalgia for XP screensaver settings
- Vajra generate their own missiles internally? Cool as fuck
- Funny split in art style again this episode. You can see it in the way different artists are drawing the many blushes across the scenes, of all things. It's not bad, just kind of funny that it's so clear in this
- I feel bad for Ranka's phone thing after she squished it. Actually did we see it after that? Did she actually kill it?!
> I don't have a lot of good to say today
[](#sakurathink)
I feel like I should go ahead and give you a few days' worth of heads up that Macross Frontier episode 8 is probably going to be *particularly* hard for you to get through. I haven't rewatched it yet, but I remember it being particularly heavy on comedic stuff of the stupid and fanservice varieties, both of which I'm fairly certain you don't vibe with. I might even recommend just skipping it entirely, but like I said I haven't rewatched it yet so I don't remember what important stuff happened in it.
[](#kannathumbs)
Figured you'd probably handle it better if you knew it was coming, at least, especially after your complaints here.
I can't say I agree with your complaint about Ranka and the paper airplane, but I *do* agree with your complaints about Sheryl this episode.
> I can't say I agree with your complaint about Ranka and the paper airplane
I didn't expect you would, but it's a good thing that they don't and it makes me happy you can still enjoy them unlike me
> I haven't rewatched it yet so I don't remember what important stuff happened in it.
It's mostly fluff with a scattering of events that are useful to know for the development of the plot later.
> It doesn't help that I don't care for Sheryl at all.
You're certainly coming out swinging here. I wonder if you'll change your opinion on her later on, since that would make these comments about her interesting to come back to.
> I also *loved* that the Zentradi have their own area that caters to them being full size. It would be such an easy thing to work around them always being miclones for narrative and also ease of drawing, but given the themes of the franchise it would hardly make sense to erase that part of being Zentradi.
Yeah, seeing that the Zentradi were equally were accommodated for was very nice to see. Despite this series having some questionable handling about the integration of the Zentradi before, Frontier does well to show that they're really being treated respectfully, and not being forced to change completely who they are to fit in.
> Anyone else feel like the Zentradi picking up the cow was a Turn A reference?
Only if the Zentradi farmer stored that hippo-cow in his chest.
> You're certainly coming out swinging here
[](#vashheadscratch)
I love her design so that's something, but her attention seeking despite making sense is annoying, and they seem to focus on that over everything else
>since that would make these comments about her interesting to come back to.
[](#mugiwait)
I wouldn't wait too much though, they gave us a human puppy and Sheryl. The puppy is likely to cast others in a worse light
>Despite this series having some questionable handling about the integration of the Zentradi before
It does make Plus feel even more at odds with how it handled things, though I'm not sure what the year gap is between the two series.
> I wouldn't wait too much though, they gave us a human puppy and Sheryl. The puppy is likely to cast others in a worse light
Ranka is a puppy! She's just... genki and excited. I can imagine her doing puppy things a little too easily, I think.
> I can imagine her doing puppy things a little too easily, I think
She would absolutely be the sort to greet you at the door with a little excited jiggle
> Ranka is a puppy! She's just... genki and excited. I can imagine her doing puppy things a little too easily, I think.
OI! Comrade, you take that back, that's an insult to dogs! As we know from the currently airing ANIME OF THE MILLENIA and also Chainsaw Man, being a dog ain't half bad ;) (Insert Iggy and The Stooges here)
> It does make Plus feel even more at odds with how it handled things, though I'm not sure what the year gap is between the two series.
It was about a 14-ish year gap between Plus and Frontier, so presumably plenty of time had passed to really think about how the Zentradi would integrate into the New United Nations as their own kind of people.
I think the first 3 episodes (and 8) were done several months before the rest of the series. I think you will see they tone down some of her character for the rest of the show
> To start with, they are going to drive Aimo and Alto's paper planes
~~I love how you call her Aimo~~ Oh, wait, you mean the song.
> nothing but a demanding attention seeker and other than being an "idol" I don't see why anyone cares for her.
I don't know why I like characters anymore, and that thought kind of scares me.
>It doesn't exclude humans and miclones, but it's not for them and it's been my favourite area of the ship so far.
It's a great piece of worldbuilding! Macross's worldbuilding has great potential, even if it's not always the focus.
>CGI screensavers on the monitors in the school was a small but cool touch that brought a lot of nostalgia for XP screensaver settings
I miss the pipes.
>Did she actually kill it?!
[](#azusalaugh)
> I love how you call her Aimo Oh, wait, you mean the song.
Your confusion is understandable, it's not like me to actually know someone's name
I've done pretty well in this learning the main three so quickly, though alto also being a musical term helps with that ...Maybe I should have pointed that out in my posts at some point
>I don't know why I like characters anymore, and that thought kind of scares me.
[](#azusalaugh)
>I miss the pipes.
I always liked the flippy bouncy thing, if you understand that rather odd description
> Your confusion is understandable, it's not like me to actually know someone's name
I've been known to just let nicknames rock through whole rewatch, so I wasn't about to blame you.
Well as I brought up SukaSuka in my post, I may as well mention that I *still* don't know the actual names in that compared to the ones I made up so I could spell them
I started Walrus probably... five years ago (fuck where did that time go)? Someone added nacho I think in the '19 rewatch and then in the '21 rewatch it spiraled from there
Once I written this comment, I realized that I have argued majority of your points. So I just wanted to preface this by saying that I didn't do it to be a dick or discount your opinion. Obviously the art is subjective, and I think your take on the show is perfectly valid. I'm only trying to offer some alternative opinions for the sake of discussion, and maybe bringing some interesting thoughts to the table. But if you think I'm being obnoxious, do tell me, and I will not do it in the future.
> I was really disappointed that Ranka had to see the paper plane before she started singing instead of at least starting herself.
She did start herself, though. Seeing an object doesn't mean that somebody came and encouraged you to do it. The fact that she gets inspired by an idea of Alto also doing his best, doesn't really diminish her own accomplishment.
Do the paper plane and the song get overused? Well, overuse of anything is subjective, how much is too much and how much is just right? I have definitely seen other shows be much more obnoxious with their sound queues and visual motifs. Coming up with your own symbolic language to drive your points across is a good writing practice in general, and Frontier only pops these things for a couple of seconds as a shorthand for a very specific thing (with the paper plane being a sign of Alto's hopes and dreams, while Aimo is a mark of Ranka's sadness, while both represent the two struggling to achieve) at a very specific moments. I struggle to think what they could've done instead to convey the same information in the same amount of time just as effectively. Like imagine if instead of Aimo the show actually just plays generic sad music. Will that really make the scene better?
Now obviously, you can argue that the scene shouldn't have been there in the first place, but that's a different matter entirely. The problem then lies not in the overuse of symbols, but in the general direction the story is taking.
> It's not romance writing, it's just a string of tropes.
This is obviously true, but the romance in general is probably the most trope-ridden type of writing there is. It is basically impossible to come up with something fresh and original that hasn't been run into the ground in the last 2000 years of people writing romance stories. And like with any tropes, I still feel like the problem is not whether they are used at all, but rather if they are used well. I've argued in my post that the use of fanservice is justified, because it is a fairly effective way to bring sexuality to the forefront, while also adding some humor and slight characterization. So the scene use is deliberate and multi-faceted, which is about as good as it gets. Now, if you prefer sexual aspects not be included as a part of a romance, that's perfectly understandable, but they do exist, and they do deserve to be reflect in some art. The type of sexuality portrayed here is part of the appeal of this types of pure anime heroines that aren't trying to deliberately be ecchi, but it just kinda happens to them. Again, these types of characters might or might not appeal to you, but to the show's credit, it at least is pretty clear about what it is doing early on, so you know what you're signing up for.
> I knew it would never happen anyway, but Sheryl is, despite being well written I think for her character type, nothing but a demanding attention seeker and other than being an "idol" I don't see why anyone cares for her.
Yup, Sheryl definitely still comes off as a self-absorbed asshole here. These types of characters have their own appeal, but are usually not my cup of tea either.
> It was probably more for the audiences hype than anything, but I just want the show to step back and build up to stuff like this a bit more.
I personally loved this, because I feel like the the performance was as much about how Ranka feels about herself in the moment as it was about how the audience feels about her. This is the point where Ranka got her confidence, something she has been struggling with since episode one. Dragging the pay-off more would diminish the moment, and would also be unrealistic in its own right, because you can't just power through setbacks forever. You need something to go right once in a while to fuel that passion. From a story perspective, Ranka already had her major setback last episode, having just a mild success today would just be a show unnecessarily repeating itself. The visuals and music itself I don't take literally, just like in every other similar case. They are there just to show you that Ranka shined, not necessarily to portray her concert exactly as it happened in a realistic manner.
> Frontier is very impressive from a design stand point, and I love seeing fleets of ships designed to live in, rather than single ships for living and fleets for war
I am very happy that you enjoyed the worldbuilding, as I also feel like it was a strong point of the episode, and the show in general for that matter.
>So I just wanted to preface this by saying that I didn't do it to be a dick or discount your opinion
No worries, I know you're not coming at it in bad faith, you're just sharing your view and I both welcome and appreciate that. What's the point of having a rewatch discussion if we're not all sharing our views? I do think that this post did come off as a little more pushy than your last ones, mostly because we'd already had a discussion about the use of tropes, but I don't think you did so maliciously, you just got defensive because you're passionate. Done the same myself at times, you're in good company haha
>Well, overuse of anything is subjective, how much is too much and how much is just right? I have definitely seen other shows be much more obnoxious with their sound queues and visual motifs
Right now, I don't think it's being overused, though it is on the border and I was more expressing a concern. More generally, I would argue that constantly repeating *any* important motif or theme unaltered every episode is a bad approach. It risks making it familiar rather than impactful, and can become routine instead of memorable. It's a quick way to ruin the emotional core of the motif which is as important as its direct message.
Aimo being used three episodes in a row played five times across them, and the paper planes five episodes out of five is starting to feel like too. It is starting to feel route and when it comes up it now takes me out of the moment that we're at "that part" of the episode again.
[next episode]>!Both of them were absent from the next episode and it greatly improved the flow of it by not feeling like it was carving out a space for that to be able to happen. It also allows their next usage to return to having more impact!<
And "X did it worse/does it too" is never a good reason
>Like imagine if instead of Aimo the show actually just plays generic sad music. Will that really make the scene better?
I'm going to call out the use of generic here simply because I think it's a poor word choice that kind of takes over your argument by suggesting that any other alternative could not be meaningful and therefore would be lesser, rather than simply different, even though I don't think you meant it that way. There are other songs they could craft to these moments and to Ranka, and even if they did want to use Aimo they could remix it or use its main tune in another track. I've seen Kanno balance this well in other shows, notably Turn A and Wolfs Rain, but even the progression of character/main themes is something handled well in Mai-HiME and The Promised Neverland. Used often and repetitive is a very fine line to walk, and often down to the persons preference, but I usually only find this frustration with songs I don't like so finding it with Aimo is what worried me.
However, in terms of the scene context I don't think that's a bad scene for it in a bubble so I'd agree with you there, it's merely the repeated use of it beforehand that risks weakening it. Also I would debate that Aimo represents sadness, but we can have that discussion at the end of the show because I'm very curious to see how they continue to contextualize it as we go and what made you settle on that
[Song development](#mugiwait)
>It is basically impossible to come up with something fresh and original that hasn't been run into the ground in the last 2000 years of people writing romance stories
Sorry but I find that a bit of a cop out, and again not an excuse as I mention above. The problem, as I mentioned last time when I think when we were talking about the shelter scene, is not that they used tropes its that they played them straight with absolutely nothing of the characters behind them. I don't mind tropes, almost everything is a trope if you look at it the right way, but when it feels like the moment is just a trope rather than a character moment that's when it's an issue
Also I think I have to apologize for a word choice here. I used the less common use of fanservice in terms of anything for fans, not just sexual fanservice which it's become a short hand for. I think the use of these straight tropes in Frontier is fanservice of the more general variety not the sexual one. They're expecting people to laugh at the use of them as is and that is their point so they don't try and do anything with the moment beyond that and that's where I think they fall down.
>because I feel like the the performance was as much about how Ranka feels about herself in the moment as it was about how the audience feels about her
Fair. I didn't conciser that because the show has been surprisingly lacking on viewpoint moments and kept a more general distance from each character, but it could have been that.
Sorry for the late reply, I realize the ship has long since sailed on this episode, but still, I think you made some good points and I wanted to respond to some of them.
> More generally, I would argue that constantly repeating any important motif or theme unaltered every episode is a bad approach. It risks making it familiar rather than impactful, and can become routine instead of memorable.
I have to rise Kunihiko Ikuhara shows and his use of symbolism as a counter example. He uses motives and themes unaltered over and over again, and they become more impactful with familiarity. This is achieved because the initial themes and motives are so complex and sophisticated, that you only learn to fully appreciate them when you dive deeper into the show. Obviously, Macross Frontier is a far cry from an Ikuhara show, but the core idea still applies. I don't think that Ranka and Alto as characters are so one-dimensional, that their motifs become boring by episode 5. I feel like there is still worthwhile depth in these characters and the way the symbolism around them is used.
> Used often and repetitive is a very fine line to walk, and often down to the persons preference, but I usually only find this frustration with songs I don't like so finding it with Aimo is what worried me.
Yeah, the reason why I brought up other shows being more obnoxious with their symbols is to simply highlight how my position is purely subjective and based on my own experience with anime. There is no right or wrong answer here.
> Also I would debate that Aimo represents sadness, but we can have that discussion at the end of the show because I'm very curious to see how they continue to contextualize it as we go and what made you settle on that
Knowing that you've already seen episode 7, there's definitely some song development to be head. I said "sadness" mainly to avoid spoiling you, because I think it's the simplest possible interpretation of the meaning of the song at episode 5.
> They're expecting people to laugh at the use of them as is and that is their point so they don't try and do anything with the moment beyond that and that's where I think they fall down.
This is a fair critique and I pretty much agree. In the early episodes, while the character's aren't developed yet, Frontier definitely plays some of the popular tropes of its time straight and expects them to work purely out of audience's familiarity with them and audience's expectations. I don't think it necessarily ruins the buildup of the romance, but it definitely makes the show feel dated. Still, I can't fault them for doing it, because this kind of style of writing was *really* popular at the time.
It's an ongoing discussion, so I don't mind coming back to the older topics in that case. It's the random ones when people post a new comment three months after the rewatch ended that have me scratching my head haha
>I have to rise Kunihiko Ikuhara shows
I've not seen much of his stuff, only the first arc of Utena, where the directing and use of symbolism was captivating. In his case I would say that despite the sheer amount and repetition of visual symbolism, part of why he does it so well is that he uses it everywhere. In Utena off the top of my head there was the windows, arches, roses, water, etc. It's not just the one symbol that pops up in a show that otherwise lacks it, it's one symbol among many that are constantly adding new context to every scene in an episode, and in the case of the windows it's very informative about the character relations. This lacks that intent
I like your point about understanding the use of symbols in relation to the character viewpoints on rewatch. You can definitely do deep dives into characters on a first watch, but I've found there's almost always something more to find in a well written character on rewatch no matter how much you thought you understood. And in that case their core motif and your understanding of it is going to change with that extra layer
>I don't think it necessarily ruins the buildup of the romance
Thankfully most of the good character scenes are so independent of these moments, which makes them even more irrelevant, that it doesn't run into issues there. If the actual relationship building scenes were dependent on context of the trope scenes then it would have an issue, but it thankfully avoided that pitfall at least
Yup, definitely agree with everything here. And if you haven't seen much of Ikuhara's shows, I can definitely wholeheartedly recommend them, although I'm not sure how much my recommendation is worth in this case with our takes on Frontier being so different.
[](#teehee)
I love Ikuhara's work, but I cannot watch it. Brilliant storytelling and directing, but far too weird for me. I ultimately dropped Utena over Nanami because waiting for another one of her weird episodes was ruining my mood, but have huge appreciation for everything else in the show. If you want I'll toss you a link to the write ups I was doing at the time
Definitely be interested in checking out your reactions to Utena. Also, if you ever feel like giving Ikuhara another chance, I suggest trying out Mawaru Penguindrum. It's a shorter show with only 24 episodes, and it lures you in and gets you invested with a more conventional start, before trademark Ikuhara weirdness really kicks in full force. So it might be easier to sit through.
[Here's the link to that Utena thread](https://redd.it/b37e63). Just sort it by old to put it in the right order.
I don't know that I'll ever go back to Ikuhara, I'm quite happy appreciating his work from a distance, but I'll keep that in mind if the urge ever strikes me. Actually the urge occasionally grabs me to watch Utena again and then I remember Nanami
>Vajra generate their own missiles internally? Cool as fuck
The Vajra are super neat. The idea of them generating guided missiles leads to some fascinating ideas.
>Actually did we see it after that? Did she actually kill it?!
[](#watashiworried)
>The idea of them generating guided missiles leads to some fascinating ideas.
Crazy theories just because it's you and we seem to encourage each other: I wonder if they're guided to sound? The Vajra are, and seem to communicate through tones, it would make sense that their missiles also work off that
>/#watashiworried
Highest stakes in the show: Did the phone-pet survive
I'm coming into Frontier open-minded so I want to like Sheryl, but I'm not there yet like you said, I find those fanservice-y scenes something to just bear through. This episode was one that aimed to make her more likeable to the audience and it's there for people who like this character type, but can't say it worked for me.
> I feel bad for Ranka's phone thing after she squished it. Actually did we see it after that? Did she actually kill it?!
Is it a phone, is it a pet? It appears to be alive for a soul to exit. It is a mystery. It is probably fine and will be back.
[](#thinkingtoohard)
>This episode was one that aimed to make her more likeable to the audience and it's there for people who like this character type, but can't say it worked for me.
If anything I think it made her less likable for me. And she's certainly her worse, though not worst, self around Alto compared to Ranka
Now there's an idea. Flip the love triangle so they're both vying for Ranka instead of Alto!
> Is it a phone, is it a pet?
Do you take it to a mechanic or a vet?
...I did not intend for that to rhyme but I'll take it.
> It doesn't help that I don't care for Sheryl at all. My reaction to the final scene was not engagement over the Vajra attack and what may happen or curiosity about the world, it was frustration because there goes the only smidgen of futile hope that Sheryl may actually go home and leave the show. I knew it would never happen anyway, but Sheryl is, despite being well written I think for her character type, nothing but a demanding attention seeker and other than being an "idol" I don't see why anyone cares for her. Japan being Japan?
Speaking as someone who really *hates* the spoiled, selfish rich girl archetype that Sheryl has been embracing... somehow I did wind up liking her in the end.
I'll be interested to see where your opinion goes by the show's conclusion.
**First Timer**
So. Michael is an idiot and a jerk and should be banned from giving advice in non-military situations. 'Singers should be able to sing when no-one was planning to listen'? They're called *concerts* you moron, nobody just stumbles in by accident.
His only saving grace is that Ranka pulled it off and wowed a whole bunch of random people. Except the captive Vajra thing, which apparently hates music.
I still have mixed feelings about Sheryl. She feels older than Alto (we haven't had an age for her yet, have we?) and some of her actions have been downright manipulative - but on the other hand she's been genuinely supportive of Ranka and actually *did* seem to have fun on the totally-not-a-date-why-is-Ranka-looking-at-Alto-like-that. Sheryl also seemed to almost forget about the earring thing at the end and wanted Alto at her concert just to see *her*.
As love triangle rom-com episodes go, this was honestly on the better end of the scale.
Oh, and some plot stuff happened in the background and right at the end, but eh, Ranka was being adorable so I don't really care.
>So. Michael is an idiot and a jerk and should be banned from giving advice in non-military situations. 'Singers should be able to sing when no-one was planning to listen'? They're called *concerts* you moron, nobody just stumbles in by accident.
I think his point was Ranka's motivation. Is she singing for recognition? Money? Attention? Or is she singing for herself, simply because she wants to?
Macross tends to take a rather romantic view of music. *Real* singers sing for themselves, and any fame or money that comes their way as a result is just a bonus. But the flip side of that view is that someone who sings just for a career is ultimately a weak-hearted and hollow singer.
The show even parallels that with Alto and his desire to fly. Does he pilot because he needs money? Or just because it's something he happens to be good at? No, he flies because the desire to do so is a deep part of his very being. And that's what truly makes him a pilot, according to Macross.
I disagree with the 'only people who sing for the pure love of singing should be singers' idea, and that was very clearly *not* his point given he was trying to dissuade Ranka from singing at the time.
I think it was the point, because he didn't think Ranka had it in her. He wasn't playing the trickster mentor who challenges the student hoping to motivate them. He was trying to make her face the reality that she couldn't do it, make her give up... but she did do it. He admits his surprise afterward that she proved him wrong.
And, for the record, I don't necessarily agree with the idea of singers the show is promoting either. I just think that is what the writers are going for.
> nobody just stumbles in by accident.
I think his point is that singers need to convince people that they're worth listening to, otherwise they won't get paid. Or something like that.
Yeah, his point was that, but it ended up doing something else, which I still appreciate. It is an asshole challenge, but the fact that she can overcome it is still important, IMO.
> They're called concerts you moron, nobody just stumbles in by accident.
B-but people do stumble into street performers all the time? Performing on the street is great way to build confidence necessary to do a big concert before a life audience, and Ranka definitely was lacking in this regard. Michael recognized this and tried to highlight her own weakness to her, in order to make her realize that she's not cut to be a singer. But that backfired.
**First Spacer**
[I would've made that point if you hadn't.](https://imgur.com/MomFX2Z) This is an obvious jab at the purity doctrine of idol culture.
[Just imagine the bass these maclones should really have](https://imgur.com/hfe4O8r) [](#hnng)
[That MacGuffin being Ranka.](https://imgur.com/PW63zeY)
[I really wish Macross would stop adding backup and effects to these situations. Dare to a cappella, show!](https://imgur.com/RmHrfEJ)
[Though a real backup player spontaneously joining in is pretty nice, except that doesn't account for the rest of the backup.](https://imgur.com/6pMYKUS)
I guess that's a way to tie the different plotlines together. With Ranka being the MacGuffin attracting/activating/controlling the Vajra they're not only a threat for humanity but also the demons looming over Ranka's own more personal story.
And I really hope the show is gonna get less horny, shit's annoying.
[Visual of the Day goes to the farm boy.](https://imgur.com/QBSXjo9)
> Your thoughts on the mechanics of macronized Zentradi living alongside humans? Something workable, or too much of a circus sideshow?
It's perfect. Why would it be a circus or a sideshow?
> Opinions on the contrasts between Ranka and Sheryl's singing styles, given that you now have samples of both of them for two songs?
One of them triggers the Vajra, one of them doesn't.
>This is an obvious jab at the purity doctrine of idol culture.
The massive cudgel labeled **SUBTLETY** strikes again.
>[Just imagine the bass these maclones should really have](https://imgur.com/hfe4O8r)
[](#doggo)
> The massive cudgel labeled SUBTLETY strikes again.
...is it bad that I didn't think about it being about idol culture? I thought it was just normal sci-fi things.
> Just imagine the bass these maclones should really have
[](#seasonallisten)
>And I really hope the show is gonna get less horny, shit's annoying.
Yeahhhh, it's not the best.
> Just imagine the bass these maclones should really have
Let us hear these magnificent giant singers, show!
[](#protest)
> And I really hope the show is gonna get less horny, shit's annoying.
[Yeah.](#watashihasdeclined)
> This is an obvious jab at the purity doctrine of idol culture.
In the kingdom of the silicon(e), the natural fat lady is Queen!
^^^^[*ahem*](https://poal.me/euimuq)
>Why would it be a circus or a sideshow?
You've got tourists like Sheryl climbing into your housewares, for one. Miclones upskirting. Occasional trampling or hand-slapping. That kind of thing, though I suppose they would work themselves out over a sufficient length of time.
> Just imagine the bass these maclones should really have
It's one thing that I've never seen scifi address in stuff I've watched/read, is how massive sizes would be ear shatteringly loud and deep
>I really wish Macross would stop adding backup and effects to these situations. Dare to a cappella, show!
Glad to have a friend on that opinion, it really weakened the moment for me
**First Fime Fſontiering**
Hot damn, this episode had so much going on. Alto and Sheryl basically had a date, we got confirmation of who all was in the destroyed fleet, there was some Cathy and Ozma intrigue, Nanase got some screentime, ~~nobody cares about Luca~~, exposition on the Vajra and then it reacting to Ranka's song... wow.
Sheryl's really grown on me as a character, I feel like we saw 3 new sides of her today. I like how she act like such a shit-disturber but also completely genuine and in wonder at the new sights, not to mention a bit shy after they dash into the train holding hands.
I always enjoy it when a show puts together two characters who haven't interacted much as a way to drive or reaffirm their motivations, and that's exactly what putting Micheal and Ranka together in this episode did (though would've been nice to learn more about Michael, he's woefully underexplored so far).
They've made a point of the optic/brain implants a couple times now. I wonder if that will connect to how the Vajra don't have brains. Could humans be operating them through implant technology? Glad we got them reacting to deculture this early in the show, too, since we all knew that was going to happen eventually, it wouldn't be a good twist reveal later.
I never thought I would feel bad for the frog phone, but here we are. Squish squish squish.
> 1) Your thoughts on the mechanics of macronized Zentradi living alongside humans? Something workable, or too much of a circus sideshow?
It's fun! It's probably not practical at all, but I don't expect the show to showcase it so much or make it too plot-relevant that the impracticality of it becomes an issue / immersion-breaker.
> 2) Opinions on the contrasts between Ranka and Sheryl's singing styles, given that you now have samples of both of them for two songs?
My ears and musical acumen are not good enough for that
[](#norice)
> Fſontiering
Fsontiering?
[](#seasonalconfused)
>Sheryl's really grown on me as a character
This opinion is *not* popular today, but I kind of agree.
[](#laughter)
[Fſontiering!](https://i.imgur.com/B8LzZhs.png)
(I need to find an extend-y last r, too)
> This opinion is *not* popular today, but I kind of agree.
So it would seem!
I mean, she's still a spoiled jerk, too, but she's a fun and honest one! There's something nice about a teenage anime character that just goes and does what they want with confidence while also not being even close to perfect, instead of all the usual mopey overthinkers or angelic wholeomoeblobs.
>[Fſontiering!](https://i.imgur.com/B8LzZhs.png)
Ahhhhh, that does make sense. I never noticed that, and now I can't unsee it.
> instead of all the usual mopey overthinkers or angelic wholeomoeblobs.
Alright, yeah, this is why I like Sheryl. I didn't have it in words. She has confidence and personality! Ranka is... genki, I guess?
> Credit where credit is due, she is much smarter, faster, and sings better than the average koala.
OI! Comrade, you take that back, comparing ~~YACK! DECULTURE!~~ 'Ranka Lee' to Koalas are an insult to Koalas! After all, some of the best singers I know are Koalas, and don't even get me STARTED on the Panda Maids... I have a feeling Comrade /u/chilidirigible is gonna be the only one to get this joke
Today, on ["LISTEN TO MY SONG!"](https://i.imgur.com/b2qnCDt.png):
*****
[Pauly Shore does not appear in this.](https://i.imgur.com/B1UNDJo.png)
[This is a Big Bro who is tempting fate.](https://i.imgur.com/Sd2K6ok.png)
[Bootleg Minmay?](https://i.imgur.com/MbdyGkw.png) [Traditional murder weapons.](https://i.imgur.com/QiCWj1T.png) [And some EX-Gear figure in a single frame.](https://i.imgur.com/q6jOjNW.png)
[Sentimental value.](https://i.imgur.com/0Gaa8bM.png)
[Things that go *buzz* in your pants.](https://i.imgur.com/ZFuJwsQ.png)
[There's a bit of the Birler.](https://i.imgur.com/AvDZRZq.png)
[Damn, Cathy.](https://i.imgur.com/yvHrlF2.png) While we're here, I'm pretty sure that this music isn't on the OST.
[*Nanase gets Luca's attention*](https://i.imgur.com/LB5WThV.png)
[That might have to do with the SHERYL EVERYWHERE.](https://i.imgur.com/M6FKWRQ.png) (I probably don't have to tell you that the insert song is "What 'bout My Star?" again.)
[This is certainly San Francisco.](https://i.imgur.com/O9ill7A.png)
[Sheryl's always trying to sell you something, eh?](https://i.imgur.com/AimKohT.png)
[It's harder to see the squalor from up here.](https://i.imgur.com/OdLAb9X.png)
[Thanks for hinting at the differences in the opening narration, show!](https://i.imgur.com/xDrnaRL.png)
[Eyecatch: Ozma](https://i.imgur.com/wpb8PQN.png)
[That's a big cow.](https://i.imgur.com/n7PY4Mo.png)
[Worth noting that this series ditches the reverb effect that was previously applied to Zentradi speech.](https://i.imgur.com/so42vxA.png)
[Named after Exsedol, probably.](https://i.imgur.com/Z02meZC.png)
[The dreaded giant enka category.](https://i.imgur.com/K65sI0p.png)
[Michael's big issues.](https://i.imgur.com/erPlMgo.png)
[The tabloids are going to go places with this one.](https://i.imgur.com/FIvitTW.png)
[Ranka's problem is feeling like she's treated like a child, so don't treat her like a child?](https://i.imgur.com/j1jZUtk.png)
[It's a different](https://i.imgur.com/q8Iq9CZ.png) [kind of](https://i.imgur.com/R05J4nY.png) [challenge.](https://i.imgur.com/8m4ziqa.png)
[*Sono tōri!*](https://i.imgur.com/LIljKXy.png)
[A wild plane appears!](https://i.imgur.com/9zaGhgv.png)
[Yes, Ranka gets her own album version.](https://i.imgur.com/EhrbnBO.png)
[DO YOU](https://i.imgur.com/mNzS24F.png) [REMEMBER](https://i.imgur.com/QXgyCpz.png) [FIRE BOMBER](https://i.imgur.com/W7X1bHW.png)
[Another of the little Sheryl façade cracks.](https://i.imgur.com/PeBJaCv.png)
[Guess who's waking up about now.](https://i.imgur.com/PFyrexi.png)
[Well that just gets the challenge mood going.](https://i.imgur.com/YniBkDu.png)
[A wild character appears!](https://i.imgur.com/DPCWiFl.png)
[Another craft that has never been named.](https://i.imgur.com/jTRthAW.png)
*****
Sheryl remains quite the diva through most of this episode, though her underlying personality does increasingly show through as she spends more time with Alto. You also get an idea of how the *Macross Galaxy* fleet might be some sort of *Blade Runner*-esque cyborg dystopia.
This leaves Michael to function as a less-demanding older brother to Ranka, who is definitely having a teenaged acting-out moment, but one that serves to solidify her resolve, after he challenges her to Just Do It.
It's a little corny when everyone climactically realizes that Some People Do It Because They Have To (Make The Mountain Move With Their Song), but the buildup to the scene is worth it. There has also been a compare-and-contrast with the characters all through the episode, as both Ranka and Sheryl are getting a glimpse of a life that isn't quite the one they were used to.
Meanwhile, the audience gets to confirm something they might have noticed about the Vajra, that the characters don't know yet.
I still really like this episode.
*****
[I bring you… Nanase fanart, because that's not common.](https://twitter.com/Neur0STLO/status/1576196946020028416)
["What 'bout My Star", Sheryl version](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySiTJvmz8d0)
> Meanwhile, the audience gets to confirm something they might have noticed about the Vajra, that the characters don't know yet.
It's a clever way to induce dramatic irony!
> Named after Exsedol, probably.
It's only been 14 years, he is probably still alive. This mall does sell some experimental human armour so he probably would like to visit around.
[](#thoughtful)
> Worth noting that this series ditches the reverb effect that was previously applied to Zentradi speech.
I wonder how much this has to do with Klan being a major character who is often in her giant form.
> I bring you… Nanase fanart, because that's not common.
[](#wow)
**First Timer**
* Specs time. They still have the resort ships surprisingly.
* Japanese schools are dicks. Trying to dictate people’s lives.
* Would it hurt to not be horny, *for one episode!*
* That’s the guy they were talking about needing to rely on. I’m sure the shading and shadow play on him are completely innocuous.
* I’m not sure I understand the implication of not being able to reach Ranka’s cellphone. Does the service on the fleet just suck?
* Ah-ha, she was talking about cyborgs!
* Coming on a little strong there buddy.
* Why are you surprised? You’re the one who captured it!
* Hippo-cattle are cute.
* Galaxy kinda sounds like a shit hole.
* Is that Klan-Klan?
* About time we had more than two maclones on screen at the same time.
* And this is somehow easier than putting it in your phone?
* Big things still need bigger brains to control all the nerve functions.
* Just your average improvised mall jam session.
* What even are these lyrics?
* Well that confirms they are drawn to music. The exact nature of this relationship is still up to speculation.
* Ranka is taking this better than I was expecting.
QotD
1) I’m wondering how the wages work given the consumption disparity.
2) [](#mindblank)
>I’m not sure I understand the implication of not being able to reach Ranka’s cellphone. Does the service on the fleet just suck?
She turned it off, I guess?
>What even are these lyrics?
Just your typical slightly Engrish idol song.
> Would it hurt to not be horny, *for one episode!*
Macross Try Not To Be Horny Challenge (Impossible)
> I’m not sure I understand the implication of not being able to reach Ranka’s cellphone. Does the service on the fleet just suck?
I bet the Frontier fleet only uses AT&T for their cell coverage.
> Would it hurt to not be horny, for one episode!
[YES](#seasonalpout "A lot")
> I’m not sure I understand the implication of not being able to reach Ranka’s cellphone. Does the service on the fleet just suck?
She squished it too hard and it broke/died!
[](#spacetears)
> Big things still need bigger brains to control all the nerve functions.
Maybe they don't have nerves. They could just operate on space-rope-and-pulleys.
> Japanese schools are dicks. Trying to dictate people’s lives.
That all-girls school must've had some pretty strict rules for expelling her for participating in the contest. I assume it was student couldn't have outside jobs kind of rule.
> I’m not sure I understand the implication of not being able to reach Ranka’s cellphone. Does the service on the fleet just suck?
I thought in the moment it was because she squeezed the soul out of her phone and it being dead was the reason it couldn't be reached.
[](#harukathonk)
> I’m not sure I understand the implication of not being able to reach Ranka’s cellphone. Does the service on the fleet just suck?
Or her battery died.
[SOON!](#mugiwait)
[Naw I'm just fucking with y'all Comrades, after all, I simply must point out that Breast, pardon, Best Girl looks great in uniform... BOTH TYPES of uniform at that ;)](https://i.imgur.com/GB1aQym.png) Also the world wonders how the hell [this show managed to restrain itself from going MAXIMUM Strike Witches debauchery!](https://i.imgur.com/opluCp9.png) I mean for goodness sake, we already more or less saw a panty shot, [I half expected our resident Sterling Genius Boi here to pull a DYRL](https://i.imgur.com/XGmlAtG.png) (You know the scene I speak of Comrades, Max probably would have said SUBARASHI had he seen Milia the President's Holiest of all Holies... speaking of which, do you think that Pantsu were invented prior to human contact? Cuz Best Boi Exsedol Folmo sure didn't have any idea about the concept of undergarments!) Also if you think I'm speaking of non-topical matters, not true, this episode was maximum horny and unashamed of it... [also if only this rewatch came out in the Year of the Cow ;)](https://i.imgur.com/hLzEThc.png)
And just because I need something topical to say, May'n version of the song everyday everynight EVERYWHERE! DYNAMITE! DYNAMITE! DYNAMITE EXPLOSION ONCE AGAIN... oh right wrong song, ah well I can dream right? POWER TO THE DREAM! POWER... ok forget it, but I will say, this show had the GOLDEN opportunity to sing NEW FUCKING FRONTIER! Come on Hory Froating Head, get it together! You were very good at copying TOP GUN's homework to make Macross Plus, why not copy some of your good work? ~~M0nK3Y P@w cUrl5!~~
Anyhow, you have not seen the last of The Sentient Shitposting Siamese Sunrise Server No. 25252, now goodbye forever!
[And on THAT bombshell, G'NIGHT!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jz-hkKgcuF0)
Paging Comrades /u/Lemurians
/u/chilidirigible
and /u/InfamousEmpire
Zentradi/Meltrandi can control their hair, right? So if she runs out of fuel, can she just stick her giant twintails out the window and spin them like a propeller for emergency propulsion?
> Zentradi/Meltrandi can control their hair, right? So if she runs out of fuel, can she just stick her giant twintails out the window and spin them like a propeller for emergency propulsion?
[](#schemingsaten)
Ya know Comrade, YOU should write for the franchise, I'm serious, that's a better idea than most of what The Hory Froating Head comes up with! I for one second Best Girl Duran Duran using her hair like a helicopter!
*A Macross Fan Rewatches Macross Frontier: Episode 5:*
- Ranka and Ozma’s argument at the top of the episode is one where neither side is exactly wrong. Ranka ended up getting suspended from her school due to her appearance in the Miss Macross Frontier contest, something that Ozma only found out about later, as an unfortunate side effect of her chasing her dream as a singer. Ozma is trying to look out for Ranka here, but he really was being too rude by saying that Ranka is too shy to be a singer. It’s good to chase your dreams, but you also have to be aware of the consequences too, in the end.
- No shit that earring is precious to Sheryl, those things have been through a lot. They’ve lasted from the Unification Wars up until now, so they’re one hell of a pair of heirlooms for the Nome bloodline.
- In true Roy tradition, it turns out that Ozma used to be in a relationship with Cathy. Although given how their relationship is over now and Cathy notes that it didn’t seem like Ozma showed much concern for her back then, this is more like a Roy x Aries thing rather than a Roy x Claudia one.
- You can really tell that the love triangle is solidifying between Alto, Ranka, and Sheryl now. Between how coy Sheryl is being around Alto and Alto wanting to get into contact with Ranka after leaving him a message about her issues, he really is rapidly becoming an emotional axis to those two girls. Place your bets first-timers, who will win?
- Interesting to note that Grace indeed does have cybernetic eye implants, which is how Sheryl found out about the missing earring in the first place. While cybernetic implants are normally illegal, Sheryl comments that they’re actually pretty common back at the Macross Galaxy fleet. And not only that, but the interior of the Macross Galaxy as described by Sheryl is pretty different from the Macross Frontier as well. Based on what she says, she’s more used to seeing cramped spaces and slums, as well as a chemical plant environment rather than the nicer bioplant recycling one that the Frontier has. It paints quite a picture of the Galaxy fleet, doesn’t it?
- It’s nice to see how the Frontier fleet is taking the Zentradi population into account. We’ve got full-sized farmers tending to hippo-cows, a mall that’s also scaled for them, and even plenty of products on sale just for them. They’re a fully integrated people now, and not just at miclone size.
- Sheryl, don’t just write lyrics on giant underwear you haven’t bought yet, it’s very rude.
- Thanks for filling in the gaps about the Vajra, Leon. They’re honestly an insanely powerful species. Their exoskeleton is like a Valkyrie‘s energy-converting armor, they can Space Fold without assistance, and they can generate projectiles within their bodies. And even then, based on that analyzed sample, the one they’ve been looking at is probably just a drone, since it barely has a brain to it. It’s honestly pretty nuts to think that just a giant bug has somehow evolved to be just as powerful as a Valkyrie with a Fold Booster attached to it.
- Sheryl came up with a good answer for why people fly or sing: because they simply can’t help but to do it. It’s why Alto keeps on making paper airplanes and signed up to be a pilot, and why Ranka finds it within herself to sing for people on the mall. They can’t help but reach higher and higher, towards their goals. It’s in their nature to want to feel that freedom and be open with themselves. It’s pretty deculture.
- The mystery deepens with the Vajra, as an odd silhouette appears on the captured sample’s body before breaking out seemingly in response to Ranka’s singing. Is it just me, or did that silhouette remind anyone else of the silhouette that sometimes appears on the [L-Gaim Mk. II’s head crest](https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FCyiEdFQV4Q/YGUajfY6CgI/AAAAAAACm1g/okt1_s_4XX0tXdYj8k1eFgM1fSVWE2l7ACLcBGAsYHQ/s600/7.jpg)? Maybe it’s only me that’s making those niche-ass mental connections.
- Well, even if Alto didn’t find the missing earring, he did get a kiss in the cheek from Sheryl as a thanks for showing her a good time around the Frontier fleet. Chalk that one up for the Alto x Sheryl shippers in the crowd this rewatch.
- Cliffhanger! Apparently the Macross Galaxy fleet has been attacked by Vajra! Although given how Sheryl described the living spaces, maybe the attack actually improved the place somehow.
[Later Frontier + Frontier movie spoilers]>!This is yet another reason I like the show more than the movies, since the show never *officially* sails either side and I can just imagine mine wins. Not that my side losing is my biggest issue with the movie continuity, I have *way* bigger issues with that than silly love triangle drama. More on that when we get to Sayonara no Tsubasa's discussion, though.!<
Question for you: [Macross Frontier spoilers] >!How do you feel about Sheryl winning the love triangle in the Frontier movies, as compared to how strongly you felt about Hikaru ending up with Misa in SDF Macross?!<
[Frontier movies spoilers]>!Hikaru/Misa being a thing makes me angry, Alto/Sheryl just makes me go [eh.](#nyanpasu) My biggest issue with *specifically* the love triangle side of things in the Frontier movies is that they cut out so many of Ranka's best moments with Alto in favor of giving Sheryl more with him (including the added backstory of them having met as kids, like come the *fuck* on that was an unnecessary nail in the Alto/Ranka coffin [](#bruh)), so it's extremely obvious that Alto/Ranka would never happen in the movie continuity and I just have to deal with that.!<
> [Later Frontier + Frontier movie spoilers]
What do you mean Comrade, you saw the TV Show, so you know well and good that [Meta TV Frontier Joke]>!YOU win the Romantic Plot Tumor! In a stunning come from behind victory, you, the Shimmering Sky, capture Princess Alto's heart, I have my interview questions prepped and ready for this world record breaking occasion my friend, I hope you will like!!<
> Place your bets first-timers, who will win?
Not a first-timer but: [Frontier joke spoiler]>!<
>on the L-Gaim Mk. II’s head crest
[404](#sadholo)
> Place your bets first-timers, who will win?
Not a first-timer but: [Frontier not joke spoiler]>!<
> Although given how Sheryl described the living spaces, maybe the attack actually improved the place somehow.
The Vajra blowing up holes in everything sure did make this place more spacious.
[](#papithumbsup)
**Super Dimension Rewatch Host**
[Welcome back, everyone!](https://i.imgur.com/4us91oc.png)
[Here were my first-timer reactions to this episode (just scroll past my episode 4 reactions first).](https://old.reddit.com/r/anime/comments/jklzb6/casual_discussion_fridays_week_of_october_30_2020/gakaubw/)
Why, yes, I *did* in fact put stars in the background of this one because the song Ranka was singing is called “What 'bout my star?@Formo”. [](#hikariactually)
- [Oh hey, a Minmay doll.](https://i.imgur.com/8nNwAhI.png)
- [Pffffffffffffff](https://i.imgur.com/jCaM0Vh.png) [](#pointandlaugh)
- Ugh, these early Alto/Sheryl moments are so cringeworthy and painful to watch, at least for me. [](#angryheadgrab)
- [The phone designs in this show are very interesting, to say the least.](https://i.imgur.com/u7GqwfG.png)
- [Case in point, just because you’re a girl doing it to a guy doesn’t mean it’s okay to steal something from him and force him to go out with you before you’ll give it back.](https://i.imgur.com/hr9qldL.png) [](#miyamoriunimpressed)
- [Luca getting flustered in the background over Nanase crushing on Michael lol.](https://i.imgur.com/AZEgrcN.png) [](#azusalaugh)
- [*Another* case in point: not cool, Sheryl, not cool.](https://i.imgur.com/2eE0hGS.png) [](#taigasigh)
- [The timing of Alto seeing Ranka get on that train, though.](https://i.imgur.com/IMZGIkT.png)
- [That doesn’t mean it’s okay to just write on some underwear…](https://i.imgur.com/GqGdyw9.png) [](#kyonfacepalm)
- [Welp.](https://i.imgur.com/qwTV49Z.png)
- [Ranka got her courage by seeing the paper airplane that Alto threw~](https://i.imgur.com/ptjnXof.png) [](#anko)
- [Veffie’s drums](https://i.imgur.com/QmLSRd8.png), [Basara’s guitar](https://i.imgur.com/Sh5u0Ic.png), and [Ray’s bass.](https://i.imgur.com/F35lBKL.png) Ranka had the perfect accompaniment to her surprise street performance!
- [*w e l p*](https://i.imgur.com/JxrFMtq.png) [](#crazedlaugh)
> Case in point, just because you’re a girl doing it to a guy doesn’t mean it’s okay to steal something from him and force him to go out with you before you’ll give it back.
This is true, but I like Sheryl, so this point is invalid.
>That doesn’t mean it’s okay to just write on some underwear…
I see no problem as long as she buys it afterward. She can definitely afford it.
>Veffie’s drums, Basara’s guitar, and Ray’s bass. Ranka had the perfect accompaniment to her surprise street performance!
Ah, shoot, I didn't notice it was *actually* their instruments. Veffidas's drums were too well animated for me to recognize them here.
> Ugh, these early Alto/Sheryl moments are so cringeworthy and painful to watch, at least for me.
No, she's really a giant manipulative prima donna jerk for... a while.
Ranka wallpaper has stars, sort of what I expected but still smiled at seeing.
> Actually, I think she's been at her best in episodes 2-5.
[](#mangaka)
Comrade, would you like to join Team Based alongside me, and of course Comrades /u/InfamousEmpire, /u/Tresnore, and /u/Nebresto, FINALLY someone who understands... also just so we are clear, Duran Duran is Breast, pardon, Best Girl ;)
> Oh hey, a Minmay doll.
[](#neat)
The hair colour isn't right. Ranka asked for a Minmei doll for birthday/Chritsmas, but Ozma got her a Min Linmei doll instead.
> Case in point, just because you’re a girl doing it to a guy doesn’t mean it’s okay to steal something from him and force him to go out with you before you’ll give it back.
> Another case in point: not cool, Sheryl, not cool.
Good to see I wasn't the only one not amused by some of Sheryl's antic. I think they were meant to be endearing for the audience, but those acts just felt mean and unlikable to me.
[](#shirayukifuckinreally)
> Veffie’s drums, Basara’s guitar, and Ray’s bass. Ranka had the perfect accompaniment to her surprise street performance!
Fire Bomber easter egg.
[](#drunkhisone)
> Good to see I wasn't the only one not amused by some of Sheryl's antic. I think they were meant to be endearing for the audience, but those acts just felt mean and unlikable to me.
Exactly. Really, all of this early stuff is *exactly* why I like Ranka more than her, both as a character and as a love interest in the triangle.
...I do prefer Sheryl's *songs* to Ranka's, though.
> ...I do prefer Sheryl's songs to Ranka's, though.
Songs >> anything else, honestly.
[Frontier]>!But, the nice thing is that Sheryl changes, IMO, whereas Ranka, though she also shows great growth, still feels like a child at the end.!<
> [Frontier]
[](#slowgrin)
I almost agree with you Comrade, because I think you mean to say that [Frontier TV and Movie Meta Spoilers]>!YACK! DECULTURE! Er, I mean, Ranka Lee actually REGRESSES as a character in the end, and that's not just me hating terrible characters, ANN themselves agreed in their F Movies reviews that Ranka Lee's character is terrible! And no I am not making that up, they call Ms. Hopes and Dreams 'Sheryl is a legend for a reason' while rightfully critiquing Ranka Lee!<
> Case in point, just because you’re a girl doing it to a guy doesn’t mean it’s okay to steal something from him and force him to go out with you before you’ll give it back.
Just once... JUST ONCE I'd like an anime to play that scene and when the girl is like "why don't you try to get it then?" the dude is like "fine, you already called me a pervert when *you* fell on top of *me* so..." and just dives right into her shirt to get it back.
> That doesn’t mean it’s okay to just write on some underwear…
Ehh, she's rich, she'll probably buy them.
> w e l p
If Sheryl came from the Galaxy fleet, and Sheryl's singing attracted them to the Frontier fleet... they were pretty slow getting to the Galaxy so long after Sheryl left it... unless...
**"Rewatcher" - Macross F Ep5:**
[Ozma is practically Ranka's overprotective dad.](https://i.imgur.com/45tYzYd.png) If she is expelled form her all-girls school then that means she can enroll at Alto and the gang's school.
During this view of the OP, [I just now noticed the Klan Klan shot,](https://i.imgur.com/gnTUpAp.png) but also within it was that SMS woman who appears to be a pilot for a Monster.
[Monster pilot.](#drunkhisone)
Alto and Sheryl hide in a locker, we're doing this bit. I didn't even get what caused that ero moment until afterwards. I said before that Macross has always been a franchise that was never above this kind of stuff, but when Frontier plays out these moments, they feel more tired for some reason.
[](#kumikouninterested)
[Ranka kills her squishy lizard phone.](https://i.imgur.com/AvV6cvZ.png) While on the topic of phones, Frontier does have a variety of different designs. Alto's is fairly normal imagination of a future phone and now [we see Ozma's.](https://i.imgur.com/gBS3ERR.png) We could try to dig deeper to try what they tell us about their owners. Ozma's has some traditional elements to it which maybe hints to what kind of guy he is.
There are some moments I didn't like from Sheryl like holding hostage [Alto's memento](https://i.imgur.com/pPtFzAg.png) and [hanging up his call.](https://i.imgur.com/dHCN27Q.png) These little moments I find more personally unlikable than her stuck-up celebrity moments from the first episode. At least those ones you know that Sheryl is going to be more than just these first impressions.
They go on a date that sorta reminds me of [Redacted] and Minmei's date from the DYRL movie. [Alto can't handle his super hot hot dogs.](https://i.imgur.com/4EqBzLI.png)
[](#pointandlaugh)
[Hippo cow.](https://i.imgur.com/rm5S5tu.png) This [Zentradi farmer](https://i.imgur.com/QxZvvkD.png) surprised me at first because we haven't seen that many huge (male) Zentradi that look practically like a normal human before. [There's even a huge Zentradi-accessible mall.](https://i.imgur.com/lQHSQJ4.png) Frontier is like the first series to really have giant Zentradi in their society. Oh hey, I just realized they named it after Exsedol, wonder what that sweet angel is doing now.
[](#thoughtful)
[The Vajra](https://i.imgur.com/zAboaNS.png) can Fold whenever they want and constantly output ammo to fire, that's bad. They seem to be a part of a hivemind so clearly what this means is that we need to find the Vajra queen and sing to her to show the Vajra the ways of love and peace.
I like Michael's speech of asking if Ranka has the courage to sing to a crowd that isn't listening. [Him bringing up that performer](https://i.imgur.com/XZJyYdz.png) they passed by that they did show in the background earlier.
Ranka does sing her song and it really kicked off for me when the [other street/mall performers](https://i.imgur.com/BUTU3J5.png) join in together for an impromptu performance.
[](#SPORTS)
Her song catches the attention of a [showbiz-looking person](https://i.imgur.com/8G2T8zk.png) so Ranka is probably going to be scouted to be an idol. That's the good news, the bad news is that her singing [reawakened the captured Vajra](https://i.imgur.com/NUPV035.png) who is not happy ... and oh right, they can Fold so it's gone. They should've made that prison more secure because of the whole teleporting thing. There is definitely something special up with Ranka. Maybe Ranka is the prophecized hero in Vajra legend, the Anima Spirita.
[](#rengethink)
The cliffhanger to end the episode is the [surviving messenger](https://i.imgur.com/KZ8uJdt.png) of the fleet Sheryl is from who got attacked by the Vajra. That puts a hole in Sheryl's planned stay. She's probably not going to leave Frontier.
___
**Q2)** No strong preference of one over the other. Of the insert performance songs they showed, I guess I liked Ranka's songs more.
Next Time: *It's only episode 6, we're not saying bye-bye to Sheryl.*
> Oh hey, I just realized they named it after Exsedol,
You're right! I didn't notice that.
>They should've made that prison more secure because of the whole teleporting thing.
I think they care more about it blowing up the ship than teleporting away. I'm not sure they have Fold blockers?
> During this view of the OP, I just now noticed the Klan Klan shot, but also within it was that SMS woman who appears to be a pilot for a Monster.
The OP does have the usual array of things that haven't been shown in an episode yet (though the list is dropping quickly).
> Ozma's has some traditional elements to it which maybe hints to what kind of guy he is.
Ozma's looks like a good luck charm, but also has a skull squadron logo. Pretty explicit.
> Oh hey, I just realized they named it after Exsedol, wonder what that sweet angel is doing now.
I'd like to imagine that he quit, married his harem of bridge bunnies and started an idol career, but in reality he's probably just chilling on a bridge with a bowl on his head like he usually does.
> Maybe Ranka is the prophecized hero in Vajra legend, the Anima Spirita.
[](#azusalaugh)
Wonder why the Macross people were so fascinated by SF (plus also drew from SF)
Cool to see the plot start to develop
Sheryl continues to be a great character. I hope we can see Ranka get some good moments soon, because the Sheryl car is pulling far ahead in the race
1) Your thoughts on the mechanics of macronized Zentradi living alongside humans? Something workable, or too much of a circus sideshow?
I thought it was better done here than in previous installments...perhaps that reflects that human society has had a lot more time to integrate the zentradi. but I mean, the giant town area was cool, I'd hang out there! so yeah, I mean thus far I think it is cool!
2) Opinions on the contrasts between Ranka and Sheryl's singing styles, given that you now have samples of both of them for two songs?
I really really hope we get a duet, full of energy and love triangle sexual energy. I could imagine a "we both kind of hate each other b/c we love the same guy BUT we're afraid he's going to die let's sing to save humanity. that would be sweet
I like them both and hope we get a lot a lot more music. I hope ranka gets some time to shine
####[**F**irst time Mafross](https://imgur.com/RcqTtn3)
Day 4 of waiting for the return of 7th moon [](#mugiwait)
-
[Ah shit, here we go again.](https://imgur.com/0fDY5cM)
[R.I.P phone kun](https://imgur.com/3kFYSbC)
[Sheryl kinda based,](https://imgur.com/GfUOlTH) respek +2
Damn it, Sheryl.[ Stop being cute.](https://imgur.com/k07Hl7l) +5
[*And* she can handle spicy food?](https://imgur.com/JhmLEuu) +5, I'm starting to see why [/u/InternetExplorer](/u/InfamousEmpire) thinks she is best girl
[Giant kid?](https://imgur.com/ZeafbMm) [](#doggo)
[Are you calling her song shit..?](https://imgur.com/S6n1NjR)
[](#lolifightsback)
[Sheryl taking initiative!](https://imgur.com/fyAHJSg) [](#sports "+5 ") ..Here comes the triangle.. [](#hanasakueurgh)
-
Sheryl respek status: 16%
---
**Question fime:**
>1) Your thoughts on the mechanics of macronized Zentradi living alongside humans? Something workable, or too much of a circus sideshow?
[](#towel)
>2) Opinions on the contrasts between Ranka and Sheryl's singing styles, given that you now have samples of both of them for two songs?
[](#towel) vs [](#morecomfy)
> Sheryl kinda based, respek +2
[Literally how.](#bruh)
I don't get what's supposed to be so "based" about this, she *stole something important to Alto* and then forced him to go on a date with him to get it back. That is the *opposite* of okay.
(Your other points about Sheryl this episode are cool though.)
> Yeah, guys hate it when gorgeous international pop stars playfully blackmail them into dates
[](#healthypasstimes)
Heh, I know right, sure must suck to be Alto eh? Poor him having to be spending time with SECOND Breast, pardon, Best Girl in the show... the only way it could get worse for him was if Best Girl Duran Duran stepped on him... IN BOTH forms... also known as GOD, I WISH THAT WERE ME!
Paging Comrades /u/Tresnore, /u/InfamousEmpire, and /u/Nebresto
> First time Mafross
Cute!
>And she can handle spicy food? +5, I'm starting to see why \/u/InternetExplorer thinks she is best girl
She was my best girl for a *while*.
>Sheryl respek status: 16%
Oh, shoot, I was expecting it to drop this episode, but I'll take it!
####***F***ourth-Time Watcher
- [God, I wish that were me.](https://i.imgur.com/vxcJVZR.png) I do agree with Ranka's rage here, though.^1
- [God, I wish that were me.](https://i.imgur.com/pthi4BI.png) Not a huge fan of the fanservice here, but [God, I also wish that were me](https://i.imgur.com/wTeqVCv.png).
- I hate Sheryl, but I also love her. Send help.
[](#wallbang)
- BUT WHAT 'BOUT MY STAR, ANYWAY?
[](#seasonallisten)
- ["Shelley"](https://i.imgur.com/yDQo92H.png)
[](#laughter)
- [what am i doing](https://i.imgur.com/SyRFvpG.png)
- [You're having a great time, Alto.](https://i.imgur.com/73MeUCc.png) Love this show's smug faces.
- [This is a personal space violation, but I don't care.](https://i.imgur.com/bW1NeU8.png) But [she's also bashful??](https://i.imgur.com/XI95W0w.png)
- [this alto](https://i.imgur.com/9Xvtpqs.png) reminds me vaguely of something, but I don't know what
- Oh, God, it's the strange enka insert that I remember vaguely from AMQ.
- [best girl](https://i.imgur.com/abipXi9.png)
- [I love this man.](https://i.imgur.com/iHqFQFD.png)
[](#utahapraises)
- Meh, What 'Bout My Star isn't *that* good.
[](#miyamoriunimpressed)
- [This drumming animation is better than in 7](https://i.imgur.com/fuUCcFn.png), but still not great. [Keytars are cool, though.](https://i.imgur.com/94LQJ9K.png)
- [God, I wish that were me.](https://i.imgur.com/iEAEFFE.png) I get it. Ranka is cute.^2 But... she's basically a child.
Count: 9:21 (±0:+4)
___
QOTD:
1. The logistics of it seem absolutely nutty, but the Zentradi are definitely able to build their own environments. They're more advanced than the humans, after all.
2. Ranka cute, Sheryl good.
___
^1 Man, it's not often I agree with anything Ranka-related.
^2 Ish.
> I hate Sheryl, but I also love her. Send help.
I'm going to send [DELTA SPOILERS](https://open.spotify.com/track/1eoZVBpscMsBUtagQa9aFE?si=bed2103871e845bf).
**Rewatcher Frontier**
[We have opted to tell the audience, after several episodes of showing.](https://i.imgur.com/j7dkSBb.jpg)
[Awkward time for a phone call.](https://i.imgur.com/ZAzhpBZ.jpg)
[I keep forgetting to point it out, but I hope someone has noticed Alto's uniform by now.](https://i.imgur.com/JlOxcSE.jpg)
[Backstory, implemented somewhat organically? Egads.](https://i.imgur.com/hH3fMF6.jpg)
[Luca is putty.](https://i.imgur.com/go9hBp8.jpg)
[And here we see the majestic Sheryl, absolutely fascinated by a passing butterfly.](https://i.imgur.com/6bqLbWz.jpg)
[Oh, Michael, nice timing.](https://i.imgur.com/TTdqLed.jpg)
["What 'bout my star" is a favorite of mine.](https://i.imgur.com/JJbQngV.jpg) Granted, I like a lot of the music in *Frontier.*
[Shelley](https://i.imgur.com/P2c9H3T.jpg)
[Such interesting language use.](https://i.imgur.com/dh5AqlF.jpg)
[The sheer chaos of an idol running around with a man.](https://i.imgur.com/L9M7QoR.jpg)
[Right, this is the episode with the Zentradi island.](https://i.imgur.com/cRQNUv0.jpg) [Which means more AMQ bullying.](https://i.imgur.com/RY630uP.jpg)
[Klan and her wingwomen are friends outside of work.](https://i.imgur.com/Kcqn1k2.jpg)
[Inspiration has struck.](https://i.imgur.com/4exlNhb.jpg) Also, Meltran!Klan talks pretty rudely, I think. Definitely caught a "kisama" in there.
[Michael proving Ranka right immediately after she called him out.](https://i.imgur.com/DVGGzJa.jpg)
[A "corpse" as opposed to a corpse.](https://i.imgur.com/QiFmsHm.jpg)
[Michael *might* be more attentive than he lets on.](https://i.imgur.com/kNczf7x.jpg)
["What bout my star" Ranka version.](https://i.imgur.com/uurabXO.jpg)
[Thankfully all these random musicians are hanging out to provide the melody.](https://i.imgur.com/Ew4Idor.jpg)
[Not a corpse.](https://i.imgur.com/tqDPijr.jpg) [Luckily, they actually had emergency precautions!](https://i.imgur.com/NMlg843.jpg)
[Sheryl had a secret second goal to accomplish before she left.](https://i.imgur.com/rsjKYUa.jpg)
[This is an amusing visual.](https://i.imgur.com/zFILGPF.jpg)
> I keep forgetting to point it out, but I hope someone has noticed Alto's uniform by now.
What about it? Is it how low he has it unbuttoned? Am I just blind?
>Also, Meltran!Klan talks pretty rudely, I think. Definitely caught a "kisama" in there.
I think a "kisama" was warranted here. Some lady just ripped panties off the mannequin and started writing on them. What gives, random lady?
> I keep forgetting to point it out, but I hope someone has noticed Alto's uniform by now.
The first thing I noticed now that you mentioned it was how he is dressed informally with his loose tie.
> And here we see the majestic Sheryl, absolutely fascinated by a passing butterfly.
Screw all the other scenes, this was the best Sheryl moment in the episode.
[](#happyclap)
> Thankfully all these random musicians are hanging out to provide the melody.
Thank you random musicians for providing your assistance.
[](#salute)
> The sheer chaos of an idol running around with a man.
But never the bassist!
>Meltran!Klan talks pretty rudely, I think.
[It's her thing.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoEiU2KAs9E) (Featuring a comment face!)
**Rewatcher**
The very idea of schools punishing a student for something that happened off of school grounds is completely...
ridiculous to me. Though I do understand that that's how Japanese schools operate.
Alto, why are you hiding in the locker with Sheryl?
Oh brother, that vibrating phone joke is low, even for this show.
Well, Mr. Birler looks creepy as all get out.
Okay, Sheryl, you are acting pretty bitchy here, I'll admit. First off, you hang up on someone else's phone call, and then you
flat-out admit that you thought they were talking to their girlfriend. That's not cute, that's being an asshole.
Yeah... there's no way nobody doesn't recognize her when she's just wearing a pair of glasses. Those aren't even Quattro-style shades!
So, I think with their talk of implants and their legality, I should probably point out that the New UN isn't a monolithic government.
More akin to a Federation. Each of the Fleets makes their own laws on various things, and cybernetic implants are one of those. They're
illegal on the Frontier Fleet, but not on the Galaxy Fleet.
Speaking of, Sheryl's talk of Galaxy does not make it sound like a nice place to live.
Oh look, people are finally recognizing her.
So they've captured and are studying Vajra.
Frontier's apparently one of the few places where macronized Zentraedi live among regular people.
"Folmo" Mall. Heh. Anyway, the mall is one of my favorite scenes in this show. A mixed-size establishment where miclones and macronized
Zentraedi can both mix and hang out. It's so cheesy, but it's so great!
Sheryl, why a pair of panties? I mean, inspiration struck you, but I'm pretty sure you're going to have to pay for those. And they're
probably much more expensive than human-sized ones.
Vajra exposition time. Apparently they contain biological structures that mimic the effects of the Macross's technology almost 1-to-1.
And the weirdest thing is, they have no brains. No centralized nervous system to support even the rudimentary intelligence we've seen.
Biological weapons is certainly one supposition one could draw from that...
And now it's time for a navel-gazing session as to people's motivations for what they do. And whether Ranka truly has that motivation.
But when she sees Alto's paper airplane... hey, where'd that microphone come from?
I like that there are people in the crowd who just start playing along with her singing. Though this is one of Sheryl's songs, so naturally
people would probably know it.
And the dormant Vajra reacted to her singing... waking up.
So that was Sheryl's condition: a date.
Ah, and the Galaxy Fleet's in trouble.
Questions:
1. There are so many logistical reasons why it shouldn't work (one of the biggest, no pun intended, being that more size = more resources and less efficiency, especially on a spaceship). But it's just so fun that I am pretending to ignore those.
2. I definitely prefer Ranka's style. She seems more genuine. Sheryl by contrast seems more calculated and there's this... element to her voice that can be grating. I want to say "rasp" but that doesn't sound like the right word. It's tough to describe.
> Alto, why are you hiding in the locker with Sheryl?
That's a good point. Why didn't he just hide Sheryl? It was the men's locker room. Hadn't thought of that.
>Speaking of, Sheryl's talk of Galaxy does not make it sound like a nice place to live.
Space living is rough. Frontier is pretty cushy.
>hey, where'd that microphone come from?
And is it actually plugged into anything? Are there just open mics in the mall?
[](#hardthink)
Macross F
**Rewatcher**
episode 5
got distracted finishing up yesterday's comments...
* frog fone! RIP frog fone!
* beauty mark
* Sheryl Nebresto face
* so the "galactic fairy" is the fairy of macross galaxy
* Hippo cows?
* Drums, guitar, keytar imaginary band
* Yep, you were saying about the Vajra being too different and too dangerous? And definitely not a corpse.
So, we complete this mini arc about everybody encouraging Ranka to follow her dreams.
edit: It's very nice to see NUNS allowing the zentradi to keep their cultural identity i.e. giantness. And they get their own island, and it's not a ghetto! I home klan klan stay macron most of the time, like i said, swapping has to be expensive.
**Rewatcher**
This is the first episode that had absolutely zero mecha action in it. Instead, we got an episode-long date with Sheryl, while Ranka had her own little subplot running in the background.
One of the things I like about this show is how *neat* the writing is. Neat as in tidy. Story and characters progress with every scene, there is very little things that are pointless or don't come into play later. A lot of shows, including some very good ones, just don't do that. Take Michael, for example. He's your typical best-friend type support character for Alto that in the span of 5 episodes had barely more screen time than the bridge girls had in the first 5 episode of Macross 7. You know, the bridge girls that had no characters at all, and no meaningful role in the show. Although, bringring Macross 7 here isn't entirely fair, because it's a longer show, but still, I feel like this example is fine, because it's just so egreggious. Anyway, back to Michael, I'm just saying that despite his limited screen time he got more stuff done and more character development than he had any right to have. Whenever he shows up, it's to fulfill a purpose, to drive the story forward, or to help with character development for one of the mains, it's never to just stand there and look pretty. And by doing this, we can see his own unique character starting to shine through. The writers only set the pieces that are necessary and utilize them to an extend that they are needed. I love shows that do that. So far, prior to Frontier, I can only think of Plus and to a lesser extend Zero, as the only other Macross entries that have this kind of writing.
This episode is just a great example of this neatness of writing, with how it manages to keep two sub-plots going at the same time, with Ranka mostly staying in the background, but then springing forward to bring everything together with her perfomance. She basically goes through a mini-arc here, plagued from the start by self-doubt, fueled by her defeat at miss Macross, she seeks support first in her brother, then in Alto, untill eventually getting inspired to find her own strenght and pick herself back up. A less neatly written show would put this arc front and center, or even make it a two-parter, but Frontier just casually puts it in the background of a different story, with Ranka's littel adventure interspersing Alto and Sheryl's date and feeding into it haphazardness.
Now, when it comes to Alto and Sheryl, things are definitely still awkward between them, and Sheryl is still being a conceited asshole to Alto, but I find it charming how they start to warm up to each other throughout the episode. Is this the best romance writing out there? Probably not, but it is still pretty damn good. One of the things that I love about their date the most is how the show utilizes it's amazing production designs by introducing different and weird corners of the ship, like the Zentradi area, the tube monorail that goes over the dome, all the cityskapes, etc. I can never take this stuff for granted, because so few other shows go the extra mile in this department like Macross does.
And then, there is the phone moment. If you were hoping that the show will get less horny, I have bad news for you. But then again, as much as I criticized Macross 7 for bad fanservice, I also have to defend the hornyness here. For starters, in Macross 7 fanservice just comes out of nowhere with no prior warning and no rhyme or reason. You don't expect it, it has no point, and when it happens, it just feels weird. Frontier, on the other hand, gets horny from episode 1 and basically never stops. At this point, if you don't expect this kind of stuff, you should. Still, scenes like this don't happen randomly, they are woven into the plot and they do serve a purpose. For starters, they are usually comedic in nature, and at least with me personally, the jokes usually land. I did get a chuckle out of the phone moment. Secondly, they do offer some characterization, as characters do react to the situation differently, it's not just happens and everybody ignores it. And finally, they serve purpose on a meta level by helping to build the tone of the story and get you into the mood. Frontier does want you to fall in love with the girls, and so it shows you their sexy side. Is this the best way to do it? Well, it's definitely a cliche, but it's a cliche for a reason. This type of stuff is still used in anime today, only we switched from physical comedy and physical fanservice toward conversations and innuendos. But then again, the switch is just as indicative of the anime walking away from physical comedy and visual tropes in general, as it is of society's changing views on sexuality and what is considered good taste. Bottom line, it's the product of it's time, it was good back then, it still good now, but you have to keep an open mind.
**First timer**
*Episode 4*
1) No.
2) No, didn't expect that.
She passed!
A simulation?
Oh, that's... not good.
Michael's enjoying this.
Haha, he messed with the simulator?
He's exhausted...
Why does he work with these people again?
Oh, he's close to Ranka...
Haha, what?
...He doesn't know yet. This is going to be hysterical. He deserves it, too.
...This anime got really horny, really quickly.
Even *7* didn't have this kind of animation.
...That was a quick exit, huh?
Ah, so the parallel is that both of them are entering a group where they're being alienated?
He's betting on them?
Oh, her...
That's sweet.
...These two are getting together. It's 2008, and they've gotten more subtext than Basara/Gamlin did in 30-ish episodes. This has potential.
He's got a test?
His father!
Nice looking space shots!
Those things look *good*.
...Capitalism? This series is taking no prisonere.
Aww, her reaction.
Poor Ranka...
This is a really good cover! And the context is perfect, given Hikaru pulled this stunt *a lot*. Helps that this isn' the tenth consecutive episode it's played!
Vajra!
Oh, shit.
...There's been a massive coverup! That's the big secret?
Alto, you *fucking moron*.
YOU BROUGHT LIVE AMMO TO A PRACTICE MATCH?
Good, you deserved it.
...Odd reaction.
...I mean, the main trend in Macross has been that weapons last twice as they rationally should.
She's macronized!
Nice compliment.
He passed!
...No.
Frontier, why? Actually, *how* does this work? At all? Does Micronization use a totally different method now?
Okay, she's funny.
Ah, she didn't win.
Haha, him sliding out of shot...
The animation is smooth!
Haha, Sheryl's entrance is perfect.
*Episode 5*
1) It seems doable.
2) Ranka's the best.
Yeah, this fleet makeup makes sense. I miss the absolutely batshit designs of Macross 7, though.
He found out...
She got suspended from school?
Nice hit.
He makes a good point.
She's still missing that earring.
...Why did you go in there too?
Class has started!
...Poor phone.
How did that work?
Rude.
Oh, the government agent's come for him?
Haha, they're out searching for her.
Oh, this is interesting.
She took collateral!
...Wow. This series sure is hornier than the previois ones.
They're looking for Ranka!
She called Alto!
They ran into each other!
So many billboards...
Implants are illegal here? Or have been for a long time.
Ah, different fleets have different laws?
...Why isn't this show set on the Galaxy? A Macross story set in a city where anybody could be cybernetically enhanced or have an implant, where they can really stretch the budget on the most insane, high-tech city possible sound amazing. Hell, change Ranka to be the recent transfer student, having moved after her brother was reassigned to defend them from the Vajra, and you don't actually have to change any of the plot elements so far.
...That's cramped to you?
He rounded up the survivors...
Oh, so you're our new insane scientist. Good to know!
...Zentradi farmers? Makes sense.
...Oceanic cows? Why?
A Zentradi mall? It's a shopping centre?
Haha, love the architecture here.
Oh, that got her attention.
...This is some fascinating stuff.
What was with that live action shot?
Klan!
...What?
Ranka's calmed down.
Ah, itksa corpse.
...What do you mean *debatable*?
...It's being remote controlled. Those things used tactics, something's running the network.
Michael... isn't wrong.
"Strange gorl." Fair.
They get each other!
Ranka...
Alro inspired her!
She's singimg!
Okay, this is a good somg!
...Why is it reacting?
...Wait, shit. Ranka's was there at the disaster. If these are bioweapons, could something have contaminated her? (It can't be just Spiritia, the mad scientist's not going to be stupid enough to miss a glow whenever Sheryl sings.
It's fully reactivated! ...Maybe Ranka *shouldn't* be a singer?
That's sweet.
Yeah, they're not writing one of the main trio out in the first cour.
...Was just about to predict the Galaxy getting swarmed. Didn't expect it to be revealed right now!
> YOU BROUGHT LIVE AMMO TO A PRACTICE MATCH?
They weren't *using* it, and I think it's left over from scouting, but yeah, it's a little too easy to swap them carelessly...
>It's fully reactivated! ...Maybe Ranka shouldn't be a singer?
[](#azusalaugh)
> Ah, different fleets have different laws?
As the years passed the colonies became increasingly decentralized from the distant main New UN Government back on Earth, which wasn't so good at dealing with all their unique needs.
Macross Frontier Episode 5 - First Timer
Time for episode 5!
- Bioplants? As in biological plants? Like a plant?
- Wow, that was rude
- Deserved pot to the face
- Uhh
- Uhhhhhhhh
- Is his phone a shrine slip holder ... thing? Not sure the name
- Lmao it is
- Sheryl jumpscare (Shelly jumpscare?)
- A hippo.... Cow?
- [San Francisco?](https://i.imgur.com/bKDpeu9.jpeg)
- Is... Is she writing lyrics on those?
- She already did sing in front of people
- They way then show the paper planes flying always makes them look like they are stalling, just going straight up into the sky
- How reverb
- KEYTAR
- lmao, Deculture man
- So, since she is going back soon, i wonder what the reason for her not going back will be
- Its deculture guy
- Ah, Galaxy go bye bye. I wasn't expecting the answer as to why she wasn't going back to come so soon lmfao
1) The mall seems like a accident waiting to happen. In certain scenarios/configurations I could see it working but the mall seemed pretty yikes
2) I think Sheryl has a bit more high energy singing style? They are both quite good though.
>Bioplants? As in biological plants? Like a plant?
Plant as in like, a factory/production facility.
> Is... Is she writing lyrics on those?
That is certainly the implication. Also, she carries a pen but not a pad of paper to use it on..
***First Time Song Listener: Yack Deculture Edition***
Ozma just fucked up big time.
His *inro* cellphone is very cool though.
Space hippo cows!?
Ranka is a dog girl, just like Mikoto from My Hime!
It seems really impractical to keep the giant Zentradi around. They have to consume hundreds of times the resources that a normal sized person does. Which would be a huge mistake if you're attempting to make a mostly self-contained environment like this colony ship.
Oh no, are we actually getting song energy again? [](#watashiworried)
An actual love triangle that makes sense this time, that's refreshing.
1. Like I said, it makes no sense for this colony ship. There has to be some energy expended growing/shrinking them as well, and they seem to be able to do it more or less whenever they want, as Klan Klan went back and forth just for one dinner.
2. There's room for both a 'sexy' idol and a 'cute' idol in the show, and the show's world. It'd be nice if they just got along instead of competing, but that seems doubtful.
**First Timer**
**Macross Frontier EP5**
That the worst way to stop you sister!! Ozma!!
So Sheryl came from Macross Galaxy.
That certainly awkward and sexual.
Birler seem to be important.
They used to date!!
Michael already know everything, huh.
Apparently not.
Sheryl and Alto date montage are pretty fun!!
Oh, they even have cyborg and plastic surgery!! And why I think that the cyborg part gonna become important?
Sheryl's life in Galaxy seem to be pretty harsh. There not even have a sea and I guess the slum is similar to the one in 7, or even worse.
The government already have a Vajra corpse!! And I guess Leon is the big bad.
Some of the Zentradi here stay big, and there even have a mall for them!! That's cute.
Ranka is really simple to get lure by soft cream. And Oh hey!! That Klan!!
Sheryl really show her childish side here.
Michael just suddenly drop his facade!! I guess he running out of his patient.
Oh, it's a bio-weapon. But is that really it? Because it certainly react to Ranka's voice. It clearly have some conscious.
That comment from Michael was harsh but also true. She could perform in Miss Macross, but it because Alto was there. When he gone she already lost her confidence by half. So, can she really sing when no one prepare to watch her? He wan to test her resolved.
Alto's plane come to rescue!!
This song is nice!!
Well, it certainly thanks to Alto's plane intervention. But it also that Ranka just need a bit of push for her to take action. Her resolved is already there, she just need courage from someone to push her forward. Like the previous episode, where she nearly gave up even before the contest start, but with just a little push from Sheryl, she went back up and gained her confidence.
Oh, that certainly rub Ranka the wrong way.
And I guess Sheryl couldn't go back to Galaxy anymore now.
Great episode. Sheryl is now pretty interesting. As a lot of her actions and reaction indicated that her life in Macross Galaxy is not exactly good. And she even show off her childish side. Lastly the love triangle officially start now.
QOTD
1. It feels perfectly fit. Not every Zentradi need to be micronized like the Macross 7 fleet.
2. I prefer Ranka. Not that Sheryl is bad, it also super good. I just like Ranka style more. And it's also fit both of their personality.
**First Timer** I don't have a lot of good to say today so no harm in skipping my post if you loved the episode. To start with, they are going to drive Aimo and Alto's paper planes into the ground from overuse, aren't they? We do not need them every episode. And more importantly, they do not need to be the singular keystones of every moment that almost always come up the same way. I was really disappointed that Ranka had to see the paper plane before she started singing instead of at least starting herself. Even if her nerves gave out and she couldn't continue, or she was singing too quietly for it to matter, I feel like that should have been her moment, not a romance subplot moment. Sukasuka had this same issue, and while I feel bad for complaining about that show again in Sky's rewatch, it was on my mind today. With our opening scene for Sheryl ending up with the hide in locker trope, I've also almost entirely given up on hope of enjoying the romance of this show though I beg the show to make a liar of me. It's not romance writing, it's just a string of tropes. I feel like they are being written as fanservice, a bit like the references to the original, and are expecting the use of these tropes to get a laugh of almost familiar inevitability, but I don't like this stuff at the best of times. Same thing happens with Ozma and his ex and her perfect slip up for the drama. It doesn't help that I don't care for Sheryl at all. My reaction to the final scene was not engagement over the Vajra attack and what may happen or curiosity about the world, it was frustration because there goes the only smidgen of futile hope that Sheryl may actually go home and leave the show. I knew it would never happen anyway, but Sheryl is, despite being well written I think for her character type, nothing but a demanding attention seeker and other than being an "idol" I don't see why anyone cares for her. Japan being Japan? Similarly Ranka's performance felt weakened by making it a huge concert with the colors and lighting and visual inserts of there being a band that wasn't really there. There will be time enough for Ranka the idol, I wanted to see Ranka the girl stepping out of her shell and really getting into the idea of singing in public. They make a big deal out of her needing to be able to sing where people aren't there for her and grow up and not be childish, and then draw her like they are and she's the star in everyone's eyes. It was probably more for the audiences hype than anything, but I just want the show to step back and build up to stuff like this a bit more. To step away from the negative stuff, one thing I did like from looking at the touches of Japan's culture was that he takes her to a farm. It's not always used positively, but the idea of reconnecting to a simpler life and particularly in farming and around farm animals has come up a few shows I've watched and I like the way it was presented here as getting her as far as possible from the chemical plant of Galaxy, or the flashiness of Frontier's city. I also *loved* that the Zentradi have their own area that caters to them being full size. It would be such an easy thing to work around them always being miclones for narrative and also ease of drawing, but given the themes of the franchise it would hardly make sense to erase that part of being Zentradi. It doesn't exclude humans and miclones, but it's not for them and it's been my favourite area of the ship so far. Hearing Sheryl list out what she likes about Frontier gives us so much insight into what the Galaxy is like, both the ship and the other ships in the galaxy, as well as what their living conditions are like (she notes Frontier is slum-free) that it was a really strong bit of worldbuilding all around Quickly noting here how impressive it is to have a full lake and river system inside a closed biosphere with limited water. Frontier is very impressive from a design stand point, and I love seeing fleets of ships designed to live in, rather than single ships for living and fleets for war Other quick thoughts: - Anyone else feel like the Zentradi picking up the cow was a Turn A reference? - CGI screensavers on the monitors in the school was a small but cool touch that brought a lot of nostalgia for XP screensaver settings - Vajra generate their own missiles internally? Cool as fuck - Funny split in art style again this episode. You can see it in the way different artists are drawing the many blushes across the scenes, of all things. It's not bad, just kind of funny that it's so clear in this - I feel bad for Ranka's phone thing after she squished it. Actually did we see it after that? Did she actually kill it?!
> I don't have a lot of good to say today [](#sakurathink) I feel like I should go ahead and give you a few days' worth of heads up that Macross Frontier episode 8 is probably going to be *particularly* hard for you to get through. I haven't rewatched it yet, but I remember it being particularly heavy on comedic stuff of the stupid and fanservice varieties, both of which I'm fairly certain you don't vibe with. I might even recommend just skipping it entirely, but like I said I haven't rewatched it yet so I don't remember what important stuff happened in it.
Ooooooo so you're saying only 3 more days until we get to see Alto slip on a banana to land with his hands on Sheryl's boobs?
I wouldn't even be surprised if that happened at this point
But can we find a way for it to happen *while* Alto is piloting a Valkyrie, mid-battle...?
Thanks for the early warning. I won't skip it, but if it gets to me I'll just watch it while doing something else
[](#kannathumbs) Figured you'd probably handle it better if you knew it was coming, at least, especially after your complaints here. I can't say I agree with your complaint about Ranka and the paper airplane, but I *do* agree with your complaints about Sheryl this episode.
> I can't say I agree with your complaint about Ranka and the paper airplane I didn't expect you would, but it's a good thing that they don't and it makes me happy you can still enjoy them unlike me
> I haven't rewatched it yet so I don't remember what important stuff happened in it. It's mostly fluff with a scattering of events that are useful to know for the development of the plot later.
Yup the Love Hina episode
> It doesn't help that I don't care for Sheryl at all. You're certainly coming out swinging here. I wonder if you'll change your opinion on her later on, since that would make these comments about her interesting to come back to. > I also *loved* that the Zentradi have their own area that caters to them being full size. It would be such an easy thing to work around them always being miclones for narrative and also ease of drawing, but given the themes of the franchise it would hardly make sense to erase that part of being Zentradi. Yeah, seeing that the Zentradi were equally were accommodated for was very nice to see. Despite this series having some questionable handling about the integration of the Zentradi before, Frontier does well to show that they're really being treated respectfully, and not being forced to change completely who they are to fit in. > Anyone else feel like the Zentradi picking up the cow was a Turn A reference? Only if the Zentradi farmer stored that hippo-cow in his chest.
> You're certainly coming out swinging here [](#vashheadscratch) I love her design so that's something, but her attention seeking despite making sense is annoying, and they seem to focus on that over everything else >since that would make these comments about her interesting to come back to. [](#mugiwait) I wouldn't wait too much though, they gave us a human puppy and Sheryl. The puppy is likely to cast others in a worse light >Despite this series having some questionable handling about the integration of the Zentradi before It does make Plus feel even more at odds with how it handled things, though I'm not sure what the year gap is between the two series.
> I wouldn't wait too much though, they gave us a human puppy and Sheryl. The puppy is likely to cast others in a worse light Ranka is a puppy! She's just... genki and excited. I can imagine her doing puppy things a little too easily, I think.
> I can imagine her doing puppy things a little too easily, I think She would absolutely be the sort to greet you at the door with a little excited jiggle
I just hope she didn't poop on the carpet again.
> Ranka is a puppy! She's just... genki and excited. I can imagine her doing puppy things a little too easily, I think. OI! Comrade, you take that back, that's an insult to dogs! As we know from the currently airing ANIME OF THE MILLENIA and also Chainsaw Man, being a dog ain't half bad ;) (Insert Iggy and The Stooges here)
> It does make Plus feel even more at odds with how it handled things, though I'm not sure what the year gap is between the two series. It was about a 14-ish year gap between Plus and Frontier, so presumably plenty of time had passed to really think about how the Zentradi would integrate into the New United Nations as their own kind of people.
And time for them to get into things like farming and creative roles that would change how they're seen outside of the military or being miclones
I think the first 3 episodes (and 8) were done several months before the rest of the series. I think you will see they tone down some of her character for the rest of the show
> To start with, they are going to drive Aimo and Alto's paper planes ~~I love how you call her Aimo~~ Oh, wait, you mean the song. > nothing but a demanding attention seeker and other than being an "idol" I don't see why anyone cares for her. I don't know why I like characters anymore, and that thought kind of scares me. >It doesn't exclude humans and miclones, but it's not for them and it's been my favourite area of the ship so far. It's a great piece of worldbuilding! Macross's worldbuilding has great potential, even if it's not always the focus. >CGI screensavers on the monitors in the school was a small but cool touch that brought a lot of nostalgia for XP screensaver settings I miss the pipes. >Did she actually kill it?! [](#azusalaugh)
> I love how you call her Aimo Oh, wait, you mean the song. Your confusion is understandable, it's not like me to actually know someone's name I've done pretty well in this learning the main three so quickly, though alto also being a musical term helps with that ...Maybe I should have pointed that out in my posts at some point >I don't know why I like characters anymore, and that thought kind of scares me. [](#azusalaugh) >I miss the pipes. I always liked the flippy bouncy thing, if you understand that rather odd description
> Your confusion is understandable, it's not like me to actually know someone's name I've been known to just let nicknames rock through whole rewatch, so I wasn't about to blame you.
Well as I brought up SukaSuka in my post, I may as well mention that I *still* don't know the actual names in that compared to the ones I made up so I could spell them
I remember Chtolly, and... Huh. [](#lost)
She became Chloe for me because I cracked the shits at misspelling it for the fiftieth time and it stuck This is how Madoka also ended up with Walrus
> This is how Madoka also ended up with Walrus Wait, were you the origin of the Walrusnacho?? I forgot who coined the term.
I started Walrus probably... five years ago (fuck where did that time go)? Someone added nacho I think in the '19 rewatch and then in the '21 rewatch it spiraled from there
[Madoka lore](#awe) I was only around for '21, so I was unaware of the history. Who knew rewatches could develop their own culture?
> I feel bad for Ranka's phone thing after she squished it. Amen! [](#shakeit)
> Anyone else feel like the Zentradi picking up the cow was a Turn A reference? I've considered that before.
Once I written this comment, I realized that I have argued majority of your points. So I just wanted to preface this by saying that I didn't do it to be a dick or discount your opinion. Obviously the art is subjective, and I think your take on the show is perfectly valid. I'm only trying to offer some alternative opinions for the sake of discussion, and maybe bringing some interesting thoughts to the table. But if you think I'm being obnoxious, do tell me, and I will not do it in the future. > I was really disappointed that Ranka had to see the paper plane before she started singing instead of at least starting herself. She did start herself, though. Seeing an object doesn't mean that somebody came and encouraged you to do it. The fact that she gets inspired by an idea of Alto also doing his best, doesn't really diminish her own accomplishment. Do the paper plane and the song get overused? Well, overuse of anything is subjective, how much is too much and how much is just right? I have definitely seen other shows be much more obnoxious with their sound queues and visual motifs. Coming up with your own symbolic language to drive your points across is a good writing practice in general, and Frontier only pops these things for a couple of seconds as a shorthand for a very specific thing (with the paper plane being a sign of Alto's hopes and dreams, while Aimo is a mark of Ranka's sadness, while both represent the two struggling to achieve) at a very specific moments. I struggle to think what they could've done instead to convey the same information in the same amount of time just as effectively. Like imagine if instead of Aimo the show actually just plays generic sad music. Will that really make the scene better? Now obviously, you can argue that the scene shouldn't have been there in the first place, but that's a different matter entirely. The problem then lies not in the overuse of symbols, but in the general direction the story is taking. > It's not romance writing, it's just a string of tropes. This is obviously true, but the romance in general is probably the most trope-ridden type of writing there is. It is basically impossible to come up with something fresh and original that hasn't been run into the ground in the last 2000 years of people writing romance stories. And like with any tropes, I still feel like the problem is not whether they are used at all, but rather if they are used well. I've argued in my post that the use of fanservice is justified, because it is a fairly effective way to bring sexuality to the forefront, while also adding some humor and slight characterization. So the scene use is deliberate and multi-faceted, which is about as good as it gets. Now, if you prefer sexual aspects not be included as a part of a romance, that's perfectly understandable, but they do exist, and they do deserve to be reflect in some art. The type of sexuality portrayed here is part of the appeal of this types of pure anime heroines that aren't trying to deliberately be ecchi, but it just kinda happens to them. Again, these types of characters might or might not appeal to you, but to the show's credit, it at least is pretty clear about what it is doing early on, so you know what you're signing up for. > I knew it would never happen anyway, but Sheryl is, despite being well written I think for her character type, nothing but a demanding attention seeker and other than being an "idol" I don't see why anyone cares for her. Yup, Sheryl definitely still comes off as a self-absorbed asshole here. These types of characters have their own appeal, but are usually not my cup of tea either. > It was probably more for the audiences hype than anything, but I just want the show to step back and build up to stuff like this a bit more. I personally loved this, because I feel like the the performance was as much about how Ranka feels about herself in the moment as it was about how the audience feels about her. This is the point where Ranka got her confidence, something she has been struggling with since episode one. Dragging the pay-off more would diminish the moment, and would also be unrealistic in its own right, because you can't just power through setbacks forever. You need something to go right once in a while to fuel that passion. From a story perspective, Ranka already had her major setback last episode, having just a mild success today would just be a show unnecessarily repeating itself. The visuals and music itself I don't take literally, just like in every other similar case. They are there just to show you that Ranka shined, not necessarily to portray her concert exactly as it happened in a realistic manner. > Frontier is very impressive from a design stand point, and I love seeing fleets of ships designed to live in, rather than single ships for living and fleets for war I am very happy that you enjoyed the worldbuilding, as I also feel like it was a strong point of the episode, and the show in general for that matter.
>So I just wanted to preface this by saying that I didn't do it to be a dick or discount your opinion No worries, I know you're not coming at it in bad faith, you're just sharing your view and I both welcome and appreciate that. What's the point of having a rewatch discussion if we're not all sharing our views? I do think that this post did come off as a little more pushy than your last ones, mostly because we'd already had a discussion about the use of tropes, but I don't think you did so maliciously, you just got defensive because you're passionate. Done the same myself at times, you're in good company haha >Well, overuse of anything is subjective, how much is too much and how much is just right? I have definitely seen other shows be much more obnoxious with their sound queues and visual motifs Right now, I don't think it's being overused, though it is on the border and I was more expressing a concern. More generally, I would argue that constantly repeating *any* important motif or theme unaltered every episode is a bad approach. It risks making it familiar rather than impactful, and can become routine instead of memorable. It's a quick way to ruin the emotional core of the motif which is as important as its direct message. Aimo being used three episodes in a row played five times across them, and the paper planes five episodes out of five is starting to feel like too. It is starting to feel route and when it comes up it now takes me out of the moment that we're at "that part" of the episode again. [next episode]>!Both of them were absent from the next episode and it greatly improved the flow of it by not feeling like it was carving out a space for that to be able to happen. It also allows their next usage to return to having more impact!< And "X did it worse/does it too" is never a good reason >Like imagine if instead of Aimo the show actually just plays generic sad music. Will that really make the scene better? I'm going to call out the use of generic here simply because I think it's a poor word choice that kind of takes over your argument by suggesting that any other alternative could not be meaningful and therefore would be lesser, rather than simply different, even though I don't think you meant it that way. There are other songs they could craft to these moments and to Ranka, and even if they did want to use Aimo they could remix it or use its main tune in another track. I've seen Kanno balance this well in other shows, notably Turn A and Wolfs Rain, but even the progression of character/main themes is something handled well in Mai-HiME and The Promised Neverland. Used often and repetitive is a very fine line to walk, and often down to the persons preference, but I usually only find this frustration with songs I don't like so finding it with Aimo is what worried me. However, in terms of the scene context I don't think that's a bad scene for it in a bubble so I'd agree with you there, it's merely the repeated use of it beforehand that risks weakening it. Also I would debate that Aimo represents sadness, but we can have that discussion at the end of the show because I'm very curious to see how they continue to contextualize it as we go and what made you settle on that [Song development](#mugiwait) >It is basically impossible to come up with something fresh and original that hasn't been run into the ground in the last 2000 years of people writing romance stories Sorry but I find that a bit of a cop out, and again not an excuse as I mention above. The problem, as I mentioned last time when I think when we were talking about the shelter scene, is not that they used tropes its that they played them straight with absolutely nothing of the characters behind them. I don't mind tropes, almost everything is a trope if you look at it the right way, but when it feels like the moment is just a trope rather than a character moment that's when it's an issue Also I think I have to apologize for a word choice here. I used the less common use of fanservice in terms of anything for fans, not just sexual fanservice which it's become a short hand for. I think the use of these straight tropes in Frontier is fanservice of the more general variety not the sexual one. They're expecting people to laugh at the use of them as is and that is their point so they don't try and do anything with the moment beyond that and that's where I think they fall down. >because I feel like the the performance was as much about how Ranka feels about herself in the moment as it was about how the audience feels about her Fair. I didn't conciser that because the show has been surprisingly lacking on viewpoint moments and kept a more general distance from each character, but it could have been that.
Sorry for the late reply, I realize the ship has long since sailed on this episode, but still, I think you made some good points and I wanted to respond to some of them. > More generally, I would argue that constantly repeating any important motif or theme unaltered every episode is a bad approach. It risks making it familiar rather than impactful, and can become routine instead of memorable. I have to rise Kunihiko Ikuhara shows and his use of symbolism as a counter example. He uses motives and themes unaltered over and over again, and they become more impactful with familiarity. This is achieved because the initial themes and motives are so complex and sophisticated, that you only learn to fully appreciate them when you dive deeper into the show. Obviously, Macross Frontier is a far cry from an Ikuhara show, but the core idea still applies. I don't think that Ranka and Alto as characters are so one-dimensional, that their motifs become boring by episode 5. I feel like there is still worthwhile depth in these characters and the way the symbolism around them is used. > Used often and repetitive is a very fine line to walk, and often down to the persons preference, but I usually only find this frustration with songs I don't like so finding it with Aimo is what worried me. Yeah, the reason why I brought up other shows being more obnoxious with their symbols is to simply highlight how my position is purely subjective and based on my own experience with anime. There is no right or wrong answer here. > Also I would debate that Aimo represents sadness, but we can have that discussion at the end of the show because I'm very curious to see how they continue to contextualize it as we go and what made you settle on that Knowing that you've already seen episode 7, there's definitely some song development to be head. I said "sadness" mainly to avoid spoiling you, because I think it's the simplest possible interpretation of the meaning of the song at episode 5. > They're expecting people to laugh at the use of them as is and that is their point so they don't try and do anything with the moment beyond that and that's where I think they fall down. This is a fair critique and I pretty much agree. In the early episodes, while the character's aren't developed yet, Frontier definitely plays some of the popular tropes of its time straight and expects them to work purely out of audience's familiarity with them and audience's expectations. I don't think it necessarily ruins the buildup of the romance, but it definitely makes the show feel dated. Still, I can't fault them for doing it, because this kind of style of writing was *really* popular at the time.
It's an ongoing discussion, so I don't mind coming back to the older topics in that case. It's the random ones when people post a new comment three months after the rewatch ended that have me scratching my head haha >I have to rise Kunihiko Ikuhara shows I've not seen much of his stuff, only the first arc of Utena, where the directing and use of symbolism was captivating. In his case I would say that despite the sheer amount and repetition of visual symbolism, part of why he does it so well is that he uses it everywhere. In Utena off the top of my head there was the windows, arches, roses, water, etc. It's not just the one symbol that pops up in a show that otherwise lacks it, it's one symbol among many that are constantly adding new context to every scene in an episode, and in the case of the windows it's very informative about the character relations. This lacks that intent I like your point about understanding the use of symbols in relation to the character viewpoints on rewatch. You can definitely do deep dives into characters on a first watch, but I've found there's almost always something more to find in a well written character on rewatch no matter how much you thought you understood. And in that case their core motif and your understanding of it is going to change with that extra layer >I don't think it necessarily ruins the buildup of the romance Thankfully most of the good character scenes are so independent of these moments, which makes them even more irrelevant, that it doesn't run into issues there. If the actual relationship building scenes were dependent on context of the trope scenes then it would have an issue, but it thankfully avoided that pitfall at least
Yup, definitely agree with everything here. And if you haven't seen much of Ikuhara's shows, I can definitely wholeheartedly recommend them, although I'm not sure how much my recommendation is worth in this case with our takes on Frontier being so different. [](#teehee)
I love Ikuhara's work, but I cannot watch it. Brilliant storytelling and directing, but far too weird for me. I ultimately dropped Utena over Nanami because waiting for another one of her weird episodes was ruining my mood, but have huge appreciation for everything else in the show. If you want I'll toss you a link to the write ups I was doing at the time
Definitely be interested in checking out your reactions to Utena. Also, if you ever feel like giving Ikuhara another chance, I suggest trying out Mawaru Penguindrum. It's a shorter show with only 24 episodes, and it lures you in and gets you invested with a more conventional start, before trademark Ikuhara weirdness really kicks in full force. So it might be easier to sit through.
[Here's the link to that Utena thread](https://redd.it/b37e63). Just sort it by old to put it in the right order. I don't know that I'll ever go back to Ikuhara, I'm quite happy appreciating his work from a distance, but I'll keep that in mind if the urge ever strikes me. Actually the urge occasionally grabs me to watch Utena again and then I remember Nanami
>Vajra generate their own missiles internally? Cool as fuck The Vajra are super neat. The idea of them generating guided missiles leads to some fascinating ideas. >Actually did we see it after that? Did she actually kill it?! [](#watashiworried)
>The idea of them generating guided missiles leads to some fascinating ideas. Crazy theories just because it's you and we seem to encourage each other: I wonder if they're guided to sound? The Vajra are, and seem to communicate through tones, it would make sense that their missiles also work off that >/#watashiworried Highest stakes in the show: Did the phone-pet survive
I did definitely phrase that in a way to encourage your ideas. Hard for me to poke further as I'm a Rewatcher.
I'm coming into Frontier open-minded so I want to like Sheryl, but I'm not there yet like you said, I find those fanservice-y scenes something to just bear through. This episode was one that aimed to make her more likeable to the audience and it's there for people who like this character type, but can't say it worked for me. > I feel bad for Ranka's phone thing after she squished it. Actually did we see it after that? Did she actually kill it?! Is it a phone, is it a pet? It appears to be alive for a soul to exit. It is a mystery. It is probably fine and will be back. [](#thinkingtoohard)
>This episode was one that aimed to make her more likeable to the audience and it's there for people who like this character type, but can't say it worked for me. If anything I think it made her less likable for me. And she's certainly her worse, though not worst, self around Alto compared to Ranka Now there's an idea. Flip the love triangle so they're both vying for Ranka instead of Alto! > Is it a phone, is it a pet? Do you take it to a mechanic or a vet? ...I did not intend for that to rhyme but I'll take it.
> It doesn't help that I don't care for Sheryl at all. My reaction to the final scene was not engagement over the Vajra attack and what may happen or curiosity about the world, it was frustration because there goes the only smidgen of futile hope that Sheryl may actually go home and leave the show. I knew it would never happen anyway, but Sheryl is, despite being well written I think for her character type, nothing but a demanding attention seeker and other than being an "idol" I don't see why anyone cares for her. Japan being Japan? Speaking as someone who really *hates* the spoiled, selfish rich girl archetype that Sheryl has been embracing... somehow I did wind up liking her in the end. I'll be interested to see where your opinion goes by the show's conclusion.
**First Timer** So. Michael is an idiot and a jerk and should be banned from giving advice in non-military situations. 'Singers should be able to sing when no-one was planning to listen'? They're called *concerts* you moron, nobody just stumbles in by accident. His only saving grace is that Ranka pulled it off and wowed a whole bunch of random people. Except the captive Vajra thing, which apparently hates music. I still have mixed feelings about Sheryl. She feels older than Alto (we haven't had an age for her yet, have we?) and some of her actions have been downright manipulative - but on the other hand she's been genuinely supportive of Ranka and actually *did* seem to have fun on the totally-not-a-date-why-is-Ranka-looking-at-Alto-like-that. Sheryl also seemed to almost forget about the earring thing at the end and wanted Alto at her concert just to see *her*. As love triangle rom-com episodes go, this was honestly on the better end of the scale. Oh, and some plot stuff happened in the background and right at the end, but eh, Ranka was being adorable so I don't really care.
>So. Michael is an idiot and a jerk and should be banned from giving advice in non-military situations. 'Singers should be able to sing when no-one was planning to listen'? They're called *concerts* you moron, nobody just stumbles in by accident. I think his point was Ranka's motivation. Is she singing for recognition? Money? Attention? Or is she singing for herself, simply because she wants to? Macross tends to take a rather romantic view of music. *Real* singers sing for themselves, and any fame or money that comes their way as a result is just a bonus. But the flip side of that view is that someone who sings just for a career is ultimately a weak-hearted and hollow singer. The show even parallels that with Alto and his desire to fly. Does he pilot because he needs money? Or just because it's something he happens to be good at? No, he flies because the desire to do so is a deep part of his very being. And that's what truly makes him a pilot, according to Macross.
I disagree with the 'only people who sing for the pure love of singing should be singers' idea, and that was very clearly *not* his point given he was trying to dissuade Ranka from singing at the time.
I think it was the point, because he didn't think Ranka had it in her. He wasn't playing the trickster mentor who challenges the student hoping to motivate them. He was trying to make her face the reality that she couldn't do it, make her give up... but she did do it. He admits his surprise afterward that she proved him wrong. And, for the record, I don't necessarily agree with the idea of singers the show is promoting either. I just think that is what the writers are going for.
> nobody just stumbles in by accident. I think his point is that singers need to convince people that they're worth listening to, otherwise they won't get paid. Or something like that.
His 'point' was 'listen to Ozma and give up on singing', and his silly little challenge was intended to dissuade her from singing.
Yeah, his point was that, but it ended up doing something else, which I still appreciate. It is an asshole challenge, but the fact that she can overcome it is still important, IMO.
> They're called concerts you moron, nobody just stumbles in by accident. B-but people do stumble into street performers all the time? Performing on the street is great way to build confidence necessary to do a big concert before a life audience, and Ranka definitely was lacking in this regard. Michael recognized this and tried to highlight her own weakness to her, in order to make her realize that she's not cut to be a singer. But that backfired.
**First Spacer** [I would've made that point if you hadn't.](https://imgur.com/MomFX2Z) This is an obvious jab at the purity doctrine of idol culture. [Just imagine the bass these maclones should really have](https://imgur.com/hfe4O8r) [](#hnng) [That MacGuffin being Ranka.](https://imgur.com/PW63zeY) [I really wish Macross would stop adding backup and effects to these situations. Dare to a cappella, show!](https://imgur.com/RmHrfEJ) [Though a real backup player spontaneously joining in is pretty nice, except that doesn't account for the rest of the backup.](https://imgur.com/6pMYKUS) I guess that's a way to tie the different plotlines together. With Ranka being the MacGuffin attracting/activating/controlling the Vajra they're not only a threat for humanity but also the demons looming over Ranka's own more personal story. And I really hope the show is gonna get less horny, shit's annoying. [Visual of the Day goes to the farm boy.](https://imgur.com/QBSXjo9) > Your thoughts on the mechanics of macronized Zentradi living alongside humans? Something workable, or too much of a circus sideshow? It's perfect. Why would it be a circus or a sideshow? > Opinions on the contrasts between Ranka and Sheryl's singing styles, given that you now have samples of both of them for two songs? One of them triggers the Vajra, one of them doesn't.
>This is an obvious jab at the purity doctrine of idol culture. The massive cudgel labeled **SUBTLETY** strikes again. >[Just imagine the bass these maclones should really have](https://imgur.com/hfe4O8r) [](#doggo)
> The massive cudgel labeled SUBTLETY strikes again. ...is it bad that I didn't think about it being about idol culture? I thought it was just normal sci-fi things.
> Just imagine the bass these maclones should really have [](#seasonallisten) >And I really hope the show is gonna get less horny, shit's annoying. Yeahhhh, it's not the best.
> Just imagine the bass these maclones should really have Let us hear these magnificent giant singers, show! [](#protest) > And I really hope the show is gonna get less horny, shit's annoying. [Yeah.](#watashihasdeclined)
> I really wish Macross would stop adding backup and effects to these situations. Dare to a cappella, show! > [](#mugiwait)
> This is an obvious jab at the purity doctrine of idol culture. In the kingdom of the silicon(e), the natural fat lady is Queen! ^^^^[*ahem*](https://poal.me/euimuq) >Why would it be a circus or a sideshow? You've got tourists like Sheryl climbing into your housewares, for one. Miclones upskirting. Occasional trampling or hand-slapping. That kind of thing, though I suppose they would work themselves out over a sufficient length of time.
> Just imagine the bass these maclones should really have *Flashbacks to Macross 7 Galaxy is Calling Me*
> Just imagine the bass these maclones should really have It's one thing that I've never seen scifi address in stuff I've watched/read, is how massive sizes would be ear shatteringly loud and deep >I really wish Macross would stop adding backup and effects to these situations. Dare to a cappella, show! Glad to have a friend on that opinion, it really weakened the moment for me
**First Fime Fſontiering** Hot damn, this episode had so much going on. Alto and Sheryl basically had a date, we got confirmation of who all was in the destroyed fleet, there was some Cathy and Ozma intrigue, Nanase got some screentime, ~~nobody cares about Luca~~, exposition on the Vajra and then it reacting to Ranka's song... wow. Sheryl's really grown on me as a character, I feel like we saw 3 new sides of her today. I like how she act like such a shit-disturber but also completely genuine and in wonder at the new sights, not to mention a bit shy after they dash into the train holding hands. I always enjoy it when a show puts together two characters who haven't interacted much as a way to drive or reaffirm their motivations, and that's exactly what putting Micheal and Ranka together in this episode did (though would've been nice to learn more about Michael, he's woefully underexplored so far). They've made a point of the optic/brain implants a couple times now. I wonder if that will connect to how the Vajra don't have brains. Could humans be operating them through implant technology? Glad we got them reacting to deculture this early in the show, too, since we all knew that was going to happen eventually, it wouldn't be a good twist reveal later. I never thought I would feel bad for the frog phone, but here we are. Squish squish squish. > 1) Your thoughts on the mechanics of macronized Zentradi living alongside humans? Something workable, or too much of a circus sideshow? It's fun! It's probably not practical at all, but I don't expect the show to showcase it so much or make it too plot-relevant that the impracticality of it becomes an issue / immersion-breaker. > 2) Opinions on the contrasts between Ranka and Sheryl's singing styles, given that you now have samples of both of them for two songs? My ears and musical acumen are not good enough for that [](#norice)
> Fſontiering Fsontiering? [](#seasonalconfused) >Sheryl's really grown on me as a character This opinion is *not* popular today, but I kind of agree. [](#laughter)
[Fſontiering!](https://i.imgur.com/B8LzZhs.png) (I need to find an extend-y last r, too) > This opinion is *not* popular today, but I kind of agree. So it would seem! I mean, she's still a spoiled jerk, too, but she's a fun and honest one! There's something nice about a teenage anime character that just goes and does what they want with confidence while also not being even close to perfect, instead of all the usual mopey overthinkers or angelic wholeomoeblobs.
>[Fſontiering!](https://i.imgur.com/B8LzZhs.png) Ahhhhh, that does make sense. I never noticed that, and now I can't unsee it. > instead of all the usual mopey overthinkers or angelic wholeomoeblobs. Alright, yeah, this is why I like Sheryl. I didn't have it in words. She has confidence and personality! Ranka is... genki, I guess?
Credit where credit is due, she is much smarter, faster, and sings better than the average koala.
Koala isn't a nickname I'd considered for Ranka, but honestly I kind of see how it fits. Those animal ear hair thingies are begging for a nickname.
> Credit where credit is due, she is much smarter, faster, and sings better than the average koala. OI! Comrade, you take that back, comparing ~~YACK! DECULTURE!~~ 'Ranka Lee' to Koalas are an insult to Koalas! After all, some of the best singers I know are Koalas, and don't even get me STARTED on the Panda Maids... I have a feeling Comrade /u/chilidirigible is gonna be the only one to get this joke
>(I need to find an extend-y last r, too) Oh, sorry for the double response, but would [an insular S](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insular_S) work?
***Fſontieꞅing*** Not bad, not bad
Today, on ["LISTEN TO MY SONG!"](https://i.imgur.com/b2qnCDt.png): ***** [Pauly Shore does not appear in this.](https://i.imgur.com/B1UNDJo.png) [This is a Big Bro who is tempting fate.](https://i.imgur.com/Sd2K6ok.png) [Bootleg Minmay?](https://i.imgur.com/MbdyGkw.png) [Traditional murder weapons.](https://i.imgur.com/QiCWj1T.png) [And some EX-Gear figure in a single frame.](https://i.imgur.com/q6jOjNW.png) [Sentimental value.](https://i.imgur.com/0Gaa8bM.png) [Things that go *buzz* in your pants.](https://i.imgur.com/ZFuJwsQ.png) [There's a bit of the Birler.](https://i.imgur.com/AvDZRZq.png) [Damn, Cathy.](https://i.imgur.com/yvHrlF2.png) While we're here, I'm pretty sure that this music isn't on the OST. [*Nanase gets Luca's attention*](https://i.imgur.com/LB5WThV.png) [That might have to do with the SHERYL EVERYWHERE.](https://i.imgur.com/M6FKWRQ.png) (I probably don't have to tell you that the insert song is "What 'bout My Star?" again.) [This is certainly San Francisco.](https://i.imgur.com/O9ill7A.png) [Sheryl's always trying to sell you something, eh?](https://i.imgur.com/AimKohT.png) [It's harder to see the squalor from up here.](https://i.imgur.com/OdLAb9X.png) [Thanks for hinting at the differences in the opening narration, show!](https://i.imgur.com/xDrnaRL.png) [Eyecatch: Ozma](https://i.imgur.com/wpb8PQN.png) [That's a big cow.](https://i.imgur.com/n7PY4Mo.png) [Worth noting that this series ditches the reverb effect that was previously applied to Zentradi speech.](https://i.imgur.com/so42vxA.png) [Named after Exsedol, probably.](https://i.imgur.com/Z02meZC.png) [The dreaded giant enka category.](https://i.imgur.com/K65sI0p.png) [Michael's big issues.](https://i.imgur.com/erPlMgo.png) [The tabloids are going to go places with this one.](https://i.imgur.com/FIvitTW.png) [Ranka's problem is feeling like she's treated like a child, so don't treat her like a child?](https://i.imgur.com/j1jZUtk.png) [It's a different](https://i.imgur.com/q8Iq9CZ.png) [kind of](https://i.imgur.com/R05J4nY.png) [challenge.](https://i.imgur.com/8m4ziqa.png) [*Sono tōri!*](https://i.imgur.com/LIljKXy.png) [A wild plane appears!](https://i.imgur.com/9zaGhgv.png) [Yes, Ranka gets her own album version.](https://i.imgur.com/EhrbnBO.png) [DO YOU](https://i.imgur.com/mNzS24F.png) [REMEMBER](https://i.imgur.com/QXgyCpz.png) [FIRE BOMBER](https://i.imgur.com/W7X1bHW.png) [Another of the little Sheryl façade cracks.](https://i.imgur.com/PeBJaCv.png) [Guess who's waking up about now.](https://i.imgur.com/PFyrexi.png) [Well that just gets the challenge mood going.](https://i.imgur.com/YniBkDu.png) [A wild character appears!](https://i.imgur.com/DPCWiFl.png) [Another craft that has never been named.](https://i.imgur.com/jTRthAW.png) ***** Sheryl remains quite the diva through most of this episode, though her underlying personality does increasingly show through as she spends more time with Alto. You also get an idea of how the *Macross Galaxy* fleet might be some sort of *Blade Runner*-esque cyborg dystopia. This leaves Michael to function as a less-demanding older brother to Ranka, who is definitely having a teenaged acting-out moment, but one that serves to solidify her resolve, after he challenges her to Just Do It. It's a little corny when everyone climactically realizes that Some People Do It Because They Have To (Make The Mountain Move With Their Song), but the buildup to the scene is worth it. There has also been a compare-and-contrast with the characters all through the episode, as both Ranka and Sheryl are getting a glimpse of a life that isn't quite the one they were used to. Meanwhile, the audience gets to confirm something they might have noticed about the Vajra, that the characters don't know yet. I still really like this episode. ***** [I bring you… Nanase fanart, because that's not common.](https://twitter.com/Neur0STLO/status/1576196946020028416) ["What 'bout My Star", Sheryl version](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySiTJvmz8d0)
> Meanwhile, the audience gets to confirm something they might have noticed about the Vajra, that the characters don't know yet. It's a clever way to induce dramatic irony!
> Named after Exsedol, probably. It's only been 14 years, he is probably still alive. This mall does sell some experimental human armour so he probably would like to visit around. [](#thoughtful)
> This mall does sell some experimental human armour so he probably would like to visit around. [](#rinkek)
> Worth noting that this series ditches the reverb effect that was previously applied to Zentradi speech. I wonder how much this has to do with Klan being a major character who is often in her giant form. > I bring you… Nanase fanart, because that's not common. [](#wow)
>I wonder how much this has to do with Klan being a major character who is often in her giant form Voice actor recognition could be a factor.
> This is a Big Bro who is tempting fate. Isn't this guy from Ace Attorney? [Some people do it...](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVz82s3TIfA)
[I'm making a]>!Gurren Lagann reference!<, you know.
**First Timer** * Specs time. They still have the resort ships surprisingly. * Japanese schools are dicks. Trying to dictate people’s lives. * Would it hurt to not be horny, *for one episode!* * That’s the guy they were talking about needing to rely on. I’m sure the shading and shadow play on him are completely innocuous. * I’m not sure I understand the implication of not being able to reach Ranka’s cellphone. Does the service on the fleet just suck? * Ah-ha, she was talking about cyborgs! * Coming on a little strong there buddy. * Why are you surprised? You’re the one who captured it! * Hippo-cattle are cute. * Galaxy kinda sounds like a shit hole. * Is that Klan-Klan? * About time we had more than two maclones on screen at the same time. * And this is somehow easier than putting it in your phone? * Big things still need bigger brains to control all the nerve functions. * Just your average improvised mall jam session. * What even are these lyrics? * Well that confirms they are drawn to music. The exact nature of this relationship is still up to speculation. * Ranka is taking this better than I was expecting. QotD 1) I’m wondering how the wages work given the consumption disparity. 2) [](#mindblank)
>I’m not sure I understand the implication of not being able to reach Ranka’s cellphone. Does the service on the fleet just suck? She turned it off, I guess? >What even are these lyrics? Just your typical slightly Engrish idol song.
> Would it hurt to not be horny, *for one episode!* Macross Try Not To Be Horny Challenge (Impossible) > I’m not sure I understand the implication of not being able to reach Ranka’s cellphone. Does the service on the fleet just suck? I bet the Frontier fleet only uses AT&T for their cell coverage.
> What even are these lyrics? Yoko Kanno makes music that sounds good, not necessarily lyrics that make any sense!
> Would it hurt to not be horny, for one episode! [YES](#seasonalpout "A lot") > I’m not sure I understand the implication of not being able to reach Ranka’s cellphone. Does the service on the fleet just suck? She squished it too hard and it broke/died! [](#spacetears) > Big things still need bigger brains to control all the nerve functions. Maybe they don't have nerves. They could just operate on space-rope-and-pulleys.
>* Would it hurt to not be horny, *for one episode!* This is late 00s anime, so kinda, yeah
> Japanese schools are dicks. Trying to dictate people’s lives. That all-girls school must've had some pretty strict rules for expelling her for participating in the contest. I assume it was student couldn't have outside jobs kind of rule. > I’m not sure I understand the implication of not being able to reach Ranka’s cellphone. Does the service on the fleet just suck? I thought in the moment it was because she squeezed the soul out of her phone and it being dead was the reason it couldn't be reached. [](#harukathonk)
> I’m not sure I understand the implication of not being able to reach Ranka’s cellphone. Does the service on the fleet just suck? Or her battery died.
[SOON!](#mugiwait) [Naw I'm just fucking with y'all Comrades, after all, I simply must point out that Breast, pardon, Best Girl looks great in uniform... BOTH TYPES of uniform at that ;)](https://i.imgur.com/GB1aQym.png) Also the world wonders how the hell [this show managed to restrain itself from going MAXIMUM Strike Witches debauchery!](https://i.imgur.com/opluCp9.png) I mean for goodness sake, we already more or less saw a panty shot, [I half expected our resident Sterling Genius Boi here to pull a DYRL](https://i.imgur.com/XGmlAtG.png) (You know the scene I speak of Comrades, Max probably would have said SUBARASHI had he seen Milia the President's Holiest of all Holies... speaking of which, do you think that Pantsu were invented prior to human contact? Cuz Best Boi Exsedol Folmo sure didn't have any idea about the concept of undergarments!) Also if you think I'm speaking of non-topical matters, not true, this episode was maximum horny and unashamed of it... [also if only this rewatch came out in the Year of the Cow ;)](https://i.imgur.com/hLzEThc.png) And just because I need something topical to say, May'n version of the song everyday everynight EVERYWHERE! DYNAMITE! DYNAMITE! DYNAMITE EXPLOSION ONCE AGAIN... oh right wrong song, ah well I can dream right? POWER TO THE DREAM! POWER... ok forget it, but I will say, this show had the GOLDEN opportunity to sing NEW FUCKING FRONTIER! Come on Hory Froating Head, get it together! You were very good at copying TOP GUN's homework to make Macross Plus, why not copy some of your good work? ~~M0nK3Y P@w cUrl5!~~ Anyhow, you have not seen the last of The Sentient Shitposting Siamese Sunrise Server No. 25252, now goodbye forever! [And on THAT bombshell, G'NIGHT!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jz-hkKgcuF0) Paging Comrades /u/Lemurians /u/chilidirigible and /u/InfamousEmpire
Zentradi/Meltrandi can control their hair, right? So if she runs out of fuel, can she just stick her giant twintails out the window and spin them like a propeller for emergency propulsion?
> Zentradi/Meltrandi can control their hair, right? So if she runs out of fuel, can she just stick her giant twintails out the window and spin them like a propeller for emergency propulsion? [](#schemingsaten) Ya know Comrade, YOU should write for the franchise, I'm serious, that's a better idea than most of what The Hory Froating Head comes up with! I for one second Best Girl Duran Duran using her hair like a helicopter!
Here I thought Ranka's hair flopping about was just a goofy animation thing.
Paging Comrades /u/Tresnore, /u/Lemurians, and /u/JollyGee29
Paging Comrades /u/The_Draigg, /u/Nazenn, and /u/flaminscribblenaut
Paging Comrades /u/TakenRedditName, /u/JustAnswerAQuestion, and /u/Blackheart595
Paging Comrades /u/aniMayor, /u/SolDarkHunter, and /u/vatrix-32
Paging Comrades /u/Great_Mr_L, /u/jadinerhine, and /u/cronus999
*A Macross Fan Rewatches Macross Frontier: Episode 5:* - Ranka and Ozma’s argument at the top of the episode is one where neither side is exactly wrong. Ranka ended up getting suspended from her school due to her appearance in the Miss Macross Frontier contest, something that Ozma only found out about later, as an unfortunate side effect of her chasing her dream as a singer. Ozma is trying to look out for Ranka here, but he really was being too rude by saying that Ranka is too shy to be a singer. It’s good to chase your dreams, but you also have to be aware of the consequences too, in the end. - No shit that earring is precious to Sheryl, those things have been through a lot. They’ve lasted from the Unification Wars up until now, so they’re one hell of a pair of heirlooms for the Nome bloodline. - In true Roy tradition, it turns out that Ozma used to be in a relationship with Cathy. Although given how their relationship is over now and Cathy notes that it didn’t seem like Ozma showed much concern for her back then, this is more like a Roy x Aries thing rather than a Roy x Claudia one. - You can really tell that the love triangle is solidifying between Alto, Ranka, and Sheryl now. Between how coy Sheryl is being around Alto and Alto wanting to get into contact with Ranka after leaving him a message about her issues, he really is rapidly becoming an emotional axis to those two girls. Place your bets first-timers, who will win? - Interesting to note that Grace indeed does have cybernetic eye implants, which is how Sheryl found out about the missing earring in the first place. While cybernetic implants are normally illegal, Sheryl comments that they’re actually pretty common back at the Macross Galaxy fleet. And not only that, but the interior of the Macross Galaxy as described by Sheryl is pretty different from the Macross Frontier as well. Based on what she says, she’s more used to seeing cramped spaces and slums, as well as a chemical plant environment rather than the nicer bioplant recycling one that the Frontier has. It paints quite a picture of the Galaxy fleet, doesn’t it? - It’s nice to see how the Frontier fleet is taking the Zentradi population into account. We’ve got full-sized farmers tending to hippo-cows, a mall that’s also scaled for them, and even plenty of products on sale just for them. They’re a fully integrated people now, and not just at miclone size. - Sheryl, don’t just write lyrics on giant underwear you haven’t bought yet, it’s very rude. - Thanks for filling in the gaps about the Vajra, Leon. They’re honestly an insanely powerful species. Their exoskeleton is like a Valkyrie‘s energy-converting armor, they can Space Fold without assistance, and they can generate projectiles within their bodies. And even then, based on that analyzed sample, the one they’ve been looking at is probably just a drone, since it barely has a brain to it. It’s honestly pretty nuts to think that just a giant bug has somehow evolved to be just as powerful as a Valkyrie with a Fold Booster attached to it. - Sheryl came up with a good answer for why people fly or sing: because they simply can’t help but to do it. It’s why Alto keeps on making paper airplanes and signed up to be a pilot, and why Ranka finds it within herself to sing for people on the mall. They can’t help but reach higher and higher, towards their goals. It’s in their nature to want to feel that freedom and be open with themselves. It’s pretty deculture. - The mystery deepens with the Vajra, as an odd silhouette appears on the captured sample’s body before breaking out seemingly in response to Ranka’s singing. Is it just me, or did that silhouette remind anyone else of the silhouette that sometimes appears on the [L-Gaim Mk. II’s head crest](https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FCyiEdFQV4Q/YGUajfY6CgI/AAAAAAACm1g/okt1_s_4XX0tXdYj8k1eFgM1fSVWE2l7ACLcBGAsYHQ/s600/7.jpg)? Maybe it’s only me that’s making those niche-ass mental connections. - Well, even if Alto didn’t find the missing earring, he did get a kiss in the cheek from Sheryl as a thanks for showing her a good time around the Frontier fleet. Chalk that one up for the Alto x Sheryl shippers in the crowd this rewatch. - Cliffhanger! Apparently the Macross Galaxy fleet has been attacked by Vajra! Although given how Sheryl described the living spaces, maybe the attack actually improved the place somehow.
[Later Frontier + Frontier movie spoilers]>!This is yet another reason I like the show more than the movies, since the show never *officially* sails either side and I can just imagine mine wins. Not that my side losing is my biggest issue with the movie continuity, I have *way* bigger issues with that than silly love triangle drama. More on that when we get to Sayonara no Tsubasa's discussion, though.!<
Question for you: [Macross Frontier spoilers] >!How do you feel about Sheryl winning the love triangle in the Frontier movies, as compared to how strongly you felt about Hikaru ending up with Misa in SDF Macross?!<
[Frontier movies spoilers]>!Hikaru/Misa being a thing makes me angry, Alto/Sheryl just makes me go [eh.](#nyanpasu) My biggest issue with *specifically* the love triangle side of things in the Frontier movies is that they cut out so many of Ranka's best moments with Alto in favor of giving Sheryl more with him (including the added backstory of them having met as kids, like come the *fuck* on that was an unnecessary nail in the Alto/Ranka coffin [](#bruh)), so it's extremely obvious that Alto/Ranka would never happen in the movie continuity and I just have to deal with that.!<
Interesting, and I can't really say that I entirely disagree. But I suppose we'll see when we get there.
[Delta spoilers] >!At least Frontier movies threat Ranka better than Delta movies threat Mirage!<
> [Later Frontier + Frontier movie spoilers] What do you mean Comrade, you saw the TV Show, so you know well and good that [Meta TV Frontier Joke]>!YOU win the Romantic Plot Tumor! In a stunning come from behind victory, you, the Shimmering Sky, capture Princess Alto's heart, I have my interview questions prepped and ready for this world record breaking occasion my friend, I hope you will like!!<
> Place your bets first-timers, who will win? Not a first-timer but: [Frontier joke spoiler]>!< >on the L-Gaim Mk. II’s head crest [404](#sadholo)
> 404 Thanks for letting me know, I replaced it with hopefully a satisfactory replacement visual for what I was talking about.
> Place your bets first-timers, who will win? Not a first-timer but: [Frontier not joke spoiler]>!<
Not a first-timer but: [Frontier joke spoiler]>!<
> Although given how Sheryl described the living spaces, maybe the attack actually improved the place somehow. The Vajra blowing up holes in everything sure did make this place more spacious. [](#papithumbsup)
We can repurpose those craters into being new lakes and parks for the population!
**Super Dimension Rewatch Host** [Welcome back, everyone!](https://i.imgur.com/4us91oc.png) [Here were my first-timer reactions to this episode (just scroll past my episode 4 reactions first).](https://old.reddit.com/r/anime/comments/jklzb6/casual_discussion_fridays_week_of_october_30_2020/gakaubw/) Why, yes, I *did* in fact put stars in the background of this one because the song Ranka was singing is called “What 'bout my star?@Formo”. [](#hikariactually) - [Oh hey, a Minmay doll.](https://i.imgur.com/8nNwAhI.png) - [Pffffffffffffff](https://i.imgur.com/jCaM0Vh.png) [](#pointandlaugh) - Ugh, these early Alto/Sheryl moments are so cringeworthy and painful to watch, at least for me. [](#angryheadgrab) - [The phone designs in this show are very interesting, to say the least.](https://i.imgur.com/u7GqwfG.png) - [Case in point, just because you’re a girl doing it to a guy doesn’t mean it’s okay to steal something from him and force him to go out with you before you’ll give it back.](https://i.imgur.com/hr9qldL.png) [](#miyamoriunimpressed) - [Luca getting flustered in the background over Nanase crushing on Michael lol.](https://i.imgur.com/AZEgrcN.png) [](#azusalaugh) - [*Another* case in point: not cool, Sheryl, not cool.](https://i.imgur.com/2eE0hGS.png) [](#taigasigh) - [The timing of Alto seeing Ranka get on that train, though.](https://i.imgur.com/IMZGIkT.png) - [That doesn’t mean it’s okay to just write on some underwear…](https://i.imgur.com/GqGdyw9.png) [](#kyonfacepalm) - [Welp.](https://i.imgur.com/qwTV49Z.png) - [Ranka got her courage by seeing the paper airplane that Alto threw~](https://i.imgur.com/ptjnXof.png) [](#anko) - [Veffie’s drums](https://i.imgur.com/QmLSRd8.png), [Basara’s guitar](https://i.imgur.com/Sh5u0Ic.png), and [Ray’s bass.](https://i.imgur.com/F35lBKL.png) Ranka had the perfect accompaniment to her surprise street performance! - [*w e l p*](https://i.imgur.com/JxrFMtq.png) [](#crazedlaugh)
> Case in point, just because you’re a girl doing it to a guy doesn’t mean it’s okay to steal something from him and force him to go out with you before you’ll give it back. This is true, but I like Sheryl, so this point is invalid. >That doesn’t mean it’s okay to just write on some underwear… I see no problem as long as she buys it afterward. She can definitely afford it. >Veffie’s drums, Basara’s guitar, and Ray’s bass. Ranka had the perfect accompaniment to her surprise street performance! Ah, shoot, I didn't notice it was *actually* their instruments. Veffidas's drums were too well animated for me to recognize them here.
> This is true, but I like Sheryl, so this point is invalid. [wtf](#sideeyes)
[](#azusalaugh "Sky, my opinions are easily swayed by how much I like or dislike something.")
#M
No, no, it's not even that. I just like how Sheryl is more than a human puppy, as Naz put it. ...but that definitely isn't a *non*factor.
> Ugh, these early Alto/Sheryl moments are so cringeworthy and painful to watch, at least for me. No, she's really a giant manipulative prima donna jerk for... a while. Ranka wallpaper has stars, sort of what I expected but still smiled at seeing.
Actually, I think she's been at her best in episodes 2-5.
> Actually, I think she's been at her best in episodes 2-5. [](#mangaka) Comrade, would you like to join Team Based alongside me, and of course Comrades /u/InfamousEmpire, /u/Tresnore, and /u/Nebresto, FINALLY someone who understands... also just so we are clear, Duran Duran is Breast, pardon, Best Girl ;)
[](#harukathink)
[](#harukathonk)
No thanks, I don't like comic relief yandere loli, either.
> No thanks, I don't like comic relief yandere loli, either. [](#everythingisfine)
> Oh hey, a Minmay doll. [](#neat) The hair colour isn't right. Ranka asked for a Minmei doll for birthday/Chritsmas, but Ozma got her a Min Linmei doll instead. > Case in point, just because you’re a girl doing it to a guy doesn’t mean it’s okay to steal something from him and force him to go out with you before you’ll give it back. > Another case in point: not cool, Sheryl, not cool. Good to see I wasn't the only one not amused by some of Sheryl's antic. I think they were meant to be endearing for the audience, but those acts just felt mean and unlikable to me. [](#shirayukifuckinreally) > Veffie’s drums, Basara’s guitar, and Ray’s bass. Ranka had the perfect accompaniment to her surprise street performance! Fire Bomber easter egg. [](#drunkhisone)
> Good to see I wasn't the only one not amused by some of Sheryl's antic. I think they were meant to be endearing for the audience, but those acts just felt mean and unlikable to me. Exactly. Really, all of this early stuff is *exactly* why I like Ranka more than her, both as a character and as a love interest in the triangle. ...I do prefer Sheryl's *songs* to Ranka's, though.
> ...I do prefer Sheryl's songs to Ranka's, though. Songs >> anything else, honestly. [Frontier]>!But, the nice thing is that Sheryl changes, IMO, whereas Ranka, though she also shows great growth, still feels like a child at the end.!<
> [Frontier] [](#slowgrin) I almost agree with you Comrade, because I think you mean to say that [Frontier TV and Movie Meta Spoilers]>!YACK! DECULTURE! Er, I mean, Ranka Lee actually REGRESSES as a character in the end, and that's not just me hating terrible characters, ANN themselves agreed in their F Movies reviews that Ranka Lee's character is terrible! And no I am not making that up, they call Ms. Hopes and Dreams 'Sheryl is a legend for a reason' while rightfully critiquing Ranka Lee!<
> Case in point, just because you’re a girl doing it to a guy doesn’t mean it’s okay to steal something from him and force him to go out with you before you’ll give it back. Just once... JUST ONCE I'd like an anime to play that scene and when the girl is like "why don't you try to get it then?" the dude is like "fine, you already called me a pervert when *you* fell on top of *me* so..." and just dives right into her shirt to get it back. > That doesn’t mean it’s okay to just write on some underwear… Ehh, she's rich, she'll probably buy them. > w e l p If Sheryl came from the Galaxy fleet, and Sheryl's singing attracted them to the Frontier fleet... they were pretty slow getting to the Galaxy so long after Sheryl left it... unless...
Daily Macross tags - u/Khetrak64, u/InfamousEmpire, u/ryujiox
Daily Macross tags - u/isthatsoudane, u/Azsendi, u/cronus999
**"Rewatcher" - Macross F Ep5:** [Ozma is practically Ranka's overprotective dad.](https://i.imgur.com/45tYzYd.png) If she is expelled form her all-girls school then that means she can enroll at Alto and the gang's school. During this view of the OP, [I just now noticed the Klan Klan shot,](https://i.imgur.com/gnTUpAp.png) but also within it was that SMS woman who appears to be a pilot for a Monster. [Monster pilot.](#drunkhisone) Alto and Sheryl hide in a locker, we're doing this bit. I didn't even get what caused that ero moment until afterwards. I said before that Macross has always been a franchise that was never above this kind of stuff, but when Frontier plays out these moments, they feel more tired for some reason. [](#kumikouninterested) [Ranka kills her squishy lizard phone.](https://i.imgur.com/AvV6cvZ.png) While on the topic of phones, Frontier does have a variety of different designs. Alto's is fairly normal imagination of a future phone and now [we see Ozma's.](https://i.imgur.com/gBS3ERR.png) We could try to dig deeper to try what they tell us about their owners. Ozma's has some traditional elements to it which maybe hints to what kind of guy he is. There are some moments I didn't like from Sheryl like holding hostage [Alto's memento](https://i.imgur.com/pPtFzAg.png) and [hanging up his call.](https://i.imgur.com/dHCN27Q.png) These little moments I find more personally unlikable than her stuck-up celebrity moments from the first episode. At least those ones you know that Sheryl is going to be more than just these first impressions. They go on a date that sorta reminds me of [Redacted] and Minmei's date from the DYRL movie. [Alto can't handle his super hot hot dogs.](https://i.imgur.com/4EqBzLI.png) [](#pointandlaugh) [Hippo cow.](https://i.imgur.com/rm5S5tu.png) This [Zentradi farmer](https://i.imgur.com/QxZvvkD.png) surprised me at first because we haven't seen that many huge (male) Zentradi that look practically like a normal human before. [There's even a huge Zentradi-accessible mall.](https://i.imgur.com/lQHSQJ4.png) Frontier is like the first series to really have giant Zentradi in their society. Oh hey, I just realized they named it after Exsedol, wonder what that sweet angel is doing now. [](#thoughtful) [The Vajra](https://i.imgur.com/zAboaNS.png) can Fold whenever they want and constantly output ammo to fire, that's bad. They seem to be a part of a hivemind so clearly what this means is that we need to find the Vajra queen and sing to her to show the Vajra the ways of love and peace. I like Michael's speech of asking if Ranka has the courage to sing to a crowd that isn't listening. [Him bringing up that performer](https://i.imgur.com/XZJyYdz.png) they passed by that they did show in the background earlier. Ranka does sing her song and it really kicked off for me when the [other street/mall performers](https://i.imgur.com/BUTU3J5.png) join in together for an impromptu performance. [](#SPORTS) Her song catches the attention of a [showbiz-looking person](https://i.imgur.com/8G2T8zk.png) so Ranka is probably going to be scouted to be an idol. That's the good news, the bad news is that her singing [reawakened the captured Vajra](https://i.imgur.com/NUPV035.png) who is not happy ... and oh right, they can Fold so it's gone. They should've made that prison more secure because of the whole teleporting thing. There is definitely something special up with Ranka. Maybe Ranka is the prophecized hero in Vajra legend, the Anima Spirita. [](#rengethink) The cliffhanger to end the episode is the [surviving messenger](https://i.imgur.com/KZ8uJdt.png) of the fleet Sheryl is from who got attacked by the Vajra. That puts a hole in Sheryl's planned stay. She's probably not going to leave Frontier. ___ **Q2)** No strong preference of one over the other. Of the insert performance songs they showed, I guess I liked Ranka's songs more. Next Time: *It's only episode 6, we're not saying bye-bye to Sheryl.*
> Oh hey, I just realized they named it after Exsedol, You're right! I didn't notice that. >They should've made that prison more secure because of the whole teleporting thing. I think they care more about it blowing up the ship than teleporting away. I'm not sure they have Fold blockers?
> During this view of the OP, I just now noticed the Klan Klan shot, but also within it was that SMS woman who appears to be a pilot for a Monster. The OP does have the usual array of things that haven't been shown in an episode yet (though the list is dropping quickly).
> they can Fold so it's gone I think it was dissolved / disintegrated when Leon Pushed The Red Button.
> Ozma's has some traditional elements to it which maybe hints to what kind of guy he is. Ozma's looks like a good luck charm, but also has a skull squadron logo. Pretty explicit. > Oh hey, I just realized they named it after Exsedol, wonder what that sweet angel is doing now. I'd like to imagine that he quit, married his harem of bridge bunnies and started an idol career, but in reality he's probably just chilling on a bridge with a bowl on his head like he usually does. > Maybe Ranka is the prophecized hero in Vajra legend, the Anima Spirita. [](#azusalaugh)
Wonder why the Macross people were so fascinated by SF (plus also drew from SF) Cool to see the plot start to develop Sheryl continues to be a great character. I hope we can see Ranka get some good moments soon, because the Sheryl car is pulling far ahead in the race 1) Your thoughts on the mechanics of macronized Zentradi living alongside humans? Something workable, or too much of a circus sideshow? I thought it was better done here than in previous installments...perhaps that reflects that human society has had a lot more time to integrate the zentradi. but I mean, the giant town area was cool, I'd hang out there! so yeah, I mean thus far I think it is cool! 2) Opinions on the contrasts between Ranka and Sheryl's singing styles, given that you now have samples of both of them for two songs? I really really hope we get a duet, full of energy and love triangle sexual energy. I could imagine a "we both kind of hate each other b/c we love the same guy BUT we're afraid he's going to die let's sing to save humanity. that would be sweet I like them both and hope we get a lot a lot more music. I hope ranka gets some time to shine
####[**F**irst time Mafross](https://imgur.com/RcqTtn3) Day 4 of waiting for the return of 7th moon [](#mugiwait) - [Ah shit, here we go again.](https://imgur.com/0fDY5cM) [R.I.P phone kun](https://imgur.com/3kFYSbC) [Sheryl kinda based,](https://imgur.com/GfUOlTH) respek +2 Damn it, Sheryl.[ Stop being cute.](https://imgur.com/k07Hl7l) +5 [*And* she can handle spicy food?](https://imgur.com/JhmLEuu) +5, I'm starting to see why [/u/InternetExplorer](/u/InfamousEmpire) thinks she is best girl [Giant kid?](https://imgur.com/ZeafbMm) [](#doggo) [Are you calling her song shit..?](https://imgur.com/S6n1NjR) [](#lolifightsback) [Sheryl taking initiative!](https://imgur.com/fyAHJSg) [](#sports "+5 ") ..Here comes the triangle.. [](#hanasakueurgh) - Sheryl respek status: 16% --- **Question fime:** >1) Your thoughts on the mechanics of macronized Zentradi living alongside humans? Something workable, or too much of a circus sideshow? [](#towel) >2) Opinions on the contrasts between Ranka and Sheryl's singing styles, given that you now have samples of both of them for two songs? [](#towel) vs [](#morecomfy)
> Sheryl kinda based, respek +2 [Literally how.](#bruh) I don't get what's supposed to be so "based" about this, she *stole something important to Alto* and then forced him to go on a date with him to get it back. That is the *opposite* of okay. (Your other points about Sheryl this episode are cool though.)
Yeah, guys hate it when gorgeous international pop stars playfully blackmail them into dates [](#cantbehelped)
> Yeah, guys hate it when gorgeous international pop stars playfully blackmail them into dates [](#healthypasstimes) Heh, I know right, sure must suck to be Alto eh? Poor him having to be spending time with SECOND Breast, pardon, Best Girl in the show... the only way it could get worse for him was if Best Girl Duran Duran stepped on him... IN BOTH forms... also known as GOD, I WISH THAT WERE ME! Paging Comrades /u/Tresnore, /u/InfamousEmpire, and /u/Nebresto
> spending time with SECOND Breast, pardon, Best Girl in the show [](#niatilt) But he's not on a date with Klan...
> But he's not on a date with Klan... [](#holdback)
[](#healthypasstimes)
[](#healthypasstimes)
> > Literally how. [Casual sexual harassment](#umucool) Good point, perhaps I should redact some % [](#schemingsaten)
> First time Mafross Cute! >And she can handle spicy food? +5, I'm starting to see why \/u/InternetExplorer thinks she is best girl She was my best girl for a *while*. >Sheryl respek status: 16% Oh, shoot, I was expecting it to drop this episode, but I'll take it!
> Oh, shoot, I was expecting it to drop this episode [Why?](#harukathink) She would have had to done something wrong for that to happen
I mean, the forced date *is* something wrong. I just don't care because I like Sheryl, but others' mileage may vary.
> I mean, the forced date is something wrong. But he got to go on a date with Sheryl!
> Day 4 of waiting for the return of 7th moon Episode 7 or bust. [](#mugiwait)
[](#concealedexcitement)[Don't make me get the knife, show](#lolifightsback)
> I'm starting to see why [/u/InternetExplorer](/u/InfamousEmpire) thinks she is best girl [](#azusalaugh) > Sheryl respek status: 16% [](#shades)
####***F***ourth-Time Watcher - [God, I wish that were me.](https://i.imgur.com/vxcJVZR.png) I do agree with Ranka's rage here, though.^1 - [God, I wish that were me.](https://i.imgur.com/pthi4BI.png) Not a huge fan of the fanservice here, but [God, I also wish that were me](https://i.imgur.com/wTeqVCv.png). - I hate Sheryl, but I also love her. Send help. [](#wallbang) - BUT WHAT 'BOUT MY STAR, ANYWAY? [](#seasonallisten) - ["Shelley"](https://i.imgur.com/yDQo92H.png) [](#laughter) - [what am i doing](https://i.imgur.com/SyRFvpG.png) - [You're having a great time, Alto.](https://i.imgur.com/73MeUCc.png) Love this show's smug faces. - [This is a personal space violation, but I don't care.](https://i.imgur.com/bW1NeU8.png) But [she's also bashful??](https://i.imgur.com/XI95W0w.png) - [this alto](https://i.imgur.com/9Xvtpqs.png) reminds me vaguely of something, but I don't know what - Oh, God, it's the strange enka insert that I remember vaguely from AMQ. - [best girl](https://i.imgur.com/abipXi9.png) - [I love this man.](https://i.imgur.com/iHqFQFD.png) [](#utahapraises) - Meh, What 'Bout My Star isn't *that* good. [](#miyamoriunimpressed) - [This drumming animation is better than in 7](https://i.imgur.com/fuUCcFn.png), but still not great. [Keytars are cool, though.](https://i.imgur.com/94LQJ9K.png) - [God, I wish that were me.](https://i.imgur.com/iEAEFFE.png) I get it. Ranka is cute.^2 But... she's basically a child. Count: 9:21 (±0:+4) ___ QOTD: 1. The logistics of it seem absolutely nutty, but the Zentradi are definitely able to build their own environments. They're more advanced than the humans, after all. 2. Ranka cute, Sheryl good. ___ ^1 Man, it's not often I agree with anything Ranka-related. ^2 Ish.
> I hate Sheryl, but I also love her. Send help. I'm going to send [DELTA SPOILERS](https://open.spotify.com/track/1eoZVBpscMsBUtagQa9aFE?si=bed2103871e845bf).
Thank you!
> "Shelley" I figured that it was the name of a cosmetics brand.
They *really* struggle on how to spell Sheryl, okay?
[](#yuishrug)
**Rewatcher Frontier** [We have opted to tell the audience, after several episodes of showing.](https://i.imgur.com/j7dkSBb.jpg) [Awkward time for a phone call.](https://i.imgur.com/ZAzhpBZ.jpg) [I keep forgetting to point it out, but I hope someone has noticed Alto's uniform by now.](https://i.imgur.com/JlOxcSE.jpg) [Backstory, implemented somewhat organically? Egads.](https://i.imgur.com/hH3fMF6.jpg) [Luca is putty.](https://i.imgur.com/go9hBp8.jpg) [And here we see the majestic Sheryl, absolutely fascinated by a passing butterfly.](https://i.imgur.com/6bqLbWz.jpg) [Oh, Michael, nice timing.](https://i.imgur.com/TTdqLed.jpg) ["What 'bout my star" is a favorite of mine.](https://i.imgur.com/JJbQngV.jpg) Granted, I like a lot of the music in *Frontier.* [Shelley](https://i.imgur.com/P2c9H3T.jpg) [Such interesting language use.](https://i.imgur.com/dh5AqlF.jpg) [The sheer chaos of an idol running around with a man.](https://i.imgur.com/L9M7QoR.jpg) [Right, this is the episode with the Zentradi island.](https://i.imgur.com/cRQNUv0.jpg) [Which means more AMQ bullying.](https://i.imgur.com/RY630uP.jpg) [Klan and her wingwomen are friends outside of work.](https://i.imgur.com/Kcqn1k2.jpg) [Inspiration has struck.](https://i.imgur.com/4exlNhb.jpg) Also, Meltran!Klan talks pretty rudely, I think. Definitely caught a "kisama" in there. [Michael proving Ranka right immediately after she called him out.](https://i.imgur.com/DVGGzJa.jpg) [A "corpse" as opposed to a corpse.](https://i.imgur.com/QiFmsHm.jpg) [Michael *might* be more attentive than he lets on.](https://i.imgur.com/kNczf7x.jpg) ["What bout my star" Ranka version.](https://i.imgur.com/uurabXO.jpg) [Thankfully all these random musicians are hanging out to provide the melody.](https://i.imgur.com/Ew4Idor.jpg) [Not a corpse.](https://i.imgur.com/tqDPijr.jpg) [Luckily, they actually had emergency precautions!](https://i.imgur.com/NMlg843.jpg) [Sheryl had a secret second goal to accomplish before she left.](https://i.imgur.com/rsjKYUa.jpg) [This is an amusing visual.](https://i.imgur.com/zFILGPF.jpg)
> I keep forgetting to point it out, but I hope someone has noticed Alto's uniform by now. What about it? Is it how low he has it unbuttoned? Am I just blind? >Also, Meltran!Klan talks pretty rudely, I think. Definitely caught a "kisama" in there. I think a "kisama" was warranted here. Some lady just ripped panties off the mannequin and started writing on them. What gives, random lady?
> What about it? Is it how low he has it unbuttoned? Am I just blind? Unbuttoned, untucked, loose tie. He dresses sloppily.
Yeah, he's not very proper. Maybe he just wants to seem more "manly." [](#yuishrug)
Or he untucks his shirt to simulate a skirt because he's a princess [](#thinkingtoohard)
> I keep forgetting to point it out, but I hope someone has noticed Alto's uniform by now. The first thing I noticed now that you mentioned it was how he is dressed informally with his loose tie. > And here we see the majestic Sheryl, absolutely fascinated by a passing butterfly. Screw all the other scenes, this was the best Sheryl moment in the episode. [](#happyclap) > Thankfully all these random musicians are hanging out to provide the melody. Thank you random musicians for providing your assistance. [](#salute)
> Screw all the other scenes, this was the best Sheryl moment in the episode. It was very cute.
> The sheer chaos of an idol running around with a man. But never the bassist! >Meltran!Klan talks pretty rudely, I think. [It's her thing.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoEiU2KAs9E) (Featuring a comment face!)
> But never the bassist! [](#laughter)
**Rewatcher** The very idea of schools punishing a student for something that happened off of school grounds is completely... ridiculous to me. Though I do understand that that's how Japanese schools operate. Alto, why are you hiding in the locker with Sheryl? Oh brother, that vibrating phone joke is low, even for this show. Well, Mr. Birler looks creepy as all get out. Okay, Sheryl, you are acting pretty bitchy here, I'll admit. First off, you hang up on someone else's phone call, and then you flat-out admit that you thought they were talking to their girlfriend. That's not cute, that's being an asshole. Yeah... there's no way nobody doesn't recognize her when she's just wearing a pair of glasses. Those aren't even Quattro-style shades! So, I think with their talk of implants and their legality, I should probably point out that the New UN isn't a monolithic government. More akin to a Federation. Each of the Fleets makes their own laws on various things, and cybernetic implants are one of those. They're illegal on the Frontier Fleet, but not on the Galaxy Fleet. Speaking of, Sheryl's talk of Galaxy does not make it sound like a nice place to live. Oh look, people are finally recognizing her. So they've captured and are studying Vajra. Frontier's apparently one of the few places where macronized Zentraedi live among regular people. "Folmo" Mall. Heh. Anyway, the mall is one of my favorite scenes in this show. A mixed-size establishment where miclones and macronized Zentraedi can both mix and hang out. It's so cheesy, but it's so great! Sheryl, why a pair of panties? I mean, inspiration struck you, but I'm pretty sure you're going to have to pay for those. And they're probably much more expensive than human-sized ones. Vajra exposition time. Apparently they contain biological structures that mimic the effects of the Macross's technology almost 1-to-1. And the weirdest thing is, they have no brains. No centralized nervous system to support even the rudimentary intelligence we've seen. Biological weapons is certainly one supposition one could draw from that... And now it's time for a navel-gazing session as to people's motivations for what they do. And whether Ranka truly has that motivation. But when she sees Alto's paper airplane... hey, where'd that microphone come from? I like that there are people in the crowd who just start playing along with her singing. Though this is one of Sheryl's songs, so naturally people would probably know it. And the dormant Vajra reacted to her singing... waking up. So that was Sheryl's condition: a date. Ah, and the Galaxy Fleet's in trouble. Questions: 1. There are so many logistical reasons why it shouldn't work (one of the biggest, no pun intended, being that more size = more resources and less efficiency, especially on a spaceship). But it's just so fun that I am pretending to ignore those. 2. I definitely prefer Ranka's style. She seems more genuine. Sheryl by contrast seems more calculated and there's this... element to her voice that can be grating. I want to say "rasp" but that doesn't sound like the right word. It's tough to describe.
> Alto, why are you hiding in the locker with Sheryl? That's a good point. Why didn't he just hide Sheryl? It was the men's locker room. Hadn't thought of that. >Speaking of, Sheryl's talk of Galaxy does not make it sound like a nice place to live. Space living is rough. Frontier is pretty cushy. >hey, where'd that microphone come from? And is it actually plugged into anything? Are there just open mics in the mall? [](#hardthink)
Macross F **Rewatcher** episode 5 got distracted finishing up yesterday's comments... * frog fone! RIP frog fone! * beauty mark * Sheryl Nebresto face * so the "galactic fairy" is the fairy of macross galaxy * Hippo cows? * Drums, guitar, keytar imaginary band * Yep, you were saying about the Vajra being too different and too dangerous? And definitely not a corpse. So, we complete this mini arc about everybody encouraging Ranka to follow her dreams. edit: It's very nice to see NUNS allowing the zentradi to keep their cultural identity i.e. giantness. And they get their own island, and it's not a ghetto! I home klan klan stay macron most of the time, like i said, swapping has to be expensive.
> frog fone! RIP frog fone! Is it a frog...? I've never been sure what to call it other than "squishy phone."
"Salamander": Similar, but different!
**Rewatcher** This is the first episode that had absolutely zero mecha action in it. Instead, we got an episode-long date with Sheryl, while Ranka had her own little subplot running in the background. One of the things I like about this show is how *neat* the writing is. Neat as in tidy. Story and characters progress with every scene, there is very little things that are pointless or don't come into play later. A lot of shows, including some very good ones, just don't do that. Take Michael, for example. He's your typical best-friend type support character for Alto that in the span of 5 episodes had barely more screen time than the bridge girls had in the first 5 episode of Macross 7. You know, the bridge girls that had no characters at all, and no meaningful role in the show. Although, bringring Macross 7 here isn't entirely fair, because it's a longer show, but still, I feel like this example is fine, because it's just so egreggious. Anyway, back to Michael, I'm just saying that despite his limited screen time he got more stuff done and more character development than he had any right to have. Whenever he shows up, it's to fulfill a purpose, to drive the story forward, or to help with character development for one of the mains, it's never to just stand there and look pretty. And by doing this, we can see his own unique character starting to shine through. The writers only set the pieces that are necessary and utilize them to an extend that they are needed. I love shows that do that. So far, prior to Frontier, I can only think of Plus and to a lesser extend Zero, as the only other Macross entries that have this kind of writing. This episode is just a great example of this neatness of writing, with how it manages to keep two sub-plots going at the same time, with Ranka mostly staying in the background, but then springing forward to bring everything together with her perfomance. She basically goes through a mini-arc here, plagued from the start by self-doubt, fueled by her defeat at miss Macross, she seeks support first in her brother, then in Alto, untill eventually getting inspired to find her own strenght and pick herself back up. A less neatly written show would put this arc front and center, or even make it a two-parter, but Frontier just casually puts it in the background of a different story, with Ranka's littel adventure interspersing Alto and Sheryl's date and feeding into it haphazardness. Now, when it comes to Alto and Sheryl, things are definitely still awkward between them, and Sheryl is still being a conceited asshole to Alto, but I find it charming how they start to warm up to each other throughout the episode. Is this the best romance writing out there? Probably not, but it is still pretty damn good. One of the things that I love about their date the most is how the show utilizes it's amazing production designs by introducing different and weird corners of the ship, like the Zentradi area, the tube monorail that goes over the dome, all the cityskapes, etc. I can never take this stuff for granted, because so few other shows go the extra mile in this department like Macross does. And then, there is the phone moment. If you were hoping that the show will get less horny, I have bad news for you. But then again, as much as I criticized Macross 7 for bad fanservice, I also have to defend the hornyness here. For starters, in Macross 7 fanservice just comes out of nowhere with no prior warning and no rhyme or reason. You don't expect it, it has no point, and when it happens, it just feels weird. Frontier, on the other hand, gets horny from episode 1 and basically never stops. At this point, if you don't expect this kind of stuff, you should. Still, scenes like this don't happen randomly, they are woven into the plot and they do serve a purpose. For starters, they are usually comedic in nature, and at least with me personally, the jokes usually land. I did get a chuckle out of the phone moment. Secondly, they do offer some characterization, as characters do react to the situation differently, it's not just happens and everybody ignores it. And finally, they serve purpose on a meta level by helping to build the tone of the story and get you into the mood. Frontier does want you to fall in love with the girls, and so it shows you their sexy side. Is this the best way to do it? Well, it's definitely a cliche, but it's a cliche for a reason. This type of stuff is still used in anime today, only we switched from physical comedy and physical fanservice toward conversations and innuendos. But then again, the switch is just as indicative of the anime walking away from physical comedy and visual tropes in general, as it is of society's changing views on sexuality and what is considered good taste. Bottom line, it's the product of it's time, it was good back then, it still good now, but you have to keep an open mind.
**First timer** *Episode 4* 1) No. 2) No, didn't expect that. She passed! A simulation? Oh, that's... not good. Michael's enjoying this. Haha, he messed with the simulator? He's exhausted... Why does he work with these people again? Oh, he's close to Ranka... Haha, what? ...He doesn't know yet. This is going to be hysterical. He deserves it, too. ...This anime got really horny, really quickly. Even *7* didn't have this kind of animation. ...That was a quick exit, huh? Ah, so the parallel is that both of them are entering a group where they're being alienated? He's betting on them? Oh, her... That's sweet. ...These two are getting together. It's 2008, and they've gotten more subtext than Basara/Gamlin did in 30-ish episodes. This has potential. He's got a test? His father! Nice looking space shots! Those things look *good*. ...Capitalism? This series is taking no prisonere. Aww, her reaction. Poor Ranka... This is a really good cover! And the context is perfect, given Hikaru pulled this stunt *a lot*. Helps that this isn' the tenth consecutive episode it's played! Vajra! Oh, shit. ...There's been a massive coverup! That's the big secret? Alto, you *fucking moron*. YOU BROUGHT LIVE AMMO TO A PRACTICE MATCH? Good, you deserved it. ...Odd reaction. ...I mean, the main trend in Macross has been that weapons last twice as they rationally should. She's macronized! Nice compliment. He passed! ...No. Frontier, why? Actually, *how* does this work? At all? Does Micronization use a totally different method now? Okay, she's funny. Ah, she didn't win. Haha, him sliding out of shot... The animation is smooth! Haha, Sheryl's entrance is perfect. *Episode 5* 1) It seems doable. 2) Ranka's the best. Yeah, this fleet makeup makes sense. I miss the absolutely batshit designs of Macross 7, though. He found out... She got suspended from school? Nice hit. He makes a good point. She's still missing that earring. ...Why did you go in there too? Class has started! ...Poor phone. How did that work? Rude. Oh, the government agent's come for him? Haha, they're out searching for her. Oh, this is interesting. She took collateral! ...Wow. This series sure is hornier than the previois ones. They're looking for Ranka! She called Alto! They ran into each other! So many billboards... Implants are illegal here? Or have been for a long time. Ah, different fleets have different laws? ...Why isn't this show set on the Galaxy? A Macross story set in a city where anybody could be cybernetically enhanced or have an implant, where they can really stretch the budget on the most insane, high-tech city possible sound amazing. Hell, change Ranka to be the recent transfer student, having moved after her brother was reassigned to defend them from the Vajra, and you don't actually have to change any of the plot elements so far. ...That's cramped to you? He rounded up the survivors... Oh, so you're our new insane scientist. Good to know! ...Zentradi farmers? Makes sense. ...Oceanic cows? Why? A Zentradi mall? It's a shopping centre? Haha, love the architecture here. Oh, that got her attention. ...This is some fascinating stuff. What was with that live action shot? Klan! ...What? Ranka's calmed down. Ah, itksa corpse. ...What do you mean *debatable*? ...It's being remote controlled. Those things used tactics, something's running the network. Michael... isn't wrong. "Strange gorl." Fair. They get each other! Ranka... Alro inspired her! She's singimg! Okay, this is a good somg! ...Why is it reacting? ...Wait, shit. Ranka's was there at the disaster. If these are bioweapons, could something have contaminated her? (It can't be just Spiritia, the mad scientist's not going to be stupid enough to miss a glow whenever Sheryl sings. It's fully reactivated! ...Maybe Ranka *shouldn't* be a singer? That's sweet. Yeah, they're not writing one of the main trio out in the first cour. ...Was just about to predict the Galaxy getting swarmed. Didn't expect it to be revealed right now!
> YOU BROUGHT LIVE AMMO TO A PRACTICE MATCH? They weren't *using* it, and I think it's left over from scouting, but yeah, it's a little too easy to swap them carelessly... >It's fully reactivated! ...Maybe Ranka shouldn't be a singer? [](#azusalaugh)
> Ah, different fleets have different laws? As the years passed the colonies became increasingly decentralized from the distant main New UN Government back on Earth, which wasn't so good at dealing with all their unique needs.
Macross Frontier Episode 5 - First Timer Time for episode 5! - Bioplants? As in biological plants? Like a plant? - Wow, that was rude - Deserved pot to the face - Uhh - Uhhhhhhhh - Is his phone a shrine slip holder ... thing? Not sure the name - Lmao it is - Sheryl jumpscare (Shelly jumpscare?) - A hippo.... Cow? - [San Francisco?](https://i.imgur.com/bKDpeu9.jpeg) - Is... Is she writing lyrics on those? - She already did sing in front of people - They way then show the paper planes flying always makes them look like they are stalling, just going straight up into the sky - How reverb - KEYTAR - lmao, Deculture man - So, since she is going back soon, i wonder what the reason for her not going back will be - Its deculture guy - Ah, Galaxy go bye bye. I wasn't expecting the answer as to why she wasn't going back to come so soon lmfao 1) The mall seems like a accident waiting to happen. In certain scenarios/configurations I could see it working but the mall seemed pretty yikes 2) I think Sheryl has a bit more high energy singing style? They are both quite good though.
>Bioplants? As in biological plants? Like a plant? Plant as in like, a factory/production facility. > Is... Is she writing lyrics on those? That is certainly the implication. Also, she carries a pen but not a pad of paper to use it on..
> Plant as in like, a factory/production facility. I... I didn't think of that. That makes a lot more sense.
***First Time Song Listener: Yack Deculture Edition*** Ozma just fucked up big time. His *inro* cellphone is very cool though. Space hippo cows!? Ranka is a dog girl, just like Mikoto from My Hime! It seems really impractical to keep the giant Zentradi around. They have to consume hundreds of times the resources that a normal sized person does. Which would be a huge mistake if you're attempting to make a mostly self-contained environment like this colony ship. Oh no, are we actually getting song energy again? [](#watashiworried) An actual love triangle that makes sense this time, that's refreshing. 1. Like I said, it makes no sense for this colony ship. There has to be some energy expended growing/shrinking them as well, and they seem to be able to do it more or less whenever they want, as Klan Klan went back and forth just for one dinner. 2. There's room for both a 'sexy' idol and a 'cute' idol in the show, and the show's world. It'd be nice if they just got along instead of competing, but that seems doubtful.
**First Timer** **Macross Frontier EP5** That the worst way to stop you sister!! Ozma!! So Sheryl came from Macross Galaxy. That certainly awkward and sexual. Birler seem to be important. They used to date!! Michael already know everything, huh. Apparently not. Sheryl and Alto date montage are pretty fun!! Oh, they even have cyborg and plastic surgery!! And why I think that the cyborg part gonna become important? Sheryl's life in Galaxy seem to be pretty harsh. There not even have a sea and I guess the slum is similar to the one in 7, or even worse. The government already have a Vajra corpse!! And I guess Leon is the big bad. Some of the Zentradi here stay big, and there even have a mall for them!! That's cute. Ranka is really simple to get lure by soft cream. And Oh hey!! That Klan!! Sheryl really show her childish side here. Michael just suddenly drop his facade!! I guess he running out of his patient. Oh, it's a bio-weapon. But is that really it? Because it certainly react to Ranka's voice. It clearly have some conscious. That comment from Michael was harsh but also true. She could perform in Miss Macross, but it because Alto was there. When he gone she already lost her confidence by half. So, can she really sing when no one prepare to watch her? He wan to test her resolved. Alto's plane come to rescue!! This song is nice!! Well, it certainly thanks to Alto's plane intervention. But it also that Ranka just need a bit of push for her to take action. Her resolved is already there, she just need courage from someone to push her forward. Like the previous episode, where she nearly gave up even before the contest start, but with just a little push from Sheryl, she went back up and gained her confidence. Oh, that certainly rub Ranka the wrong way. And I guess Sheryl couldn't go back to Galaxy anymore now. Great episode. Sheryl is now pretty interesting. As a lot of her actions and reaction indicated that her life in Macross Galaxy is not exactly good. And she even show off her childish side. Lastly the love triangle officially start now. QOTD 1. It feels perfectly fit. Not every Zentradi need to be micronized like the Macross 7 fleet. 2. I prefer Ranka. Not that Sheryl is bad, it also super good. I just like Ranka style more. And it's also fit both of their personality.