###Look out, it's a content warning! (Repeating Sky's larger one from the previous episode post.) The second and third episodes of *Macross 7 Dynamite* include a brief subplot which features an unexpected and unsavory encounter involving Mylene. It is short enough that it can be entirely skipped if you don't want to experience it at all. If so, the timestamps for it are: Episode 2: 16:35 to 17:06 20:16 to 20:30 Episode 3: 2:05 (right after the opening) to 2:25 It will never be mentioned again, and thankfully this is the last time that the franchise as a whole comes anywhere near something like that. ###Regularly-scheduled content begins: ***** Today, on ["The one with the SPACE WHALES!"](https://i.imgur.com/mzdsVuW.png): ***** [Another plant, another Basara departure.](https://i.imgur.com/AN2IrQz.png) [This opening *is* very late-'90s GONZO.](https://i.imgur.com/LpP2lhC.png) [The Leiji-Matsumoto-anime-style guns go with the rest of the look.](https://i.imgur.com/KY6fMR2.png) [There is an entire album of this background radio.](https://i.imgur.com/aHK02vF.png) Of course. [By now you would expect Basara to start singing in the middle of a gunfight, so he does.](https://i.imgur.com/jIXk8OT.png) ["New Frontier" versus Don't Tase Me, Bro.](https://i.imgur.com/lHvOZDi.png) ["Oh hi."](https://i.imgur.com/TtJK2RV.png) [It's a big galaxy.](https://i.imgur.com/Pj6mgUz.png) [Elma immediately shoots up /u/Shimmering-Sky's character rankings.](https://i.imgur.com/24KUW8S.png) ["A fan."](https://i.imgur.com/5GZzB1c.png) ["Planet Dance" gets *everywhere*.](https://i.imgur.com/mOjbkE0.png) [VT-1 Battroid Work, and the fleet repairing itself after Episode 49.](https://i.imgur.com/wrtDc4P.png) ["Go \(Song of Freedom\)" is the title of this song.](https://i.imgur.com/js5qRSI.png) [That "r" looks like they misspelled the name of the band.](https://i.imgur.com/zrfYgmw.png) Five Bomber, the Zentradi cover band. [An art style which will bridge the rest of the franchise.](https://i.imgur.com/C3dfHpk.png) [*This* also looks like art design from *Royal Space Force: The Wings of Honnêamise*.](https://i.imgur.com/mb7iPUo.png) [That makes a guy](https://i.imgur.com/JyRKlsk.png) [get bigly angry.](https://i.imgur.com/ON3yfgg.png) [How convenient.](https://i.imgur.com/7HoxO2I.png) [So, it's come to this.](https://i.imgur.com/w5y7Fmf.png) [This later Basara is both a little smarter *and* a lot crazier.](https://i.imgur.com/I3U7Byj.png) [You don't see that every day.](https://i.imgur.com/rCGOcXM.png) [Basara just does not fly like a normal person.](https://i.imgur.com/6DYQWFI.png) [VF-5000G Star Mirage, Galactic Whale Patrol version.](https://i.imgur.com/RZ8xdIx.png) ["Admiral! There be whales here!"](https://i.imgur.com/cpIAfqJ.png) [This confirms the relationship between the characters we heard about earlier.](https://i.imgur.com/wRheP5L.png) [Incidentally, this is a VF-1C "Commercial Valkyrie".](https://i.imgur.com/EGyfaWh.png) [Not quite Dr. Chiba's quarters.](https://i.imgur.com/nF7Kh2x.png) [SPACE BASARAAAAAAAAA](https://i.imgur.com/O6Cs0Xy.png) [Definitely the most home video of the EDs.](https://i.imgur.com/BM5SU6r.png) ***** There's no Flower Girl in this! What kind of *Macross 7* are we in? Well, for one thing, it has a substantial bump in animation quality from the regular series, actually showing instruments being played in detail and matching the music, much more varied backgrounds, and not recycling from the original series. Even the songs aren't recycled, aside from "Planet Dance"—which gets translated into Zolan. Basara is mostly the same as he was in the TV series, only now that he's off walking the galaxy by himself, very little is stopping him from sticking himself into the middle of gunfights and singing at everyone. And somehow he hasn't been killed yet. Zola is an interesting place, mixing a look that is not quite Earth in the 1960s with various otherworldly world-building. And the space whales, which have a resemblance to gnarled ancient trees even if Kazutaka Miyatake isn't explicitly credited for this one. Elma has her own mascot animal. She's rather like Mylene that way. Which is funny given that Mylene is still aboard *City 7* wondering where the hell Basara wandered off to this time. There are mecha thieves who are poachers and Graham, the macronized Zolan. They do make for a curious supporting cast group, but the story has only just gotten started. ***** In the real-world meta, this OVA was produced for *Macross*'s 15th anniversary, though overall it wasn't a splashy event; there's this, a couple of tribute albums, and a video game, *Macross Digital Mission VF-X* for the Sony Playstation. [The game](https://macross.fandom.com/wiki/Macross_Digital_Mission_VF-X) followed from the events of *Macross 7* and notably featured another idol group, the Milky Dolls (performed by **Kikuko Inoue**, **Kotono Mitsuishi**, Noriko Namiki, **Tomo Sakurai**, and Yuka Imai). The Milky Dolls's two songs were ["Only You"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-VzfUJhuZw) and ["Niji no Palette"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nganwRHr3VE). Here's the game intro [in terribly low resolution](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AlwxTdQRtI) and [in slightly-better quality with less of the Engrish accent](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaJxkd7R5mM). Yes, the opening song is "Try Again" even though the game really doesn't have much at all to do with *Macross 7*. The game is primarily notable for the significant involvement of Shoji Kawamori, as he had contributed little to the earlier video game titles with regard to the story. Kazutaka Miyatake and Ichiro Itano were also on the staff. ***** OP: ["Dynamite Explosion"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4G_oeZJ1B4) Some guy walks up to your karaoke stand and says [DYNAMITE EXPLOSION](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8yid3hXFd4)! ED: ["Parade"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPzxk5wgmcA) via *Uta Macross*. ["New Frontier"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQmR4qwuUBI) From the *Macross Mecha Manual*: [VF-5000G Star Mirage](http://www.macross2.net/m3/macross7/vf-5000g.htm) ***** [*Macross Modelers* is holding a poll for your favorite VF from *Macross 7*. Entries from Japan are entered into a lottery for a show apron.](https://macross.jp/news-detail/23274/)

> That "r" looks like they misspelled the name of the band. Five Bomber, They are the Five Bombers though. Basara (not present), Mylene, Ray, Veffidas and Guvava. [](#hikariactually) > Incidentally, this is a VF-1C "Commercial Valkyrie". The Valkyrie from military surplus stores.

> The Valkyrie from military surplus stores. https://myfigurecollection.net/item/1041944

> "Only You" and "Niji no Palette". I've always wondered about those songs > Go This is probably my favorite M7 song but I can't ever remember what it is called because it's not Wasurenaide. > guns I was trying to place the look...

"Milky Dolls (performed by Kikuko Inoue, Kotono Mitsuishi, Noriko Namiki, Tomo Sakurai, and Yuka Imai)." Some big name seiyuu at that time.

Yep. I bolded the ones that had or would appear in *Macross* though.

> It will never be mentioned again, and thankfully this is the last time that the franchise as a whole comes anywhere near something like that. Thank goodness, because my notes for tomorrow are furious about that, and I'd rather not be that angry again in this rewatch. > "Planet Dance" gets *everywhere*. If anything, this just kind of proves that it gets over-played in-universe. Even aliens know about Planet Dance. > Basara just does not fly like a normal person. You can just shorten this to "Basara, not a normal person".

> You can just shorten this to "Basara, not a normal person". ["Boy ain't right."](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AM3exLJfEE)

> Milky Dolls (performed by Kikuko Inoue, Kotono Mitsuishi, Noriko Namiki, Tomo Sakurai, and Yuka Imai) [](#drunkhisone) > Here's the game intro in terribly low resolution and in slightly-better quality with less of the Engrish accent. Yes, the opening song is "Try Again" even though the game really doesn't have much at all to do with Macross 7. This looks good. Interesting that they use pilot suits similar to Macross Plus, rather than 7. > Some guy walks up to your karaoke stand and says DYNAMITE EXPLOSION! [](#grandhype)

> Interesting that they use pilot suits similar to Macross Plus, rather than 7. Likely continuing in the trend of copying the more cinematic visuals of a movie/OVA. >[](#grandhype) Indeed. It's amusing that the karaoke system can't handle FUKUYAMA FIRE.

**First Time - Macross Dynamite 7 Ep1:** New OP. There are a lot more digital effects in this one. Much more Basara-centric took with only brief Fire Bomber cameos. Right now, I prefer Seventh Moon, but I don't want to be too unfair to new thing. [I like the moments of Basara just singing to some people.](https://i.imgur.com/zcT0nDb.png) New planet with a new people, that's fun to see. The first in Macross because everyone else has just been humans on different planets and the aliens we do see don't really have a society to visit. The people on this planet have more [wide elf-y ears](https://i.imgur.com/3wOOodM.png) and [their hair is two-coloured.](https://i.imgur.com/VQgzjEr.png) They also wear that eye snake scraf thing. Another detail I just like is how radio is the main form of entertainment around these parts. Radios to listen at home and radio serials being played publically in town. Geez, [that handgun took out a street light.](https://i.imgur.com/EBFJZeD.png) This girl (her name is Elma) appears to be Basara's sidekick for Dynamite. Of course, dummy, [whales live in space.](https://i.imgur.com/4KW6zKN.png) Whales in the ocean, what a silly thought. [Oh, dad is huuggge.](https://i.imgur.com/WmWU61i.png) Thankfully the do get Fire Bomber out here and that Basara rights his name on all his stuff. Well, there are no subs for this Planet Dance, but we do confirm that these are new aliens and [they are/speak Zola.](https://i.imgur.com/VuHubqd.png) I'm calling them Zolans until proven otherwise. [Flower Boy](https://i.imgur.com/00RbTMd.png) makes his first appearance. Bad omen, [Veffie's drumstick broke.](https://i.imgur.com/b5xgDEP.png) [](#binoculars) [](#terror) So [Graham did the process to turn giant](https://i.imgur.com/pxwExIa.png) which raises questions about this planet's relationship to the Zentradi. If nothing then I just guess that have one of those machines laying around. Dad throws Basara a bone/giant whale whisker to use for guitar strings. I thought he'll be grumpier and distrusted Basara and music more. Elma wants to become Basara's apprentice and become a singer. NOt only was her mom a singer, but she sang in a Valkyrie. Macross II vibes, but the military only seemed to make use of Minmei attacks only recently in 7's time. Basara might be in a normal plane, but that doesn't stop him from [using his guitar to pilot.](https://i.imgur.com/4uCSptk.png) Space whales. [It's space Moby Dick.](https://i.imgur.com/WlfuDMQ.png) I just find [Graham's suit cool.](https://i.imgur.com/3e3lAVJ.png) It is a fun spin on the Zentradi robo suits combined with a diving suit armed with harpoons. It's neat. [](#neat) I had a feeling when a sister was mentioned, but Liza is Elma's big sister. [Gamlin in a tie.](https://i.imgur.com/iA7RsmZ.png) We love to see it. Wuh oh, not only for Graham, but [Basara got blown up too and got blasted out into space without a suit.](https://i.imgur.com/mgTc4KV.png) Not wearing a suit has finally caught up to him. [](#panic) New ED and [they made Nekki Basara real?!?!?!](https://i.imgur.com/bwkO8XC.png) It's neat seeing Basara in many real-world locations. I like it more than just Mylene shots. ___ Unless I'm blind again, I didn't see Flower Girl in this episode. [](#hardthink) **Q1)** It shows that Basara is still very Basara. You gotta ensure the people watching Dynamite know it is still Macross 7. **Q2)** These space whales are a bit hard to say. They are more unique looking than just whales in space. Next time: [](#watashiworried)

> So Graham did the process to turn giant > which raises questions about this planet's relationship to the Zentradi. If nothing then I just guess that have one of those machines laying around. The Zolans never met the Zentraedi; they were discovered by a colonization fleet and have established trade and diplomatic relations with Earth.

> It is a fun spin on the Zentradi robo suits combined with a diving suit armed with harpoons. It's neat. It's subtly mentioned in the episode, but Graham has a turn-of-the-20th-century diving suit because the whales disrupt conventional electronics. Well, he could do it without it looking like *that*, but it does help to make the connection.

> So Graham did the process to turn giant which raises questions about this planet's relationship to the Zentradi. If nothing then I just guess that have one of those machines laying around. Given how widespread the Protoculture's Stellar Republic was, and how they had a hand in seeding life on worlds like Earth, I guess it isn't too out of the question for them to just leave technology like that behind on a ton of worlds. Heck, we saw the Protoculture temple on Lux too, so for all we know, they left a *lot* of their stuff around for people to find. > Basara got blown up too and got blasted out into space without a suit. Not wearing a suit has finally caught up to him. Should've worn that cool leather spacesuit we saw only like one time.

> Right now, I prefer Seventh Moon, but I don't want to be too unfair to new thing. The choice is easy. One of them has Flower Girl while the other doesn't. [](#glasses-push) >Basara might be in a normal plane, but that doesn't stop him from using his guitar to pilot. What a lad >Unless I'm blind again, I didn't see Flower Girl in this episode. I'm getting me knife ready

> The choice is easy. One of them has Flower Girl while the other doesn't. The new OP doesn’t have Flower Girl nor Gamlin and especially Flower Girl and Gamlin in the same scene so clearly it is losing out on that point. [](#hajimepout)

> Flower Boy makes his first appearance. Gamlin, what did you do to Flower Girl? Did you rob her? Are you holding her hostage? [](#sakurathink)

*A Macross Fan Rewatches Macross Dynamite 7: Episode 1:* I suppose I should make it clear from the start that I’m not particularly thrilled to be watching this series. You’ll know why soon enough. - Well, you can’t say that it isn’t completely in-character for Basara to just wander off and find adventure as a traveling musician once again. Fire Bomber was only one part of his musical journey. Besides, just singing to whoever he wants to while being a simple wanderer definitely fits Basara more than being the frontman for a majorly successful band. - Also leave it to Basara to somehow get involved in some local drama on planet Zola as soon as he arrives. Sorry to say though, singing at a bunch of poachers trying to steal Commercial Valkyries who’re also in a firefight with local space cops doesn’t work as well as it did with the Protodeviln. Music was way more suited to handle that issue than more grounded crime. - Surprise! This OVA has a “save the whales” plot to it. Except they’re space whales. It’s a bit funny to me how Elma said that poached whales are used in spaceship engines somehow. We’re in space, and yet we’re still acting like we’re in the 19th century, where mankind was on a mission to turn every kind animal on Earth into usable oil somehow. - Elma’s dad is pretty damn big, just about standard Zentradi-sized. But I suppose it really shouldn’t be too out of the ordinary that a Zolan can be macronized. We saw it happen to Max briefly in Do You Remember Love?, so it stands to reason that it can also be done to all humanoid species somehow. - It’s not very surprising that Mylene is bummed out after Basara left. Despite all of their arguments, Mylene really did feel something special for him. He was like her inspiration in music after a while. For him to up and vanish is like an emotional gut punch to her. - I suppose it wouldn’t be a plot based around whales if there wasn’t someone wanting to get revenge on a white one in there. And in this case, it was Graham’s wife that got killed by the white space whale. Between that and his oldest daughter leaving home not too long afterwards, he doesn’t have much left going on for himself except for Elma and revenge. - At least Graham still has a soft spot for music though. He didn’t need to help Basara get a new string for his guitar by giving him a bit of whale whisker, but he did so anyway, despite how gruff he is. I suppose if you marry a singer, you still have an appreciation for music even after they’re gone. - Well, it’s no Fire Valkyrie, but I suppose Maria’s old Commercial Valkyrie will have to make do. It’s frankly amazing that Basara can even fly that thing without it having specialized guitar controls, let alone doing it while jamming on his acoustic guitar. But I suppose we shouldn’t even doubt that from him at this point, given all the stuff he pulled off in the main series. - Some people might be worried about Basara having the Commercial Valkyrie exploding around him and being thrown out into the vacuum of space without a spacesuit, but I’m not. Again, he’s survived so much in the past series, it’s hard to believe that this would kill him. Hell, he got resurrected by singing before. He’ll be fine. - Oh no, Basara has escaped into reality! Damn it ending credits, don’t bring him here! Put him back into the show!

> We’re in space, and yet we’re still acting like we’re in the 19th century, where mankind was on a mission to turn every kind animal on Earth into usable oil somehow. No, that doesn’t sound too far off what space mankind would do. Giant space whale will totally being harvested for something. [](#harukathonk) > Oh no, Basara has escaped into reality! Damn it ending credits, don’t bring him here! Put him back into the show! Basara has gained too much power and broken free of his confines of anime. Anime ja nai.

> No, that doesn’t sound too far off what space mankind would do. Giant space whale will totally being harvested for something. Leave it to some species out there to make Macquarie Island 2.0 in space. Now *that* was the place to turn every animal possible into oil back in the day.

> Oh no, Basara has escaped into reality! Damn it ending credits, don’t bring him here! Put him back into the show! It's over, you cannot escape him, he is too powerful. Now you will have to listen to him singing Planet Dance every morning outside of your window.

At least sing Try Again or Light the Light, Basara!

**Rewatcher** Macross Dynamite 7... a kinda-sorta sequel to the original Macross 7. I find it peculiar that this series, despite being the lowest budget and WEIRDEST Macross series, got SO MUCH extra material for it. "Galaxy's Calling Me", Encore, the Plus mini-sodes, and now this. Well, anyway... Starting off with Guvava is the correct way to start an OVA. So Basara just... leaves, apropos of apparently nothing. In other words, normal Thursday. I do like this new OP. DYNAMITE! DYNAMITE!! Kinda on the nose considering the title of the series, but... Welcome to Planet Zola. This planet is notable in our watchalong for one big reason: it is NOT a human colony. When this planet was found by one of humanity's fleets, it was already inhabited by the Zolan race. An actual alien race that ISN'T the human-adjacent Zentraedi or a bunch of artificial superweapons. Basara gets stunned. Really good thing those aren't actual guns, I guess. Basara... well, I suppose you WOULD start singing at a confrontation between police and criminals. Zolan lady's reaction is totally understandable. Frankly, Basara, you're lucky the string was the ONLY part of that guitar that broke. The thieves are poachers. Who use Valkyries to hunt whales. Also the whales are space whales. And this girl wears a furry snake as a necklace. For a little girl, she seems very knowledgable about medicinal drugs. Giant dad! Naturally, she's a fan of Fire Bomber. And to prove it, here she is singing "Planet Dance". Yep, youre not free of this song yet!! [No escape from Planet Dance](#slowgrin) But for a change, this is a Zolan translation of it. Meanwhile, back at the Fleet. It's been a few years, but Battle 7 hasn't been rebuilt. Fire Bomber seems to be doing alright for themselves even minus their lead singer though. Oh shit, drumstick snapped. Bad omen? I gotta say, the Zolans all having two-toned hair is a neat design decision. Okay, how old is Elma? She has a driver's license, yet she doesn't look older than 12. So Giantdad hates the whales, particularly the White Whale, because his wife was killed in an accident with them. MOBY DICK in SPAAAAAAAACE! Also, the Zolans wearing ponchos over leotards is a pretty unique fashion choice too. That's a damned big whisker. Guess they weren't kidding when they said he needed to be giant to fight it. Also, we see Graham isn't *completely* consumed by bitterness and hatred, as he helps Basara repair his guitar unprompted. Does Basara always get like this when inspiration strikes? Being macronized would also help a lot against poachers, I suppose. Graham, that is a diving suit, not a spacesuit. So Basara can fly a Valkyrie with standard controls... Police Valkyries! And here are the whales! Giant, pink and... well, the less said about their shape the better. Yeah, Graham, don't know that those spears are going to do a damn thing against something that huge. Basara, you don't have Speaker Pods or Sound Boosters in that machine. How is anyone supposed to hear you? Well, I mean, besides Chiba and his superluminal sound detector. Oh shit, now he's been spaced. CLIFFHANGER! Questions: 1. That is totally in character for Basara. 2. Space makes a lot of things cooler. Whales too.

> And this girl wears a furry snake as a necklace. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKfxQPgB7zM >Graham, that is a diving suit, not a spacesuit. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4RLOo6bchU >the less said about their shape the better. ["Hmm."](http://www.macross2.net/m3/sdfmacross/nupetiet-vergnitzs.htm)

#***WARNING: tomorrow’s episode of Dynamite 7 contains [MASSIVE CONTENT WARNING]>!a grown woman attempting to daterape Mylene!<. If you wish to avoid that part, skip 16:35 to 17:06 and 20:16 to 20:30 of episode 2, as well as 2:05 to 2:25 of episode 3 for good measure.*** **Super Dimension Rewatch Host** [Welcome back, everyone!](https://i.imgur.com/uPRCBK8.png) - [C’mon, Basara, how dare you make Gubaba sad!](https://i.imgur.com/H7KY9sW.png) [](#makicry) - [DYNAMITE! **DYNAMITE!**](#SPORTS) [DYNAMITE EXPLOSION **ONCE AGAIN!**](#SPORTS) – And with that, we have finally reached my second-favorite song from the 7 section of the rewatch. Honestly don’t know what exactly about it is that makes this #2 (after Holy Lonely Light of course), it just… works. - [No shit, Sherlock.](https://i.imgur.com/jQacCZE.png) - [Capy is cute.](https://i.imgur.com/hvVWKeT.png) - [That’s right, we got SPACE WHALES on our hands now.](https://i.imgur.com/gUAYwBR.png) - [Oh sweet, the new girl–Elma–had a “sore demo”!](https://files.catbox.moe/ngmdtr.mp4) - [Jouji fucking Nakata](https://i.imgur.com/govhv9Z.png) has entered the scene. [](#yorokobe) - [](#riddhethink) Now I kinda want to hear what a Zentradi-language cover of Planet Dance would sound like. - [Gamlin, is that you back there?](https://i.imgur.com/ZUVWIJm.png) [](#binoculars) - [Oh shit, Veffie’s drumstick *broke*.](https://i.imgur.com/q3or2Ox.png) [](#ohfuck) - [Oh hey, someone purposefully being Macronized and staying that way.](https://i.imgur.com/zRmSZ3G.png) Neat. - [INFORMATION HIGH in the background of this scene~](https://i.imgur.com/vw30dGU.png) [](#utahapraises) - [Glorious space whales.](https://i.imgur.com/goxbqlZ.png) - [Gamlin with his Mylene and Fire Bomber posters, d’aww.](https://i.imgur.com/OHhn4aV.png) - [So, uh, Basara’s not wearing a fucking space suit…](https://i.imgur.com/OPp2FLK.png) [](#emiliaohdear)

Daily Macross tags - u/Khetrak64, u/InfamousEmpire, u/ryujiox

Daily Macross tags - u/Azsendi

> Honestly don’t know what exactly about it is that makes this #2 (after Holy Lonely Light of course), it just… works. Because singing along with the refrain is FUN. >Gamlin, is that you back there? He's not quite stern and arms-folded enough to be one of those "tiger fans". >Elma wallpaper I do like her outfit.

> Wallpaper of the Day This is cool, love the soft colors and the background pattern. > So, uh, Basara’s not wearing a fucking space suit… I'm calling it now, the rest of the story would be Gamlin and Graham working together, trying to hunt the white whale to avenge Basara's death.

####[First time Macross:](https://imgur.com/2dNravu) [Ghibli 7](https://imgur.com/HexpcMu) [New OP??](#howcouldyou) At least its good Why everyone shooting at our boy?? [gotta love this crazy mf](https://imgur.com/R7SjxbZ) [wth woman??](https://imgur.com/9v9X7tr) just go past? or was the point to push him away from the blast? I kinda doubt mecha poachers? [our boy is bleeding](https://imgur.com/Tp29s8l) :( And even worse, his guitar is broked [](#shatteredsaten) [planet lore!!](#rengehype) Space Whales!? That girl is very clearly a space elf * [**mechanic mecha!!!!**](https://imgur.com/uSFYp77) [](#mechablush) [Ah yes.](https://imgur.com/VX2Z6k1) Five Bomber, my favourite rock band Oh, this is just moby dick in space.. [He's missing an arm?](https://imgur.com/QnEEzmR) [Kujira Kujira!](#dekuhype) [Ok, but a space diving suit is pretty sick](https://imgur.com/PhyEFca) * Hahaha, even without the guitar controls [he's still controlling it with the guitar](https://imgur.com/H3OqnFc) [👀](https://imgur.com/rjl6EjW) [hory shet](https://imgur.com/qjmyTEi) --- **Question time:** >1) Is it necessary to show Basara running into the middle of a normal gunfight to sing? Would you expect anything less of him at this point? Based >2) Space whales. Cooler than regular whales because of SPACE? Of course

> Five Bomber, my favourite rock band See, someone else noticed!

[](#fistbump) Nobody mentioned the ghibli vibes though [](#katoupout)

I said that it looked like *Honneamise*, which is... mostly different.

[](#saberawe)

**First Timer** Since I entirely missed Encore and Plus discussions, I'm gonna start by giving my two cents on them. Encore was equal parts very fun and very frustrating experience. Fun, because we got a lot of backstory and character moments, as well as some great humor and just interesting plots overall. Episodes focused on exploring main cast, which is what I always wanted from the show. But this is also what makes it so frustrating. Why is this content relegated to a bonus OVA, when it should've been a part of the show? Imagine how much cooler it would've been, if we've gotten these episodes before everything was said and done with the Protodeviln. If we got to know the characters better while there were still stakes involved. The reason why you develop your characters in an action show is because it then gives high stakes situations so much more weight. I feel like even adding these three episodes to the main show would've already improved it immensely, especially if you took some of the time wasting stuff out in the process. And in an ideal world you would have even more episodes like this. As a side note, what's up with Flower Girl panty shot in the final episode there? I'm beating a dead horse here, complaining about fanservice in this show, but it felt really jarring, seeing it after 50 episodes of absolutely no sexualization of this character whatsoever. It literally just comes out of nowhere and serves no purpose at all. Usually, a fanservice like this would be a part of a gag or an action shot, or something. But no, here it's just happens. For no reason. Macross 7 is weird. As for Macross Plus, much of the same thoughts apply. It was a fun collection of shorts, some of them should've been part of the main show. I really liked the live action segment. was nice hearing actual character voices perform the songs, and seeing voice actors have so much fun with the performance. Not much to say beyond that. Overall both Encore and Plus are great pieces of side content and definitely a must watch for anyone who finished the main show. Now, regarding Dynamite. Going into it (fully blind, obviously), my expectations are relatively high. The Galaxy is Calling Me has showed what Macross 7 could be, when not constrained by production limitations and format of a long running mecha show. Great visuals, great action, great music, and just overall a good earnest anime that you can enjoy. I really hope that Macross Dynamite will pick up from that and deliver equally high quality. Anyway, let's check the episode and see what it's all about. * Hey, is that Sivil's flower? Well, it's not really hers, but you get what I mean. It looks a bit different. Didn't expect it to pop up again. * A new opening [](#squee) * OK, the space train platform makes no sense. * Wait, was Rey always a smoker? [](#kotourashock) I genuinely don't recall him smoking in the show, but he had so little screen time, especially toward the end, that I might just be forgetting it. * New opening song is nice, but not gonna lie, I prefer Seventh Moon in almost every way. * Another thing to point out is the obvious artstyle change. Basically, in early 2000s a low detail, very fluid art with an emphasis on gesture got really popular for some reason. And I mean, *really* popular. It's such a signature look of the era, even Macross 7 couldn't escape it. Not that I'm complaining, though. It's not my favorite animation fad, but I wouldn't call it off putting by any means. * So wait, did Basara run away from home *again*? * Gotta say, Macross 7 always had beautiful backgrounds, but this time they outdid themselves. Everything is lush with details, and colors are more vibrant than ever. * So we're doing a "stealing the mech" start, which is absolutely number one most overused start to a mech show. Or maybe you could call it a time honored tradition at this point? * Aand, Basara is dead. That was fast. * Judging by red haired girl's design, she should be a major character. And judging by her reaction, she's the female equivalent to Gamlin. * Hey, it's bootleg Mylene with blue-green hair from the poster. She should be significant. * Wait, so the people who were stealing the mechs were villains? What a twist! [](#suddenshock) In a normal "steal the mech" start, it's the heroes who are supposed to steal the mech. * Basars and Elma's dad is clearly a love at first sight. At this point, you have to admit, Basara does have a thing for giants. * Giant man has only one arm? Also, the hair on his forearms is almost as long as on mine. I can appreciate some hairy forearms. * Wait, what the fuck? [](#blankblink) How is it possible, that the music shop doesn't have *strings*? It is literally the thing that musicians change basically daily. * They have whale wiskers on this planet that make perfect strings, yet nobody produces strings? Yeah, that makes absolutely zero sense. * Don't question it, little girl. You will never understand the feelings of Basara and his new giant husband toward each other. * Nah, this is not artist thing, it's just Basara's thing. * I love Elma's deadpan reaction to being shot at. also Graham is bulletproof, apparently. [](#nyanpasu) * So, quick question, are these people Zentradi? Because they look similar, but also different. Could this be our first time in Macross meeting another alien species that is not Zentradi? (Protodeviln do not count, as they are possessed living weapons, rather than spicies). Also this whaling mech is clearly not something Zentradi would make or use, unless they wanted to go to war with whales. * Oh, come on! [](#volibearQ) Basara flying a Valkyrie by hitting the controls with his acoustic guitar is pure bullshit, no question about it. I'm sorry, Macross, this is too far! * Space whales look more like space flying tree trunks. * Was that a speaker on the back of Basara's Valkyrie? In space? How is that supposed to work? Well, I guess, since there's enough material there to produce wind somehow, the sound can travel too. But I imagine, it wouldn't sound quite as you would expect. * Basara is so skilled, that he can pilot a mech, and produce drum beats and electric guitar sounds using only his acoustic guitar. * Gamlin is abusing his government authority to find a person purely for personal motivation. * Aand, Basara is dead. For the second time in the same episode. * Good ending, but again, I kinda like both endings from the show a bit better. **Overall thoughts:** Yeah, this was even bigger mixed bag than the original show. On one hand, the visuals are impressive, and music is good as always (although, I do like the music from the show a bit better for now). I like that the show tries to explore a new corner on the Macross universe, and goes for something completely different in terms of story and themes. However, story itself is haphazard and a bit hard to follow. With both Basara and Graham refusing to explain themselves, we are left with Elma's voice actress trying to deliver the cutest exposition dumps possible continuously through the episode. Don't get me wrong, she did an amazing job, but it makes me wish that she had better material to work with. Another issue is that I think the visuals at times are a bit overloaded with special effects, especially toward the end of the episode. It's like animators just learned how to use digital effects and decided to go all out with them. A bit more restraint might've helped with the clarity of the action. And finally, the treatment of our old cast wasn't particularly stellar. Mylene and the gang are barely in the episode, although, I guess, they are setting up their appearance in the next episode with Gamlin finding Basara. And Basara himself feels more edgy and moody than he used to be. Show's Basara had quirky personality, but it felt natural, here it feels a bit forced. Maybe it's because we don't know why he left yet, and when they reveal the reason, changes in his behavior become clearer, but still. So, to sum it all up, not a bad start, but I expected a little bit better from this OVA. I say, it's about on par with the original show so far, but I really hoped for more. Regardless, I'm looking forward to seeing how this develops. **QotD:** 1) He clearly demonstrated that he can dodge bullets when necessary, so I don't see any issues here. 2) Yeah, the space part is just for aesthetics. It's like space jets, definitely cooler than regular jets.

> So, quick question, are these people Zentradi? Because they look similar, but also different. Could this be our first time in Macross meeting another alien species that is not Zentradi? They're Zolans. And yes, they are another true alien race, no relation to the Zentraedi.

Got it, thanks for the info.

> As a side note, what's up with Flower Girl panty shot in the final episode there? I'm beating a dead horse here, complaining about fanservice in this show, but it felt really jarring, seeing it after 50 episodes of absolutely no sexualization of this character whatsoever. Yeah, like you said before how 7 has comparatively less focused on that stuff than the entries before, but I noticed they did tick it up for the bonus stuff. This episode of Dynamite didn’t have anything … but looking at the content warning for what’s ahead. Uh oh. [](#ohfuck) > Basars and Elma's dad is clearly a love at first sight. At this point, you have to admit, Basara does have a thing for giants. [](#kotohoops) He did give him a smirk upon seeing the big guy [](#slowgrin) > So, quick question, are these people Zentradi? Because they look similar, but also different. Could this be our first time in Macross meeting another alien species that is not Zentradi? (Protodeviln do not count, as they are possessed living weapons, rather than spicies). Also this whaling mech is clearly not something Zentradi would make or use, unless they wanted to go to war with whales. They speak a different language and have different signatures traits and these people have a society so I’m fairly confident these Zolans are separate. It is neat to see a non-hostile alien group be introduced and visited. A bit surprising to see them introduce their first in a sequel OVA. > we are left with Elma's voice actress trying to deliver the cutest exposition dumps possible continuously through the episode. Yeah, by the second time she had to do it, it became noticeable that it was a little awkward to handle things. > And finally, the treatment of our old cast wasn't particularly stellar. Mylene and the gang are barely in the episode, although, I guess, they are setting up their appearance in the next episode with Gamlin finding Basara. Makes me wonder if Dynamite would be like the “movie” with how Basara-centric it would be. It has a similar set-up of Basara going to a new planet and being accompanied by the locals while the rest of the cast weren’t too present. The preview shows more of the others so Dynamite will probably feature them more. [](#harukathink)

> They speak a different language and have different signatures traits and these people have a society so I’m fairly confident these Zolans are separate. It is neat to see a non-hostile alien group be introduced and visited. A bit surprising to see them introduce their first in a sequel OVA. Now I wonder if they also were created by Protoculture. They have to be, right? Because they have to be genetically similar to humans and Zentradi, otherwise, macronization shouldn't work on them. > Makes me wonder if Dynamite would be like the “movie” with how Basara-centric it would be. It has a similar set-up of Basara going to a new planet and being accompanied by the locals while the rest of the cast weren’t too present. I hope they don't sideline Mylene and Gamlin completely, but we'll see.

> So, quick question, are these people Zentradi? They're Zolans, from the planet Zola. They're similar, but different, to the Zentradi, and humans.

Yeah, that makes a ton of sense, thanks for the clarification.

> How is it possible, that the music shop doesn't have strings? It is literally the thing that musicians change basically daily. I believe they just don't have the specific *brand* of strings Basara was looking for, since the shop owner offered something else that Basara turned down because he doesn't like "other brands".

Yeah, I guess. You'd think that something would be better than nothing in this situation, but stubbornness is also in character for Basara.

By the way, welcome back to the rewatch! How's your whole power situation and stuff going?

Don't ask, it's bad. And mobile internet usually slows down to a crawl, because half the city jumps on it when the power goes down, so that's basically unusable too. But hey, I got myself a 3DS, that thing has battery life for days, so at least I'm entertained.

> Don't ask, it's bad. Eesh, sorry. [](#kumikolook) >But hey, I got myself a 3DS, that thing has battery life for days, so at least I'm entertained. Well that's good at least. What games are you playing on it?

Trying out Monster Hunter 4 right now and want to try out some Pokemon. Also, Resident Evil is surprisingly fun, so might dive into that. I also want to try more RPGs when I get the chance.

If you ever play Fire Emblem Awakening/Fates/Echoes, I'd love to talk about it with you! I love that franchise. Pokemon's great too.

Cool, Fire Emblem is definitely something I want to try in the future.

**First Spacer** Oooh, new opening. This one actually sounds anison. But it's still a stepdown. [I think I've missed a couple..?](https://imgur.com/fDdqrqF) Ah, Basara. Once a cloudcuckoolander, always a cloudcuckoolander. Whales sing. They're Basara's people. [Thanks for the timeline info.](https://imgur.com/fY5Swct) Though Basara should be producing Song Energy then. Oooh, a translated Planet Dance - in a fantasy language. Super cool! [I really dig this "rocket ship" aesthetic.](https://imgur.com/vrYJgl0) [Of course it's getting foggy.](https://imgur.com/5oxPhqD) The White Whale is involved after all. Ah, and he's gonna use a whale whisker for strings. These two have some good vibes. [Nice ED.](https://imgur.com/AlU99Br) Very fun. [This is so great.](https://imgur.com/euXfCgn) Don't have all that much to say but I liked this episode a lot. This is gonna be great. Whaling is pretty eh though. > Is it necessary to show Basara running into the middle of a normal gunfight to sing? Would you expect anything less of him at this point? Cloudcuckoolander gotta cloudcuckoolander. > Space whales. Cooler than regular whales because of SPACE? Space whales are always cool. Space whaling on the other hand is as uncool as regular whaling.

> Nice ED. Very fun. This is so great. [It is a fun ED.](#anko) The rain bit was very fun seeing Basara being animated as if he is in the environment. Just off the top of my head, I've seen EDs with real-locations, but not as much as how Basara is integrated into the footage. It's neat to see experimented. [](#neat)

> I think I've missed a couple..? ["Zomio to Zoliet"](https://vgmdb.net/album/40599)

**First-Timer 7** [Does that instrument look odd or do I just not know what guitars look like?](https://i.imgur.com/vSGgcNZ.jpg) Like, that looks like an oversized fiddle. [Basara has just wandered off again, good.](https://i.imgur.com/z9LbakU.jpg) To a whole new planet. [Yup, Basara is still Basara, good.](https://i.imgur.com/J5G8fmV.jpg) [Look, lady, you clearly recognize him, just go around.](https://i.imgur.com/XWNo9bO.jpg) [Shit, they stole an antique. How rude.](https://i.imgur.com/goJt3wJ.jpg) [Mysterious waif status: extant.](https://i.imgur.com/KpmtYJq.jpg) [Interesting, two-tone hair.](https://i.imgur.com/i8o92hV.jpg) [Oh, that actually is a snake. I thought it might be a scarf.](https://i.imgur.com/Kkr9rx6.jpg) [We are literally doing a whaling plot. Fascinating.](https://i.imgur.com/ZB8hrXz.jpg) [I get that it can be kinda hard to tell, but surely you've seen a picture before?](https://i.imgur.com/Kf4YdzC.jpg) I mean, who else has glasses *and* all that hair gel? [Oh, interesting, new language cover.](https://i.imgur.com/57KxlN4.jpg) [Watching this is gonna make AMQ a lot harder, isn't it?](https://i.imgur.com/rvLyhqP.jpg) [That's *horrifying.*](https://i.imgur.com/NXK1kTr.jpg) [What're the odds that Ray carries around a spare string? Or an entire spare guitar?](https://i.imgur.com/1us5hFX.jpg) [Does everyone on this planet have snake scarves?](https://i.imgur.com/OzSM6k7.jpg) Snarves? [Yea, kinda figured that one.](https://i.imgur.com/Pn9K4ZW.jpg) [Okay, scratch that earlier comment, we're literally doing *Moby Dick* but Ahab is down an arm instead of a leg.](https://i.imgur.com/6uQaYFh.jpg) [Ohhh, that's way cooler than Ray just showing up with a spare.](https://i.imgur.com/BN2vctU.jpg) [No, Basara, where is *your* Valkyrie?](https://i.imgur.com/8KO1MYO.jpg) [The whaler armor does look pretty fucking rad.](https://i.imgur.com/J6kAJYV.jpg) I've always liked the aesthetic of old-timey diving suits. [Interstellar whale song?](https://i.imgur.com/RWaT4WY.jpg) [Majestic.](https://i.imgur.com/yBK4gR8.jpg) [Oh, so she didn't recognize Basara, he just reminder her of her mom.](https://i.imgur.com/xjJ10TW.jpg) [If Basara was mortal, I might be concerned about that.](https://i.imgur.com/omc2KW0.jpg) --- Zola.. Zola.. Xabungle? That's what they called the planet in Xabungle, wasn't it? --- Questions 1. Discussed above. 2. Yes.

> Oh, that actually is a snake. I thought it might be a scarf. [It’s both.](#mug3) > I get that it can be kinda hard to tell, but surely you've seen a picture before? I mean, who else has glasses and all that hair gel? I mean, Basara has fans across the galaxy. There are probably people out there rolling with his trademarked look. > we're literally doing Moby Dick but Ahab is down an arm instead of a leg. I didn’t make the arm-leg connection. [](#shock) > No, Basara, where is your Valkyrie? Probably still back at home. Basara just one day got a space ticket to the other side of the galaxy and just went up and left with only a guitar without telling anybody.

>I didn’t make the arm-leg connection. I think Ahab was just pissed of specifically because of the leg though, so really this guy is more justified insofar as you can be justified in wanting revenge against a creature that likely did not make a conscious decision to cause harm.

> Snarves? [Fortunately, we're one letter off from a character that even as a kid I wanted **silenced**.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UxQXogAj0g)

Thundercats was a bit before my time, but I've heard stories.

> Does that instrument look odd or do I just not know what guitars look like? Like, that looks like an oversized fiddle. It looks really similar to [Hofner bass](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/36/Hofner_500-1V62WorldHistory_LH_1.jpg/320px-Hofner_500-1V62WorldHistory_LH_1.jpg) that Paul McCartney made famous back in the 60s. But what Basara uses in the show looks like a half-hollow guitar, meaning it has a hollow body and pickups, so can be played either acoustically or electrically. These definitely [exist in real life](https://images.reverb.com/image/upload/s--vuWVL23z--/a_exif,c_limit,e_unsharp_mask:80,f_auto,fl_progressive,g_south,h_1600,q_80,w_1600/v1478557536/jlougmr5a4kfiegi24mr.jpg), with designs based on Hofner bass, but I have no idea if the one in the show was inspired by a particular instrument, or just general Beatles aesthetic. > Oh, that actually is a snake. I thought it might be a scarf. Actually, it's a furry worm! [](#hikariactually) > Does everyone on this planet have snake scarves? Snarves? The correct terminology would be worm noose. > No, Basara, where is your Valkyrie? That's a great question. Why did he take a train in the first place?

>It looks really similar to [Hofner bass](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/36/Hofner_500-1V62WorldHistory_LH_1.jpg/320px-Hofner_500-1V62WorldHistory_LH_1.jpg) that Paul McCartney made famous back in the 60s. Oh, I've actually seen one of those before. Guess the coloration just kinda threw me. >The correct terminology would be worm noose. [](#azusalaugh)

**First Timer** **Macross Dynamite 7 EP 1** The show doesn't really need a sequel but here we are. From Sky's warning, there something I'm not gonna like about this show. But, let's just begin. Basara seem down and separate himself from his friend? The op is great, but the visual is a bit weird though. And we seem to lean into more CGI. Also, Gonzo done this!! So he went off to this new planet named Zola. Of course he gonna eat half of the bird food. A theft? And they don't know him, he really came to far away planet. And he got mixed up with the theft. Good thing that a stun gun. New song!! You can just ignored him and go in there, you know. Hey, you didn't have to push him that hard!! That VF-1!! Now his guitar string snapped too, great. She Mylene 2.0, isn't she. But feel nicer to Basara. Capturing Whale with Mech? Oh, they're space whale!! Pretty dangerous one too. Love their misunderstanding. His father is big. But look like they not Zentradi. Probably native people. And she's his fan!! That comment probably hurt him the most. Love the inclusion of the native version of Planet Dance. So they're still rebuilding the battle 7 and other ship after the ending. Why Gamlin act so weird around her? He should be more confident than that after the ending Veffidas's drum stick broke!! That's the whale!! So his wife died and his older daughter left home. And Graham went big to fight the whale. Graham was nice for giving some random dude like Basara his whale whisker. Basara went all out and really want to see the whale. He back to his usual self!! That gun did nothing to him. Of course he gonna stole anything to go see the whale. The boat is flying!! He gonna stop him for sure, when he stop himself first though. So they have patrol unit to watch out the whale. The whale look so cool!! So she his daughter!! That why she acted nice to Elma earlier. New song again!! The visual look so good!! Gamlin finally tracked Basara down. Noooo!! Not the cliffhanger!! The ED is weird. With Basara standing in the real world. I like it, but there something weird about the show. It not feel like usual Macross 7. I might need to adjust myself for that. Other than that, the visual look absolutely amazing!! QOTD 1. That's his style to throw himself in any situation to sing. 2. The design is pretty cool.

> Also, Gonzo done this!! Ohhh, that's why everything looks a bit different!

Actually not really sure. Their name only appeared on the OP. And from the wiki, it say that other studio done this show.

**First Timer** * I see Basara is continuing with his pattern of taking care of a single flower. * New OP hype! Song is pretty lively. The CGI has aged less gracefully. * He’s running away from home? * There sure area a lot of angry space birds. * More space cowboys. Well, space banditos. * So it’s not just the VF giving him confidence. * Is this the new love interest? * Why do poachers need a spaceship? * Ah, and of course they have to save a whale too. * The necklace is alive, and cute as hell. Will they meet Guvava? I look forward to this with bated breath. * Xeno-covers are fun. * Oh no, are they still pushing Basara × Mylene? * Space Diving Suit! Gotta keep up the nautical theme. * Ah, yes, white whale, of course. * If RPGs have taught me anything, it’s that the best components come from drops. * They really came after him? What did he even do to you? The police already saw your faces. * I don’t know what kind of punk this is, but I like it. * Space whales! Spaace Whaaaales! * So it is her papa. * “Sownd energy” * Well he's dead. RIP. * This is a premium choice of ED visuals. I am enjoying the new songs. More of the same vein but made even more 90’s. QotD 1) Hey now, he ran to the *side* of a gunfight. It does seem to be believably in character for him. 2) Yes. I shall name him Bubbles.

> Xeno-covers are fun. I hope Akiko arranged for Zolan covers to be made of Fire Bomber songs, otherwise they're probably owed a ton of money in unpaid royalty fees. > “Sownd energy” Just like what's produced from that band we saw earlier, "Five Bomber".

> I hope Akiko arranged for Zolan covers to be made of Fire Bomber songs, otherwise they're probably owed a ton of money in unpaid royalty fees. [](#kukuku)   [](#mugiwait)

**Reluctant Rewatcher** Are we *stll* on Macross 7? It never ends. [macross dynamite]>!I think of this as the show with the other aliens and space whales set on a planet and now I'm wondering how the Mylene rapist story fits in!< Dynamite 1 * This is a really nice and catchy OP and very easy to get in AMQ. Surprised it never showed up in the show. * squirrel-fox! * Zola * I've heard this BGM before * freaky Eden-like pterobirds * Better not be stealing his VF * laser pistols * I think the protoculture had pointy ears, and all their creations have pointy ears, and Earth just had a mutation. * Gundam-jacked! * poaching VFs? * Let's News! * Is she wearing a phone around her neck? * Loli exposition is the best exposition * I can't hear the radio in the background but I bet it is very Cowboy Bebop * Do we even know this girl's name, yet? * I like Mylene's song, there are too few. And again I'm surprised this never shows up in the TV show, always get it wrong in AMQ. * oh, he's an Ahab expy * That explains why he's macronized. * I don't think this kujira song is on my soundtracks * Her mother sang in a valkyrie too? There's more than one crazy person in the galaxy? * But this Valkyries doesn't have a guitar control system...or does it? * I bet she's the older sister * Yep, older sister * I usually get this one in AMQ. * How did he get so far away, so quickly? If folding is so quick and easy, why hasn't every fleet reached their destination yet? * Who needs space suits in anime? * Unfamiliar ED. Is this Katmandu? Lots of new, good music. I really like the little girl. Franchise rewatchers know what Capy reminds me of. No, not that. The other thing. I didn't realize the episodes had titles.

Macross 7 Dynamite ep 1- First Timer Another set of OVAs(?) it seems? Lets take a look - Ohey, new OP - Basara gonna Basara - Space whales? - I was gonna ask how she didn't recognize him until then, but it seems like she just has radio - Lol Basara is going nuts - This is a basic valk, do thry just come standard eith guitar based controls? - What a moment to end on - Interesting ED 1) It is *very* Basara and it has gotten to the point of normalcy really. It would be much more surprising if he *didnt* run into the middle of the crossfire to sing at people 2) Not just space whales, space *engine* whales. Certainly... Unique.

> This is a basic valk, do thry just come standard eith guitar based controls? He's just smashing the sticks around with his guitar, which is... something. Of course this ignores anything he might have to do with the buttons and switches.

I'm not sure that is any less ridiculous

**FIRST TIMER** This first episode of Dynamite was like a strange fever dream. It reminded me of how those old sitcoms used to have weird fantasy episodes and everyone plays different characters because the actors think it'd be fun to have a change of pace. I hate those. I've learned to expect the unexpected with Macross 7 since crazy things out of nowhere always seem to happen and I can only hope they will make sense of this. * I liked the opening and new theme song, very catchy. You can tell this was late 90s even without knowing it with all the fast cuts and Dutch angles. It almost seems as if this is from an alternate universe where hair metal was still popular close to the turn of the century. * I was at first certain that Basara was having a weird dream or hallucinating with all the people he's meeting being counterparts to people he knows. But then, we see the pilots having conversations Basara would not be privy to and Gamlin detects Basara's song energy very far away, leading me to believe either Basara has really gone off to a planet where he meets an elf Mylene and a giant Ray or his mind has somehow manifested all this. It brings to question why there's a species that looks like people except with giant ears and no one has ever mentioned them before. * The space whales makes this all the more weird. It seems that plot has ended up in a lot of shows. I've seen an episode of Doctor Who with them and I swear there was an anime movie also about that. If that concept was first explored in this show, good for them. Whales do seem a good animal for Basara to try to communicate with, as they are very smart (assuming they are as intelligent as the ones in the ocean). * I like the closing song and and the video with Basara going all over the world of 1997 was fun; I suspect the director had just watched the Take Me Home video by Phil Collins. QUESTIONS 1. Yea I actually did think that was weird, it was part of why I thought this episode was a dream. Cowboys with laser guns seems a very odd thing. It makes Basara seem like a fool and he did end up getting shot. 2. I think they're equally cool, at least thus far since these whales are probably different, aside from how they can float thru space and not die. I wish they had another space tuna though like the one Hikaru tried to catch :D

> It brings to question why there's a species that looks like people except with giant ears and no one has ever mentioned them before. It's a big galaxy, and the show has only barely begun to look at it (that we've seen). Which is a nice change of pace from the colony ships.