Martian Successor Nadesico  Highly recommended
Publisher
ADV
Director
Tatsuo Sato
Production
TV Tokyo, XEBEC, Yomiuri Advertising
Country of origin
Japan
Format
Series
Running time
26 episodes
Year
1996
Martian Successor Nadesico Volume 4: Paradigm Shifts
By John Huxley
20th May 04  Episode Summary WARNING: may contain spoilers Episode 13: There is no Single Truth Akito has been told that he is no longer needed aboard the Nadesico. Disillusioned and downbeat, Akito and Megumi leave to find regular jobs in the city. They aren't waiting long, however, as an offer comes in from Nergal for Akito to work on a new top-secret project. Nergal has been researching the Jovian's 'boson jumping' technique, which effectively teleports the user to another location. Nergal think that this technology may have something to do with Akito's past and the Utopia Colony incident. Episode 14: Let's Go With Hot Blooded Anime The Gekiganger III characters watch an episode of their favourite anime, Martian Successor Nadesico. When they tune in to discover that it's yet another cheap clip show the characters feel cheated. Little do they know that the crew of the Nadesico's watching Gekiganger III watching Nadesico... Episode 15: The Significant Other From a Star Far Away The Jovian's last attack has left one of their mecha in the hands of Nergal. Onboard the Nadesico the mecha's pilot is believed to have escaped and is roaming the ship freely. How will the crew cope with a slimey, disgusting lizard in their midst? Eww! Episode 16: The Beginning of Nadesico's War The Jovian Lizard has taken Megumi and Minato hostage and is taking them back to Jovian territory. Meanwhile, the rest of the crew learn the Jovian's secret and are surprised when the Jovian makes another appearance. Akito, filled with hatred for the Jovians vows to kill him as the two face each other in a duel. Volume Review After four completely irrelevant episodes, Nadesico gets back on track in this, the fourth outing for the SS Nadesico. And in true Nadesico fashion, nothing is as it first appears. I'm trying really hard to resist spoiling everything for you. You have to understand that it's very hard to talk about these episodes without letting slip a spoiler or two. So I won't. The first, third and fourth episodes all do plenty to further the plot. You'll meet the Jovians face-to-face for the first time, learn more about their secret teleportation technique and discover how Akito survived the Utopia Colony disaster. Not to mention a couple of new characters! These episodes are all of the quality that we've come to expect from Nadesico by now. They're packed full of comedy, drama, action and romance without compromising any one single element. A fantastic achievement that has to be seen to be believed. These are perhaps the most action-orientated episodes since the early days, but that's no bad thing. The only episode I can talk about without fear of spoiling everything is the second, Let's Go With Hot Blooded Anime. An ingenious piece of animation that is by far and away the best 'recap episode' I have ever seen. For those of you who don't know or for those who are unfamiliar with the terminology, a recap episode retells the story of the series so far, typically in flashback with little or no new animation to speak of. They're generally considered a cheap means of filling 25 minutes of air time - not so with Nadesico. Presented as the cast of Gekiganger III watching their favourite anime show Martian Successor Nadesico, they are disappointed to discover that it's yet another cheap recap episode. It's a neat concept that turns an conceivably forgettable episode in to one of the most memorable. Not to mention the fact that we get to see the unbearably camp Gekiganger III in all its glory. Fantastic!
R2 DVD Notes
Features: English and Japanese audio, English Subtitles, Character bios, Textless open & close
Notes: There's really nothing to write about that hasn't been said in my last three reviews. Unspectacular yet perfectly functional.
-- John Huxley 20th May 04
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