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Posted by lborgia88 on 15-02-2010 at 06:08:

Gatchaman Episode 64: “A Christmas Present of Death”

[Thank you, Saturn, for the screencaps!]

Gatchaman Episode 64: “A Christmas Present of Death”

BOTP Episode: N/A



 




The episode opens with the sight of artillery guns firing, illuminating the grim sky behind them. Then buildings collapse into rubble, destroyed. Panicking civilians run through city streets, the remnants of buildings in flames all around them and debris is still falling all around and crushing people below.

We see fighter jets in the sky, firing missiles, and then more civilians are fleeing in terror as massive explosions wrack their city.



 



“The northern country of Franbell was a military state long ruled by a dictator named General Somley,” the narrator tells us, as we see an image of this dictator, who has clearly taken the Prussian military of a century or so ago as his fashion inspiration –he looks like Hindenburg.



 



“But its citizens,” continues the narrator, as we see the sun coming out over an empty battlefield strewn with wreckage and abandoned tanks and weapons, “Seeking peace and freedom, exiled General Somley from the country a year ago and established a democratic nation.”

There is even a rainbow in the sky over the battlefield, to emphasize that peace has come at last.

We now see the country’s new elected Prime Minister, under whom Franbell has undergone “an incredible restoration.” He’s looking out the window of some official building and seeing a crowd of cheering and waving citizens.

“Franbell, known for some of the most beautiful scenery in the world,” the narrator goes on –and the scenery we are seeing, of mountains, water and ornate old building is certainly nice- “quickly emerged as a peaceful country.”

‘The people named the day of General Somley’s banishment ‘Peace Day,’ and made it a national holiday,” explains the narrator, as we see doves flying past a statue of a valkyrie, to further emphasize that peace has come at last.

Finally, we are told that in Centlana, the capital city of Franbell, people are preparing for the celebration, which includes the renowned Snow Festival, and we see that this involves the creation of some extremely large ice sculptures.



 



I’m a bit confused here, as there’s a “Snow Festival” about to happen and big ice sculptures are being made, but other than in the mountains in the distance, there doesn’t seem to be any snow.

But now we are inside the Prime Minister’s mansion, where he is smoking a cigar while talking to another man.



 



He’s reflecting that “time flies” and that the past year went by quickly. His companion agrees that the Prime Minister has been through a lot but attributes Franbell being back on its feet to his efforts.

“No, it’s because of the strength of the people,” says the Prime Minister graciously, “Everyone wants peace, and this is the result of their efforts.”

“Right, Governor Mibe?” he adds.

“Yes, absolutely, Sir,” says Governor Mibe.

So now that we’ve established that the Prime Minister is a noble guy, there’s suddenly a commotion outside.

A Devil Star ship is hovering in the air in front of the mansion, much to the consternation of the guards on duty.



 




“It’s a UFO! It’s after the Prime Minister! Fire!” one of them yells and they all pull out their guns and start shooting. If it’s really “Unidentified,” they seem rather trigger-happy, but given their country’s recent history, I guess it’s not so surprising they’re assuming the worst.

But now, one point of the Devil Star ship detaches, zooms over the guards, (causing them all to fall flat), swoops past the Prime Minister’s window (causing it to smash and sending him and Mibe flying) and then shoots some kind of energy beam at the guards (causing explosions).

Now, a door opens up in the Devil Star ship to reveal a man who says “Prime Minister of Franbell, long time no see.”

It’s General Somley. He announces that he’s decided he wants to rule Franbell again, and is going to begin his takeover by killing all the “stupid, peace-drunk citizens!”

(If what the PM says is true, that “everyone” wants peace, Somley going to find himself the leader of a very empty country –what would be the point?)

Somley tells the PM that his only chance is to pledge obedience to Somley himself and agree to surrender “By midnight, tomorrow” –if he does, Somley will abort his murderous plan.

“Whether or not this nation descends into hell again depends on your answer.” As he’s saying this, Berg Katse walks up and stands behind Somley’s shoulder, though he doesn’t say anything.



 



The PM and Mibe look on in alarm.



 




With a final warning from Somley that the PM must give his answer by midnight tomorrow, the Devil Star ship flies away.

The PM and Mibe are staring out the broken window at the departing ship, and the PM is sweating nervously.

“Did you see the man in the funny suit standing behind General Somley, the Galactor man?” asks Mibe.

Apparently the PM didn’t recognize Katse, for he says “So that was Galactor. Just standing quietly behind Somley and yet even then he exerted a silent pressure on me. That man definitely knows how to threaten people.”

“Sir, this isn’t the time to be impressed,” Mibe points out.

The PM lifts his hand to his face, pondering that while he always thought Somley might return, they nevertheless have a serious problem now.

Mibe, not very helpfully, points out that surrending to Somley would be bad, but that not doing it would be bad too.

The PM thinks that “evacuating all the citizens” is the answer. (Evacuating them to where? If “Franbell” is the size of Lichtenstein, that might work, but otherwise, it sounds awfully unfeasible.) Mibe protests that calling for evacuation would only create unnecessary panic –exactly what General Somley wants.

“But there’s no other way!” declares the PM

“Yes, there is,” says Mibe craftily, “They emerge from the shadows wherever Galactor lurks and they’re allies of justice who rescue people like us in trouble.”

“But who are they?”

“The Science Ninja Team,” answers Mibe, as the PM stares at him, looking more bewildered or frightened than anything else. “The Science Ninja Team?” he repeats.

So now we cut to the Crescent Coral Base, where the fish are on patrol.

The narrator tells us that Dr. Nambu has received a request for emergency aid from Franbell.

Dr. Nambu, who at first glance appears to be talking only to Ken and Jun, concisely explains that General Somley, with Galactor’s assistance, is trying to take over Franbell again.



 



“The people of Franbell have finally recovered from the horrible scars of war,” says Dr. Nambu as Ken listens gravely, “We must not allow them to suffer any more than they already have.” Dr. Nambu explains that the Peace Day celebration is going to be held, as scheduled, as the Prime Minister doesn’t want to create panic. So, as Ken and Jun continue to listen, Dr. Nambu says he wants the Ninjas to “mingle with the crowds” and “Follow the movements of Somley and Galactor and respond to them accordingly.”

Only now, when Dr. Nambu gives them the order to move out, do we see that all five Ninjas actually are present, as they all do the group salute and “Roger!”



 



The God Phoenix soars through the sky, on its way to Franbell.

And now we cut to a street of tenement-like buildings in Centlana, crisscrossed by clotheslines and lined with fire escapes, as the narrator explains that the Ninjas have mingled with the people of Franbell as they prepare for the Peace Day festivities.

In a back alley, a cat is scrounging in a trash can. From somewhere comes the wail of a child’s voice and the cat flees.

Clearly, we are meant to understand that this is not exactly the finest neighborhood in Centlana.

But now we see Jinpei, some distance away, walking along in his civvies.

“Shoot,” complains Jinpei to himself, “I came here to check things out, but nobody’s around. I wonder if they’ve gone to the celebration.”

But now, child-sized legs wearing overalls that are patched on both knees are running…

They belong to a boy who is laughing and crying “Nyah, nyah, nyah” as he runs, holding up a purse that clearly must belong to the (better dressed) girl who is running after him.

The boy stops running, but continues to keep the purse out of the girl’s reach, snatching it away every time she reaches for it and laughing mockingly.

Four other boys (three the same size as the purse thief –though thinner- and one much smaller) approach and also laugh at the girl’s futile efforts to get her purse back.



 

Posted by lborgia88 on 15-02-2010 at 06:10:

The first boy then tosses the purse to one of the other boys. The girl now turns to him and demands he give it back, saying indignantly “Don’t touch it with your filthy hands!”

So, this boy tells her he’ll give it back to her if she gives him a kiss. Right, like that’s going to happen, kid –she already thinks your hands are too filthy to touch her purse, I don’t think she’s going to kiss you.



 



Indeed she does not. She slaps him in the face.




 



“Now you’re never getting it!” yells the boy and he tosses the purse back to the first boy, who balances it on his head. The girl now goes back to him and asks for her purse, and even says “please”. This boy doesn’t ask for a kiss, but torments her by telling her that if she wants it back, she can take it –but he keeps leaning forward and then pulling back whenever she reaches for the purse on his head.

However, a new set of hands, from behind him, now grab the purse off his head. “Huh,” goes the boy. He turns around to see Jinpei, hand on his hip and an expression of disapproval on his face, holding the purse.

“Please give it back, that’s mine,” says the girl, looking more hopeful with regard to this newcomer. But she gets shoved aside by the boy in the patched overalls, who demands the purse back from Jinpei (and less politely than the girl).

Still frowning, Jinpei doesn’t say anything but he holds the purse out and the boy is pleased with Jinpei’s apparent submission. Except that Jinpei instead gives him a hard shove in the face with the purse and then tosses it over to the girl.

She immediately runs away from the other boys to stand behind her new ally, Jinpei.



 



“Who do you think you are?” demands the boy in the overalls angrily.

“You’re going to make the Boss’s nose even flatter than it already is!” yells the smallest of the boys (whose hair completely obscures his eyes).

So, the boy in the overalls is the “Boss” –and he crossly bops the small boy on the head for this remark before glaring at Jinpei and saying “Don’t you know the Suimusu gang?” All the other boys chime in with “You’re not from around here!”

“I don’t care if you’re the Suimusu gang or the Swimsuit gang,” declares Jinpei, with the girl still standing behind him, “Picking on a girl isn’t cool, ya dig?”

The “Boss” doesn’t appreciate the lecture on chivalry and, flanked closely by his fellow gang members, he walks menacingly towards Jinpei.

Jinpei stands his ground, walking a step towards them even.

“Huh? Aren’t you going to run?” asks the “Boss,” adding “If you want to run, do it while you can!” Jinpei still doesn’t move (although the girl behind him now takes this opportunity to flee the scene, with her purse). “Aren’t you afraid of us, you moron!” yells the Boss, clearly frustrated that his gang isn’t managing to intimidate him.

“I’ll show you ‘moron’!” yells Jinpei suddenly, startling the “Boss” immensely.



 



Then he grabs the “Boss,” picks him up and throws him across the ground. The other boys in the gang are outraged at this treatment of their leader and rush at Jinpei to inflict “payback!”

They don’t fare so well. The first boy, Jinpei merely evades; the second boy (the one who’d demanded a kiss from the girl) gets Jinpei’s foot in his face; the third boy gets flipped and sent flying (but he lands on top of the “Boss”) and the last boy –the little one- runs at Jinpei, leaping in the air with his foot extended before him and clearly intending to kick Jinpei. But, he misjudges the distance (perhaps because his hair is covering his eyes) and lands on the ground before his foot gets anywhere near Jinpei. And, he promptly bursts into tears at this failure and pounds his fists on the ground.

“Okay, Miss, everything’s all right now,” says Jinpei, assuming the casual air of one who thwarts villainy on a regular basis. Except all he hears is the other boys laughing and parodying his words, and turning his head, he sees that his “damsel no longer in distress” has taken off without thanking him and didn’t witness his martial prowess.

“That stupid girl ran away a long time ago,” says the boy who wanted to her kiss him, and the little one adds “You moron, don’t try to be a tough guy!”

“I wasn’t really trying to be a tough guy,” says Jinpei pensively.

The “Boss,” pointing a finger in Jinpei’s face, tells him that he might be a good fighter but he’s still “a moron.”

“That cute little girl doesn’t know a thing about manners!” he continues “Just look –she ran off without even saying thank you!”

“The snobby kids from uptown always look down their noses at us poor kids,” adds the little boy –and speaking of noses, his is quite runny! The boy who wanted a kiss concurs with this assessment of the socioeconomic hierarchy in Centlana.

“That still doesn’t make it okay for five guys to pick on one girl-” says Jinpei, holding fast to his code of honor in spite of the girl’s apparent class discrimination.

Except he gets cut off by the “Boss” who, looking a tad abashed, says “I know, say no more. We were wrong for doing that and we’re sorry.”

But the “Boss,” quickly switches to an inviting smirk and continues “But you look like a guy we can count on and I like you, so do you want to join up with us, Number Boy? I’m Dekapan, Boss Man of the Suimusu Gang!”

The other boys also introduce themselves.


To simplify:
 



Little Chinchiro wipes his nose with one hand while introducing himself.

Jinpei happily introduces himself and he and Dekapan shake hands.




 



But now Chinchiro interrupts, to remind Dekapan that the Peace Day celebration is about to start.

“Oh yeah, if we don’t hurry,” says Dekapan, looking concerned, “We’ll miss out on the presents!”

Jinpei doesn’t know about the presents, so Dekapan explains that the Governor is going to be giving out presents to the children at the celebration.

Dekapan invites Jinpei to accompany them, and with a group cheer, Dekapan, Yamori and Tombo take off running. Jinpei hesitates, saying “I’m on a mission-I mean, an errand!” as Chinchiro and Kaeru try to persuade him to come with them.

Still Jinpei is still reluctant, but Chinchiro is tugging his hand and Kaeru is good-naturedly shoving him from the other direction, so Jinpei goes with them…


Now, we see that statue of the valkyrie again, as jet planes fly through the sky behind her and create a “rainbow” with colored smoke –they really like peace symbolism in Franbell. Where are the doves this time?



 



Stately buildings are visible in the background. In a fountain, jets of water arc from the beaks of swan statues, festive music is playing and happy crowds have gathered.

“Ladies and Gentlemen,” says an announcer’s voice, “Thank you all for waiting. I hereby announce the opening of Franbell’s Peace Day celebration!”
Now we see that Ken, Joe, Jun and Ryu are, per Dr. Nambu’s instructions, mingling with the crowds.




 



I’m quite puzzled about something. Franbell was clearly described as a “northern” country, they’re making ice sculptures there and the episode’s title refers to the presents the children receive as “Christmas” presents, but there’s no snow on the ground (except in the mountains) and we haven’t seen anyone yet who is even remotely dressed for winter weather. The Ninjas themselves are in t-shirts. But maybe it really is “Christmas,” and maybe Franbell is located in northern New Zealand. As I’m writing this, in early February, it’s 72 F (22 C) in Auckland –that’s t-shirt weather.

Those ice sculptures aren’t going to last too long.

Meanwhile, the announcer declares that Governor Mibe is about to start handing out presents to the children over by the reindeer statue.

Around the Ninjas, children excitedly run in that direction.

Governor Mibe is getting some help with the present distribution from an elf and a fairy tale princess, and he urges the eager children not to push and shove but to get in line (and they appear to completely ignore this request).

 



“Kids are so cute,” laughs Jun, standing in the crowd beside Ken, “And to think we were just like them once."

Among the kids, Chinchiro and another boy are both jumping up and down excitedly as the princess holds a present, and she gives it to Chinchiro.

But the princess moves on and the other boy snatches the present out of Chinchiro’s hands, saying “She gave it to me!”

“Wait, no way!” cries Chinchiro. The other boy, who’s wearing shorts, knee socks and a little Eton jacket and has very neatly combed hair, takes off running. But Chinchiro is in pursuit and he leaps and lands on top of the boy, knocking him flat. The present goes flying through the air and lands in the hands of a much older boy, who is wearing a blazer and bow tie. He’s flanked by other older boys, also rather formally attired.

Now “bow tie” boy laughs and remarks “Boy, kids from the ghetto are really greedy.”

“Obnoxious little gutter brats,” chimes in one of his companions, and a derisive group laugh ensues.

Posted by lborgia88 on 15-02-2010 at 06:12:

“What did you say?” demands Chinchiro (probably not helping his image any by wiping his nose with his hand), “What makes you think you're not greedy?” He insists that they give his present back.

“What a vulgar attitude,” says the boy holding the present, “How perfectly disgusting.” Just then, a rock or clod of dirt or something hits him in the head and knocks his glasses askew.

It’s the rest of the Suimusu Gang! And they’ve each scored a present of their own from the Governor.



 



“All right! Get those smart asses!” yells Dekapan.



“Bow tie” boy and his two companions flee… straight to a nearby police man.




 



“Bow tie” boy pleads to the officer for help, claiming “those ghetto kids over there” just stole presents from him and his friends.

“That’s not fair, you rich little bastard,” declares Dekapan, appalled by this underhanded treachery.

“You guys again?” growls the police man.

“They’re the ones who stole my present, Officer,” counters Chinchiro.

“These well-bred young men would never do such a thing,” declares the police man. Yup, the deck is stacked against the Suimusu Gang.

Chinchiro continues to argue that he’s not lying and that they stole his present (and his nose starts running again.) “My nose is running…” he mutters, wiping vigorously.

It’s no good. The police man orders the Suimusu boys to give their presents to the rich bastards.

“You stupid police, you always just take the rich peoples’ side!” says Dekapan bitterly.

Well, one year ago, this place was a war-torn military dictatorship and not exactly the sort of environment that fosters impartial and incorrupt law enforcement –but Dekapan’s anger is justified.

And Dekapan gets smacked in the face by the police man, hard enough to knock him over backwards.



 




“Kids like you don’t deserve presents,” the police man says sternly, “Give them back.”

“Fine!” yells Dekapan, “If you want them that bad, you can have them!” He and all the Suimusu boys then hurl their presents towards the policeman, and Dekapan’s hits the police man right in the face, knocking him over.



 




From a distance, Jinpei has been covertly watching all this and he’s extremely indignant at the unfair treatment meted out to his new friends. “I can’t believe a police man would be so mean!” he thinks.

Now it’s sunset and we’re at a row of warehouses near a waterfront. Inside one of them, Dekapan kicks a barrel over. He’s pissed off. Kaeru is regretfully wondering what his present had been. “I’ll bet it was something really cool,” says Yamori.

Chinchiro thinks it might have been food (and either he’s drooling when he says this or his nose is really running again –it’s hard to tell).

“We’re going to get revenge!” declares Dekapan. “Revenge?” asks Kaeru.

Yes, but he’s not going to foment a Marxist revolution or anything like that –he’s just a kid. “I’m going to smash to pieces all the snow statues,” he announces grimly. “You are?” chorus the rest of the Gang.

Now, just so we understand exactly what Dekapan’s targets are, we’re now shown images of the “snow (though it looks like ice) statues” –a princess, two elves, and a reindeer.

“Yahoo!” cries Kaeru, “Outta sight, let’s go!” Tombo and Yamori cheer too. “Justice will prevail!” cries Chinchiro.

“Suimusu, move out,” orders Dekapan, and there is another rousing group cheer.

Now, it’s dark and elsewhere in the city, the streets are empty. Ken is on patrol in a more upscale part of town and he’s surprised it’s so quiet when it’s only 9.30 pm.



 



He’s edging cautiously past some homes’ doors, but a noise gets Ken’s attention. He opens one door slightly to peer inside.

And a gasping man drops dead right in front of him!



 



Ken cries out in horror as he sees that this man and his entire family are dead.



 

 
(It’s one of the rich, snobby boys who got one of the Suimusu boys’ gifts)



Ken’s attention goes to the gift box on the table, and to what the box contains.



 



“This is one of those presents from earlier,” says Ken to himself. Taking a sniff of the “present”, he realizes “A sweet, pungent smell like this could only be poisonous gas!”

“Team, this is Gatchaman!” he says into his bracelet.

Joe responds instantly with “Ken, we’ve got a problem! It looks like something nasty was in those presents from the Governor! They’re all dead!” and we can see that he too is inside the home of a poisoned family.



 



Ken, sweat trickling down his face, realizes that everyone who received one of the presents must be dead. (This also means that the children patiently waited until they were home with their families to open their presents from the Governor –that doesn’t sound like most kids I know!)

On that cheerful note, commercial break!

Now, all the Ninjas have gathered at the house where Ken is.



 



Ken can’t help but feel remorse that they were careless not to have prevented this atrocity, but thinks there’s no way they could have known that Somley and Galactor would make a move before the midnight ultimatum deadline.

“How could those monsters use the children,” cries Jun.

Joe is wondering now if Governor Mibe is under Galactor’s control and the one who planted the poison.

Well, now we cut abruptly to a scene of Governor Mibe laughing triumphantly and holding a cigar –I guess that’s our answer!

He’s laughing at the fact that the Prime Minister never realized that he’s a spy working for General Somley.

And he’s not alone. Somley is there, wine glass in hand, and so is Berg Katse.

Somley’s far less jubilant and wants to know why the PM hasn’t surrendered yet. Mibe is sure that he will, as there’s still two more hours to go before midnight.

But, Somley chuckles evilly at the thought that the PM must currently be terrified and knows now that Somley wasn’t making idle threats against the “peace-drunk” citizens of Franbell.

Katse is impressed and tells Somley he’s a “master of intimidation.”

“Oh no, this is all thanks to you,” says Somley magnanimously, “And when I regain control of this country, you can count on me to assist you with weapons and munitions just as I promised.”

Now Katse points out that the Science Ninja Team will doubtlessly have heard what’s happened and be on their way, but “Once we lure them into our trap, our mission will be a great success!”

Somely’s not convinced the Science Ninjas will come, but a smirking Mibe assures them they will, adding “I arranged it myself.”



 



Somley laughs that the Ninjas will never figure out that “this place” (wherever they are) has been turned into a secret base.

Katse, unlike Somley, has dealt with the Ninjas before and says it’s not a matter of “if” they’ll find the base, but rather “when,” and he warns the complacent Somley that they could be on their way there right now.

And in fact a fearsome, caped and helmeted force of five is on the march at that very moment.

Except it’s the Suimusu Gang, with blankets tied as capes and metal cooking pots on their heads (rather like Jiro and Taro of episode 36 –minus all the feathers). They’re also carrying bats.

“Look at those freaky kids,” comments Jun, as she and the other Ninjas observe the Suimusu Gang from a distance.



 



“That’s ‘Boss,’ Chinchiro and the Gang!” says Jinpei, wide-eyed.

Ken’s surprised that Jinpei knows who they are while Jinpei realizes that they’re still alive because they never got to keep and open their presents. Looks like there can be perks after all to being at the bottom of the social strata. The girl who never thanked Jinpei for getting her purse back for her is probably dead too.

Ken decides they should follow the Suimusu Gang and “see what they’re up to.”

Following discreetly, they realize the Gang is heading towards Centlana’s main square, where the snow statues are.

Peering out from behind some shrubs, Dekapan explains to the Gang that the reindeer statue is their first target for destruction and everyone cheers yet again and brandishes their bats –no shortage of esprit de corps in the Suimusu Gang!



 



But now we get a close up view of the reindeer’s eye, and the music takes a sinister turn…


“What the hell?” says a Galactor goon as he sees, from a distance, five caped figures running behind another snow statue. He turns on a view screen and gets another look. “The Science Ninja Team!” he gasps.



 



“What!” yells Katse, standing up suddenly, “They’re here?” Come on, Katse, you’re the one who told Somley they’d find your base sooner or later –sometimes it’s “sooner.”

The goon informs him that not only are they “here,” they’re targeting the reindeer statue.

Posted by lborgia88 on 15-02-2010 at 06:15:

Katse’s all ready for “battle!” but suddenly Somley’s protesting. Taking over Franbell is his priority, not battling the Science Ninja Team.

“Destroying our common enemy is our top priority!” retorts Katse, and he informs the goon that he wants them captured.

So now the fearsome five that is the Suimusu Gang have arrived at the (very tall) reindeer statue, which has a massive brick pedestal complete with stairs and everything.

“Whoa, this is much bigger than I thought,” says Dekapan, perhaps realizing that the mallet he’s carrying isn’t going to inflict much damage –or at least not too quickly.

Little Chinchiro announces that he’s going to pee on it to make it melt, and begins undoing his pants. Great plan, kid, except there’s nothing within range except brick! But Dekapan dissuades him from this plan and they all head up the stairs.

Meanwhile, the Ninjas are watching from a distance, and Jinpei doesn’t understand why they want to attack the reindeer statue. The Suimusu gang doesn’t get very far, though. A trap door in the stairs opens beneath their feet and they all fall in.



 



Looking on, Ken reacts in consternation –especially when a door suddenly opens in the reindeer statue’s pedestal, revealing a Galactor goon. Jinpei has a more personal stake in this –he tells Ken they have to go rescue the boys. Ken agrees, and he tells Ryu to go and bring in the God Phoenix (I wonder where it’s been parked all this time).

Now the goon is looking around, while brandishing a machine gun. He turns his back and Ken lands behind him. As soon as the goon turns around again, Ken’s fist is waiting for him.



“Welcome to hell, Science Ninja Team!” declares Katse as Mibe and Somley stand with him, looking at the caped and helmeted figures who are now their captives.



 



Is it coincidence or purposeful imitation that their cape and helmet colors match those of a certain other Team of five? It seems that Dekapan is the “Eagle”, Yamori is the “Condor”, Kaeru is the “Swan”, little Chinchiro is the “Swallow” and Tombo is the “Owl.”

Katse announces that he’s pleased the Science Ninja Team has shown up, because it’s finally the end for them!



 



But, these “Ninjas” only raise their heads and make jeering noises, while Chinchiro asks “Do you really think we’re that cool?”



 



“Snotty little children?!” yells Katse, recoiling in surprise and anger.



 




“We’re the allies of justice from the ghetto,” declares Dekapan, (though Chinchiro is, literally, snotty) “Known by the exalted name…” -here they all stand up, take on fighting stances and join him in shouting- “the Suimusu Gang!”



 



I’m guessing these kids have no real clue who they’re dealing with. Chinchiro goes right up to Katse, tells him his mask is really cool and asks to borrow it (yeah, good luck with that request, kid!)

Katse gives him a shove, sending him flying backwards to where the rest of the Gang is standing, looking like the true peril of their situation might finally be dawning on them.


 



Chinchiro, however, isn’t cowed, crying “Justice will prevail!” (while wiping his nose.)

Katse yells angrily that they’re in the middle of important business and orders “Get rid of these urchins!”

“Not so fast, Katse!” says Ken’s voice.

Katse looks up, only to see that the real Team of five (well, four –Ryu’s not here) has arrived on the scene. “We’re the heroes you’ve been waiting for!” announces Ken, “We’re here to clean up!”



 


The Suimusu kids, overawed, cry “The Science Ninja Team!”



And a row of machine gun-toting goons open fire. “Bird run!” yells Ken, and his boomerang goes flying and slices across them. The shadows of four Ninjas flash across the wall, and into action.

Ken kicks one goon.



 




Joe punches another.




 



Ken soars through the air and takes down another goon, Jinpei kicks one, and then Ken kicks a few more.

More armed goons rush into the fray however. Ken keeps punching and kicking. Jun kicks one goon decidedly below the belt (hey, it’s effective).



 




Ken throws his boomerang again and mows down more goons. Watching, the Suimusu Gang cheers. Jun throws her yoyo and two more goons drop. Joe clobbers another one.

Jinpei personally kicks Governor Mibe in the gut, and then bashes him in the chin with his helmet. Mibe goes flying. A goon tries to rush Jinpei from behind but suffers a similar fate to the one Jun kicked.




 



Yet more goons with machine guns open fire. Jun and Jinpei leap through the air together, and Joe clobbers yet another goon. Ken throws his boomerang again. Jinpei leaps over a goon and kicks him in the head. Jun kicks a second goon in the crotch and this one is actually shown staggering away in pain, clutching himself. Ken kicks two more goons in the head while Jinpei jumps on top of another.

“Come on, everyone!” calls Ken now, “Let’s get these kids out of here!”

Again, the Ninjas’ shadows flash across the wall, and yet more goons with guns run in pursuit. So, Ken pulls some explosive charges from his belt compartment.



 



The resulting explosion eliminates the pursuit, but Katse survives by using a human shield.



 



We see Ken smashing through the eye of the reindeer statue, carrying “Kaeru the Swan”. Ken drops and lands on the statue’s pedestal, far below, followed by the other Ninjas who must be carrying the other Suimusu kids (in fact, somebody must be carrying two of them) though it’s hard to tell from the images.

Immediately upon reaching the ground, the Ninjas run. The door in the pedestal opens and a brigade of armed goons runs out, but the Ninjas are nowhere in sight and the goons just stand there, looking around, but one goon is sure they must be hiding somewhere nearby.

In fact, they’re hiding in some nearby shrubs.



 



Jun asks Ken what they should do next but Ken replies “If only we didn’t have these kids with us!”

So that’s when little Chinchiro decides to yell “We’re going to fight! Bring it on!”




 




The goons, of course, hear this and send bullets flying in the Ninjas’ direction. They all duck down even lower amidst the shrubs. Ken’s got Chinchiro in front of him, and is shoving him down, but the kid is still yelling “Let me go, I want to fight! Justice will prevail!”

Lucky for them all, Ryu has returned in the God Phoenix!

“Aah, it’s the God Phoenix!” cries one of the goons, seeing it diving towards them. “It’s coming this way!” yells another.

Ryu soars low and fast over the goons and they’re hit with the wash of wind, heat and exhaust from the God Phoenix’s engines. Coughing and staggering, they all collapse to the ground.

We see the Ninjas’ feet, running and the God Phoenix landing in a different part of the main square. Silhouettes of Ninjas are seen leaping up to the God Phoenix’s dome and then it immediately takes off again. On the ground below, the goons are back on their feet again, but they can do nothing except watch the God Phoenix rising high into the air.

From inside the reindeer, Katse also sees the God Phoenix through the reindeer’s other eye, curses them and then yells “After them!” to a goon sitting at a console.



 

Posted by lborgia88 on 15-02-2010 at 06:19:

This goon rapidly pushes several buttons. The reindeer statue glows with light, and then all the snow is gone and it is revealed to be a red and black, only vaguely reindeer-like, mecha. Wings extend from the sides of its body, its rear legs retract and rocket engines appear in their stead, and then it soars off into the air, after the God Phoenix, leaving its front legs behind.



 


“It’s coming right after us!” warns Jun. Ken, standing right behind Ryu’ chair, tells him to head for Mont Blanc. (There goes my theory about Franbell’s location! Mont Blanc is in France –unless there’s more than one mountain in the world with that appellation).

Meanwhile, Joe, Jun and Jinpei are all standing because their chairs are occupied by Yamori, Tombo, and Chinchiro (while Kaeru stands near), and they’re all cheering with great enthusiasm. Joe is showing surprising tolerance, but then, he often is nicer to kids.



 



The mecha now fires energy beams at the God Phoenix. Ryu swerves to dodge this fire and Chinchiro and Kaeru go flying across the bridge.



 



Jun, a bit anxiously, asks if they’re okay.

They are. Kaeru, fist raised, insists “We’re going to fight them all!” while Chinchiro adds “We’re going to be cool and fight with Gatchaman!”

Joe looks on, some amusement visible in his face, and he warns them to hold on tight if they don’t want to get hurt.



 



But Ryu dodges some more fire from the mecha, and now Kaeru and Chinchiro go flying again –this time into the back of Ryu’s chair.

Ken, looking far less amused than Joe, snaps “You guys sit down, buckle up and hold on tight!” Looking decidedly more battered and shaken up this time, they blearily acquiesce.

Now the mecha fires several missiles at the God Phoenix. Ryu, once again, swerves the God Phoenix to avoid them, but this time, the missiles change their paths and follow the God Phoenix.

Ryu is alarmed at this sight, realizing that they’re guided missiles. Ken decides that the missiles must be homing in on the sound waves emitted by the God Phoenix’s engines.

Jun wonders if there’s any way to escape them. Chinchiro is sitting on a chair, with Jun and Jinpei standing on either side. “No!” he cries, “That means we’re going to die!”

He throws himself into Jinpei’s arms, gasping “I’m so scared, I’m so scared!” before quickly realizing “Wait –the girl is better,” and then throwing himself into Jun’s arms with a “Save us, big Sister!”

Ken directs Ryu to take the God Phoenix up higher, where there are clouds, but the missiles are still in pursuit as Ryu puts the God Phoenix into a steep ascent.

Katse laughs evilly, yelling that the missiles will follow them anywhere they go.



 



Katse gleefully notes that either they’ll get hit by the missiles, or they’ll turn off their engines to evade the missiles –and then they’ll crash.

Sitting (I think) over by Ken’s chair, Dekapan is feeling the strain of the steep climb and muttering that he’s going to “puke his guts out.” His fellow Gang members are also feeling the stress.



 



Into the clouds now, a goon informs Katse that they’ve lost visibility and lost track of the God Phoenix. Katse tells them to keep looking –he wants to be able to see them when they get “blown into a million pieces” by the missiles.

And the missiles are still in close pursuit of the God Phoenix. Ken now tells Ryu to get close behind the mecha –and he refers to it as a “condor mecha”! I don’t think I would have thought that that’s what it’s supposed to resemble.

No comment from Joe regarding Galactor’s appropriation of his own bird identity.

With missiles still following, Ryu brings the God Phoenix around hard, and flying through the clouds, they briefly see the condor mecha up ahead. “Close in tight!” says Ken.



 



“Damn it, they’re right behind us now,” yells a goon on board the condor mecha.

“Now, pull us up!” cries Ken, and Ryu takes the God Phoenix over and past the condor mecha.



 




And all the missiles crash into the condor mecha!



 



Numerous explosions erupt throughout the condor mecha.



 



Governor Mibe and General Somley go sprawling as flames rip through the mecha’s bridge. Goons run in terror as more explosions break out all throughout the condor mecha, and goons are ending up in heaps on the floor.


“Look at that! Didn’t I tell you!” growls Somley, grabbing Katse’s shoulder, “What are you going to do about this, Lord Katse!”

“Let go of me!” snaps Katse furiously. He shakes off Somley, and leaving him and Mibe in his wake, he rushes towards a round door.

The door opens quickly to let Katse through, but as Somley and Mibe rush to follow him, it shuts tight.



 



Well guys, now you know how Katse operates –only he gets to escape. They are not at all happy about this.

Posted by lborgia88 on 15-02-2010 at 06:21:

But, they aren’t unhappy for long, at least. A final explosion obliterates the mecha completely just as Katse’s escape ship zooms away.

“Far out, man! We did it!” cheers Dekapan, now standing at Ryu’s side.

One row back, Kaeru, Tombo and Chinchiro are likewise yelling and cheering. Joe has clearly had enough of these kids now –the look on his face now isn’t the least bit amused.

Pieces of mecha wreckage are falling from the sky to the snowy mountains below.

Now that the danger is past, Chinchiro is saying “Aw shoot, that was disappointing! I thought they’d put up a better fight!”

“Yeah right, and who was just crying for their Mommy?” needles Jun. Kaeru has a laugh at Chinchiro’s expense and little Chinchiro grins sheepishly.

“Justice prevailed!” he says (and his nose is still running.)

The God Phoenix now soars through a serene blue sky, with the snowy mountains as a backdrop.

Back near the city, the God Phoenix has landed in a wooded area. It’s dark now, and the Ninjas and the Suimusu Gang are all standing outside.

Ken tells the Gang kids that he’s sorry for putting them in danger.



 




“No worries here!” says Dekapan, “We liked it!”

“I still wish I could have gotten a cool present like the others, though,” says Chinchiro –who clearly has no idea that the kids who deprived them of their presents perished miserably!

“Are you crazy?” demands Jinpei, “Don’t you know those presents-”

“Jinpei!” cries Jun, frowning. That shushes him.

“Say boys, we’ll give you some presents to make up for it,” says Jun, “So what would you guys like?”



 




Chinchiro is overjoyed and immediately informs Jun that he wants her cape and helmet, and rushes over to her to grab at the said cape (he’s too short to reach her helmet). Kaeru lays claim to Jinpei’s cape as Yamori cheers that they’re all going to be on the Science Ninja Team.



 




Jun looks like she’s thinking “What have I done?”

Chinchiro now starts inspecting Jun’s cape –and what’s under it- very closely! “Wow, check it out! Feels just like bird feathers!”



 



“These tall boots too!”



 



“Stop it,” says Jun, clearly very annoyed now but not quite sure what to do –perhaps because her groper is so young (granted, that didn’t stop Katse from shoving Chinchiro hard when the kid asked about borrowing his mask).



 



But Dekapan, perhaps recalling Jinpei’s lecture about chivalrous conduct towards females now intervenes.

“Knock it off, you perv!” he admonishes Chinchiro, “We don’t need anything else. Defeating Galactor with the Science Ninja Team was the best present ever!”




 



“Isn’t that right, Suimusu?” he asks, and they all applaud this noble sentiment.


Ken thanks them, tells them to take care of themselves and says “Don’t you let being poor get you down.”

But Dekapan doesn’t want anything that smacks of pity, and implies as much to Ken. Jun seems to think that Dekapan is okay and she smiles warmly at him.

Ken then leaps up to the dome of the God Phoenix, and Joe, Jun and Jinpei follow.

“They’re so cool…” murmurs Dekapan, watching.

“Hey big brother!” yells Chinchiro, “Let me join the Science Ninja Team when I get big!”

Still standing on top of the God Phoenix, the Swallow waves to him and replies “Okay, but you have to promise that you’ll behave, Chinchiro!” (Tell him to carry Kleenexes too, Jinpei.)


 




“You can count on me!” insists Chinchiro, “I’m going to be a good boy!”

Suddenly he looks startled. “How did he know my name?” wonders Chinchiro, “Weird…”

The God Phoenix lifts off and flies away as the Suimusu kids cheer and wave, but Chinchiro still looks confused and puzzled. I think these kids ought to get themselves home just as fast as they can –with all the deaths in the city today, their parents must be frantic with worry.

In the Prime Minister’s mansion, the PM himself looks out a window and sees the God Phoenix flying past in the sky.



 



“Franbell will be bustling with cheer for the Peace Day celebration once again,” says the narrator, “And the inspired flame of justice which Gatchaman’s courage taught them will burn long in the hearts of those brave young kids who in one bright moment fought alongside the great Science Ninja Team!”

The End.

Posted by Transmute Jun on 15-02-2010 at 16:30:

Great writeup, LB, and I love the pictures, Saturn! The one with the names of the boys is especially helpful!

I seem to recall James mentioning that this episode actually was first aired at Christmastime,so I'm guessing that Tasunoko was simply trying to take advantage of the additional publicity a 'Christmas' episode would bring. Assuming that they might not have understood the holiday (not being Christian) the vague references to Christmas (presents, snow, a reindeer, peace) are understandable.

I recall that this was the first episode I watched where I actually thought that Jinpei looked 'cute'. In fact, he looks less awkward and goofy in this episode than in many of the previous episodes. I think Tatsunoko changed the animation to make him more 'attractive'.

You're right that there are a lot of similarities to the Little Gatchamans episode, down to the kids' costumes, being mistaken for the SNT, and pawing up Jun. Perhaps they were making a more conscious effort to lure in younger viewers?

Regardless, this is a fun episode to watch and it makes me laugh. I enjoyed the recap as well!

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Posted by gatchamarie on 15-02-2010 at 16:56:

Great recap and screencaps, LB and Saturn!

I too remember to have been a little puzzled with the weather and the inadequate clothing when watching this episode! And ITA with the similarity to the Little Gatchamans episode and with TJ's comment regarding Jinpei looking more attractive. To be really honest I don't like it when kids are often made looking awkward, with huge lips or oddly looking eyes, etc! It's also true that the kids were very young but their minds weren't that young and ignorant when they came to deal with girls ... especially with older ones!!

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Posted by lborgia88 on 15-02-2010 at 17:42:

Ah, if the "Christmas" reference in the title is due to when the episode first aired on TV, that makes more sense! If the episode originally wasn't intended to take place around December, that would explain why a "northern" country has such warm weather -it could have been April or May in Franbell, for example.


I think you're right, TJ. Jinpei does look very cute in this episode. Granted, he also benefits from comparison to Dekapan and the other kids.


 


I agree, Gatchamarie, that little kids in this show are so often drawn with odd proportions.

Compared to most of the other one-episode child characters, though, I like the Suimusu kids the best -they certainly have some annoying qualities but they also have personality, they make me laugh and sympathize with the unfair treatment they receive. I think the boys who were kidnapped along with Jinpei in ep. 17, by comparison, weren't as well-developed. But Makoto from ep. 3, I think, will always be my least favorite kid in the first series!

Posted by tatsunokofan on 15-02-2010 at 20:26:

Hi all!

quote:
seem to recall James mentioning that this episode actually was first aired at Christmastime


This episode originally aired on December 16, 1973.

quote:
Assuming that they might not have understood the holiday (not being Christian) the vague references to Christmas (presents, snow, a reindeer, peace) are understandable.


The Japanese version of Christmas is somewhat different than what we're used to, since it was something that was imported by U.S. servicemen following World War II, and has been modified by both marketing efforts (Kentucky Fried Chicken did a great marketing campaign that convinced the Japanese that the bird traditionally eaten by Americans at Christmas is a chicken) and by the need to avoid conflict with the upcoming New Years celebration, which is far more important in Japan than Christmas is.

James

Posted by UnpublishedWriter on 16-02-2010 at 23:58:

The gang suddenly backing off when Jinpei confronts them is a realistic touch. Some bullies will fold up when faced with a confident opponent.

I doubt Franbell was depopulated. Perhaps a third of the presents were replaced with gas-bombs, or only those given out in the capital, or something like that. A little demonstration that Somley meant business, and had followers somewhere.

Now, why would Galactor back Somley? He's too much the alpha personality to control. Unless he wasn't really as dominant as he thought he was, or thought he was using them.

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