Gatchaman Episode 105 – Earth’s Destruction! 0002

Gatchaman Episode 105 – Earth’s Destruction! 0002



We are briefly reminded of the previous episode, where Joe threw a feather shuriken at Katse and missed… causing it to fall into the machinery of the Black Hole device.

“Oh, dear Joe, don’t fight the inevitable!” Katse mocks.



Meanwhile, we witness the numerous natural disasters plaguing the planet, as a result of the Black Hole Plan. Volcanoes, tidal waves and earthquakes ravage the Earth.

“Galactor’s final operation, designed by Leader X, is a horrific scheme designed to blow the Earth into oblivion!” the narrator tells us. “The main computer at Galactor Headquarters has been programmed to drop nuclear bombs at regular intervals towards the Earth’s core, in order to start a devastating neutron chain reaction!”

We see the counter on the machine, set at ‘4321’.



We witness a nuclear bomb dropping into the Earth’s core.

And through the grey clouds, the Science Ninja Team arrives at Cross Karakorum.



“Listen, we’ve got to find this base’s entrance, and find Joe, even if it means risking our lives.” Ken says.



Everyone is ready to do as he has asked.





Is it just me, or does Jinpei look more mature, here? I’m wondering if that was purposely done on the part of the animators.

“This could also very well be the last time we ever lay eyes on each other.” Ken is clearly optimistic about the coming battle.



“No!” Jun gasps in horror.



“No!” Jinpei shouts.



“Ken!” Ryu exclaims.

“Use communicators only if you must, and sparingly.” Ken orders. “Remember, Jun, they’re trying to find us by scanning the airwaves.”



Why is Ken reminding Jun of this? Is he presuming that she’s most likely to break orders? She’s so indignant that her helmet has gone completely white.

“Move!” Ken shouts, and everyone runs off in different directions, searching for Joe, and for the entrance to Galactor Headquarters.



Meanwhile, inside Galactor HQ, Katse is making demands to the world at large.

“People of this planet, the fate of the world now lies in the hands of Galactor! Once I have seized control and become your sovereign ruler, you will worship me!”



Ah yes, we have discovered that at the core of it all, Katse just wants to be loved.

“Ehhh…. I don’t think that really sounds regal enough.” Oops, seems he’s just practicing his speech. “If I’m going to be ruler of the world, I need to act the part.”

“People of the world…” he begins again, but he is interrupted by the arrival of two goons.

“Sire, emergency!”

“We have an emergency!” Katse announces in his regal tone, before he realizes what has just been said.



“An emergency? What? This better be a good one!” he says, annoyed. “Go on…”

And the two goons stand there, amazed. One is in a Ken-sized uniform, and one in a Ryu sized uniform. Could it be…?



But no. These are actual goons.

“Joe, the Condor, of the Science Ninja Team, has escaped from us!” says the Ryu-shaped goon.

“How the hell could he?” Katse snarls.



Now we see why Katse is doubtful. Joe is weak and trembling, but managing to drag himself up a flight of stairs.



“The God Phoenix is here!” he thinks. “I have to somehow show Ken how to find his way in here.”



Joe hears the sound of footsteps, and indeed, a group of goons is coming down the stairs. Joe is about to be discovered!

But no. Even in his weakened state, Joe manages to pull himself underneath the stairs and hold on.



Unfortunately, when he gets out of his hiding place, he falls down more stairs. He is clearly in pain, and this is taking the last of his strength.



“Look, you have got to capture Joe before he contacts the Science Ninja Team!” Katse is attempting to explain the situation to the two goons.


“We’re having trouble, because of the fog!” one of the goons explains.

“Wasn’t the fog there to help us?” Katse reminds them. “Just get out there, hunt him down, and kill him!”

Meanwhile, another nuclear bomb drops deep into the Earth and detonates.

We see more scenes of destruction.

“The Earth is already undergoing the early stages of the neutron reaction.” the narrator explains. “Magma pushes to the surface as its crust collapses inward. Cities are now bombarded with contaminants that now fall from the upper atmosphere. But the people are not aware of the cause of these phenomenon, because the ISO has yet to announce the truth.” Okay, grammar nitpick… the plural of ‘phenomenon’ is ‘phenomena’.

We see scenes of destruction, natural and urban areas, all over the world.

“Magma has erupted around Thunder Reef!” one scientist in a control center exclaims. In front of him is a map of the world showing the damage. It looks like northern California got hit. I’m amazed my computer is still working, and I’m even able to type at this moment, seeing as I’m apparently being shaken by earthquakes and eruptions and tidal waves…



“Oh, it’s bigger than the computer’s estimated!” another scientist replies. “The whole Earth may be engulfed in flames sooner than we expected!”

Elsewhere, Director Anderson comes to consult with Dr. Nambu.



“Dr. Nambu.”

“Ah, hello, Director.” Nambu casually strolls over, as if Anderson has simply come for tea.

“Don’t you think it will be rather difficult to continue hiding the truth?” Anderson asks, as the two men walk down a corridor. “We are plagued with inquiries from the world’s nations.”

“I’ll ask you not to announce the truth of the situation, to avoid a panic.” Nambu says.



“Yes, but even if we remain silent, I’m sure Galactor will soon be demanding Earth’s surrender.” the Director points out. “And what will the people of the world think of that?”

“We’ll lose all credibility, and the Earth will fall under Galactor’s control.” Nambu admits.

“Terrifying!” Anderson shudders. “And they have the means to destroy the world!”

“They are a truly terrifying opponent, and even though research by our team of scientists and experts was able to confirm the theoretical possibility of a neutron reaction, we did not understand what particle could be the cause of it.” Nambu says. “Yet, that is something which Galactor knows.”

“The moment the neutron reaction causes the Earth’s crust to shift inwards, toward the core, the Earth will be annihilated.” Nambu goes on. “But the Earth is exactly what they want! There’s no reason for them to destroy it! So before Katse can make any decisive move, the Science Ninja Team, now in Galactor’s base, should be able to find some means to stop him. We must have faith in them, and give them more time!”

Now we cut back to Cross Karakorum, where goons are searching the outside of the base in the fog.

“Did you find them?” one goon asks another.

“Man, it’s no use!” the other goon replies. “It looks like they’re also on the alert, and they’ve stopped using their bracelets to communicate! We can’t get a trace on their signal right now, man!”



The earth shakes, and the goons are startled.

“Another one!” the first goon wipes his face in relief as the quake subsides.

“What if it’s going to be all right? We’re the only ones who are going to be saved, right?” the second goon points out.

“All we can do is trust Lord Katse.” the first goon replies. “But to be honest… I’ve been getting kind of nervous about this myself.”

“Over here!” someone shouts, and the two goons go running.

A bunch of goons are now running toward the scene, but a grey winged shape appears through the fog. It takes out the goons.

It’s Ken!



And he’s more than a little frustrated.

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When we return, Ken turns to face his enemies.



“This is my order, as Leader of the Science Ninja Team.” Ken states loudly. “We will leave Condor Joe here, and infiltrate Galactor Headquarters.”



Ryu, Jinpei and Jun can’t believe it!



Ken pulls out his boomerang.



Just wondering… where are all of those goons we saw approaching?

Ken walks over to Joe and crouches down.

“Hey, Joe.” Ken says softly.

Joe opens his eyes, but it’s clearly an effort.



Then he closes them again.

“Please, forgive me.” Ken says. “I know we both swore we’d die together, but now I have no other choice but to leave you here, behind. Take this boomerang. Think of it as my heart. And know we’re together, no matter what happens.”



Ken wraps Joe’s hand around the boomerang, then places it on Joe’s chest. He stands, wipes surreptitiously at his face for a moment, then turns around, screaming in anger.

“Halt your advance, Galactor, stand down!”



And they do. A ring of wall-to-wall goons (well, they’re outdoors, but you know what I mean) surrounds them.

“Enough is enough!” Ken shouts. “What will spilling any more blood prove? It’s useless! It will only cause the needless loss of loved ones, separate you from your friends, and decimate your lives! Time is of the essence. We can’t afford to waste any fighting with you! But if we have to, we’re ready.”



Then Ken turns and approaches the statue.

“This is it, Ken!” Ryu says, as Ken reaches up and presses on one of the statue’s carvings. The eyes on the carving glow, and the statue slides away, revealing the entrance underneath.



The Team jumps into the entrance.

“Huh?” The goons stand around, wondering what just happened.



Suddenly, they run to follow the Team.

In the core of the Earth, another nuclear bomb explodes, and the ground at Cross Karakorum literally tears apart, sending goons down into the bowels of the Earth. Others are crushed by statues.

A strange, golden object is revealed as the ground pulls away.



Inside Galactor Headquarters, Katse hears a noise…



“Katse!” Ken screams as the Team races in.



“Gatchaman! So, you’ve finally arrived, have you?” Katse asks.



“Berg Katse, stop this!” Ken demands. “Stop the Black Hole operation immediately!” Ken shoves his cape over his shoulders in a tough guy way, and to me, it seems to send the message, ‘the gloves are off’.



“Happy to!” Katse smirks. “You just surrender, get on your knees and beg… gaaaaah!”

Seems Katse can’t finish, as Ken is choking him.



“Surrender, you say!” Ken asks, after throwing Katse to the ground. “Who the hell do you think you’re talking to?”

Katse peeps out from behind his big globe.



“Did you really believe the Earth would fall before you?” Ken asks. “Did you really underestimate us that much?”



“Here!” Ken punches the globe, sending it smashing into Katse.

“Well, what are you going to do with it?” Ken demands.



“Come on, tough guy!” Ken rages. He reaches for Katse, as the Galactor Leader gibbers in fear.



“Stand up!” Ken shouts, before he punches Katse around a few times.





Then, perhaps taking a lesson from his father, Ken picks up Katse and swings him around, before throwing him across the room.



Katse hits a control panel and falls to the ground, still sitting up. But Ken walks over and stomps on Katse’s head, forcing him down again.



“Right!” Ken demands. “Now you’re going to stop the Black Hole Operation, or do I stop your heart right now instead?”



All Katse can do is moan in pain as Ken grinds his heel into the Galactor Leader’s face.

“Come on!” Ken shouts. “Which way is it going to be, Katse?”



“Enough!” a voice calls. Everyone looks up, startled.

“Is that you, Leader X?” Ken rages. Clearly he’s ready to dish out more whoop-ass.



“Show yourself!” Ken demands.

“Please, save me Leader! Save me!” Katse begs like a little girl… which coincidentally, he used to be.



Ken finally takes his foot off of Katse’s face as a wall lifts, and Leader X’s Audience Chamber is revealed.



“Leader X!” Ken says in amazement.

“Your struggle is in vain.” X says smugly. “The Black Hole Operation nears its completion. Look…”

Another door rises, showing a mass of computer panels… the Black Hole Device!

“That device is dropping atomic bombs into the Earth. X explains. “By my calculation, the neutron reaction will occur in thirty minutes! And then the Earth will be obliterated.”

Everyone is stunned to hear this!





“Ahhgh! Leader! That’s not what you promised me!” Katse points out. “You told me you’d give the Earth to me, to rule myself!”



“And I will.” X laughs cruelly. “You shall rule over its pulverized remains!”

“Leader, have you been deceiving me all along?” Katse asks, astonished.



While X explains, Jun, Jinpei and Ryu open up the Black Hole Device, looking for a way to stop it.



“Katse, I came to this world under orders.” X says. “However, the planet I was to return to was wiped out.”

“Selectol!” Ken exclaims. “That’s the planet we saw disappear in the Andromeda Galaxy!”



“I must return to Andromeda to discover the cause.” X explains. “But before that, since it is no longer of any use to me, I’ll snuff out the Earth, just as Selectol was. Katse…. my plans have changed.”

Take it, Katse. It’s as close to an apology as you’ll ever get from Leader X.

“Oh, but… Leader!” Katse blubbers.

“Farewell, Katse.” X says. “Thank you for your dedication.”

“No! Oh no!” Katse sobs.



He gets up and runs toward the screen.

“Leader! Leader!” But the screen explodes.



Ken takes cover, but can’t help continuing to watch.



“No!” Katse sobs, as the golden object we saw before starts rising up past the place where X’s screen used to be. “Why did you make me a mutant, if this is how it’s going to end? I’d rather have stayed human! I would have been happier! Things would have been different! Do you hear?”



“Leader X! Leader X! No….!” Katse screams after the departing ship. But it is too late. X is gone.

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I just want to say that I've really enjoyed doing these reviews, and I am so pleased that people seem to have enjoyed reading them. I am proud to have had a part in this project.

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Don't sweat the petty things and don't pet the sweaty things.

quote:

Originally posted by Transmute Jun I'm glad that, after 105 episodes, people are still reading them!

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To be or not to be a gatchamaniac - that's the dilemma!

That's an interesting idea, LB. I like the thought that perhaps the Headquarters was built around X's original space ship. Interesting that they didn't pick up on this in Gatch II.

I agree that this episode is painful to watch... all of the love you have for the characters just gets torn to shreds, and then haphazardly put back together again. I do love that it implies that Ken and Jun might actually find happiness together... of course, it's vague enough that you can make a case that she has strong feelings for Joe as well. Watch the scene where she finds him and he saves her. and then Joe tells her to be with Ken... again you can make a case that he's only saying that because he's dying. As always, you can have a fic go either way. And I have...

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Very true. I know they also tried to answer some of these questions in the Gatchaman radio drama, which was a 'link' between Gatchaman and Gatchaman II.

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*sniff* even though I knew it was coming and have watched the episode more than enough times....

Waaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh.........................

Ladies.... I completely bow to you all for bringing these reviews to life. The asides, the extra little comments... the brackets even - I have truly enjoyed each and every one of them!

Thank you so much for the effort and the fun!

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Exaggeration misleads the credulous and offends the perceptive. ~Eliza Cook

Wow, that was a little intense, not sure how I would have liked this as an ending for BotP either. Thanks so much for these episode recaps and the screenshots! It' s been great reading all the interesting insights and comments, it's made watching the episodes a much more engrossing experience, lots of food for thought!

One thing I noticed in this and the last few episode is how (IMO) they've drawn Joe's look a little softer, he looks less like a hard-nosed punk. Maybe it's hard to keep up that facade when you're at death's door.. I was never a big fan of Jason in BotP, I thought that he was unreasonably angry, argumentative and made trouble for the team (guess I listened to Zark hey : ) I'm glad that in Gatchaman I was able to get the sense that a lot of that was just a facade, something I didn't get from BotP.

I'm still chuckling over obsessively self-protective Katse taking his own life and that, like so many of his other plans, it doesn't go off smoothly, lol : )

Transmute Jun, I can see that you could make the case either way for Joe/Jun and Ken/Jun and that it does make for good fics, but I don't buy it, Ken/Jun all the way *cheeky grin* : ) I think that the scene where Joe is saying that Jun should be happy with Ken isn't just an example of him being gracious as he's dying, but more in line with previous episodes where he's been supportive of Ken. An example would be when Ken was thought to have been killed and Joe, Ryu and Jinpei (after some convincing : ) respectfully stayed away when he and Jun reunited.

That's not to say that Joe might not have some feelings for Jun. Towards the end of episode 103 when Joe imagines the team he imagines Jun with sparkly stars in the background. Very cute : )

I really liked that in this episode Ken and Jun actually got to hug instead of standing some distance away from each other looking awkward ; )

And finally, who'd have thought Leader X was just a big yellow pencil! Kind of anti-climactic, I was hoping for some massive alien mecha...