Okay, here's one title I *don't* like better than the Gatch original for
the simple reason that the mecha of the week looks *nothing* like an
armadillo! In fact it is decidely more turtlish than the Space Terrapin.
What does 'Matanagar' mean, Ayako?
And then there's the chronological problem; Awesome Armadillo seems to
happen way earlier in BotP than the parallel adventure'Iron Monster
Matanagar' does in Gatchaman I. BotP chronology is a vexed question in
itself, I have a theory that eps. begining with the Team Role call:
Princess! Tiny! Keyop! etc. are earlier than those begining: G-Force! Five
Incredible Young People with Super Powers! Would you agree, Dei?
This is actually one of my favorites because of its focus on the Team's
psychology and interactions, especially Jason and Mark. I expect Dei will
have a *lot* to say about that and am looking forward to reading it.
The episode typically, and regrettably, opens in Zark's ready room where
we have to listen to him natter on about the slack period they're currently
enjoying, his crossword puzzle hobby, and the fact that Mark's state of mind
is giving cause for concern. (Yes, Dei, Zark *is* begining to get to me!)
Finally he decides to look in on the Team with his scanners.
We see Zoltar being shreaded by bullets, Zark's voice over reassures us
this is just a little target practice for Jason, using the Spacemobile's
gatling.
Finally Jason ceases fire and pops the canopy. Keyop compliments him but
Jason is dissatisfied, "I cut off a tenth of a second to soon." he
complains, (talk about your perfectionists!) "I'll improve when I get the
feel of the trigger." his next remark is aimed right at Fearless Leader,
fussing over his jet nearby. "I don't know what we're waiting for, that new
phased ray weapon should be standard equipment on the Phoenix this minute."
For years I thought he was talking about his gatling, (which didn't make
a lot of sense) upon mature reflection I believe he's refering to some other
weapon since the gatling obviously shoots bullets not rays.
Mark at his most pompous: "As the commander of the Phoenix that's *my*
decision!"
"Whatever you say *Commander*." Jason returns, dripping sarcasm.
Mark won't drop it. "We're a Team but every team needs a leader!"
"We need a leader who leads!" Jason snaps back.
"Our Team could use umpire!" says Keyop. No kidding!
Mark's in a real snit now. "Maybe we're both right, maybe the time is
right for resignation!"
Keyop and Tiny look horrified but Jason merely says. "That's for you to
decide, *Commander*, but don't make me the big bad heavy!"
Mark throws down his wrench and stalks off leaving Princess calling his
name plaintively after him.
Meanwhile, on Spectra, Zoltar is having his own problems. He's just been
replaced as commander of the latest Earth Invasion by a Colonel Tu.
Colonel Tou?
Colonel Two? ("I am the new Number Two." "Who is Number One?" "You are
Number Six" "I am not a Number I am a free man!" "Bwaahahahaha!" God I love
that show!) Come to think of it Zoltar's seaside palace *does* look a little
like the Village....right, back to BotP.
End of first digression.
Colonel Two is the only high ranking Spectran in memory, aside from Mala,
who doesn't wear a mask and stupid costume, (a Spectran with clothes sense,
obviously the last of a dying breed.) He makes it clear he has no respect
for Zoltar, like who does? Maybe the Greenie aid who does his best to
comfort the Purple Peril...with little success.
Colonel Two is a firm believer in motivating the troops, he pins a dumb
operation name on the latest invasion, WindFire, and makes a rousing speech
before allowing the men to get aboard the latest Mecha monster, (which looks
*very* turtlish to me!).
As the so-called Armadillo swims away, (can armadillos swim?) Zoltar watches
on viewscreen and wishes Colonel Two bad luck on Earth.
Naturally Susan out on Planet Pluto detects the soi-disant Armadillo's
approach and warns Zark. "Looks like we're in for it!" he fusses, like what
else is new?
Cut to Mark approaching a grave stone carved with a fighter plane. He
sinks to his knees before it and murmurs, "Brother, I come to you because I
have nowhere else to turn...." opening up a *huge* can of worms.
Brother? Mark had a brother? Or alternatively a close, older friend he
*called* brother? From the grave stone we can deduce that the man in
question was a fighter pilot, probably killed in action some time before the
series opens. There are a lot of possibilities here and I'm suprised more
fanfic writers haven't played with it.
His rather forlorn appeal suggests Mark is suffering from more than a
snit and feels, for whatever reason, he can't discuss it with either his
Team or the Chief. My best guess is the burden of responsibility for the
G-Force Team and Earth's defense is begining to get to him. Note how many
times in this episode he refers to 'risking lives'.
I believe Awesome Armidillo takes place much earlier in the Spectran War
than its Gatchaman counterpart 'Iron Monster Matanager' quite a late episode
in which Ken is apparently suffering from burnout.
Before Mark can say more Princess appears with an apology for interupting
him. She tells him that Spectra is attacking and asks himto return to
Center Neptune with her. He agrees, (aren't we lucky?).
Cut to the so called Armadillo wading ashore somewhere smashing and
burning everything in sight as Zark's voice over assures us everybody's been
evacuated and thanks goodness Mark didn't resign.
Question; why do all BotP cities look like Disney's Future World or
someplace in southern Europe?
The mecha trundles itself to the top of a convenient volcano, (presumably
extinct) and settles into the crater drawing in head and feet *exactly* like
a turtle. Armadillo's roll themselves into balls. I consider this conclusive
proof it *is* a turtle *not* an armadillo!
Back in the Chief's office Anderson briefs the Team, showing them a map
of the island under attack and playing the tape sent by Colonel Two
demanding Earth's immediate surrender.
"What do we do?" Princess asks.
"Wait." replies the Chief, who obviously has no ideas at this point.
Jason doesn't like that answer, "That's our second choice," he snorts,
"let them destroy us."
The Turtle, (that everybody still insists on calling an Armadillo,) makes
another attack. Anderson and the Team watch from CN looking grim. Mark
decides something must be done and comes to his feet, as does the rest of
the Team except for Jason, who's already on his but does unlean from the
wall, (does that boy ever sit down?).
"Well?" Mark demands of the Chief.
"Take whatever course of action you deem best." Anderson replies.
Indicating either he's still got no ideas of his own, or he has implicit
faith in Mark's judgement....or....maybe this is a little psychology on the
Chief's part? Trying to help Mark work through his problem whatever it is
by demonstrating confidence in him? Kind of risky if you ask me.
We then cut to the standard Phoenix launch and flight sequence to a
bouncy tune which sounds to me like a variation on the BotP opening theme
but I'm not very musical and could be wrong.
Inside the Turtle masquerading as an Armadillo a Guy in Green spots the
approaching Phoenix and announces "Aircraft approaching, sir!" you trying to
tell me Spectra's finest *still* can't recognize the Phoenix on sight?
The Colonel is unworried, his Turtle (aka Armadillo) is impregnable if
G-Force wants to buzz about outside let em. Jason on the other hand is
upset, he wants a shot at the thing and Fearless Leader won't let him. All
he plans to do is take pictures.
"Great!" Jason snarls, "I'll put 'em in my scrapbook!"
Tiny has had enough of this feuding in the command levels. "Bury the
hatchet!" he scolds, "we've got enough problems, we're supposed to be a
Team!"
"Wanna be traded?" Keyop puts in his two cents.
Mark looks appropriately sheepish but sticks to his guns, (metaphorically
speaking) "We'll follow my plan."
"Check!" Jason grates.
Fearless Leader deigns to explain himself. "We're not attacking the
Armadillo untill I'm convinced we can beat it!"
"Okay!" Jason conceeds. "I still think you're off base but your the
boss."
"That's right, and I won't risk lives with a reckless attack. That
Spectra beast must have a weak spot somewhere and sooner or later we'll find
it!"
I hate to say it but Mark's talking sense here, getting themselves fried
by the Turtle (aka Armadillo) is not going to do the people of Micron Island
a bit of good. Still one does get the impression in this and other episodes
that while not indifferent to civilian casualties Mark tends to put the
lives of his Team first and is reluctant to risk them on anything short of a
sure thing...
You will also notice that Princess has not a word to say this entire
scene. Unlike Tiny and Keyop she isn't bothered by Jason's goading of Mark,
probably because she realizes it's the Gunner's way of trying to help
Fearless Leader through his psychological hang ups.
*And* notice once Jason's registered his dissent he accepts Mark's
command decision, "You're the boss!".
Back at CN Mark shuts himself in the darkroom with the rolls of film
they've taken and refuses to emerge. The Chief's puzzled, Jason's frustrated
and Princess loyal, as usual.
"I'm sure Mark has a very good reason." she insists.
News comes in of yet another attack and Jason snaps. Running down a
curving corridor, (what *are* those bubble things in the walls? portholes?).
He slams open the darkroom door and declares "Time to act, *Commander* (I
just love the way he inflects 'commander' in this episode).
Mark doesn't so much as turn, just keeps staring entranced at the wall of
pinned up Turtle photos. Princess tries to sooth Jason who rants: "While
he's practicing photography Spectra's destroying our cities!"
Jason's right as a quick montage of further destruction and Zark's voice
over confirm. Back in the darkroom Tiny and Keyop have now joined the rest
of the Team.
"I could be busted for it but somebody's got to beat some sense into his
head!" Jason snarls, Princess restrains him.
Tiny tries a more diplomatic approach only to get the same cold shoulder.
Princess has to restrain him too. (Little Miss Peacemaker, she certainly has
her life's work cut out for her!).
Suddenly Mark speaks; "The Key is here!" slams a hand against the wall of
snapshots. Tiny is reminded of a previous mission involving a SAM? Sand?
(Sand? that doesn't make sense! but this *is* BotP, sense is optional.)
missile. He reminds the Team that it was he who spotted the weak spot near
the deflector grid. This sparks an idea in Mark, he snatches a photo from
the wall, then double checks the negative. "We've found it! The chink in the
armour!"
Princess says, "We were looking for the achilles heel and we found it in
the Armadillo's nose!" (I wish they'd stop calling the turtle an
armadillo!).
Brief cut to the Turtle (aka Armadillo) shooting rays from its mountain
perch as flames rise from below, then back to Center Neptune.
The Chief enters with a small box containing a special projectile that
bears an uncanny resemblance to its intended target, the so-called
Armadillo's nose. "Will it work?" He asks.
"If we make a direct hit," replies Fearless Leader, "First we establish
position then it's up to Jason."
"I'll nail it!" says the gunner with his usual confidence.
"It's a long shot but it's our only shot!" Mark demonstrates a weakness
for bad puns throughout this episode.
Colonel Two is just pleased as punch with the way things are going. He
decides to take a little rest and let the Earthlings' losses sink in for a
while.
A Greenie reports, "Unidentified aircraft approaching!" (For Pete's sake
this is the *second* time they've seen the Phoenix this episode! He's *got*
to recognize it this time! After all, how many blue and red, aerodynamically
unsound air ships does Earth have?)
Colonel Two recognizes them, giving the traditional Spectran cry of
"G-Force!"
The Phoenix hovers, nose opening to reveal the spacemobile. "There's that
big turtle" says Mark on the bridge, (I *told* you it was a turtle!).
"Hold her steady, Tiny," says Jason over bracelet from the Spacemobile,
"just a hair to the left."
Mark is worried, Princess confident; "Jason with do it if anybody can!"
she declares, (Princess is the Team's official ego-booster).
Tiny agrees with her, demonstrating his own faith in their gunner.
"There's nothing to worry about, we're gonna turn that Turtle into turtle
soup." (another vote for Turtle over Armadillo, and notice the food
reference..that's our Tiny!)
But Mark knows he's asking the near impossible of Jason and worries what
they'll do if they miss.
Meanwhile in the spacemobile Jason is talking to himself; "Well, Jason
old boy, you've been a pretty big talker now let's find out if it wasn't all
hot air." As Dei has observed the boy sets ridiculously high standards for
himself.
Inside the Turtle (aka Armadillo) Colonel Two is unconcerned, in fact
slightly curious, "Let's see what they have in mind." Bad decision Colonel,
(overconfidence, it gets 'em every time!)
Quick sequence of tension shots: Phoenix Bridge, Jason in the Spacemobile, the
Turtle (aka Armadillo's) nose. Finally Jason presses the button. Bullseye!
(naturally).
He slumps forward in relief; quick shot of the Team's delight then inside
the Turtle where the very air seems to be catching fire!
Frantic Guys in Green report this to Colonel Two who orders all fire
stations manned.
Aboard the Phoenix Jason has rejoined the others on the bridge. "Great
shot!" a jubilant Mark tells him, "If we're right the Armadillo should be
in big trouble now!"
Who decided this thing was an Armadillo anyway? The Spectrans? (who might
be forgiven a vague grasp of Earth's fauna) or some dimwit spotter who
doesn't know much about zoology? I think it looks like a turtle, Mark thinks
it looks like a turtle, Tiny thinks it looks like a turtle...SO WHY DOES
EVERYBODY KEEP CALLING IT AN ARMADILLO!!!!!!
*Sigh* thanks, I feel better now. Where were we? Oh yes -
End of digression two.
"Something's happening up there!" Tiny warns. What's happening is the
Turtle (aka Armadillo) is taking off. Inside the mecha Greenies report the
fires are out of control but state they are willing to fight on regardless!
(Colonel Two's motivational program is obviously working!) But the Colonel
decides discretion is the better part of valor and orders them to abandon
ship after setting robot controls.
Presumably now on auto-control the Turtle (aka Armadillo) overtakes the
Phoenix and clutches it to its belly, crushing the plexi-glass dome over
the lift and all but shaking Mark out of his seat, that'll teach him to
wear a seatbelt! (like fun it will!)
Turtle and Phoenix now dive into the sea locked together.
Apropo of nothing, did you know there is a Shakespearian poem entitled the
Turtle and the Phoenix? Do you care?
End of third and final digression.
As mecha and ship sink through the depths Zark, in voice over, explains
the situation for the benefit any visually impaired viewers; the Turtle is
trying to carry the Phoenix to the bottom of the sea where the pressure will
crush her.
"Hole in the ceiling time!" says Mark. They open the upper hatch to an
uninspiring view of the Turtle's underbelly, and BTW clearly show the
circular lift *is* on the bridge, (another minor mystery solved).
Mark's plan, if you can call it that, is to shoot a small missile into
the Turtle's underbelly thus blasting themselves free. Unless of course the
underbelly is as well armoured as the top in which case they're
history.
Nobody seems to have any problem with this, "It's a crazy idea, but I
like it!" says Jason.
Tiny observes gently that he doesn't want to panic anybody but they're
running out of time. Princess runs for the missiles, everybody but Tiny
stands on the circular lift plate watching her set them up.
"If this misses, we're all wet." Mark comments, (warned you about the
puns).
Then we cut to the ocean surface which boils, then erupts with columns of
flame from a titanic explosion. Have our heroes survived? Of course! After a
long, anxious beat the Phoenix emerges from the sea to the strains of
Dare Da and wings off into the sunset, (or sunrise) while Zark vents
his relief.
Then unfortunately it's back to NCC where we have to listen to Zark wrap
up for 1-Rover-1. Colonel Two, we are told, managed to make it back to
Spectra where he was certainly demoted and Zoltar put back in charge...this
is good? The Luminous One's reasoning is frankly beyond me, I guess he
feels if he's going to have losing commanders he might as well stick
with the one he's used to!
Zark then goes on to say how Jason's learned an important lesson about
teamwork and the importance of following orders, (wanna bet?) and I'm
wondering why Zark keeps blathering about Jason when it was *Mark* who had
the problem, apparently still unresolved I might add!
