Awww, come on laddie, it’s not like the passage of years will take it’s toll. The blood of Meltrans and Mako-cakes is with you.
Well Alto-hime’s birthday has come and gone, and at this time Alto-hime in accordance with American law is an adult of voting age. It was his party and he’ll fly if he wants to. You’d fly too if it happened to you.
So I had work this weekend and I finally got to Act IV in MGS4 on Big Boss hard in two days, I guess I have to wait until later to see the end of Solid Snake’s last mission. Lousy follow the disguised resistance fighter to meet Big Mama mission held me up for hours, until I stopped trying to sneak and initiated an ambush on that damned Humvee with PMCs. Still I will make time for Macross Frontier because this hiatus was torture. Thankfully it was not a gawd awful exercise in seven color carrot animation. Please note that upon completion of this post i have just finished working 11 hours on a Saturday, and 12 hours on a Sunday, I am not you know at 100% mental capacity.
On Frontier even bitter women like Lt. Glass age well, no doubt this is the result of Leon’s machinations…
Don’t worry Klein yours will get bigger too one day…
Yeah they’re not even loli…
It was a huge character dev and background blow out this time around, with more epic dogfights to follow, Ranka finally realizes her dreams of stardom while Alto-hime is forced to make some very important decisions when he is about to become a man. Sheryl plays a supporting role for the most part, but even she starts moving closer to her beloved Alto-hime. The background setup was intriguing but I doubt it will be heavy handed. I am surprised to see that Cathy Glass is actually playing a bigger part than just a mere government minder for SMS. Suffice to say Cathy has aged well. For obasan she seems to be gunning to become a Misa-class older nee-san. It was interesting to see that Cathy is getting along with the rest of the Macross Quarter crew, she has become the one-san of the bridge crew, and now has struck a working relationship with Klein-sama. Given how she and Leon have not been having office adventures, it is pretty much certain that Lt. Glass has gone native, and all this without having to be all rabu rabu with Ozma. Cathy is starting grow on me at first she seemed like an self assured butter bar out to bring ruin upon her crew, but lately she has shown a lot more intelligence and tact than I gave her credit for.
Well…
because this guy’s in charge…
Ah, I see you have met this bastard named “Relief” before, tell us the of the Epic beat down in which you poked out his eye…
With women Cathy seems to have a less fraught relationship, but with Captain “Womanizer” Wilder she did come off a haughty and rude. I suspect that being the seasoned woman of many love battles that she spotted that womanizer the moment she set foot on the ship. All that remains to be seen is if she can get along with Bobby. In any case it seems that the 33rd Marine Fleet is little loved by the microns, and despised by Klein-sama. So if Klein-sama thinks that they are a disgrace, it certainly must be the case as Klein-sama is most wise. Leon and Grace seem to have entered into an alliance of sorts with Grace showing off some Galaxy tech to get Leon to cooperate in her plans. Suffice to say Grace is proving to be quite the master manipulator. Not only did she back hand Mikhail into the realm of emo, but now she has Leon under her thumb to the point where she can leave for a while. I have no idea what Grace’s overall mission is now, but until the true fate of Macross Galaxy is revealed I am not sure whether her presence is part of a Galaxy-Frontier alliance, or merely the actions of a lone agent seeking to recover her people. Grace isn’t evil per se, but she is being sneaky.
Yeah i guess not even Alto-hime’s skills could overcome the fact that Yasaburo don’t look the part…
I see why Kawamori wanted such a legendary actor to be part of his movie, “Miss Macross” didn’t even come close to this…
Ranka Approves…
Ozma isn’t going out of his way to encourage Ranka and refuses to watch Ranka’s first kiss to be seen by the public. Nevertheless Ranka is quite happy with her new lot in life and it seems that her star has almost overtaken Sheryl overnight, though Leon thinks that the magic will be gone soon. Cathy seems to have taken a liking to Ranka and tells Leon off even as she is a bit jealous that she missed out on her chance to become an idol. Her manager seems to be somewhat competent as well given how he’s gotten Ranka on a hectic schedule. Of course while Ranka is much delighted at her dreams coming to fruition she still has not forgotten about Alto-hime, unfortunately Ranka is shy enough to the extent that her feelings are not apparent to Alto-hime.
O RLY?
…
’cause, Sheryl-sama doesn’t have green hair…
While it was a big step for Ranka to try and ask Alto-hime to meet him at the park alone it was in vain. I think that Ranka does feel that she owes Sheryl for helping her along, but it still looks like it is going to be a while before Ranka is up front about the way she feels. Ranka’s strategy of trying to use her new found fame to garner more attention from Alto-hime has backfired. Alto-hime was already familiar with fame, and it seems that this was pretty much the extent of his feelings for Ranka up to this point. Outwardly Alto-hime is unaware of Ranka’s sincere feelings of love for him. He isn’t even aware that she has a crush on him. Thus far Ranka has asked for support which he did give, once she made it big Ranka wanted to tell of all the new feelings she felt, however she never did send off her message, and her voice message only served to under cut her new self and go back to timid tongue tied Ranka. I think that Alto-hime’s sending out the Mikhail to meet Ranka in his stead; might be a subtle hint that Alto-hime thinks that Ranka and Mikhail are having sparks fly between them.
Down by the door where it began…
!
O SHI- another random Mikhail encounter…
Alto-hime started backing off since episode 5 when he saw Mikhail and Ranka playing hooky together, and Mikhail’s constant nagging for Atlo-hime to help out Ranka make it seem as if Mikhail really did care about Ranka. Mikhail’s rather different treatment of Ranka in relation to other women indicates that Mikhail cares something for her well being. To be fair Mikhail has been one of the most honest companions of Ranka, by keeping her bad behavior in check. Out of every one Ranka knows Mikhail has been the largest base of active male support Ranka. Bobby is pretty much a surrogate mother and I think even Alto-hime realizes just who it is that Luca fancies. Ranka is not helping matters by communicating to him like a little sister who wants her nii-san to watch what she is doing. Alto-hime was visibly happy when Kawamori announced the Rise of Ranka. I think that for Alto-hime. Ranka has already gotten to where she needs to be, and her career from now on will be her’s to run and her’s alone. I am sure he is happy for her, but I don’t think that at this point Alto-hime feels the need to give Ranka more encouragement. It’s her dream, not his and I don’t even think that it is his business or any one else’s to run Ranka’s career for her. Ranka seems to have grown up from a shy little girl to a woman with a career, that may not be the actual case, but it is not the time to try and baby Ranka. Even Ozma was restraining himself from interfering despite his misgivings. Ranka should be growing up right about now, her life and career is full of promise and it is hers to use as she see fits.
Is this Loli?
Is this guy pedo?
Is this Pokeman?
Sheryl has also only added a little encouragement as needed and even then refrains from telling Ranka what to do, but rather Sheryl encouraging actions that Ranka herself has decided upon. I suspect that Ranka’s continued reverence for Sheryl is also serving as a kind of barrier; Ranka is not simply intimidated by Sheryl, but coupled with Sheryl still being her hero and with Alto-hime be getting along with her hero, it would probably seem a bit detestable to Ranka for her to try and be the other woman who seeks to break them apart. Her feelings are genuine to be sure and Ranka certainly has a crush on Alto-hime, though it has not progressed into love from mere infatuation. If Ranka does make a move it will have to be because she actually loves Alto-hime enough to disregard all the help Sheryl gave her and all the encouragement Alto-hime gave her. Sheryl and Alto-hime look happy together, I doubt Ranka is the kind of girl who would move in on a guy before she was certain that Alto-hime would be just as happy or even more happy with her. Given that Ranka is not digging up dirt on Alto-hime feverishly Ranka seems more interested in merely having him at her side than knowing more about him.
Get up, fatboy! Quickly! Move it up! Move it up, Pyle! Move it up! You act like old people fuck. Do you know that, Pyle? Get up! You’re too slow! Move it, move it! Private Pyle, whatever you do, don’t fall down! That would break my fucking heart!
If you ladies leave my island, if you survive actor training… you will be an oyama, you will be a minister of acting, praying for roles. But until that day you are pukes! You’re the lowest form of life on Earth. You are not even human fucking beings! You are nothing but unorganized grabasstic pieces of amphibian shit! Because I am hard, you will not like me. But the more you hate me, the more you will learn. I am hard, but I am fair! There is no racial bigotry here! I do not look down on niggers, kikes, wops, or greasers. Here you are all equally worthless! And my orders are to weed out all non-hackers who do not pack the gear to serve in my beloved troupe! Do you maggots understand that?
Is that you John Wayne? Is this me?
Alto-hime has his own problems to deal with and while there is the very real possibility that he is merely running away from his father, I don’t think that it is necessarily the case. I think that while Alto-hime loves acting, and piloting, I don’t think that he is cut out to be the harsh headmaster of a distinguished kabuki acting troupe. By allowing him self to be disinherited from the position of Ranzo Saotome, it is not an outright rejection of acting. To be sure Alto-hime does have a love for acting, as he could not be a legendary oyama if he did not enjoy it at some level, but I think that Alto-hime wants to be more than just an actor. Given that his happiest moments were with, who I assume to be, his mum flying paper airplanes in start contrast to the scene with Ranzo tossing him across the room; Alto-hime had always wanted to be a pilot at some point in his life since an early age. For him to inherit the title of Ranzo, and become head of such a prestigious school he would have sacrificed his dreams for it to be as his father wanted it. It is clear enough that Yasaburo was by far the most eager of the potential successors, and had the will power and the determination to be a great actor. I think that Yasaburo would make for a better headmaster of the troupe even if Alto-hime is the superior actor. Just because you are good at something does not mean that you can teach people. When Alto-hime heard that his father had collapsed he was visibly worried and he did take pity on Yasaburo for still feeling inferior to him as an actor.
So please Nanase go out with Luca on a pity date.
See even Sheryl doles out pity dates for charity…mien gott look at that line!
Bah Mikhail is cutting again…
His precious token/amulet is always, barring a one time theft by Sheryl, with him, Alto-hime does care a lot for his folks back home. Since Kabuki-hime figures so prominently in the OP I think that reconciliation with his father is in the cards. In failing to cut off his long girlish hair I don’t think that Alto-hime has completely given up on being an oyama. It’s not that he could not act as a woman on stage any more it’s just that by being an oyama again before proving to his pops his desire to be a pilot, would mean letting Ranzo to insist that Alto-hime was only cut out to be an actor. Yasaburo was right in that Alto-hime was acting, Alto-hime pretends that he doesn’t care, but deep down he still does. However Yasaburo was wrong in the sense that acting is Alto-hime’s only love, it is pretty much on par with piloting. After all Alto-hime was striking poses during his last test, and ended up doing a bunch of acting gigs while still in SMS. The legendary oyama has not given up on acting, and Ranzo has not completely given up on his son. Ranzo did still see the legendary oyama when he ran into his wayward son, so I suspect that the threat of disinheritance was to put enough pressure on Alto-hime the pilot for him to fail and come back. As Alto-hime has proven more resilient and tenacious, grooming Yasaburo as a possible successor is also a wise move on Ranzo’s part, just in case if he is wrong about his son. As Alto-hime respects women more than men, I think we can assume for the time being that Alto-hime’s dear mother is no longer among the living, given how it is quite possible that she could have mediated the dispute.
Let’s kick it up a notch shall we?
Little Vajra must not complain about Ranka’s patented VF cookies…
You Queen will make you eat every last one for your insolence.
With this episode Sheryl has quite possibly been doing more than I ever could have guessed and the implications are quite damning to Ranka’s cause. While Shirukii and Blissmo are quick with the accusations of Sheryl being a hime thief (along with many Ranka fans and observers already waving the white flag sooner than Amulet Angel), after looking things over a couple times while exercising, I noticed that Sheryl’s strafing runs on Alto-hime were timed in both cases to take place at the end of the day. It is true that Sheryl was encouraging Ranka, but I doubt Sheryl has fully come terms with where she wants to go in her relationship with Alto-hime. Kabuki-hime is after all her only best friend in all of Frontier, since she is not that close to Nanase, Luca, or Mikhail; she must have been getting a bit lonely being marooned on a fleet she never expected to be staying for an extended period of time. When she first gave Alto-hime a kiss back in ep 5 Sheryl was on her way out, she felt something for Alto-hime and her kiss was more for her memories of a rather special guy, instead of giving Alto-hime something to dream about for years to come. When she did not leave and Alto-hime became a more permanent future in her life things got complicated.
Sweet mother of Valkyries Sheryl even knows Alto-hime’s sensitive spots…
Well at least you showed up…
Hehe work is that it? Don’t lie, we all know that you spent hours choosing an outfit…
On the eve of her leaving Sheryl was convinced that Ranka would be moving up on her own, it certainly was not the case due to Leon’s meddling, but Sheryl still wanted to mentor and aspiring singer even if it meant that her own status would have been threatened. To be sure I think Sheryl wants Ranka to be a daring woman who would seize the initiative, but instead Ranka seems to be enjoying the sensation of being caught up in a whirlwind of fame. Ranka has gotten into the big leagues but she has much to learn if she wants to stay a singer. I suspect that Sheryl is overestimating Ranka’s boldness to deal with Alto-hime, and since last time a little nudge was all it took to get Ranka to kiss hime. I am sure Sheryl thought that after that Ranka would have enough confidence to do anything. Seeing as how Ranka is giving off only imouto vibes perhaps she feels that Ranka will eventually realize that her love for Alto-hime is just infatuation with the princess who saved her, not full blown love. Either that or Sheryl is confident that Alto-hime is not romantically interested in Ranka, and if he is then he’s hiding it rather well. Sheryl hasn’t even admitted to herself that she loves Pilot-hime as she tries to play it all off as teasing. Alto-hime is a seasoned veteran of withering Mikhail class goading, so given how Sheryl’s teasing is along similar lines I think Alto-hime is treating her like a female version of Mikhail that has a slightly more pleasant personality.
Not yet any way…
I wonder how many times they have appeared in Alto-hime’s dreams since episode 3…
Clearly Alto-hime has no need for such things, he has also introduced a new euphemism…
…and Sheryl has loads of “confidence.”
While Ranka’s VF cookies were an excellent gift, it was basically trumped by Sheryl’s gift of a paid vacation to an open sky. Sheryl has been listening to what Alto-hime has to say instead of just using him as a shrink. Moreover it is possible that Sheryl’s attempts to get Alto-hime to act again are her way of trying satisfying Alto-hime’s actor sensibilities. If Sheryl was indeed aware of Alto-hime’s continued love of the stage, then Sheryl has certainly been paying attention to his manners and possibly digging up loads of dirt that has escaped the skills of Luca. The implication is that Sheryl knows hime very well to the point where she can subtly fulfill and nurture both of Alto-hime’s passions while Ranka is still trying to grasp who Alto-hime is underneath his fair façade. I don’t think that Sheryl pre-empted Ranka or set her up for failure. Here Sheryl’s timing is key, when she first gave Alto-hime notice of her intended gift it was at the end of the day, where presumably Alto-hime would have made plans with his buddies, and thus allowing Ranka to strike first on time commitment front. Secondly when they departed it was already evening, thus Alto-hime would have been able to celebrate with friends and family before leaving with her. Ranka had asked Alto-hime to wait indefinitely for the whole day, and it is still possible that Alto-hime was waiting up to a point. As he is familiar with the hectic schedule of newly discovered stars (he made it big at 14 after all) putting Mikhail on post was not as callous an action from his view. First off Mikhail might have the hots for Ranka. Secondly he hardly considers his own birthday to be that important, and more over Ranka did not force a change in schedule to give him a set time, so it must not be that important.
…
…
Alto-hime is not amused, he’s already seen almost all of it anyway…
Grace has taught you well, But your are not a Jedi Alto-hime’s girlfriend yet…
Impressive.
Most Impressive.
So like Sheryl, Alto-hime probably wanted Ranka to focus on her career a bit more and to mature as a star on her own. Sheryl took off with Alto-hime roughly 30-45 minutes before sunset, more than enough time for Ranka to give her gift and have her sister-brother moment. It’s important to keep in mind that Sheryl has not been working all this time and that her schedule is not as hectic like Ranka’s. Sheryl can dictate her own schedule at times and made time to see Alto-hime in a timely manner. Also Sheryl was not directly meddling in Alto-hime’s affairs and gave Ranka the opportunity to have her moment alone with Alto-hime, thus Sheryl avoided confrontation with Ranka, and gave Alto-hime plenty of breathing space, before their alone time. Sheryl could have clung as tightly as possible, but she didn’t drag hime along where ever she went. Her gift to Alto-hime was inspired and a sign of Sheryl’s aptitude to make the best of the situation and understand in depth what makes Alto-hime tick. Suffice to say if this is the case then Ranka had better haul ass and come to terms of what she really wants and how she really feels.
Oh Alto-hime…
…
That’s one for Alto-hime. That’s what you get for teasing hime like that.
Well next time it looks like we are in for a delightful atmospheric dogfight. I suspect that these 33rd Marine Fleet blokes will be joining Ai Ai Alto-hime in no time at all. Pilot-hime is indeed a formidable fighter pilot and quite capable of captivating a male audience. Given how the 33rd has ignored the Sheryl, they might prove vulnerable to the legendary oyama.
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Comments (25)
While this was an excellent blog post as usual. The lack of any song lyrics, especially after teasing us with a title like that, is gravely disappointing.
d3v added these pithy words on Jun 23 08 at 2:42 amIf Sheryl’s chest brings people dreams and hope, the Alto-hime’s brings us disappointment that it isn’t just a deliciously flat chest.
d3v added these pithy words on Jun 23 08 at 2:49 amThe title reminds me of a song that I cannot seem to remember about.
The Sojourner added these pithy words on Jun 23 08 at 3:50 amFLAT-CHEST FTW!! 
Sheryl’s just so cool though that it makes me jealous for Ranka, so hopefully she’ll be able to understand Alto more and hook up with him already
blissmo added these pithy words on Jun 23 08 at 4:48 am@blissmo: seconded B)
LDC added these pithy words on Jun 23 08 at 5:45 amI totally agree with you about Sheryl and Ranka. Sheryl is much more sensitive to Alto’s feelings and wishes in spite of her diva image. Ranka, however, doesn’t really know Alto at all. It doesn’t make sense for Alto to go out with Ranka as she is now.
Why hasn’t Luca offered to help Nanase scheme ways to hook up Ranka and Alto as a way to get a date with Nanase?
Kabitzin added these pithy words on Jun 23 08 at 6:56 amOh, first of all, Crusader finally got me to catch up with the latest episode of Macross Frontier. Being addicted to work and games is never a very good thing. Anyway, the entry needs more Ranka. Even though Sheryl is cute and hot, Ranka is a DFC AND GREEN HAIRED BISHOUJO FOR christ’s sake. Honestly, I got to do up a new banner and put Ranka up there for THAT.
In this episode, I felt that Ranka is very selfish as a person, despite my admiration of her physical attributes. I have to agree with quite a few bloggers out there that Sheryl actually cares and knows what Alto wants in life. Ranka has a “I like him but I am more interested in myself” vibe. It’s perhaps a bit lacking in maturity, but she is young. Forgive the Ranka-sama for that.
I wonder why Luca still has not dated Nanase. He seems so adoring of the gal who is completely oblivious of his presence. It’s rather sad actually. I am actually interested in the development between Luca and Nanase, be it an outright rejection or something. The two of them are pretty much two dimensional for now (Nanase less so).
I must also say that the amount of plot and character development in Macross Frontier is rather high and stellar. It has been a long while since I watched a mecha show that has rather high levels of quality in it since Simoun (I consider that partially mecha). I have been extremely impressed with Satelight’s treatment of the animation, which is just downright stunning.
Lastly, Alto’s thoughts confused me. It seems outwardly that he is running away from his father (he does have the blood of acting), yet there is something more that compels him for his dream. Could it be a conflict between reality and societal/family pressures that are confusing his mind right now. Of course, we know that he will definitely be flying, but it is a very good way by Macross to drop some red herrings in the form of flashbacks on Alto’s past with her mother and a paper plane.
Impz added these pithy words on Jun 23 08 at 7:51 amImpz, I’m going to wait for that Ranka banner! I’m not going to hold it against Ranka for not knowing Alto more than Sheryl did. This is just episode 11. She’ll come to know Alto more in a better fashion. Can’t believe Sheryl pulled the Galia 4 card. No wonder Alto went for it. Cheapshot lol If you notice Sheryl’s new outfit here is like the equivalent of Ranka’s red jumper outfit.
http://that.animeblogger.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/snapshot20080620231241.jpg <—This is freakin’ cute. Too cute for words. So cute. I’ve reached the point where it doesn’t matter whether it ends up being a Vajra or not. I <3 this green thing. ^.^
Ricaryx added these pithy words on Jun 23 08 at 11:21 amIf Alto thought that there was something between Michael and Ranka, then wouldn’t he have sent Michael off to bring Ranka back when she wandered off on her own in episode ten? Or wouldn’t he at least have given Michael a proper retort after hearing yet more ‘relationship advice’ regarding Ranka? Alto doesn’t really strike me as the matchmaker type.
Remember that Alto is a very direct guy. I think that it’s more likely that the decision was a last minute thing, and he couldn’t get a call through to Ranka on time. Given Alto’s earlier talk about obligations, he’s probably not one to take the risk of leaving Ranka hanging if the message doesn’t go through; so it’s natural that he’d send someone in his place to see that the message is delivered.
(Ideally, of course, I’m sure that Alto could have done all three things had people just confirmed a time with Alto beforehand. Who says that you have to celebrate someone’s birthday on the day itself?) 
I agree with your assessment of Alto’s interest in flying. In fact, the monologue that Yasaburo gives at the end seems to be in line with this point: people are drawn to do what they love, even if it’s beyond their reach. Yasaburo is drawn to act even though he lacks Alto’s ability, and Alto is drawn to fly even though he may not be the very best pilot on his team. What matters is not the ability that they inherit, but that they pursue their dreams.
(I wonder if Sheryl is intimidated by Alto’s beauty. Otherwise she wouldn’t have needed to use the “My breasts are better than your breasts” line.)
While we still don’t know how Sheryl percieves Ranka’s relationship with Alto, I suspect that she doesn’t know that Ranka has a crush on the guy. Remember that most of our own awareness of Ranka’s feelings for Alto comes only out of Ranka’s monologues, rather than through her actions. Alto made it clear early on to Sheryl that he was not dating Ranka, and Sheryl hasn’t witnessed any sort of intimacy between the two, yet. The only thing that Sheryl has really had a chance to see is a girl who looks up to her senpai for support: which is why it’s perfectly natural to expect Ranka to want him to be at her first concert.
Sheryl is smart, able to think on her feet, and very spontaneous… but she’s terrible at planning. Don’t forget that this is a girl who enthusiastically jumped off the roof of her school before thinking about how she was going to stop her fall. She doesn’t even know when her own concert dates are (Grace handles all of the details, as was mentioned in episode eight); so how is she supposed to construct a plan based on Ranka’s schedule (which wasn’t even established at the time)?
I think it’s much simpler than that. Sheryl came up with an idea on the spur of the moment, and she told Alto just like that. You can hear the barely suppressed excitement in her voice when she breaks the news to Alto; I wouldn’t have batted an eyelid had she run straight out in her underwear to tell him when the idea first struck her. She looked so absolutely ecstatic at the idea that Alto will finally have the chance to fulfill that dream of his that I doubt a single other thought even entered her head. Silly girl.
I am glad to see that Sheryl’s interest in living a normal life has finally set fire to her imagination, and it looks like it has finally taken precedence over being an idol. In the past, Sheryl’s school work always seemed somehow tied in to her job. With this episode, she seems to be really pushing herself simply to do well (and if taking care of your health is the number one priority to an idol, then why do well at school at the cost of your health?) In fact, I wonder if she would have even taken the Galia-4 job if it didn’t have a connection to Galaxy. But this is a great improvement, given that Sheryl has always been a bit of a workaholic.
@ Impz: If there’s going to be a Ranka banner, any chance of making it a Ranka & Sheryl banner?
@dv3 and The Sojourner
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsYJyVEUaC4&feature=related
Enjoy.
@blissmo
Patience my friend. Soon Alto-hime will be rabu rabu with some one and the Ranka will become a woman. Our work is not yet finished…
@Kabitzin
Yeah Sheryl has come a long way since episode 1, I had thought that Sheryl would not have this much of an effect, but I do like how they are building them up. However if Alto-hime’s destiny does lie with Ranka then it will be a very painful break up for both of them. If Ranka wanted to hit pay dirt on Alto-hime, she would do well to ask Luca.
As for LucaxNanase I think that the latter is infatuated with Ranka, while the former is still stuck in his engineer ways. When Luca caresses Nanase as lovingly as one of his machines then much rejoicing will be had.
@Impz
Glad you finally caught up boss. Yeah Sheryl has the initiative right now and knows how to bait and nurture our Alto-hime. Ranka on the other hand has just achieved her dream, I hope that she does not get betrayed by it and grows into the outstanding woman and star we know that she can be.
As for Luca being timid, once Mikhail is finally dealt with by Klein-sama I am sure Luca’s boldness will become more apparent.
I think that Alto-hime knows that he isn’t cut out to be the next Ranzo. He already has trouble beating people up, so its not like being a legendary oyama is going to mean that he can teach the next generation of actors. He hasn’t run away completely but has distanced himself enough that Yasaburo the one who wants to be the successor has an actual shot. Alto-hime is not an acting genius, but rather he wants to be a savant. To be a Ranzo would mean focusing on acting to the exclusion of all else, and that is not something Alto-hime is ready to commit to just yet if ever.
As character development goes I think thatey are doing a great job as every actions has some sort of grounding and not merely taken for granted. Cathy even has come along a bit as well instead of being a mere stand in for a Misa look-alike.
Hurry up with that banner will ya?
Well, I want to believe that Ranka will come out on top, but I’ve always somehow favored the girl who never ends up with the lead character, and with the way things are progressing, I’m that much closer to believing the trend is set to continue here as well. Back to fulfilling my sick fantasies of Ranka with 3D Custom Girl xD
Shin added these pithy words on Jun 23 08 at 2:05 pmWell so far Sheryl seems to be more in touch with Hime-san’s feelings because it’s true she does give him more time to breathe. On the other hand Ranka isn’t that selfish, she just relies on Alto’s support soo much that it wont help her grow as a singer. Sheryl at times seems to act a little selfish too, but we just have to face the possibility that maybe Alto and Ranka wont end up together because as much as we don’t want to realize Ranka’s character seems to be hinting that she has a past that might separate her from her existing world and just leaving behind a wonderful history as a singer and letting Sheryl and Alto together. I find that sad to believe but hey we all know that deep down Sheryl isn’t a bad person and does care about the galaxy^^ Although I do want Alto and Ranka to end up together….tsk…tsk…but hey that’s why we love this kind on anime- because it keeps us wanting for more^^ So thank for the update!
Claricandyxd added these pithy words on Jun 23 08 at 2:21 pm@Ricaryx
At the very least we can rest assured that the Poke-Vajra will never do anything against the will of Ranka.
I am sure that Ranka will be pulling the same trick eventually…
@Swampstorm
Alto-hime is no matchmaker, but he does make way when the time calls for it. Back in Episode 10 he needed to get Ranka back because timing was critical if Ranka was to get an expanded role, besides I guess to Alto-hime a pow wow between actors was needed, and Mikhail is no actor.
I am sure that Sheryl wants to see Alto-hime in sakura-hime form too. She even hinted at it in episode 10. I think that Sheryl is capable of making plans, even when she escapes from Grace she always comes back right on time, so it seems that Sheryl is at the very least decent in time management. It is quite possible that Sheryl chose her location wise in order to distract Alto-hime with VF-25s taking off as she would be better able to sneak up on hime like that. Perhaps it was all a coincidence, but it could be Sheryl learning a thing or too from Grace.
Perhaps Sheryl wanted a Ranka around to take some of her workload…even if it was not just as planned it does mean she has more time for Alto-hime.
@Shin
You know Kawamori might still be able to surprise us, heck when I first watched Macross Minmay was the strong starter while Misa just cinched it in the final lap. Ranka might yet make it. No doubt it will be down to the wire as it was in True Tears. I was convinced that Hiromi was finished when Shin only saw Noe as he danced, but alas it was to be a rude shock.
No sure how I feel about using 3D custom girl, but if you made all grown up Ranka it might work…
@Claricandyxd
If Ranka is to reap the fate of Minmay I am sure it will still be a sight to behold. Once Ranka learns to stand on her own I am sure Alto-hime will take some notice if not necessarily from a romantic stand point. Had Sheryl been the haughty Sheryl of old then I doubt there would have been much fan fare for her cause. I think we care and forgive all three of them because they are decent enough blokes with neither Sheryl or Ranka taking the role of spiteful witch meaning that there is a sort of mutual admiration and begrudging respect on both sides.
Thanks for reading.
Crusader added these pithy words on Jun 23 08 at 5:35 pm@Crusader
It’s just not the same if the lyrics aren’t bastardized changed to fit the show.
On the one hand I feel bad for Ranka, but on the other hand I don’t.
Even while Sheryl may be unaware of how Ranka feels for Alto-hime and even if he’s unaware of how she feels about him. Ranka herself seems to have some inkling that Sheryl and Alto-hime might end up doing the tango.
So if she really likes him there really isn’t any room for hesitation on her part.
Of course as you point out her respect for Sheryl as a mentor may be stopping her from acting on her feelings for Alto-hime. But as you pointed out she’s going to have to figure out her feelings and decide if she wants to fight for him.
But I think she’s already close to losing the battle so she shouldn’t take too much time deciding. Funny how the cookies tasted bitter right
Also well he’s always wanted to fly in an atmosphere, and its his birthday so Alto-hime should get to do what he wants, so I’m with him on that one.
Plus even if he’s going with Sheryl, I’m sure a big part of choosing her gift, is because he’ll get to do just that, and leave all stresses behind for a little while as he flies.
It was wise of her to distract him with the VF-25’s, I’d be distracted too. Such pretty mecha’s they are. Although currently I’m trying to talk Hubby into this one —> http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/4301/51801968yg6.jpg&imgrefurl=http://gunota.info/index.php/2008/03/06/alters-arx-7-arbalest/&h=522&w=400&sz=49&tbnid=FM4kYPpviD8J::&tbnh=131&tbnw=100&prev=/images%3Fq%3DARX-7%2BArbalest&sa=X&oi=image_result&resnum=1&ct=image&cd=1
Although I really don’t know what took them so long. You can even open him up so you can see where Sousuke sits. Given the price though its probably a pipe dream, but I’ve always wanted my own model of Arbalest.
Hubby walked in while I was marathoning this the other night, he was impressed by Sheryl walking around sans bra. Needless to say she’s won his vote!
But I could see him frown at me drooling over Michel’s VF-2G, I think he’s anticipating whining if they release a model of it…
D.J added these pithy words on Jun 23 08 at 6:59 pmSorry VF-25G, I had to correct that, its the English blood, I hate it when I screw something up.
I also agree I think Sheryl wants to see Sakura-hime. What is is with girls wanting guys to dress up as girls?
And Impz is rooting for Ranka, now why doesn’t that surprise me… 
Excellent post as always.
In many ways, Alto and Sheryl are kindred spirits. They are both the kind who will go and actively persue their goals in life, but because of their achievements, they are also removed from the world. They are both popular and good looking, and of course very talented in what they do as well. They also act very naturally around each other, in the way that best friends and significant others do around eachother.
Meanwhile for Ranka, Alto is still just this beautiful bishonen who saved her life back in episode 1, and she is still hero worshiping him quite a bit. She really doesn’t know too much about him, and as she is now she cannot satisfy his needs in any way. As such Sheryl isn’t as much a hime-thief, as Ranka is just not up to the job at all.
Epi added these pithy words on Jun 23 08 at 8:47 pm@d3v
There were simply not enough shots of flying to warrant it… maybe next time.
@D.J
Yeah I guess in love she who hesitates is lost. Good luck with getting your new toy, me I am using my tax rebate to pay for a lab course… T_T
Sheryl said it herself that her chests brings people dreams and hope…I am sure your Hubby will soon realize that Alto-hime gives Sheryl a good run in the appearance front.
The VF-25G is an excellent choice it has loads of personality when Klein-sama is around. That being said both VF-25G and Space Suit Klein-sama must come out as a set, NO EXCEPTIONS. XD
@Epi
Sheryl and Alto-hime have come along nicely as two friends, but whether or not Sheryl can successfully convert it into a loving relationship remains to be seen though there is no loack of will or drive on her part.
It’s funny how Ranka’s Prince in VF-25 turned out to be a princess. It seems the idea of Alto-hime being Alto-oji never once crossed her mind. I think Alto-hime means a lot more to Ranka than just the Princess who saved her, he is also the Princess who listened to her hopes and dreams and boosted her confidence when times were hard. Certainly Ozma was not providing enough support while Bobby still has work to deal with.
Crusader added these pithy words on Jun 23 08 at 8:54 pmWell first off, I hope you got the chance to rest Crusader! Those are some long damn shifts!
Thanks, but Arbalest is probably a pipe dream unless the price comes down. I actually need to get off my ass and start studying, since my rebate is actually going towards my citizenship fees. Sadly the $600 won’t even cover the entirety of it.
I’m really pissed about the extra $80 biometric fee on top of the $575 filing fee. Which you can actually file online now, so they don’t technically have a bunch of paperwork to deal with.
I don’t see the need to waste money being fingerprinted again, when they already did so for my permanent resident card. Its not like my fingerprints have changed any. I guess maybe its to double check I still am who I actually say I am?
I dunno, all I know is the U.S government is once again getting a nice chunk of change out of me on top of the chunk they already take for taxes.
So basically my rebate is going right back to the governement!
LOL, maybe although he might continue to be distracted by Sheryl’s charms if she keeps putting them out there, which I’m sure she will. Actually he’s had me bump the original Macross up to the top on our Netflix queue. I think MF is making him nostalgic.
And somehow I don’t think you’re the only one thinking that the VF-25G should come with space suit Klein
@D.J.
Well some of us would prefer if the V-25G came not with space suit Klan, but with macro-Klan in the miclonization chamber.
@d3v, ahh sorry I forget about the loli fans ^-^ Hopefully they would release two versions and that way everybody would be happy ^-^
D.J added these pithy words on Jun 24 08 at 3:25 pm@D.J.
What loli fans? I mean I wanna see it packed in with macronized one-sama Klan while she’s in the tank.
I’ve always loved the dynamic between the Yin & Yang of certain characters in Macross….i see shades of early Rik Hunter(Alto hime) & Lin min-may(Sheryl & Ranka chan).
Ahhh soft vapour dreams of those halcyon days.
Great werk LONG LIVE THE SAGA