There's almost no better feeling
than working through your self-imposed pile of shame. Except maybe
that pleasant feeling of shame-tinged surprise when a series you've
been putting off forever exceeds your expectations. Which is what
just happened with me and Macross Frontier.
Although Macross is
a franchise I respect very much, I wouldn't call myself a
particularly passionate fan. It's been almost four years since I
first watched the original series, Do You Remember Love,
and Macross Plus one
after another. Upon revisiting the movie just a few months back, I
found myself much more interested in the technical aspects than
engaged with the technical aspects than engaged with the story and
characters. My curiosity regarding Macross Frontier
didn't stem from above for the original, but from this new show's
pleasing, much-AMV-ed visuals. Well, and the critical reception; it
may not actually be mentioned much, but this show didn't seem to
undergo the crucifixion for daring to be a beloved franchise's latest
entry.
About 50 years after the events of
the original series, humanity is pushing out into space in gigantic
colony ships, only to encounter an insectoid alien foe called the
Vajra. Mankind's only hope for survival may rest in the Vajra's
strange reaction to music and the mysterious pasts of several
characters. So really there's nothing new in terms of basic concept
here. Ditto for the characters. The three major players are Alto,
distant, reckless teenage boy who loves flying; Ranka, bubbly teenage
girl who harbors dreams of sharing her songs with the galaxy; and
Sheryl, the young, vain pop sensation who may hide a soft side.
Although we've seen these types before, here they feel more
convincing and enjoyable than the norm; Alto has his moments of
angst, but still comes across as a reliable guy who would sacrifice
much for his friends, just like Ranka comes across as a strong-willed
woman despite her adorable klutziness. Not only are this trio's
interactions enjoyable to watch, but gradually reveal their inner
fears and desires, making them all easy to root for. Side characters
get fleshed out plenty as well, with each one given a reason for
being there beyond exposition or comic relief, but there's no denying
it's the Alto/Ranka/Sheryl dynamic that carries the show.
Even if the characters were less
endearing, I doubt the show would ever really feel like a slog.
That's because the plot, clichéd though it may be, moves very
briskly. No sooner does Alto join an independent military
organization than he's learning the stories of new friends, right
before dealing with his potential love interests who surely won't be
in danger from next episode's Vajra attack, right? Ranka's
blossoming music career is its own set of surprises and challenges,
as is Sheryl's established career and her buried feelings. The fast
pace never feels too
rushed, at least not for me, because the casts' emotions are always
given the time they need to develop.
The action is another strength.
Sure, many will decide the complete reliance on CG for both monsters
and mecha, and I can't say I blame them. But the reality is there
aren't many people left who can
draw what's being put onscreen digitally, certainly not on a TV
budget. Many things get blown up on a grand scale, and that's enough
for me. Even better there's variety
in the action; surprisingly seldom will the main objective of an
episode be “fly out and shoot the attacking Vajra”. Missions
range from training to escort to preemptive strikes, with objectives
changing as needed and usually resulting in character development.
There's even some hand-to-hand fighting before the end.
And this being Macross
after all, the music is a high point, as long as you have a great
love (or tolerance) for j-pop. Yoko Kanno's soundtrack is maybe more
in-your-face than her many more famous scores, but surprisingly
catchy. True, a few slower tunes are reused a little too often, but
then again nearly every episode has at least one major song
prominently featured. That so many tracks have enough variations to
remain pleasing throughout the show is impressive. Of course the
combat scenes benefit greatly from a lot of these songs, but
considering the franchise, did we expect anything different?
There are faults to be found if you
look for them, like the fact that we've all heard this story and seen
these characters before. J-pop haters will find few tracks to enjoy,
and cel-animation fans will no doubt consider the CG action a
travesty. Many answers to the ongoing mysteries were a little too
simple, particularly the identity and plan of the main villain. The
male gaze is indeniably present, with the female bust receiving more
attention than I really wanted, and the inclusion of one or two
classic Macross
characters seemed unnecessary, their motives uncertain.
But I consider these observations
to be nitpicks, not indisputable evidence of failure. Whether
comparable to the older shows or not, I was entertained throughout
the run of Macross Frontier.
I laughed. I felt my blood pump faster. I believed that a love
song could save the galaxy. Color me satisfied.
