Episode 8: Longest Birthday
Super Dimensional Fortress Macross
On air date: 1982.11.28
Story
(translation pending)
Staff
(translation pending)
Commentary
The episode where the new characters Max and Kakizaki first appear. Events such as Hikaru receiving a decoration and being promoted to squadron leader, and Minmei's birthday are mixed together and told at the same time. The episode depicts the circumstances of Hikaru: although he has been promoted, he doesn't show leader-like dignity to his subordinates. And while thinking about such carefree things as how to boast about being assigned subordinates to Minmei, Hikaru is bewildered by his new position as flight leader, such as being at the mercy of Max and Kakizaki, who fight at their own paces on the battlefield. The last scene, where Hikaru passes to Minmei the decoration he received instead of a present that he wasn't able to buy, seems to be a great scene as it concisely expresses the circumstances of Hikaru, who finds more value in Minmei's smile than in war results and meritorious war service. On the other hand, the style of the new characters' struggling at their own paces are deeply impressive, such as Kamjin, who pretends to be "training" and commences an audacious attack on the Macross; Max, who reveals his nature as an ace in combat in Battroid and demonstrates a spontaneity where he says, "I didn't know whether I was a genius or not"; and Kakizaki, who follows Hikaru without thinking about anything, and plunges into the enemy ranks.
Cast
(translation pending)
* Hayami Shō's Max role is credited to his real name, "Ōhama Yasushi", until episode 12.
Song
N/A
Characters and Mechanic that appear
Character
Ichijō Hikaru / Lynn Minmei / Hayase Misa / Roy Fokker / Claudia LaSalle / Bruno J. Global
Kim Kabirov / Shammy Milliome / Vanessa Leyard / Maximillian Jīnasu / Kakizaki Hayao / Miria Farīna Jīnasu / Lynn Kaifun
Buritai Kuridaniku / Exsedor Formo / Warera/Rory/Konda / Kamujin Kraveshera / Rapu Ramizu / Bodoruzā
Minmei's Uncle / Minmei's Aunt / Town Council Chairman / Oiguru
Mechanic
Macross /
(N) VF-1J (Hikaru) / VF-1J (Max) / VF-1J (Miria) / VF-1S /
(N) VF-1A (general)
VF-1A (Max) /
VF-1A (Kakizaki) /
Tomahawk /
Defender / Phalanx / Spartan /
Monster
Rigādo /
Gurāji / Nūjaderu-Gā / Quadoran-Rō /
Buritai's Ship
N: Normal, S: Super Valkyrie, A: Armoured Valkyrie
[Captions and quotes from the episode (translation pending)]
[More captions and quotes from the episode (translation pending)]
Topics—The First Appearance of the Destroid Phalanx?
Destroid wreckage is loaded onto the truck that passes close to Hikaru and the others, who are heading to Nyan-nyan. A round, black part is seen mixed in with the wreckage of the upper half of a familiar Defender Destroid. It's guessed that judging from the shape and colour, perhaps this part is the missile pod of a Phalanx, which hasn't appeared in the story yet. If that's the case, than one could say that this wreckage is the first appearance of the Phalanx.
Episode 8 "Longest Birthday"
[Captions and quotes from the episode (translation pending)]
[More captions and quotes from the episode (translation pending)]
[Captions and quotes from the episode (translation pending)]
Topics—Kakizaki Hayao's Model
Kakizaki Hayao, who appears in the series from this episode, was modelled after a male SF fan named Kakizaki Kazuyoshi, who was famous in SF and anime clubs in the Kantō region at the time. The real Mr. Kakizaki is said to have had a large build, a largehearted character, and was a glutton—just like the Kakizaki that appears in the series. In addition, Kakizaki's father, who appears as a photo in the 20th episode of the "Macross" TV version, is named Kakizaki Kazuyoshi in the setting materials.
[More captions and quotes from the episode (translation pending)]
Preview of the Next Episode
The "Miss Macross Contest" is being held to commemorate the launch of a TV station within the Macross. Minmei is one of the candidates. At that very moment, a Zentrādi surveillance craft is inbound. While Hikaru worries about the outcome of the contest, he takes off to intercept the surveillance craft. Next time, "Super Dimensional Fortress Macross", "Miss Macross".