Amazon
Revelations about the true nature of the Jovian Lizards waging war against Earth have had a deleterious effect on the morale of the crew of the nuttiest ship in the solar system. Their leaders attack the problem in a dignified, tasteful manner that doesn't involve a reference to Gekigangar 3: they hold a beauty pageant, with the winner becoming Captain for a Day. As the secrets in the title are revealed, Science Officer Ruri, the most popular character from the show, learns she is actually a princess--the heir to the throne of a former amusement park that's become a tiny monarchy specializing in gambling and money laundering. Typically, Ruri remains unimpressed, although her reactions cause problems for the hapless Akito. The series reaches new heights of absurdity in "The Meadows We Once Ran Across." When Akito participates in a successful teleportation experiment, he's told "chronological linearity can be compromised" (that is, time may get messed up)--and it is. Director Tatsuo Sato bounces randomly from scene to scene for the rest of the episode. To pass the time until the crisis is resolved, the linked minds of the crew examine each others' pasts in a game of memory mahjong. The filmmakers continue gleefully punching holes in the clichés of the space-mecha genre without becoming idiotic or tiresome. Unrated; suitable for ages 10 and older; minor sexual innuendoes and violence, largely restricted to robot vs. robot. --Charles Solomon