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[ café reviews ]

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Bubblegum Crisis

Episode 8: Scoop Chase



[ production info ]

Distributed by: TOEMI (Japan), AnimEigo (North America)
Length: 30 minutes
Rating: NR, parental guidance suggested
Format: Subtitled/Dubbed (VHS/LD)


[ plot summary ]

vhs jacket

Young Lisa Vannette dreams of being an ace reporter and landing a front-page scoop. Having an uncle as the chief of the AD Police certainly can go a long way in giving her an inside track of what's happening around MegaTokyo. But when Lisa manages to sneak a couple of shots of the Knight Sabers in action, only to have Priss destroy the camera given to her by her father, things become personal. Now, she wants to find out the secret identities of the Knight Sabers -- which might not have been a problem except the Lisa is riding shotgun with Nene, and one of Lisa's photos seems to prove that Nene is in fact a Knight Saber.

Meanwhile, the Knight Sabers are just as busy as ever, fighting off boomers on the rampage. Except this time, it appears that someone is building boomers designed specifically to exceed the capabilities of the Knight Saber's own hardsuits. Dr. Mirian Yoshida is tired of playing second fiddle to GENOM's middle managers, and has designed a series of new combat units. Luckily, the Knight Sabers are getting fitted for new, upgraded hardsuits...


[ capsule review ]

When you watch a series that's been produced over a length of time, you'll often see progression of animation and production styles. BGC is a good example of this, where the animation really improves between Episode 1, and this final episode in the series. There are some well-done scenes (such as the opening shots where we see Linna jogging, or the sun shining off the buildings of downtown.)

Futamata Issei makes an appearance as Dr. Miriam Yoshida, the off-balance research scientist who's tired of not getting the recognition he believes is his due. Hisakawa Aya does a very credible performance as the teenaged Lisa Vannette, though the script portrays her as a very young teenager at times. The story is interspersed with good-natured humour throughout, and there's enough substance and action to keep your attention. A lot of attention is paid to Nene's character, with a few shots taken at her attempt to control her appetite (though you'd never guess that she has a weight problem by the way she's drawn), and Mackie gets a more expanded role, with a hint that he might become a romantic interest for Nene somewhere down the road. The only real weak point in the show occurs when Sylia is discussing the reason for the Knight Saber's existance with Lisa -- Bubblegum Crisis is at its best when it sticks to pushing mechanical designs and rock music, and doesn't delve too far into philosophy, but this scene was just long enough to be awkward. The music isn't as good as previous episodes either, though the end theme (sung by Omori Kinuko) isn't bad. Other than these minor criticisms, it's good entertainment -- one of my two favourite BGC episodes. - AN



[ café rating ]

Original: Subbed: Dubbed:
Story: N/A 4 stars N/A
Direction: N/A 4 stars N/A
Acting: N/A 4 stars N/A
Animation: N/A 4 stars N/A
Music: N/A 3 stars N/A
Translation: N/A 5 stars N/A
Overall Rating: N/A 4 stars N/A



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