So, Macross Frontier has finally ended. Or has it? I have no idea. But what I do know is that the final episode is the most blatant 24 minutes of fan service I have ever seen, and that’s including that Gundam SEED Destiny episode where Lacus bares it all. Bravo Satelight! This is a new benchmark for all future human endeavours.

I don’t know what to say, really. Episode 25 has brought Macross Frontier to a completely different realm of existence from the unwashed masses of mere anime. It’s not a matter of entertainment value or literary merits; the show is simply in its own plane of being, beyond the limits of mortal comprehension.

Certainly, it’s not a very good episode if we consider the criteria used to judge regular story endings; in fact it’s a pretty bad one. I mean, who but the intellectual Hercules among us could’ve imagined that things would get spectacularly blown up and the day would be saved? But let’s put the predictable cop-out ending aside and appreciate the greatness of ultimate fan gratification.

Hey, that’s Mao Nome the ex-loli at the back!

Satelight really went all out with the homages for this episode. We have Earth’s Macross City, the good old Macross Attack (still as illogical as ever), and everyone’s favourite idol Lynn Minmay, whose classical character design makes her look like a different species from the rest. The only thing that can triumph this potent combination in tearing at the heartstrings of Macross fanboys is an actual sequel to the original series.

Macross Attack: because only humanoid mecha can shoot missiles

I am almost positive that every single piece of music composed for Macross Frontier is used in episode 25. Sheryl and Ranka diligently cover each of their trademark songs —so different in style from one another— in a chaotic cacophony worthy of at least five dozen Grammys. My feeble mind almost explodificated in the process, but it was worth it. I can now die happily knowing that I have experienced the entire human condition distilled into 10 minutes of seizure-inducing musical extravaganza.

Seriously though, what the hell?

That said, in spite of my cynical exterior, deep down I am just a vulnerable fanboy. I tried to steel my resolve against the onslaught of cheap fan baits, but Maaya‘s rendition of “AIMO” and the duet performance of “Triangler” at the end of the episode took me by surprise and totally melted my heart. Damn you Sunrise Satelight!

Macross F has suddenly become a yuri series

The ending itself is of course a bit of a letdown. The villains are defeated rather unceremoniously and most of the episode is spent on the familiar formula of “give airtime to everyone who shows up on popularity rankings”.

The crux of the story, the love triangle on which everything rests, is left unresolved. I blame this on the modern anime industry’s “let’s not upset the fans” mentality. The original Macross pulled it off without having to resort to a cop-out, so this is rather disappointing. It’s like when Ozma failed to die and went on to survive the rest of the series as a pointless character.

Apparently a movie release is in the works for Macross Frontier. I hope it’s a love comedy about how Alto and Sheryl get married and Ranka falls into a state of alcoholism, but chances are it’s about some other giant robot that Alto has to go blow up with his infinite supply of missiles.

Still, there is hope.

Episode 16 of Macross Frontier gets a new ending theme Northern Cross performed by May Nakabayashi. It’s a really beautiful song written to fit Sheryl’s image. YouTube video and my rough guesstimation of the song lyrics after the jump.

The song is awesome and really powerful. It foretells the second rise of Sheryl Nome who shall overcome the unwashed masses’ paedophilic preference for young green-haired loli klutz and retake her rightful place as the star of the show. XD

It will be out on 20th August as the B-side of the new OP single, “Lion”. Even if you are a Ranka fanboy—shame on you Omo—you shouldn’t miss this wonderful CD! I can’t wait to listen to the new opening theme too. (Although Maaya is still much loved.)

The first pressings are all sold out, but you still can preorder the regular version from CD Japan or Amazon. Of course, I already have my first press copy preordered some time ago. :)

Why does watching Macross Frontier bring a warm and fuzzy feeling to my heart? Perhaps it’s the draw of its wonderful soundtrack composed by Yoko Kanno, or is it the oscillating love triangle between Alto, Sheryl and Ranka? The storytelling is altogether compelling and the seamless blending of audio and visual effects bring highlight to every episode, each one an unique and exhilarating ride to satisfaction. It’s difficult to pinpoint just what Macross F has done right, but the use of music as a central plot device is without a doubt a vital part of its magic.

Macross Frontier looks set to be the show of the year. Go watch it if you haven’t. It’s simply deculture. (Zentradian for “unbelievable”.)

P.S. The primary motivation for this post is my sudden urge to fanboy over Sheryl after having watched episode 5. Sheryl <3