EPISODE 7
I'm sure this episode is one that's seen by modern viewers who will laugh or think it's "cheesy" or whatever -- "LOL, balloons save the day!" -- but I like it. And while it was an episode I liked as a kid, I didn't know what it was saying with these characters to appreciate it the way it should be appreciated, so nostalgia's not playing much of an effect here.
This is the first script for this series by Kunio Fujii. This episode, really, encapsulates the entire theme of the Flashman having lost their childhood. And it's not done in a goofy way, it's not done in a way that makes them seem stupid, it's done in a simple way that gets the point across. But I'll be blunt on this point: this was obviously a Save-Some-Money episode, because it takes place entirely at (and therefore is an advertisement for) Korakuen Amusement Park. But they make it work to their advantage!
The Flash team visits said amusement park and are in awe of it. They're enjoying themselves in a way that's new to them, and making up for those lost years of youth. When they spot a boy nearby, chasing after a balloon that gets away from him, floating and getting stuck in a tree, Bun comes to the rescue with his fancy climbing ability. He grabs the balloon and returns it to the kid, who lets him have it. (The kid helps out at his parent's toy shop at the park.) Fascinated by the balloon, Bun returns to the others, and they all react excitedly. I like that we have these moments of the Flash team enjoying and appreciating the small things in life; in this scene it's balloons, later on, Bun's sadly taking in the entire toy store, thinking of all the moments he's missed. They're not only making up for lost time, but getting to know their home planet, and don't take anything for granted. (A trait that will help them out later in the show, I tells you.)
And like the villains they are, Mess uses the Flashman just relaxing and enjoying their balloon to strike, popping the balloon and debuting the latest Beast Soldier to wreak havoc. This monster was made partially out of a chameleon's genes, so it's able to blend into its surroundings, appearing virtually invisible, and beat the Flashman with ease. The trump card for our heroes? The very balloons they just discovered. A multi-colored group of balloons pass through the monster, messing up its camouflaging ability, and revealing its location. Bun returns to that toy shop, buys a lot of balloons from that kid he met earlier, and successfully ruins Mess's plans.
The kid is a nice counterpoint to the Flashman; he's a little humorless, serious for his age. He doesn't really understand why these weirdos are so amused by balloons, but doesn't care as long as they pay. The episode ends with Bun leading the others to send balloons flying -- Bun says the balloons are filled with his dreams, and that he hopes they reach the Flash planets. It's a variation on that old school activity, remember tying a message to a balloon and letting it float off? It's a nice thought, and this is appropriate for our team. (We're also told that he hopes it's viewed as a message of hope for anyone terrorized by Mess. Let's just hope things didn't turn out 99 Luftballons here, and that Bun didn't kick off some crazy intergalactic war.)
I wonder if it's due to the show being delayed, meaning maybe they got to spend more time together, but our cast of heroes is just instantly gelled. They all just seem to hit the ground running and start the show strong and just keep going. They're a good group of performers, with a good chemistry -- you believe they're friends, you believe they're just so full of wonder. They never make the characters seem stupid or immature, just curious, wanting to enjoy themselves and make the most of their situation. Our heroes are bright and optimistic -- even later in the show, when things go to shit for them -- and it's always believable. They never seem like blank, empty-headed, sugary nerd phonies, there to just spout PSAs. That's pretty tricky to pull off, and all five Flashman actors ace it from the get go.
Random note: After Kragen enlarges the monster, shrinking down after sending its energy and landing on Kiruto's shoulder, you can tell there had just been some BTS shenanigans and that Hirose, Nagato and Kojima are all barely stifling laughter. It's freaking funny and I'd love to know what was crackin' them up so much.
I know it’s Sentai so commenting on the effects is pointless, but it seems like with Flashman (and Juspion) Toei tried to use a lot more green screen and compositing, which they mostly ditch for the next few years afterwards. The one shot with Lou flying to save Bun in this episode looks especially bad. I still prefer this to some of the really bad CGI in modern shows, but a lot of the composite shots in Flashman are particularly distracting.
ReplyDeleteDo you know if there ever been any book, semi official or otherwise, that actually details some of the production and behind-the-scenes stuff for earlier Sentai? For a lot of the older shows there are some common semi-solidified facts over the years in the online fandom (JAKQ and Ohranger’s retooling, Bioman’s troubles with Yellow Four I, Flashman’s delays, Soda’s burnout, etc), and I’ve always wondered if there’s ever been official confirmation or explanations for a lot of those incidents.
Also, I appreciate the 99 Luftballoons reference.
Yeah, FortMax (the person who encoded most of the raws that fansubbers use) pointed out how Flashman had better video composites than most shows, with “clear interlacing and dot crawl.” They do look better than the video composites done on Changeman and Maskman, but it definitely seems like Toei was really trying to push this new tech on their shows.
DeleteI’m glad to see that you’re taking a look at Flashman, Shougo. I’ve long been curious about it and wanting to get into it, even though there’s the obvious (but soon to be rectified) issue of lacking English subtitles. The show definitely has a more polished feeling from the start, with a fantastic premiere and good initial run of episodes. Do you still maintain that the characters are slight “xerox” copies of the Changeman heroes?
@Masked Man -- I try not to knock rocky SFX in old toku shows. I heavily criticize CGI in newer shows, but that's more because of its overestimation. The makers of TV and movies seem to think CGI is perfect and can do anything and is an improvement over old ways, when that's not the case, and CGI has let everyone become lazy. They think CGI can bail them out. That said, I think when Mayumi Yoshida is on a wire, floating as Ruu, is WAY better than the SFX version, but I can get why they wouldn't always want to rig her up.
DeleteAs for the books...since Sentai's not given the attention of Kamen Rider (or even Metal Heroes), I find a lot of the books lacking in really juicy and interesting details. Most will just be what the show was like in the working stages, which is often just vague. (Probably because they want to reserve the right to go back and recycle an idea!) What I used to enjoy was Toei Hero Max -- when that started, they were dedicated to covering older shows. When they'd spotlight a show, they'd go into production details, but the best is thatthey'd have interviews with writers from yesteryear where they're asked about each of their works. Toei Hero Max has gone down the tubes in the past decade, though, pretty much just shilling new junk. There might be good info found in the books producers like Toru Hirayama or Takeyuki Suzuki came out with, but I can't say for sure. DVD booklets also often feature factoids and stuff about a show.
Thanks for the comment!
@PMell2293 -- I do feel like they're intentionally patterned after Changeman. (I think a lot of Flashman is modeled after Changeman, trying to continue to ride its wave.) But the biggest difference in the heroes is in Tsurugi and Jin. Tsurugi's an intense guy who often follows his emotions, even if it puts him at odds with his teammates. Jin's supposed to be more intelligent, more easygoing and approachable, a more mellow person. Tarumi, being in his late 20s, also gives Jin more maturity.
Fear Mess as they manage to make a baloon themed monster dangerous!
ReplyDeleteHe wasn't balloon themed, though -- he hated balloons! They ruined his powers. He was an alien chameleon.
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