RTSC: the new "Episode 1"

Well, it's finally here - Robotech is back after a 20 year absence. The Shadow Chronicles was released with ...well... non-existent fanfare. Which is surprising given the current status of anime (or rather any alternative animation not aimed specifically to small children). I grabbed the DVD on my way home from work tonight.

What's there to say? Here's what I posted at an enthusiast web site just a few moments ago...

[...]It didn't suck - anybody who says that is overreacting. I predict that this will be the new Episode 1: The Phantom Menace. Your first gut feeling is "wow! Robotech! It's been so long and I missed you so much!" Then you sit back and think about it after you finished watching it. And a few days later after the excitement settles, you realize, "hey wait, it wasn't really that great, in fact, some of it wasn't so good." And then a few more years down the line, like a Jar Jar Binks, you'll start to hate it less and less and eventually just say "oh let's just ride with it, it was fun anyway."

There is however, one little item that will likely always bug me... the feeling that this was all fanservice - a nod to the fans and nothing more. Here's what I mean (and I'm not talking about that peek-a-boo chest on Janice's costume).

I'm talking about the "nice touch" the creators decided to have by allowing Janice to take make an impromptu performance of the old "It's You" song originally sung by Minmei in the original Robotech series. And this all took place at the karaoke stage. Plus, not so coincidentally, Janice happens to be voiced by Chase Masterson - an accomplished singer in her own right.
...and the polar opposite of what made that scene so right?


The creators decided they just had to sneak in another song, the "We Will Win" anthem (also from the Macross Saga part of Robotech). I mean, who is having a conversation with some one and then suddenly break out into song? Ugh... but at least we got one last look at that fantastic cleavage of hers...