BotP Close-up 090

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Bobkat
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BotP Close-up 090

Post: # 691Post Bobkat »

This week is one of my favorites - The Awesome Armadillo!

This ep is full of suggestion and implications. First, it turns out Zoltar is replaceable! (holy cow, right!?) :lol: Second, we discover Mark has a brother and can be temperamental. Jason has enough of Mark's attitude and the pair go at it (well, at least as much as Battle does). :) However, our favorite heroes, regardless of their disagreements, always join together for victory. Even if they have to be creative to accomplish that victory. :)

Another part of this ep is during the Armadillo's attacks. There is a shot of a city where flames are ripping through buildings. It's very similar to the scene in LA in the film Independence Day. It's the one where the huge fire truck goes flying through the air. I wonder if Battle had any influence there? :P In the meantime, enjoy this week's plot. :)

The Other Jason's write up on The Awesome Armadillo is here: https://www.battleoftheplanets.info/ep90.html

E90: The Awesome Armadillo

Act One

7-Zark-7 is experiencing a "slack period" because Spectra isn't in the process of invading the galaxy somewhere. He's keeping his Multi-Linear Electron Circuits in "prime condition" by working crosswords puzzles, some backwards, and all in his FOSDIC. Zark says the crossword was easy but he has a more perplexing puzzle ahead of him concerning Mark's behavior. Mark hasn't been acting himself lately and Zark chalks to humans such complex creatures. However, Mark's behavior could hinder G-Force's effectiveness.

In a large training arena, Jason is practicing his shooting with his Spacemobile's Gatling gun and a new space weapon Zark invented. He's spot on and Keyop notices. Jason says he cut a tenth of a second off his time. He knows he'll continue to improve once he gets a feel for the trigger. Jason jumps out of the car and wonders why the Freeze Weapon isn't standard on the Phoenix. Mark stands his ground telling the gunner it's up to him to decide when and if the weapon is installed on the Phoenix. Jason becomes snarky saying, "Yes, sir, Mr. Commander" in a sarcastic manner while focusing on his car's gun. Mark states they're a team and every team needs a leader then Jason points out they need a leader "who leads!" Keyop chimes in, "Our team needs umpire!" Mark tells Jason and Keyop they could both be right and considers resignation but Jason reminds him it's his decision. "Don't make me the big, bad heavy." Mark throws his wrench down in frustration and it clangs onto the floor before stomping out. Princess calls after him to no avail leaving the other three on pins and needles.

Zoltar has problems of his own as the unbelievable has occurred – he's been replaced! A nearby goon reassures Zoltar that the Great Spirit will reconsider this decision. Zoltar is at his wit's end after so many years of "devoted service" to Spectra he is now being "discarded." Another man tells Zoltar not to be so down about it but he's Colonel Tu, Zoltar's replacement. Colonel Tu says he's been brought in for a "special mission," after Zoltar's plan has been rejected by the Luminous One. Colonel Tu's is "Operation: Windfire" and he's extremely confident about it. Zoltar wonders what he's supposed to do in the meantime. Colonel Tu is also certain they can find tasks for Zoltar while Colonel Tu puts his plan into action. Colonel Tu laughs evilly while he walks away. The goon assures Zoltar he'll be back in the leadership position but Zoltar says that will only happen if Colonel Tu fails. Zoltar hopes he does so the Luminous One will beg Zoltar back.

Colonel Tu addresses the men telling them that "Windfire" will be like wind and fire going over the Earth. Their invasion will be successful with their latest weapon. Psyched up, the men run to board the latest mech Spectra has built. Colonel Tu is the last to board and orders the men to complete their tasks flawlessly. The ship launches with Zoltar watching it depart an underwater base. Zoltar tells it as it flies away that he wishes Colonel Tu failure –Zoltar's future depends on it. The mech flies from the Crab Nebula into the Milky Way galaxy.

Susan calls Zark when the Early Warning System picks up the mech. Susan reports a rocket launched from Spectra and it's gone into Time Warp. It's still unidentified and seems to be headed toward Milky Way. Zark picks it up and follows its fast entry to Earth. He'll contact Security, Chief Anderson and G-Force right away. He calls it "trouble" heading their way.

On a cliff near a beachside city, Mark visits a grave. It's his brother and he's there because he feels he has no one else to turn to. Princess follows shortly behind calling to him after he's kneeled for a while. She explains she's only there because it's so urgent – "Spectra has struck." She begs Mark to return with her because they need him and he agrees. Meanwhile, Colonel Tu's giant monster strikes a city but it's been evacuated. The mech settles on a dormant volcano retrieving its nose and legs into its lumpy shell.

At Center Neptune, Chief Anderson briefs the team about Bandos Island, complete with aerial photos. The island is Spectra's first objective in their latest endeavor. Chief Anderson points out different buildings that have since been destroyed. He also points to the dormant volcano, the highest point on the island with a perfect vantage point to control the city. Jason leans against the wall asking, "Why don't we just knock it out?" The chief says it's easier said than done. Jason thinks it's "a sitting duck" but the chief says it's actually "a sitting fortress." He plays a tape made by Colonel Tu who sounds very confident in Spectra's position – he tells Earth they can "annihilate" the planet unless Earth surrenders. Tiny says they only have one choice with Keyop asking about second options. Princess is direct wondering what else they can do. Chief Anderson answers that they wait. Jason likens that second choice with allowing Spectra "to wipe us out."

Night falls and the armadillo remains on the volcano, but it awakens by extending its head and legs. Zark says Spectra is so confident, they've issued evacuation orders all over. People have complied but that means leaving the cities undefended. As Colonel Tu sends out video, he counts down for the nighttime attack. The armadillo shoots a laser causing massive explosions throughout the city on Bandos Island. A savage wind blows through knocking out several windows in buildings still standing. Mark stands, outraged by what he sees and the team follows suit. He says they need to take out the mech before it destroys Earth's cities one by one. Chief Anderson sends them on their way telling Mark to take whatever action he deems appropriate.

The Phoenix launches from Center Neptune toward Bandos Island. The Phoenix nears the armadillo, the goons relay that information to Colonel Tu. He orders them to do nothing until he says so. On the Phoenix, Mark orders Tiny to fly to the armadillo's portside. They fly off, much to Jason's aggravation. He tells Mark, "With a few good shots, I can knock that turtle off the hill!" Mark pushes back nearly yelling at Jason that this is reconnaissance only and they're taking pictures, nothing else. Jason cracks, "Great, I'll put 'em in my scrapbook!" Tiny tries to be peacemaker, asking the pair to "bury the hatchet." Keyop pipes in asking, "Want to be traded?" Mark sits in his command seat closing his eyes. Opening them again, he decides they'll go with his original plan, not "a reckless attack." Mark and Jason arrive at an uneasy truce with Jason acknowledging Mark as "the boss." Mark is convinced the armadillo has a weak spot, it's only a matter of finding it.

At Center Neptune, Jason leans on Chief Anderson's desk grousing about where they stand. He points out the armadillo being set to attack while Mark "develops snapshots" in the darkroom! Chief Anderson finds Mark's behavior "curious" while Princess backs up Mark saying he must have "very good reasons." Meanwhile, Mark studies the photographs taken hoping to find something that stands out. Mark won't give up until he finds "the chink in the armadillo's armor."

Act Two

Zark paces in the control room lamenting that the armadillo is destroying Earth's cities and Mark hasn't figured out how to defeat it yet. What's worse, Zark says the tension between Mark and Jason is "really mounting." He goes on about how Jason is very independent and the best marksman on the team but the gunner needs to learn how to follow orders. Zark flies to his monitors saying he hopes Mark figures out a plan soon and that Jason will be patient enough to follow it.

The armadillo deploys for another attack and Colonel Tu orders the men to their stations. Meanwhile at Center Neptune, Chief Anderson receives a call that sends Jason over the edge and running to the darkroom. Jason breaks in about to go after Mark telling him "It's time to act!" Mark keeps studying the pictures, knowing there's a weakness somewhere. Jason snarks, "If there is, it's in your head!" He's about to jump his commander with Princess holding him back. "While he's practicing photography, the armadillo is destroying our cities!" She lets him go as the armadillo creates more destruction. Zark says they have "terror everywhere."

Keyop and Tiny show up with Keyop trying to gain Mark's attention. Jason is about to jump in again knowing the consequences but "Someone has to knock sense into his head!" Tiny approaches with more tact, saying they just want to share in his problem because they're like family similar to five fingers on a hand. But when Mark ignores him, Tiny takes on Jason's attitude and Princess has to hold him back! Mark suddenly stands up putting his hand on one specific photograph. "The key is here!" Tiny muses back to when Spectra shot a SAM against them and how no one knew how to knock it down. Tiny isn't trying to brag, but he noticed the soft underbelly. Keyop nearly jumps up and down, "That's it! The underbelly!" Mark looks over other shots and finds the "chink in the armour."

Princess explains they were looking for the soft spot in the armadillo and found it in its nose! Meanwhile, the armadillo continues its relentless attacks blowing up bridges, setting fires and overall messy destruction. Chief Anderson walks in with a specially engineered bullet to take out the armadillo. He asks Mark if it'll work with Mark answering they only need position and Jason makes a direct hit. Mark says, "It's still a long shot, but it's our only shot."

On the armadillo, Colonel Tu becomes confident that Earth's surrender is imminent as they "act confused." He wants Earth to take stock of their losses before the next attack. A goon reports an "unidentified" craft approaching but Colonel Tu recognizes G-Force right away. Tiny hovers the Phoenix nearby but not close enough to get caught by the armadillo. The nose opens to expose the G-2 car and Jason splits it to reveal the Gatling gun. Mark calls the armadillo, a "big turtle." Mountain gusts make it a little tough but Jason asks Tiny to move "a hair to the left" to line up the shot. Tiny makes the adjustment while Mark knows they need luck on their side. Princess assures him that if anyone can do it, Jason can. Mark knows that but the margin of error is so slim. Tiny tells him there's nothing to it and it'll soon be "turtle soup." Mark thinks ahead though, wondering what they'll do if they miss!

Tension builds as the armadillo stays parked while Jason sets his sites and talks about coming through for the team. He knows he has to come through and "not a bunch of hot air." Mark says they're in range while Colonel Tu scoffs at the hovering Phoenix. He considers them a non-threat. Tensions mount as Jason aims and finally fires. The bullet pierces deep within the armadillo and the team tenses. Jason lowers his head because he's not sure he even hit the target but soon the armadillo begins smoking and several small explosions occur.

Several goons report to Colonel Tu the mech has been hit and there is fire in the torpedo room. Colonel Tu wants a damage report. One goon says their Forward Phaser Array is on fire as well. As the Phoenix flies away, Mark is over the moon excited telling Jason, "You hit a bull's eye!" He's sure the armadillo will be destroyed but Tiny directs everyone's attention at it as the armadillo launches off the mountain. On board the mech, Colonel Tu tells his men to abandon ship but to turn on the robot controls so they can escape.

The Phoenix flies from the armadillo but the mech overtakes the ship, wrapping its arms around the G-Force ship. The armadillo takes the Phoenix deep into the ocean. Zark can see it happening on his scanners but is helpless to do anything about it. Mark looks over at Tiny wondering if the armadillo has a soft underbelly like that SAM they encountered so long ago. Tiny says it's "hole in the ceiling time" as he opens the door to the bubble that is sealed with the armadillo riding piggyback.

As Tiny stays up front, the other four stand beneath the hole with "no leaks." Mark asks about shooting a mini torpedo into the armadillo from the bridge, he says if they miss, there are no second chances. Princess gives an enthusiastic "yes" while Jason looks up, "Shoot a torpedo up there and blow us up? It's a crazy idea … I like it!" Mark orders Princess to get the hardware. "If we blow it, we're all wet." Tiny calls out from the front that if they're going to do something, they need to do it in a hurry. Mark tells Princess to go and she answers, "Gone!"

Princess returns with the hardware and rigs it. Mark orders, "Fire!" and two mini-torpedoes penetrate the armadillo's underside. A massive explosion happens in the ocean with smoke billowing skyward. After several minutes, the Phoenix launches into the sky! Mark declares the mission over as they fly for home. Zark is very proud of "his" team but says this mission was a close call. He praises Jason's shot but says it was Mark who discovered the weak spot in the armadillo. The Phoenix flies toward the sun as it breaks through the clouds.

Zark says that Colonel Tu managed to limp back to Spectra where he's sure Zoltar is back in charge due to Colonel Tu being demoted. 1-Rover-1 yips about Jason learning a lesson about being part of a team and following orders. Zark muses about "competition breeds excellence" and how they have nothing to worry about because Mark and Jason are certainly competitive. Zark says that each of them gives their all for G-Force and salutes with Rover copying the salute.

This plot summary Copyright Bobbi Baker ©2021. No reproduction of any kind without permission.
Cure DragonEagle 255
Posts: 167
Joined: Mon Dec 28, 2020 1:43 pm

Re: BotP Close-up 090

Post: # 692Post Cure DragonEagle 255 »

Thank goodness I suggested a Series Finale title for the final thread because otherwise I would be utterly lost lol.
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