Ep 1. Tinsel City
- TV-14
- February 25, 1987
- 47 min
In the futuristic and bustling metropolis of Mega-Tokyo, technology has advanced by leaps and bounds, revolutionizing the lives of its inhabitants. However, amidst the gleaming skyscrapers and bustling streets, a dark underbelly lurks—a world plagued by crime and corruption. In the midst of this urban chaos, the all-female vigilante group known as the Knight Sabers emerges, armed with high-powered exosuits called "hardsuits," and determined to restore peace and safety to the city.
Episode 1, "Tinsel City," dives headfirst into the demanding and dangerous lives of the Knight Sabers. The city is on high alert as an unidentified black armored humanoid robot, known as a boomers, wreaks havoc, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. No one seems safe from this powerful and relentless foe.
As the episode opens, we are introduced to the protagonist, Priss Asagiri, a rock singer by day and a Knight Saber by night. Priss is an extraordinary and passionate young woman with a rebellious streak. She's never one to back down from a challenge and possesses an unwavering determination to protect the city she loves. With her fiery red hair and fierce attitude, she immediately captivates the audience with her sheer badassery.
Priss is not alone in her mission, as she is joined by three other formidable members of the Knight Sabers. Firstly, we have Sylia Stingray, a sophisticated and enigmatic woman who is the brain behind the Knight Sabers' operations. Sylia's resourcefulness and strategic thinking make her an invaluable asset to the team. Linna Yamazaki, a martial arts expert, brings her agility and combat skills to the group, while Nene Romanova, a genius hacker, provides technological expertise and intel.
In "Tinsel City," the Knight Sabers face one of their most challenging adversaries to date. As the rogue boomer rampages through the city, the authorities prove ineffective in combating the threat. The episode sheds light on the intricacies of the city's power dynamics, as corporations battle for control and individual lives hang in the balance. It becomes clear that the Knight Sabers are the only hope Mega-Tokyo has left.
Further adding to the intensity of the episode is the exceptional animation and soundtrack. The futuristic cityscapes are brought to life with vibrant colors and intricate details, immersing viewers in the world of Mega-Tokyo. The captivating musical score, featuring a blend of punk rock and synth-pop, perfectly complements the high-octane action sequences, creating an atmosphere of tension and excitement.
Throughout "Tinsel City," the Knight Sabers showcase their combat prowess and uncanny teamwork. They engage in thrilling battles against the relentless boomer, employing their hardsuits' incredible strength and agility to outmaneuver the enemy. Yet, as the boomer's power proves to be overwhelming, the Knight Sabers must dig deep and find new ways to overcome their adversary's formidable abilities.
In a bid to protect the city from imminent destruction, the Knight Sabers face their own fears and limitations, pushing themselves beyond their boundaries. Trust and camaraderie are put to the test as the Knight Sabers must rely on each other to succeed. As the episode draws to a close, viewers are left on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the next installment of Bubblegum Crisis.
With its gripping storyline, memorable characters, and stunning animation, "Tinsel City" serves as a thrilling introduction to the world of Bubblegum Crisis. From the non-stop action to the intricacies of its cyberpunk setting, this episode sets the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating and captivating series. So buckle up and immerse yourself in the heart-pounding adventures of the Knight Sabers—they are determined to bring justice to a city on the brink of disaster.