Ep 20. Paradise Lost
- March 6, 1983
In episode 20 of season 1 of Macross, titled "Paradise Lost," the crew of the SDF-1 find themselves stranded on a remote planet after a surprise attack by the Zentradi. The planet seems like a peaceful paradise at first, but soon the group discovers that it is home to a group of greedy and aggressive natives who will stop at nothing to get their hands on the advanced technology aboard the SDF-1.
The episode begins with the SDF-1 attempting to escape the Zentradi fleet, but they are quickly overwhelmed and forced to retreat to the planet's surface. As the crew begins to explore their new surroundings, they soon learn that they are not alone. A group of native humanoids, called the Vajra, approach the SDF-1 and demand that the humans hand over their technology.
At first, the Vajra seem friendly enough, offering the humans food and shelter in exchange for their technology. However, it soon becomes apparent that the Vajra are not to be trusted. They are willing to do whatever it takes to obtain the advanced technology aboard the SDF-1, including using force against the humans if necessary.
As the situation escalates, the crew of the SDF-1 is left with no other choice but to fight back against the Vajra. The battle is intense and dangerous, with both sides suffering heavy losses. However, in the end, the humans emerge victorious and are able to fend off the Vajra attackers.
Despite their victory, the episode ends on a bittersweet note. The crew of the SDF-1 is still stranded on the planet, with no way to escape the Zentradi fleet that is still waiting in orbit. They are forced to regroup and come up with a plan, knowing that their survival is far from guaranteed.
Overall, "Paradise Lost" is a thrilling episode that showcases the dangers of relying too heavily on technology. The Vajra represent a cautionary tale, reminding the humans of the SDF-1 that they must remain vigilant and protect what they have, lest someone else comes along and takes it all away. Ultimately, it is a story about survival and the lengths people will go to in order to protect themselves and their way of life.
