Ep 1. Boobytrap

In Robotech season 1 episode 1, titled "Boobytrap," viewers are introduced to a world where Earth has been devastated by a devastating global war. In the aftermath of the conflict, humanity is struggling to rebuild and reclaim what was lost. Amidst this chaos, a mysterious spaceship crashes on Earth, sparking a new conflict between the remnants of humanity and a hostile alien race known as the Zentraedi.

The episode begins with an extensive exposition of the current state of the world. Viewers are introduced to the SDF-1, a massive alien spaceship that has been retrofitted by humanity and serves as their only hope for survival against the Zentraedi. We meet our protagonist, Rick Hunter, a young man unsure of his place in the world, and his childhood friend Lisa Hayes, a capable fighter pilot and the second-in-command onboard the SDF-1. We also meet Captain Gloval, the commander of the SDF-1, and his loyal crew.

As Rick and Lisa fly routine patrol missions, they come across a Zentraedi scout ship that has followed them back to Earth. In the ensuing battle, Rick is separated from the rest of the crew and ends up commandeering a prototype fighter plane, the Veritech Fighter, in order to escape. The Veritech Fighter is unique in that it can transform into three different modes, allowing it to adapt to any situation.

The majority of the episode focuses on Rick trying to outmaneuver the Zentraedi and make his way back to the SDF-1. Along the way, he meets Lynn Minmei, a young woman with dreams of becoming a pop star and who also happens to be on the run from the authorities. Together, they form an unlikely partnership and help each other survive.

One of the standout aspects of "Boobytrap" is the action sequence choreography. The Veritech Fighter's transformation sequences are particularly memorable, as are the various dogfights and skirmishes between the Zentraedi and Earth's forces. The episode also does an excellent job of establishing the different factions and their motivations. The Zentraedi are portrayed as calculating and ruthless, while the humans are more sympathetic but still flawed. One of the more interesting subplots involves Captain Gloval and his crew struggling to understand the technology of the SDF-1 and make it work for their purposes.

The episode ends with Rick successfully making it back to the SDF-1 and his Veritech Fighter being taken in for analysis. As he reunites with Lisa and the crew, they realize that the Zentraedi are relentlessly pursuing them and the fight for survival has only just begun.

Overall, "Boobytrap" is a strong start to the Robotech series. It does an excellent job of introducing the world and its characters, while also setting up the larger conflict that will drive the narrative. The action is exciting, the animation is impressive for its time, and the writing is engaging. Fans of classic mecha anime or sci-fi epics will definitely enjoy this episode.