What if Ranka is a descendent of Mao? If so, does the “protoculture” in her genes have something to do with the Vajra (as suggested already in other posts)? Has “Dr. Mao” died in the expedition where Ranka survived (it’s possible, since Mao would be 60-70, according to the plot from Macross Zero and Frontier)? does it mean, perhaps, that the protoculture civilization is not yet extinct -as it has been hinted through other Macross series-, and they might be pulling the strings behind this whole Vajra thing?. Also: are Leon and Grace teaming up and pulling the strings behind Brera?

The plot is definitely getting better and more complex… I just hope that they really surprise us with some unexpected twist…

@Peter S: cheers for reminding me that I wasn’t the only one who thought Bokurano wasn’t that bad!

@Haesslich: cheers, you’ve confirmed what I suspected! Not only is Macross uplifting, but has a lot of very universal themes woven into it that translate well to overseas audiences. If only the copyright debacle were to be solved, then we’d get more of the franchise here in the UK!

Plus there’s that sense of hope which is uplifting, and they try not to annoy as badly as certain Gundam franchises did…. such as anything that a certain director and his writer wife touched (hint: It’s the only Gundam series which had someone who got dubbed ‘Jesus’ for his superlative Marty Stu abilities).

@Peter S: the great thing about Macross is that, despite loads of self-referencing for the benefit of existing fans, every movie or series can be enjoyed on its own merits too - it helps to watch them in chronological order but it’s not essential. I strongly recommend Macross Plus after finishing the original series though - it’s still my favourite of the bunch.

And yeah, there’s this joyful and optimistic vibe to the whole franchise - for all the war and conflict it portrays, there’s a sense of hope that allows the writers to make serious points without detracting from the entertainment value.

I’ve seen the original Gundam in its 3-movie format as part of my basic anime education, but I’m not a mecha guy and I found it dated and predictable. Yet I’m enjoying the original Macross. Partly it’s me making the obvious connections. “Oh, the giant people were enemies once! Okay. Naou-Naou Restaurant! Aha! Novice mecha pilot rescues singer from bad guys. Does every Macross incarnation do that?” And oddly referencing ep titles, like “Bye Bye Cheryl.” I’m hoping there’s no pineapple salad references coming up.

But the main point is that you and others have made: no matter what’s going on, both series are optimistic and cheerful, almost smiling. They take time to enjoy the situations when they can. The first series would throw in a row of hilarious goofy faces watching Minmay perform; the latest has Ranka’s squishable phone, just to mention the first examples that spring to mind.

Sure, a lot of references are whooshing over my head, but I’m too happy watching and catching what I can. And I thought the ep 7 battle spectacular.

I’m one of them because I’m not fond of mecha anime, but I really love Ranka and the fillerish eps of Macross Frontier. I think the rabu rabu triangle is really interesting as well, and the plot is also becoming thicker. I don’t think Sheryl’s singing is connected with the Vajra and that Ranka’s singing calls to them to protect(?) her. I also think that she may be responsible for her family’s death in a way.