Year One of the New Galactic Era
Episode 24 of Star Fleet
The final climatic showdown! Everything– the mystery of F-01, the relationships of the main characters, the warmongering of the Imperial Alliance– gets resolved in the grand finale of Star Fleet! It’s bittersweet for me. I love the action and excitement of this episode, but I also have a few regrets about the way things end. Let’s not waste any time getting into the action.
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The final chapter begins with General Kyle. The Earth is being flattened by the Imperial Fortress orbiting up above. His aides inform him that entire cities have been razed to the ground. Three more bases and half of Star Fleet Command is gone.
Despite this, he swears he will not surrender.
As the Southern sector is completely destroyed, Number One and Number Two beg Kyle to take shelter but he only responds by continuing to glare out the window. Boy, do we need leadership like this around the world today.
General Kyle phones in with an update on the situation. In addition to what we know already, he mentions there are innumerable starcruisers that have been destroyed. It does make sense that the Earth would have more than just fighter spacecraft, especially since in this timeline there were three “Space Wars.”
As Shiro charges on to “join the action” he throws a lever on the control panel. I would think X Bomber was already at maximum speed, but this is a dramatic trope known as the Pedal-to-the-Metal Shot.1
Although the inevitable wide shot of X Bomber is identical to the one we saw before, this shot of the flowers shaking on Lamia’s desk is effective at communicating speed. You know what would make it even more effective? If the other stuff on her desk was shaking just as much. As it is, it just looks like it’s being throttled by an angry ghost.
Lamia wakes up to find Professor Hagen staring at her in bed. Ick. I know he raised her and is basically her Dad, but I would be disturbed if my Dad was staring at me while I was sleeping. Then again, I’m not transmutating into the savior of the universe, so there’s that.
Instead of asking, “why are you standing over my bed?” Lamia asks what is wrong with X Bomber and Hagen explains that they’re going at twice hyperspeed. That’s basically how fast they’ve been going since they left Callinean.
Lamia, after facing down the Imperial Master long distance, now remembers nothing from the incident. Since he doesn’t know enough to truly explain, Hagen informs her that she is about to be reborn a child of peace.2 She stoically accepts it when he tells her she will suffer pain until the new year. Her power could save the day.
The Imperial Master projects an image of himself– loud and huge– broadcasting his usual blend of Tokyo Rose/Lord Haw-Haw demoralizing defeatism. We’ve heard a lot of this from him lately, but Shiro and PPA comment on his appearance as if it’s the first time they’ve seen him.
Speaking of things we’ve heard before, the Imperial Master appeals to the crew of X Bomber to execute Lamia. Then, he promises, he will spare the Earth. This seems more like the campaign promises we actually get from our leaders here on Earth.
Naturally, the Star Fleet cadets are not fooled, even for a second, by this false offer and announce their refusal quite plainly. Hercules has the best answer in the form of laser torpedoes. He must know that this is a projection and not the real thing, but firing the laser is a nice symbolic gesture. Hopefully it didn’t cost them any speed since that was a big concern last episode.
To my eternal chagrin, Lamia once again hears this ultimatum and offers to sacrifice herself to the Alliance in order to save the Earth. Complete baloney at this point in the series. Lamia has been through this particular dilemna SO many times. If it’s meant to tell us that she’s a selfless character, we get that. Repeating it this many times, and particularly this late in the game, actually makes the character weaker. It’s as if she’s too dumb to realize that the Imperial Master is constantly lying.
However, the way Liza Ross plays this, it seems as if Lamia is testing her human friends to see what they will say. Lee refuses on the grounds that Lamia is “very precious to us” which strikes me as a vast understatement. “No deal,” Hercules says flatly, vowing to defend her till the end. In response, Lamia vows to fight to her last breath and reveals that she can feel herself growing stronger by the moment.
For some reason, Shiro says nothing having already refused the Imperial Master’s fake bargain. Professor Hagen’s only role in this was to bring Lamia to the bridge and he also adds nothing to the debate. Even PPA is silent.
In an attempt to justify his existence, Professor Hagen suggests that what is needed is total destruction of the Imperial Planet. Good plan, Prof. But how?
The discussion is interrupted by Captain Halley, which seems to delight Lamia. Could she be coming around to the idea of being with him– instead of her beloved Shiro?
Halley has a plan. It’s a hazy plan, but a plan none the less. He thinks the Imperial Master’s devotion to Lamia’s destruction can be used against him somehow. In practice, what he actually wants is for Dai-X to be a diversion while they wait for the New Year to arrive and for Lamia’s powers to fully mature. This could work!
As the boys get up for one final Dai-X junction, we get some quips from Hercules and Lee. Right in character, Hercules is ready for a smackdown while Lee is accused of dozing off. Never change, lads.
As Shiro hurries, Lamia asks to join them. This is pretty unprecedented. Lamia aboard the Dai-X?
Shiro, and especially Hercules, loudly protest that Lamia should stay within the relative safety of X Bomber despite her desire to fight to save the people of Earth.
“PLEASE,” interjects Halley, “I IMPLORE you!”
You’d be forgiven for thinking that he wants Lamia to stay put. After all, his earlier position was that Lamia (as well as himself) needed to be kept from harm at all costs. But now, like a good politician, Halley has changed tack and done a full 180. He now wants Lamia on the Skull.
This provokes some heated responses. Shiro unequivocally refuses. Professor Hagen thinks it’s a brilliant idea. Hercules, perhaps to make up for his earlier doubts about F-01, is in favour.
Ultimately, it is Lamia’s decision.
Shiro turns X Bomber over to his dad. PPA reassures us all that it’ll be the robot doing the actual flying. Despite the fact that Hagen designed this ship, I have my doubts about his piloting abilities.
Lamia doesn’t try and snuggle into Braincom, instead opting to take Kirara in this shuttle craft.
I love that even in the very last episode of the series, the filmmakers were still introducing new vehicles and aspects of X Bomber’s arsenal.
As the Imperial Master realizes his enemies are closing in, he decides to abandon his assault on Earth and go meet them head on in his planet-sized craft.
Seeing that the gambit to draw the enemy away has worked, Shiro orders an immediate junction.
The Imperial Master intends to soften them up with a little cannon fodder– a few fighters perhaps?
But are the fighters a match for ol’ laser eyes?
In what can only be described as a Star Fleet pièce de résistance, Hercules literally punches spaceships out of the sky.
John Lee wants to join in the fun by killing hapless Imperial drones with his toe guns. You know they make a liniment for that.
The Imperial Master doesn’t understand why his fleet, which so easily outperforms other Earth vessels, can’t handle the red robot. Neither can I, to be fair, but what kind of a TV show would it be otherwise?
The Alliance apparently has more trouble tracking the Skull because the Master is surprised to see it in the vicinity. He also thought that Halley was dead. I’m not sure why he would think that, but his solution is to simply launch more fighters. I guess he’s got a lot in there.
Taking on a creepy, cult leader tone, Halley tells Lamia that if they die it will be their destiny… and that it will be their destiny to die as one.
“As one,” Lamia practically chants back. Even now, I wonder if this is all a plot. Could Halley be screwing the Earth people over? Are his intentions towards F-01 honourable? Or are these people and their ways simply alien to us Earthbound viewers?
As the stock footage begins, Lamia joins Halley at the controls and joins the battle. Her pacifism only extends so far. To be honest, this feels earned. In this scenario, absolute evil must be met with absolute force.
Unfortunately, when it comes to fighting space battles, the Skull is hardly an absolute force.
Have no fear, Kirara is here!
To our absolute joy as youngsters, Kirara has been stationed at the deck gun and is blasting away while bobbing and bouncing around like a deranged Muppet. It’s truly delightful.
On Earth, things are still exploding. EDF HQ is ablaze. All the staff have gone to ground but General Kyle is still holding fast. Standing vigil like a Captain determined to go down with his ship. Mad respect, General. Mad respect.
His unflagging last stand is interrupted by the news that the Imperial Master has withdrawn. Dai-X has arrived.
It is difficult to communicate in words just how cool it looks for a man dressed as a robot to punch a model spaceship laden with explosives out of the sky.
While Shiro is being grown up and checking in with his teammates, Hercules is having the time of his life. He loves breaking things. He also loves John Lee and like most brothers he expresses that love through insults such as asking if Lee is even awake. Lee seems almost sad that he hasn’t had a chance for a nap yet this episode.
The turret on the deck and the front-facing cannon aren’t the Skull’s only armaments. They also have this artillery mounted at the portholes. Does this species not require spacesuits or is a force field at work?
They seem to be holding their own against the Imperial assault. Then, without warning, everything changes.
NO!
In the most tragic moment since the death of Dr. Benn, Kirara is blasted from the hull of the Skull out into space. The writers always struggled to find a place for his character, but I always loved this guy. Sure, he’s a Chewbacca ripoff but while Chewy was like a sentient Malamute, Kirara seemed genuinely (and sometimes frighteningly) alien. You never could be sure if he was going to pulverize PPA or dislocate Shiro’s arms. Heck, I even wondered at times if Kirara was going to be part of the strange “joining” of the F-01. The third member of a trinity, if you will.
Alas, it isn’t to be. Kirara spins off into the darkness, his groans of pain echoing away on the soundtrack as the reverb conveys the utter loneliness and loss of this moment. It’s a terrible way for a beloved character to die and pure nightmare fuel for young Ben. Even more horrible to imagine when you consider that Kirara seems immune to the conditions of space. His eyes are still glowing as he spins away, implying that he might still be alive and destined to a slow and undeserved death.
He isn’t the only one. This member of Halley’s crew is incinerated where he stands. This is starting to feel like an episode of Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons.
We get very few wide shots on the bridge of the Skull, which is a shame because like most Star Fleet sets a lot of effort has been put in by the production team. I wish more of this material survived and could be preserved but at least we have it here.
Lamia’s unnamed seatmate quite suddenly goes up like Chernobyl. You can just about make out the blackened remains of his charred hand as the smoke clears. Can you imagine this level of military violence appearing in a live action series on early 1980s TV? They just about get away with it because it happens so fast.
This guy tries to make a report while literally smoking and smoldering. Kirara is dead and so are the machine gunners. He asks for a retreat just as he collapses… Dead now too.
But the unflappable Halley is unflapped. Even as his crew die around him and he admits that all is lost, Halley calmly strategizes a way to get Lamia safely out of this mess.
But Lamia is now even cooler. She orders him not to give up. “Kirara will not have died in vain,” she promises. Despite this otherworldly and uncharacteristic level of zen, she somehow sounds more like herself than ever.
As their hope is fading, Dai-X appears on the scene. Using it’s laser eyes, the machine powers through the Imperial Fighters. Lamia and Halley could not be more relieved!
Shiro tells Halley to “hang in there” and checks in on Lamia.
Graciously thanking Shiro for the rescue, Lamia and Halley urge Shiro to save the Earth. Shiro, for his part, tells them to stay out of the fighting and attempt to recover from the devastating assault. He is lacking no confidence as he charges off to meet his fate.
It is the last time he and Lamia will ever speak.
“Where has X Bomber, the titular craft, been this whole time?” I can hear you asking. “I don’t know,” I answer, “but I can’t help but notice that poor man’s Dr. Benn has kept them well clear of any hazards.”
As his son goes into battle for him, Hagen wishes him luck and says that the souls of Dr. Benn and Captain Carter are with him. That’s good, because the soul of Professor Hagen is well below the parapet.
If he is fazed at all by the total lack of backup, Shiro doesn’t show it. It’s full speed ahead towards the biggest fortress ever created.
The Imperials are also not feeling stressed about the oncoming battle. The Master simply orders Dai-X destroyed like you’d ask a barista for a latte.
As the library music from Paul Bliss’ score heats up, it seems at first like Dai-X might have a real shot. The gunners manning the Imperial lasers don’t seem to have more accuracy than average…
…but there are an awful lot of them.
Shiro retaliates by firing X-Tracers, which causes an explosion.
We’re treated to a stunning battle sequence that sets Dai-X’ armpits ablaze. I knew I never should have tried that Hot Chili Deodorant.
Hercules announces that the torpedo mechanism is down. Shiro recommends showing them some muscle and Hercules opts to do just that…
Yes, folks, Dai-X has two twin cannons where it’s nipples would be. I would tell Sigmund Freud to eat his heart out, but he is too busy being blasted away by pectoral howitzers.
The Imperial Fortress is no match for the sheer firepower of robot lactation.
Imagine orbiting the villain’s evil lair, all the while blasting away with your chest guns.
But for all that firepower, the Imperial Master is only a bit annoyed. He reckons it’s time to put an end to this skirmish– and he plans to use the Delta Laser.
The Delta Laser, for those of you who may not remember, is a kind of doomsday weapon possessed by the Imperial Alliance. It’s been threatened once or twice but not yet actually used. Every time it is suggested one of the Imperial underlings questions it’s use. That way, we know it must be really bad.
And this time there is no escape.
I don’t know what I expected the Delta Laser to look like but this wasn’t it.
It hits incredibly hard. Dai-X shudders. Our three young heroes are thrown into confusion and can only hang on for dear life.
Then with an explosion and a scream from Shiro, the Dai-X goes flying.
It’s terrifying to see any of our favourite characters looking so corpselike, but I find Hercules’ lifeless eyes to be the most disturbing of all.
Is this the end? Could they really be dead?
PPA has lost the Dai-X signal. Professor Hagen whispers his son’s name. I know I’m pretty rough on the guy, but he seems like the type who was hoping to put things right with his son– but kept putting it off. Now, he may not get the chance. Hold your loved ones close, folks.
Lamia– softly and numbly– asks if Dai-X has been destroyed. Halley replies that the strength of the Alliance was too great.
So, folks, this is the end.
The real end.
Just when it seems things can’t get darker, the sun sets.
Earth’s sun disappears behind our blue planet.3
Halley says that the century is almost over… Distractingly, it sounds as if he’s saying the 20th century. Technically, the year 2999 is in the 30th century and the 31st century won’t begin until 3001, but that’s so far in the future I wouldn’t be surprised if they will use an entirely different calendar system to what we use today.
The moment of destiny has come. Is Lamia ready?
The sun seems to set on the whole universe. On Lamia. On General Kyle and Star Fleet. On the lifeless Dai-X whirling through cold, empty space. Even on the Imperial Master…
Here he is. The grand victor. He makes a long speech, talking about celebrting the death of Lamia, claiming he should never have been worried about her in the first place, and announcing that the galaxy will be his for another millennia. Did the universe belong to evil in the first place?4 Is the Imperial Master a kind of Satanic symbol? Either way, a millennia of his rule does not bode well for the common people.
The imagery is apocalyptic.
But into the darkness, a familiar voice begins to narrate.
Peter Marinker lets us know that it is officially the year 3000 AD. Mystically, the solar planets have come into alignment with the sun– a great conjunction, if you will.
As the sun rises…
…Halley reaches for his sword…
…and greets the dawn of a new day on Earth. It would seem that our sun and world is of cosmic significance.
Something strange begins to happen. Halley vanishes. Everything starts to glow. “My life and spirit dwell in your body. You act as your will tells you.”
Lamia, Halley, the Skull… Everything merges into a glowing light.
A bright light that blinds even the Imperial court.
Just like that, Lamia appears. But not Lamia from Mars. Lamia transformed, fully and completely, into F-01.
Floating angelically, she promises retribution. He may be scared, but the Imperial Master refuses to kowtow. He orders his troops to carry on the attack. He clings tightly to his ideas of immortality.
But Lamia, steady as a rock, says he will not be allowed to proceed. Instead, she is going to bring peace to the universe– just as prophesied.
There is a strange pink glow that fills the whole screen.
As the Imperial Master rants and raves and spews his hate, he doesn’t notice the pink smoke filling the room.
If I were one of the bridge crew, I’d be looking for the exits right about now.
As Lamia claims that the power for peace has been bestowed upon her, the Imperial Master defies her and everything turns surrealistic. Instead of being on the baddie bridge, we’re in an abstract space filled with smoke and light and colour. Is this the true form of the Imperial Master? It’s as if we’ve transferred to a spiritual realm.
But the Imperial Master still insists that the attack on Earth will be carried out.
Back in a more practical reality, General Kyle knows that Earth will not withstand another assault. He prays for a miracle.
I don’t know about you, but I feel like the Earth has had more than one miracle already.
Like Gandalf the White, reborn after his battle with the Balrog at Khazad-dûm (or less charitably, like Joe 90 from The Unorthodox Shepherd) Lamia is dressed in pure white and silver. Her head gear seems to be inspired by Greek laurels, but made from shining gemstones and silver leaves. She carries no weapon, but she does wield a scepter.
The Imperial Master wields a sword and wears all black. “I will kill you!” he rages.
The floating, doll-like Lamia dodges his thrusts and slices easily.
To the end, she tries to talk him out of his attack. To my way of thinking, she is offering this most evil of evil creatures a way out. A way to redemption. A way to avoid destruction.
But he refuses and insists on denying her power– she must have some power or she wouldn’t be here, chum.
Her power is the power of good. Apparently, the power of good gives power to punish evil.
Lamia shoots death rays from her wreath, but still the Master will not yield.
He shoots some death rays of his own. Those that don’t miss her pass right through her.
Getting impatient with the guy, Lamia deploys that classic symbol of eternal punishment– fire.
There are several scary images of the Imperial Master writhing in agony as he wails and screams. Lamia looks on expressionless. Even the power of good can be frightening.
Somehow, he is able to dispel the fireball. With curses, he strikes back.
Using his eye lasers, he manages to sever a single leaf from her crown. It tumbles silently through the atmosphere. It is a gentle and poetic moment.
If you’ll permit me to project a bit of philosophy into the proceedings, it reminds me of Romans 8:18, which says that the sufferings of our present times are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to come. I think that fallen leaf represents the sacrifices made by Lamia and all of us for the greater good. Dr. Benn, Captain Carter, Kirara, and others destroyed in the fight against evil are a tremendous loss. But that loss is like a mere leaf in the wind compared to the power and victory of good in the end.
If all that is a bit too heavy, enjoy the battle of these two space wizards.
Paul Bliss’ most epic cue has been reserved for this moment.
The Imperial Master issues his killing stroke. We know it is serious because it is repeated, just as the duel between Captain Carter and Shiro ended in a repeating sequence of shots.
Lamia’s final attack is repeated also, but with a variation.
And as the ultimate forces of good and evil meet…
Who will win?
Whether the battle takes place in a physical or metaphysical space, the Imperial Fortress cannot withstand the strain. It begins to crack open.
The Delta Laser, a weapon powerful enough to slay Dai-X and swallow whole worlds, is no more.
Flame and smoke covers the surface of the Imperial world.
It detonates in a huge cloud of destruction.
But out of that destruction comes a light.
Professor Hagen knows instantly. “Lamia!”
Even the dead Dai-X is awash in the glow of this new light.
Shiro awakens with her name on his lips. Lamia’s theme begins to play, sounding sweeter and sadder than ever before.
“To the people of the Earth and the crew of X Bomber.”
“Our great fight is finally over.”
Hercules and Lee awaken, as if from one of Lee’s naps. Personally, I think they were all dead and resurrected by Lamia/F-01’s power but it’s ambiguous and open to interpretation– just like all good myths.
Lamia thanks them all for being her guardians. At the start of the new century, she can no longer stay on Earth. Her new power must be used for peace across the stars. There is regret in her voice as well as hope.
She vanishes into starlight and names all of the surviving characters one by one.
“Peace be with you. I’ll cherish your memory.”
I’m not crying. You’re crying.
The star fades away and X Bomber and Dai-X are left alone. Well and truly alone.
But Shiro isn’t as broken up about things ending as I am. “She’s gone. I’ll never forget her.” He is sincere and sad, but very accepting. Ready to move forward.
“So long, my pretty goddess.” Hercules was in love with her all along. I knew it!
But it’s Mark Rolston who really breaks my heart simply by saying “Bye, Lamia. I sure will miss you.”
As Dai-X blasts off again, the Star Fleet theme kicks in.
PPA announces the young heroes are returning. Professor Hagen gives thanks to Lamia. Peace and fulfillment is on the way. Two people have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Without a stray thought for Kirara, the Prof orders PPA to set a course for Star Fleet Command. They’re going home and they have a world to rebuild.
X Bomber swings around.
Dai-X flies alongside.
Peter Marinker announces our three heroes as champions of Star Fleet Command. The series closes with a final question.
“But can eternal peace be guaranteed in a universe that can allow the viciousness of an Imperial Alliance? Only time will tell.”
Well, folks. That’s the end. Or is it just the beginning?
I have my criticisms of this episode. There is far too much Professor Hagen for me– I never got fully onboard with his character. I have come to terms with the death of Kirara, but I think he was a wasted and under utilized character.
I think Star Fleet’s final episode drifts from sci-fi action into myth and fantasy and I’m very much OK with that. It feels just abstract enough to get people thinking about deeper themes like good and evil, redemption, and friendship– without drowning in it’s own lore. I can’t help but notice the parallels with The Dark Crystal,5 which is essential viewing for fans of puppet filmmaking. Given the number of religious and anthropological themes weaved throughout this show, I think this ending was a good choice.
Although I am sad that Shiro and Lamia’s love story did not end happily, it also feels realistic to me. Part of growing is moving on from people we love– not by intention but out of necessity. Why exactly couldn’t Lamia stay on Earth? What challenges face her out among the stars? And what does the new millennium hold for Star Fleet Command? All questions which this blog will continue to explore…
If you’ll indulge me, I have a short story about why I did all this (well over 50,000 words!) and then some thank yous. Scroll to the bottom to read what I have in mind for 2026.
I didn’t see Star Fleet in it’s original language. Or even on UK TV back in 1982. I discovered it much later in the early days of the Internet thanks to sfxb.co.uk. In those dial-up days, I had never heard of anything so cool. Like Thunderbirds mixed with Star Wars through a Tokusatsu lens.
In those days, this kind of filmmaking seemed like an impossible dream to me. A million miles away and hopelessly out of reach.
Cut to 2022. I had just moved to the UK to continue my work with Anderson Entertainment, a company started by Gerry Anderson in 1999. Earlier in that year, I shot a proof of concept test for my first feature length film. We used 16mm film, puppets, and models. I didn’t know it yet, but 2023 would also be the beginning of my association with Blake’s 7 and Doctor Who. Those far away dreams seemed to be coming true.
At the same time, I was going through a personal crisis. It seemed as if just as my dreams were taking off they were all ready to come crashing back down. I was thrown into a state of near constant depression and anxiety.
News broke that there had been an X Bomber exhibition in Japan. Apparently, more material had survived than previously believed in the West. I ordered a copy of the exhibit catalog and realized that I had a lot to say about this plucky little show that in many ways set the course of my career.
Starting this blog in January 2023 was a means of expressing my passion for this art form and also coping with all the ups and downs of chasing those dreams. I never imagined that anyone would read it at all. I’ve been touched by how many comments, shares, and other expressions of support have been sent my way. It seems all of you care just as much as I do. In a world more divided than ever, I’m so happy that we can come together and share this adventure. Thank you.
I have to say a special thank you to my supporter Suzy Jones, who has backed me on buymeacoffee.com from the moment she discovered the blog. I could never have finished without you, Suzy! Likewise, Jack Knoll of Security Hazard has put up with my ramblings (even posting them on his popular Thunderbirds blog in the form of a video called All About Star Fleet) and offered sage advice all along the way. Thank you for everything, Jack! Piers Bell of xbomber.co.uk maintains the fan community and his site is the best resource on the net. The AI upscale work of dym2005, Bladez, and others have made the many screenshots possible. Bladez and the Star Fleet Wiki project has also been extremely helpful. The admin of https://www.facebook.com/starfleetx has kindly shared all of my posts to a much wider audience. Adam Luff actually attended the exhibition and was kind enough to share some photos. Thank you for your support, Adam! Jacob Calta shared my posts and inspires me with his constant creativity. And a big thank you to Andy of sfxb.co.uk for introducing me to this show in the first place.
Most importantly, thank you to my life partner Emily who has supported this crazy Space Puppets guy no matter what. I love you!
So what next?
Well, though the series is over there is still a lot to explore.
For one thing, I promised to take a look at all the fan fiction surrounding the series. There is a lot, not the least of which came from the crew of the English dub themselves.
I’d love to revisit Brian May’s Star Fleet Project in greater depth. Since my initial review, more details have to come to light…
X Bomber was simultaneously released as a manga and there are several other comics from around the world, including the Mike Noble strips for Look-In. These stories deserve to have their own spotlight…
Behind the scenes and making of! Since I began writing this, my connections with film historians have grown. I’m hoping to get in touch with some of the fine folks who put on the X Bomber exhibition in Japan. While it’s unlikely the exhibit will ever travel abroad, they know quite a bit about the history of the series which I am hoping I will be able to share with an English speaking audience.
Ultimately, my goal for all of this is to produce a book called something like “Star Fleet X Bomber: An Unauthorised Guide” for the purpose of being a handbook for fans of the show. Similar books have been produced for the likes of Terrahawks, The Starlost, and other sci-fi curios and I think it’s high time Star Fleet got the same treatment. Of course, this will take time, but I think it’s a worthwhile endeavour. Publishing this blog as a book would be far too cumbersome– the screenshots alone would fill volumes upon volumes– so a consolidated overview is more the direction I am leaning at this point in time.
So! Thank you for joining me on this wild ride. I hope you’ll stick around and share these posts with your friends. Let me know if you spot any errors, ommissions, or if you have a different opinion. I’m happy to hear what you have to say. In the meantime, take care of each other and see you soon!
Ben Wolf Page, December 2025.
https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/PedalToTheMetalShot
Rebirth is not a significant part of The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, upon which the story of F-01 is based. Apparently, there is a Shinto teaching that those who are good enough can become gods after death, although I’m having trouble finding a credible source to confirm that idea. Either way, Buddhism and other religions teach concepts of rebirth so it’s likely this concept has spiritual roots.
The sun sets because the Earth rotates, not because of the Earth’s orbit. Direct sunlight hitting Earth is never completely blocked so none of this actually makes much sense but I’ve chosen to overlook it for dramatic convenience.
While in the West we have concepts like “original Sin” and ideas about the world being in a fallen or evil state, in Japanese religions evil is more widely presented to be the outcome of a lack of balance. http://japanlifeandreligion.com/2009/01/19/a-brief-look-at-shintoism/
Released in 1982 after starting production in 1978, The Dark Crystal was also made with the assistance of Louis Elman and a few other Star Fleet names.
I loved this show so much growing up. This blog made me love it all the more. Thank you Ben, this blog has brought me more joy than you’ll ever know!😌😌😌
I loved the final summary and the ending of this great series, one of my favorites. It was a little sad to see that the love between Shiro and Lamia didn't have a happy ending, but you're right in a way that growing up is important It also means going to the people we love. Honestly, I would have liked to see more.
Wow, I can't wait to see what you'll do now with your new projects and continue with your research and your career, never give up.
A big round of applause, greetings and a hug from Mexico