"Must
See" Episodes:
This
is a list compiled from "talks" on the IRC channel, #galaxyrangers,
the list compiled by Jaimmie Que, and my own judgement (which may be shot at
the moment of this writing, as I just spent the past three days cloning tapes
for other fans).
FOR
BEGINNERS:
This list
below is if you're trying to introduce your roommate to the series. Michelle
already hooked two of her roomies (but they're already anime fans), and I'm
slowly working on one of mine.
"New
Frontier" - This episode introduces
the "Fab 4" as on their first mission against the Queen.
"Murder
on the Andorian Express" - A charming
and well-written Doc and Niko episode that not only displays dramatic skill,
but a deft sense of humor.
"One
Million Emotions" - This was the
first episode I ever saw, and I was completely hooked. Wicked puns (including a
David Bowie reference), mind trips, and a nasty little doll.
INTERMEDIATE:
For the
folks you mention it to, and get the answer of "Gee, I saw that 10 years
ago and really liked it, but I don't remember much..." These episodes are
a good "jump start" for the journey down memory lane.
"Supertroopers"/"Galaxy
Stranger" - Listed as one entry
because of how both stories are interconnected. This primarily focuses on
Goose's backstory, but we also see the backstories of the other Supertroopers,
Senator Wheiner, Dr. Nagata, and Commander Walsh. These episodes, "Battle
of the Bandits," and "Psychocrypt" are the ones everyone seems
to remember.
"Scarecrow" - This episode resembles X-Files so much, that I have to wonder
wether Chris Carter was a Galaxy Rangers fan. A soil survey wakes up some
ancient, evil being who kills the local sheriff, attacks a local civilian, and
raises ALL sorts of hell and chaos. Just cast Niko as Scully and Goose as
Mulder (COMPLETE with the sexual tension!). The only dull thing about this
episode was Doug Pries having an off day in the voice department.
"Trouble
at Texton" - A Mad Scientist (TM)
wants to blow open a gate to another universe, overrides ALL the safeties on
his computer, and basically plays with physics GOD wouldn't touch. The Rangers
get called in to stop him before he kills everything in the process. GOOD
sci-fi elements, a challenging plot, and a great intro to the more
"advanced" elements of character interplay!
"Renegade
Rangers" - The characterization is
strong, the Black Hole Gang is shown in all their splendor, Daisy O'Mega and
Shane play off each other amazingly well (much to Niko's chargrin), as the
Rangers and Ambassadors go outlaw. A stunning episode with elements contested
among the fans. Did Shane sleep with Daisy or not? You make the call...
ADVANCED:
If you're
reading the fanfic, writing fanfic, or just are looking for episodes you have
to watch multiple times in order to "get," see these.
"Phoenix" - This might be the pilot episode, true. However, this
episode is loaded with elements and plot devices better appreciated by those a
little more familiar with the series. Notable for implying WHY Zachary had to
have his entire left side replaced with bionic implants, as well as the ONLY
glimpse we get of an awake and alive Eliza.
"Ariel" - Listed here because the title charactrer, Niko's mentor,
is a favorite "guest star" in fanfic.
"Psychocrypt" - Hailed as the BEST episode of GR ever made (though some
might place "Galaxy Stranger" as #1), this episode is creepy and
intense. Queenie breaks out Eliza's crystal, and uses it to REALLY screw with
Zachary's mind. You could spend YEARS dissecting the opening scene alone! If
you're with an ardent Japanamation freak who says that the Americans never
pulled off good animated stories, show him THIS one.
"Battle
of the Bandits" - A guilty fannish
pleasure in the vein of "Spock's Brain." the Rangers pull off an
assignment MUCH more suited for Jem and the Holograms.
Return to
BETA.
Last Updated: March 9, 1997