Directed by Toshitsugu Suzuki. Written by Keisuke Fujikawa. Airdate Feb. 19, 1967.
In what feels like a flashback to the earliest episodes, “Endless Counterattack” is a formulaic rampaging monster story with a structure similar to middle-of-the-road episodes like “Science Patrol, Move Out” and “Lightning Operation.” Giant monster Zumbolar appears in the wilds and causes massive destruction with its fiery powers. The Science Parol must find a way to stop it as it trundles toward Tokyo. Ide comes up with an invention, Hayata changes into Ultraman, and the problem is solved after a whole bunch of stuff goes kablooie.
This isn’t a major complaint. We need a bit of the ol’ fashioned kaiju Ultra violence now and then. This final quarter of Ultraman is one of the strongest runs in the history of the franchise, but you have to expect at least one episode that’s happy just to get on base. If the visual effects team throws enough effort at the action — which they do; this is a fiery episode — and the monster is good, just grab some popcorn and a Cherry Coke and enjoy. Average Original Ultraman is far better than average for many of the later shows.
“Endless Counterattack” has a few interesting points, some variations. I’m going to compile them into a list because I feel like varying my review structure if the episode isn’t varying its structure.
1. Patty and the International Scope of the SSSP
The biggest alteration to the formula is a visit from a Science Patrol member from the Indian branch, Patty (Annu Mari). The network wanted Ultraman to have an international scope to help with foreign sales, which is why we get an occasional non-Japanese SSSP member like Patty or Alan in “My Home Is Earth.” Patty’s main role is working with Hayata and inspiring jokes about how Zumbolar’s rampage is wrecking her vacation. That’s not much, but I appreciate seeing the expanded scope of the Science Patrol.
2. Hayata Has More to Do
Shin Hayata is the least interesting member of the Science Patrol. Nobody will debate this. His defining characteristic is that he turns into Ultraman. Sometimes it’s the only thing he does in an episode. This time he gets to hang out with Patty, and having a semi-sidekick keeps him busier than usual. I don’t understand his intentions with Patty: the scene where he cheats in a raffle to be the one who escorts her during her vacation seems to indicate he’s attracted to her, but that feeling doesn’t carry over into their scenes together. Regardless, it’s a nice change, and the raffle scene is cute.
3. Remorse for Monsters
Empathy for kaiju has been a growing theme throughout the show’s run. Zumbolar is another in a line of giant beasts that isn’t evil — merely dangerously big. Fuji suggests that the monsters of the world feel cornered and are seeking revenge. This is the source of the episode title: the Japanese word gyakushū is usually translated as the military term “counterattack,” but it can be loosely rendered in English as “revenge.” Even Arashi says he feels bad for having to destroy Zumbolar. If action-man Arashi is starting to regret monster-slaying, we’re ready for a full “sympathy for the monster” episode. (Yes, it’s coming.)
4. Lots of Explosions
“Endless Counterattack” shows how much the Tsuburaya Pro special effects team evolved since the earliest episodes. The VFX crew has had 31 episodes of training, and at this point they can throw a massive pyrotechnics party in their sleep. They take the “endless” part of the title seriously, because the assault on Zumbolar with tanks and the Jet VTOL feels nonstop. And it’s not boring. Zumbolar is also an effective kaiju, a classic quadruped dino-form with a bit of flair.
5. The Science Special Firefighting Party
When the first fire breaks out, and before anyone knows a monster caused it, the SSSP swings into action to … put out the fire. Isn’t that a job for the fire department? Considering that Science Patrol members have groused before about getting sent to do jobs they deem inappropriate, it’s strange they have no issue with putting out what seems to be an ordinary forest fire. This is neither a positive nor a negative. I just thought I’d point it out.
Anyway, Ultraman now marches on into one of the densest periods of awesomeness imaginable. I hope you enjoyed this warm-up act of boilerplate competence.
Rating: Average
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