Secrets & Lies

Revelations, threats, and decisions pile up as this rollicking sci-fi adventure comedy continues. The Nadesico is to be commandeered by the United Earth Forces and Akito, the reluctant hero of the series, relieved of his duties. Both Nergal Heavy Industries and the military are very interested in Akito, as he seems to have demonstrated an ability to teleport between planets using the blue Chulip Crystals found on Mars. Typically, he doesn't remember how--or if--he teleported from Mars; he only recalls waking up on Earth. Meanwhile, Yurika refuses to give up her one-sided romance with Akito and cheerfully defies the ambitious Erina Won. Megumi and Minato make an astonishing discovery about the identity of the "Jovian Lizards" who are at war with Earth: the pilot's capsule in the captured Jovian mobile suit contains toys from the spoof '70s mecha series "Gekigangar III"! Director Tatsuo Sato takes the story to new heights of absurdity in "Let's Go with Hot-Blooded Anime": the casts of Nadesico and "Gekigangar" watch each other's programs, borrowing ideas for weapons and complaining about the plots. Among American TV cartoons, only Rocky and Bullwinkle and The Simpsons dared this kind of outrageous self-parody. Unrated; suitable for ages 10 and up for minor sexual innuendoes and violence, largely restricted to robot versus robot. --Charles Solomon