Super Dimension Fortress Macross (episodes 19 to 36)
Oh boy, I had no idea what lay ahead when I wrote the first part of this review. Another nine or so episodes of solid entertainment that crescendos with humanity/the earth being annihilated to pop music and then... another nine episodes of utter shite. Tedious, ill-conceived nonsense that doesn't even succeed at being competent in what it endeavours to do. A grim demonstration of a show dismantling its own achievements in pursuit of its worst impulses that, until the very end, dispenses with any of the shrewdness or imagination that made it semi-tolerable up to that point. It's all love triangle all the time, folks, and the characters are truly the worst versions of themselves. Yes, somehow Kaifun is even more of an arse.
Still, that final episode does capture some of the earlier magic and I suppose all's well that ends well? I mean, absolutely not - SDF Macross determinedly wrecks its own legacy in its final stretch, but I appreciated that the finale allows Misa to take control of her life and lean into what makes her appealing, and Hikaru, primo dipshit that he is, finally recognises that. We also get a sweet reunion of the Macross bridge crew (with a cheer-worthy appearance of Claudia and Global) and a serviceable, if unearned final battle. The show particularly redeems itself in never pitting Misa and Minmay against each other, even when the love triangle is forced to have something of a reckoning. The mutual respect both women show each other here is a marvel in how it resists the worse kind of romantic/sexist tropes and swerves the otherwise wretched gender politics of the show more broadly. I was genuinely impressed, to its credit.
Still, SDF Macross is an extremely messy prospect. Were a loved one to grab you by the shoulders, earnestly look you in the eye and say "stop watching after ep 27" please take heed. They care about you. They want you to enjoy yourself. Resist any urge to judge for yourself. You'll keep watching and haemorrhage most of the goodwill you had. You'll flee to We Remember Love, desperate for a soothing balm, only to be confounded still. You'll condemn the franchise despite there being some pretty cool stuff down the line. Listen, it's me - I'm the loved one. Stop watching after ep 27.