First, a not-really-a-spoiler: this was teased before the end of last episode, but we’re basically seeing what I will call Full Armor Heroman. This should be a big hit with the toy buying market. Full Armor concepts are always good, but a) this one is particularly nicely done, b) it is very appropriate, since this episode begins what amounts to heavy, prolonged combat, making the armor crucial to Heroman’s chances of success.
The thrust of this episode is Joey and Heroman fighting their way through Washington D.C. on their way to the White House, under alien occupation. The alien Skrugg are holding all the cards: mass produced biological troops, a metal plant with “tentacles” everywhere, and the transformation of D.C. into their home turf, giving them the home field advantage.
In the hero’s corner is the above-mentioned Full Armor Heroman, equipped with some really resilient armor, an extra energy supply, and lower leg mounted sonic blasters to turn the ordinary thug level Skruggs into green goo. (That’s as close as this series gets to blood, mind you. It’s aliens so it’s OK.)
The TV reporter from earlier episodes shows up doing some, uh, stupid flying close to the action. Despite entreaties to pull the heck out, the girl just won’t give up on her mission to show the world the true heroism she sees before her – and so exposes not just Heroman’s actions, but Joey, to the entire world. This is when Holly, who with Lina has gone with Psy and the Professor to “help Heroman out” by preparing to supply him with energy when it runs low in this long battle, finds out the hard way that her little brother is on the front line, so to speak, and… always was. No one had the heart to tell her prior to this, well, since Joey hadn’t, certainly. So Heroman’s #1 fangirl didn’t know that the little brother she wanted to protect was Heroman’s er… sidekick? Partner? That sort of thing.
Anyway, putting his life in danger for the nation and the world.
The bottom line is, the heroes do not win this round.
Not only is Gogorr being revived, but the “tama” (balls) that were indestructible in the first half of the show are er, flying now, and the D.C. one positions itself right above what looks like a giant alien satellite dish (which is what the revived Gogorr comes out of). Things look pretty grim for the heroes, the President, and the world.
But, it’s not over yet. Not as long as there’s a “TO BE CONTINUED” at the end of the episode!!
…And yes, that’s very comic book. It’s actually quite entertaining. Very Stan Lee, in a good way.
Rather than attempt some kind of play-by-play, I will be doing something more practical and useful: focusing on the underlying currents and where we are and where we are going. Obviously someone who hasn’t been watching this show since the start might have a hard time following details that are too “detailed,” and besides, it’s all about the flow.