Eureka Seven #01

Renton is a fourteen year old teenager who’s bored with his life because nothing exciting ever happens to him. He wants to ride the waves like his idol Holland, but he’s reminded that Holland grew up in a much different environment in North Shore. However, Renton is always reminded of Holland’s words of wisdom – “It doesn’t matter where you’re born, the spot you really need is always right in front of you.” This provides him with the motivation to prove that he can also one day master the Cut-back Drop-turn with an LFO (Light Finding Operation) right in his own backyard. He hates the city he lives in, though, and describes it as a painting with “the worst” drawn all over it because they never get any good waves, and the only way anyone can live a decent life is to become a soldier. Unfortunately, he has no other choice but to live in that crappy city since he has such little life experience under his belt.

(Summer of Love — “It was when the sky became filled with the large-scale outbreak of the Transparence Light Particle phenomenon, “Trappa” for short, and the plan to build the Compac Drive was first conceived, that the world was thrown into chaos.”)

Renton’s class learns about the Summer of Love, but he isn’t paying attention to the teacher because he’s too occupied reading his manga (or whatever he’s reading) instead of paying attention to the day’s lesson. The teacher continues to explain that the person who averted the disaster and turned it into a new life is their country’s very own Adirock Thorston, Renton’s father. Naturally, everybody stares at Renton, but he has no clue as to why his classmates are all staring at him. Suddenly, a huge boulder (or asteroid) falls from the sky onto the open space on campus grounds. The students don’t even seem phased by it, though, because they’re too busy picking on Renton about his dad not really saving the world. He finally gets fed up hearing their lies and gives them a piece of his mind with his fists.

Although Renton’s failing at his grades, his grandfather refuses to send him off as a soldier. The only thing that really matters to Renton are his waves anyway. As long as he has the ability and opportunity to lift, he can escape reality and life in general. However, he’s devastated when he sees his usual spot for waves at the Toushuu Republic Air Force being destroyed by a military LFO. Later that evening, he notices his Compac Drive illuminating with EUREKA on it, and he thinks it may either be a military PIN number, a code from the Gekko State, OR he’s hoping that anyone who receives the message will get to become Gekko State members. His grandfather abruptly barges in his room without notice and complains about his accumulation of trash (sounds familiar) and that he’ll never become a good mechanic if he can’t take care of his own stuff. Renton doesn’t want to become a mechanic and resents his grandfather for deciding his future, but he does make a valid point when he asks Renton if he has any other talents. He tells him to be realisitc about life. Although his father died and became a hero and his sister Diane put her dreams on the line and set out on her own, nothing in this world has ever changed because of it. He even believes that people who think dreams are more important than anything are idiots. Renton shoots back with his own retort, claiming that his grandfather is only concerned about his retirement, so he’ll save up all his money and place him in a nice old folks’ home. His grandfather’s reaction is HILARIOUS! He crumples up his face, snorting, “WHAT DID YOU SAY?” He runs out of the house with Renton’s board, but a blast of wind stops him from going far, and they’re both amazed to see someone riding a real LFO. Renton is even more impressed by the fact that the person is able to maneuver the Cut-back Drop-turn so easily and thinks it might be Holland, but then it clumsily crashes down on his room, and a huge LFO emerges from the explosion. He’s surprised that his grandfather recognizes it as the Nirvash Type Zero, the ultimate LFO, and neither of them can believe that they’re witnessing the real thing with their own eyes. A girl emerges from the huge machine to ask either of them if they could take a look at her LFO since something might be wrong with it, but Renton’s too zoned out to answer because he’s completely smitten with how cute she is.

Renton is still in complete shock the next day because of his unbelievable luck of having a real Nirvash landing right in his own front yard. Not only is it the legendary first phantom unit to be discovered, but it’s also become the blueprint for all LFOs following it. He thinks that it might have come equipped with the original Compac Drive, but he’s disappointed that it doesn’t have one. When the girl returns to her LFO, Renton attempts to impress her with his “pro mechanic skills” and suggests that all it may need is his Compac Drive (since humans are unable to move the machines without it), but she’s already well aware of how it works and is clearly unimpressed by him. Renton, however, is already convinced that she’s his ideal woman because she’s smart and considerate…until she uses the flamethrower to burn down what’s left of his room.

She tells him to remove his Compac Drive from her LFO because it’s causing it not to work anymore, and you could sense the sadness in her voice when she tells him - “Just because you believe in something doesn’t mean that it will come true. There are times when believing too much leads to misfortune. Sometimes believing in things can be painful.” This causes Renton to think of his father, his older sister, and everything that he’s hoped to become in his life. His grandfather recognizes her as one of Holland’s pals and gives her a purple device, but he’s clearly upset for good reason. “Because of this stupid contraption, my family was torn to pieces. If you wanna take it, then take it and get outta here. And then don’t ever come back again!” Renton doesn’t understand his rude behavior, but she seems to know the reason behind his grandfather’s anger. All of a sudden, she senses the missiles approaching and takes off into the sky. Meanwhile, Grandpa tells Renton to give her the Amita Drive, the most important part of the Compac Drive, that will awaken the LFO to its true ability and to use it to destroy them all. He takes off on his motorcycle and drives off a huge cliff, but realizes that he may be way over his head…

–

It looks like this will be on of my list of “must-watch” shows of the season. It has enjoyable characters, great animation, and an interesting storyline that leaves you wanting more. One thing I noticed throughout the show is that Diane’s (Renton’s older sister) face is never shown in any of the photos that she’s in, and I’m wondering why. Also, it’s especially interesting to note that Holland has a picture of her, Renton, and Granpa with her face crossed out. It makes you wonder…was he romantically invovled with Diane? Hmmm…we’ll find out in future episodes.

I’d like to apologize for any errors I might have made. This was one of the more difficult shows to write about since there’s so much dialogue involved, but I hope you enjoyed reading.