Outlaw Star Ending

[.Automatisch]

Although I really enjoy this show, the ending to the show bothers me because I have no clue what or who it has to do with. Can someone enlighten me please?

[DJRed]

I don't think it has anything to do with... anything.
It's just some very nice drawings that the creator decided to air at the end. I don't really get it either. But I like them anyway.

[I.R Joey]

I have a question,

spoilers
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in episode 7 when Suzuka appaers, she implys that someone wants Fred dead because his growing bueisness might interfear with theirs. Then at the end after they take down the Anten pirates she says that her employer is out of the picture so she no longer needs to kill Fred, does that mean she was employed by Hazonko and his group?

[Ravenger]

Not nessisarally... the Anten Seven doesn't come into the picture of Gene and the Outlaw Star until later on after the other "lower level" pirates fail in capturing the Outlaw Star. Fred Lou does say that given enough time he'd be able to take care of Sasuka's employer... haven't seen the ending in a while either but I think Fred says that he took care of said employer.

[Kesh]

The Galacti Ley Line is a kind of cosmic focal point, where all the energies of the universe concentrate. In this place, some form of consciousness exists... whether it's a god, machine or something else, we don't really know. All anyone really knows is that if you can contact this being, you can be granted ultimate power...

So, the Kei Pirates, in conjunction with the government, begin work on a grappler ship designed to penetrate the Ley Line. Of course, the pirates plan on double-crossing the government and getting the goods for themselves. But, they are outsmarted by "Hot Ice" Hilde, who plans on stealing the ship, even though she doesn't know its true purpose.

Melfina was created for the purpose of piloting the ship into the Ley Line, since normal humans are driven insane by the energies surrounding it. Apparently, she was also somehow in touch with the being in the Line, since it somehow recognized her. ("Why hast thou returned?")

So, in the final episode, Hazanko manages to get into the Ley Line, and claim the ultimate power he wants. In order to stop him, Melfina and Gene access some of that power and fight back, destroying him before escaping the Ley Line (and apparently losing what they had gained from it).

Does that help any? :)

[Shnay]

I absolutely loved the ending. This is one of the first anime series I ever saw, and still holds a special place in my heart. :rolleyes:

However my favorite parts from the ending were the little things that weren't really the focus of the last two episodes. They are, in no particular order:

Aisha's final battle. She first shows some genuine compassion when she tells Jim to run ahead so she doesn't have to worry about him getting hurt. Then, when she is defeated, she shows some real dignity while still keeping a light spirit. She's usually so over the top that it is always nice when they treat her character as a "strong warrior" type.

Suzuka's battle with the classic samurai type ending. The whole action sequence was one of the best in the series. My favorite part of the scene was the part where they both charage at each other, clash, run past each other, pause for a moment, the defeated "look alike" respectfully asks what the technique was, she tells him, he falls. The whole "charge, pause, fall" thing reminded me of the old black and white samurai movies.

When Gene tells Jim to "wait back at the ship" and Jim bows his head and says, something like "Yeah, as usual." Gene tries to cheer him up by saying "we're a team, I'm on the front lines and your my support." But Jim's dissapointmeant and his feeling of being "in the way" comes through so clearly. The emotions in this scene are great.

Finally, Harry McDougall (he's the younger, blue haired one, right?) confessing his love for Melfina. He had said it before, but here he completely pours his heart out to her. And, for the first time, we see the "villain" as a real person with insecurities and vulnerabilities (that doesn't mean he isn't a bad person, but it does make him more interesting as a character). [nerd talk] It sort of reminded me of Sydney Carton of "A Tale of Two Cities" and his confession to Lucie [/nerd talk]. But that's probably just me.

Well, if you read all that, and aren't convinced I have serious problems, I'd like to hear what you thought of those scenes.

[Sheamon]

I absolutely loved the ending. This is one of the first anime series I ever saw, and still holds a special place in my heart. :rolleyes:


I had the exact opposite feeling. I thought the first 23 episodes were very good, but the ending of the show screwed the show over and prevents it from ever reaching the higher eschelon of animes out there.


I suppose whats worst is that the characters do a complete 180 from what they were for the whole series (outside of Melfina). Gene is always shown as a very flawed hero (which makes him so likeable), only to become Mr. Perfect in the end. Aisha blabs on about the Leyline the entire series, only to not care when she actually gets there. Jim always wants to have a bigger role throughout the series, and when they get to the Leyline he suddenly forgets about it and goes along with everything Gene says. When the show ends, the characters don't develop one whit. Gene is extremely flawed but realistic in eps 1-23, Mr. Perfect in eps 24, 25 and 75% of 26, then back to his usual "I'll do it when I get big" self in the last 5 minutes of the series.

The ending was extremely rushed, and the time wasn't even used properly. The Anten Seven were presented as so tough, yet all die so easily. The long awaited final duel between Gene and Ron never happens since Ron is dispatched with a single bullet. Heck, nothing even happened in the first ep of the trilogy.

The truth about what happened to Gene's father is never revealed.

The Leyline, which was kept so secretive throughout the whole series became the typical wish for whatever you want device.

The final battle with Hazanko (Ron should have been the main villain in the end, but no, they made this guy who was only in 1 episode before the finale it!! -_-) was ridiculous and confusing.

The entire ending seemed tailor made for a sequel with them leaving the MacDougals alive for no reason, still having them be poor as heck, and reuniting them in the end despite the fact that Aisha and Suzuka's missions are over. Shows should be made to end, not to be around for a sequel. Keep things open if you want, but don't actually accomplish practically nothing like in this show -_-

Outside of Eva, I can't find an ending I hated more. Too bad, the show was so good up to that point to and got so good near the end... :(

I suppose the only thing I did like about it was the ironic twist that Hitoriga and Suzuka had the same face despite being mortal enemies.

[Shnay]

Originally posted by Sheamon


I had the exact opposite feeling. I thought the first 23 episodes were very good, but the ending of the show screwed the show over and prevents it from ever reaching the higher eschelon of animes out there.


All very valid criticisms. I agree with most of them, too. Here are my thoughts:

I guess I viewed Gene's transformation of sorts to be him sort of "stepping up to the plate." Meaning it that he, as well as Aisha, new when to get "serious" and gave everything they had when it was all on the line. I agree that he did sort of become "Mr. Perfect" near the end, and characters are always more interesting when they have flaws. But, I guess I just sort of overlooked the change in his character since the whole atmosphere of the last two episodes was so vastly different from the rest of the series (which people will probably love or hate. I obviously liked it).

However, I think that Jim does keep his attitude of wanting to do more in what I think was a scene that showed a lot of his emotion. I guess his quickness to give in to Gene's instructions was due to the fact that the ending was rushed.

And I totally agree with you there. The ending was very rushed and was forced to deal with a few things that maybe it didn't really know how to deal with. They had so many characters with their own plots and motives that they tried to tie them all up as quick as possible (and even missed a few, like the McDougal brothers, as you said). The Galatic Leyline and final battles with Gene were also dissapointing.

The ending is far from flawless, but I also think that there are enough things in the final episodes to make the ending special and memorable.

[Kesh]

Is it just me, or is it wonderfully funny to see an entire thread where 90% of the text is blacked out? :)

[randomguy]

You're certainly NOT the only one. And no, I don't know why it's so funny either.

[Zechs]

It could of been better.

[.Automatisch]

I started this thread to be able to understand the ending of the show, meaning the credits!!! I want to know wth the art has to do with, thats all.

[DJRed]

Originally posted by [solid]snake
I started this thread to be able to understand the ending of the show, meaning the credits!!! I want to know wth the art has to do with, thats all.

yep. and once again here i am to save the day.
They have nothing to do with the series .
Well, Except for, perhaps, the fact that there pretty much all futuristic.

But otherwise, There just some very beautiful pieces of art that the creator (or someone) felt like adding in.
A Japanese John Delaney if you will.
Well..... ok.... but something like that.

[Shnay]

Originally posted by [solid]snake
I started this thread to be able to understand the ending of the show, meaning the credits!!! I want to know wth the art has to do with, thats all.

Eh...heh, heh :o ...guess we misunderstood. Sorry about that, I'm also sorry we made this thread look like a classified CIA report. Anyway, I think the art, as well as the music, at the end of the show is brilliant. Sure, its random and makes no sense, but I love it.

However, they changed the art and the music that accomanied the credits half way throught the series. I always liked the first set of music/art that ran during the credits better than the second one. Anyone agree, or know why they changed it?

[Beat]

It was okay. The main point was to suggest a new series.

[Sheamon]

LoL, I disagree again. I prefer the second ending credits. :p

[Shnay]

Originally posted by Sheamon
LoL, I disagree again. I prefer the second ending credits. :p

Are you sure you're not just really disagreable? Just kidding. :p

Did they change it after the first season was finished, or did it just change all of a sudden?

[I.R Joey]

Actually I think if you look at the last person in the second ending I think she may remind you of someone we've met in the series. (Hint she's wearing a digital bathing suit :D )

[Zechs]

There's a site on Anie pike calles Outlawstar end pics that might help.

[Sheamon]

Originally posted by I.R Joey
Actually I think if you look at the last person in the second ending I think she may remind you of someone we've met in the series. (Hint she's wearing a digital bathing suit :D )

Doesn't look like a digital bathing suit to me. The shot's the exact same in the unedited version.

[Zechs]

Yes it covered up I've seen the pics on the net uncut.

[Sheamon]

Can you read? I OWN THE UNEDITED VERSION. Who's better an authority on the subject than someone who has actually seen it in its true version, not someone who just heard rumors?!

We've already got the ridiculous 'CN lets tons of profanity through in the first run' and 'The Hot Springs episode is nothing but an excuse to get naked' rumors. I don't want to see yet another one of these idiotic subjects brought up by people who have only seen the show on Toonami.

[Zechs]

outlawstar (www.outlawstar.org)
Look in images to see what I mean.

[Sheamon]

Now I'm wondering if you've even seen the show on Toonami.

[Zechs]

If you look at the pic in the scond ending it's covered up I've seen that pic sevral on the net times and she is naked. Beacuse The U.S feels nudty has no place in cartoons ( but to get laughs and it's always kids which is ment to be nonsexaul is why it was cut.) Yes I have watched outlawstar sevarl times what do you think mw avatar is from. That's why it was cut in both versions nudty is not seen as accptable is U.S cartoons.

[Sheamon]

I'm not gonna bother anymore. Think whatever you want, just don't be surprised when you finally do see Outlaw Star unedited and am surprised to notice that they didn't censor the ending sequence.

BTW, the correct quote from the Simpsons is

Homer: No beer and no TV make Homer something something.
Marge: Go crazy?
Homer: Don't mind if I do!!!
:p

[randomguy]

I'm not gonna bother anymore. Think whatever you want, just don't be surprised when you finally do see Outlaw Star unedited and am surprised to notice that they didn't censor the ending sequence.

No offense Sheamon, but why do you get so hostile about these sorts of things?

[Sheamon]

I act hostile when someone gives me a reason to act hostile. As simple as that.

[randomguy]

Well, that makes logical sense, but you take this stuff WAY too seriously. It's just a little footnote in one anime- it's hardly a reason to bicker. No offense, but I think you're being way too hard on Zechs.

[PPRyan]

I know this is jumping back to an earlier issue, and it has nothing to due with the actual purpose of this thread, but I've got yet another stupid question. Is there a reason that the last couple of episodes seem so rushed? The ending just seems to happen so fast without answering a couple of questions. It's like they ran out of money to finish the cartoon, and they tried to cram everything into a couple of episodes. What's up with that?

[Sheamon]

Its cause they wasted so much time with filler episodes about talking cactuses and mouse terrorists. The finale should have been atleast 4 or 5 eps, but I guess having useless filler was more important to them than an adequate ending. :(

[Zechs]

That's a good question they might have of run out ideas or were rushing to meet a deadline that can make all the deiffrence meeting a deadline.

[randomguy]

I'll admit, the talking cactus episode was terrible, but I REALLY liked the mouse terrorist. You have to admit, the construction of the episode is brilliant- you know, the timing, the editing, the way it comes together is pretty impressive.

[Dark Spider]

Hmmm, an Outlaw Star ending thread...mind if I join in?

Outlaw Star Ending Credits
These are nothing but random monocromatic pictures. They serve no purpose but to calm the viewer down after watching an intense episode of Outlaw Star.

There are also no reason for the credits to change during the 2nd half of the series. But my theory is that the 1st version had a much sad sounding music and darker pics to reflect on the mood at that point. There is a feeling of uncertainty in the air while Gene figures out what to do. But the 2nd version had a more upbeat sounding music and lighter pics to reflect on the more fun, adventure packed filler episodes. I think they should've made a 3rd version to reflect on the Ending Trilogy.

I personally like the 2nd version of the ending credits because I like the music. But I like the 1st version's pictures though.

Outlaw Star Show Ending:
Hmmm, where to begin (Just some random opinions)...

-The ending did seem rushed. I do agree that they had all the time in the world to have the ending. They could've salvaged the episode when they were underwater finding treasure. They could also salvage the episode with Mouse terrorists, but that's my personal favorite episode of the whole series and I don't want it to go away.

-Character Development. The main cast's characters changed, but only for a hot second. I totally agree with Sheamon on this one. Gene's "Full of Flaws" nature was scrapped for the events leading to the final battle. But Gene's "Jump into action" nature was head on in the finale. Jim's "responsible for others while bashing Gene" nature took a vacation in Episode 25, but quickly came back the next episode. Aisha's selfish nature took a break also with the Jim scene. Her "Hunt for the Leyline" thing was totally scapped when the Ctarls Ctarls failed with their attempt. Suzuka's nature didn't change, but she was the most level headed out of the group so I didn't expect it to.

The person with the most character development has to be Harry McDougal. This character development was perfect and he was easily the star of the show for the last couple of episodes (at least in my opinion). It tells you something when a villian with more character development easily upstages the main character.

-Pop up characters. Where did Hasanko come from? He had little time on the show to establish his character, so he was basically a nobody in the end. I hate when things like that happen. You can't really cheer for a hero to beat a villian who wasn't properly developed. Its like defeating a normal easy foe on a filler episode. The Ctarl Ctarl thing was pointless. They may have indirectly helped Gene into the Galactic Leyline, but their purpose for being there was useless for the overall plot.

-Ron McDougal. What kind of contribution did Ron make to the show at the end? A simple 5 second duel with Gene, and that's all? I was disappointed in the way Ron McDougal was used in Outlaw Star's Conclusion. He could've served as the main antagonist to the story, like he was for nearly the whole series. But NO, instead, that Hasanko character who had 1 minute of actual development, got to be the main antagonist.

-Galactic Leyline. I was pretty baffled as to what the Galactic Leyline is for the whole ending. The only info I got from the ending is that it grants people wishes...but what is it and why is it there. I'm sure the answer is there, but as a viewer, I shouldn't have to watch the episode 5 times in order to understand it.

-A conclusion to an invisible plot. What was Suzuka's part deal? Near the beginning of the series, we learn that Suzuka joins the Outlaw Star crew because the Kai pirates follow Gene so much. Then we hear nothing about it until the very end, until a cool looking battle with one of the Anten Seven. That's the story with Suzuka. I would've loved to see some story development with her, so I can at least have some emotion during her fight. I primarly enjoyed the fight because it looked cool, and I couldn't care less if Suzuka won because of poor story development. I don't like the way that situation turned out.

-Overall, I enjoyed the ending to Outlaw Star and will gladly watch it again in a couple of months on ASA. But the ending was obviously crappily planned and could've been so much more. The series could've been so much more if the whole story was planned out in the beginning instead of "going along while its being created".

Some Random Stuff:
Here is just some random stuff that I was just thinking of...

-We spell her name as Aisha, but the show and close captioning spells's it Ayesha. We have been spelling it wrong the whole time.

-We could've really done without that episode that featured Gene underwater searching for Dragonite (not the pokemon btw :) )

-The Final Countdown....best episode EVER!

-How did Jim and Gene come to be partners anyway? Jim is an eleven year old boy who is by himself and is partners with a 20 year old in a business. There is something wrong with this picture.

-What kind of show would Outlaw Star be if Hilda survived. I'm pretty sure Hilda would've named the ship something else if she wasn't interupted in the 4th episode. I wonder what the name would've been? Hilda was the coolest character on the show and she had to die in the 4th episode...that really sucks.

[Sheamon]

There are also no reason for the credits to change during the 2nd half of the series. But my theory is that the 1st version had a much sad sounding music and darker pics to reflect on the mood at that point. There is a feeling of uncertainty in the air while Gene figures out what to do. But the 2nd version had a more upbeat sounding music and lighter pics to reflect on the more fun, adventure packed filler episodes.

No, thats not it. Its kinda the other way around, the second half of the series is the much darker one. If you'll remember, the switch happens at episode 14, which is hardly an upbeat episode. And the very next one is arguably the darkest and most depressing in the entire series (although my favorite by far :p) And you've got the prison episode, the one where Jim kills Hanio without knowing it, etc... When you really get down to it, the only really upbeat eps in the second half are the Hot Springs ep and the strongest woman in the world one. Meanwhile, the first half has the rather lighthearted Aisha ep, the cactus ep, the space race ones, etc...

I think it they switched just cause that was the halfway point. Maybe the first ending wasn't satisfying them so they switched it?



I personally like the 2nd version of the ending credits because I like the music. But I like the 1st version's pictures though.

Agree 100% on this one :) I wish they could have had the first ending's pics, but the second ending's music. ;)


What kind of show would Outlaw Star be if Hilda survived. I'm pretty sure Hilda would've named the ship something else if she wasn't interupted in the 4th episode. I wonder what the name would've been? Hilda was the coolest character on the show and she had to die in the 4th episode...that really sucks.

It would have been much better. Hilda's death was double suicide -- herself, and the chance of the show being in the upper tier of the genre. Only 2 episodes (episode 15, the Leilong one; and episode 20, the Hanmio one) ever reach the greatness that the first 4 had.

[Cactusjack1999]

1. Zechs, learn to use a freaking keyboard. I've never seen so many stupid mistakes in typing in my life.

2. I've seen the unedited versions of both endings (Thank god for bootleggers at conventions). And looking at teh only plausable pic that you are talking about (here: http://www.outlawstar.org/gallery/display.php?image=ed6.jpg)

Sheamon is correct. DEAL WITH IT.

3. Supposidly there is a new Outlaw Star in production picking up where the first left off. Manga wise atleast (I'll have to talk ot some of my contacts about this). And yes Hilda will return, or atleast her Twin Sister. I'm not 100% sure on the details, but once I get them I'll post them

EDIT: Here's info on hte new Manga. Nothing more in known other than what these guys have: http://pub53.ezboard.com/foutlawstarnetfrm1.showMessage?topicID=808.topic

[KingKoopa]

Sheamon, I've seen the unedited version, too. I've also seen the Toonami version. She has a digital swimsuit in the edited version, I remember clearly, and is like she is in that picture in the unedited version.

Of course, you won't buy it, even if you see it, but it doesn't really matter, I don't even know why I'm bringing it up.

[Shnay]

I suppose my enjoyment of the ending is due in no small part to my suspension of disbelief. I'm usually the first person to get upset at the types of criticisms that Dark Spider and Sheamon mentioned (which, again, are all valid, and I agree with them). However, with this show, I was able to ignore most of the many problems.

Perhaps this willingness to overlook such glaring flaws was because I was a bit of a more naive viewer back then, wowed by the visuals of a fascinating style that was new to me. Along with this, I think there were also enough of what I thought were great moments (which I talked about earlier) to make me sort of temporarily "forget" about past plot lines that fizzled into nothingness.

I'm sure that the more I watch it, the more these issues with the ending will begin to bug me. But, for now at least, I still remember the ending very fondly. Another reason for this is probably the development of Harry McDougal, as Dark Spider mentioned. The development of the "villain" has always been one of my favorite aspects of any form of storytelling. And I think a lot of my liking of this episode is because they handled that very well.

A few quick (unrelated) final notes:
Hilda was great. I think all Outlaw Star fans can agree on that, as well as the fact that she should have been in the show longer.

I still prefer the first set of music. I just love those final few notes.

I've always wondered how exactly Jim would have become business partners with Gene. You'd figure someone with an attitude as tough as Gene's would be a bit weary about spending all his time in bars with an eleven year old.

[Zechs]

Hmmmmmm good point. Man I miss Hilda she was cool. And why would Jim hang out with a moron like Gene.