[Matts]

I outdid myself then, I just finished episode 6 on my re-watch in spite of my awful headache and lack of sleep, so I'll leave my impressions on episodes 2-6 here now. I'll be back to correct my grammar later, I promise, but it was hard enough to write in this state.

I hope this is okay, I'm taking notes, something I didn't do before so I can get back to these whenever I want to.

Spoiler for Episode 2 - Hard Chase:

- I feel sorry for Ranka, having to go on such a rollercoaster ride. Good thing, she's part zentradi.

-"Kowakatta..." you don't say. Poor kid.

-Ranka acting like a puppy, and no, I don't mean that in a bad way, just a general observation.

-Boob grope because why not, this is Macross after all.

-Saving Ranka is kind of a stretch. Drying her clothes is barely saving anyone. And he was the reason for having to save Sheryl and Ranka on the same day too, knocking one off the stage, and distracting Gilliam in the middle of battle, instead of listening to Sheryl and leaving it up to the pro's. And he knows this too. Poor boy.

-Alto's concern for the home he wanted to leave shows when he looks at the devastation caused by the attack.

-Quality drop in animation and yandere Ranka face, how I "missed" this after watching the movies back to back a couple of times two months ago.

-Ranka can bring me tunabuns anytime.

-Underwear are flying, because why not, this is Macross.

-Baby Alto tops other characters as kids.

-BOMBA!

-Sheryl teasing Ranka, both girls are too cute. And Sheryl's sweet side shows again, she really likes Ranka for her honesty.

-Alto notices Sheryl's voice. May'n's awesome. And a sweet moment between the girls again.

-Ranka gets her name as second on the credits list this time.

Spoiler for Episode 3 - On Your Marks:

-I'd like to note that I am so skipping the opening every time. Worst Maaya song ever.

-It's still funny how many death flags Ozma has.

-It's also funny how Nanase is everywhere in every episode. Not like she does anything, but she's always there.

-Poor Ranka. Sucks to be in a state of shock like that. And Sheryl scolding Alto for not being considerate is another nice moment for her.

-Don't worry, Sheryl. Instead of fishing in space, you have freshly steamed tunabuns.

-Double slap.

-Chemistry in action and Ranka is trapped on the sideline, time to make peace. And it worked, just not the way she planned.

-Grace being awesome.

-Sheryl foreshadowing, it couldn't be more blatant than this.

-And again, Grace, the amazing. Sheryl's sweet look.

-Double flirt.

-Sheryl being an inspiration from the shelter scene to encouraging Ranka. The three characters are already starting to help each other move forward.

-On the one hand I would compare Ranka asking Ozma to stop being a pilot a request similar to Minmay's, but her situation is a lot worse so I can't really say it was selfish of her in any way. It's not about her, but Ozma's life, and he would have had an impossible challenge trying to explain to Ranka why he has to fly because of her mental state.

-After some Sheryl foreshadowing, we get Ranka's story.

-Eew, Leon.

-And this time Alto hears Ranka sing.

-I hate that I can pick out where the fansub is off. It's good that I know what they are saying, but on the other hand, it's bothering me.

-In reality, Ranka sang when Sheryl was around, so in a way, Ranka sang for Sheryl first. Twice, if I count how they met on the street.

-I wonder if Wilder's speech about Gilliam was meant to be foreshadowing for Alto, especially with Aimo in the background and Alto making up his mind.

-And Sheryl's line for Ranka's decision.

-Alto and Sheryl get their names listed separately from the rest.

Spoiler for Episode 04 - Miss Macross:

-The trials of the talented amateurs begin.

-Micheal, nice move.

-Teacher slap.

-Ranka, to be fair, it's also thanks to Sheryl.

-Size doesn't matter, says Miss Megane Oppai-san.

-Yes, Alto, you are prettier than all of them.

-The guy talking to Cathy always freaks me out. He looks like some character from Kemonozume.

-Another cool outfit for Sheryl, who is here to root for Ranka. I mean act as judge. And root for Ranka. This and the shelter scene both felt and still feel to me like Alto and Sheryl are overlooking their young kouhai or sibling. Alto sends her a message and Sheryl comes up right after him to deliver the final push. Very, very nice.

-Alto wants to support Ranka and prove to himelf, i mean his dad that he can do it.

-It's a good thing Klan and her squad were there to help out, it's nice that Alto feels the need to protect someone, but there's a fine line between being heroic and committing suicide...

-Nevertheless, he shows his resolve early on. As long as he has people backing him up.

-Leon being a manipulative jerk as always.

-To be fair, Ranka lost because of Leon. And she still needs confidence.

-And so the chemistry between Alto and Ranka kicks off, next time it's Sheryl's turn.

-Alto and Ranka get the separate listing this time around.

-This was a good episode for the AruRan ship, but also for Ranka. I liked how she tried. Sure, she hit her head and fell, but so what. You have to start somewhere.

Spoiler for Episode 05 - Star Date:

-I'll agree with some who were saying Ranka was acting like a spoiled child here, but if she really didn't ask for the private school and finally got her act together to enter a contest, Ozma could have shown more support instead of reinforcing her lack of self-confidence.

-And while girls and boys try to hit on Alto, he gets some closet time with Sheryl.

-Poor phone, talk about abuse.

-Ozma is no Roy when it comes to women. Letting Cathy go instead of balancing things out...

-Sheryl being super cute in the background, while Alto is on the phone.

-And there it is. Sheryl asked if Alto was committed or not. He said no. So both girls have a shot and are free to try.

-And with Ranka's phone turned off Alto goes on a date with Sheryl. Not only can she take spicy food, she can also out run the Princess.

-Michael's right, Ranka's just being silly now.

-I love how Sheryl is taking in the sites on Frontier like a bird let out of her cage. Alto doesn't realize yet just how good he has it. Sheryl taking his hand to run off to a train and the awkward moment when they realize they are comfortable holding each other's hand.

-I remember some people saying that Alto saw Ranka and that's why he took Sheryl to Folmo, but I don't see any hints at all, which is kind of strange. It does contradict the scene where he saw her. It's just that Alto is in no hurry when he shows Sheryl the Zentradi and it doesn't seem like he has any intent at all to go to the Mall, until Sheryl notices it. The directing was off a bit here?

-Ranka still being silly. And Michel trying to hide from Klan.

-Plate Sheryl. Who ever said Sheryl isn't cute was watching a different show. And I hope no one tried those shoes on before Sheryl got there.

-You don't bother the artist while at work. On a giant, pink underwear.

-Michael has reasons to think Alto isn't the best person to run to for advice. It's hard to talk to a truth-teller, Alto might be a good supporter and listener, but in this case it was better that she bumped into Michael instead.

-Klan is fascinated.

-A plane that's lifted by Sheryl's words to Alto, to inspire Ranka indirectly. Yeah, yeah, I like the triangle aspect of the story a little too much. No, not the romantic one, the inspiring each other one.

-Sheryl being the proud mentor. And I like this version of What 'bout my star better, I don't like the music for the original.

-Good thing Leon sealed off the Vajra in time.

-Sheryl's happy about Ranka and sad that she has to leave. So she makes the best of it with a "thank you kiss". And Alto is smitten. Meanwhile Ranka is about to get scouted.

-Alto and Sheryl listed separately from the rest again.

Spoiler for Episode 06 - Bye-Bye Sheryl:

-Song is love, love is culture and Elmo, his just crazy. So, Ozma didn't like the idea of the Miss Macross contest but will trust a crazy person to take care of his sister?

-Sheryl is nice to the staff. No jetleg, no bitch-Sheryl.

-Ok, so now every friend of Alto thinks he is dating someone. But why would he buy half an earring as a present, Michael, makes no sense.

-Scandal indeed.

-Michael, the one to talk.

-It was hard for Ozma to say yes. And the face Ranka makes. Her big brother is overreacting, as usual and she's used to it. Sibling love, nothing compares.

-That was a terrible advice from Alto. It's much better that Ranka won her brother's approval, than running away, like Alto, only to have guilt trips and moments of self-doubt whenever something triggers his memories on why and how he left. Like I said, it turned out much better for Ranka that she got to talk to Michael instead of him at Folmo.

-So... why do you have to "defeat" Sheryl? Nanase, I'll never get her. Alto feels awkward. I think Ranka noticed as much.

-Great job, Alto. Lie to her and than give her tickets that you have, because... Whatever Alto was trying to do here, he did it wrong.

-Sheryl being an inspiration again. She might have bad memories of Galaxy, it might be a cage, but it's her home and she wants to save it. She's ahead of Alto here.

-Iyaa, Sekuhara! Wait, she didn't mind. Never mind.

-Sheryl and Alto share a talk, get to know each other more. Alto sees her vulnerable side for the first time. Then off they go, each to do what they are best at, as pros.

-And Ranka is off to the concert.

-The earring is shining.

-Sheryl is listed second again, all three mains together.