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Ultraseven 24 |Going Ultra – Going Ultra – Presented by Henshin Inspection
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A Deep Dive into Ultraseven Episode 24 – “Return to the North”
Hey there, tokusatsu fans! MJ Muñoz here, ready to take you on another journey through the fascinating world of Ultra series. Today, we’re diving into Ultraseven Episode 24, titled “Return to the North.” This episode caught my attention thanks to a recommendation from Cydrixar, and boy, am I glad I watched it! Let’s break it down and explore why this classic piece of tokusatsu deserves our attention.
Episode Overview
First, let’s set the stage. This episode marks the debut of the alien Cannan, a race that Ultraman Blazar fans might recognize from episode 6. However, don’t expect Cannan to dominate the screen time – their appearance is more subtle than you might think.
The story centers around Shigeru Furuhashi, an Ultra Guard member. We’re thrust into a family drama as Furuhashi’s sister tries to convince him to visit their mother back home in Hokkaido. There’s tension between Furuhashi and his mother, who runs a farm and wants her son to take over the family business.
Character Connections and Tokusatsu Trivia
As a quick aside, this was my first time watching Ultraseven , so I came in fresh, with no preconceptions about these characters. Interestingly, the actor playing Furuhashi also played a sharpshooter in the original Ultraman series. It’s these little connections that make the Ultra universe so rich and interconnected!
Alien Cannan: A Timeless Design
Let’s talk about the alien Cannan for a moment. Their design is incredibly striking, and what’s even more impressive is how well it’s stood the test of time. The fact that they could use essentially the same design decades later in Ultraman Blazar speaks volumes about the original creators’ vision and craftsmanship.
The Heart of the Episode
While the alien threat is present, what really grabbed me was the emotional core of this episode. The conflict between Furuhashi and his mother, his reluctance to return home, and the subsequent events create a powerful narrative.
The climax of the episode is a masterclass in tension and emotion. Furuhashi finds himself trapped in his Ultra Guard fighter, on a collision course with a commercial airliner carrying 300 passengers. Unable to eject due to alien interference, we witness an incredibly intense performance as Furuhashi grapples with his impending doom.
What follows is a beautifully crafted scene where Furuhashi’s mother is brought in to speak with him over the comms. The back-and-forth between mother and son, knowing these could be their final moments together, is genuinely moving. The actor’s performance, laughing through tears, perfectly captures the complex emotions of the moment.
The Art of Tokusatsu
This episode exemplifies why I always argue that tokusatsu is art. In just 22-24 minutes, without any prior attachment to these characters, I was fully invested in their story. Every aspect of the production – from costume and set design to sound, music, acting, and direction – came together to create something truly special.
Yes, there are aliens, monsters, and perhaps some cheesy special effects. But alongside the spectacle, we get depth, heart, and genuine human drama. It’s this combination that makes tokusatsu so unique and, in my opinion, underappreciated.
The Beauty in the Details
What struck me most was how the characters maintained their conversation in the face of impending disaster. The captain’s decision to connect Furuhashi with his mother, the way they almost ignore the dire reality of the situation – it’s a beautiful depiction of human connection in the face of tragedy.
The episode also touches on themes of professionalism versus personal feelings, culminating in a touching reversal where Furuhashi’s teammates show their support by sending him to Hokkaido on a “patrol mission.”
Final Thoughts
This episode of Ultraseven is a perfect example of why I love tokusatsu. It combines high-stakes action with deeply human stories, all wrapped up in the unique aesthetic of the genre. If you can look past some of the dated effects (which, let’s be honest, have their own charm), you’ll find a beautiful, emotionally resonant story.
I highly encourage you to seek out this episode on Tubi, Pluto TV, or Shout Factory. Watch it and let me know what you think! Whether you loved it, hated it, or felt something in between, I want to hear your thoughts.
As always, if you enjoyed this deep dive, don’t forget to subscribe to keep up with my latest analyses. Like and share to help me reach more tokusatsu fans like you. And remember, you can always find more of my work at mjmunoz.com.
Until next time, this is MJ signing out. Keep letting your voice be heard – stories are always better when you’re part of the conversation!
Ultraseven episode 24 watched the episode and it was fantastic. I advise you check out CYDRIXAR and ULTRASEVEN 24 RETURN TO THE NORTH.
MJ Muñoz 