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What did you think of Ultraman Arc episode 20?

Read my Ultraman-Inspired Story for kids

VIDEO

LINKS

Ultraman Connection – Official Site

Ultraman Arc WIKI

Going Ultra! Ultraman Arc Episode 20: What is Passed Down – Family Bonds & Kaiju Mysteries

By MJ Muñoz – Author, Artist, Analyzer – MJMunoz.com

Episode Details & Creative Team

Ultraman Arc Episode 20, titled “What is Passed Down,” originally aired November 30th, 2024. The episode was directed by Yusuke Akitake and written by Ukyo Miura.

Miura has an impressive history with the Ultraman franchise, having written episodes for Ultraman Taiga (including episode 9, “The Present for Each”), multiple episodes of Ultraman Geed (2017), a couple of episodes for Ultraman Orb, and one for Ultraman X. It’s always interesting to see how writers with franchise experience approach their episodes.

Parental Themes & Family Connections

This episode centers on Chief Hiroshi Ban and his relationship with his daughter. During a career day event, his daughter chooses to shadow a local news reporter instead of anyone from SKIP. Chief Ban feels a bit sad about this, leading to a poignant conversation with Yuma about how parents eventually have to let their children go their own way.

There’s a touching moment where Chief Ban shows Yuma a bento box that belonged to his daughter as a child, saying, “Stuff like this is the only thing that we parents get to hold on to.” This conversation is especially meaningful because it’s with Yuma, who has no parents (they’re deceased) and doesn’t experience that side of family dynamics.

I appreciated the melancholy tone of these scenes and how they connect to larger themes about legacy and what we pass down to others—perfectly matching the episode’s title.

Kaiju Science & Analysis

One aspect I really enjoy about Arc is its harder sci-fi approach to kaiju. The show treats them as animals with natural behaviors and physiological traits, which isn’t something I recall being emphasized as much in Blazar or Z.

Yuma, who studied kaiju physiology and behavior, applies his scientific knowledge throughout the episode. When a supposed Gomess appears, Yuma analyzes its behavior patterns: if it’s hungry, the carnivorous Gomess should head toward the foot of the mountain where animals are; if it’s full, it should be hibernating. But this Gomess does neither, suggesting something is amiss.

This attention to kaiju behavior adds depth to the world-building, making the kaiju feel like real creatures rather than just monsters of the week.

The Mystery Kaiju

The twist reveals that the Gomess is actually a mimic—a space kaiju called Suppekio. Ishido, who works for the space division of the GDF, guesses this possibility when the creature displays anomalous behavior for a Gomez.

When the team tries to use citronella acid (typically effective against Gomess ), it has no effect, further confirming their suspicions that this isn’t an ordinary Gomess . The reveal of the imposter adds an interesting layer to what could have been a standard kaiju encounter.

Visual Style & Direction

The direction in this episode really stood out to me. There wasn’t as much of the creative “Arc trick shots” from earlier episodes, but instead, we got some fantastic documentary-style footage of the kaiju.

The framing of Gomez included awkward positions, handheld camera work following people running toward the kaiju while others flee, and great composition shots showing the creature behind overpasses, lampposts, and electrical wires. These techniques created a sense of realism that made the kaiju feel more present in the environment.

The miniature work was also excellent, particularly during the scenes where they attempt to neutralize Gomess with citronella acid.

Godzilla References

According to the Ultraman Wiki, this episode contains numerous Easter eggs and references to the Godzilla franchise:

• Gomess’ footsteps and the power line scene recall classic shots from the 1954 Godzilla
• Supekkio exhibits traits similar to Space Godzilla by mimicking Gomez and displaying anti-gravity flight abilities
• The “imposter” plot elements seem inspired by Mechagodzilla and its fake Godzilla disguise from the 1974 film
• Gomess’ silhouette on the mountaintop and resistance to artillery are reminiscent of Shin Godzilla (2016)
• The transformation scene after Gomess’ defeat resembles scenes from Godzilla Singular Point (2021)

The special effects director Naoyuki Uchida explained an interesting detail about the Arc Eye Sword: when it glows red during the battle, it’s because it’s absorbing and amplifying the energy from the reflected beam, allowing Arc to break through the kaiju’s barrier.

Character Growth & Thematic Resolution

By the end of the episode, Chief Ban’s daughter gets to see her father being heroic in his role with SKIP. After previously mentioning she’d love to interview Ultraman, she gets her chance when she interviews her father with Ultraman visible in the background.

In her report, she emphasizes how everyone can do something heroic and find their way to make the world better—tying into a Japanese cultural value about finding and fulfilling our roles in society. She questions whether being a reporter is right for her, though she handles the interview masterfully, possibly because of her familiarity with SKIP and kaiju situations from growing up.

Comic Relief

There’s a funny moment where YouPi comments that kids today only want to become famous influencers or have high-paying jobs—neither of which describes working for SKIP. His blunt honesty creates an awkward moment with the team, showcasing UP’s unique personality as both a robot and a character with distinct traits.

Closing Thoughts & Series Direction

While I thoroughly enjoyed this episode, I’m unsure how it connects to the overarching plot. The Earth annihilation threat still seems present, as I don’t believe the dimensional hole has been completely collapsed. I’m curious to see how these standalone episodes will ultimately tie into the larger narrative.

Mockwing Mayhem Update

On a personal note, I’ve completed my book “Mockwing Mayhem,” featuring magical bugs who battle monsters. The story follows untrained, “teenage” magical bugs who must defend their home against a group of vicious Mockwings— mist-like bird monsters that hunt children.

The book incorporates many tokusatsu elements and themes, particularly the protection of children that’s central to franchises like Ultraman, Kamen Rider, and Super Sentai. If you enjoy my Ultraman analysis, I think you’ll appreciate the tokusatsu heart within this story.

You can learn more at Grobugs.com. Until next time, take care and be well!