Ultra Q Episode 10 "The Underground Super Express Goes West" Review | Godzilla Island Archive

Note: This article was originally published in 2017 on Godzilla Island all view and opinions may have since changed.

This episode begins with the announcement of a new bullet train. Meanwhile, at a newspaper office, a photographer packs up his briefcase to cover the train’s opening but accidentally takes the wrong case. Inside the case is an artificial life form, codenamed M1. Its creator, who was being interviewed about his scientific breakthrough, soon realizes the mistake when he goes to retrieve the case.

Back on the train, the photographer learns of his error. When he opens the case, another photographer snaps a photo of the M1 capsule. The train conductor then takes the case to the main engine room and attempts to store it in a safe. The case bursts open, and M1 rapidly grows into a man-sized, ape-like creature. The conductor and engineer flee the cabin in terror.

A young boy who snuck onto the train sneaks into the engine room, excited to experience the train firsthand. He initially thinks M1 is a robot controlling the train—but quickly realizes it’s a living creature. M1 has already set the train to maximum speed and detached the rest of the cars. As the train hurtles toward a crash, M1 grabs the boy and retreats into the storage safe. The safe is launched out of the train and into space. Both M1 and the boy survive, but they are now stranded in Earth’s orbit, and the episode ends without revealing whether they ever return.

This episode was a little strange and reminded me of the Gameron installment, with a story centered around a child and an ambiguous ending. M1’s design was okay an awkward, ape-like kaiju but nothing particularly memorable. Overall, the episode was just alright; not one of my favorites, but I didn’t hate it.