Ultraman Episode 2 Shoot the Invader | Godzilla Island Archive

Note: This article was originally published in 2014 on Godzilla Island all views and opinion may have since changed.

The Plot

The episode opens at Science Patrol Headquarters, where the team receives word that a mysterious UFO signal has been detected near a nearby city. The Science Patrol quickly mobilizes and heads to a local science facility to investigate the strange activity.

Upon arrival, they find a security guard frozen in place literally. Moments later, the team encounters the alien Baltan, who uses a freeze ray to paralyze one of the members of the Science Patrol.

Realizing they’re dealing with an alien invasion, the Science Patrol works alongside the world’s defense forces to find a solution. They first attempt diplomacy, hoping to learn what Baltan wants and possibly negotiate peace. However, their plan quickly falls apart when Baltan reveals his true intention to conquer Earth and make it his species’ new home.

Baltan transforms into a giant and begins attacking the city. Hyata immediately springs into action and transforms into Ultraman! A high-flying battle ensues between Ultraman and Baltan. Baltan manages to trap Ultraman in his claws, but Ultraman breaks free and shatters one of Baltan’s pincers. Baltan retaliates with his freeze ray, forcing Ultraman to dodge through the air before landing and countering with a powerful energy beam that knocks Baltan from the sky.

Using his special vision, Ultraman locates Baltan’s cloaked spaceship, grabs it, and flies it into space destroying it to end the invasion once and for all.

My Thoughts

This was a really fun episode and a solid follow-up to the series premiere. Baltan’s design is fantastic the big claws, the insect-like face, and his eerie laugh make him one of Ultraman’s most iconic foes. His ability to shrink down to human size or grow to kaiju proportions adds a cool twist, and his cloning and teleporting abilities make him unpredictable in battle.

The sky fight between Ultraman and Baltan is easily the highlight of the episode. The choreography, miniature effects, and aerial shots really capture that classic tokusatsu charm.

Compared to the first episode, “Shoot the Invader” injects a bit more humor it’s slightly cornier in spots, but in a fun, nostalgic way. It feels like the show was finding its rhythm here, mixing sci-fi, monster action, and a touch of campy humor that would go on to define Ultraman as a classic. Additionally, the title “Shoot the Invader” fits perfectly that’s exactly how Ultraman wins the fight!