This episode is masterfully directed by Alan Patillo and may be his best work in the series.
Just check out the choice of camera angles that create depth when Steve is on the phone or 90 is talking to Zero. This artistry is the type of craftsmanship that makes "Fireball XL5" so memorable today and raises it beyond being "a mere puppet show".
There's plenty of intrigue and mysterious atmosphere on the planet Membrono with great use of plants, smoke and shadows. There's some real suspense created as to what is going on in this episode and the pace never lets up, beginning with the XL5 nearly being destroyed by a runaway planet.
The story of a advanced civilization that has outgrown weapons of any kind and is thus defenseless against the runaway planet is good, and the idea they communicate through Robert adds an additional layer to the story.
All in all, a good example of how well the best of these shows were crafted.
Just check out the choice of camera angles that create depth when Steve is on the phone or 90 is talking to Zero. This artistry is the type of craftsmanship that makes "Fireball XL5" so memorable today and raises it beyond being "a mere puppet show".
There's plenty of intrigue and mysterious atmosphere on the planet Membrono with great use of plants, smoke and shadows. There's some real suspense created as to what is going on in this episode and the pace never lets up, beginning with the XL5 nearly being destroyed by a runaway planet.
The story of a advanced civilization that has outgrown weapons of any kind and is thus defenseless against the runaway planet is good, and the idea they communicate through Robert adds an additional layer to the story.
All in all, a good example of how well the best of these shows were crafted.