Media Monday.

The more G.I.Joe I watch the more I love this show. It is full of nonsense but the wonderful kind of nonsense. This week is no different. Let's see what episodes 46 through 50 have in store for us.

G.I.Joe Episode 46
The Traitor Part 1.

Episode 46 opens on a freighter. As the crew handles some cargo another ship appears and is in a crash course for the first. One of the crew warns the people aboard as the second ship crashes into the first.

After the collision Cobra troopers emerge from the second ship. As they board the first ship a section of the second ship falls a way to reveal a battle station/crane. On top of which stand Cobra Commander, Tomax, and Xamot.

As Tomax and Xamot attempt to secure the perimeter we learn that the cargo Cobra is after is Dylkon 98 a deadly poison.

While the Crimson Twins are watching the Cobra Troopers load the Dylkon 98 they are attacked by the Joes. One of the twins is knocked out of the sky which causes the other to leave the battle to save him. This leads to Cobra Commander calling in a Rattler.

Normally this would be bad for the Joes as their tanks do not have strong enough armor to deal with them. Cobra Commander knows this but is shocked when the tanks stand up to the Rattlers. We learn from Duke that the Tanks are using a new armor formula.

The stronger tanks make quick work of the Rattler and move on to attack the battle station on the second ship. Cobra Commander makes a quick exit along with the Crimson Twins, and the Rattler, but leaving behind dozens of Cobra Troopers. As they escape Cobra Commander questions how the tank could withstand the Rattler's weapons. Tomax and Xamot suggest that they may have created a new armor. Upon hearing this Cobra Commander states that they must learn this secret no matter what.

Back at the dock with the battle over Dusty, who was riding in the tank with Duke, tells him that he has some leave time coming up and he'd like to take it so that he can visit his sick mother. Duke, to his credit, asks why Dusty didn't inform him earlier but also tells him to take as much time as needed.

When Dusty arrives home we see that his mother is in a wheel chair, is using an oxygen mask, and has a home attendant. She is overjoyed to see Dusty and the home attendant, whose name is Mrs. Vasquez, tells him that his mother makes her keep a scrap book of all of his adventures. This is a little odd. I was under the impression that the Joes didn't tell their families what they did. Quick Kick told his parents that he was still a stunt man. Maybe it was just him. Anyway Dusty's mother, who apparently has horrible asthma, also has money problems.

While Dusty and his mother are getting reacquainted a banker arrives. He tells Dusty that is mother is seriously delinquent on a loan that Dusty cosigned for. This is too much for the woman as she has an attack and has to be carried to he bed. Dusty, after taking care of his mother, grabs the man by his collar and is about to teach him a lesson when the man stops him. He tells Dusty that two men came to visit him. These men are apparently fond of the work G.I.Joe does, which means they know that Dusty is a Joe, and wish to pay the bills for him. Trey will meet him at a local bar later that night.

Dusty goes to the bar and is met by Tomax and Xamot who he recognizes as the heads of Extensive Enterprises. He does not want to listen to what they say but one of the twins pulls a gun on him. The Crimson Twins know all about his mother's illness and her money problems. They offer Dusty money in exchange for the secret to the Joes's new armor. The Crimson Twins even give Dusty a business card with their phone number on it. Dusty has heard enough and overturns the table sending one of twins flying. This kicks off a huge bar fight.

When Dusty arrives home, covered in bruises, he sees that his mother isn't doing much better. Mrs. Vasquez tells him that she needs more medicine and special therapy. Dusty swears that he will find the money.

Later at the Joe HQ during a mission briefing we learn that Dylkon 98 is a key ingredient in a mind control gas. Based on that and other information their computer projects Cobra's next target. Knowing this the Joes plan to head off the attack and keep Cobra from getting the chemicals they need. During the briefing Dusty reaches for the business card that the Twins gave him. He does this as Duke and Flint stress that this information is top secret and cannot be allowed to fall into Cobra's hands. Shipwreck, who is seated next to Dusty, laughs and jokes about telling Cobra.

That night Dusty is standing in a phone booth at an undisclosed location. He calls Tomax and Xamot who ask if he has the information on the armor. Dusty tells them that he doesn't but that he has another piece of info that they may be interested in. The Twins listen and tell Dusty that if the information is genuine they will send a check to his mother.

Some Time later a group of Joes led by Duke and including Dusty, Lady Jaye, Roadblock, and Shipwreck are staked out outside H.S. Thompson Pharmaceutical Works. As they are waiting Shipwreck tells, a rather out of it, Dusty Cobra probably won't even show. As if on command Cobra Cargo planes arrive and airdrop Cobra Troopers. Duke notes that Cobra must be crazy to drop Paratroopers into the trees.

As the Cobra Troopers fall the two side begin to exchange fire. During the fire fight Shipwreck charges forward and is surprised by one of the troopers. The other Joes follow his lead and we learn that the Cobra Troopers were nothing more than dummies firing guns. Duke realizes that they were suckered into a distraction and turns to see the Cobra Planes fly off with the Dyklon 98. After that debacle Duke realizes that the Joes must have a traitor.

Back at Jop HQ Shipwreck goes into great detail about the things he would do to the traitor if he found him. He asks Dusty what he would do but Dusty, being too lost in thought, has nothing to add.

Later Duke calls in Flint to speak about their issue. He has learned from an anonymous source that Dusty is their traitor. Flint refuses to believe this but Duke tells him they have to make sure. To do this Duke and Flint set a trap for Dusty. They allow him and only him to overhear some secret plans.

Dusty, after hearing about the Joes's plan to attack a Cobra base in an abandoned oil rig in the gulf of Mexico, returns to the phone booth to make a few calls. First he calls home to check up on his mother. Mrs. Vasquez tells him that his mother is doing better but that the bills are still coming in. Having heard that, Dusty once again calls the Crimson Twins. When he reaches Tomax and Xamot they connect him to Cobra Commander. Dusty is once against asked about the secret armor formula. He is reluctant to give that up but Cobra Commander threatens to out him to the Joes. Not wanting to disappoint his mother Dusty agrees. Before the conversation ends Cobra Commander agrees to buy the information that Dusty had called about in the first place.

At the oil rig Duke and Flint are talking about Dusty. Flint isn't sure he is a traitor but Duke is unwilling to take the chance. When they learn that the oil rig is empty Duke grows in anger. A group of the Joes venture into the rig to search it. While doing this Shipwreck and Deep Six find the munitions room. Shipwreck flips the light switch but inadvertently triggers a bomb. The Joes rush out of the rig but Duke gets caught in the explosion. He is knocked out and sinks into the water. Deep Six and Shipwreck are able to retrieve him. After reaching the surface Duke sputters a few words relating to Dusty and Cobra before falling into a coma.

Dusty, who had been left off the mission, is looking through a file trying to find the secret to the Joes new armor formula. As he is doing that Shipwreck, who now knows that Dusty is the traitor, appears. The two have a viscous fight that results in the room being engulfed in flames. As Dusty leaves he sees Shipwreck lying unconscious in the middle of the room. He cannot leave his friend to be consumed by the fire and carries him to safety.

Knowing that the jig is up Dusty tries to make a break for it. He steals a tank, which is not a great getaway vehicle, and runs for it. He doesn't get very far. He is caught and put on trial. During a Joe Tribunal Dusty is found guilty of treason and is given a sentence of life at hard labor in a military prison.

Some time later Cobra Commander learns from the Crimson Twins that Dusty has been caught and imprisoned. He laughs at his misfortune at first, but after a moment realizes that Dusty could still be of some use and orders his men to free him.

During the prisoner transport Lady Jaye tells Deep Six that she still can't believe Dusty is the traitor. Deep six tell her that maybe there's a reason for that. He feels that a real traitor would not be that easy to catch.

As if to answer his doubts Cobra arrives. Dusty is freed by his new 'friends' and the episode ends with Flint declaring that if Dusty has joined Cobra none of their secrets will be safe.

Before I say whether this was a good episode or not I have to say that I do not believe for a second that Dusty is actually a traitor. This is obviously a giant setup that was planned by Duke. It has to be. I wish it wasn't but come on. With that out of the way. This was a great episode. The voice acting was superb, the animation was smooth, and the plot held my attention. Also as I always say any episode with Shipwreck is a good episode. After seeing Dusty in the episode Hearts and Cannons I was hoping he would get an episode all to himself. This was more than I hoped for. If the second episode continues at this quality we will have a winner.

Quote of the Episode.

From Shipwreck.

"I'll murderize the bum! When I find that lousy traitor I'll keelhaul him at 20,000 fathoms! No, wait, I'll dip him in honey and stake him on an anthill!"

 God I love Shipwreck.

Awesome Moment of the Episode.

For, what I believe to be, the first time we get a Joe on Joe fight. Dusty and Shipwreck have a full on knock out drag down fight. Hell there's even fire evolved. It is a quick scene but it was done very well.

The "Wait. What?" Moment of the Episode.

After all of the things I have seen on this show this really shouldn't even count as a "Wait. What?" moment, but damn if the sight of Tomax and Xamot randomly doing a headstand didn't catch me off guard. I know that the two are always showing off their gymnastic talents but this one was just out of place. Maybe it was just the way it was drawn but I actually said "What the Fuck.".

On a side note one of the things I spoke about last week was verified in this episode. In the episode Primordial Plot we learned that Cobra is unionized. It got me thinking about whether Cobra has a health plan. It turns that yes they do. Shipwreck was just as surprised as I was.

G.I.Joe Episode 47
The Traitor Part 2.

Episode 47 begins with a recap done in the style of a nightly news show. The show is hosted by Hector Ramirez who we last saw in the episode Twenty Questions. Once that is over we pick up with Dusty, who has been blindfolded, arriving at a Cobra base. He is met by Cobra Commander who offers him a place in Cobra if he has the formula for the Joes's armor treatment. Dusty agrees.

At the Joe HQ Lady Jaye is changing the security codes. As she does that Shipwreck arrives. He talks about how much he wants to get his hands on Dusty. Lady Jaye is somewhat sympathetic to his plight. Shipwreck is having none of it.

Back at Cobra Temple the armor treatment is being put to use. As Cobra Commander watches this with Dusty he offers him command of the work detail. The Previous commander, Lieutenant
Claymore, opposes this. He suggests that they fight over the command. Cobra Commander agrees. This way he can see just how ruthless Dusty can be.

The fight takes place in a Cobra Arena. Dusty and Lieutenant Claymore are armed and square off as the area is flooded with water filled with piranhas. Dusty wins the fight and saves the drowning Claymore. Cobra Commander asks why he would do this and Dusty reply's that they could always use someone to do KP. Cobra Commander likes his answer and tells him that he can lead their next attack.

The Joes are stretched thin due to them trying to defend many different targets. One of which is Leary Chemicals which is Cobra's target. Flint and Shipwreck are stationed there when Cobra attacks.

Dusty is in charge of the attack. Using his knowledge of Joe tactics he leads the Cobra Troopers to a quick victory, but makes sure they harm no one. He covers that by telling the troopers they'll need their ammo for the Joes. As the Cobra forces escape the Joes pursue them only to fall into traps that had been set up by Dusty.

Some time later Dusty is back at the Cobra base and is in front of a firing squad. Cobra Commander orders his men to fire and Dusty is hit repeatedly. This is actually a test to see if the armor formula can be used on the Cobra uniforms. The test is successful. Dusty is praised yet again and even gets lifted in the air by some Cobra Troopers. As that is happening Tomax and Xamot notice that Lieutenant Claymore is not cheering.

We next move to Owlsley chemicals where the last ingredient Cobra needs to make it's mind control gas is made. The Joes are stationed outside en mass. They know it is only a matter of time before Cobra attacks.

Nearby on a Cobra plane, that is disguised as a cloud, we see that the attack is forthcoming. Cobra Commander decides to lead the attack himself and leaves Dusty behind.

Flint notices the cloud and realizes that it isn't natural. He alerts the Joes just as the attack begins. With their new body armor the Cobra troopers are impervious to the Joe weapons. Cobra Commander declares victory. It would appear that he is correct except Flint remembers that the armor is weak against intense heat. He orders Blowtorch to use his flamethrower and the other Joes to fire incendiary rounds. When faced by the fire the Cobra Troopers retreat. Cobra Commander orders them not to until he get's a taste of the fire and orders an official retreat.

On the Cobra plane Dusty makes a remark about Cobra getting burnt. The Crimson Twins tell him to be careful. That kind of talk could be taken as treason.

What happens next confused me at first. We go right from the plane to Cobra Commander leading the troopers again. As before they are using Cobra Claw jet packs. Shipwreck says that they see Dusty and things begin to get a little clearer. A better transition would have been helpful.

Dusty leads the Joes on a chase as the Cobra Troopers get the last ingredient they needed. The Joes chase Dusty right into a trap. With that Dusty has captured the Joes.

Once again we return to the Cobra base where Cobra Commander declares absolute victory. He gives much of the credit to Dusty. Tomax and Xamot suggest that Cobra Commander tests the mind control gas on the Joes. Cobra Commander agrees stating that they will make a great Zombie strike force. Dusty utters a quiet no. When asked by Cobra Commander if he said something Dusty tells him no.

Later Dusty heads to the Gas Laboratory. He is seen by Lieutenant Claymore who informs the Crimson Twins. They arrive and attack Dusty believing that he is tampering with the gas. They take him to Cobra Commander only to learn that Dusty was following the Commander's orders. He had been sent to prepare the gas. The Twins question if letting him do so unsupervised is a good idea. Cobra Commander tells them that since Dusty is a convicted traitor he has no choice but work for Cobra. However he decides that a final test of loyalty is needed. Dusty will be the one to gas the Joes.

The Joes are taken into the arena. Cobra Commander orders Dusty to seal off the arena, open the arena vents, close the other vents, and finally to release the gas. Dusty follows the first three orders but then closes

Flint isn't sure whether he can trust Dusty but he doesn't have much of a choice. The Joes attempt to capture Cobra Commander is cut off by Cobra Troopers. Dusty leads them to the Gas Laboratory where we learn that the ingredients to the Mind Control Formula can also be made into a corrosive gas that will destroy anything that has been given the armor formula. This leads to the Cobra vehicles, and the Cobra uniforms dissolving. We get a funny little scene where Lady Jaye accidentally exposes a Cobra Soldier and blushes.

With everything going wrong Cobra Commander tries to escape. He is left by Tomax and Xamot but is saved by Lieutenant Claymore.

Later at G.I.Joe Hospital (Seriously that's what it's called.)  we learn that Dusty had never been a traitor. He had gone right to duke after the Crimson Twins first contacted him. This was all a ruse thought up by Duke because he knew the armor formula was unstable. He wanted Cobra to get it. Everything was going perfectly until Duke ended up in a coma. He was the only one who knew Dusty was under orders. With everything over Dusty if reinstated and his mother tells him she is proud of him.

The question is "Did the second part of this two parter live up to the first?". Well it wasn't as good. There were a number of animation mistakes and inconsistencies. The episode felt a little forced. I think making this a three parter would have been ideal. Having said that, this didn't take away from the previous episode and did have it's own merits. The voice acting was topnotch once again. I have to say that it isn't as good as the first part but isn't bad. I might suggest watching the first part and skipping the second, but only if you are short on time or are interested in just watching the best of G.I.Joe. Otherwise give it a shot.

Quote of the Episode.

From Cobra Commander.

"As Stalin said 'Trust no one not even Yourself'."

That's right this episodes top quote is someone quoting someone else.

Awesome Moment of the Episode.

To prove that Dusty is ruthless Cobra Commander has him fight Lieutenant Claymore in the arena. To spice things up Cobra Commander arms the two men with "Rocket Nunchakus" and fills the arena with water that has man eating piranhas in it. Now the "Rocket Nunchakus" are neither Nunchucks or rocket powered, in fact they look like flails to me, but damn if that isn't an awesome name. 

The "Wait. What?" Moment of the Episode.

This is a weird one, but only if you've seen certain other episodes. In the episode Captives of Cobra Part 1 we learn that the Joes's identities are closely guarded secrets. The last episode threw that up in the air when the Crimson Twins showed that they new Dusty's identity. I was willing to accept that as a one time incident. But if this episode is to believed the Joes no longer have secret identities. The Recap of the last episode is shown as a segment on a news show. During this the anchor mentions Dusty and Duke by their names and reporters are shown outside Dusty's mom's house. Which leaves me confused.

G.I.Joe Episode 48
The Pit of Vipers.

Episode 48 begins at a Cobra base. The base, which is located in a Mesa, sends forth a huge Cobra force to attack the Joes.

At the Joe HQ, Breaker hits the alarm. Flint leads the Joes in a counter attack. The fight goes well for the Joes. But before the Joes can enter the base a voice announces that the simulation is over. Flint is puzzled by this. He and the other Joes enter the base only to find it completely empty. Eventually they find the control center. Flint is about to contact Colonel Sharp to inform the pentagon about the odd base when he appears on the screen.

Colonel Sharp tells flint that the base they are in houses a new computer system. It is called watchdog. The battle they just had was a simulation using holographs. Colonel Sharp goes on to tell Flint that Watchdog is the new Joe Commanding officer.

The Colonel then introduces Watchdog's designer Dr. Hamler. The Doctor goes on to explain just what Watchdog is. It is not simply a computer system it is a worldwide communication network that is constantly scanning the globe for Cobra. Each Joe will be issued a communicator so that they can be in direct communication with Watchdog. Flint is resistant to the idea so Dr. Hamler suggests a demonstration.

Watchdog locates the cobra sub Yacht Cerebus which has Cobra Commander and Destro on board. Flint asks for a rundown on Joe forces nearby only to be told by Breaker that Watchdog has already ordered the USS Flagg to intercept it.

In the Indian Ocean a fleet of Joe Sharks, Dragonflies, and Sky Strikers are sent out to attack the Yacht Cerebus. The Joes attack and appear to destroy the Cerebus. The Joes are called back because Watchdog has another target for them.

Flint calls in to see if there is any sign of Cobra Commander or Destro. Shipwreck, who is in one of the Sharks, goes to check the wreckage. He finds nothing. No wreck, no survivors, no casualties, no sign that the Cerebus was ever there. Flint tells Shipwreck to return to the Flagg as they ask watchdog it's opinion.

Watchdog tells the Joes that the Cerebus must have been buried in sediment. Shipwreck doesn't like that answer. He sends his communicator out a torpedo hole and decides to do some investigating of his own.

Flint tries to contact Shipwreck but is unable to due to Shipwreck turning his radio off. He has little time to think about that as Watchdog sends him and Gung Ho to the Florida everglades on a Seek and Destroy mission. 

At an undisclosed location the Yacht Cerebus is docking at an underwater Cobra Base. Cobra Commander is laugh hysterically. It appears that Cobra is behind the Watchdog system. They haves somehow tricked the US government into building the system which they will then use against the Joes.

Destro tells Cobra Commander to reserve some of his glee for the next stage of the plan. They are planing to destroy the Joe HQ using a new weapon called the Pit Viper.

Later at Joe HQ Scarlett asks Breaker where everybody is. He tells her that Watchdog has sent the Joes all over the world in search of Cobra but that they aren't finding anything.

In the everglades Flint, Gung Ho, Bazooka, and Cover Girl find one old abandoned Cobra coptor. Flint tells this to Watchdog only to be told to keep looking. He then asks Breaker if anyone else is having better luck. Breaker tells him that they are just starting to report in. Heavy Metal and Lady Jaye report that they too have hit dead ends.

Back at Joe HQ Scarlet voices concern about the Jeos being stretched too thin. She also asks if Shipwreck has reported in yet. Breaker tells her that he hasn't but not to worry.

Shipwreck, who must has been in that sub for at least a day or two, finally finds the Cobra base. He attempts to contact Flint but is attacked by Cobra Eels. He tries to use the Shark's flight capabilities but get's shot down and knocked out during the crash. He awakens in a hospital bed and is greeted by Dr. Hamler. Shipwreck mentions that he was unable to contact Flint which is just what Hamler was hoping to hear.

Hamler leads Shipwreck out of the room and takes him to Cobra Commander and Destro. Shipwreck is shocked but it all makes sense when Dr. Hamler reveals himself to be none other than Zartan. After being told the plan Shipwreck attempts to escape only to be knocked out yet again.

Destro uses Watchdog to shut down all of Joe HQ's defenses as the Pit Viper attacks. It has traveled underground and rises up through Joe HQ. The huge machine then goes about destroying everything it can vehicles, weapons, and the HQ itself.

Cobra Commander is goaded into contacting the Joes directly by Shipwreck. This requires re-enabling the Joe communications. Destro is against this but has little choice. As Cobra Commander gloats Shipwreck breaks free and informs Scarlett and Breaker that Watchdog is under Cobra's control. While Shipwreck's freedom is short lived he damages the control panel and prevents Destro from shutting the Joe Communications down again.

Scarlet and Breaker contact the other Joes to tell them that Watchdog was created by Cobra and needs to be destroyed. This is easier said than done. Cobra has outfitted Watchdog with real troops. When that is added with the automated weapons it would appear that Watchdog can take care of itself.

While Scarlett and Breaker attempt to stop the Pit Viper, Flint, Lady Jaye, and Heavy Metal set their sights on Watchdog. The Joes find themselves outgunned. For every step forward they take more and more of their vehicles are destroyed.

At Joe HQ Scarlett and Breaker are having an even harder time. The Pit Viper appears to be impervious to their weapons. It isn't until Breaker realizes that stopping the Pit Viper is the wrong way to go that they make some head way. Breaker uses a rocket launcher to open an entrance into the vehicle so that he and Scarlett can attack the people inside and take it over.

While that is happening Flint and Heavy Metal are under heavy fire from Watchdog. It has been hours since the fight began and watchdog is giving no sign of slowing down. Heavy metal convinces Flint to retreat as the rock they are using for cover is destroyed. Lady Jaye arrives in a jeep and the three drive away.

After which the tel tale sign of the Pit Viper can be seen. It is traveling underground and just like it did to the Joe HQ it rises up from underneath Watchdog. This time the Pit Viper goes straight through the building and flies out of the top. As it rises through the air Scarlett and Breaker jump for it. It's lucky that the subterranean vehicle had parachutes in it. When the Pit Vipers falls back to earth it takes Watchdog out for good.

Cobra Commander takes the loss badly. Destro tries to remind him that at least they destroyed half of the Joe HQ but he is inconsolable. Shipwreck uses his tantrum as cover for his escape.

The episode ends with the Colonel telling the Joes that he was against the idea from the beginning.

This was a good episode. It was full of action and great dialogue. Shipwreck, as always, is a fountain of great lines. The animation was strong, the voice work sharp, and the pacing was spot on. This is probably, for me at least, a top ten episode. Definitely worth your time.

Quote of the Episode.

From Shipwreck.

"Sediment, my left barnacle."

Awesome Moment of the Episode.

During the final battle Scarlett and Breaker commandeer the Cobra Pit Viper so that they can use it to destroy Watchdog. They do this by driving the Pit Viper through Watchdog and fly straight out of the top. As the vehicle flies through the air Breaker and Scarlett bail out. Eventually the Pit Viper runs out of steam and falls back to earth hitting Watchdog and causing a huge explosion. Considering this is the first time (that I can remember) we have seen Breaker in action it's a hell of a first act.

The "Wait. What?" Moment of the Episode.

While searching for the supposedly destroyed Cobra strip Shipwreck tells Flint that there is no sign of it. He tells him that there is no wreckage, no survivors, and no casualties. It's the use of the word 'casualties' that caught my attention. I guess this means that people do die in the Joe universe. I would have thought otherwise.

G.I.Joe Episode 49
The Wrong Stuff.

Episode 49 starts in SPACE!!! We watch as a Space Shuttle proceeds to pluck satellites right out of space.

On Earth the Joes are in the gym. While most of them are working out a few are relaxing. Roadblock turns on the TV and gets a big surprise. Cobra has a taken over TV. Every channel is the Cobra TV Network.

The Joes are both disgusted and worried about this. Scarlett asks if anyone would watch Cobra's programming. Lady Jaye tells her that some people will watch anything. Duke adds that it's worse than that, some people would believe anything.

Somewhere in the Himalayas Cobra Commander has consolidated all of a Cobra in one base. The Baroness asks why he do that. Cobra Commander answers that this way not only will the Joes not be able to find them, but they can continue to beam their programs to their satellite with no interference. Destro states that he would feel more secure if the Joes's activities were under control. Cobra Commander tells him that they have the ultimate weapon of control. By controlling TV they can control what people hear, see, and ultimately believe.

Duke, Lady Jaye, Scarlett, and Colonel Sharp meet up with an eccentric senator. They have to persuade this man to help them get into space. To do this they need rocket boosters to help the Sky Strikers make it into orbit. The Senator agrees but asks Duke to get him tickets to the Army Navy football game. Duke makes no promises.

While that is happening Tomax and Xamot are putting the screws to the heads of a number of companies. Since the Cobra TV Network is the only TV Network, these men have no choice but to pay the price that the Twins have put before them.

With the Sky Strikers prepared for space travel Ace, Lady Jaye, and Alpine head for the Cobra satellite. What they find is a little more than they bargained for. Instead of a satellite Cobra has an armed Space Station. The three Joes attack but are out gunned. The Sky Strikers are destroyed by the Dreadnok controlled weapons leaving Ace, Lady Jaye, and Alpine Stranded.

Ace tells Lady Jaye and Alpine to use their oxygen tanks to maneuver themselves for re-entry. In the real world three people protected by space suits would burn up in mere seconds attempting this. The Joes do it with out a problem. The also have parachutes which allows them to make it back to earth safely. Except that since they are Joes they have to go the extra step. The land right outside the Joe HQ.

Inside the base Duke tells the Joes that they underestimated Cobra and won't make that mistake again. Before I go on I have to mention that in a previous outing we learned that the Joes had their own Space Station. We saw a number of Joes, including Mutt and his dog Junkyard, take a space shuttle up to the station. Now the Joes have to go through a rigorous test to see which of them can make it as astronauts.

The tests run the usual gamut of physical endurance, Zero G capability, and being able to withstand high G. After these tests the only Joes left are Ace, who administered the tests, Lady Jaye, Roadblock, Scarlett, Alpine, and Wild Bill. I have to note that Mutt, who I mentioned earlier has already gone into space, failed these tests.

The now, space ready, Joes are in Sky Strikers that are strapped to a giant Rocket. Once in space they separate from the rocket and engage the Cobra Space Station.

During the battle Ace's Sky Striker is rendered useless and drifts into deep space. The others continue the fight. They are out gunned but use a cunning plane to get close to the Space Station. They enter a asteroid belt to shield their activities. While there Roadblock exits his Sky Striker and hitches a ride with Alpine. The unmanned ship is sent towards the Space Station in an apparent Kamikaze attack. This distraction allows the Joes to get past most of the stations weapons.

Destro, who is aboard the station with Zartan and the Dreadnoks, uses a different weapon to destroy the remaining Sky Strikers. The Joes are able to eject before the ships are destroyed.

Destro is unable to pick them up on radar leading Zartan and the Dreadnoks to think they are dead. Meanwhile the Joes have sneaked inside the base.

As the Joes infiltrate the base Destro realizes that the they could be aboard. By the time Destro has verified this it's too late. The Joes attack and use their Zero G training to gain an advantage. Destro, Zartan, and the Dreadnoks pile into a shuttle and make their escape.

The Joes take the second shuttle and exit just as the station blows. There is just one thing left for the Joes to do. Ace is still drifting out in space. They use the shuttle to rescue him.

Back on earth a hospitalized Ace is told that the Joes have won the day. The episode ends with a Mr. T analogue, who we saw in a Cobra show earlier, appearing and asking if the Joes have an opening.

This was a good episode. I will admit that the lack of continuity annoyed me but I can understand that a show like this isn't about that. It's about having fun and telling simple stories. In that light this episode succeeded. I have to say that the Cobra TV bits were all funny. This isn't a realistic episode but it is a lot of fun. I heartily recommend.

Quote of the Episode.

From Cobra Commander.

"I can't help it. I'm a sucker for true life drama."

Awesome Moment of the Episode.

I should put the outer-space battle here. I mean Sky Strikers fighting a Cobra Space Station is pretty damn awesome, but we've seen space battles before. You know what we haven't seen? Scarlett and Lady Jaye in leg warmers. So. Much. 80s. It is glorious.

The "Wait. What?" Moment of the Episode.

So much to choose from. Should I go with Mr. C the Cobra TV version of Mr. T, Cobra Commander changing the end of King Kong, the Socialist Cartoon show, Cobra commander singing and playing with a globe/ball, Cobra Commander on a talk show, or the Joes not burning up from reentry into the Earth's atmosphere when protected only by space suits? No none of those are as good as Wild Bill riding Buzzer like he was part of the Ambiguously Gay Duo.

G.I.Joe Episode 50
The Invaders.

Episode 50 begins with Duke, Dusty, Gung Ho, Barbecue, and Snake Eyes searching the desert for Tomax and Xamot. They come upon an oasis and a find a man stopping so that his camel can have a drink. Dusty speaks to the man and learns the direction that the Crimson Twins went towards.

The Joes follow the man's directions and quickly find Tomax and Xamot. The twins open fire leading to a motorcycle gun fight. During the fight Dusty alerts Duke to a group of people following them. Duke identifies the people as the Oktober Guard, who are a Russian version of G.I.Joe. Since this takes place during the Cold War the Joes aren't happy to see the Oktober Guard. Some are less happy than others.

Tomax and Xamot lead the Joes into a trap. Dusty sees it coming and tries to inform Duke but it is too late. The Joes find themselves under heavy fire. Duke calls for a retreat but as the Joes ride a way his motorcycle is hit. Dusty, Gung Ho, Barbecue, and Snake Eyes rally along side their leader. With retreat no longer an option the Joes find themselves in a bad way. Things are made a little easier when the Oktober Guard appear. They may not be allies with G.I.Joe but they share Cobra as a mutual enemy.

We don't get to see if their involvement turns the tables as two Flying Saucers appear. One of the Saucers lands. A door opens and the Crimson Twins are pulled into it. After which an alien disembarks and makes an announcement. The Alien states that Tomax and Xamot have been taken as specimens for examination. The Alien goes on to say that the outcome of this will decide the fate of the Earth.

Dusty rushes forward and asks the Alien who it is and where it is from. The Alien tells Dusty that his planet circles the star Sirius. With that the Flaying Saucers depart.

When they have gone Gung Ho tells Duke that Colonel Sharp is not going to be happy. They were sent to find Tomax and Xamot but ended up with story no one will believe. Gung Ho then looks towards the Oktober Guard and suggests that it might not be a total loss. Gung Ho proceeds to fight with a member of the Oktober Guard named Horrorshow.

The fight is broken up by Duke and Colonel Brekhov the leader of the Oktober Guard. The two men agree to walk away and not report meeting each-other due to the entire Alien thing.

Afterward we see a News program reporting on the activities of the Flying Saucers. They have been attacking both American and Russian interests worldwide. This has lead to the two countries accusing each other of the Alien's activities.

Colonel Sharp informs Duke that the President has ordered G.I.Joe to drop everything and locate the Aliens. Duke has a plan that may help them accomplish this. He along with Gung Ho, Dusty, Snake Eyes, and Barbecue head to Siberia. The plan is to break into the Oktober Guard's HQ and open a line of communication encase the Russians know something they don't.

When they arrive outside the base, Duke tells the others how well guarded it is. Not only does the base sit inside an ice crater surrounded by a wall of ice but it has radar and air defenses. As such the only way to get in is for the Joes to shoot themselves out of cannons. Gung Ho is not pleased with this.

The Joes get inside but their presence is noted immediately. The Oktober Guard attack as Duke tells them that the Joes are there just to talk. Colonel Brekhov doesn't believe him. Duke disarms him and takes him captive. When he get's everyone's attention he frees the Colonel and returns his weapon. This sign of trust proves to him that Duke is there just to talk.

Inside the base the two share information. The Russians have no new information. Duke and Colonel Brekhov decide to work together so that they may have a better chance in finding the aliens. Duke will lead one group made up of himself, Gung Ho, Horrowshow, Snake Eyes, and Wong. The other group will be led by Colonel Brekhov and comprise himself, Dusty, Barbcue, Stormavik, and Daina. Duke's team will keep watch over North America while Brekhov's will watch eastern Europe.

While the two teams are in flight they receive a message from the Alien. It tells them that it plans on destroying two cities. While watching the message Snake Eyes notices something. It's probably the same thing we notice. The Alien has an open milk carton in front of it. Considering it has stated it is on the Moon that is a little odd. The cities that the Alien is planning on attacking are San Francisco and Vladivostok. Colonel Sharp informs Duke that the US military is heading for San Francisco while the Russian military is on it's way to Vladivostok.

We then move to a city where Wong and Snake Eyes use hang gliders to gain entry into Extensive Enterprises Headquarters. It doesn't take long before the two are caught. They are met by Tomax and Xamot who say that they made a deal with the Alien. The Twins proceed to knock out the two and take them aboard the Flying Saucer.

As the ship takes off the Alien appears. It questions Wong and Snake Eyes and then reveals itself to be Zartan. The entire Alien thing was a cover. I am actually disappointed.

Afterward Cobra Commander contacts Zartan to ask what he found out from Wong and Snake Eyes. Zartan informs Cobra Commander that neither G.I.Joe nor the Oktober Guard have learned that the Aliens are Cobra in disguise. Cobra Commander goes on to say that with the US and Russian militaries elsewhere the White House and Kremlin will be ripe for the picking.

When Cobra Commander signs off, Zartan moves to eliminate Snake Eyes and Wong. He get's too close and Snake Eyes escapes and overpowers him. Snake Eyes frees Wong who contacts the two teams and informs them of Cobra's plans. Duke's team heads for Washington while Colonel Brekhov's heads to Moscow.

Duke, Gung Ho, and Horrorshow arrive just moments after Cobra attacks. They are vastly outnumbered but help is on their way. In Moscow Brekhov's team has reinforcements already on the ground.

In Washington Duke's team has held off Cobra long enough for their reinforcements to arrive. With his forces being driven back Cobra Commander proclaims that if he can't have the White House he will destroy it.

While that is happening Colonel Brekhov's team has succeeded in fighting Cobra off. While celebrating Dusty and Daina have a little moment.

Back in Washington Cobra Commander arrives in his Saucer and is quickly shot down by the second Saucer which is being piloted by Snake Eyes and Wong.

With the day won the Joes and Oktober Guard meet up at the Oktober Guard's base. Snake Eyes 'explains' how he knew the Aliens were fake. It was the milk carton. The episode ends with Gung Ho and Horrorshow sharing a laugh.

This was a fun episode. I really thought the Aliens were real for a few minutes. I was somewhat upset when I learned they really were a Cobra ploy. That aside this was another fun episode. The Oktober Guard were cool and seeing the Joes interact with their Russian counter parts was fun. Give this one a shot.

Quote of the Episode.

From Duke.

"There's a difference between courage and stupidity."

Awesome Moment of the Episode.

This show has given us a scene of fake flying saucers dog fighting above the White House. God I love G.I.Joe.

The "Wait. What?" Moment of the Episode.

To get into the Oktober Guard's base the Joes have to shoot themselves out of cannons. They don't have too. I can think of a couple alternatives but Duke settles on this one. No wonder he's in charge.

This was a good week's worth of shows. We had some of the best G.I.Joe I've seen with The Traitor Part 1 and The Pit Viper. The rest of the episodes held their own. I can't ask for more than that.

Know Your Joe.
Dusty.

Dusty is G.I.Joe's resident Desert Warfare Specialist. He was introduced in 1985 and has been a mainstay of the series. He was in the original Sunbow series and the later DiC series. He had a brief appearance in G.I.Joe: The Movie and appeared in the recent G.I.Joe: Valor vs. Venom direct to video movie. Sadly he has yet to appear in the more recent ongoing series.  The character has been voiced by Neil Ross, Alessadro Juliani, and Andrew Toth. So far there have been 14 figures made of the character. Dusty wasn't one of my favorite characters until very recently.