Area 88 (TV) - 7: Sweet Soldier

Title:Area 88 (TV)
Episode:7: Sweet Soldier
Synopsis
Kim is leading Kitri on a flight to familiarize her with the landmarks around Area 88, including an oasis in the desert. Kitri, however, isn't taking the task very seriously and would rather show off her superb skills as a pilot in a mock dogfight. Area 88 is running dangerously low on aviation fuel--the pipeline has been shut off and tanker aircraft are being shot down by Migs. The pilots are angry at McCoy for the outrageous prices he is charging for the available fuel. A demoralized Kim is struggling to find the parts and money to keep his Harrier flying. Kitri complains to Shin that she doesn't want to fly with Kim anymore, since she considers him an inferior pilot. A low-on-fuel plane crashes, taking with it most of the remaining reserve supply. Just then, a major enemy formation is detected heading for Area 88. Saki selects three pilots that will intercept them, using what fuel remains: Shin, Kitri, and Kim...
Comments
Since both Kim and Kitri are new characters created solely for this TV series, this episode cannot have any parallel in either the manga or OVA series. I sort of like this approach; instead of trying to improve on the already excellent OVAs, it provides some completely original stories which include both new characters and the old ones we've grown to love. Not exactly technically plausible (neither were the OVAs) but fun nevertheless. Damn, these rebels are well equipped! They operate TU-95 bombers (which, I believe, holds the record as the world's fastest propellor-driven aircraft)--in reality, I don't think the Soviet Union supplied these to any foreign country, not even Red China. Trying to catch good images of the fast-moving planes is almost like playing a video game! Finally, "The pilots are angry at McCoy for the outrageous prices he is charging for the available fuel"--why does that sound familiar?

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