A space capsule returns from Mars with orbital photos pinpointing every secret Spectra base on the red planet’s surface. Before that information can be returned to Center Neptune, however, a huge Spectra submarine snags the capsule moments after its ocean splashdown. Mark and the Phoenix crew discover an underwater base where the capsule’s two-man crew is being held hostage, and Mark sets out alone to rescue them. But once he’s inside the base, Mark discovers that his arrival has been expected – and unless his teammates can rescue him, he’s just become Spectra’s third hostage.
written by Jameson Brewer
directed by David E. Hanson
music by Hoyt Curtin and Bob SakumaVoice Cast: Casey Kasem (Mark), Ronnie Schell (Jason), Janet Waldo (Princess / Susan), Alan Young (7-Zark-7 / Keyop), Alan Dinehart Jr. (Tiny / Chief Anderson), Keye Luke (Zoltar / The Luminous One)
Note: Casey Kasem doubles as the voice of the flight controller for the space mission, using the “radio voice” that made him famous as the longtime host of the weekly syndicated radio show, American Top 40. The most significant plot alteration in this episode is the complete avoidance of the original Gatchaman scenes in which it is revealed that the captured astronauts have already been killed before their would-be rescuer arrived (!). In the scene where Mark yells a somewhat out-of-place “Tarzan” sound, the original Japanese episode had the character issuing a fierce war cry. For the corresponding episode of Kagaku Ninjatai Gatchaman, click here.
LogBook entry by Earl Green