So you remember a few weeks ago I posted the TV spot for Ultraseven X, Tsuburaya Pro’s next Ultra Series installment and something looking to be the next big Midnight (or in this case, 2 AM) Action Drama.

I finally managed to see the first episode subbed (after catching it hours after the premiere raw on Nico). Let’s just say that this is possibly the closest thing to the great return to TPC’s Glory Days, something that some fans have been dying to see since the return of Kaiki Daisakusen. Find out why after the jump:

A few years ago, Ultraman Nexus was announced as the third part of the Ultra N Project, an attempt by Tsuburaya to try and re-invent the Ultraman Franchise, the first two parts being “NOA Nostalgia” (the creation and integrating of Ultraman Noa into the Ultra Canon) and “NEXT EVOLUTION” (ULTRAMAN aka Ultraman The Next and the sequel that never came out *sigh*).

Nexus was poised to be the first major prime-time Ultra Series on the CBC network, something for the adults as well as for the kids. And this would have worked too, if not for CBC apparently backing out at the last second. As a result, we had early morning angst that alienated the kiddies and led to some rumored problems behind the scenes, ironically mirroring the Kamen Rider series of that year, Kamen Rider Hibiki.

Since then, we’ve had two upbeat shows to make up for it but it left fans to wonder what would have happened if Nexus had become the first major prime-time or even the first late night tokusatsu series? Nexus overall was a decent series (if not for what I liked to call the “13 Episode Angst Fest”) and I bet if it had the freedom and time, it would have been able to give Garo a run for its money. Alas, we’re only left to wonder and Garo along with Keita Amemiya retain their title of “King of the Midnight Action Drama”.

That was, until October 5th.

Ladies and gents, I do believe Tsuburaya may have captured lightning in a bottle and unleashed it at last with Ultraseven X. Sure, that’s a pretty strong statement after watching only the first episode but if the staff keeps up the momentum, we may have a new King of the Night.

Here’s the gist of it. It’s the not too distant future. A man by the name of Jin wakes up in this beautifully lit apartment with no memory of who he is or how he got there in the first place, carrying only a gun and a fancy wristwatch/PDA called a Video-Ceiver.

After being saved from an explosion by a mysterious young woman by the name of Erea who gives him a pair of red glasses (*coughcoughULTRAEYEcoughcough*), he meets up with Kei, an agent of the organization DEUS, sporting the same Video-Ceiver as him. Think of DEUS as the staple Science Patrol of the series, they’re charged with protecting the city from alien aggressors who have snuck into the city, only there’s a bit of a twist. Nobody uses their real names, everybody is referred to by their codename and anybody in the world could be an agent, going about their lives until summoned. The base for Kei and Jin is just a barren room with only a widescreen TV and a laptop for equipment, and the commander has yet to been seen.

The first case that they’re thrust into involves a group of aliens who have gathered themselves from across the globe to launch an attack with nothing short of world domination on their minds. They unleash a monster upon the city and Jin ends up on board their ship, only to be saved once again by Erea who exclaims that he is the “savior of this world”. They manage to escape, jumping out of the ship but not before Jin uses the red glasses that he had on him…

What follows is probably the fastest Ultra Series battle in the history of the franchise. That or the most intimidating as Seven X shows up on the scene and proceeds to kill the monster with an Eye Slugger and take out the alien ship in one hit. I only wish there were clips on Youtube so I could show you for myself.

This show is proof of two things:

1.) This is what Ultraman Nexus could (and should) have been like. It maintains the new “dark edge” but at the same time, it doesn’t angst up and it manages to retain the original spirit of the original Ultraseven. As I said in the beginning, it’s like you’re watching one of the Post-Ultra Tsuburaya shows (i.e Fireman, Mirrorman, Kaiki Daisakusen, etc.) all over again.

2.) Akio Jissoji isn’t dead. The way this show is shot, especially the second episode which I’m viewing as I write this, you could say that either got a lot of influence from him or that Mr. Jissoji has possessed the Director to complete some “unfinished business”. If it is the case of the latter then thank god. Let’s hope we get an update of the Metron-seijin episode.

The first episode set many things in motion; What is the true nature of Jin and Erea? Why has the commander of DEUS have yet to be seen? And what’s really going on behind the scenes of the city? As I see it, we as an audience are just like Jin in a way; we’re thrust into this world questioning everything. At the same time, we’re all undeniably curious as to how this is all going to pan out.

As for the titular character, Seven X is a welcome change to the Ultra Series. A lot of fans whined early on about the suit design but after seeing him in acting, he’s quite possibly the most fearsome Ultra of all. The one guy that you would NOT want to try and face off against. I mean, come on, his first fight lasts about three minutes! Even Ultraman wasn’t able to dish out that much damage his first time out! I loved Ultraman Mebius but I doubt even he could stand up to this guy and manage to walk away in one piece.

So okay, mysteries all over the place, strong writing, awesome special effects….All in all, Ultraseven X is a fresh new take on the Ultraman Mythos and a great new addition to the franchise (and my Friday Night viewing experience).

Now let’s hope things don’t suddenly go downhill….

EDIT: For my post-series review, check out this entry.