Upper portion: summary of Episode 23
Lower portion:
Production anecdotes
The Academy production team that is making Yamato is currently very busy, since the final episode is approaching! It’s really hard to get the script ready. They rewrite it over and over again, and when it’s finalized, it’s often completely different from the original story…
After this, the staff members who draw the illustrations also have a hard time. The deadline is approaching, so they’ve been working all night. That’s how carefully they’re making it.
What is the fate of Dessler…?
The fateful showdown between Dessler and Kodai has finally come! In the movie Farewell to Yamato that was released last summer, Dessler jumps out into space and dies a tragic death. Some say, “He’s a great warrior. I think it would be better to let him die with dignity…” but what will happen to Dessler on TV!?
The final act!
Where will Yamato go…?
In green frame:
In the movie, Kodai and Yuki both die along with Yamato. Their love finally ends without ever blossoming in this world. But it would be too sad to leave it at that. Fans are flooding in with comments saying, “Don’t let them die on TV!” The staff seems to be planning to change it from the movie. So, what will the outcome be!? Let’s make a prediction while considering the ending of the movie.
The final episode is just around the corner, what fate awaits Yamato?
Captions:
Yuki is dead…but fans feel that to let Yuki go like this is too sad. Yuki, don’t die!! (Movie)
With the dead Yuki at his side, Kodai sets off on his final charge. There must still be a way to save her. Kodai, think about it!! (Movie)
It would be so sad if this heroic figure of Yamato were to disappear forever… (Movie)
Ahead lies the Comet Empire’s gigantic battleship! Yamato marches towards it…is there a way to defeat the enemy while keeping Yamato, Kodai, and Yuki safe…? (Movie)
In blue/green box:
A word from the producer
“We’re having meetings every day now, trying to find a way to express love for humanity and the universe in a way that’s different from the end of the movie. The five or six main staff members, led by Nishizaki, who came up with the original idea, are desperately thinking about the content of the end. During the meetings, we come up with surprising ideas and plot twists, and it’s amazing. Please look forward to seeing what happens!”
(Producer Hiroka)
On left side:
A perfect prediction of the TV ending!!
The true feelings of Yamato fans — of course, most people feel sorry for the couple, but if they stay alive, there could be a part 3 where we wouldn’t have to say goodbye to Yamato. So, while taking into account the feelings of the fans, let’s make some bold predictions about the ending!!
Prediction 1
During the battle, Yuki is hit by a stray bullet and dies. Kodai and the other crew members, burning with grief and anger, devise a new strategy from an unexpected source and defeat the City Empire. However, Kodai abandons the ship for good…
Prediction 2
Just like in the movie, Yamato crashes into the City Empire. But just before that, Kodai, Yuki and the rest of the crew escape. They return safely to Earth. Unable to forget Yamato, which disappeared into space, they build a new Yamato…
Prediction 3
Just as Hijikata said in his final words, the City Empire has a weak spot in its lower part! Yamato kills its formidable enemy and returns to Earth. But in the shadow of their victory, many crew members have died…
Prediction 4
After losing the battle and running out of all options, Yamato suddenly encounters a new alien life form which instantly destroys the city empire. Kodai, Yuki, and everyone else is saved!!
Bottom portion: promo for Yamato content in The Best One magazine, which debuted from Gakken on March 22, 1979.