Lost Universe - Flushed Into Space! (Vol 3)

The mysterious crystal that Millie brings aboard the Swordbreaker turns out to be a high-tech booby trap, capable of reconfiguring matter and space. The layout of the ship fluctuates wildly, making it impossible to find anything--including the bathroom. Millie discovers an old music box in a hidden room, and its tinkling melody (which is linked to his grandmother) enables Kain to find the crystal and destroy it. This farcical series takes a darker turn in the multipart episode that begins with "Friendship Scatters." Kain runs into his old pal Jesse in a resort pub, and, after an evening of heavy drinking, they set off to protect LaGuld Coporation cargo ships from space pirates. The pirates have captured a "Lost Ship," a relic of an ancient civilization with extraordinary powers that enable them to kill Jesse by attacking from beyond sensor range. As the Swordbreaker is also a Lost Ship, Kain can avenge his friend's death. But he knows he will have to face greater enemies--the maniacal head of the crime syndicate, Nightmare, and the deadly ship Nazard. Although the villains remain underdeveloped, director Takashi Watanabe handles the shift in tone deftly. Episodes: 9. "Toilet Fears," 10. "Vagrancy Decides," 11. "Friendship Scatters," 12. "Rain of Tears Ends." Unrated; suitable for ages 10 and up for minor sexual innuendoes, alcohol use, and some violence. --Charles Solomon