Episode 13--Mekkano, the Machine Master

This episode is, by the way, awesome in the imagination that shows in the design of Mekkano's machines and the fight choreography.

We actually get no new information about Amzot this episode--no new flora, fauna or locations are introduced, so the map and descriptions from the last post are still valid.

We do find out that Zandor apparently keeps in contact with whatever passes for galactic civilization and--despite largely eschewing technology--he does maintain a facility for launching and landing rockets. He is able to summon a rocket from the space prison and send Mekkano back there at the episodes conclusion. I'm torn about whether to include the rocket facility on the map, since it's not a natural part of Amzot. I'm assuming it would be located not far from the Herculoids' home--in the desert area near the edge of the jungle. That fits what we see, since we see jungle in the background while Zandor and family watch the rocket launch.

The episode does give us interesting speculations about Zandor and the nature of the Herculoids. We know that the Herculoids are smart, understand language, and implicitly have a low-level telepathic connection with each other & the humans. Gloop and Gleep have an actual language they can use.

They also often employ fairly complex tactics in their fights. This time, though, Tundra fires his energy rocks as if they were mortar rounds, accurately calculating range and angles to hit his targets. In other words, he instantly did complex math in his head. It's beginning to look like when Zandor created the Herculoids, he gave them human-level intelligence.

Zandor and the Herculoids have battled Mekkano in the past, which is why the villain breaks jail and seeks revenge. I have the impression (for no reason that I can put my finger on) that this original battle took place before Zandor & Co. came to Amzot. Perhaps it was fighting Mekkano that gave Zandor the idea for giving his Herculoids purpose in life by fighting evil, causing him to seek a home on Amzot and bring peace to that beleaguered planet.