Episode
Legend of the Galactic Heroes: The Prodigal Son Returns
Overview
All military campaigns for both the Alliance and Empire are put on hold to celebrate the new year. Admiral Lutz starts receiving multiple conflicting launch and Iserlohn defense orders. Reinhard is furious at Lutz's refusal to launch. Lutz finally launches with all his forces, hoping to sandwich the El Facil fleet between him and Thor's Hammer. The Rosen Ritter disable the Thor's Hammer with a previously encoded computer lock down code. The enemy infantry forces are superior in numbers, but not in skill or morale. The Rossen Ritter eventually enter a backup control room and fire the Hammer at Lutz's returning fleet. January 14th, 800 S.C. / 2 N.I.C.: Iserlohn is once again under Yang's control.
Details
- Series
- Legend of the Galactic Heroes
- Season
- Season 3
- Episode
- Episode 16
- Air date
- 1994-10-01
- Runtime
- 25 min
Episode context
The Prodigal Son Returns is Episode 16 in Season 3 of Legend of the Galactic Heroes. It aired on 1994-10-01. The runtime is 25 min.
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Episode 15: Battle to Retake Iserlohn
The Imperial forces head deeper into Alliance territory. Julian and friends arrive on El Facil. Julian passes off the Terraism data disk to Yang. Yang and stuff discuss the next step, namely the retaking of Iserlohn Fortress. The El Facil government is wary of Yang being outside of their field of control, thus they refuse to let Yang lead the next operation. Effectively Yang has become a bargaining ship for controlling the excesses of his subordinates. Yang speaks with Konev about the possibility of Phezzan's aid. December, 799 S.C. / 1 N.I.C.: The El Facil fleet, under Merkatz launches for Iserlohn. During the same time, the last of the Alliance fleet launches for their final sortie.
Episode 17: Battle at Starzone Mal-Adetta (Part 1)
The Imperial fleet decides to accept Bucock's challenge head on and sends most their ships to meet in the Mar-Adetta system. The Mar-Adetta has unstable solar activity, communication jamming and a corridor through an asteroid belt. The Bucock fleet hides in the large corridor. As the Imperial fleets charge in, they are greeted by unstable asteroids, artillery ship fire, and space mines. The Alliance fleet is astute and attacks from unexpected areas within and behind the belt. January 16th, 800 S.C. / 2 N.I.C.: The Imperial fleet is in the middle of an unexpectedly difficult battle.
More episodes from this season
Episode 14: El Facile
On Odin, Julian and friends prepare to leave the planet. Alliance Chief of Staff Trung Yu Chan prepares to send Yang supplies, ships, and personnel. Around the Alliance, the military is sending Yang all of their extra personal, ships, and supplies. Yang consults with his staff, considering asking Phezzan merchants for war funding. Yang's fleet finally decides to go to El Facil. The government on El Facil plans to declare a new legitimate democratic government.
Episode 18: Battle at Starzone Mal-Adetta (Part 2)
Bucock's fleet advances through the Müller fleet while being pursued and surrounded by many others. Bucock's Alliance fleet is unable to charge and kill Rienhard. Hilde advises Reinhard to offer surrender to Bucock. Instead of accepting defeat, the Alliance officers toast to friendship and democracy. Afterwards, the Imperial fleet decimates all remaining Alliance ships. The Imperial victory celebration is cut short when news of Lutz's defeat at Iserlohn is received. The situation has changed for the Imperials if the plan was coordinated. The Imperial fleet would have cut off supply lines if Phezzan fell as well. With that possibility, Reinhard could have underestimated the importance of Iserlohn. Countering the panic, Hilde points out Yang would not have sacrificed his allies for a stall. The Imperial forces thus resumes their course for Heinessen.
Episode 13: Ragnarok Once More
Reinhard announces the situation to all citizens within the galaxy. Reinhard covers the failure of Lennenkanpt and the selling out of Yang and Lennenkanpt by the Alliance government. He further declares Treaty of Barlat's spirit has been desecrated with the only solution being force. Yang realizes that he has been cut off from allying himself with the Alliance government. Bucock returns from retirement. The next day, Reinhard announces the fleet organization for the second Ragnarok operation. Alliance diplomat Odets desperately heads into Imperial territory to ask for a ceasefire.
Episode 19: Imperial Edict of the Winter Rose Garden
The news of Fleet Admiral Bucock's death reaches Iserlohn. The Yang declares a mourning period for Bucock. Lebello is assassinated by his subordinates. The Alliance government surrenders unconditionally. On February 9th, Reinhard lands on Heinessen. The Imperial soldiers discover low level bureaucrats unwilling to surrender public documents, records, or property to the Empire. Reinhard commends on how the Alliance perished precisely because such remarkable government servants were kept below positions of governance. Reinhard disgusted over treachery, then declares death upon Lebello's killers. February 20th, 800 S.C. / 2 N.I.C.: The 273 history of the Free Planets Alliance ended.
Episode 12: Beneath the Flag of the Golden Lion
Reinhard considers the possibility of Yang joining the Empire. Hildegard considers the different power groups at play. The current balance of power is divided between the Empire, the Alliance, Yang, El Facil, Phezzan merchants, Earth Cultists, and Goldenbaum loyalists. Yang is seen as a possible unifier of the Alliance, El Facil, and Phezzan merchants. Meanwhile Silverberche, the Imperial Secretary of Industry starts construction of the new Imperial capital in Phezzan. During a high level staff meeting, Reinhard decides that the Galactic unification of humanity is vital.
Episode 20: The Distant Road Ahead
Reinhard considers when and how to take El Facil and Iserlohn. Yang considers the position of his forces. Katerose von Kreutzer confronts her illegitimate father, General Schenkopp. The Iserlohn reviews the Terraism data disk, discovering troublesome information: Phezzan and the Earth Cult have been working together for over a century. Yang, Frederica, and Julian talk about the role of military within government as well as Reinhard's next step. In a secret location, Rubinsky discusses his influence and agents. Meanwhile, within Reinhard's office, a letter arrives which postpones the expedition to Iserlohn...
Episode 11: Against All Flags
Rumors spread around the Alliance on the whereabouts of Yang and Lennenkanpt. El Facil, the only independent planet not under Imperial supervision, aggressively tries to recruit Yang. Yang decides to remain on the sidelines. The reasoning behind's Yang's caution is due to the Yang fleet not having enough military power to protect El Facil or any other systems. Yang decides his next action depends heavily on the Empire's next move. On Heinessen, Lebello considers the possibility of Yang allying with the Empire for revenge as well as asking Yang to return and lead the Alliance. Reinhard receives a report on the truth behind Yang's movements and Lennenkanpt's actions. Reinhard summons his three top Imperial Military commanders...
Episode 21: Rolling Thunder
Reuenthal is arrested by the Imperial police under suspicion of overthrowing Reinhard. It is revealed that Lang, the head of the secret police initialed the investigation. Reuenthal is accused of harboring a woman of the exiled Lichtenlade family. Oberstein is suspicious of Lang's intentions. It is revealed that the woman is pregnant with Reuenthal's child. Reuenthal is granted a hearing from Reinhard that very afternoon. Reinhard and Reuenthal reminisce on the past. The Imperial officers direct their hatred toward Oberstein.
Episode 10: Holiday's End
Julian convinces Wahlan to escort him to Odin. The Imperial admirals discuss the issue of Lennenkanpt's capture and the unverified accusations against Yang. Oberstein argues that the subterfuge within Heinessen could be very advantageous to the Empire. The Admirals all reject Oberstein's conclusion and opportunism, preferring to investigate the plot for the truth. Yang's fleet heads towards Merkatz's base. During this trip, Yang considers the miscalculations leading up to his capture as well as the next steps needed. Reinhard formalizes his plan of moving the Imperial capital to Phezzan. August 13, 799 S.C. / 1 N.I.C.: Planet El Facil declares independence from the Empire and Alliance.
Episode 22: Eve of the Festival
Wahlan, Mecklinger, and Kesler discuss the security and happenings of the old Imperial territories. A huge fire breaks out on Heinessen, causing massive property damage and casualties. Through Reuenthal's meticulously planned emergency countermeasures, the situation is handled efficiently. The Patriotic Knights Corps are made scapegoats for the fire. Reuenthal is relieved of his position as Chief of the High Command and made Governor General of all previous Alliance territories. Rubinsky plans to an assassination attempt at Princess Grünewald, Reinhard's sister. March 23rd, 800 S.C. / 2 N.I.C.: Admirals Bittenfeld and Fahrenheit lead their fleets to secure space around Iserlohn.