Name: Planet ES
Genre: Drama, Science-Fiction
Year: 2003
Rating: Recommended
Set in the year 2075, the development of technology has now enabled the journey into space for mankind an ordinary task. Although traveling to the moon or a space station has become common, it is due to this fact that the problem of space debris has also become an ordinary issue in life. Hence an occupation is formed where groups of individuals work together to collect and sell debris and at the same time remove hazardous objects from space. The crew of DS-12 known as the Toy Box is a section under the Tachnora Corporation that handles depris collection. There are various methods used in disposing objects from space however the essential way is with the use of EVA suits. Whether it is collecting trash from space or preventing a catastrophe the members of the Debris Section each have their own aspirations. Hoshino Hachirouta (Hachimaki) is a member of the Debris Section known as the Half Section. Along with his colleagues he takes upon a salary man approach towards his job as an EVA pilot. However when a newcomer Tanabe arrives he is given the responsibility to teach and look after a new crew member, a task that may not be easily undertaken by this particular character.
First of all don’t expect an exciting space adventure with aliens, robots and lazers. The “EVA” suits that are featured in the series are nothing like what the name may suggest to some. However with entertainment its not all about flashy and exciting action. This series like many others focuses on character and plot development. I would say this is much like a drama but with a futuristic setting. Although we may have an interpretation on space travel as being something spectacular this series creates a world where the space travel is quite ordinary and bland. I guess this series would bore some viewers but its popularity and success is not without reason. Personally I really liked the environment that has been created, the fact of collecting “trash” in space as being an ordinary Japanese salary man task is quite creative. On another note the series touches on several more serious items of which I won’t bother to explain here. Although this series would defiantly suite the older audience much better it’s quite hard to specifically state who would and would not enjoy this series. Planet ES is far from having a typical shounen protagonist which may be a bonus for some. I guess the series is quite unique. Although at times the series did bore me I still managed to complete the series and would recommend this series as something to try and if you happen to hate it theres always lots more content out there.
