Voltron: Defender of the Universe
Episode Summary
003 - A Ghost And Four Keys
Episode Summary
003 - A Ghost And Four Keys
EPISODE THREE: A GHOST AND FOUR KEYS
ORIGINAL AIR DATE: SEPTEMBER 12, 1984
Synopsis (from the DVD tin set): Keith, Lance, Sven, Hunk and Pidge ask for help from the Princess Allura to find Voltron. With guidance from the ghost of her father, King Alfor, they find four of the five keys needed to form Voltron. With no choice, they head into battle with only their robot Lions to keep back Doom's soldiers.
ORIGINAL AIR DATE: SEPTEMBER 12, 1984
Synopsis (from the DVD tin set): Keith, Lance, Sven, Hunk and Pidge ask for help from the Princess Allura to find Voltron. With guidance from the ghost of her father, King Alfor, they find four of the five keys needed to form Voltron. With no choice, they head into battle with only their robot Lions to keep back Doom's soldiers.
These are my personal notes, taken as I watched this episode, along with coinciding screen caps.
They give a basic summary of the episode.
At the end of the summary, I've listed details I found important or interesting, along with notes explaining my thoughts on its relevance.
They give a basic summary of the episode.
At the end of the summary, I've listed details I found important or interesting, along with notes explaining my thoughts on its relevance.
Ep 003 - A Ghost And Four Keys
The episode begins at Castle Doom. King Zarkon and Witch Haggar are discussing the Voltron Force and Haggar informs Zarkon that they are safe on Planet Arus. Zarkon says he captured most of the people [on Arus] as slaves and the rest are living in like wild animals. Haggar counters that the castle still stands and the Voltron Force may have rediscovered Voltron. Zarkon thought Haggar destroyed Voltron and asks if she lied to him. She says Voltron was broken into 5 pieces, but the Voltron Force is clever and may know the formula for bringing Voltron back to life! * Zarkon says the Voltron Force must be found and destroyed immediately. He wants his most powerful robot (Robeast) sent to Arus at once.
He [the robeast] is being sent to lead Yurak in capturing the Voltron Force.
Yurak is furious, insisting he doesn't need assistance. He believes his robot troops will capture the Voltron Force before the "robeast" gets there.
Yurak is furious, insisting he doesn't need assistance. He believes his robot troops will capture the Voltron Force before the "robeast" gets there.
Back at Castle Control, the team, Coran, and Allura discuss how Zarkon's forces are getting closer all the time. The Voltron Force wants to use Voltron, but Coran says no. When they [the Voltron Force] ask why not, Coran says Voltron can't help them. The team argues with Coran, saying that they have all the Lion ships and that they [the team] know how to fly them.
Coran simply says, "No!"
Keith asks, "What's wrong?"
Sven says, "We've got to get those Lion ships! It's our only chance!"
Coran replies, "To activate the Lions, you need 5 very special keys. Without them, they're completely useless."
Keith asks, "Where are the keys?"
Coran says, "It was the last wish of our good King Alfor that they be placed in the tomb with him."
Allura gasps, "Father?"
Everyone is angry and distraught. Pidge decides to go outside (against the warning that it's better to stay undercover) to see how close Zarkon's forces are getting. Pidge runs out to investigate.
Inside, Coran leads the rest of the Voltron Force to the Royal Crypt and King Alfor's tomb, where the keys are buried. Allura catches up with them and says she's going too.
Coran says, "The tomb will not be a pleasant place to visit, Princess. It can only bring sad memories. I urge you to wait here while we search for the 5 keys."
Allura shakes her head and says, "I've gone to the tomb many times alone. It's not sad. I gain strength being close to Father."
Coran looks surprised, but relinquishes, and the group moves on. They board an elevator and Hunk marvels at it.
Coran simply says, "No!"
Keith asks, "What's wrong?"
Sven says, "We've got to get those Lion ships! It's our only chance!"
Coran replies, "To activate the Lions, you need 5 very special keys. Without them, they're completely useless."
Keith asks, "Where are the keys?"
Coran says, "It was the last wish of our good King Alfor that they be placed in the tomb with him."
Allura gasps, "Father?"
Everyone is angry and distraught. Pidge decides to go outside (against the warning that it's better to stay undercover) to see how close Zarkon's forces are getting. Pidge runs out to investigate.
Inside, Coran leads the rest of the Voltron Force to the Royal Crypt and King Alfor's tomb, where the keys are buried. Allura catches up with them and says she's going too.
Coran says, "The tomb will not be a pleasant place to visit, Princess. It can only bring sad memories. I urge you to wait here while we search for the 5 keys."
Allura shakes her head and says, "I've gone to the tomb many times alone. It's not sad. I gain strength being close to Father."
Coran looks surprised, but relinquishes, and the group moves on. They board an elevator and Hunk marvels at it.
Hunk, "Modern technology. Who'd ever expect this new stuff inside an old castle?"
Keith, "You musta had some pretty smart scientists on this planet, Coran." Coran, "The most advanced in the entire galaxy." Sven, "It's a good thing Zarkon doesn't know about this." Coran, "If he did, it would be the end." |
Alfor's ghost speaks, "It pleases me to see you surrounded by friends. Our poor planet is much in need of friends these days. I know the terrible struggle you have had to survive. But now, perhaps, with the help of these good strangers, you can defend Arus from the evil Zarkon and start to rebuild our beautiful world once again." |
Alfor - "I can now rest easier. Goodbye, my daughter."
Alfor's ghost fades away as a tearful Allura whispers, "goodbye." (The space mouse is crying too.)
Alfor's ghost fades away as a tearful Allura whispers, "goodbye." (The space mouse is crying too.)
Hunk says they can still try to put Voltron together, but Coran says it's impossible because the key that's missing is to the main Lion.
Keith - "You mean we won't be able to unite all the Lions and form Voltron?"
Coran answers no, and that Black Lion cannot be operated at all!
Lance wonders who could have taken the key. Sven says they'll have to find out later because Zarkon's attack squad is here!!
We see a space mouse still watching the group.
Hunk asks, "What'da we do?"
Keith says, "Use sticks and stones and spears!"
Keith - "You mean we won't be able to unite all the Lions and form Voltron?"
Coran answers no, and that Black Lion cannot be operated at all!
Lance wonders who could have taken the key. Sven says they'll have to find out later because Zarkon's attack squad is here!!
We see a space mouse still watching the group.
Hunk asks, "What'da we do?"
Keith says, "Use sticks and stones and spears!"
Pidge is hiding while watching the approaching enemies, and says to himself, "Thousands of robots!"
Yurak is yelling at his troops, ordering them to "destroy everything that lives! The Voltron Force must not survive!"
Pidge shakes his fist, "Com'on you robots! You're only a bunch of nuts and bolts! Let's see what you can do against one little earth man!"
Pidge leaps down into the middle of the fray and begins shooting. There are so many troops that Pidge calls for backup, explaining that he's surrounded and in trouble. Keith answer the call, but before he can say anything, Hunk grabs the radio and says they're going to get him [Pidge] out of there. Hunk asks Pidge for his location, but before Pidge can respond, he's hit and they lose communication.
Everyone is worried for Pidge and insists they use the Lions, but Coran is still arguing that without the 5 th key and Lion, there's no Voltron. Keith says they'll take their chances with the 4 Lions. The team continues to argue with Coran, who continues to insist they can't use the Lions. Finally the team makes the argument that it's life or death - and they need the Lions!
Keith says, "Coran, where are the Lion ships? Show us! Coran, please! Coran! We can't wait any longer for your okay. We'll go after Pidge without help."
The team begins to head out but Allura stops them, concerned they will be defenseless, but the Voltron Forces says that they will fight with their bare hands.
Allura turns to Coran and says, "Coran, show them the way to the Lion ships."
Coran finally agrees, adding. "And let us hope the Lions still respond." He [Coran] climbs into the seat in front of a bank of computers and it rises up, becoming a gateway to the zip-lines that will take each pilot to a Lion.
Yurak is yelling at his troops, ordering them to "destroy everything that lives! The Voltron Force must not survive!"
Pidge shakes his fist, "Com'on you robots! You're only a bunch of nuts and bolts! Let's see what you can do against one little earth man!"
Pidge leaps down into the middle of the fray and begins shooting. There are so many troops that Pidge calls for backup, explaining that he's surrounded and in trouble. Keith answer the call, but before he can say anything, Hunk grabs the radio and says they're going to get him [Pidge] out of there. Hunk asks Pidge for his location, but before Pidge can respond, he's hit and they lose communication.
Everyone is worried for Pidge and insists they use the Lions, but Coran is still arguing that without the 5 th key and Lion, there's no Voltron. Keith says they'll take their chances with the 4 Lions. The team continues to argue with Coran, who continues to insist they can't use the Lions. Finally the team makes the argument that it's life or death - and they need the Lions!
Keith says, "Coran, where are the Lion ships? Show us! Coran, please! Coran! We can't wait any longer for your okay. We'll go after Pidge without help."
The team begins to head out but Allura stops them, concerned they will be defenseless, but the Voltron Forces says that they will fight with their bare hands.
Allura turns to Coran and says, "Coran, show them the way to the Lion ships."
Coran finally agrees, adding. "And let us hope the Lions still respond." He [Coran] climbs into the seat in front of a bank of computers and it rises up, becoming a gateway to the zip-lines that will take each pilot to a Lion.
We see the pilots in the cockpits and as they put the keys in place, the Lions come to life, roaring and shooting out of their hiding places. Coran seems excited to see the Lions up and running.
Keith is in Green Lion; Sven is in Blue Lion; Hunk is in Yellow Lion; Lance is in Red Lion.
The team goes to find Pidge, who is still under attack by the Doom robot soldiers - and things aren't going so well for him! He's been hit, and in real trouble. The enemy tries to blast the mountain down on top of him, but at the last second, just as the rocks begin to fall, someone grabs Pidge by the arm and drags him into a cave!
Pidge looks around and finds himself surrounded by Arusians. (Are these the same people that were attacking the team before?)
We go back to the Voltron Force who are closing in on the Doom Forces. Yurak is looking through binoculars and sees the Lions coming straight for him. He's surprised, asking "What is this?" Yurak orders his troops to fire on the Lions, but his troops are soon running away as the Lions destroy the Doom ships and robot soldiers.
Pidge is watching the scene unfold from the safety of the caves - he realizes that it's the Robot Lions and the Voltron Force that are now attacking the Doom Forces. He tries to climb out of the cave and go to help his friends, guilty that if he had stayed, they could already have formed Voltron. But the people stop him.
The Lions are still fighting the Doom attack ships, and winning! The Doom troops are retreating into Yurak's command ship - the Lions move in to attack, but Yurak escapes just as the Robeast arrives.
Keith is in Green Lion; Sven is in Blue Lion; Hunk is in Yellow Lion; Lance is in Red Lion.
The team goes to find Pidge, who is still under attack by the Doom robot soldiers - and things aren't going so well for him! He's been hit, and in real trouble. The enemy tries to blast the mountain down on top of him, but at the last second, just as the rocks begin to fall, someone grabs Pidge by the arm and drags him into a cave!
Pidge looks around and finds himself surrounded by Arusians. (Are these the same people that were attacking the team before?)
We go back to the Voltron Force who are closing in on the Doom Forces. Yurak is looking through binoculars and sees the Lions coming straight for him. He's surprised, asking "What is this?" Yurak orders his troops to fire on the Lions, but his troops are soon running away as the Lions destroy the Doom ships and robot soldiers.
Pidge is watching the scene unfold from the safety of the caves - he realizes that it's the Robot Lions and the Voltron Force that are now attacking the Doom Forces. He tries to climb out of the cave and go to help his friends, guilty that if he had stayed, they could already have formed Voltron. But the people stop him.
The Lions are still fighting the Doom attack ships, and winning! The Doom troops are retreating into Yurak's command ship - the Lions move in to attack, but Yurak escapes just as the Robeast arrives.
Haggar appears on a view-screen and she and Yurak begin to argue over how powerful her Robeast is (Yurak is angry and thinks he doesn't need the Robeast's help), then the Robeast is dropped down to Arus (in his coffin ship). In the end, Yurak's ship shoots out a beam at the Robeast and it grows into a huge monster.
Keith calls it "one ugly beast" and Sven says "the bigger they are, the harder they fall!" |
The Lions attack the Robeast from all 4 sides.
Back at Castle Control, Allura asks (a very worried looking) Coran, "Can they cope with that thing, Coran?"
The team attacks again and again - 1 Lion on each arm, 1 Lion on each leg, but the Robeast simply tosses the Lions aside.
Again back to Castle Control, Allura asks, "Is this the end of our world?"
Coran replies, "No Princess, we need that missing key!"
The team hears them [Coran and Allura] through the comms and says when they find that key, there will be no stopping them because with the key they can form Voltron.
Back at Castle Control, Allura asks (a very worried looking) Coran, "Can they cope with that thing, Coran?"
The team attacks again and again - 1 Lion on each arm, 1 Lion on each leg, but the Robeast simply tosses the Lions aside.
Again back to Castle Control, Allura asks, "Is this the end of our world?"
Coran replies, "No Princess, we need that missing key!"
The team hears them [Coran and Allura] through the comms and says when they find that key, there will be no stopping them because with the key they can form Voltron.
Stay tuned for episode 4!
Important Info:
Haggar counters that the castle still stands and the Voltron Force may have rediscovered Voltron.
What It Means:
Haggar (and Zarkon?) know that the secret to rediscovering Voltron is accessible through the Castle of Lions. How do they know this? Why haven't they acted on it and tried to find Voltron themselves? Or have they tried unsuccessfully?
Important Info:
Zarkon thought Haggar destroyed Voltron and asks if she lied to him.
What It Means:
Zarkon is mistrustful of Haggar; he believes she is dishonest.
Important Info:
She [Haggar] says Voltron was broken into 5 pieces, but the Voltron Force is clever and may know the formula for bringing Voltron back to life! Zarkon says the Voltron Force must be found and destroyed immediately.
What It Means:
Both Haggar and Zarkon are worried about the Voltron Force and the threat they [the Voltron Force] may pose to their [Zarkon and Haggar] plans.
Important Info:
He [the winning robot/robeast] is being sent to lead Yurak in capturing the Voltron Force.
What It Means:
Zarkon doesn't have a lot of faith in Yurak's ability to recapture the escaped space explorers, now called the Voltron Force.
Important Info:
Yurak is furious, insisting he doesn't need assistance. He believes his robot troops will capture the Voltron Force before the "robeast" gets there.
What It Means:
1 - Yurak is being forced to accept help he doesn't feel he needs, nor does he want.
2 - Yurak has faith in his troops.
3 - Yurak does not have faith in the robeast.
Important Info:
Back at Castle Control, the team, Coran, and Allura discuss how Zarkon's forces are getting closer all the time. The Voltron Force wants to use Voltron, but Coran says no. When they [the Voltron Force] ask why not, Coran says Voltron can't help them. The team argues with Coran, saying that they have all the Lion ships and that they [the team] know how to fly them.
Coran simply says, "No!"
What It Means:
1 - Why is Coran so adamant that the team cannot use the Lions. . .isn't that what they all wanted from the beginning?
2 - In episode 2, wasn't Coran grateful for the team arriving, and wanting to help bring Voltron back? Very confusing, very contradictory.
3 - Is Coran being difficult? Does Coran have some hidden agenda?
4 - Is this some sort of a test for the Voltron Force?
Important Info:
Coran replies, "To activate the Lions, you need 5 very special keys. Without them, they're completely useless."
Keith asks, "Where are the keys?"
Coran says, "It was the last wish of our good King Alfor that they be placed in the tomb with him."
Allura gasps, "Father?"
What It Means:
1 - The Lions have specialized keys, without them, they cannot use the Lions. (Makes sense - and lends credit to the previous scene.)
2 - Coran knows where those keys are located.
3 - Allura seems to be surprised at this information. Did Coran keep this information from her, or did she simply not know?
Important Info:
Pidge decides to go outside (against the warning that it's better to stay undercover) to see how close Zarkon's forces are getting.
What It Means:
Pidge is rebellious, and acts irrationally at times, even against warning from his teammates and commander [Keith].
Important Info:
Inside, Coran leads the rest of the Voltron Force to the Royal Crypt and King Alfor's tomb, where the keys are buried. Allura catches up with them and says she's going too.
Coran says, "The tomb will not be a pleasant place to visit, Princess. It can only bring sad memories. I urge you to wait here while we search for the 5 keys."
Allura shakes her head and says, "I've gone to the tomb many times alone. It's not sad. I gain strength being close to Father."
Coran looks surprised, but relinquishes, and the group moves on.
What It Means:
1 - Allura wants to help, and to know what's happening.
2 - Coran cares about Allura, and worries for her well-being.
3 - Allura spends time alone at her Father's grave/inside his tomb.
4 - Allura garners strength from her memories of her Father.
5 - Coran was unaware of Allura's visits to the Royal Crypt.
6 - Although concerned for Allura, Coran honors her wishes.
Important Info:
They board an elevator and Hunk marvels at it.
Hunk, "Modern technology. Who'd ever expect this new stuff inside an old castle?"
Keith says, "You musta had some pretty smart scientists on this planet, Coran."
Coran replies, "The most advanced in the entire galaxy."
Sven says, "It's a good thing Zarkon doesn't know about this."
Coran confirms, "If he did, it would be the end."
What It Means:
1 - The Castle of Lions has impressive technology hidden inside.
2 - The Castle of Lions appears to be an ancient, dilapidated building.
3 - Arus had the most advanced scientists in the entire galaxy.
4 - Zarkon would have destroyed the Castle of Lions (and possibly the entire planet?) if he knew the amount of advanced technology the Arussians have/had.
Important Info:
We see a space mouse watching them from a crack in the ceiling (?) as they arrive at the door to the Royal Crypt, Coran crosses himself before entering.
What It Means:
Crossing yourself is usually a Catholic/Christian ritual. Throughout the series, there are a multitude of religious symbols, signs and rituals, usually referencing Catholicism or Christianity. But there are references to other religions and systems of belief. One example occurs later in this episode when King Alfor's coffin is opened and inside we see he has been entombed in such a way that it resembles the way ancient Egyptians buried their Pharaohs.
Important Info:
We see a pan of a room full of coffins. Alfor's resting place is at the top of a dais. As they enter, the doors close behind them, throwing the room into darkness. An eerie glow fills the room and everyone gasps and looks frightened.
What It Means:
Even in the future, people don't like tombs, crypts, graveyards, etc., and are frightened by what might be deemed "supernatural."
Important Info:
From the top of the dais, we see a strange glow and then hear a voice. . .
"Welcome, my daughter, and trusted advisor, Coran."
Coran gasps and cries out, "The voice of good King Alfor!"
Allura steps forward and says, "My Father. . ." we see the ghostly image of King Alfor above his coffin.
What It Means:
Coran seems surprised that King Alfor's spirit is communicating with them. Is it unusual for spirits to communicate with the living (in their culture)? Or was Coran unaware that Alfor's spirit would communicate with them at all?
Important Info:
Alfor's ghost speaks, "It pleases me to see you surrounded by friends. Our poor planet is much in need of friends these days. I know the terrible struggle you have had to survive. But now, perhaps, with the help of these good strangers, you can defend Arus from the evil Zarkon and start to rebuild our beautiful world once again."
What It Means:
1 - Alfor's spirit somehow knows all that's happened and has hope that the Voltron Force can help restore his planet.
2 - Alfor is still watching over Allura, his planet, and his people.
Important Info:
Alfor's ghost fades away as a tearful Allura whispers, "goodbye." (The space mouse is crying too.)
What It Means:
Allura still grieves for, and misses, her Father.
Important Info:
The group opens the king's coffin and they all take a moment to pray before continuing. When they open their eyes, Hunk spots the keys. Lances notices there are 5 cases, but only 4 keys! Coran and Allura are shocked at the missing key.
What It Means:
1 - Another religious reference (prayer).
2 - 1 of the keys is missing.
3 - Coran and Allura were unaware of the missing key.
Important Info:
Hunk says they can still try to put Voltron together, but Coran says it's impossible because the key that's missing is to the main Lion.
Keith - "You mean we won't be able to unite all the Lions and form Voltron?"
Coran answers no, and that Black Lion cannot be operated at all!
What It Means:
1 - Hunk isn't willing to give up.
2 - Without the missing key Black Lion cannot be operated.
3 - Without Black Lion (or any Lion), Voltron cannot be formed.
Important Info:
We see a space mouse still watching the group.
What It Means:
Why do we keep seeing this little space mouse so intently watching everything that's happening?
Important Info:
Pidge shakes his fist, "Com'on you robots! You're only a bunch of nuts and bolts! Let's see what you can do against one little earth man!"
What It Means:
While Pidge points out to the audience that the Doom soldiers are robots, I'd like to take a moment to share a little information. (If you were unaware), this series was created by taking bits and pieces of animation from another series and writing a whole new "script" for it. That other series was a Japanese anime called "GoLion" - in the original GoLion, all these "robots" were living creatures. So were the "Robot Beasts" (aka "Robeasts").
Important Info:
Everyone is worried for Pidge and insists they use the Lions, but Coran is still arguing that without the 5 th key and Lion, there's no Voltron. Keith says they'll take their chances with the 4 Lions. The team continues to argue with Coran, who continues to insist they can't use the Lions. Finally the team makes the argument that it's life or death - and they need the Lions!
Keith says, "Coran, where are the Lion ships? Show us! Coran, please! Coran! We can't wait any longer for your okay. We'll go after Pidge without help."
What It Means:
1 - Coran seems to value Voltron over even Pidge's life.
2 - The team members are devoted to one another, and will fight for one another.
Important Info:
The team begins to head out but Allura stops them, concerned they will be defenseless, but the Voltron Forces says that they will fight with their bare hands.
Allura turns to Coran and says, "Coran, show them the way to the Lion ships."
What It Means:
1 - Allura cares what happens to the members of the Voltron Force.
2 - The Voltron Force will use whatever means necessary.
3 - When Allura makes a decision, Coran seems to simply follow it.
Important Info:
Keith is in Green Lion; Sven is in Blue Lion; Hunk is in Yellow Lion; Lance is in Red Lion.
What It Means:
This speaks for itself. Later Keith will be in Black Lion, and Pidge in Green Lion.
Important Info:
The enemy tries to blast the mountain down on top of him, but at the last second, just as the rocks begin to fall, someone grabs Pidge by the arm and drags him into a cave!
Pidge looks around and finds himself surrounded by Arusians. (Are these the same people that were attacking the team before?)
What It Means:
1 - The people in the caves saved Pidge from the Doom Forces.
2 - Are these the same people that attacked the team earlier?
Important Info:
Yurak orders his troops to fire on the Lions, but his troops are soon running away as the Lions destroy the Doom ships and robot soldiers.
What It Means:
The Lions are stronger than the Doom ships and robot soldiers.
Important Info:
Haggar appears on a view-screen and she and Yurak begin to argue over how powerful her Robeast is (Yurak is angry and thinks he doesn't need the Robeast's help), then the Robeast is dropped down to Arus (in his coffin ship). In the end, Yurak's ship shoots out a beam at the Robeast and it grows into a huge monster.
What It Means:
1 - Haggar and Yurak do not agree on the best way to defeat, recapture, and/or destroy the Voltron Force.
2 - Haggar and Yurak do not seem to like, or approve of, one another.
3 - Yurak ends up submitting to Haggar's will. Does this mean Haggar holds a superior position than Yurak? Is she favored by Zarkon? Is Yurak frightened or intimidated by Haggar, or her powers?
Important Info:
Back at Castle Control, Allura asks (a very worried looking) Coran, "Can they cope with that thing, Coran?"
What It Means:
Allura and Coran are worried about the team's ability to defeat the Robeast without Voltron.
Important Info:
The team attacks again and again - 1 Lion on each arm, 1 Lion on each leg, but the Robeast simply tosses the Lions aside.
What It Means:
The Robeast is much stronger than the 4 robot Lions.
Important Info:
Again back to Castle Control, Allura asks, "Is this the end of our world?"
Coran replies, "No Princess, we need that missing key!"
What It Means:
1 - Allura is fearful that this is the end for her planet, her people.
2 - Coran sees that what they need is the missing key, and therefore access to the Black Lion, and Voltron.
Important Info:
The team hears them [Coran and Allura] through the comms and says when they find that key, there will be no stopping them because with the key they can form Voltron.
What It Means:
Everyone seems to believe that Voltron is the only solution.
Important Info:
The Lions continue attacking the Robeast, but things don't look so good for our heroes! The Robeast is winning the fight. . .is this the end of the Voltron Force?
What It Means:
Uh-oh.
Haggar counters that the castle still stands and the Voltron Force may have rediscovered Voltron.
What It Means:
Haggar (and Zarkon?) know that the secret to rediscovering Voltron is accessible through the Castle of Lions. How do they know this? Why haven't they acted on it and tried to find Voltron themselves? Or have they tried unsuccessfully?
Important Info:
Zarkon thought Haggar destroyed Voltron and asks if she lied to him.
What It Means:
Zarkon is mistrustful of Haggar; he believes she is dishonest.
Important Info:
She [Haggar] says Voltron was broken into 5 pieces, but the Voltron Force is clever and may know the formula for bringing Voltron back to life! Zarkon says the Voltron Force must be found and destroyed immediately.
What It Means:
Both Haggar and Zarkon are worried about the Voltron Force and the threat they [the Voltron Force] may pose to their [Zarkon and Haggar] plans.
Important Info:
He [the winning robot/robeast] is being sent to lead Yurak in capturing the Voltron Force.
What It Means:
Zarkon doesn't have a lot of faith in Yurak's ability to recapture the escaped space explorers, now called the Voltron Force.
Important Info:
Yurak is furious, insisting he doesn't need assistance. He believes his robot troops will capture the Voltron Force before the "robeast" gets there.
What It Means:
1 - Yurak is being forced to accept help he doesn't feel he needs, nor does he want.
2 - Yurak has faith in his troops.
3 - Yurak does not have faith in the robeast.
Important Info:
Back at Castle Control, the team, Coran, and Allura discuss how Zarkon's forces are getting closer all the time. The Voltron Force wants to use Voltron, but Coran says no. When they [the Voltron Force] ask why not, Coran says Voltron can't help them. The team argues with Coran, saying that they have all the Lion ships and that they [the team] know how to fly them.
Coran simply says, "No!"
What It Means:
1 - Why is Coran so adamant that the team cannot use the Lions. . .isn't that what they all wanted from the beginning?
2 - In episode 2, wasn't Coran grateful for the team arriving, and wanting to help bring Voltron back? Very confusing, very contradictory.
3 - Is Coran being difficult? Does Coran have some hidden agenda?
4 - Is this some sort of a test for the Voltron Force?
Important Info:
Coran replies, "To activate the Lions, you need 5 very special keys. Without them, they're completely useless."
Keith asks, "Where are the keys?"
Coran says, "It was the last wish of our good King Alfor that they be placed in the tomb with him."
Allura gasps, "Father?"
What It Means:
1 - The Lions have specialized keys, without them, they cannot use the Lions. (Makes sense - and lends credit to the previous scene.)
2 - Coran knows where those keys are located.
3 - Allura seems to be surprised at this information. Did Coran keep this information from her, or did she simply not know?
Important Info:
Pidge decides to go outside (against the warning that it's better to stay undercover) to see how close Zarkon's forces are getting.
What It Means:
Pidge is rebellious, and acts irrationally at times, even against warning from his teammates and commander [Keith].
Important Info:
Inside, Coran leads the rest of the Voltron Force to the Royal Crypt and King Alfor's tomb, where the keys are buried. Allura catches up with them and says she's going too.
Coran says, "The tomb will not be a pleasant place to visit, Princess. It can only bring sad memories. I urge you to wait here while we search for the 5 keys."
Allura shakes her head and says, "I've gone to the tomb many times alone. It's not sad. I gain strength being close to Father."
Coran looks surprised, but relinquishes, and the group moves on.
What It Means:
1 - Allura wants to help, and to know what's happening.
2 - Coran cares about Allura, and worries for her well-being.
3 - Allura spends time alone at her Father's grave/inside his tomb.
4 - Allura garners strength from her memories of her Father.
5 - Coran was unaware of Allura's visits to the Royal Crypt.
6 - Although concerned for Allura, Coran honors her wishes.
Important Info:
They board an elevator and Hunk marvels at it.
Hunk, "Modern technology. Who'd ever expect this new stuff inside an old castle?"
Keith says, "You musta had some pretty smart scientists on this planet, Coran."
Coran replies, "The most advanced in the entire galaxy."
Sven says, "It's a good thing Zarkon doesn't know about this."
Coran confirms, "If he did, it would be the end."
What It Means:
1 - The Castle of Lions has impressive technology hidden inside.
2 - The Castle of Lions appears to be an ancient, dilapidated building.
3 - Arus had the most advanced scientists in the entire galaxy.
4 - Zarkon would have destroyed the Castle of Lions (and possibly the entire planet?) if he knew the amount of advanced technology the Arussians have/had.
Important Info:
We see a space mouse watching them from a crack in the ceiling (?) as they arrive at the door to the Royal Crypt, Coran crosses himself before entering.
What It Means:
Crossing yourself is usually a Catholic/Christian ritual. Throughout the series, there are a multitude of religious symbols, signs and rituals, usually referencing Catholicism or Christianity. But there are references to other religions and systems of belief. One example occurs later in this episode when King Alfor's coffin is opened and inside we see he has been entombed in such a way that it resembles the way ancient Egyptians buried their Pharaohs.
Important Info:
We see a pan of a room full of coffins. Alfor's resting place is at the top of a dais. As they enter, the doors close behind them, throwing the room into darkness. An eerie glow fills the room and everyone gasps and looks frightened.
What It Means:
Even in the future, people don't like tombs, crypts, graveyards, etc., and are frightened by what might be deemed "supernatural."
Important Info:
From the top of the dais, we see a strange glow and then hear a voice. . .
"Welcome, my daughter, and trusted advisor, Coran."
Coran gasps and cries out, "The voice of good King Alfor!"
Allura steps forward and says, "My Father. . ." we see the ghostly image of King Alfor above his coffin.
What It Means:
Coran seems surprised that King Alfor's spirit is communicating with them. Is it unusual for spirits to communicate with the living (in their culture)? Or was Coran unaware that Alfor's spirit would communicate with them at all?
Important Info:
Alfor's ghost speaks, "It pleases me to see you surrounded by friends. Our poor planet is much in need of friends these days. I know the terrible struggle you have had to survive. But now, perhaps, with the help of these good strangers, you can defend Arus from the evil Zarkon and start to rebuild our beautiful world once again."
What It Means:
1 - Alfor's spirit somehow knows all that's happened and has hope that the Voltron Force can help restore his planet.
2 - Alfor is still watching over Allura, his planet, and his people.
Important Info:
Alfor's ghost fades away as a tearful Allura whispers, "goodbye." (The space mouse is crying too.)
What It Means:
Allura still grieves for, and misses, her Father.
Important Info:
The group opens the king's coffin and they all take a moment to pray before continuing. When they open their eyes, Hunk spots the keys. Lances notices there are 5 cases, but only 4 keys! Coran and Allura are shocked at the missing key.
What It Means:
1 - Another religious reference (prayer).
2 - 1 of the keys is missing.
3 - Coran and Allura were unaware of the missing key.
Important Info:
Hunk says they can still try to put Voltron together, but Coran says it's impossible because the key that's missing is to the main Lion.
Keith - "You mean we won't be able to unite all the Lions and form Voltron?"
Coran answers no, and that Black Lion cannot be operated at all!
What It Means:
1 - Hunk isn't willing to give up.
2 - Without the missing key Black Lion cannot be operated.
3 - Without Black Lion (or any Lion), Voltron cannot be formed.
Important Info:
We see a space mouse still watching the group.
What It Means:
Why do we keep seeing this little space mouse so intently watching everything that's happening?
Important Info:
Pidge shakes his fist, "Com'on you robots! You're only a bunch of nuts and bolts! Let's see what you can do against one little earth man!"
What It Means:
While Pidge points out to the audience that the Doom soldiers are robots, I'd like to take a moment to share a little information. (If you were unaware), this series was created by taking bits and pieces of animation from another series and writing a whole new "script" for it. That other series was a Japanese anime called "GoLion" - in the original GoLion, all these "robots" were living creatures. So were the "Robot Beasts" (aka "Robeasts").
Important Info:
Everyone is worried for Pidge and insists they use the Lions, but Coran is still arguing that without the 5 th key and Lion, there's no Voltron. Keith says they'll take their chances with the 4 Lions. The team continues to argue with Coran, who continues to insist they can't use the Lions. Finally the team makes the argument that it's life or death - and they need the Lions!
Keith says, "Coran, where are the Lion ships? Show us! Coran, please! Coran! We can't wait any longer for your okay. We'll go after Pidge without help."
What It Means:
1 - Coran seems to value Voltron over even Pidge's life.
2 - The team members are devoted to one another, and will fight for one another.
Important Info:
The team begins to head out but Allura stops them, concerned they will be defenseless, but the Voltron Forces says that they will fight with their bare hands.
Allura turns to Coran and says, "Coran, show them the way to the Lion ships."
What It Means:
1 - Allura cares what happens to the members of the Voltron Force.
2 - The Voltron Force will use whatever means necessary.
3 - When Allura makes a decision, Coran seems to simply follow it.
Important Info:
Keith is in Green Lion; Sven is in Blue Lion; Hunk is in Yellow Lion; Lance is in Red Lion.
What It Means:
This speaks for itself. Later Keith will be in Black Lion, and Pidge in Green Lion.
Important Info:
The enemy tries to blast the mountain down on top of him, but at the last second, just as the rocks begin to fall, someone grabs Pidge by the arm and drags him into a cave!
Pidge looks around and finds himself surrounded by Arusians. (Are these the same people that were attacking the team before?)
What It Means:
1 - The people in the caves saved Pidge from the Doom Forces.
2 - Are these the same people that attacked the team earlier?
Important Info:
Yurak orders his troops to fire on the Lions, but his troops are soon running away as the Lions destroy the Doom ships and robot soldiers.
What It Means:
The Lions are stronger than the Doom ships and robot soldiers.
Important Info:
Haggar appears on a view-screen and she and Yurak begin to argue over how powerful her Robeast is (Yurak is angry and thinks he doesn't need the Robeast's help), then the Robeast is dropped down to Arus (in his coffin ship). In the end, Yurak's ship shoots out a beam at the Robeast and it grows into a huge monster.
What It Means:
1 - Haggar and Yurak do not agree on the best way to defeat, recapture, and/or destroy the Voltron Force.
2 - Haggar and Yurak do not seem to like, or approve of, one another.
3 - Yurak ends up submitting to Haggar's will. Does this mean Haggar holds a superior position than Yurak? Is she favored by Zarkon? Is Yurak frightened or intimidated by Haggar, or her powers?
Important Info:
Back at Castle Control, Allura asks (a very worried looking) Coran, "Can they cope with that thing, Coran?"
What It Means:
Allura and Coran are worried about the team's ability to defeat the Robeast without Voltron.
Important Info:
The team attacks again and again - 1 Lion on each arm, 1 Lion on each leg, but the Robeast simply tosses the Lions aside.
What It Means:
The Robeast is much stronger than the 4 robot Lions.
Important Info:
Again back to Castle Control, Allura asks, "Is this the end of our world?"
Coran replies, "No Princess, we need that missing key!"
What It Means:
1 - Allura is fearful that this is the end for her planet, her people.
2 - Coran sees that what they need is the missing key, and therefore access to the Black Lion, and Voltron.
Important Info:
The team hears them [Coran and Allura] through the comms and says when they find that key, there will be no stopping them because with the key they can form Voltron.
What It Means:
Everyone seems to believe that Voltron is the only solution.
Important Info:
The Lions continue attacking the Robeast, but things don't look so good for our heroes! The Robeast is winning the fight. . .is this the end of the Voltron Force?
What It Means:
Uh-oh.
Episode 2 - Escape to Another Planet
Episode 4 - The Missing Key
Back to the Voltron, Defender of the Universe Page
Episode 4 - The Missing Key
Back to the Voltron, Defender of the Universe Page
Advisory
Warning - while the contents of this site are of an artistic nature, some of the included works (both fanart and fanfiction) have a mature theme. Those fanworks that are of a mature nature will be clearly labeled as such, and should be restricted to viewing by individuals over the age of 18. Please understand that if you view/read these mature works it is at your own risk.
Please Note
"The Lion's Keep: The Next Chapter" is the most recent version of the "The Lion's Keep",
and was originally established November 08, 1999
Disclaimers
Voltron: Defender Of The Universe, Vehicle Voltron,
Voltron The Third Dimension, Voltron Force
Voltron: Legendary Defender
and all associated characters are owned and copyrighted © by
WEP, LLC
And licensed by
DreamWorks Animation
Stories, new and original characters, etc., copyright © their respective authors/creators. Please be kind, considerate and honest and don't use original characters or reuse/repost an artist's or writer's work without their express consent. Anything you see or read here has been posted with permission from the respective author or artist.
These pages are meant for entertainment purposes only - no infringement is intended.
I can't help it... I ❤ love ❤ Voltron!