''Z.O.E. Dolores, I'' is a Japanese
anime
is Traditional animation, hand-drawn and computer animation, computer-generated animation originating from Japan. Outside of Japan and in English, ''anime'' refers specifically to animation produced in Japan. However, in Japan and in Japane ...
television series
A television show – or simply TV show – is any content produced for viewing on a television set which can be broadcast via over-the-air, satellite television, satellite, or cable television, cable, excluding breaking news, television adverti ...
set in the ''
Zone of the Enders
is a video game franchise created by Hideo Kojima and Konami that focused around combat in space with mecha called Orbital Frames. The original ''Zone of the Enders'' was released for the PlayStation 2 in March 2001. A sequel, '' Zone of the E ...
'' universe. The television series was produced by
Sunrise
Sunrise (or sunup) is the moment when the upper rim of the Sun appears on the horizon in the morning. The term can also refer to the entire process of the solar disk crossing the horizon and its accompanying atmospheric effects.
Terminology
Al ...
, aired from 7 April – 29 September 2001, spanning a total of 26 episodes.
Plot
The events of the story take place 5 years after ''
Zone of the Enders: 2167 Idolo'', the events of which are referred to as the "Deimos Affair". The first twelve episodes take place before the events of the first game (
Zone of the Enders
is a video game franchise created by Hideo Kojima and Konami that focused around combat in space with mecha called Orbital Frames. The original ''Zone of the Enders'' was released for the PlayStation 2 in March 2001. A sequel, '' Zone of the E ...
), while the rest of the series takes place after.
The story centers around a space cargo transporter named James Links, his family, and their adventures in the Zone of the Enders universe.
The events of the story are set in motion when James is sent a mysterious Orbital Frame called Dolores (a.k.a. ISIS) with instructions to deliver it to Earth and not to let anyone capture it. During the series, James attempts to reconnect with his adult children, Leon and Noel, as well as search for his long-lost (and reportedly dead) wife Rachel. The intelligent, well-mannered and well-meaning, but somewhat awkward and naive Dolores accompanies him as many enemies attempt to stop him, manipulate him, or capture Dolores.
Characters
*James Links: A misfortuned space-trucker who gets his hands on something that he does not really want, but which is intensely desired by nearly everyone else: the Orbital Frame called Dolores. He's rather naïve and blunt when dealing with his family, although he's very dedicated to them, valiantly trying to uphold "family values." A UNSF veteran, his piloting and battle skills are remarkable. He is also remarkably resourceful. He is married to a Martian, Rachel Links, but was separated from her when she left to work on Mars. He does not believe there are differences between Martians and Earthlings, unlike most UNSF officers shown in ZOE universe. Voiced by
Tesshō Genda
is a Japanese actor, voice actor and narrator. He is employed by the talent management firm 81 Produce. When he debuted, he used his real name, . as artist name. Because he had experience with ballet, he was known by the nickname "Pirouette Gend ...
in Japanese.
*Noel Links: James's daughter, she works as a construction worker on Earth. Though she sometimes cannot understand her father's antics, she is more accepting of him than her brother is. She is dependable and mechanically skillful. Voiced by Narumi Hidaka in Japanese.
*Leon Links: James's son, he works as programmer for a large firm before the events of the series. He despises his father because of problems he causes, and especially for leaving his mother. He is somewhat cowardly and less self-assured than his sister. He also displays hints of an
Oedipus complex
The Oedipus complex (also spelled Œdipus complex) is an idea in psychoanalytic theory. The complex is an ostensibly universal phase in the life of a young boy in which, to try to immediately satisfy basic desires, he unconsciously wishes to have ...
. Voiced by
Mitsuru Miyamoto
is a Japanese actor, voice actor and narrator from Tokyo. He is attached to Theatre Company Subaru. He is best known for Keiichi Nakagawa from ''Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Kōen-mae Hashutsujo'', Roger Smith from ''The Big O'', Ougai Mori from ...
in Japanese.
*Dolores (A.I.): Orbital Frame Dolores' A.I. Unlike ADA (
Jehuty's AI), who was designed as an efficient combat assistant, she is apparently designed to act like a well-behaved child. Her programming recognizes James as her "Uncle" (Ojii-sama), and she admires him and his value. James, though a little awkward at first, finally accepts her and treats her like his own children. Among her few memories is a lullaby only known by the Links family- this memory is what drives James to renew the search for his wife. Voiced by
Houko Kuwashima
is a Japanese voice actress and singer.Doi, Hitoshi"Kuwashima Houko" ''Seiyuu Database''. 3 January 2011. Retrieved 9 January 2011. She is capable of playing a variety of roles, ranging from young boys to feminine women. She is affiliated with ...
in Japanese.
*Rachel Stewart Links: James's wife, reportedly dead, and chief designer of Idolo, Dolores/Isis, and Hathor. Though she loved James, her dedication to her countrymen on Mars caused her to leave him. She believed that her skills and knowledge could help Mars to gain independence from Earth's oppression. A little naïve at times, not unlike her husband. Voiced by
Yoshiko Sakakibara
is a Japanese actress, voice actress and narrator.
Career
In 1981, she made her voice actor debut as Flore in ''Six God Combination Godmars''.
She also narrates many news programs, especially as a main narrator for TV Asahi News Station for ov ...
in Japanese.
*Pete: The Link's family cat, a kitten bought for Noel's birthday present by James. Strangely enough, he is never once called by name in the English dub. The characters refer to him simply as "kitty" or other synonymous phrases.
*Napth Pleminger: A businessman, he uses his appearance as cover to hide his secret identity as BAHRAM military leader. He has reasons for hating the UNSF.
: In truth, Napth is in fact ''Radium Lavans'', the pilot of the first Orbital frame, and the fiancée of Dolores Hayes. After the Deimos incident, he was resurrected and rebuilt into a cyborg by BAHRAM. Voiced by
Takehito Koyasu
is a Japanese voice actor from Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan.Doi, Hitoshi"Koyasu Takehito" ''Seiyuu Database''. January 3, 2011. Retrieved January 10, 2011. He is affiliated with and representative of T's Factory, a voice acting agency he founded ...
in Japanese.
*Rebecca Hunter: A young BAHRAM pilot (fifteen years old) who is captured by James during their fight on Mars. She is a rather intense person, although somewhat naïve and inexperienced with life in general. As she has been indoctrinated to consider every Earthling as enemy, she feels uneasiness that James actually treats her kindly. Although a skilled pilot, her lack of experience is apparent when fighting James. She loves her adopted father/ commander Napth Pleminger very much, and accepts everything he says as truth. Voiced by Yumiko Nakanishi in Japanese and
Jessica Robertson
Jessica may refer to:
Given name
* Jessica (given name)
Jessica (originally Iessica, also Jesica, Jesika, Jessicah, Jessika, or Jessikah) is a female given name.
The oldest written record of the name with its current spelling is found as t ...
in English.
*Baan Dorfloum: A high-ranking officer, and a racist who thinks Martians (Enders) "stink, should not exist." He chases the fugitive Links family far and wide, always addressing James Links as "
John Carter". Though he primarily he is quite ruthless and probably insane. Voiced by
Chō
is a Japanese actor and narrator from Kōnosu, Saitama. His former stage name was . He is a graduate of the Nishogakusha University Department of Literature and received training at Bungakuza's research establishment and the Seinenza Theater ...
in Japanese.
*Sameggi: An officer and Baan's assistant. Though he admires his superior to some extent, Baan's racist views and his increasingly alarming antics force him to reconsider. Voiced by
Fumihiko Tachiki
is a Japanese voice actor and narrator.
Career
Tachiki is known for his low voice. He serves as the narrator for '' Pride Fighting Championships'' and Dream. He and Toshiyuki Morikawa formed the band "2HEARTS" in 2003. Their song, "Ever Free", s ...
in Japanese.
*Cindy Fiorentino: An Earthling journalist reporting about poor conditions in Mars, she fancies herself a courageous reporter who will stop at nothing to get "exciting" news. Voiced by
Rumi Ochiai
is a Japanese actress and voice actress from Aichi Prefecture, Japan. She is currently affiliated with Theatre Company Subaru. After the death of Sumiko Shirakawa in 2015, she took over her role as Hiroshi Nakajima in ''Sazae-san''.
Biography
Oc ...
in Japanese.
*Raiah: A self-proclaimed "Mars 1st" broker, he is the one who asks James to deliver a mystery package in the first episode. The mystery client specifically requested James for the job. The Links family eventually encounter him again on Mars. Voiced by
Kozo Shioya in Japanese.
*ISIS (A.I.): Dolores' "other" personality. It is much more brutal and capable than Dolores, fighting until all enemy units are damaged or killed, and displaying no emotion or other interests all the while. It is only dominant over Dolores's normal personality when she is in mortal danger.
Episodes
1. "James' Misfortune "
2. "Elevator of Capital Punishment"
3. "Leon's Choice"
4. "Final Countdown"
5. "A Runaway Trip to Death"
6. "Get Away"
7. "Untouchable"
8. "The Grave of Humanity"
9. "Lost in Space"
10. "Total Recall"
11. "Tight Rope"
12. "Die Hard"
13. "Red Desert"
14. "Rebecca"
15. "Container for Sand"
16. "Massive Illusion"
17. "Family Game"
18. "Showdown at Noon"
19. "The Time of Reunion"
20. "Upheaval"
21. "Set Course for North North West"
22. "Clash"
23. "Goodbye Mars"
24. "Vanishing Point"
25. "Sorrowing Angel"
26. "Farewell to Arms"
See also
*
List of television shows based on video games
This page is a list of television programs based on video games, technically both computer and console games based on. ''The Witcher'' and its spinoff '' The Witcher: Blood Origin'' were not included as a basis of video game adaptation due to bein ...
External links
Official site
*
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{{Sunrise
Dolores, i
2001 anime television series debuts
2001 Japanese television series endings
Adventure anime and manga
Animax original programming
Anime television series based on video games
Comedy anime and manga
Mecha anime and manga
Mars in television
Sunrise (company)