Area 88 (TV)
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Episodes (12)
- 1EP 1
Makoto Shinjou travels to Area 88 to investigate rumors of a Japanese mercenary pilot serving Asranian forces.
Jan 9, 2004Journalist Makoto Shinjou is sent to Area 88 by the Asranian armed forces to report on a Japanese mercenary pilot fighting for their military. Upon arrival, he encounters Shin Kazama, the sole Japanese national engaged in combat within Asran. Shin becomes the primary subject of Makoto's journalistic inquiry, as he is driven by persistent rumors regarding this specific pilot's activities. The assignment focuses on documenting the experiences of Shin, who is depicted as a pilot burdened by his personal history while serving in the foreign conflict zone.
- 2EP 2
Boris, the RAF pilot known as God of Death, faces an unassailable enemy outpost with Shin and Kim Aoba.
Jan 16, 2004Boris is a former British Royal Air Force pilot who carries survivor guilt because he is the only pilot to survive every mission he is assigned to. His reputation as the 'God of Death' deters other pilots from flying with him, yet he remains a master at attacking ground targets. When an enemy outpost proves strangely unassailable, Boris flies again. He is accompanied by Shin and Kim Aoba, a young pilot whose need for money outweighs his fear of the God of Death.
- 3EP 3
Shin and Makoto Search for a Lost Transport Plane's Cargo
Jan 23, 2004During a mission, Shin and Kim destroy a heavily defended transport plane but cannot identify its cargo. Another Area 88 mercenary pilot intercepts enemy transmissions mentioning gold, prompting most mercenaries to search the skies for the wreckage. Meanwhile, Makoto rents a two-seater aircraft and persuades Shin to provide him with a ride. Shin remains suspicious of the journalist's true intentions, influenced by a previous conversation with McCoy, the base's supplier. The narrative juxtaposes the chaotic aerial hunt for the mysterious cargo with Shin's personal interactions and growing doubts regarding Makoto's motives.
- 4EP 4
Shin's F-8 Crusader falls to rebel MiG-21s, leading to memories of betrayal and Ryouko Tsugumo.
Jan 30, 2004Shin's F-8 Crusader is outmatched by rebel MiG-21 fighters, resulting in him being shot down over the desert. As his companions search the barren dunes, Shin reflects on his past in Japan with his former girlfriend, Ryouko Tsugumo. He recalls the incident that brought him to the Area, specifically the betrayal by his childhood friend, Satoru Kanzaki. This treachery forced Shin to sign a critical contract with the Asran mercenary forces, marking the beginning of his current circumstances. The narrative juxtaposes the immediate danger of the crash site with these poignant recollections of personal history and lost trust.
- 5EP 5
Kitori Palvanaff arrives at Area 88 and forms an unexpected bond with Shin during combat.
Feb 6, 2004A Mirage F1 unexpectedly intervenes to rescue Kim from enemy bandits during a mission. The pilot is revealed to be Kitori Palvanaff, a new recruit at Area 88 and the cousin of Saki. Her presence causes the all-male base personnel to become frantic, yet Kitori focuses exclusively on the distant Shin. After the other pilots leave for an attack mission, the two remain behind. They are soon forced to fly together when enemy forces launch a surprise assault, compelling them to cooperate in the air despite their previous distance.
- 6EP 6
Shin flies his new F-5 Tiger II while Kanzaki faces a challenging transcontinental flight to Japan.
Feb 13, 2004Shin receives his new F-5 Tiger II aircraft and declines a duel invitation from Kitori before taking the plane for its first flight. Meanwhile, Kanzaki encounters significant difficulties during his initial transcontinental journey to Japan in his role as a commercial pilot. Adverse weather conditions eventually cause the separate paths of Shin and Kanzaki to intersect, bringing their respective situations into direct contact. This episode highlights the operational debut of Shin's aircraft and the professional challenges faced by Kanzaki, culminating in a convergence driven by environmental factors rather than personal choice.
- 7EP 7
Rebels target supply planes to destroy Area 88, forcing Shin to break the blockade with Kitori and Kim.
Feb 20, 2004Rebels attempt to permanently eliminate Area 88 by attacking the transport planes responsible for dangerous supply runs to the base. As fuel and ammunition supplies dwindle, the situation becomes critical. Saki assigns Shin the desperate mission of breaking the blockade to restore essential resources. He is accompanied by Kitori and Kim, who harbors severe doubts regarding Shin's capabilities as a pilot. This high-stakes operation is essential for the base's survival amidst the escalating threat from the rebel forces targeting their logistical lifelines.
- 8EP 8
Area 88 faces a sniper threat forcing mission cancellations while Shinjou devises a counter-strategy.
Feb 27, 2004A lone sniper targets Area 88, forcing Saki to ground all aircraft because the runway lies within the attacker's line of sight. With operations halted, only Makoto Shinjou possesses the insight necessary to comprehend the sniper's psychological tactics. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Shinjou collaborates with the base personnel to formulate a complex operation designed to eliminate the threat. The team must execute their strategy quickly to restore safety and resume normal flight activities at the airbase.
- 9EP 9
Saki orders high-speed canyon run for fuel, with Makoto seeking combat photography
Mar 5, 2004To secure fuel for Asranian forces, Saki directs an assault on a rebel refinery. Pilots must navigate a canyon at supersonic speeds to evade enemy air defenses. Area 88’s elite aviators are chosen for this dangerous operation, under the command of Major Roundell, the base’s chief tactical advisor. Makoto requests permission from Mickey Simon to pilot his F-14 Tomcat during the mission. His primary motivation is not combat, but rather to capture photographic evidence of the intense realities faced by fighter pilots. This assignment places the selected crew in a high-stakes environment where precision flying is essential for survival and mission success.
- 10EP 10
Mercenaries arrive in Area 88, including a ruthless MiG-23 pilot with a red lizard emblem.
Mar 12, 2004Whispers of rebels recruiting independent mercenaries reach Area 88, where a new squadron faces near-total destruction at the hands of a vicious MiG-23 Flogger pilot. This newcomer employs unusual combat tactics and displays a red lizard emblem. The arrival deeply troubles Mickey, serving as a painful reminder of his past service in the US Navy squadron VF-96, known as the Fighting Falcons, during the Vietnam War. The intense encounter forces Mickey to confront memories from his previous military career while navigating the escalating conflict involving these hired fighters.
- 11EP 11
Shin nearly secures funds to end his contract while Kanzaki plots to seize Yamato Air Lines and marry Shin's girlfriend.
Mar 19, 2004Shin is close to acquiring the US$1.5 million needed to terminate his contract and return to Japan. However, during a routine final sortie, he becomes dangerously nervous and crashes on the runway while landing. Simultaneously, Kanzaki conspires with shadowy businessmen to take over Yamato Air Lines, which belong to Ryouko's father. He also forges Shin's death certificate to marry Shin's girlfriend. Elsewhere, Greg Gates, another of the Area's mercenaries, learns from McCoy the truth behind Makoto's mission. Consequently, Greg and the other pilots confront Makoto regarding these revelations and the ongoing situation.
- 12EP 12
Shin crashes his Tiger II and faces financial demands that extend his stay in Area 88.
Mar 26, 2004Shin’s damaged Tiger II crashes on the airstrip, leaving him unharmed but indebted to Saki, who forces him to pay for all damages and thereby extends his stay in Area 88. Meanwhile, Makoto is expelled from the base after Greg exposes his true motives to other pilots. Before departing, Makoto reveals to Shin that Kanzaki intends to marry Ryouko. This news pushes Shin to the brink; he rents a Tiger II from McCoy, fully loaded with fuel and ammunition, and heads for the border to defect. Kitori, Mickey, Kim, and other Area 88 mercenaries pursue him to shoot him down but eventually convince him to stay. Shin then leads them into battle against an approaching enemy force. Makoto reaches Japan in time to inform Ryoko that Shin is alive, prompting her to flee her wedding dress. Shin remains at Area 88, continuing to fight in hopes of earning his freedom.
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Frequently asked questions
- How many episodes does Area 88 (TV) have?
- Area 88 (TV) has 12 episodes.
- When did Area 88 (TV) come out?
- Area 88 (TV) came out in 2004.
- Which studio made Area 88 (TV)?
- Area 88 (TV) was produced by Group TAC.
- Who directed Area 88 (TV)?
- Area 88 (TV) was directed by Philippe Roullier.
- Is Area 88 (TV) finished?
- Current status of Area 88 (TV): Finished.