Ep 17. Phantasm

In episode 17 of Super Dimension Fortress Macross, titled "Phantasm," our heroes find themselves on a strange planet after being transported there by the mysterious Fold waves that they had been studying. They soon discover that the planet is inhabited by some sort of strange entity that takes the form of a beautiful woman. However, it soon becomes clear that this entity is more than just a pretty face, as it begins to use its powers to manipulate the minds of the crew members.

The entity, known as the Protoculture, has been watching the humans closely and believes that they possess the potential to become the ultimate life form. However, in order to unlock this potential, they must first be put through a series of tests, which involves manipulating their thoughts and emotions.

As the crew members begin to succumb to the Protoculture's powers, it becomes apparent that not everyone is affected in the same way. Some are able to resist the entity's influence, while others become completely corrupted by it. Meanwhile, the crew of the SDF-1 must also deal with the threat of the Zentraedi, who have followed them to the planet in order to retrieve the Protoculture.

The episode is filled with action, suspense, and drama as the crew of the SDF-1 struggles to both defend themselves against the Zentraedi and resist the mind-altering effects of the Protoculture. The tension is high throughout the episode as the audience is left wondering who will be able to resist the entity's influence and who will succumb to its power.

Aside from the action and suspense, the episode also raises some interesting questions about the nature of humanity and what it means to be truly alive. The Protoculture views humans as nothing more than a means to an end, while the crew of the SDF-1 value their own individuality and freedom above all else. The episode also touches on themes of love, sacrifice, and loyalty as the crew members struggle to maintain their sanity and protect one another from harm.

Overall, "Phantasm" is a fantastic episode of Super Dimension Fortress Macross that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. With its intriguing plot, well-developed characters, and stunning animation, it's no wonder why this series has stood the test of time and remains a beloved classic among anime fans to this day.