Lap 33 - James McCloud

This article is about the 33rd episode of the F-Zero Farukon Densetsu anime. For other uses, see James McCloud (disambiguation).

## James McCloud

### Episode

33

James McCloud is the 33rd episode of the F-Zero Farukon Densetsu anime.

## Overview

Lap 33

The Dragon Bird, Astro Robin, Elegance Liberty, and the Great Star navigate a field, under gunfire from the Mobile Task Force’s new drill instructor, James McCloud. McCloud compares the training for F-Zero as “a fighter plane that will strike you from behind,” as Lucy and Mr. EAD retort that F-Zero isn’t war. Ryu remarks about the comparison, assuming that McCloud was once a soldier. Jody, Dr. Stewart, and Dr. Clash watch the training progress on a screen.

The next day, Jody heads to the director’s office to report McCloud’s behavior, but Dr. Stewart attempts to stop her, saying that it could embarrass Tanaka. Tanaka then approaches the two in the hallway, asking for their opinion on McCloud, who Tanaka hired. Dr. Stewart asks if McCloud is a right fit for the Task Force, but Tanaka assures him that McCloud was recommended by “a reliable source.” As Tanaka leaves, Jody questions who the reliable source could be.

In the meeting room, Jack plans to quit due to McCloud’s training, as the other Task Force members state their complaints. Lucy notes that McCloud has never even smiled during their time working together, which prompts Jack to mock McCloud. Ryu then warns Jack of McCloud’s presence. Catching Jack mocking him, McCloud asks if Jack is done, and that they’ll resume training. Ryu follows after him, stating that they don’t get the chance for this sort of training often.

At sunset, the Dragon Bird and Little Wyvern drive alongside each other in a canyon. McCloud doubts Ryu’s qualification as a top pilot and tells him to take a sharp turn when he gets back. He then rams his machine into the Dragon Bird, making Ryu spin out of control. After some time, Ryu tries to catch his breath, but is eager to learn more from McCloud. McCloud commends Ryu for his willpower, and notes that Ryu reminded him of his old partner. Ryu then asks him where he’s from, before restating to ask why a skilled person like McCloud left the army. McCloud responds that if Ryu is not satisfied, he can quit. Ryu shakes his head, stating that he won’t give up.

At the Falcon House, Bart serves McCloud a cup of coffee. Ryu notes that the Falcon House is famous, and Clank adds that the cooking methods and coffee blend are adjusted to the customer’s taste through Bart. Bart then notes that the coffee he served McCloud is the same blend as Ryu’s. Ryu adds some milk and sugar to his coffee, while Clank notes that McCloud seems to prefer his coffee black. McCloud then states that he’s had enough before leaving.

At the Galaxy Police headquarters the next day, Jody finds McCloud attempting to contact someone on the computer. When he leaves, she contacts Clank to analyze the data. An image of Bio Rex appears, revealing McCloud’s contact. On a Dark Million battleship, Bio Rex and Octoman talk about McCloud, attracting the attention of Miss Killer. The two henchmen claim they were discussing the upcoming race.

At the race hangar, Jody asks if McCloud will be participating, before noting his former affiliation with Dark Million and his contact the previous day. She inquires about the contact, also mentioning that Tanaka’s two recommendation sources were fake. Ryu questions the situation, but McCloud states that he’s just a mercenary who works for hire, even if the hire is Dark Million. He then explains that he trained the Task Force the same way he trained Dark Million’s henchmen, wanting to be a champion and for both sides to wipe each other out. Ryu remarks that he trusted McCloud, but McCloud informs him of his final lesson; “People betray each other.”

The Surface Slide circuit begins as the lessons that both factions have learned are utilized against one another in the race. Miss Killer informs her associates that they were manipulated by McCloud, which prompts them to follow their own plan to victory. With both factions clashing with each other, the Dragon Bird has difficulty catching up to McCloud in the lead. Jack arranges to meet with Ryu at the S turn, as the Astro Robin and Elegance Liberty ram into the Deep Claw and Big Fang. Ryu utilizes Boost Fire in order to catch up to the Little Wyvern, but only manages to win 2nd place. Jody reminds her team that they were successful in stopping Dark Million, but Lucy asks about Miss Killer’s whereabouts.

In the hangar, Miss Killer confronts McCloud with a group of Dark Million henchmen. McCloud sets off a detonator, which destroys a group of Dark Soldiers in his way. He is once again surrounded by the others, but Ryu arrives in the Dragon Bird to save him. Elsewhere, McCloud asks why Ryu saved him, and Ryu responds that they drink the same type of coffee, so they aren’t so different from each other. McCloud then removes his shades, and speaks his partner’s name; “O’Donnell.” He explains that they joined the army and trained together. On a mission to rescue their fellow soldiers, they crashed and called for help, but were left behind due to the risk of breaking a treaty. O’Donnell ran into the line of fire, allowing McCloud to escape at the cost of losing trust in others. Ryu remarks that while McCloud was abandoned by his comrades, he also did the same in turn. McCloud retorts that Ryu doesn’t understand, but Ryu hops into the Dragon Bird and begins to navigate the machine as he did during McCloud’s training. He returns, noting that he can control the Dragon Bird better than before thanks to McCloud, and thanks him. Although he adds that McCloud is skilled, and assures McCloud that he’ll “meet his friend in paradise again,” McCloud puts his shades on and leaves, stating that he won’t thank Ryu.

At the Falcon House, Lucy complains that McCloud’s hiring was Tanaka’s fault, and now that he has left, Tanaka assumes the Task Force drove him away. Her words seemingly fall on deaf ears, but Clank assures her that they were listening. Ryu laments that McCloud most likely won’t return, but wonders if he’ll continue living in distrust. Bart assures Ryu that McCloud will remember the other’s words, even adding that McCloud changed his coffee blend before leaving. Elsewhere, McCloud adds milk to his coffee, toasting to Ryu, and takes a sip, noting that “it’s great.”

In the preview for the next episode, Ryu announces that he has completed the Mighty Gazelle Mk II, as Jack inquires for any differences. Ryu states that the Mk II can operate freely, be remotely controlled, keep F-Zero centers safe, and function as an air freshener. Jack questions this last function.

## Bart's Classroom

Bart talks about James McCloud.

* He is 32 years old, and has a blood type of A.
* He has a wife and daughter.
* He’s from Corneria in the Lylat System.
* He often stays with his partners, Pigma and Peppy.
* He pilots the Little Wyvern like a fighter plane.

Bart remarks that if McCloud were to teach his students properly, he would be “more respectable.”