Lap 42 - Don Genie's Palace

Don Genie's Palace is the 42nd episode of the F-Zero Farukon Densetsu anime.

## Overview

A newcomer takes the lead in an F-Zero race, later revealed to be a pilot named Berserker.

Clank invites Ryu to the Falcon House that evening, showing him the race footage of Berserker in the Red Bull, before comparing his technique and boost timing to Captain Falcon. Ryu notes a similarity, but Clank insists that they’re the same. Recalling the events of Lap 38, Clank continues to insist that Berserker is Captain Falcon. Ryu asks why Clank is so persistent before asking him what he knows about Captain Falcon. Clank then confesses that Bart was Captain Falcon.

As he shows Ryu the garage connected to the Falcon House, he tearfully laments that he broke his promise to Bart about not revealing his identity and blames himself. Jody appears, assuring Clank that he isn’t a horrible person. Ryu then realizes that if Bart is Falcon, then his true identity is Jody’s brother, Andy Summer. Jody recalls the memory of Falcon telling her to move on from her brother, before Clank cheers up. He then adds that if Bart is also Berserker, then he’s still alive, which confuses Jody.

On the Galaxy Runner’s trip to the planet Cryton, Jody briefs her team about the next race. Lucy and Dr. Clash bring up Cryton’s “bad” reputation, as Jack notes his disinterest in the race. Jody then explains that they were invited to a team race by Don Genie, a mysterious millionaire with an interest in munitions. Clank analyzes the participant data, expressing joy at Berserker’s entry. During the race, Berserker arrives and uses his boost, prompting Ryu to do the same. However, Berserker wins first place. In the hangar, Don Genie approaches Berserker, as Octoman and Bio Rex deliver Zoda’s regards to the millionaire. Jack questions why Dark Million is hanging around Don Genie, as Dr. Stewart explains that Don Genie is also one of the sponsors for F-Zero. Don Genie then greets the Mobile Task Force, stating that “people are his fortune.” He regards Ryu as a legend, before calling Berserker over, introducing him as a new member of Team Don Genie. Clank smiles at Berserker, as Don Genie invites the Task Force to his “palace” on the planet. Ryu stops Clank from following Berserker, insisting that he isn’t Captain Falcon and that no one could survive the Dark Space warp hole. Clank begins to tear up as Ryu attempts to convince Clank to give up, but Clank refuses and runs away after calling Ryu a liar. As Don Genie and Berserker leave the venue, Clank sneaks around the parking lot.

Lucy asks Jack and Ryu if they managed to find Clank, but to no avail. Ryu then deduces that Clank could have followed Berserker. He then seeks out Samurai Goroh in a bar. Goroh welcomes him, as Ryu asks how to get into Don Genie’s palace. However, Goroh tells him that it’s a fortress and warns Ryu not to go there. Ryu insists that he has to, because of Clank. Goroh suggests that the only way to enter is to attend the Death Race. Ryu informs Jody about the Death Race, in which participating pilots can explore Don Genie’s palace freely. Jody orders him to return, but Ryu disregards her order.

Meanwhile, Clank navigates the palace, trying to find Berserker. He overhears Don Genie speaking of selling weapons to Dark Million, and informing Berserker that he’ll be racing for the organization as thanks. Dark Soldiers hold Clank at gunpoint as Don Genie is alerted to his presence. Clank, however, knocks one of the Dark Soldiers over and calls to Berserker with Bart’s name. Berserker throws Clank to the ground instead, following Don Genie’s order. Don Genie then recognizes Clank as a member of the Mobile Task Force, noting him to be valuable as a hostage. Clank insists that the Task Force wouldn’t enter the Death Race, but Ryu is seen on the screen shortly after, having arrived to attend for Clank’s sake. Don Genie notes that Deathborn will be observing the race. Clank knocks over another Dark Soldier and runs away, prompting the others to chase him.

Ryu, Octoman, Bio Rex, Jody are revealed as participants of the Death Race, with Jody attending for the same reason as Ryu. Clank appears, narrowly avoiding laser blasts, but the White Cat attacks the Dark Soldiers. Ryu urges Clank to get in the Dragon Bird, and remarks that they don’t have to attend the Death Race after all. However, Berserker’s Red Bull intervenes, blocking their path. Don Genie refuses to let Ryu or Jody leave, and Berserker pulls Clank out of the Dragon Bird.

The Death Race begins as Cryton’s inhabitants cheer. Octoman announces his revenge on Ryu before calling on Bio Rex to attack Jody and Ryu. Jody advises Ryu to shift at the same time and attack the Dark Million henchmen on the count of three. The plan works, sending Octoman and Bio Rex flying out of their own machines. The Red Bull retires the White Cat, but Berserker passes Jody with a smile and a two-finger salute reminiscent of Captain Falcon. Samurai Goroh arrives, saving Clank from a group of Dark Soldiers. Clank apologizes to Jody for the trouble, but the palace rumbles from an explosion. Goroh’s crew destroys the weapons cache while Berserker wins the race. Mr. Zero praises the race but announces his departure from the crumbling venue. Berserker then shoots Ryu a smile with the same salute he gave Jody, as Ryu realizes it’s Captain Falcon’s gesture. Ryu is then surprised to see Goroh and the Fire Stingray, and thanks him for his help. The Galaxy Runner and the Fire Needle arrive at the area to retrieve the Task Force and Goroh’s crew.

On the Galaxy Runner, Clank apologizes again. Jody asks him to never do what he did again, and Clank complies. He laments that he never found out if Berserker was Captain Falcon, and Jody looks out into space, reflecting on her brother.

In the preview for the next episode, Ryu and Jack sneak into Miss Killer’s room. Jack takes note of western style dresses on the floor, but Ryu points out that a pair of black horns are also present. They quickly realize that they are in the wrong room.

## Bart’s Classroom

Bart answers a viewer’s question which asks for some information about Clank.

* His birthday is July 28th, which happens to be the same as Ryu’s birthday. He is 11 years old, and has a blood type of O.
* He loves computers and runs a popular F-Zero website, where the most “important” page pertains to Captain Falcon.
* He likes the curry from the Falcon House, and he is showing gradual improvement in making coffee.

Bart then tells the viewers about a secret that he once heard; Clank might have a crush on a girl.