Battle of the Planets (Invader Zim)
| "Battle of the Planets (Invader Zim)" |
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Battle of the Planets is an episode of Invader Zim. Originally produced as episode 13, "Battle of the Planets" aired as episode 15 on April 5, 2002. This is the third double-length episode of Invader Zim. This episode was planned to be the first season finale until Nickelodeon ordered seven extra episodes for the season.[1]. This episode was voted one of the Top 5 Best Invader Zim episodes by Toyfare[2].
Plot
This double-length episode begins with an Irken long-range probe landing on Mars and taking pictures of its unusual features, including the Face on Mars, several great pyramids and step pyramids, and an Earth probe.
Zim announces to The Tallest that he is sending probes to a nearby planet, Mars, for investigation into potential use. The probes return and Zim decides to visit the planet. Upon arrival, Zim discovers non natural structures. GIR discovers a human Mars probe and begins to repair it.
Dib, having seen the Irken probe on Mars via live video feeds from a Mars rover, is paying close attention to what he sees. An image of GIR quickly flashes on screen from the damaged rover that GIR is repairing.
Zim meanwhile believes that nothing of use is to be found on Mars, but Face on Mars begins to move, separating and rearranging itself. Rockets appear to one side of the planet and the face seem to be the controls. Zim sits down and an interractive hologram instruction manual explains that the planet was converted by the now extinct Martians to a navigable vessel.
Zim contacts the Tallest once more to announce his discovery and a new plan. He explains that he will roll Mars across the surface of The Earth, squishing all life.
Dib, having heard all of what is going on on Mars realises that he must find a planet that the instruction manual mentioned to Zim that has similar technology so he can confront Zim. Dib goes to NASAPLACE, a parody of NASA to inform them of what's going on. The people there don't believe his story and dismiss him, but a janitor wishes to talk to him, who turns out to be in the same secret organization as Dib, the Swollen Eyeball. The janitor explains that the other planet must be Mercury, and he provides Dib with a rocket and sets him off into space.
Back on Mars, Zim approaches planet Earth and slows to squishing speed, slowly bringing the planets closer and finally getting into position to squish. Suddenly, Mars goes flying off as Dib and the planet Mercury smash into Mars and Zim. Dib and Zim then proceed to battle it out with their planets, dodging and smashing into one another. Zim then sends GIR back to stop Dib. He manages to do so for a few moments by touching every button on Dib's console. Desperate to get away, Zim decides to head into the asteroid belt, thinking his piloting skills are up to the task. Dib, however, realizes that it's just a really stupid idea to fly into the asteroid belt and watches as Zim is knocked silly. Zim eventually makes it back to the Voot cruiser and escapes Mars before being killed. Dib, thinking he's finally won, laughs and gloats. Until, however, he discovers that GIR has taken all of his cameras and his evidence is gone.
Meanwhile, back at The Massive, the invasion process continues as the Almighty Tallest make fun of Zim. On the screen behind them the planet Mars is then seen careening straight into the armada, taking dozens of Irken ships out with it.
References
