The Rise of Voltron
Three cadets, a dropout, and a captive seek five lions to form Voltron.
"The Rise of Voltron" comprises the first three episodes of Voltron: Legendary Defender, directed by Joaquim Dos Santos and Lauren Montgomery. The story follows three Galaxy Garrison cadets, a former dropout, and a captive returned from the Galra Empire as they are recruited by Princess Allura to find five robotic lions that combine into the giant warrior Voltron.
Quick Facts
- Series
- Voltron: Legendary Defender
- Director
- Joaquim Dos Santos
- Lauren Montgomery
- Ki Hyun Ryu
- Eugene Lee
- Steve In-Chang Ahn
- Writer
- Tim Hedrick
- Joshua Hamilton
- May Chan
- Airdate
- 10 June 2016
- Length
- 68 minutes
Facts from the source article.
Plot
A year after an expedition to Kerberos was attacked and its crew—Shiro, Matthew Holt, and Samuel Holt—imprisoned by the Galra Empire, Shiro escapes and crash-lands on Earth. Garrison cadets Lance, Pidge, and Hunk, along with academy washout Keith, rescue Shiro and flee into the desert. Shiro cannot recall his captivity, but the group learns the Galra seek a weapon called Voltron. They discover a blue lion in the desert, which accepts Lance as its pilot and transports them through a wormhole to the Castle of Lions on Arus. There they find Princess Allura, her advisor Coran, and four space mice in cryostasis; Allura is shocked to learn 10,000 years have passed. Haggar, advisor to Galra leader Zarkon, senses Allura's return, and Zarkon sends troops commanded by Sendak. Allura names the five as Voltron Paladins, gives them armor and bayards, and tasks them with finding the other lions. Lance and Hunk retrieve the Yellow Lion; Shiro and Pidge find the Green Lion. The Red Lion is aboard the approaching Galra ship. Allura consults an AI formed from her father King Alfor's memories, who urges her to fight. Keith, Shiro, and Pidge infiltrate the ship; Keith claims the Red Lion, while Shiro and Pidge discover that Shiro's father and brother were the other missing Kerberos astronauts. The Black Lion emerges from the Castle and selects Shiro as its Paladin. The five lions unite to form Voltron, destroy Sendak's ship, and the group accepts their role as Defenders of the Universe.
Reception
The premiere received positive reviews. Sarah Moran of ScreenRant called it "A worthy comeback," praising its brisk pace and efficient exposition for both new and returning viewers, as well as its "sleek and modern" artstyle comparable to Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Legend of Korra, and Young Justice. David Trumbore of Collider gave the episode 4 out of 5 stars, describing it as a "great origin story" that updates the series for newcomers and longtime fans. He noted minor changes from the original, such as Keith not being leader or piloting the black lion, but found his arc "quite promising" and called the series "a worthy successor" with beautiful animation and fast-paced action balanced by comedic and touching moments. Dr. Zaius of Geeks of Doom gave a positive review, highlighting genuinely funny moments and Hunk as his favorite character, but felt the 70-minute pilot was "too long at times" and was glad subsequent episodes were 23 minutes.
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