Episode 4 – The Barracuda
Short Summary
Conan and Jimsy sneak aboard the Barracuda to rescue Lana, only to find she’s already gone. Captured by Dyce’s crew, they’re forced to join the ship’s labor force after a brutal punishment. Despite Jimsy’s selfish antics, a friendship between the boys begins to deepen as they endure hardship together, with Conan staying focused on his promise to save Lana.
Long Summary with Act Breakdowns
Act 1
Picking up from the cliffhanger in Episode 3, Conan and Jimsy swim through moonlit waters to stealthily board the Barracuda. The animation highlights shimmering reflections and the intimidating silhouette of the warship. They sneak aboard via a massive chain and overhear Captain Dyce berating Dongoro and the crew for past failures—particularly for losing Lana before extracting information about solar energy.
Jimsy, driven by hunger, finds the galley and causes a comic disaster: gorging on bread and wine, he leads the cook on a slapstick chase, knocks him out, and shouts insults to Dyce via intercom. Dyce raises the alarm. Conan and Jimsy are spotted by flare light and pursued to shore by “Robonauts” in patrol boats. They’re eventually captured after a struggle and brought back aboard.
Instead of immediate punishment, Dyce offers them a chance to join the crew—after they endure “twenty plankings.” Jimsy quickly passes out after one hit, prompting Conan to volunteer for his share. Conan’s spirit shines as he endures the remaining strikes with a wild grin, collapsing after taking all forty.
Act 2
The boys awaken in a dim, locked room filled with trash. Jimsy is hungover and ungrateful, frustrated with Conan for signing them up to sail to Industria. When the daily task of plastic sorting begins, Conan pushes through pain to work while Jimsy loafs.
After Conan collapses with a fever, Jimsy is forced to realize the extent of Conan’s sacrifice. Scolded by the crew and left to care for his friend, Jimsy slowly steps up, even finishing the work for both of them. Their bond grows as they laugh and rest atop a mountain of plastic. Jimsy affectionately checks on Conan’s healing butt, signaling the start of a real friendship.
Act 3
Dongoro releases the boys only to immediately assign them to ship maintenance. A detailed montage showcases the Barracuda preparing to sail—highlighting Miyazaki’s fascination with mechanical realism. Dyce announces they’re bound for Industria.
A seagull—Lana’s bird Tekkie—lands near Conan, bearing a single strand of her hair. Conan ties the hair to his finger as a promise to save her. Jimsy, as usual, wants to eat the bird, but Conan is lost in his hopeful vision of Lana. Dongoro tries to discipline them again but is launched overboard.
Cut to: the boys, bruised and battered, are now doing laundry as punishment for their antics. Conan reflects on his grandfather’s teachings and the value of friendship. He silently recommits to rescuing Lana, holding her hair under a peaceful night sky as the Barracuda sails toward Industria.
Themes and Analysis
- Friendship Forged in Adversity: Jimsy and Conan’s dynamic begins to shift from comic tension to emotional loyalty. Jimsy’s selfishness is slowly tempered by Conan’s resilience and selflessness.
- Coming-of-Age in Harsh Conditions: This episode places Conan in physical and moral trials, positioning him as both heroic and deeply human.
- Visual and Mechanical Detail: The ship scenes showcase Miyazaki’s early mastery of complex animation—mechanical accuracy, lighting effects, and realistic workflows make the Barracuda feel lived-in and real.
- Hope and Loyalty: Lana’s strand of hair becomes a symbolic anchor for Conan’s optimism and determination—he’s not just surviving, he’s holding onto purpose.
Notable Moments
- The animation of night swimming and ship lighting adds a layer of atmospheric beauty.
- Jimsy yelling “SHUT UP” through the intercom is a standout comedic moment.
- Conan’s unwavering smile during the plankings is both inspiring and heartbreaking.
- The use of Lana’s hair as a physical symbol of promise connects visually and emotionally across scenes.
Episode 4 – The Barracuda: Frequently Asked Questions
What happens in Episode 4 of Future Boy Conan?
In Episode 4, Conan and Jimsy sneak aboard the Barracuda to search for Lana but discover she’s no longer there. After causing chaos in the ship’s galley, they are caught by Captain Dyce and forced to join the crew after enduring a harsh punishment. The episode focuses on their physical endurance, growing friendship, and Conan’s vow to rescue Lana.
Why do Conan and Jimsy get punished on the Barracuda?
They are punished for sneaking aboard, destroying supplies, and eating the crew’s food. Captain Dyce orders them to receive “twenty plankings” as discipline, with Conan taking Jimsy’s share after he passes out.
What are the Robonauts in Episode 4?
Robonauts are mechanical enforcers used by Captain Dyce and his crew. In this episode, they are deployed in small boats to track and capture Conan and Jimsy after they are discovered fleeing the Barracuda.
Does Conan get hurt during the punishment?
Yes, Conan takes the full brunt of forty plankings—twenty for himself and twenty for Jimsy. He remains defiant and smiling through the pain but later collapses from exhaustion and fever.
How does Jimsy change in this episode?
At first, Jimsy is selfish and ungrateful, but he eventually realizes Conan’s sacrifice. After Conan falls ill, Jimsy steps up to do the work and starts to develop a deeper sense of loyalty and friendship.
What does the strand of Lana’s hair symbolize?
The strand of hair carried by the bird Tekkie becomes a symbol of Conan’s promise to rescue Lana. He ties it to his finger as a personal vow and carries it with hope and purpose throughout the journey.
Where is the Barracuda headed at the end of the episode?
At the end of the episode, Captain Dyce sets a course for Industria, the technologically advanced city where Lana is believed to be taken.
