Diamond Ray of Disappearance

Infobox Television episode
Title = Diamond Ray of Disappearance
Series = He-Man and the Masters of the Universe


Caption = Screencap of Skeletor holding the diamond
Season = 1
Episode = 1
Airdate = Start date|1983|09|05
Production = MU004
Writer = Robby London
Director = Lou Zukor
Photographer =
Guests =
Episode list = List of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe episodes
Prev = Disappearing Act
Next = She-Demon of Phantos

"Diamond Ray of Disappearance" is a first season episode of the animated television series "He-Man and the Masters of the Universe", produced in 1983. It was the first episode to be screened (airing on September 5 1983) but was the fourth episode in the production order.

The episode focuses on Skeletors discovery of the legendary 'Diamond Ray Of Disappearance', a jewel that sends who or whatever it is aimed at into another dimension.

"Diamond Ray of Disappearance" was written by Robby London and directed by Lou Zukor and despite its place in the production order it is made clear on screen that it is intended as an introduction to the show. At the beginning Skeletor summons many of his recurring minions to Snake Mountain and introduces them to the audience. Despite this introduction to the forces of evil, no such introductions are given to the heroes, although Stratos and Ram-Man are both brought in for the final confrontation so that all of the main characters can be introduced.

Summary

The story begins in Snake Mountain as Skeletor explains to Beast Man that he has found the legendary Diamond Ray of Disappearance with which he can finally defeat He-Man. He summons his minions from all around the Universe and is joined by Mer-Man, Evil-Lyn, Tri-Klops and Trap-Jaw to whom he explains his plan. The diamond has magical powers that transports anyone who looks at it to another dimension.

At the royal palace Orko is entertaining the royal court when the palace is attacked by Trap-Jaw. Teela and the Royal guards set off in pursuit leaving the palace undefended and open to attack by Skeletor's forces. While Adam turns into He-Man and rescues Teela, Skeletor uses the diamond ray on the Sorceress, Man-At-Arms, King Randor and Queen Marlena.

Realising that he needs the help of the Sorceress, He-Man travels to Castle Grayskull and contacts her through a magic mirror which allows communication between dimensions. She reveals that the only way to save those who have been taken is to destroy the diamond.

As the evil warriors pull down the draw bridge of Grayskull, Orko goes and summons Ram-Man and Stratos who join He-Man in a final battle. Skeletor attempts to use the diamond on He-Man but he deflects the ray with his sword causing Skeletor to drop it. He-Man recovers the crystal and begins to squeeze. Despite being transported into the timeless dimension he is able to destroy the crystal and return to Eternia foiling Skeletor plan who vanishes vowing to return...

Cast

* John Erwin as Prince Adam / He-Man, Beast Man, Ram-Man
* Linda Gary as Teela, Evil-Lyn, The Sorceress, Queen Marlena
* Lou Scheimer as Orko, King Randor, Stratos, Trap-Jaw, Tri-Klops
* Alan Oppenheimer as Skeletor, Man-At-Arms, Cringer / Battle Cat, Mer-Man

Continuity

As the first broadcast episode most of the important characters from the series are introduced, along with the places and concepts that will define the series. Unlike later episodes which show Castle Grayskull as having a number of mystic defences however, this early episode sees Skeletor being able to enter the castle with only a grappling hook and magic from his axe.

External links

* [http://www.tv.com/he-man-and-the-masters-of-the-universe/diamond-ray-of-disappearance/episode/114681/summary.html?tag=ep_list;ep_title;3 Summary at TV.com]
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* [http://www.he-man.org/cartoon/episode_reviews/review.php?episodeNumber=MU004 Summary from He-Man.org]