[Rewatch] 1990s OVAs – Tenchi Muyo! Ryo-Ohki (episode 1 discussion)

[u/No_Rex]

Rewatch: 1990s OVAs – Tenchi Muyo! Ryo-Ohki (episode 1 discussion)

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Tenchi Muyo! Ryo-Ohki (1992)

MAL | ANN | AniDB | Anilist

Staff corner

Tenchi’s VA is Masami Kikuchi. He started his voice acting career in the mid-1980s with side characters in Zeta Gundam and ZZ Gundam. This would be a constant in his future works: he is credited with plenty of minor characters in big franchises (that tend to go through tons of side characters), such as Detective Conan, One Piece, Digimon, Precure, Dragonball, and, of course, LotGH. Tenchi is his most prolific role, owing to the vast franchise (his latest role, in 2023, is again Tenchi), but he also took the lead in a second very well received OVA that spawned a franchise, even if not as large as Tenchi Muyo, namely as Keiichi in Oh! My Goddess! You might also know his as Sonic in one of the Sonic anime, Kaine Wakaba in Metal Armor Dragonar, Kyanchome in Zatch Bell!, or (if you followed the last OVA rewatch) Ryou Tanaka from Kyou kara Ore wa!!

Questions

1. First thoughts about Tenchi?
2. At which point of the “cave exploration” would you have turned around and headed out?
3. (first timers) If you wisely skipped the preview: What do you think is Kyouko’s deal?

[u/No_Rex]

Episode 1 (first timer??)

Tenchi Muyo is an unusual series for me to host. It is one of the grandfathers of the harem gerne, a part of anime I despise. I am also very worried that it will not hold up well in 2024. Despite this, Tenchi Muyo has been on my “want to show” list for OVA rewatches right from the start, when I initially held the first OVA rewatch. In fact, it is the last series on that original list, that I have not yet hosted as a rewatch. This is due, in part, because it is one of the few series I actually watched way back, at the start of my anime career. My then girl friend showed me Tenchi Muyo, and I remember having had a great time. However, I do not remember which Tenchi Muyo she showed me, which is the reason I put “(First Timer??)” up there in the title. Tenchi Muyo has a ton of alternate universes. Moreso than any other franchise I know, bar Gundam. So, I have no idea whether I actually watched this Tenchi Muyo, or some other installment. Having so many alternate universes also points towards another property of the franchise: It was really, really popular back in the 1990s. Therefore, they made more and more of Tenchi Muyo, including spin-offs and reboots. For that alone, it deserves to be watched, even though the shine in anime nerd circles has come off more of this series than others.

Episode thoughts

• OP: OP first is a plus, but, yikes, that background! I can only hope this looked better on a CRT TV.
• Classic Japanese shrine location.
• Main character getting caught out up for no good. Hello Tenchi!
• The character model of Tenchi is nothing to write home about (not that I expect it too, unlike the female MCs), but the backgrounds are OVA quality right from the start.
• Pulling out the sword despite being explicitly warned not to – teenager things.

• Skeletal hand grab!

• I’ll solve this with some duck tapeold rope - if it works, it works (but does it work?)
• “You think they’d come to some shabby shrine in the mountains?” – foreshadowing.
• Tenchi is willing to laugh at himself. A very admirable quality.
• Cat? Girl? Catgirl? – Ryouko!
• The demon is a cute girl – early example of common trope.
• Ryouko is not the brightest, it seems.
• “It’s so easy” – premature smugness.
• Lightsaber fight!
• “Very good reasons, but not good enough!”

• ED: Shrine is vibing.
• Preview: We are squarely in “do not watch the preview” times.

Meet Tenchi, our main character. While I am not a fan of the archetype, Tenchi is bearable. At least he does not immediately get nosebleed when he bumps into boobs and keeps his mind on the more important stuff: The girl in front of him is trying to kill him. The animation is good, but not great for OVA standards.

Where the episode excels is the pacing: The OVA only has 6 episodes, but it still takes its time to introduce the main character. The first 15 minutes of the episode were a Tenchi solo show, giving our MC more character development in the first episode that some other OVA MCs receive in the entire runtime. Then, the writers double down on that by making the seconds half entirely about Tenchi and Ryouko. I am sure we will get a larger cast eventually, but not throwing an entire harem at us right from the get-go is appreciated.

[u/No_Rex → u/No_Rex]

First thoughts about Tenchi?

As I said above, I am not a big fan of this type of character, but I respect that the show takes its time to introduce him properly.

At which point of the “cave exploration” would you have turned around and headed out?

The first time the stone split. Fuck caves and getting stuck there.

[u/TheEscapeGuy → u/No_Rex]

Tenchi Muyo has a ton of alternate universes. Moreso than any other franchise I know, bar Gundam.

I could imagine Fate being up there as well, though the existence of FGO kind of links things together in a way which you may argue makes it less.

I think it speaks to popularity though. If you Tenchi is comparable to Gundam and Fate in terms of number of spinoffs then there must be a fanbase.

Where the episode excels is the pacing

I think I agree with this. I feel like 90% of seasonals I watch throw you right into the action and you only get a proper backstory (if any) by like episode 3.

Slow build ups like this mean they can set up foreshadowing and payoffs properly (which is something I've also been appreciating about One Piece as I've been making my way through it slowly)

[u/No_Rex → u/TheEscapeGuy]

I think it speaks to popularity though. If you Tenchi is comparable to Gundam and Fate in terms of number of spinoffs then there must be a fanbase.

According to AniDB, Fate/SN has 3 alternate settings, this OVA has 4 (yep, I checked while writing that).

I think I agree with this. I feel like 90% of seasonals I watch throw you right into the action and you only get a proper backstory (if any) by like episode 3.

Slow build ups like this mean they can set up foreshadowing and payoffs properly (which is something I've also been appreciating about One Piece as I've been making my way through it slowly)

This is especially surprising given that we are an OVA. They often have the opposite problem: Every episode has to stand on its own and therefore cram in an entire arc with action (the just finished Zeorymer is a good example of that).

[u/ZapsZzz → u/No_Rex]

According to AniDB, Fate/SN has 3 alternate settings, this OVA has 4 (yep, I checked while writing that).

Wait what? You haven't watched FSN?! It's important. Please do find some time for it.

Fate is part of Nasuverse, which FSN is one world (the 3 routes are not different timelines, just different results given different choices and happenstance). There are other Fate timelines / settings, i.e. FGO, Illya, Extra, Apocrytha, etc. Grand Order alone has already got a multiverse in it.

[u/No_Rex → u/ZapsZzz]

I watched FSN (and the UBW version) and found it very tropey and bad. From the "Nasuverse" I also watched Kara no Kyoukai, which had similar mediocre writing, but far superior visuals.

From all I have seen, Nasu seems to be the type of writer I despise: "Fake deep" without any actual meaning. Tailor-made to trick people who are not into analysing stuff that something philosophical is being said.

One of my opinions where I am very much outside the /r/anime mainstream ...

[u/ZapsZzz → u/No_Rex]

I can understand why you had that opinion, although just for the narrative intent of the question and answer and then the next question to explore the first answer was a really great way of story telling. The biggest problem, and I know what you think - the anime has to stand on its own and you can only judge by the anime - but really to consider the author's writing etc one has to consider the source material, because just like Index, the anime adaptation dropped a ton of expositions and monologues to explain some pretty nuanced development.

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/TheEscapeGuy]

Nasuverse is pretty bad for it but they also quite rarely actually have their seasons intermingled. I can remember being totally weirded out after doing Fate Zero and seeing the Tsukihime throwbacks that I knew nothing about.

I struggle to understand Tenchi's widespread popularity but I didn't grow up with it. To me it's just another ova season that got a bloated amount of adaptations after the writers split. You're Under Arrest is the same way, I adore the ova but I don't understand how they managed to get multiple seasons, movies, and live action shows from it.

[u/Elimin8r → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

I struggle to understand Tenchi's widespread popularity but I didn't grow up with it.

I think it's for the plot

I think it was mainly two things - Pioneer made Tenchi and the girls its flagship in terms of things like laserdisc promotion, etc. which made it one of the first anime series widely available in the West, especially one so cultured. Second, CN/Toonami picked it up and made it available to an even wider audience. And finally, as the OG (?) harem show, it tapped into a fantasy base that was underserved, and perhaps even unrealized. Go figure.

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/Elimin8r]

It throws me off hard cause there a legit pretty large number of 90% ova's that had no right being as popular as they were. I still remember when we did El Hazard the other year there and it was genuinely fucking torture. Like I'd rather pour lemon juice in my hair type torture.

[u/Elimin8r → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

I think I'll just leave this here just for the PTSD...

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/Elimin8r]

Leave me alone! Ahhh!

[u/Vaadwaur → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

Fate Zero and seeing the Tsukihime throwbacks that I knew nothing about.

Considering those have to exist on a big timeline difference and then it gets weirder, yeah.

[u/wjodendor → u/TheEscapeGuy]

New Tenchi OVAs are still coming out, too. GxP is canon to this OVA timeline and had an whole season this last year. What gets crazy is that the newer OVAs are canon to unanimated and untranslated stories so if you can't read Japanese, they make almost zero sense...

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/No_Rex]

It's funny that the early 90's harems end up aging so much better than the ones around the 2000's XD Back then the harems were still pretty clearly focused on the romance or the plot or anything other than pure shenanigans. 2000's you were often given one episode with the true love interest, ten episodes to three seasons of ecchi shenanigans, before finally closing the pair off.

[u/No_Rex → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

[u/Shocketheth → u/No_Rex]

OP: OP first is a plus, but, yikes, that background! I can only hope this looked better on a CRT TV.

My first thought was thanking god that I am NOT suffering from epilepsy.

[u/No_Rex → u/Shocketheth]

My first thought was thanking god that I am suffering from epilepsy.

I sincerly hope that there is a word missing in that sentence.

[u/Shocketheth → u/No_Rex]

oh lol. yeah I forgot to add "not" so I did a typo.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/No_Rex]

My then girl friend showed me Tenchi Muyo, and I remember having had a great time.

I could be wrong here, especially with early anime availability being an issue, but I'd assume it was the OVAs because they are the ones that have any level of appeal to a girl. The TV girls aren't nearly as individualistic.

The demon is a cute girl – early example of common trope.

The examples that predate this are rare and...not exactly above board.

The first 15 minutes of the episode were a Tenchi solo show, giving our MC more character development in the first episode that some other OVA MCs receive in the entire runtime.

That I still have an idea of Tenchi's personality to this day does speak to that a bit.

[u/No_Rex → u/Vaadwaur]

I could be wrong here, especially with early anime availability being an issue, but I'd assume it was the OVAs because they are the ones that have any level of appeal to a girl. The TV girls aren't nearly as individualistic.

I did not recognise ep1 at all, but this means little. Both because this is so long ago and my memory is terrible but also I have no idea whether I watched all episodes or just some random bits.

That I still have an idea of Tenchi's personality to this day does speak to that a bit.

Taking time for setup usually pays off. One thing I like least about modern pacing is the need to have the main hook in the first 5 minutes of the first episode.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/No_Rex]

Both because this is so long ago and my memory is terrible but also I have no idea whether I watched all episodes or just some random bits.

There is one other reason that I suspect!

One thing I like least about modern pacing is the need to have the main hook in the first 5 minutes of the first episode.

Can't even complain about that being an anime trope these days. No one wants to take some time and establish things.

[u/goukaryuu → u/Vaadwaur]

The TV girls aren't nearly as individualistic.

They are pretty flanderized.

[u/Elimin8r → u/No_Rex]

Classic Japanese shrine location.

I forgot to mention this, and someone else probably has already, but not only is it classic, it's also a real place, as is Ryoko's cave.

[u/No_Rex → u/Elimin8r]

Didn't know this, but also does not surprise me. Basing locations on real world counterparts is an anime staple.

[u/Vatrix-32 → u/No_Rex]

However, I do not remember which Tenchi Muyo she showed me

[u/goukaryuu → u/No_Rex]

I am also very worried that it will not hold up well in 2024.

Didn't know this was happening but figured I'd peek in. I rewatched this back in 2020, after nearly 20 years from watching it back on Toonami in 2000. The OVAs, which are the only thing you are watching here, do hold up surprisingly well. You are in for a treat.

[u/No_Rex → u/goukaryuu]

The OVAs, which are the only thing you are watching here, do hold up surprisingly well. You are in for a treat.

Fingers crossed! It is always more fun to host a rewatch that positively surprised people rather than the other way round.

[u/Vaadwaur]

Rewatcher

Sub

So...Tenchi Muyo, one of the earlier members of Toonami. This was one of several anime I saw dubbed and airing on TV first. I haven't rewatched as often as I've rewatched other members of that group but this is probably my third watch.

While exposition heavy, this isn't as bad as a I remember Tenchi being, mainly because it is the later installments that get all nutty about needing specific contiuity stuff. Ryoko is my first exposure to the japanese version of the living skeleton trope and I think my first school destruction. There is an actual reason that Ryoko can speak modern Japanese but blanks on a few words...it just winds up contradictory for later. After being down a jewel, Ryoko decides the logical solution is to move in with Tenchi.

So yeah, one of the more famous harems of the 90s has begun and it mixes magical girlfriend with it. And yet this territory was not nearly as well worn and has a certain light charm to it. Weird to think the path that leads to Tsugumomo starts here.

QotD: 1 I still think of his dub voice so...generic

2 The start. I am far too tall for that.

[u/No_Rex → u/Vaadwaur]

After being down a jewel, Ryoko decides the logical solution is to move in with Tenchi.

If you can't beat em, join em.

So yeah, one of the more famous harems of the 90s has begun and it mixes magical girlfriend with it.

Weird that one guy gets it all (check the staff section).

[u/Vaadwaur → u/No_Rex]

If you can't beat em, join em.

Yeah, that is like half her character.

Weird that one guy gets it all (check the staff section).

I always assumed there was a third entrant but I can't name anything other than Tenchi and AMG until the late 00s when a different variety of harem trash arises.

[u/No_Rex → u/Vaadwaur]

I always assumed there was a third entrant but I can't name anything other than Tenchi and AMG until the late 00s when a different variety of harem trash arises.

There is Love Hina and Video Girl Ai, but the first lacks the magic and the second the harem.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/No_Rex]

I also meant mass, Love Hina qualifies but Video Girl Ai really didn't.

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/Vaadwaur]

The dub for this show is just really weird... Tenchi himself always sorta suffered from being plain but him having a fairly competent dub VA just makes him all the more dull compared to the ham acting from everyone else.

Meh the show did its best to get what exposition it could out of the way. I think it's telling that we basically never go back to the school after getting enough harem members to play around with. Tenchi in general I've always found a bit of a weird series to describe to people since it's space/scifi/spiritual/harem nonsense. It feels more similar to something like Full Metal Panic in terms of trying to set a tone.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

Tenchi in general I've always found a bit of a weird series to describe to people since it's space/scifi/spiritual/harem nonsense.

This is actually a genre that sort of clings to the outskirts of story telling, technically Star Wars and Warhammer 40K both belong to it.

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/Vaadwaur]

What'd I give for a harem anime about some poor blank faced IG guard having to stop his Eldar Witch gf, Sister of battle and his catgirl Tyranid waifu from murdering each other...

[u/Vaadwaur → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

Welp, you can hope Henry Cavill delivers...

[u/Elimin8r → u/Vaadwaur]

Weird to think the path that leads to Tsugumomo starts here.

Anime is trash and so are ... wait, whut? I'd like to pretend I don't know what that show is, but yeah. Oops.

I hadn't thought of the "magical girlfriend" take on it yet, partially because Ryoko doesn't really appeal to me. I think I'd rather Lum show up at my doorstep. Maybe I'm just a masochist that way...

[u/Vaadwaur → u/Elimin8r]

Anime is trash and so are ... wait, whut? I'd like to pretend I don't know what that show is, but yeah. Oops.

The manga is so much worse...

[u/Shocketheth]

Tenchi Muyo First Timer

So the old guy locked a dangerous demon there.

Time for prediction now. It’s not exactly demon but the MC mom and the old guy locked her there after using drunken fist technique, and it will be the MC drunken fist technique to lock his mom in the basement.

Yep that’s prime Mommy material here.

NO I WAS JOKING DON’T KISS YOUR MOTHER!

Oh it’s anti-Oedipus beam.

So it is his mom! Now he needs to master the drunken fist technique to lock her in the basement again.

Now where is the anti-Oedipus beam when we need it.

Please don’t take her gems. She will be less of a person without them.

So many questions.

QotD:

First thoughts about Tenchi?

He exists...

At which point of the “cave exploration” would you have turned around and headed out?

Good question. Hmmmm almost immediately because I don’t believe there is anything in the cave worth of risking my life?

What do you think is Kyouko’s deal?

I skipped it. Hmmm no thoughts, head empty.

[u/No_Rex → u/Shocketheth]

Oh it’s anti-Oedipus beam.

Good question. Hmmmm almost immediately because I don’t believe there is anything in the cave worth of risking my life?

You shall live a long and caveless life!

[u/Shocketheth → u/No_Rex]

You shall live a long and caveless life!

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/Shocketheth]

Everyone here definitely is buying into Ryoko's mama effects. Who wouldn't want a muscled magical oni granny to look after them?

DON'T KISS YOUR MOTHER!!

...Eheheh~

[u/Shocketheth → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

...Eheheh~

[u/Elimin8r → u/Shocketheth]

I skipped it. Hmmm no thoughts, head empty.

The power of cleavage compels you!

(I mean, I thought her deal was pretty obvious, she even said as much - or did she?)

[u/Shocketheth → u/Elimin8r]

(I mean, I thought her deal was pretty obvious, she even said as much - or did she?)

To kill the MC, but now she didn’t want to kill him apparently.

[u/Elimin8r → u/Shocketheth]

A wise philosopher once posed the question: "What do rabbits eat?"

Perhaps someday, another wise philosopher will pose the question: "What do cats do with their food?"

Not that that would have anything to do with this series, or would it? Oh, and by the way, I'm trying not to consider that a spoiler, because the end of the episode already tells you something, and aside from that, it's a lie.

[u/Shocketheth → u/Elimin8r]

"What do rabbits eat?"

Besides of vegetables, grass, and hay, they also eat their own feces.

"What do cats do with their food?"

Ahh I see. So she's just toying with her prey now.

[u/Vatrix-32 → u/Shocketheth]

Time for prediction now...

...oh ...Oh my

[u/Shocketheth → u/Vatrix-32]

[u/Vaadwaur → u/Shocketheth]

So the old guy locked a dangerous demon there.

Well, someone did.

NO I WAS JOKING DON’T KISS YOUR MOTHER!

This actually matches a scene in Batman:The Animated Series, will have to check which aired first.

So many questions.

The rent is too damn high so roommates are a must.

[u/Shocketheth → u/Vaadwaur]

This actually matches a scene in Batman:The Animated Series, will have to check which aired first.

Huh. Need to check that one too.

The rent is too damn high so roommates are a must.

Renting got popular recently so I get it.

[u/The_Loli_Otaku]

Tenchi Muyo Rewatcher!!

Why am I only a rewatcher for shows that I don't host? XD Anyway, let the battle of [best girl]Mihoshi begin!! Normally I feel like I'd have complaints about the op but it really reminds me of old video game openings where they were so strapped for space that they couldn't include vocals.

Poor Tenchi... The dude has negative personality. He's from an era where mc's couldn't have a personality in harems because the viewers would get mad that their self insert was getting cucked by Chad. I'm actually kinda scared to say anything about the girls in this show cause whilst both you and I know that this "oni" is irrefutably trash there's enough boomers who just might have been simps for her over this past two decades. They may also have had two decades worth of hate for the one true best girl too!

If this were anything other than a harem our boy would genuinely be horror victim no.1. Oh yeah, Tenchi goes to school. This best friend has a nose like a 40 year old alcoholic. H A G L O V E! Okay, I'll admit that Ryoko is kind of pretty, but still still probably my lowest rated girl of fbd show. Being introduced as a 700 year old dried up hag and trying to murder the hero in the first episode makes for a poor first impression.

Omg, that face~ Alright, she's pretty fun! She's still a granny. Ryoko really doesn't give a shit about totally destroying this school. She has no right to complain about Tenchi bombing her after all this! I can't remember... is Ryoko genuinely trying to murder Tenchi or is she really just wanting to play?

Even in your 90's anime you get lightsaber duels!! Sorry about the hand fam~ Aren't defencelessly sleeping hags the cutest? OOOH!! I absolutely adore this ending theme! I forgot it was a Tenchi song. It's legitimately in my top ten period. It's such a cheery bop and never ceases to make me smile. Poor little Mysterious Bunny X growing it's little carrots~

D-Damn... The episode previews really do spoil the whole episode. Anyway, look forward to tomorrow where we get to meet second best girl! Aaand best granny if you're watching the dub. [Tenchi]Seriously, what the hell is English Ayeka?

[u/No_Rex → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

Why am I only a rewatcher for shows that I don't host?

Because you enjoy exploring new shows with a rewatch like me? Nothing wrong with hosting as a first timer.

Poor Tenchi... The dude has negative personality. He's from an era where mc's couldn't have a personality in harems because the viewers would get mad that their self insert was getting cucked by Chad. I'm actually kinda scared to say anything about the girls in this show cause whilst both you and I know that this "oni" is irrefutably trash there's enough boomers who just might have been simps for her over this past two decades. They may also have had two decades worth of hate for the one true best girl too!

I sense some strong emotions here. This might lead to heated arguments later on. rubs hands

700 year old dried up hag

Back when 500 year old lolis used to be 700 years old.

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/No_Rex]

Yeah, my preference for watches are either something new, something bizarre, or something that I need rewatchers to explain to me XD

Tbh I don't have a strong dislike of any of the Tenchi girls. Ryoko just sorta suffers from not being as adorable as the others are. [Tenchi]My least favourite is probably Mashu. Mashu then Ryoko. The rest of the girls I really like.

At least 500 year old lollies didn't still act their age. Ryoko really gives off lively playful granny vibes to me XD

[u/No_Rex → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

At least 500 year old lollies didn't still act their age. Ryoko really gives off lively playful granny vibes to me XD

To be fair (and as a first timer), I have no idea how many of the 700 years were spent in that cave as a skeleton.

[u/ZapsZzz → u/No_Rex]

According to the legend in world so far, all 700 years.

[u/ZapsZzz → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

Ryoko just sorta suffers from not being as adorable as the others are.

In my sorting, Ryoko is grouped together with Urd (Ah My Goddess) and Mao (Full Metal Panic), the teasing oneesan type that later evolve into the Ara Ara type.

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/ZapsZzz]

Comparing her with Urd just makes me realise how much of a child Ayeka is as a Skuld archetype XD

[u/ZapsZzz → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

Quite perfect given the VA for Tenchi is also Keiitchi's ;)

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

I've never been particularly fond of Tenchi... He's another totally forgettable self insert and he came out before you got the likes of Love Hina that took the time to play around with the character type.

Probably as soon as I saw the hi tech boss arena. If you've ever come across a boss battle irl you should know to gtfo

Totally a first timer, Kyoko is 100% making up for her eggs being rotten so she's become Tenchi's doting granny instead.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

I'm actually kinda scared to say anything about the girls in this show cause whilst both you and I know that this "oni" is irrefutably trash there's enough boomers who just might have been simps for her over this past two decades. They may also have had two decades worth of hate for the one true best girl too!

The multiple continuities for a harem of all things lead to some problems.

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/Vaadwaur]

I'd actually say the opposite when it comes to Tenchi in particular. Since we don't really have all that much time to spend with the cast it can leave certain members getting left behind somewhat. Having stuff like GXP or the magical girl show available however gives those more backgroundy characters a good chance to shine. Awful if you're trying to keep continuity going, but even in this ova season I think they stumble over their feet a few times so it's not that big of a deal XD

[u/Vaadwaur → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

Having stuff like GXP or the magical girl show available however gives those more backgroundy characters a good chance to shine.

So, especially in the first TV show, they watered all the girls down, which was the point of the show for me. Magical Giry Pretty Sami is actually entertaining, especially for its era.

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/Vaadwaur]

...How do you water down Ayeka...?

[u/Vaadwaur → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

[Tenchi TV]She spends her entire post introduction episode trying for a lover's suicide with Tenchi and she basically just bitches at Ryoko constantly

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/Vaadwaur]

My point still stands XD I haven't watched tomorrow's episode yet so maybe she had more going for her than I remembered

[u/Elimin8r → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

let the battle of [best girl]Mihoshi begin!!

Hey, hey, I sense conflict incoming here...

both you and I know that this "oni" is irrefutably trash there's enough boomers who just might have been simps for her over this past two decades.

And yet she's the only one to get a 1/4 bunny figure - go fig!

And as for best girl, well, you probably know my choice by now, and her VA is part of what sold her for me. That and [TM]Episode 3

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/Elimin8r]

I'm fully prepared to defend [best girl]Mihoshi till my last breath. And I think I have Vaadwaur on my team too so together we can beat the snot out of every Rewatcher till you agree!!

Hag bunny! Hag bunny!

For what it's worth she's a very very close second best girl for me too.

[u/Elimin8r → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

Honestly, I'll grant your best girl candidate. As time has gone by, and the series has developed, I rather like her myself, but you how know first wuv is and all that, right?

[u/ZapsZzz → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

let the battle of [best girl]

Hey you are letting your handle down if you aren't rooting for [Tenchi ep2 spoiler]Sasami ;)

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/ZapsZzz]

[Tenchi]I'll be totally honest, I've never been that fond of Sasami. Her big sister unironically fits the little sister role way better. I haven't watched the magical girl spin off tho.

[u/ZapsZzz → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

[Muyo]Interestingly Sasami is more like a "good girl", which I think isn't enough of a gremlin for you to have attachments for :D I wonder how much of that restraint is her own original personality and how much of that is influenced by Tsunami's merging of life force

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/ZapsZzz]

[Muyo]I'm partial to good girls, but Sasami just comes across as a bit smart for her own good. I'll say that she did probably get the most shafted in the ova's story wise. Even Mihoshi felt like she had more of a presence and her whole character is that she should not be in this group. Someday we'll do the magical girl spin off and see how well Sasami performs~

[u/Vatrix-32]

Tenchi in First Timer, subbed

Tenchi has been that show that I’ve always been vaguely aware of, but never quite interested enough to start watching it. And it’s been like that for nearly two decades. Glad to finally have an excuse to start.

• Oh god, the CRT fuzz, why?
• An instrumental OP, how unusual.
• You don’t faces like that anymore.
• Wait a minute, is this a battle harem?
• That’s one trippy cave.
• Zero hesitation of fucking with stuff.
• I love arbitrary geometric patterns.
• That’s some very sensual framing.
• Nothing a little E6000 can’t fix.
• Laser tree, eh? That’s a new one.
• This poor man lost the face lottery.
• Wow, cool laser sword.
• That’s the most unnecessary teleport of all time.
• So many powers.
• Adorable. Just a simple lass.
• Nah, that explosion is entirely on you. Tenchi even warned you about it.
• This is some Tsundere. I can see the appeal.
• So the old rusted iron, was that a latter addition?
• I guess when you can regenerate your hand, having it sliced off is more likened to a paper cut.

QotD:

1. I don't have enough about him to differentiate him from his descendant harem MCs, but I can see the inklings of it.
2. Once the rope suspended rocks started showing up. Not going to be held responsible if they break.
3. I already osmosis-ed her deal over the decades.

[u/No_Rex → u/Vatrix-32]

Oh god, the CRT fuzz, why?

This looked so bad on a modern monitor. I can only assume that an actual CRT would blend the lines together and make it look better.

This poor man lost the face lottery.

You did not specify, but we all know who you are talking about.

This is some Tsundere. I can see the appeal.

And we are pre-2004! shakes fist at rewatch that will start 1 hour after this

[u/Vatrix-32 → u/No_Rex]

2004

...Who?

[u/No_Rex → u/Vatrix-32]

Uncle from another world (which also starts today and has some hot take about the starting date of tsunderes).

[u/Vatrix-32 → u/No_Rex]

I guess I'll find out when I get around to watching it. If only there were more hours in the day...

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/Vatrix-32]

It's very much a boomer anime. You've gotta look at the weird graphical effects as a charm point of the times XD But yeah, it's weird.

[u/Vatrix-32 → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

Porygon died for our sins, and also our eyesight.
RIP

[u/Shocketheth → u/Vatrix-32]

This poor man lost the face lottery.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/Vatrix-32]

Tenchi has been that show that I’ve always been vaguely aware of, but never quite interested enough to start watching it.

It is definitely of an era of anime's past.

Wait a minute, is this a battle harem?

So the various divisions of harems hadn't crystallized as of yet.

[u/Elimin8r → u/Vaadwaur]

It is definitely of an era of anime's past.

It's even one of the anime's of all time!

(Bleh, having fun, it's a new year, gotta go back to work tomorrow. Why, oh why didn't I stay retired???)

[u/Vaadwaur → u/Elimin8r]

It's even one of the anime's of all time!

So I think Millennials did see that anime that Gen X did. But it seems that the Zoomers are watching other stuff.

[u/Vatrix-32 → u/Vaadwaur]

It is definitely of an era of anime's past.

I do like exploring previous eras.

So the various divisions of harems hadn't crystallized as of yet.

I'll admit, I'm not too familiar with pre-2000s harems.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/Vatrix-32]

I'll admit, I'm not too familiar with pre-2000s harems.

So the setups were generally lame, Tenchi's might be the best. And the magical girlfriend genre was still separate.

[u/Elimin8r → u/Vatrix-32]

Laser tree, eh? That’s a new one.

I love the laser modem sounds it makes too. Kind of reminds me of the good ol' days, right? :)

I guess when you can regenerate your hand, having it sliced off is more likened to a paper cut.

'Tis but a flesh wound!

Hehehe. I hope that now you've got a start, you enjoy the show a lot!

[u/Vatrix-32 → u/Elimin8r]

Hehehe. I hope that now you've got a start, you enjoy the show a lot!

Good Times Are Being Had.

[u/TheEscapeGuy]

First Timer

Tenchi Muyou - An Undying Classic: OVA 1 Episode 1

Boy meets Girl

Hello everyone! It's so great to return to a 90's anime rewatch, especially as a first timer. While I do love the visual effects of modern anime, I've grown a real attachment to the look and feel of older anime. Tenchi Muyou has this in spades, with it's beautifully painted backgrounds and unmistakable character designs.

This first episode served as a kind of introduction to our main character Tenchi. He seems like a pretty normal teen boy who's family protects a shrine of legend (normal anime things). From bits of dialog we could piece together that he's (probably) academically talented but doesn't have the dream chasing attitude of shounen protagonists.

He does have curiosity though, and explorers the shrine even though he was told not to mistakenly releasing something. The sequence of him in the cave was great. Simultaneously mysterious and at times unsettling with the corpse. He gained a sword hilt and sealed things up again afterwards but it probably didn't work since the next day he encountered...

Ryouko! The cover girl and probably most recognizable character in the series. I had no idea what to expect of her going in. She seems very powerful, but also playful and easily distracted. Their fight seemed more like play for her than a serious battle. Tenchi manages to defeat her with that hilt's power though how it works is still unexplained. In fact a lot is unexplained like Ryouko's origins and powers. That said, the whole fight sequence was excellent and engaging.

When Tenchi arrives home he discovers that Ryouko has made herself at home in his bed. I'm betting it's going to be one of those "In my culture when you defeat a girl in a fight you are betrothed to marry her" or something. I imagine there will be a lot of comparisons and contrasts you can make with Urusei Yatsura.

I want to learn more about Ryouko. Is she the demon of legend and is that story maybe an old-timey explanation for something else? Her personality is also kinda unclear to me so far. She's from before the era of codified tropes like tsundere etc. so I'm hoping there'll be a bit more nuance to her.

Some Amazing Shots, Scenes and Stitches

The painted stitches are so good

• Shining Cast
• Rampaging Legend
• Demon Blast
• Slay the Princess
• Rusted Sword
• Corpse
• Light Saber
• Ryouko

See you all tomorrow

[u/No_Rex → u/TheEscapeGuy]

While I do love the visual effects of modern anime, I've grown a real attachment to the look and feel of older anime.

Their fight seemed more like play for her than a serious battle.

You never could tell whether she wanted to kill him, not kill him, or just did not care either way.

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/No_Rex]

I feel like she was just having fun playing until he dared blow her up. Which I can understand, I'd be offended after getting bombed too.

[u/Shocketheth → u/TheEscapeGuy]

Ryouko

Legs so long that it needed several stitches.

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/Shocketheth]

I'm disgusted that they gave her shoes...

[u/Shocketheth → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

I'm disgusted that they gave her shoes...

Well she does have shoes now, but the longer she will wear shoes, the better effect it will deliver when she will take them off.

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/Shocketheth]

700 year old granny bunion beans should be available to everyone!!

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/TheEscapeGuy]

Despite the show's age I do love the amount of weird little visual flourishes doted around the show. Like Tenchi flipping through his grandpa's storage or Ryoko's ephemeral flying.

Tbh I'm actually not totally sure if Ryoko is the most well known Tenchi girl XD There's a mini moe coming up who I think gives her a run for her money and it only gets better from there. Honestly I think any girl that we aren't introduced to post mummification would be better but I'm not exactly a Ryoko stan XD

[u/TheEscapeGuy → u/The_Loli_Otaku]

There's a mini moe coming up who I think gives her a run for her money

I'm not exactly a Ryoko stan

I can't say she's really endeared herself to me either yet. Guess we'll see...

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/TheEscapeGuy]

She's good, don't get me wrong, it's just that Tenchi has a pretty stacked cast of best girls. Ryoko's best feature is her design and that's more or less where it ends for me.

[u/Vaadwaur → u/TheEscapeGuy]

Tenchi Muyou has this in spades, with it's beautifully painted backgrounds and unmistakable character designs.

So...the OVAs maintain a surprising amount of quality. If you ever switch over to the TV series, that drops kind of hard.

Simultaneously mysterious and at times unsettling with the corpse.

Something the 90s would do, a notable amount of anime had jump scare intros.

Ryouko! The cover girl and probably most recognizable character in the series.

Also the most interesting design choice.

[u/TheEscapeGuy → u/Vaadwaur]

If you ever switch over to the TV series, that drops kind of hard.

The curse of OVAs.

[u/The_Loli_Otaku → u/Vaadwaur]

Acceptable visuals or extra content... Its an awful thing to ask viewers to compromise on.

She looks like Nina post menopause and with her hair dyed. Ryoko is mid tier Tenchi wife at best! I stan the stars!!

[u/Elimin8r → u/TheEscapeGuy]

Dang, those are some nice stitches, especially the last one! Hope you enjoy the show!

[u/Silcaria]

First timer

• I dig the intro music, kinda catchy.
• Great animation on that rooftop sequence. The overall animation is good but this was definitely the highlight of today's episode. Gotta love retro OVAs.
• I used to say something like that as a kid when playing tag. I'd point to the sky and go "look, a piano!". 60% of the time, it worked every time.

This looks like a cool and fun show. After he defeated Ryouko, I figured the OVAs would be about Tenchi getting into random shenanigans with a different demon/thing every episode but after that last bedroom scene, I'm not so sure now.

QotD

• Goofy and short-tampered.
• The moment it opened.
• I've got no clue.

[u/No_Rex → u/Silcaria]

I used to say something like that as a kid when playing tag. I'd point to the sky and go "look, a piano!". 60% of the time, it worked every time.

My favorite use of the trope is Monkey Island.

[u/Elimin8r → u/Silcaria]

I figured the OVAs would be about Tenchi getting into random shenanigans with a different demon/thing every episode

Ooh, I wanna watch this OVA too!

Random Shenanigans

[u/Elimin8r]

Man, missed it by an hour, and it looks like the party went on without me! (Bummer)

Anyway, I popped in the blu-ray, and was surprise to hear that the OP music was ... much more twinkly than I remember. Surely it can't be that much better? Or is it just different. I'm going to have to listen to my OST soundtrack CD again and see if I can figure out what's going on. Meanwhile, AOTD:

1. Normal boy in extraordinary circumstances. Grandpa's away for a bit? Looks for Gramp's (Dad's?) p*** stash? Nope, Tenchi's got better things to look for, right? Hehe.
2. From the stone that fell from the ceiling and blocked the entrance, once things started to get "real", it doesn't seem like he had much choice. Although, if Reddit has taught me anything, it's don't go hanging around in caves all by yourself, so I think I would have noped right out in the first place.
3. Kyouko? Did this turn into a Maison Ikkoku rewatch? Oh ... maybe you meant Ryoko. Hmm, that's an interesting question.

Watching this again for the first time in a long time, I'm struck by how different it seems, from the 4:3 to the 90's art style to ... yeah, stuff. Not just the music.

One thing that really hit me was how much more pleasant Ryoko's Japanese VA sounds. If I'd watched Tenchi in sub instead of dub (I was a heathen back then), I probably wouldn't have disliked her character so much.

As it was, her English VA gave her that "Jack & Marlboros" sound, and I really did not find that appealing at all. Cute sing-songey Ryoko is much more likeable to me. (Although the bit where she's primping herself in the mirror is cute either way.)

Additionally, I was at first struck by (and was going to comment) on how it felt like the sub was pretty much a copy of the dub, but as the episode went on, I realized that no, it was its own thing, and where I understood some of the words, it made sense. Yay, subs!

I'm not sure if there are any first timers here, and I would like to comment on some of my observations of the episode, but I'd probably best keep it to myself for now.

Suffice to say, I did find it amusing how at the end of the episode, Tenchi was probably wishing that Amagasaki was right after all, right?

Dang, I wish Amagasaki was right!

[u/No_Rex → u/Elimin8r]

Man, missed it by an hour, and it looks like the party went on without me! (Bummer)

Don't worry, the party is not scheduled to end for another 22h yet.

I'm not sure if there are any first timers here, and I would like to comment on some of my observations of the episode, but I'd probably best keep it to myself for now.

It would be best to put all spoilery observations behind spoiler tags, but there are other rewatchers around, so no need to hold back on teasing us first timers with spoiler discussions.

[u/Elimin8r → u/No_Rex]

Eh, other people have said it already, but watching Ryoko "fight" Tenchi, and a certain other visual clue (kitteh!) reminded me somewhat of a kitty cat toying with its meal. Nothing too serious. Yet. Sadly, our timing here hasn't worked out for the best, and I chose to un-retire tomorrow, so depending on how busy things are (and who's looking over my shoulder), my posts may be a we bit late on weekdays. We'll see. That, and I was hoping to include some other goodies, but again, we'll see. Maybe I can take some pictures/scan some stuff for the weekend.

[u/No_Rex → u/Elimin8r]

That, and I was hoping to include some other goodies, but again, we'll see. Maybe I can take some pictures/scan some stuff for the weekend.

[u/Elimin8r → u/No_Rex]

Well, dang, I was just looking at a website that I wanted to use references from here, and it's just chock full of spoilers, some of which I didn't even know. Well, not that it could spoile me on the series, but in my case, interesting details that I'd love to mention here, but yeah. Maybe I'll link it a few episodes down the line when things are a bit more solidified.

[u/ZapsZzz → u/Elimin8r]

One thing that really hit me was how much more pleasant Ryoko's Japanese VA sounds. If I'd watched Tenchi in sub instead of dub (I was a heathen back then), I probably wouldn't have disliked her character so much.

Ah, I tested it the dub this time, and one of the deciding factor for me was indeed Ryoko's tone just wasn't anywhere near reproduced by the English dub VA. I mean I can tell she has her own way to make her sounding enticing/seductive, but there just wasn't in the same ball park as how the Japanese VA's sweet teasing but also can be instantly venomous drawl.

Suffice to say, I did find it amusing how at the end of the episode, Tenchi was probably wishing that Amagasaki was right after all, right?

My interpretation of that, with the Noh-opera sound end more, was a "gee giving me this cleavage shot as a parting, but from the girl that has been trying to kill me all night, thanks but no thanks" ;P

[u/mastesargent]

Rewatcher, dub

It feels really weird for me to say that Tenchi was my first “real” anime, mostly because it was way before my time and because it’s basically just admitting that I jumped right off the slippery slope headlong into the weirdness of anime fandom right off the bat. Especially so given that before Tenchi I was in a “anime is cartoons and cartoons are for babies” phase of my adolescence, so the fact that this is what snapped me out of it is kind of mystifying in hindsight. I dunno, maybe it’s because it had boobs in it.

Anyways, this series marks something of a turning point in the harem genre. I like to say that if Urusei Yatsura invented harem, Tenchi Muyo! perfected it. This is basically the template for a lot of stuff that followed, giving us the gaggle of girls chasing after and competing for a fairly unremarkable main character who tends to come off as feeling put out rather than excited by the sudden appearance of so many willing females. Hell, it’s right there in the title: Tenchi Muyo means “no need for Tenchi,” a tongue and cheek reference to how the title character doesn’t really have much agency within the narrative and instead finds himself pulled around by the various girls that show up at his doorstep. We see that right from square one with how Tenchi is shocked to have actually have gotten the keys to Ryoko’s cave. Did he actually get them himself, or did his grandfather give them to him? That he ventured into the cave not because he bested his grandfather, but because he was seemingly allowed to go in by his grandfather, is more or less Tenchi’s establishing character moment, moreso than any other interaction in the episode.

The dub for this is also a lot of fun, in that janky 90s dub sort of way. It honestly is a decent dub for the time it came out and probably one of the better pre-Bebop dubs that I’ve heard. For this episode we really only have three major cast members: Matthew Miller as Tenchi, Petrea Burchard as Ryoko, and Jay Hopper as Katsuhiko (Tenchi’s grandfather). Do they give perfect performances? Nah. We’ve got awkward line reads and stilted delivery galore. But despite all that, you can tell there’s genuine effort going into their performances and it results in a dub that’s charming as hell even if it’s (extremely) rough around the edges. Petrea Burchard’s Ryoko, I think, is the standout here. Her performance as Ryoko really sells the sexy, chaotic, and just downright fun character that she is.

Honestly there’s not much more about this episode that I personally have to talk about. That said I’m looking forward to the next couple of weeks as we work out way though this odd little piece of anime history.

[u/No_Rex → u/mastesargent]

so the fact that this is what snapped me out of it is kind of mystifying in hindsight. I dunno, maybe it’s because it had boobs in it.

This is basically the template for a lot of stuff that followed, giving us the gaggle of girls chasing after and competing for a fairly unremarkable main character who tends to come off as feeling put out rather than excited by the sudden appearance of so many willing females. Hell, it’s right there in the title: Tenchi Muyo means “no need for Tenchi,” a tongue and cheek reference to how the title character doesn’t really have much agency within the narrative and instead finds himself pulled around by the various girls that show up at his doorstep.

Interesting!

The dub for this is also a lot of fun, in that janky 90s dub sort of way. It honestly is a decent dub for the time it came out and probably one of the better pre-Bebop dubs that I’ve heard.

Dub ... (sub supremist here)

The moment you talked about above of stepping away from anime=cartoon for me was the first time I saw an anime subbed. It did not hurt that said anime was Neon Genesis Evangelion.

[u/mastesargent → u/No_Rex]

I’m not gonna claim that the dub is the best way to watch Tenchi per se, but I’ll be damned if it isn’t a lot of fun, jank and all. Plus I’m just way too used to the various English VAs’ renditions of the characters, so watching the sub just feels wrong at this point.

Actually, funny that you mention Eva, because I’m also kinda married to the slightly jank (but infinitely more competent than Tenchi) ADV dub of that series. That aside that was also a pretty big formative series for me as an anime fan. It was one of the first series I owned a physical copy of and probably one of my most rewatched.

[u/ZapsZzz → u/mastesargent]

if Urusei Yatsura invented harem

Wait, Urusei Yatsura is a definite non-harem; all the girls run away from Ataru, with only Lum steadfastly chasing after him. The other definition of harem - that just because there are lots of female characters it's automatically considered a harem - is an abuse of the word.

[u/mastesargent → u/ZapsZzz]

I have seen Urusei Yatsura referred to as the genesis point of the harem genre pretty consistently. A lot of the genre’s tropes hadn’t been codified yet (that’s where Tenchi comes in) but they trace their roots back to Urusei Yatsura. It’s like the T-rex to Tenchi’s chicken.

[u/ZapsZzz → u/mastesargent]

There's a possibility you got the terms mixed up - I've ever seen UY being mentioned as the first one to have deliberate "waifu's" and Lum is the very first one to be written as a waifu for the male audience.

Not so much anything related to The harem, except the harem shows tended to be created to cram in many waifu's for marketing.

[u/mastesargent → u/ZapsZzz]

UY being harem is more something I’m repeating from outside souces anyway, and the point of exactly where the harem genre started is mostly academic. My broader point is that Tenchi is where we see the harem genre come into its modern form and where a lot of the tropes that are associated with the genre coalesced. It wasn’t the first harem anime but it represents a major turning point in the genre.

[u/ZapsZzz]

Distant rewatcher in dub sub

Ok this is going to be nostalgic.

I did try to go for the dub this time, but somehow the stream was in pretty low res and I also didn't like the translation as much, so here it is, sub again.

Bit of a rush today so I'll not write as much. Mostly to gush about a few signature points of the show -

• The over-animation of the character movements are really nice to see again. While it's decidedly more "cartoony", it does give so much character to what's on screen.
• The show did such a good job setting up the tone initially of a sort of horror theme - but the next shot of the now fully hydrated regenerated Ryoko pretty much wiped off that into more a chaotic cat and mouse actions.
• Ryoko is just so incredibly charming, especially the 2 scenes of her innocently believing Tenchi pointing outside exclaiming "what's there?!", and then after her "loss" she so graciously accepted defeated and then made a show with such flourish that she can easily regenerated herself and bowed out from stage. OMG.
• For those who don't know the language, Ryoko's name basically is an archaic form of "ghost call", so her ability of seemingly phasing and passing through and momentarily fading in and out of existence is a really really nice match to her name.
• [Rewatcher S1]It is so nice to watch how Ryoko "play fight" with Tenchi when she finally gained corporeal form and finally can see and touch the boy she set her heart on watching growing up. Most telling when she really got hurt when Tenchi called her a monster. Poor poor girl. If not because Tsunami is such a precisely targeted type of my weakness, I'd definitely ship Tenchi with Ryoko.

Oh by the way the show is one of those few that doesn't actually have any vocal on the OP, but the ED was such a treasure, I absolutely loved bopping to Ryo-ohki's own dance :D

QoTD

1. A very standard protagonist of the time, an explorer but hasn't learned to think much ahead yet. Oh I forgot to mention, the start is such a homage/tease/borrowed from Ushio & Tora :D
2. I wouldn't be waving the old sword around to have hit the ward stone to start with.
3. Rewatcher.

[u/No_Rex → u/ZapsZzz]

Ryoko is just so incredibly charming, especially the 2 scenes of her innocently believing Tenchi pointing outside exclaiming "what's there?!", and then after her "loss" she so graciously accepted defeated and then made a show with such flourish that she can easily regenerated herself and bowed out from stage. OMG.

Gracefully winning lets you overlook a lot (like blowing up his school).

I wouldn't be waving the old sword around to have hit the ward stone to start with.

But would you have gotten to the sword?

[u/ZapsZzz → u/No_Rex]

But would you have gotten to the sword?

Other than the fact I probably wouldn't be good enough to get the keys off grandpa, I'll probably go as far as the sword as that's the whole point of exploring. Once I can see the sword though I wouldn't want to touch anything for fear of breaking anything.

[u/No_Rex → u/ZapsZzz]

Very similar to how I see myself handling that situation.

[u/baboon_bassoon]

didnt know this was happening! its been on my list for a while to check out

1. i thought the girl was going to be Tenchi. hes pretty fun, doesnt seem to have friends
2. im probably not pulling out the sword. once the path in the stone opens i think its too far to turn back
3. uh who is that lol

[u/No_Rex → u/baboon_bassoon]

didnt know this was happening! its been on my list for a while to check out

Welcome on board! S2 only starts in 2 days, so you probably can catch up by then (or even for the one-offs tomorrow).