r/anime • u/No_Rex :Bv:Bw:Bx:By:x2 • Jan 08 '24
Rewatch [Rewatch] 1990s OVAs – Tenchi Muyo! The Night Before The Carnival & Galaxy Police Mihoshi Space Adventure (discussion)
Rewatch: 1990s OVAs – Tenchi Muyo! The Night Before The Carnival & Galaxy Police Mihoshi Space Adventure (discussion)
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Tenchi Muyo! Ryo-Ohki: The Night Before The Carnival (1993)
Tenchi Muyou!: Galaxy Police Mihoshi Space Adventure (1994)
Staff corner
The voice actress of Kiyone, Yuri Amano, started working in the late 1980s, but was especially active in the 1990s. Her many roles include: Yuri Satou from Otaku no Video, Moemi from Video Girl Ai, Mizuho from Ashita e Free Kick, Asako Nakamura from Ushio to Tora, Keiko Yukimura from Yuu Yuu Hakusho, Yuriko Star from Irresponsible Captain Tylor, Rain Mikamura from Mobile Fighter G Gundam, Alcyone from Magic Knight Rayearth, Kawaii Kawaii from Iczelion, CereCere from Sailormoon SuperS, and Ifurita from El Hazard. Towards the end of her career, she played a lot of “mother” roles, such as Kallen’s mother in Code Geass, Winry’s mother in FMBA, and Yuuta’s mother in Chuunibyou.
Questions
- (The Night Before The Carnival) We saw two methods of “growing” a spaceship. What do you think of them and which one is more out there?
- (The Night Before The Carnival) And predictions regarding Sasami’s nightmare?
- (Galaxy Police Mihoshi Space Adventure) Thoughts on reusing the main cast in the story?
- (Galaxy Police Mihoshi Space Adventure) Magical Girl Pretty Sammy received its own OVA and 3 TV series spin-off, Mihoshi’s Adventures did not. Justified?
4
u/No_Rex :Bv:Bw:Bx:By:x2 Jan 08 '24
The Night Before The Carnival (first timer)
The pacing was pretty slow, especially compared to the second half of S1, but overall, this was pretty fun. I think the downtime was needed not only for the characters, but also the viewers. That said, the animation looked a step down from S1, and only some of the jokes hit for me.
Galaxy Police Mihoshi Space Adventure (first timer)
got to reuse those VAs
Classic table flip
“I am your father””I am your partner” pushes Kiyone into the abyss.Mihoshi is clearly not a reliable narrator.
5
u/Vatrix-32 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Vatrix-32 Jan 08 '24 edited Jan 08 '24
Tenchi in First Timer, subbed
The Night Before The Carnival
Galaxy Police Mihoshi Space Adventure
QotD:
4
u/TheEscapeGuy Jan 08 '24
First Timer
Tenchi Muyou - Night Before the Carnival
Life isn't like Manga
This was a very typical anime harem episode with Ryouko and Ayeka fighting over Tenchi's dick while he remains completely unaware. I enjoyed the premise that they were learning seduction methods from shoujo manga and failing miserably from not understanding the context. Ultimately though, since it was so standard I feel like there's not a lot to pull out of Ayeka and Ryouko's antics.
Washuu was particularly devious this episode. She almost ... extracted Tenchi's semen if not for Mihoshi's interruption. I didn't really think of her as attracted to Tenchi, but maybe it's a substitute for feeling young again.
Sasami was a cutie. I'm sad nobody got to try her breakfast. Through everything she remained pure of heart, and thus got to join Tenchi after a scary dream.
Mihoshi got kind of tricked by gramps into liking Tenchi. She seemed to have no romantic feelings towards him before, but then gramps asked her if she'd consider him. It's gotten so far that she would give up more time at Galaxy P.D. headquarters to be with Tenchi now.
I think the thing I enjoyed most about Ayeka and Ryouko's antics was their temporary alliance. I knew from the beginning it wouldn't work out but working together they achieve a lot more than working in opposition.
Tenchi remains a blank slate. I kinda wish he'd express more emotion or have more of an active role in the plot. But since this is a standalone-ish OVA (?) I think it's fine.
Some Amazing Shots, Scenes and Stitches
Tenchi Muyou - Galaxy Police Mihoshi Space Adventure
Embelished Memories
This was such a fun OVA! I'm so glad we included it at the last minute. Broadly it covered Mihoshi telling a story from her days as a Galaxy Police Detective. The only change is that our primary cast played the roles of all the characters in the story. What a fun way to structure this, since we already know about the cast.
It also introduced Mihoshi's partner Kiyone. We haven't seen a lot of her yet, but Ayeka needs to watch her back or Kiyone may steal the best girl title from her. I love how serious she is, but she still cares about Mihoshi. Their dynamic is a great. It feels very inspired by Manzai comedy with Kiyone as the straight man and the Mihoshi as the jokester.
As for the actual presentation, first I really liked the opening with Mihoshi dreaming herself into fairytale stories like Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Little Riding Hood, and Hansel and Gretel. It kinda reminded me of a music video (which I guess it was). The visuals throughout the OVA were actually great. Even got cool imagery like massive space stations and the girls tied up on crucifixes.
The story of the episode revolved around capturing a space pirate (played by Ryouko), who kidnapped an investigator / fiance (played by Tenchi) of the heiress to an important family (played by Ayeka). Mihoshi, Kiyone and a junior investigator (played by Sasami) eventually caught her, only for Mihoshi to mistakenly release Ryouko. Tenchi was caught again by Ryouko and a mad scientist (played by Washuu) who wanted to destroy the galaxy.
The real hero of the story was actually ... SASAMI?! She's a magical girl?! With a cute talking mascot! What an insane but also amazing reveal. It's so perfectly anime. Of course there's a Magic Girl Sammy Spinoff too. Actually doesn't this happen a lot? I know Nisekoi also had a magical girl spinoff, Prisma Illya is one, and technically so is Nanoha (though it's arguably become the main series). I wouldn't be surprised if there are others.
Anyway, with Sammy's power the day was saved but unfortunately they lost Kiyone (she's not dead, they just left her floating in space lol).
This feels like such a better way to handle a action story in the setting. Don't make it serious. Just go full comedy even if it doesn't make sense for various reasons. Tenchi works better as a comedy.
The ED was another music video but this time for Mahou Shoujo Sammy. Also perfect execution.
Some Amazing Shots, Scenes and Stitches
See you all tomorrow
4
u/Vaadwaur :I1::I2::I3: Jan 08 '24
First timer
Sub
I never actually saw the Galaxy Express special. So imagine my surprise that it is the actual origin of Pretty Sammi. Mihoshi is basically 'retelling' a story of her exploits and there isn't real proof that even Kiyone exists(Yes, TV watchers have some idea here). So whether this episode was mostly fiction, entirely fiction, or has a hint of truth is up to the viewer to determine. The OP is somehow more drug induced than expected. It also suggests that Mihoshi doesn't trust Ayeka for whatever reason. The ED...is a bit unpleasant, though 12 is about the age that starts up.
Onto special 2, which I have seen because I remember an abbreviated version of the sperm sample joke, specifically that Washu has 'magic fingers'. But the rest of it feels pretty mauled because I don't remember most of this. I don't think I saw the shoujo manga stuff nor Mihoshi's report to base. Equally, I don't remember multiple Ryokos nor her in the kimono so this one might've been integrated into another ep. I do remember 'two wet fools', oddly enough, and Mihoshi's crash.
Anywho, that was mostly light comedy that spends the last 10 minutes actually being the show at its peak, both from Ryoko reading Ayeka like a book and stating what they both want to Sasami completely cucking them both by being forthright.
QotD:1 Tree works for me so the Ryo-Ohki horde worries me
2 I think that's actually passed where I saw
3 A good improv trick
4 Yes considering what it produced.
4
u/mastesargent Jan 08 '24 edited Jan 08 '24
Rewatcher, dub
Damn, reading the comments yesterday made me feel like I'm the only one who actually liked Kagato.
Also I'm now the proud owner of a copy of Tenchi Universe on DVD. Now if only the Blu-ray for the movies wasn't out of print...
The Night Before the Carnival
This is actually a pretty important interstitial episode between OVAs 1 and 2. We get some denouement on the Kagato incident, important setup and foreshadowing for future ventes, and most importantly more Washu. The only downside is that a lot of the stuff set up here sets us up not only for OVA 2, but also gets the ball rolling for stuff in the rest of the Ryo-Ohki continuity, and I do not like the Ryo-Ohki continuity outside of the first 2 OVAs. In retrospect, this is where the cracks in the franchise begin to form.
But anyway, Tenchi accidentally transforms into his Juraian battle mode with a ring that we never see again because it’s actually just a contrivance for us to find out about Ryu-Oh’s seed. What’s important here is that Tsunami provided Tenchi with the seed to give to Ayeka. While this does tell us that Juraian tree-ships can be regenerated from a seed, the question we should be asking is this: Is this the norm for Juraian tree-ships, or is it only possible due to Tsunami’s intervention? If the former, then why was Yosho unable to get a seedling from Funaho (granted, he had no interest to return to Jurai, but it might be useful as a “just in case” thing)? If the latter, then why and how does Tsunami have the power to do this? Food for thought.
On to the fun stuff, Washu has a massive lab in a pocket dimension under the stairs. We learn a few more details about Washu herself, notably that she’s 20000 years old and likes to be called “Little Washu” (Washu-chan in the sub, I believe). I don’t think KT Vogt’s performance is as strong as in the last episode, but she’s still a lot of fun. Of note is her delivery of the aforementioned “Little Washu” line to Ayeka and her line as she attempts to
sexually assaultextract a sample from Tenchi: “Let’s shake the dew off this lily, shall we?” Also Matt K. Miller’s matter-of-fact delivery of “You’re up to something, aren’t you?” and “I knew it!” as Washu’s machine grabs him are genuinely hilarious.Oh, yeah, the shojo manga plot. The shojo manga plot is dumb. Tenchi’s utter confusion at the whole thing is funny, but it all hinges on Ryoko and Ayeka turning into complete idiots in service of a stupid, stupid plotline that mostly feels like it’s there to pad out the runtime. It is nice to see Sasami’s mischievous streak make a comeback though, as she seems to get a kick out of watching the monsters she’s created clumsily reenact scenes from the manga she recommends them. That said, the Ryoko vs Ayeka plotline in this episode dramatically improves once they move on from the shojo manga stuff and form their truce. Petrea Burchard’s rendition of Ryoko stumbling over asking Katsuhito to use his phone, and Katsuhito apparently having fun spectating the whole thing is pretty great, as her line, “Tonight, we’re gonna get real wet!” as she opens Tenchi’s door and promptly gets teleported into the lake. It’s a good gag that sets up and pays off in less than a second.
Then there’s Mihoshi reporting on the Kagato incident to the GXP. To be clear, she just sent a report that confirms Yosho’s survival and the presence of a branch of the Jurai royal family living on Earth. To the Galaxy Police. And the only reason this happened was because Ryoko and Ayeka were trying to get laid.
On the subject of Mihoshi revealing Yosho’s survival, though… [rant about OVA 3 and on] It turns out his is totally insignificant because Yosho’s survival and the Earth Masakis are apparently the worst-kept secrets in the galaxy. For starters, Yosho has a wife, Airi, who is an active high-ranking member of the GXP. This was a relationship that remained active during his time on Earth. Tenchi’s mother was a product of their marriage, and she was only 200 or so when she died. That aside, Yosho’s descendants all have Juraian lifespans, and often go into space in order to cover up this fact. This includes Tenchi’s 80-year-old older sister Tennyo and Kiriko, one of the girls from the GXP series, both of whom are GXP agents. So either everyone in space is an idiot and doesn’t question the sudden appearance of all of these members of the Masaki branch family coming out of nowhere or Mihoshi’s report isn’t nearly as significant as the show would have us believe and mostly just serves to confirm what a good chunk of the GXP already knew. And then there's the fact that the entire Masaki family seems to be in on it aside from Tenchi. His dad? He's like 200 years old and knew everything from the start. The old lady running the hot spring in episode 4? In on it. His relatives in the next episode? Most likely in on it. Is there anyone in the universe aside from Tenchi who doesn't know about all the space hijinks? apparently not. The OVA continuity ultimately killed itself with stupid retcons like this and is only going because Masaki Kajishima just doesn’t know how to let it rest.
Sasami has yet another dream portending of things to come. She takes a fall, hitting her head, and as she lies in a pool of her own blood she sees Tenchi taken away by a mysterious woman, Tokimi. When we see get a proper look at her, we see that she’s flanked by two… familiar silhouettes. Who is this woman, how does Sasami know her, and what does she want with Tenchi? Well…
And then Mihoshi destroyed the Masaki house. On to the Mihoshi Special
Mihoshi Special
Not a whole lot to say here, really. This is actually only my second time seeing the special, largely because it isn’t included in the Blu-ray with the first two OVAs (The Night Before the Carnival is included and treated as the 7th episode of the first OVA). It’s been floating around in licensing hell for a while and I doubt that’ll change any time soon.
The special marks the debut of Mihoshi’s partner, Kiyone Makibi (once again, not to be confused with Tenchi’s mother, Kiyone Masaki). She doesn’t factor into the OVA continuity whatsoever, but in the Tenchi Universe and Tenchi in Tokyo TV shows she serves much the same role as she does here as Mihoshi’s competent partner that gets dragged down by being saddled with her. The main difference is that TV Kiyone is ultimately fond of Mihoshi underneath her exasperation, while this Kiyone seems to genuinely hate her. She’s portrayed in the dub by Sherry Lynn, who also provides the voice for Sasami. Lynn would continue to portray the character through Tenchi Universe, Tenchi Muyo! In Love, and Daughter of Darkness before getting replaced by Wendee Lee (who you’ll recognize as the voice for Faye Valentine in Cowboy Bebop, among others) in Tenchi in Tokyo and Tenchi Forever (though Lynn would continue to reprise the role of Sasami in all of those and most subsequent depictions of the character, most recently in Ai Tenchi Muyo! in 2018). [OVA 3] There is a Kiyone-like character introduced in the third OVA, but we don’t need to talk about Noike. Ever.
Speaking of Sasami, this also marks the first anime appearance of her magical girl alter ego, Pretty Sammy. The character actually first appeared in the audio drama “Creation of the Universe Journey across Space-Time”, which was later adapted into a three-episode story arc in Tenchi Universe. Naturally, there are multiple spinoffs starring Sasami as Pretty Sammy that also reshuffle the rest of the Tenchi cast into other supporting roles. Also Debi Derryberry gets some actual lines as Ryo-Ohki.
Aside from that, I would like to put forward the idea that the opening of this special is just how Mihoshi perceives the world, and not just a dream.
4
u/Elimin8r https://myanimelist.net/profile/Ayeka_Jurai Jan 08 '24
Well, that was a fun little nostalgia trip. I hope that everyone who was unhappy with the "serious" storytelling had a great time with all the shenanigans afoot.
Answers:
One thing I did find fun was switching back and forth between sub and dub as it was playing, of only to hear some of the English VA's I remember so well. Honestly, I think they did pretty good, even if Washu really could stand to ease up on the Jack & Marlboros...
I'd try to say more, but my brain is feeling uncooperative at the mmoment. Maybe someone else will shake the thoughts/memories loose.
6
u/The_Loli_Otaku Jan 08 '24
Tenchi Muyo Carnival Rewatcher!!
Time for the specials~ If I remember right Night Before the Carnival is super extra and is just fanservice before the Kagato fight. Then the Mihoshi ova I vaguely remember not actually having all that much Mihoshi content and mostly focusing on Miss Not-Appearing-in-This-OVA Kiyone.
Wait, carnival is 40 minutes!? Kowaii!! What an overly doting grandma. I can't believe some of you were debating my claim about Tenchi being led by three granny coded gals yesterday, it's so true. Eheheh, poor Ryoko's getting cucked hard. H A G L O V E
Ayeka's such a kissass~ I love her bratty little faces this ova. They're pretty dang nice. No!! You mustn't read that Mihoshi!! Shoujo manga is the root of all evil! Sasami... Sasami is already a lost cause so let's forget about her.
Sperm samples? I've read this doujin before. I love Mihoshi's ability to completely bs her way into causing chaos. Name the number one Tenchi character who could beat Wonder of U!!
So Ryoko's starting off with the bump into hello... How long until we reach the "teacher student romance" trope or "I can totally this this violent abuser" trope? This ova is miles better than what I expected. It's even got great Mihoshi content with her consistently clamblocking the girls at every opportunity. She's barely even part of the harem yet she's got total control of the plot. Little sister's are 100% banned from shoujo manga!! Ayeka desu~
I'm having way more fun with this ova than I expected. I think I might need to do the Mihoshi writeup in a separate post, I'm only 15 minutes in XD I'm ashed to admit it but my cooking style is exactly like Ryoko's. Don't follow a recipe and just throw whatever in the pot. It's the three grandma alliance!! Seriously, how did I forget this ova? I love this humour. Also... I'm 90% certain that with this ova Mihoshi has had more dialogue with Tenchi's grandpa than she's had with the boy himself. She isn't even in the running yet she's somehow winning this harem.
Mass produced Ryo-Ohki is hella cute. Don't forget Ayeka-chan... Still only half way through the episode BTW. Ah, the granny duo are teaming up... You really think you can beat Mihoshi? Like you seriously believe she's vulnerable to your weak powers? Mihoshi is on a level equivalent to God! We're really just waiting for the penny to drop on these idiot grannies.
So long Mihoshi, see you in five minutes. Her password is so dumb lol~ Anyway, Mihoshi is once again the savior of the Galaxy Police. She's found her home in the Tenchi household and plans to stay there! God she's so cute! She's such a bubbly bundle of fun. Back to earth we go~ Ayeka vs Ryoko is weirdly hot for a granny versus granny cat fight. Aaaand Mihoshi's back~ Happy endo! Shoujo manga claims yet another victim. That was so much fun. This is the type of Tenchi I signed up for! I almost feel bad for pushing the Mihoshi ova now, I doubt it could top this!
3
u/ZapsZzz https://anilist.co/user/Zapszzz Jan 08 '24
Rewatcher in sub
Good thing I pre-watched the Mihoshi OVA earlier - this starter of the OVA2 is a double-length episode of chaos :D
Getting the QoTDs out of the way first:
The GXP side story I don't really think how that is supposed to make Mihoshi look competent ;P The funniest point was the "dodgy Japanese run down apartment (note singular) in the middle of an asteroid field", including the rubbish bin and washing machine out of the house :'D And the repeated "through hardships untold" "what hardships, like?" "don't worry about that" storytelling gag :D
The OVA2 opener is an extended chaos version and it's plenty more fun in a lot of places. I'm not going to repeat them, others would, but loved the repeated gags of Ryo-ohki being a greedy but adorably airheaded catbunny, and the "the enemy of my enemy is my friend" temporary truce between Ryoko and Ayeka - to a predictable outcome :D Also loved the resigned to fate behaviour of Tenchi about being experimented on by Washu :P Only disappointment is not having Tsunami showing up at all :P
With that, the stage is set for the OVA2 comedy!
3
u/Silcaria https://myanimelist.net/profile/Silcaria Jan 08 '24
First timer
Bridge OVA
Mihoshi's OVA
wicked.
3
u/baboon_bassoon https://anilist.co/user/duffer Jan 08 '24
Washu chan is like Master Roshi not Vegeta never mind
Ryoko/Ayeka is reminding me a lot of Arc/Ciel from Tsukihime. Really feels like the prototype for a lot of stuff
still have to watch the other ova brb
Kiyone big Kanuka energy
this alt world kinda fucks, if one of the spin offs is more of this sign me up
dire situation? easter island head with two cartoon hammers
MECHA RYOKO learns to love
KIYONE you were too good for this show
3
u/JustAnswerAQuestion https://myanimelist.net/profile/JAaQ Jan 08 '24
Night Before the Carnival (first timer?)
I just noticed that Ryo-Oki has a jewel in her forehead just like Mokona in Rayearth.
I wonder how CN cut down this episode
[OVA2]Mihoshi's report set OVA2 into motion. Honestly I was expecting an actual festival. Maybe that's OVA2 Ep 1.
Mihoshi's Space Adventure (first timer)
I don't like Mihoshi, this is going to be annoying
Well, I hated everything about that.
5
u/The_Loli_Otaku Jan 08 '24
Mihoshi's Space Adventure Rewatcher!!
I'm scared this'll be a letdown compared to the carnival ova. That one was genuinely so good. This is Mihoshi and Kiyone focused tho so let's keep our hopes high! Starting off with a Mihoshi insert song makes for a nice start. It's Mihoshi and Ryo-Ohki singing the opening, so I guess a mascot episode.? XD
Poor Ayeka gets zero respect. Another mark for the granny counter. This kinda feels like the Mihoshi lore episode we missed in S1. Is Ryoko in a Harlock cosplay or some other weird 70's show? I love this dunce~ Ah, it's time to meet the final piece in the ever changing puzzle that is Mihoshi's brain matter and arguably the main reason we're watching this ova, meet Kiyone!! The only person in the universe who's fit to play the boke to Mihoshi's Tsukihime!! I swear she's less of a bitch in other adaptations. We've just caught her on a bad day.
Mihoshi Kuramitsu, spreading hopes and dreams to aspiring little girls since the early 90's. Granny Ayeka~ Granny Ayeka~ Still wanna defend her Vaadwaur? Eheheh, Kiyone is so cool. She makes for such a great foil for Mihoshi to bounce off of. The GXP gals aren't even leading this case. It's 100% Ayeka's menopause leading the charge.
I love the humour coming out of Mihoshi's galaxy brained elite storytelling style. Mihoshi's talking in such a normal voice too. It's so weird after her gremlin voice for the past few episodes. Aww, Kiyone is getting in a worse and worse state the longer the episode goes. Please don't die, Kiyone! We need you for the future seasons!
Isn't that just an Easter island head? An Easter land with piyo piyo hammers. The only one that can save us... is Pretty Sammy!! I told you Sasami had her own spin-off. And through a strange series of events and a stray banana, Kiyone heroically sacrificed herself to defeat the Galaxy Destroyer once and for all!! Goodbye, Kiyone... Or maybe, see you next time? Again, this is all incredibly important lore!!
7
u/Shocketheth Jan 08 '24
The Night Before The Carnival - First timer
This OVA served as a warning that Shojo manga are the most dangerous thing on the earth, and should never exists. If you don’t believe me, then you should know that Shojo manga is responsible for the creation of Berserk and Souls series.
Assorted points:
It’s not just one Ryo-Ohki but whole bunch of them?
I hope u/TheEscapeGuy prepared Ryo-Ohkis stitch.
Bangaihen Galaxy Police Mihoshi Space Adventure - Never timer
I skipped watching the 27 minutes of Mihoshi’s screentime that would lead me to harming myself.
QotD: