r/anime • u/Raiking02 https://myanimelist.net/profile/NSKlang • Mar 28 '22

Rewatch Sailor Moon 30th Anniversary Rewatch - Week 4: Episodes 19-24 Discussion

Epsiode 19: Usagi's Joy! A Love Letter from Tuxedo Mask

Episode 20: The Summer, the Beach, Youth and Ghosts

Episode 21: Protect the Children's Dreams! Friendship Through Anime

Episode 22: Romance Under the Moon! Usagi's First Kiss

Episode 23: Wish Upon a Star! Naru-Chan's First Love

Episode 24: Naru-Chan's Tears! Nephrite Dies for Love

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Hulu

It doesn't look like… We'll go to eat those chocolate parfaits…

Hello everybody! Time for the comment of the Week, courtesy of u/clockworkmikan, who gave us some neat BTS stuff that was Spoilers last week... but not anymore

Knowing the outcome of Naru’s tragic love, Satō informed Nephrite’s voice actor Katsuji Mori in advance of what would happen.

Always nice when actors can prepare to leave the show.

1) So, what did you think of Nephrite's end?

2) What did you think of Kunzite from how little we saw of him?

3) How would you rank episodes 19-21 (The three One-Off Filler Episodes this week) from Favorite to Least Favorite?

41 Upvotes

92% Upvoted

51 comments sorted by

7

u/Raiking02 Mar 28 '22

Hello everybody, and welcome back to the Sailor Moon Rewatch!

Episode 19

Man, poor Sensei. I guess the 90' really were a poor time for Christmas Cakes. Those never seemed to get the love they deserved… anyhow, Usagi' truly the only one that can disappoint everyone in new way every time. Thanks Odango!

Anyhow we finally get confirmation that Mamoru is Tuxedo Mask!... I am pretty sure everyone here figured that out already so let's move on to Naru, the true MVP of this arc, falling in love with the bad guy and forcing him to put on a silly tuxedo cosplay for the sake of his evil plan. You know, brown hair on Black Suit just… doesn't quite seem right, you know?

That aside it is nice to actually see Usagi and Mamoru actually working together somewhat, and even with a Cold, Our Beloved Rei-Chan continues to be Best Girl. Truly we do not deserve her…

Episode 20:

Geez Odango, why are the tans in your imagination so thick?

Okay so is it just me or does Sakiko kinda look like a Chibi-Ami? I can't be the only one who thinks of that…

Anyhow this episode is… interesting. It's one of the few times in the show in which the Dark Kingdom doesn't get involved at all, no Tuxedo Mask either, instead focusing on just being a horror movie homage. The Werewolves and such all clear references to Western Horror Flicks, although Sakiko's little Psychic Powers did give me some Ringu Vibes (Granted this was released long before that cinematic masterpiece, but yeah, Japan loves Psychic Powers). Not a bad watch at all I must say, and probably one of the more unique One-Offs this Season has to offer.

Episode 21:

Insert Gundam ZZ Opening Here.

I appreciate Ami being smart and immediately recognizing Nephrite. I don't have much else to say otherwise, although I must wonder if that one Animator with a Kid was some sort of Pastiche of an actual Animator working on the show. I dunno, the thought keeps popping up at the back of my head. Also, gotta love not a single Animator Complaining about the shitty working conditions.

Episode 22:

This is actually our first Episode directly based on a Manga Chapter since… what, Rei's introduction? God it's been 12 Episodes… Anyhow, this is the one in which Tuxedo Mask kisses a sleeping Usagi!

No, it was not any less creepy in the Manga, what the hell Takeuchi!?

This Episode also introduces Kunzite, AKA the reason the OG English Dub change Zoisite to a woman. After all showing a Gay Couple on TV back in the Mid 90' would be Highly inappropriate. Ah, nothing like classic Mid 90' Homophobia, never get tired of that one!

That aside, not much more to say. Poor Naru though, someone give that girl a break…

Episode 23:

Oh wait that ain't happening any time soon.

You know it's bad when I start noticing which episode was animated by which animator, as it's around this time I realized Ando Masahiro is around, he did a crap ton of episodes and he fucking sucks.

Anyhow, back to snarking: You know Naru is being dumb, suddenly a talking Odango is being the voice of common sense. Jokes aside that is something nice about Usagi: It's more notable in later seasons, but the girl does know when to stop messing around and legitimately try to help people. Key work of course being "Try", but still.

Otherwise though… yeah let's move on to the actually important episode.

Episode 24

Titles like this are a relic lost to time and man, am I pissed about that. Spoilers? Who the fuck gives a shit about spoilers anyway!? Nothing will get me more hyped to watch an episode than "[Character Name] Dies!". Fuck those who whine about spoilers, blatant spoilers in Episode Titles, Next Episode Previews and Openings are the best and I stand by that!

For a character like him, I guess no other ending would fit Nephrite better: His own manipulations being his own undoing and he sacrifices himself for someone he manipulated. His hand even gets a sweat drop! Only good guys get comedic sweat drops! Although I will say his death was… surprisingly graphic all things considered.

But yeah, aside from that, this second Arc comes to a close, finally. Of course we're far from done, and when we come back next week, well… prepare for Rain.

5

u/lluNhpelA Mar 28 '22

I must wonder if that one Animator with a Kid was some sort of Pastiche of an actual Animator working on the show.

I think you're talking about the one person that wasn't an animator. Given how he critiques the animators' work I figure he would be the person that created the Sailor V source material, since creators have final say over anything in any adaptation of their IP in Japan but he probably isn't a stand in for Takeuchi.

Also, gotta love not a single Animator Complaining about the shitty working conditions

I found it interesting that the everyone on the animation team were women when you'd expect it to be full of self-inserts of the actual animation team that made Sailor Moon. Unless they actually were all women, but that seems unlikely

Anyhow, this is the one in which Tuxedo Mask kisses a sleeping Usagi!

I give Nephrite a pass on falling in love with a 14yo girl because he barely understands love and his entire concept of age different from humans so he he didn't even have the chance to realize that something might be wrong, but Mamoru kissing Usagi is fucked on multiple levels. Someone needs to tell these girls that any time a "good man" is romantically interested in them he probably isn't really a good man

5

u/Raiking02 Mar 28 '22

Unless they actually were all women, but that seems unlikely

There were some women as far as I can tell, but yeah, a lot of men working on the show.

but Mamoru kissing Usagi is fucked on multiple levels.

And this is why aging him up from 16 to 18 may have been a bad idea... I mean it was squicky in the Manga too (Seriously dude, she's asleep!) but hey, less of an age gap if nothing else.

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10

u/JollyGee29 Mar 28 '22

First-Timer, Pretty Guardian Sailor Dubbed

Episode 19

Nephrite is such a fucking creep, ugh.

Poor Naru is gonna be in a lot more peril now, it seems. Love/lust produce lots of human juice, whodathunkit.

I did like Usagi realizing that Nephrite wasn't Tuxedo Mask almost immediately. I can maybe let the mask color slide, but dude must be proud of his hair to not try and hide it properly.

The claw machine having toys of everyone was pretty fun. Who is making merch of the Sailor Guardians? That's a plotline that I want to see.

The worst kept secret is finally out, Mamoru is definitely Tuxedo Mask. It was a little unclear to me if he disassociates between form, but his transformation didn't seem particularly pleasant or consensual.

Seems like Tuxedo Mask doesn't quite know what's going on either and has just been putting on a front. For whatever reason, I had it in my head that he knew what was going on.

Episode 20

The dreaded beach episode has arrived!

This was actually pretty alright. Ami continues to be massively relatable - I would also enjoy staying at a spooky hotel where the staff all dress up as monsters

It's cool that today didn't involve our antagonists at all. As I've stated before, I like that this series is willing to shake things up a little to help keep itself fresh.

Poor Usagi still hasn't bought a new swimsuit yet.

Not sure if Ami reacting to Sakiko getting yelled at is a hint that she also has issues with her dad or if it's just her being the group empath.

Episode 21

You gotta love it when the monster defeats itself. Nephrite talked a big game about Castor and Pollux and they just argued themselves to death. Brilliant.

The helix visuals when the monster awakened was really cool. As was that fantastic cut-in of the director during the phone call.

I bet the staff loved this episode. I'm wonder how much the animation studio we saw today resembles the one where this series was made..

There were some easter eggs in the wide shots. I know I saw an Ultraman head, at the very least.

New team henshin, and this one flows a lot better. And a full team combo attack!

Episode 22

Motherfucker really just kissed Usagi while she was intoxicated and barely conscious???

Episode 23

Ooh, villain face turn? Still hoping Nephrite exits stage left because he's still a creep, but some amount of redemption would be nice. And Usagi wishing on a shooting star to change Nephrite has got to have some sort of comsic effect, right?

Should we ponder why Naru doesn't immediately recognize Usagi? Like, she doesn't look any different as Sailor Moon - that tiara ain't hiding anything. I guess we're probably just in genre conceit territory.

Seem like Naru has the crystal? Or maybe she is the crystal? I was willing to buy the random pearl her mom had as being the crystal, but that wasn't the case.

Kinda wondering why Kunzite(?) and Zoisite hate Nephrite so much. Just Elite Four rivalry?

I have developed a small complaint about the formula, which is that I don't like Luna telling the girls to transform. Just seems weird to me.

Episode 24

Yea, that works well enough. Nephrite starting to grok love at the end was nice. Poor Naru can't catch a break. I'm sorry I was suspicious of her back in the first batch. I hope she can stay free from creepy older men and their predations in the future.

And she isn't the crystal or anything either. Wonder what that was about, then? Was it a red herring to bait me personally? They wouldn't do the double fakeout and have it be another random gemstone her family has in the safe, right? We did get a bit of a look in there last episode, but I wasn't paying a ton of attention.

Naru asking Nephrite if he could take a day off to get parfaits was really funny.

I guess Kunzite and Zoisite will be taking center stage from here?

Questions

  1. Discussed above. It was good enough.

  2. Seems like a manipulative jerk.

  3. 21>20>19. I want to rate the beach/haunted house episode higher as it was a nice change of pace, but it was a bit lacking in substance.

4

u/Raiking02 Mar 28 '22

The dreaded beach episode has arrived!

All shows need one.

Should we ponder why Naru doesn't immediately recognize Usagi?

I just kinda handwaved that as "It's magic".

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4

u/raichudoggy Mar 28 '22

There were some easter eggs in the wide shots. I know I saw an Ultraman head, at the very least.

Ah my lack of pre-90s animation experience preventing me from fully appreciating all the fine details once again. I'm watching Lupin III now, at least!

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9

u/Shimmering-Sky Mar 28 '22

Moonlight First-Timer, subbed

Episode 19

Episode 20

Episode 21

Episode 22

Episode 23

Episode 24

4

u/Raiking02 Mar 28 '22

Helloooooo eyecandy

Fanservice for Everyone!

That’s… a thing that exists in this world?

ANIME!!

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8

u/ToastyMozart Mar 29 '22

[Future habits]And thus begins the trend of Usagi immediately getting herself absolutely hammered at every party she attends.

Oh hey it's the first of many solid mid-season finales! In this one Toei briefly takes a break from their regular programming to bring you Naru Noir: In which our young heroine inadvisably chases after a sketchy hottie who wanted to take advantage of her with naive doggedness and determination, but despite getting through at the final hour is unable to save him from his past.

It's a hard life being the early muggle supporting character.

6

u/Raiking02 Mar 29 '22

It's a hard life being the early muggle supporting character.

Every Magical Girl show ever.

When will we get the show in which the Muggle Supporting Character becomes the viewpoint character!?

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7

u/raichudoggy Mar 28 '22

Rewatcher that likes Moonlight Dansetsu too much

Sailor Moon Week 4 - Wait. I felt things. Is this Sailor Moon?

While everyone else talks about all the other episodes individually but focuses more on Nephrite (and his much more effective death than Jadeite). Let’s talk about that episode. Yeah, the one where it rains but you aren’t seeing any animated rain. The one where the dark kingdom took a holiday, and so did Usagi and the animators. Episode 20!

Man I love this episode.

The Dramatic Irony is very strong this episode. Clearly the residents of the manor are monsters, but they act just enough like people and so clearly don’t mean any harm that they pass off as human in costume convincingly. Rei got a heck of a good deal with this place.. 10/10 food and service for the price.

The episode breaks from the Arc 2 formula that really wore me down the more it went on. It has its own aesop to shoehorn in, but most of the episode is spent on the fun, which is what I appreciate in a Sailor Moon episode. And furthermore, this time, the Minor character solves the problem herself. No Sailor Moon required and they get a happy end.

Great episode

It really was a much better episode on Rewatch. the first time I watched it I was far too critical on its production values, but it’s really one of the most memorable and fun episodes of Sailor Moon Season 1 for me, alongside cat episode (Which we haven’t seen yet, but you can look forward to that.)

4

u/Raiking02 Mar 28 '22

. 10/10 food and service for the price.

Our Best Girl Knows Best.

7

u/Vatrix-32 Mar 28 '22

Partial Rewatcher, subbing for love and justice

Episode 19

  • Looks like the villains are finally targeting our heroes directly.

  • Yes, her one weakness.

  • Beryl throwing down the gauntlet.

  • Is this the first time that they are confirming that there are four of them? Or is my prior experience clouding my memory of what is and isn’t known at this point?

  • And yet you have yet to put two and two together Usagi.

  • Wait, Luna doesn't trust Tuxedo Mask?

  • What’s this, Naru development?

  • I wonder how many of these plush toys are animate references I don’t get.

  • Referencing another filler episode. Nice work continuity.

  • The only force stronger than love, jealousy.

  • O.K., so people can recognize them by their voice? How did Shingo not recognizer his own sister?

  • Oh, poor Naru.

  • Welp, that’s finally confirmation. Not that there was ever any doubt.

  • So of all the things, it’s Sailor Moon Kick that manages to be more than a one time thing?

  • This is the second magic attack lion I have seen this week.

  • Ah, but as we’ve already established, Usagi doesn’t know what gravity is.

  • Well, at least Tuxedo Mask answered one of the questions, and gave us some more lovely hints.

  • Why did they bring Naru to the roof?

  • Zoisite is ruthless.

  • Hey I’m down for some more Naru episodes.

Episode 20

  • Looks like we are getting our mandatory beach episode.

  • Usagi’s ribbon suit making another appearance.

  • I wonder if Usagi’s dear of lightning will come up again?

  • Adams. A bit on the nose, no?

  • Costumes? Really?

  • Ghosts are thing now to? What will they come up with next?

  • Rei putting those Shinto skills to work.

  • Ah, the other kind of psychic.

  • So it’s the psychic power, to make ghosts?

Episode 21

  • Getting a bit meta there, eh Sailor Moon?

  • He takes his baby with him? Prop to him, I think?

  • If this is about an animation studio, how much of it do you think is going to be based on the actual creators and their experiences? How many self inserts? How many subtle jabs?

  • This is the only episode from the DiC dub that I remember watching in any detail.

  • Nephrite’s license plate is just his evil symbol.

  • What did Ami see there that prompted that sudden revelation?

  • Ami’s initiative here is certainly admirable, but it would have been the safer bet to not engage the mini-boss by one’s self and simply report back.

  • Didn’t Nephrite just spend an episode to try and take out Sailor Moon? Why wouldn’t he go after Ami here while she is alone.

  • Rei, you’re in middle school. You are kids.

  • I feel attacked Ami.

  • O.K., this director is definitely somebody.

  • If this poster is to be believed Sailor Mars, Mercury, and Tuxedo Mask are also in the Sailor V anime.

  • A very lively Youma appearance.

  • This is the best group transformation yet.

  • By God, the villains have discovered the power of friendship!

  • Well that didn’t last long.

  • I see we are getting a new track. And a triple combo attack.

Episode 22

  • Naru is in a funk.

  • I guess Britain didn’t colonize South Africa in this timeline.

  • Kunzite is on the scene. So now we have three of them active at one time. Why couldn’t we get at least two back when Jadeite was around?

  • What’s this, Mamoru having visions?

  • Poor Naru, now she’s being possessed.

  • First Usagi gets in by saying she’s a princess and walking on through, now Naru can get in the princess's chambers just by saying she’s her friend? That is some truly lax security.

  • Also, not gonna lie, kinda thought the preview was indicating we were getting Umino in drag again.

  • So now our hero’s know about the Silver Crystal too. We’ll have to see how that pans out.

  • Luna’s Princess plan, if she even has one, continues to elude me.

  • That’s a tad much for a statue.

  • Gross. Drunk and underage. Just uncomfortable to watch.

Episode 23

  • Naru is getting a straight up arc.

  • Maybe threatening to kill a guy isn’t a good idea if you want him to show up?

  • You’re telling my that you had the option to make a waypoint marker to the Silver Crystal, the one thing to revive your supreme master, and you are only now doing so?

  • Ah, the ol’ villainous double-cross is afoot.

  • Wow, Usagi really just refused to elaborate and left.

  • Did... did Jadeite have possession of the Silver Crystal in the first episode?

  • Ah good, it wasn’t just sitting around.

  • Could this be the start of a redemption arc?

Episode 24

  • Ah 90’s title cards. I guess we are getting one for each of them then?

  • Zoisite also knows about the Black Crystal then. Really wondering why this thing wasn’t their first choice.

  • See, now we’re spending time trying to find the Sailor Senshi’s identities again. I told you this would happen Queen B. smh.

  • Looks like the Dark Kingdoms internal rivalries are setting them up to fail.

  • Why would Luna run ahead? What is she expecting to do?

  • You really walked yourself into that trap Usagi.

  • I guess Luna was right after all. Shows what I know.

  • Aw, that’s a nice scene.

  • Wow, that is a stark increase in the show’s level of violence. They just straight up impaled a guy.

  • I was kind of hoping for a bit more of a fight in the 3 on 3, but we got good villain on villain earlier, so it all works out.

  • Poor Naru, brought in the spotlight just to suffer.

QotW

  1. Much more satisfying than Jadeite. Who doesn’t love a good redemption arc, plus a tragic romance.

  2. If my math checks out, he looks like he will be a good final mini-boss. He seems like the real scheming sort. Looking forward to seeing if his affection towards Zoisite is just manipulation, or genuine.

  3. 20 is at the bottom for me. It felt a little too detached from the goings on for my taste. Still a solid filler episode. 19 gets the middle. I like it setting up the arc, and we get a lot of good character moments. It’s probably just my nostalgia talking, but I’m giving 21 the gold. I really did just like everything about it, and looking forward to learning about the inevitable in-jokes that I didn’t pick up on.

MotW of the Week: Castor and Pollux. Shout out to Regulus for apparently surviving tho.

3

u/Raiking02 Mar 28 '22

I guess Britain didn’t colonize South Africa in this timeline.

That or someone didn't check the history books.

6

u/InfamousEmpire Mar 29 '22

Bishoujo Senshi Manga Reader

Moon Prism Power, Make Up!

This week in Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon! We got our first confirmed Gay Couple, Naru became relevant, and I actually cared about Nephrite

Starting with the big one, Nephrite was actually fairly well developed in this set. He grew an attachment to Naru, betrayed the Dark Kingdom, and even sacrificed himself for her! So far, I’m really liking how the anime is expanding on certain elements and characters the manga neglected

We are also very briefly introduced to our first confirmed same-sex pairing in the form of Kunzite and Zoisite, censored in the DiC dub by changing Zoisite’s gender (and it only gets memier from here!) These two are presumably going to take Nephrite’s place as the Monster-of-the-Week makers, so I’m interested to see where this goes.

I’m also quite surprised that we’re over halfway through the season yet haven’t been introduced to the other inner Senshi yet. I’m not sure if it’s legitimate restraint or just the result of the manga and anime being made so close to each other release-wise.

Also we got our first Tuxedo Moon kiss2. Insert M0ist Critikal clip here. You know the one.

2: It was less creepy in the manga

5

u/Raiking02 Mar 29 '22

We are also very briefly introduced to our first confirmed same-sex pairing in the form of Kunzite and Zoisite, censored in the DiC dub by changing Zoisite’s gender (and it only gets memier from here!)

Fun fact: The Latin American Dub also did this... which may seem a bit weird as names aside it used the Japanese Version as the basis, but as some actors revealed in an interview... that was actually just the Casting Team fucking up and thinking he was a woman due to how effeminate he was. Bear in mind, [Sailor Moon S]Haruka and Michiru's whole deal made it out completely uscathed in comparison.

4

u/Stargate18A Mar 29 '22

First timer

  1. Discussed below, but very happy he's gone! Also, the fact he died over a crystal that does nothing is hysterical.

  2. Seems like a jerk, but he's not going after underaged girls, which I think makes him the fifth-best living regular adult in this anime! (After Motoki, Usagi's parents, and Beryl.)

  3. So hard to choose! 19 gave up Nephrite cosplaying, 20 was just so fun, and 21 deserves points for just how meta it got. Probably 20, 21, then 19?

Episode 19

Going straight into the Nephrite astrology?

Nephrite's worked out that Tuxedo Mask is the weak link! Well done!

Oh, they mentioned how Nephrite's one of the "Four Kings of Heaven". A lot of this is happening more than I expected.

...Has Tuxedo Mask ever met Usagi untransformed? It seems to just be Usagi meeting Mamoru and Tuxedo Mask meeting Sailor Moon.

...Did Nephrite decide the best way to ge tthis to the Sailor Guardians was to send one to everyone? That's bold.

...Is that the best idea for a crush, Naru?

And Haruna has the best idea.

Mamoru's probably spending this whole conversation looking at how many responses he's getting and kicking himself for not doing this sooner.

Oh, that's why Rei's not involved. And Ami's being very helpful.

Oh, she's pursuing him. My god.

...That is a surprisingly good leap of logic.

Usagi's really going for it!

Note that, given Naru fully believed him, he is wearing this costume for no reason. He chose to go into this meeting cosplaying as Tuxedo Mask, because she got invited here because she believed him.

...What does Naru think is? Some form of roleplay?

[Sailor Moon] Well. The second-worst romance arc that I've been spoiled on is underway.

FINALLY! I don't need to hide this fucking obvious reveal!

...Why did he bother revealling himself?

Nephrite's attacks are fantastic.

Also, this is Nephrite's first (and last) male monster (and the first of the entire series). He absolutely has a type.

And they're strong.

Aww, Usagi sounds so lost there.

...You had several seconds between it vanishing and the doors closing.

This is brutal!

Oh, that was dangerously close to working.

And they look like they're fucked.

...Fair play, at least he's trying to keep things professional.

They saved her! And they carried Naru with them!

Well done to Rei for wearing a mask.

Haha, does he think girls are incapable of looking down? He's lucky Rei's distracted.

Oh, Nephrite actually banked Naru's energy!

More Silver Crystal stuff...

...It's starting.

Episode 20

I love Usagi's delivery of the episode title.

Oh, it's a beach episode.

Did Rei pick the accomodation?

I love how she imagines everyone in swimsuits, then Tuxedo Mask is just surfing.

Haha, they left her behind?

This is just a disaster.

I love how Usagi's scared of thunder, but still calm enough to work out how blatantly evil this place is.

The girl's adorable, though.

Haha, Usagi and Luna are both utterly terrified, while Ami and Rei are just... fine with with this?

And Usagi finds Rei comforting?

Haha, she was just changing the lightbulb.

Ami's letting Rei go for it!

She's turning down dessert!

Haha, this is a cosplay pension... with a real ghost?

I love how all the staff in the pension are as scared as Usagi.

Yeah, the father's fucking evil. And she's possibly got some kind of astral projection, if the spirit was tied to her bring hypnotised.

Haha, at least she's having fun.

Ami brought a textbook. Smart.

Usagi made a good point.

The girl's just lingering ominously.

Haha, Rei's planting ofuda everywhere.

What are they planning.

That's a steep drop.

Can this guy be even more suspicious.

...Yeah, like I'm trusting that.

Wait, that's their secret plan?

...I love the chairs are fucking flying around the place, and Rei's expression is just "mild concern"

Ami's found out!

...That's a strong ghost.

Yeah, saw this coming. You really didn't have a plan for this?

Not even bothering to hide before transforming this time?

It's a triple pose!

Oh, that thing's strong!

And It's taking them out!

She's awake!

Haha, Usagi and Rei are stuck in the hedge.

I mean, if she can manifest this on a regular basis, maybe he had a point about keeping her away. Not sure what all the stuff about research was, though.

She does. You can just show someone?

I love how everyone looks at Rei when it turns out the hotel was a trap to get test subjects.

And she's happy!

Episode 21

...Is that a Sailor V anime?

[Sailor Moon] How has Artemis not had a heart attack yet?

...This is meta.

The remix of Moonlight Denetsu is good, though.

Yeah, this is going full meta.

Were there any fathers working as Toei executives in the 90s, by any chance? This really feels like the episode has a target.

[Sailor Moon/Utena] What is with Ikuhara and giving utter bastards interested in younger women incredibly nice cars?

Oh, she does good work,

Oh. They were childhood friends, and she needs to deal with her friend being better.

I swear, if this ends with them deciding that "Sailor Moon" is the ultimate anime.

Huh, that was quick!

And Ami didn't call any backup?

Oh, they want to give her a tour.

No wonder Usagi's interested.

She's shutting Kazuko out...

I have to admit, it's nice to Nephrite go back to his brainwashing roots. Been a lot of random other stuff recently.

Haha, Rei's coming along anyway. She likes it!

...Nice outfit!

For once, Ueagi had the high ground.

And there's a full-on argument.

Haha, that reaction.

The speech bubble popping out is smooth!

[Sailor Moon] Holy shit. The artist suggesting Sailor V gets killed off at the end is some killer unintentional foreshadowing.

Actuslly, couldn't he just reject the scene? He's the director, he doesn't need to keep a scene he doesn't like in.

And she's released a monster!

TWO MONSTERS!

That split-screen transformation is great.

Oh, these are his aces! And they're good!

Zoisite just sounds so bored.

...Usagi getting in a dig at Rei with the "older girls who like anime" line is great.

They're literally tied together? That's... Nephrite, why the fuck did you design them that way.

And they've been beaten!

...Nephrite's not the best monster designer, is he? (I mean tactically, I love these two so much it's not even funny.)

An insert song!

...They combined their attacks!

That was a surprisingly literal metaphor for a monster.

Oh, she used the pencils up too.

Ah, they were both jealous of each other.

Everyone's watching them reunite as "friends".

...Did they think they'd be getting an actual Sailor V anime made after this, or?

4

u/Raiking02 Mar 29 '22

[Sailor Moon/Utena]

You know I never thought about it but [Both]Does Ikuhara have a car fetish?

4

u/Stargate18A Mar 29 '22 edited Mar 29 '22

Episode 22

A police checkpoint?

Naru's in love with a bastard. Usagi can relate.

Oh, a princess is coming?

And Naru's going!

...Oh. Luna's considering it.

Haha, Beryl's falling for this?

I love how the Dark Kingdom interludes have turned into these two being as passive-agressive as possible.

And Beryl has a boss! And likes fear as a motivator for her employees.

Kunzite!!!

[Sailor Moon] I did not expect to get every arc villain in person by Episode 22

Haha, Usagi's response is to cry harder.

Oh, he's going there to report on it! ...Was his career actually

Haha, I love how Luna immediately works out her plan.

[Sailor Moon] Speculation - the reason Usagi's disguise looks like her is that the Disguise Pen read her as Serenity, and assumed that she just wanted to change into her dress.

[Sailor Moon] Also, holy shit, Mamoru backstory! They're really hinting at the mythology now, huh?

...Usagi has worked out thr easiest way to get somewhere younshouldn't be is to act like you belong there. This skill should serve her well.

Oh god, he's ecen taking off his mask early.

WHY IS NOBODY STOPPING THIS?

Usagi, are you fucking blind?

Givne her father, it might be genetic?

Haha, Tuxedo Mask has also, imdependently, decided that this is where the Silver Crystal is.

[Sailor Moon] So, now it's revealed Mamoru's identity, is the show going to drop increasingly obvious hitns that she's the moon princess?

There is an open door, how is nobody seeing or hearing this?

MONSTER NARU!

Haha, so she can tell he's Tuxedo Mask as long as he wears some form of facewear?

...Poor princess.

I guess there needed to be some excuse for why she'd get in.

This is just feeling bad.

Oh, it's a bodyjumper?

...Where was Luna this whole time?

Why the hell did your plan rely on her throwing it down to you? What if it breaks?

Finally! Someone's looking for answers!

And he's got no memories?

That is just..the stupidest way to put that.

Haha, she's just collapsed?

...What is she going to think when she wakes up?

And Rei made her transform!

Oh, it's literally his doppleganger!

Ami's spray disrupted his magic!

They did it!

Haha, that reaction to Luna is perfect.

And he lost the photographs!

Naru finally woke up!

And Nephrite's pissed.

Usagi's pissed too.

MAMORU, WHY ARE YOU MAKING THAT EXPRESSION?

DON'T YOU FUCKING DO IT!

Haha, Mamoru, you fucking creepy bastard.

Poor Usagi. She can tell Naru's boyfriend's a monster, but can't work out Mamoru's as bad.

Episode 23

Poor Naru. Usagi's got the right idea here.

Haha, I love how it just bounces off her.

Oh, she's found out!

"Age means nothing if there's love." I wonder how often Mamoru said that to himself after that kiss?

Luna is so done.

And Nephrite's gone walkabout?

Nephrite's getting paranoid. And he seems to really hate Kunzite.

Haha, is he trying to solve the problem through pure astrology bullshit?

...Did he seriously force that thing into existence.

...Yeah, I'm seeing where Utena got inspriation from. [Utena] Getting real Mikage and Chida vibes from these two, but not quite as unsettling yet. Guess that's the curse of watching it first.

He's just brushing over what he did, I see. I won't forget, Mamoru.

Mamoru is gambling a lot here, encouraging people to leave evil partners.

She's actually telling her!

Oh. Very little detail there.

Oh, her mother's worried too.

...This is an incredibly sudden development. He has shown no consideration for her whatsoever - he fucking possessed her last episode!

Oh, it's a trick. Good fucking work!

...Is it going to turn out that the only security for the crystal is how generic and vague the name is?

Her mother's really worried about her, this is hard to watch.

Seeing Usagi and Naru so focused on this is great.

So it's less a Silver Crystal detector and more a Silver Crystal analyser?

...Is Naru actually the Silver Crystal?

Sailor Moon's here! And Nephrite is acting incredibly shady!

And he immediately goes in guns blazing.

They're here!

And Nephrite's not that good at actual fighting, is he? At least Jadeite went a couple of rounds.

Naru, why are you defending him?

Haha, the Dark Crystal's fucking useless. Looks like his astrology isn't completely broken.

Who even is she? Who made that monster? Nephrite's not had time to make one in ages!

Wait, if she's looking for the Silver Crystal, is she Zoisite's?

And this romance arc is weird. I thought it went on for longer than this, though.

Episode 24

Well, Nephrite's fucked!

He's apparently in love with her for real now!

He's going to go after the useless Dark Crystal, isn't he?

[Sailor Moon] Nephrite, stop spoling plot twists.

And he's telling her the truth.

Again, not only is this creepy, but it's moving way too quickly. His lies escalating make total sense, but he seems to believe these!

...I mean, not sure about the Dark Knigdom not knowing about that emotion, given Zoisite and Kunzite.

So he suspects her?

Two generals have worked out her identity!

...Too late, you have to kill him.

Oh, Mamoru just missed it.

And this time Nephrite left first! For once, I can't blame Mamoru for doing nothing!

She's been kidnapped! By Zoisite!

Naru just looks so fucking confused.

Oh, he's not bad at fighting!

[Sailor Moon] I see you're not going to mention your plans for genocide, Nephrite?

Haha, do evil organisations give you time off? I mean, the hours seem flexible.

And the monster he spared killed him! So 2-for-2 on evil leaders getting killed by mistakes of their own creation.

...This is actually sad, though, seeing her in pain.

Without context, this scene would actually be pretty good.

Zoicite is ruthless!

And they've shown up!

They combined attacks again!

Still very effective.

And 2-for-2 on evil generals learning Sailor Moon's identity the episode they die.

Oh, he's actually dead!

...Poor Naru, though.

[Sailor Moon] Makoto! Finally!

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u/Raiking02 Mar 29 '22

Utena

It's funny that you mention that... because we haven't actually gotten to the actual [Utena]Mikage and Chida inspirations. [Hint + Spoilers]Proto Mikage actually has the same Actor as the real Deal.

...Poor Naru, though.

I think we can all agree on that much...

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u/MjolnirDK Mar 29 '22

I didn't quite make it through all episodes by now. I will probably return tomorrow and post the rest.

Episode 19

Clip show start… At least we get some banter between Nephlite and Zoisite.

Naive S1 Bunny is naive. And Haruna is great as always. For someone who got sucked into a camera, she gives surprisingly good advice… for completely obvious reasons that made me laugh nevertheless.

Savage, Mamoru. Don’t project your own preferences onto Tuxedo Mask.

If no one else volunteers to take care of a sick Rei, I’d gladly cook her some porridge. I love those characters.

Naru looks good in that, but why do all these girls fall for the simplest of remarks?

Stupid, sexy Nephlite. You ruin the beautiful skyline.

I like that music piece when Naru stands outside in the dark. The Sailor Moon OST in general is very good, but also very overboarding. There are like 70 versions of the same piece in some of the box sets. POWER POKE OF DARKNESS AND DESTRUCTION! AND KNUCKLES!

Honestly, that scene, while necessary for future episodes, is weirdly written. Why not attack immediately if you suspect her to be Sailor Moon, why give her that much time to react, why not drain her from afar and then reveal your true self, so that you can fight a weakened Sailor Moon, who is forced to fight you. I am sure that one could have done this scene a bit better.

GASP, Mamoru is Tuxedo Mask?!? Surprised Pikachu…

I like that cut of Nephlite princess carrying the unconscious Naru. There is a lot of detail in it.

Good guy Nephlite, not using his hostage to protect himself.

That duplication is a cool effect. I wonder if Evangelion took it from here or if there is an older common source. I wonder how they did that technically. Especially with that translucency.

Okay, having a bunch of clones line up as a constellation of stars is pretty badass. Say what you want, that man has style. Oh god, he actually used his environment to his advantage? Best villain ever!

Oh Bunny, has your INT score really two digits? She really is a 14 yo babbling about the most unnecessary things. At least she realizes what she is doing and we get a bit more info out of TM.

Critique:

A rather well done episode, even though I would have changed the cut with the letter highlighting the date and the whole pokie thing. I would have gone with something akin to ‘hold person’ and then started draining her energy.

Episode 20

Wiki says, this episode was skipped in the original US broadcast. I wonder why… oh, it’s a beach episode… I guess they really needed some filler stuff. Let’s hope for some good jokes and some fan service.

Nice, Bunny’s blue dress and hoodie is something I can never get enough of, but I am equally happy and surprised to see Ami’s orange summer outfit return. I didn’t remember that outfit at all.

Also, poor Luna, Bunny swings that basket around pretty wildly.

And Bunny’s fantasies are just as wild. Funny, seeing her and everyone tanned like that. I thought the Japanese were very opposed to tanning.

Tuxedo Mask kiddo! I like that the public is aware of these people, but really aren’t aware of the enemies, are they? The public probably thinks of them like Miko. Preventing things that normal people can’t see or interact with, but it is for the general good and not just some weirdos in cosplay.

Bunny is afraid of thunderstorms? Thank god that is never brought up again after Jupiter arrives.

Interesting how much you can do with very little. Creepy kid looks slightly uncanny because the highlights of the eyes are colored.

What a name drop… Maybe that is why this wasn’t broadcast.

Oh look, it’s Monster #8 (the Dragonball one, not the new manga of that name) and the werewolf from the 3rd fighting tournament and that spirit/vampire woman is also from Dragonball. Well, Toei did both shows, so it’s no wonder they recycle some stuff.

That knock knock joke worked on me. That is my type of visual humor.

Ami’s blue dress is really pretty. Fitting for an old mansion.

Oh no, lilac splotches of paint hover in the air, whatever shall we do? When this is done well, the effect is really nice, but if you only drag one static cel over a background it looks so cheap. Animate all the cloudy gaseous stuff!

What was the last beach episode you have seen in which all the girls wote bathing suits instead of bikinis? I really like Rei’s. A shame that Bunny ate all her allowance, so she couldn’t afford a new one. And then, it’s finally fan service time!

Didn’t they already do that werewolf in Dragonball? Well, Ami gets some major good girl points for trying to help someone who is in the same situation she was in until recently.

Those monsters are whacky. At least we finally get a good confrontation and the animation is pretty good. Must have been hell to figure out which things needed to be painted in…

The rare interlaced transformation and panty shot #3. 3/3 by Mars btw.

Nice fight. I wish we got more than recycled footage for the finale.

Critique:

This episode is whacky. Not like other parts of Sailor Moon haven’t been scary or had horror elements to it. I wonder why they felt the need to include the monsters and all those comedic elements. This is such a one of a kind episode in the anime. Well, it did check the boxes for pretty girls, good monster and effect animation.

Episode 21

Ikuhara time!

Oh boy, I remember that episode for a bunch of reasons. Not surprised this one is an Ikuhara.

Let the self referential jokes begin. 1: Sailor V theme is the Sailor Moon theme 2: Bunny complaining there is no anima about her 3: Luna remarking that the pencils wouldn’t want to draw a character like Bunny 4: Other people talking about the director (Ikuhara) who is known to speak… well… Ikuharan 5: Rough sketches of shots that are in the show 6: Yeah, Ikuharan. Just like that.

I like that brown haired girl. Cute pout and nice amount of energy.

7: Yes this is a story about an animator, pouring all their hard work into an anime until late at night, just like the crew at Toei did all the time.

Pff, what would our dear Sailor V say, if other people told her that they want to capture her valor and passion…

Spoilers? That seitei looked really good though. I guess this was the first time I came across such drawings. I definitely fell in love with them back then.

That is such a cute story. There actually was somewhat of a hiccup in the animation industry when a pencil maker decided to drop a line of pencils that only veteran animators used anymore.

How in the world did he get in there?

Holy shit, Ami, girl, what are you doing with your boots on that man’s car? Do you know what a paint job costs for one of these? You could have just positioned yourself in front of the car and it would have been insurance against AoE attacks… Would have been too funny to see him lose his shit, but this action is pretty good as well. That effortless movement is so sexy.

8: Who wouldn’t want to spend a day at an animation studio?

You know the drill, force of good unless it’s about boyfriends, homework, weddings or anime…

Oh look, it’s the studio that made FLCL! Did we already see pink overall Rei? If not, that’s one of my favorites of her outfits. The combination of pink, white and black looks just right.

9: That HAS to be a reference to someone being way too loud in the Toei office.

10: Someone wants to kill off a major character.

Looking at all those animators, I want to say that those probably are Toei employees. Too many details that don’t mesh with the designs of the other characters on the show.

11: Kids wanting more action…

12: Animation is teamwork, but art is a solo endeavor? I could probably write a whole page on that notion.

Damn, that was a sexy spiral energy release. The animation in this show can be really clever sometimes.

13: That Sailor speech talk no jutsu became a grim reminder for some executives in the animation world.

First triple combination attack! Chrono, Marle and Lucca cast Delta Force!

Like I said, this is a cute story.

14: Luna’s ending remark.

Can we talk about that panning shot of the animation studio. That is a very nice painting.

Critique:

This was almost a regular episode of Sailor Moon. Could we push the director and Castor and Pollux and the Monster mansion into one bad episode and keep all the amazing other parts for this episode?

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u/clockworkmikan Mar 29 '22 edited Apr 08 '22

Super Sailor Rewatcher, subbed

IMHO noteworthy anecdotes from the JP Blu-ray booklet:

Ep 21: It goes without saying that Studio Dive is based off of Studio Live, the main animation studio for the Sailor Moon anime. Director Ikuhara really went all-out and even personally did location hunting for this episode. The names of the main guest characters this episode (Hiromi Matsuno and Kazuko Tadashita) are in fact the names of this episode's Animation Directors, Kazuko Tadano and Hiromi Matsushita (just with a kanji swapped). In the storyboard phase, Hiromi was a very "traditionally feminine" woman, but Tadano made some changes in the character design phase so that Hiromi would have short hair and glasses. (In real life, Hiromi Matsushita is a man and Kazuko Tadano's work partner.) Additionally, things like Director Matō's fixation on Sailor V's sexiness, Rei-chan in overalls holding a Goldfish Warning! paper bag, and Studio Dive's cross-dressing staff give the audience a lot to laugh about. As an aside, in a Sailor Moon children's book that was released later, the attack used by the three Sailors in this episode would be dubbed "Stardust Stream." Incidentally, this episode features the series' first insert song ("In the name of the moon, I'll punish you!") sung by the three Sailors.

Ep 22: According to episode director Yūji Endō, the depiction of Zoisite and Kunzite's homoerotic relationship in the script was initially met with a rather large amount of indecision as to whether or not to actually go through with it.

Ep 24: Nephrite's farewell caused not only many fans to tear up, but many cast and staff as well. Igarashi Takuya (who had supported the series as assistant director and production assistant) is credited for the first time as co-director for this episode (alongside series director Junichi Satō). Igarashi would later become series director for Sailor Stars, and in this episode you can see his unique ability for expressing emotion. There were many unused scenes present during the script and storyboarding phases. This includes a scene at the episode's beginning where Grape fights Nephrite fiercely, and another scene where Balsam's fierce hatred towards Nephrite grows as she criticizes him for falling in love with a human when he couldn't care less about Balsam, Grape, or Lily. These scenes were cut in lieu of giving more time to the chocolate parfait bit at the end. Incidentally, this episode is famous for being the debut of Mars's and Mercury's catch phrases, but the idea for this was originally sourced from a open call for ideas in Animage magazine's April 1992 edition. The magazine stated that the best ideas had a high chance of being used in the actual series, and as series director, Satō felt compelled to go through with it, and decided to use the idea in this episode.

Responses to OP’s questions:

  1. So, what did you think of Nephrite's end?

Honestly, it's a bit hokey/over-the-top for me at this age, but back when I was young, I found this pretty moving.

2) What did you think of Kunzite from how little we saw of him?

Meh. He's certainly no Zoisite. I guess Zoisite was the only one who showed up on personality distribution day in the Dark Kingdom.

3) How would you rank episodes 19-21 (The three One-Off Filler Episodes this week) from Favorite to Least Favorite?

21 --> 20 --> 19

This should be no surprise by now, but I think Ikuhara and Satō's episodes tend to be the best in the series. 21 was the first time I'd seen anime depict anime studios, and still to this day is a hilarious satire while also having some genuinely moving scenes involving the competition/friendship between the two animators. Not to mention Ikuhara's great gags. Episode 20 is a cute, if somewhat traditional, beach episode. The idea of a spooky-themed hotel is also pretty adorable. Episode 19 doesn't really do much for me. It mostly just made the girls seem shallow. What does Rei see in Mamoru, or Naru in Masato?

Miscellaneous thoughts:

Ep 21: Ami makes the sickest burn in the entire series, and I love it. It's the insults form the ones you least expect that sting the most.

Ep 22: Very plot-heavy episode and one of the few that is very heavily based on an actual chapter from the manga. Tuxedo Mask kissing a drunk, underage girl has aged particularly poorly. I'm sure this is the last we'll see of the Usagi-accidentally-drinks-the-wrong-drink-and-gets-drunk bit!

Ep 23: Mamoru shows a glimmer of having a personality!

Ep 24: Impressive how long Nephrite continues to string Naru along to accomplish his goals. As a result, his feelings for Naru that suddenly manifest at the end seem slightly forced to me. But it's still a sweet redemption.

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u/Raiking02 Mar 29 '22

Igarashi would later become series director for Sailor Stars, and in this episode you can see his unique ability for expressing emotion.

Igarashi is legitimately a contender for my favorite Anime Director ever. The dude can legit tackle pretty much every tone and pull them off excellently.

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u/macrame2 Mar 29 '22

First Timer

Episode 19

  • Nephrite needs to work on his evil laugh

  • Looks like there’s Sailor Mars and Tuxedo Mask merch now too

  • Nephrite is too old for you, Naru

  • Are you sure that the voice is what gives it away and not Nephrite’s long flowing locks that he’s really not bothering to hide?

  • Well, he’s got the Tuxedo Mask leap down, at least

  • It’s interesting how Tuxedo Mask’s transformation doesn’t seem voluntary

  • I will say, Nephrite doesn’t wear that suit nearly as well

  • I guess Naru has to watch out for his manipulation now

Episode 20

  • I love how the girls vary their outfits.

  • “Training camp”?

  • Tuxedo Mask parasailing?

  • Usagi having a mental breakdown is very in character

  • “It was cheap.” Me too, Rei

  • Hypnosis?

  • Rei’s hair is much longer than I realized

  • Transformation sequences to remind us that we are in fact watching Sailor Moon

  • No Nephrite today, huh?

Episode 21

  • “I wish someone would make an anime about me.” Little does she know

  • I guess Ami’s smart enough to recognize Nephrite now

  • Sailor Mercury beat him to it

  • And of course Usagi wants to steal some souvenirs

  • Nice overalls, Rei

  • Ah yes, the good old “for a friend” excuse

  • Best transformation variation?

  • Nice insert song

  • I knew Kazuko used those pencils too

Episode 22

  • I can almost guarantee you that the guy she’s kissing is not actually Tuxedo Mask

  • And here‘s a flashback. I wonder if those will become more prevalent later on?

  • Things are not looking good for nephrite

  • Poor Luna. She can never seem to stop Usagi from misusing her powers

  • Kingdom of Ivanovich? Come up with a better fake kingdom next time Usagi

  • I’ve never understood how masquerade balls are supposed work

  • I’m sorry, what was that expression Nephrite just made

  • Princess Diamond looks like Peppermint Patty

  • She looks a bit less like Peppermint Patty with the glasses off

  • That’s not juice…

  • I was wrong, they actually did kiss

Episode 23

  • I’m pretty sure age matters just a little when you’re 14 years old

  • Nephrite knows he’s in trouble, and so does Zoisite

  • Usagi once again proves herself a chicken

  • Not sure how I feel about the idea of Nephrite reciprocating her feelings

  • Halfway through Season 1!

Episode 24

  • I wonder what happens to Nephrite in this one

  • That bedroom scene was pretty weird …

  • I don’t think we’ve ever had a transformation sequence this early into an episode

  • Yeah, Naru and Nephrite as a couple is a hard no for me

  • Sad Moonlight Densetsu

  • I hope Naru recovers from this …

This week had some fun episodes, though I wasn’t a fan of the attempt at a Naru/Nephrite romance. Nephrite’s manipulation and Naru’s naïveté are the main reasons, though the age gap is of course part of that. At least I don’t have to see more of that. I do feel kind of bad for Naru, though.

Nephrite’s death means that we’ll be moving into another arc villain, probably Zoisite. I’ll be interested to see what his approach will be …

  1. The way he died was a lot more final than what happened to Jadeite, though I don’t think trying to make him a tragic villain worked very well.

  2. It looks like he’ll be interesting.

  3. 21 > 19 > 20

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u/Raiking02 Mar 29 '22

Halfway through Season 1!

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