Sailor Moon episode by episode discussion (The diamond in the rough first series - Classic!) [Archive]

ohtori_akio

02-13-2007, 10:06 PM

Some trivia I found about this episode from Wikimoon (http://www.wikimoon.org)

Episode trivia

* This was the first episode of the Sailor Moon anime.

* Sailor V appears in a non-speaking role as part of a daydream. She is thus the first Sailor Senshi to appear in the series. She is also the first to appear in the manga and live action versions.

* In this episode (and the manga chapter on which it is based), Sailor Moon is able to hear over long distances via the jewels in her hair. This ability was never referenced again in either version.

* This episode features the first appearances of the following characters: Usagi Tsukino/Sailor Moon, Luna, Mamoru Chiba/Tuxedo Mask (although they would not be revealed to be the same person until much later), Naru Osaka, Gurio Umino, Ikuko Tsukino, Shingo Tsukino, Haruna Sakurada, Naru's Mother, Queen Beryl and Jadeite. Sailor V has a non-speaking appearance.

* In the dub episode (A Moon Star is Born) 1 minute and 20 seconds of information from Usagi's Awakening! A Message From the Distant Past was inserted into this episode explaining the Moon Kingdom and the Silver Millenium long before it was explained in the original

EmperorBrandon

02-13-2007, 10:17 PM

* In the dub episode (A Moon Star is Born) 1 minute and 20 seconds of information from Usagi's Awakening! A Message From the Distant Past was inserted into this episode explaining the Moon Kingdom and the Silver Millenium long before it was explained in the original

Ahh... the dub. I'm kind of interested in watching the earlier ones. I was going to when they reappeared on CN, but I don't think they got all the way. The series was a bad adaptation, but I think in some instance the acting itself wasn't all that bad.

I actually started watching Sailor Moon with the S series on Toonami, but a friend of mine was a Sailor Moon fan and could fill me on some of the things that had happened up to that point. I actually became interested because I had tried a fan translation of the SNES RPG game, and that kind of sparked my whole anime addiction as it were (I saw other things like Tenchi Muyo! on Toonami and soon started expanding a little bit from there)

ohtori_akio

02-13-2007, 10:32 PM

Originally I had seen Sailor Moon in French when I still lived in Mauritius and I fell in love with with. When I was about 18, I saw the english adaptation for the first time and the editing really scared me as the French never did anything nearly as drastic with the story. The most drastic thing that the French did with the first season was to make Zoisite Kunzite's brother in a way to explain their displays of affection.
The English Dub did serve its purpose in getting an audience for the show, and in the process converted many fans so I respect it for that and as a "camp" sorta thing it isn't bad, but seeing it first time around made me rush out and download the Japanese versions.

Javan

02-13-2007, 11:40 PM

"Sailor Senshi"? I hate that term. Why not call them "Sailor Soldiers"? This is a pet peeve I had when I used to post on the Sailor Moon newsgroup years ago. It seems that almost every purist there used that term.

For the DiC dub, I noticed that the first voice actress for Serena (Usagi) appeared in only a few episodes, but was replaced by a different actress for the rest of the dub. It is unknown why she was replaced so early, but I know that she was the voice of Princess Toadstool (Peach) in the Super Mario cartoons (also produced by DiC).

Even though I loathed at the poor voice-acting and dialogue in the DiC dub, I personally find Serena's first voice appropriate than her second voice which I hated.

jejune

02-14-2007, 12:27 AM

I'll get in on this. I've had the entire series sitting in my backlog for about 2 years now anyway, so I just went and watched episode 1 (of the ADV uncut subbed sets).

With what I know now, it occurs to me that Usagi marked herself as special right from the beginning when she went to help out Luna instead of not getting involved.

She almost strikes me as Ran Kotobuki Ver 0.5 - bad grades, already blew all her allowance so she can't buy the jewelry she wants, but still jumps in without thinking to help a strange cat that's in trouble. She's a bit whinier and less violent, but I can see how she probably was a big inspiration for our favorite Gal.

Usagi's mom is great too. Her going from so sweet to so sour in a flash just stole the show. I got a good chuckle out of that.

Also see where Utena got a lot of its art style from, but I guess that's natural with the same director.

And what was the moral here? Jewelry is bad? Sailor Moon gets her powers from a magical Tiara. *Ding* "Second floor - housewares, furniture and mixed messages."

Perhaps that greed is bad? Kind of an odd message for a marketing powerhouse like Sailor Moon to be sending. "Don't be such rabid consumers! And now a word from our sponser..."

Don't get me wrong; it was really good. I'm just having a bit of fun with it. Any show that has girls in short skirts attacking each other with beer bottles is a winner in my book. ;)

Can't wait for tomorrow to see episode two!

EmperorBrandon

02-14-2007, 12:42 AM

Even though I loathed at the poor voice-acting and dialogue in the DiC dub, I personally find Serena's first voice appropriate than her second voice which I hated.

I definitely had a liking for the first one (Tracey Moore) when I got to hearing her, too. Sounded the most fitting, compared to second and third voices which were far off. The third voice (Linda Ballantyne) seems to be particularly reviled, but I don't think the voice was actually any less fitting than Terri Hawkes (most of original season and movies). The S and SuperS series suffered from much worse direction than the earlier dubs, in general I though, even though they had some writers that were more inclined to being accurate to the original.

ohtori_akio

02-14-2007, 12:43 AM

jejune

02-14-2007, 01:19 AM

EmperorBrandon

02-14-2007, 01:24 AM

I agree with the Super Gals reference! When I saw the first episode of Super Gals I didn't think I would like it but the similarities of the character dynamics in the show were quite similar to Sailor Moon's. This made me like Gals a heck of a lot more as I continued watching the series.

Heh, and the funny thing here is that in one episode in the second season Ran cosplays as a character that is a definite Sailor Moon reference, which was pretty cool. I definitely think it may be at least a little inspired by SM.

With the Utena style/direction, this gets even more apparent once you get to Sailor Moon S, which shares a similar atmosphere... Glad to hear that someone will be viewing these episodes as we go as right now I am just going by memory...

Well, one thing to note here is that Kunihiko Ikuhara (who is definitely one of the major forces behind Utena) was not the series director until the Black Moon arc of R. So it gets closer, particularly in Sailor Moon S. Junichi Sato, who is also known for directing many other titles, magical girl or otherwise, was the series director for the original series. Ikuhara did direct episodes starting from the original season, though. For those of you who are curious about these in the original season.

Ikuhara directed eps. 6, 11, 15, 21, 26, 31, 36, and 46.

ohtori_akio

02-14-2007, 03:30 AM

Probably good to mention a sentence or two of what's going on so everyone's on the same page:

(Spoilers of course so don't read if you're about to watch it.)

In this episode we are introduced to Usagi. She learns about a mysterious heroine named Sailor V, saves a cat with a weird moon-shaped mark on its head from a couple of kids, and slavers over some jewelry in a friend's shop, which she cannot afford.

The jewelry is a plot by Queen Beryl to steal the energy from humans, and the cat (named Luna and mysteriously able to talk) shows up to teach Usagi how to transform into Sailor Moon. She stops Beryl's minion Jadeite with the help of the mysterious Tuxedo Mask.

I laughed out loud in a few instances in that episode. When Usagi brings her test home and her mum asks to see it, when her crying actually stops the monster and the scary fat lady who bumps into Usagi when the jewelry seller monster (try saying that fast!) reveals the discount on that diamond ring... Priceless Sailor Moon moments :D

vtr9kvictor

02-14-2007, 03:54 AM

For me, the most interesting thing that stands out about the early episodes of Sailor Moon is how badly the 2.0 audio fares when compared to more recent 5.0 or digital surrond sound. The audio is AWFUL compared to what is industry standard today. Of course, you make allowances for the age of the source material, I am merely stating an observation about technology, not stating that my opinion of the show itself is bad.

I wonder what Sailor Moon would be like if it was animated today, by a studio like Madhouse or Kadowkawa. Consider the Epic WIN Potential.

ohtori_akio

02-14-2007, 04:04 AM

I wonder what Sailor Moon would be like if it was animated today, by a studio like Madhouse or Kadowkawa. Consider the Epic WIN Potential.

This is an interesting thought but personally I think I'd rather the Sailor Moon I know and love than a shinier version. Without it being made at the time it was, a lot of great shows (Utena, Tutu, GALS, Slayers) wouldnt have seen the light of day, or they would have at least been very different... Also, Sailor Moon's classic status requires a somewhat outdated quality in its animation... Although I think it could definitely use better audio and maybe a clearer image but these can be achieved with a remastering. To me, that would be enough to still give many shows a run for their money nowadays because (as you pointed out) of the strength of the content...

Oceanstar

02-14-2007, 07:35 AM

Ahh Sailor Moon....my fave!

well funny that Shonen Kakume Akio watched it in french too. and I was literally mesmerised (that transformation scene was just something else at the time).

on to the first episode, the first episode I beleive was a perfect one to show the Usagi's character, in one episode we saw may faces of Usagi, serieses these says (even though they are short) show a new aspect of a chracter in each episode, but not Sailor Moon.

yeah I still remember how funny the scene was when Usagi showed her mom her grade, a good laugh.

Takato

02-14-2007, 09:33 AM

Sailor Moon was the very show that got me into anime in the first place. The first time I saw it was through the infamous English dub. Sometimes during the summer I used to wake up early in the morning and I'd be bored to death, so I would turn on the TV and start flipping around to see what was on. This was back when I was in middle school before we had an Internet connection and times were boring (I'll be 22 in about a week). I knew USA Network aired cartoons back then, so I sometimes would watch their weekday morning cartoon block, in particular I used to watch the Super Mario Bros. cartoon that they aired every weekday morning. I remember when they took it off the air I was at first pissed off because I loved that cartoon but they were airing some new show called "Sailor Moon" instead. It looked kind of bizarre from the previews, but I decided to check it out of boredom anyway and I was instantly hooked. I remember thinking at the time how bizarre Usagi's costume was (it looks so much more normal now compared to other more bizarre anime costumes I've seen since then) and thinking how I had never quite seen a cartoon like this before. I was instantly hooked and would wake up every morning to watch the latest episode and when school started back, I would tape it every day.

Around that same time we got our first Internet connection (it was a crappy AOL connection; nowadays we use Comcast Digital Cable) and one of the first things I did an Internet search for was Sailor Moon. It was there from visiting various Sailor Moon sites that I learned about anime and I was amazed about just how different the dub and sub versions were. I also realized that some of the other shows I was watching at the time were also Japanese animation (namely Robotech, Voltron, and Speed Racer), so I started to become interested in other shows and I've been an anime and manga fan ever since.

Nowadays I much prefer the Japanese version over the dub, but I still respect the dub for introducing me to anime and it's sometimes fun to watch (aka make fun of) when you're bored. I love the first episode because its introduction of the main magical girl in the series is just such a classic setup. Few other magical girl series can setup the plot in the first episode quite as entertaining as Sailor Moon did. I loved how we got to see Usagi make that decision to become a Sailor Soldier. It was interesting to compare her life before and afterwards because beforehand she was always dreaming about being like Sailor V, but when she finally got the chance, she wanted to go back to being an ordinary girl before she learned to accept her destiny. I also liked this episode because we got to see Sailor Moon use techniques we don't see her use much in the later episodes, like her ability to hear long distances or those thingamobs on her odangos that amplify the sound when she starts to cry. And this first episode is also exciting because it shows Usagi making her first step to becoming a more determined and dependable fighter. But I still wonder what Usagi's life would've been like if she never threw that test paper behind her and met Mamoru like she did.

plaidwolf

02-14-2007, 01:52 PM

.

Funny that you also point out what the moral of the story was because DiC actually took it onto themselves to create some kind of a moral at the end of every Sailor Moon episode in the English Dub. " Sailor Says (http://wikimoon.org/index.php?title=Sailor_Says)" was what that segment was called.

THAT little gem was inserted by DiC to comply with a FCC requirement back then...that requirement held that a certain amount of children's programming had to be 'educational', and the 'Sailor Says' clips were their way to get around the requirement and fulfill the Fed mandates...

Sailor Moon was hardly alone with this...if you watch the older cartoons from the 1980s and 90s, you will see a LOT of those 'lessons' at the end of each show....

Njr Scrawl

02-14-2007, 02:06 PM

2 of the most haunting/lonely/iconic anime songs are Sailor Moon's original version of Moonlight Densetu and the ending song whose title I can't remember.

The early episodes, & season 1, are very emotional. Usagi is a sociable girl who likes everyone, but is lonely all the same. Luna is a welcome companion, & becomes as close as her mother.

Queen Beryl is the scariest, most Grimm's-fairy tale BSSM villain. Ruthless, evil, unforgiving. Even Galactica in Stars only equals her.

Beryl's menace & chillingness comes from the terrorism she & her generals inflict. They target & manipulate innocent people through & in ordinary events, transformations are scarier than the more fantastic monsters of later series.

To me there is more desperation in BSSM season 1 than S & Stars. This is because the evil is old, cunning & powerful, while the good guys are rookies, still finding their feet, & their figurehead's cat is braver. :)

Javan

02-14-2007, 02:45 PM

Sailor Moon was hardly alone with this...if you watch the older cartoons from the 1980s and 90s, you will see a LOT of those 'lessons' at the end of each show....

I remembered some of these "lessons" such as found in "He-Man: The Master of the Universe," and in the first "Sonic the Hedgehog" carton series (also produced by DiC). Very interesting that the "Super Mario" cartoons (all three seasons) and "Captain N: The Game Master" do not have these "lessons," even though they were high-profile programs. As do the "Sonic" cartoon, they were both produced by DiC.

ohtori_akio

02-14-2007, 03:34 PM

To me there is more desperation in BSSM season 1 than S & Stars. This is because the evil is old, cunning & powerful, while the good guys are rookies, still finding their feet, & their figurehead's cat is braver. :)

Boy do I agree! Some things that happen later on in this series make you realise just how much everyone has grown by the time you get to Stars. This first episode depicts just how weak Sailor Moon is compared with her enemies, and she is still (as you say) a rookie and hardly ready to take on the big guys.

touma

02-14-2007, 05:08 PM

This has inspired me to watch Sailor Moon again. This will be my fourth time. I was afraid that it would be too soon to watch it again since it has been only a few months since the last time. But so far that is not a problem.

One reason that Sailor Moon is my second favorite show is that I seem to like it more every time that I watch it. That is also true of my favorite show, Cardcaptor Sakura.

My favorite parts of this episode happen when Usagi is being herself, not Sailor Moon. The scenes with Usagi and her mother and Usagi and Naru are a lot of fun. Usagi's brother is good too ("I want a better sister").

My real problem is that now that I have started watching Sailor Moon I will not be able to control my viewing. I have already watched the first two episodes and it is still early. I will probably watch at least two or three more episodes today. At this rate I will finish the first season before the discussion gets to episode 20 :sd: . Oh well, I will just have to deal with it.

LimePie

02-14-2007, 05:55 PM

2 of the most haunting/lonely/iconic anime songs are... the ending song whose title I can't remember.

It's called 'Heart Moving'.

perigee

02-14-2007, 06:40 PM

As was discussed in the Princess Tutu topic (http://www.animeondvd.com/forum/showtopic.php?tid/17349/) thread, I am starting a Sailor Moon thread where each day, we can discuss a different episode of Sailor Moon (in the order it was aired/released in Japan). So today, let's discuss the episode that started it all.
It's interesting that you should start this topic just now. I am a total Sailor Moon newbie - aside from one volume of Sailor Moon S that I picked up from a used DVD bin. I bought the first season ADV release (http://www.rightstuf.com/1-800-338-6827/catalogmgr/fEXWp4iqN8GWYzctBl/browse/item/59722/4/0/0) from TRSI in December. I'm looking forward to following this discussion, though I'm bad about keeping up with these daily episode reviews.

Shsway

02-14-2007, 09:10 PM

Excellent timing, Akio. Maybe this will encourage my re-watch of the franchise to go a bit faster. :)

I'll try and keep up, at least until the end of Super S...

ohtori_akio

02-14-2007, 11:57 PM

Glad everyone is enjoying this trip down memory lane again... Now to discussion on episode 2!

Episode 2 - Punish Them! The House of Fortune is the Youma Mansion

Funny to note that this episode was actually left out of the North American run, potentially because it featured a scene where a possessed Umino hit on his teacher. Because it is a special episode, I am writing it in red, so that everyone knows it was left out.

Episode Summary

Jadeite establishes a fortune telling house that turns its visitors, including the unsuspecting Gurio Umino, into Dark Kingdom minions.

Episode Trivia (also from Wikimoon (http://www.wikimoon.org))

# This episode marks the first appearance of Motoki Furuhata and Kenji Tsukino.

# This episode never appeared in the North American dub, making the only episode numbered the same in both countries the first one.

Fencedude

02-15-2007, 12:00 AM

You should probably be changing the topic title for each new episode as well.

Javan

02-15-2007, 01:11 AM

Episode 2 - Punish Them! The House of Fortune is the Youma Mansion

Funny to note that this episode was actually left out of the North American run, potentially because it featured a scene where a possessed Umino hit on his teacher. Because it is a special episode, I am writing it in red, so that everyone knows it was left out.

I am told by someone on the Sailor Moon newsgroup several years ago that DiC did not dub that episode not because of content, but it wanted to advance the plot of the dub. I do not know if this explanation is true, but the undubbed episodes could be seen as fillers.

As for content, there is another possible concern such as the scene when the posessed Umino made an unwanted, but distrubing sexual advance on Usagi.

ohtori_akio

02-15-2007, 02:19 AM

You should probably be changing the topic title for each new episode as well.

I would but I am planning a trip overseas in a couple of weeks so I might not be able to keep up with the thread so I guess I could just give an approximate of what episode we are up to... Also, could someone take over from me then if I don't post a new episode title one day?

I am told by someone on the Sailor Moon newsgroup several years ago that DiC did not dub that episode not because of content, but it wanted to advance the plot of the dub. I do not know if this explanation is true, but the undubbed episodes could be seen as fillers.

As for content, there is another possible concern such as the scene when the posessed Umino made an unwanted, but distrubing sexual advance on Usagi.

Well, this is weird because a lot of later episodes also have filler qualities to them (especially a fair few after Sailor Mars' appearance) but if that were the case, I still think that these instances we both mentioned probably played a part as well...

touma

02-15-2007, 07:41 AM

Episode 2:
When Umino flips Haruna's skirt we get our first Sailor Moon panty shoot! :>

We get some more insight into Usagi's character when she asks the old man to tell her fortune instead of going across the street to the new place where everybody else is going.

I enjoyed the scene where Umino asked Naru for advice about asking Usagi for a date. Of course knowing the future of those two made it more amusing.

Takato

02-15-2007, 09:14 AM

ohtori_akio

02-15-2007, 01:14 PM

Mitsuki

02-15-2007, 04:25 PM

Njr Scrawl

02-15-2007, 05:53 PM

Episode 2:We get some more insight into Usagi's character when she asks the old man to tell her fortune instead of going across the street to the new place where everybody else is going.I always loved that aspect of Usagi's character because it shows that she doesn't care about following all the latest trends and she's more about doing things at her own pace. The scene where Umino flips up Haruna's skirt was always very funny, but I've always wondered what was it about Usagi that Umino saw in her? I mean, he's supposed to be a nerd with near perfect grades and Usagi...isn't...so why did Umino always obsess over her?

I think it's the typical dumb blonde thing most guys have a thing for + opposites do attract! Although, everyone else seems to describe Usagi as average looking within the series so it could be a personality thing, he might like the fact that she needs him a fair bit of the time for study purposes and such. When you're a nerd and have basically nothing going for you, feeling needed by an attractive person is all you need ;)

Umino is a lonely guy. He may be bright, but his smallish size, bookish appearance with glasses probably get him respect but not affection.

He senses Usagi is lonely as well, & sees she has a kind heart & sympathetic nature.

As we're talking the ADV sets, here I must put in a recommendation for trying at least 1 of the R2J volumes, if only for its audio clarity! If you have favourite episodes, e.g. the final ones. Apart from the 1000% audio improvement, there are also the teaser clips, which can be quite amusing.

Heh, this could be an interesting & epic thread series. 200 episodes, 3 movies, 3 specials, manga, a stack of CDs etc. I've heard more Kotono Mitsuishi dialogue than talk from my girlfriend some weeks :blush:

Solo Usagi & Luna..its like a trip back in time.

LimePie

02-15-2007, 06:37 PM

I am told by someone on the Sailor Moon newsgroup several years ago that DiC did not dub that episode not because of content, but it wanted to advance the plot of the dub. I do not know if this explanation is true, but the undubbed episodes could be seen as fillers.

Except Episode 42, which had some major character growth (is bitter. :grr: )

As for this episode, I wonder if it wasn't the 'Devil' tarot cards that were more worrisome for DiC. The skirt flip was only a few seconds that could easily be snipped out, but the cards were shown many times.

Takato

02-15-2007, 09:20 PM

Except Episode 42, which had some major character growth (is bitter. :grr: )

As for this episode, I wonder if it wasn't the 'Devil' tarot cards that were more worrisome for DiC. The skirt flip was only a few seconds that could easily be snipped out, but the cards were shown many times.
DiC also probably didn't like the scenes where Umino and the other students start to rebel against the teachers, given with how they tend to cut out every little thing they thought was "inappropriate" like characters slapping each other. The scene where Umino and the other students throw rocks at the windows and nearly hit one of the teachers probably would've had to been cut too if it was dubbed and that scene is a little bit longer than the skirt flipping scene. They probably also thought that Umino's flirting with Naru and Usagi crossed the line into sexual harassment and given how family-friendly they tried to make the dub, that probably didn't go over too tell with them, either. Episode 5 which DiC skipped in the dub also was important to the plot because it showed how Luna became an official member of the Tsukino family.

Shsway

02-15-2007, 10:53 PM

I also liked this episode because we got to see Sailor Moon use techniques we don't see her use much in the later episodes, like her ability to hear long distances or those thingamobs on her odangos that amplify the sound when she starts to cry.

It was one of the many things that surprised me as a true first-time viewer of these early Sailor Moon eps. Previous to my picking up the ADV sets I had only been exposed to S (which I bought the moment that I saw it at a local MediaPlay, near retail price), plus some random episodes of SuperS. I had liked what little I saw of the series well enough, but it took a little nudging from a then-friend of mine to really pay attention to the show for its character portrayal. At some point, I found myself scouring the internet for information and clips, much the same way I did for Tenchi Muyo!, which was airing around the same time on CN(?)

But I still wonder what Usagi's life would've been like if she never threw that test paper behind her and met Mamoru like she did.

Honestly, I think that they would have bumped into each other eventually. It didn't matter how, as the show keeps driving it into are heads that some things are destined, goshdarnit.

Earlier, I was alluding to how I practically went into shock over some of the things that I was seeing and understanding for the very first time in the franchise. Umino crushing on Usagi? Naru as her tight best friend? They barely speak to each other, as time goes on! Then again, this too is a part of growing up, in the real world.

Mamoru also comes across as...an ass. Nothing like the perfect, sometimes frustrated, somewhat whipped fella that he comes across as by the time S airs.

Noteworthy seiyuu: I was very surprised to learn that Onosaka Masaya was playing Jadeite, and that Nanba Keiichi (Komatsu Seiji from Kimagure Orange Road!) gave voice to Umino. OK, the latter makes more sense. According to ANN, he also played Minako's old flame, Alan, briefly featured near the end of the season in flashback.

I don't believe that Luna ever experiences muted senses and speech ever again as a result of her moon symbol getting covered up.

The opening song, performed then by DALI, seems a bit more subdued than the more familiar Moon Lips version. The opening animation is pretty nice for its time, with the semi-artsy, romantic shots and the textures used for some of the images. The eyecatch really made me laugh, as it sounded like a summoning of the fanboys when it first played out.

I sit in awe of the first instance of "Moon Prism Power Makeup", the first transformation, and even the first instance of those telling sound effects leading up to things. Is this show really celebrating its 15th this year??

Shsway

02-15-2007, 11:03 PM

This was a fun one, and it provided yet another shocker for me: Usagi's crush on Motoki. There's just no way you'd know that it had ever been fact, later on. She and Mamoru get too lovey-dovey for the writers to ever make reference to it again.

Also, I finally got the full impact of what it meant for Tenoh Haruka to call Usagi "Odango Atama" in S, since it seems that Mamoru came up with the nickname.

Check out the "Cafe de Mon" sign in one of the first shots of this ep. Like, what?

Mitsuishi Kotono is really very cute as Usagi-chan. It's great to revisit this role, seeing as how I've mostly been listening to her more mature, sex bomb characters lately.

I can't wait 'til we get to the point in the sets were the awful sound improves a bit.

ohtori_akio

02-16-2007, 03:02 AM

Ok! Time for episode 3, so happy to see that there is actually a fair bit of discussion in the threads, didnt think so many things would be discussed so soon and so happy about it! :D

Episode 3 - Mysterious Sleeping Illness! Protect the Girls' Hearts in Love

Episode Summary

After Haruna and Naru fall prey to a new disease that causes permanent sleep, Usagi investigates the late-night radio show Midnight Zero.

Episode Trivia

# This episode marks the first use of the Disguise pen, and the first direct confrontation between Sailor Moon and Jadeite.

# This was the second North American dub episode. Talk Radio is the title of this episode in North America.

Njr Scrawl

02-16-2007, 06:25 AM

I don't rmember Usagi disguising herself after season 1. Of course with weapon upgrades as the shows rolled on, the pen became unimportant.

S1, Usagi is mostly a loner throughout, & the inner senshi don't really form as a team until near the end. So Usagi during S1 gets involved in situations individually, & the others bale her out (usually) or back her up. Of course at this stage of S1, only Luna knows Usagi's part in the bigger picture.

When the senshi do become a team, Usagi is still klutzy, but slowly begins to mature, catalyzed by the situations & realizations she encounters. At the moment she is young & immature.

Isn't Luna a nag! Always amusing that Keiko Han is the seiyuu for both the ultimate villain, Beryl - & Usagi's closest confidante & pet. :D

AbeChinchilla

02-16-2007, 07:59 AM

If I hadn't been a fan since I was a kid (DiC dub), I probably would have been scared off by episode 2, it was pretty ridiculous.

This one (#3) isn't any better, IMO, but it'll do.

It's really funny. I really enjoyed this years ago in English, and then by the time I got around to watching the subtitled version, I had already started seeing the greatness that was Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon, so I guess the forumla for the anime just wasn't working out for me. My feelings about the anime would later change when I started R (which was my least favorite season), though.

touma

02-16-2007, 08:09 AM

EmperorBrandon

02-16-2007, 08:43 AM

I don't rmember Usagi disguising herself after season 1. Of course with weapon upgrades as the shows rolled on, the pen became unimportant.

It wasn't ever used by Usagi again, I think, but in S, Minako uses it to disguise as Sailor Moon ;) .

I think for the most part, she didn't need to disguise herself, as her Sailor costume seems to be a good enough one as it is :P

Takato

02-16-2007, 09:02 AM

I don't rmember Usagi disguising herself after season 1. Of course with weapon upgrades as the shows rolled on, the pen became unimportant.Usagi used the disguise pen during the Makaiju arc of the R season to disguise herself as a kindergarden teacher to save a bus of school kids from a Cardian. Minako also uses the diguise pen again in S to disguise herself as Sailor Moon in order to fool Kaorinite who almost discovered Usagi's true identity. While as a a whole I much prefer the Japanese version of Sailor Moon, I actually enjoyed the dub version of episode 3 more because I thought the comedy scenes were funnier in the dub. Namely I liked the scene in the dub better when Naru is trying to read Usagi's love letter and Ms. Haruna just randomly wants to read it, too. In the dub when Molly tried to read the letter, Serena tried to cover it up by saying it was her homework, and Ms. Haruna was shocked that Serena actually did homework saying, "You did homework? This is an event!" and started chasing after the love letter. I just thought this scene was funnier in the dub as opposed to the original where Ms. Haruna wants to read Usagi's love letter for no apparent reason.

Isuzu Inugami

02-16-2007, 11:04 AM

I am told by someone on the Sailor Moon newsgroup several years ago that DiC did not dub that episode not because of content, but it wanted to advance the plot of the dub. I do not know if this explanation is true, but the undubbed episodes could be seen as fillers.

Yes, I think it was mostly a case of recognizing that the show is essentially about the team, but it takes a lot of episodes before the team actually starts getting collected. IIRC most of the skipped episodes were pre-Rei, weren't they?

In these early episodes, one of the things I like is how Sailor V is out there in the distant background somewhere, half unattainably distant superstar, half role model for Usagi. And she has merchandising!

Javan

02-16-2007, 12:32 PM

I am told by someone on the Sailor Moon newsgroup several years ago that DiC did not dub that episode not because of content, but it wanted to advance the plot of the dub. I do not know if this explanation is true, but the undubbed episodes could be seen as fillers.

Yes, I think it was mostly a case of recognizing that the show is essentially about the team, but it takes a lot of episodes before the team actually starts getting collected. IIRC most of the skipped episodes were pre-Rei, weren't they?

Episode #8 introduces viewers to Ami, and three episodes (2, 5 and 6) before her introducing were never dubbed by DiC.

ohtori_akio

02-16-2007, 01:54 PM

Episode 3: Some things that I remember.

Usagi seriously thinks that it would be great to sleep forever. Her friends can only shake their heads. :D

Sailor Moon shows impressive control of her Moon Tiara Action attack and destroys Flowa without any help. She actually demonstrates good fighting skill and awareness in that scene.

You should post all your wonderful and somewhat cheeky trivia to Wikimoon! They are cool!

I also think this is a rare case of Usagi actually being reliable by herself, however I think she managed to get over herself because she disguised herself as an adult in that episode and that probably gives her a little more courage... The only other time I remember her being so reliable was much later on, when she fought Zoisite for all the rainbow crystals in that amusement park.

While as a a whole I much prefer the Japanese version of Sailor Moon, I actually enjoyed the dub version of episode 3 more because I thought the comedy scenes were funnier in the dub. Namely I liked the scene in the dub better when Naru is trying to read Usagi's love letter and Ms. Haruna just randomly wants to read it, too. In the dub when Molly tried to read the letter, Serena tried to cover it up by saying it was her homework, and Ms. Haruna was shocked that Serena actually did homework saying, "You did homework? This is an event!" and started chasing after the love letter. I just thought this scene was funnier in the dub as opposed to the original where Ms. Haruna wants to read Usagi's love letter for no apparent reason.

I totaly agree with you there, when it came to comedy a fair few times, the English Dub did a better job. I guess it's because they changed the tone of the series slightly as they didnt take it very seriously until a bit later...

Serial Experiments Nobue

02-16-2007, 02:58 PM

I don't have anything specific to offer to the the discussion at the moment, but this is such a great thread to have. Sailor Moon was the show that made me aware of anime, and is always a sentimental favorite of mine.

I find it fascinating that we're spoiler-tagging a series pushing 15 years old now! :D It's been at least two years since I did my 'marathon' from the first episode to the end of SuperS (which lasted a good six to eight months), and now I want to go back and start again! I don't know when Sailor Moon will come up again in the rotation though... I know I'll have forgotten a lot, but that's fine by me. Rediscovering Sailor Moon will be a great experience, since without that series I wouldn't even be on AoD right now! :neko:

Takato

02-16-2007, 03:56 PM

ohtori_akio

02-17-2007, 02:02 AM

In these early episodes, one of the things I like is how Sailor V is out there in the distant background somewhere, half unattainably distant superstar, half role model for Usagi. And she has merchandising!
I liked that aspect of the early episodes too, but what I really loved was how Sailor Moon had her own little cult following herself. Like the kids in Shingo's school, including Shingo himself, all seemed to be obsessed with Sailor Moon. And during the Makaiju arc, there was that little girl who befriended Minako that was a big fan of Sailor Moon but was always picked on by the other kids in her class because they didn't believe Sailor Moon was real. Even Naru and Umino were devoted Sailor Moon fans. I just liked how it gave the series more of a traditional superhero-like feeling, almost like a shoujo version of Power Rangers. But then in the later episodes it's like Sailor Moon completely disappears from the public's awareness and the show starts to focus less on Usagi balancing her life as an ordinary schoolgirl with her life as a superhero and focusing more on the monster of the week battles instead.

That explains why I like the first season so much! I never realised how much of that aspects had disappeared by the time we got to the end... Also this hasnt been discussed yet but what are everyone's thoughts on the strange accents some characters (aka Molly [which incidently is Sailor Mercury's name in the French Dub - confused me to no end when I started watching the English Dub], and Luna) got in the English Dub? Was there a show or movie that was popular at the time that featured such accents the producers were trying to emulate?

ohtori_akio

02-17-2007, 02:08 AM

Ok! Another day, another episode:

Episode 4 - Usagi Will Teach You! How to Lose Weight

Episode Summary

A new gym which promises incredible weight loss in just a few days falls under suspicion from Usagi and Luna.

Episode Trivia

# Jadeite and Queen Beryl's conversation in the penultimate scene marks one of the few times an evil minion has managed to satisfy their superior by the end of an episode.

# The North American dub title for this episode is Slim City.

EmperorBrandon

02-17-2007, 02:09 AM

Also this hasnt been discussed yet but what are everyone's thoughts on the strange accents some characters (aka Molly [which incidently is Sailor Mercury's name in the French Dub - confused me to no end when I started watching the English Dub], and Luna) got in the English Dub? Was there a show or movie that was popular at the time that featured such accents the producers were trying to emulate?

The accent was probably put there to approximate the Japanese version (where she speaks in Osaka-ben).

ohtori_akio

02-17-2007, 02:52 AM

Njr Scrawl

02-17-2007, 05:54 AM

Stars returned to Usagi's home life more, & is the equally best BSSM series IMO, with S1.

Switching topic to the dub, I always like the voices of Beryl & her generals, in fact all the male voices are spot-on - good casting. Making editing allowances, SM seasons 1 & 2 are ones I'm happy to watch in either language, but overall preferring the original.

S1 is the only BSSM which has hands-on male villains IIRC. The Japanese generals' voices are incredibly campy sounding, moreso than in Utena IMO. They always seem to worship the bitch in Beryl (Joan Collins effect), as much as her power.

touma

02-17-2007, 08:32 AM

Episode 4: I think this is the first time that Luna actually threatens Usagi with bodily harm if she does not transform and fight. The immediate threat of those claws was greater that the slightly more distant threat of the monster, so we had Sailor Moon to the rescue. :D

I did not dislike episode 4, but nothing else about it really impressed me much, except that Sailor Moon did again show some impressive fighting skill against the adult male weight lifter types who were possessed by the monster.
This episode was a statement about how girls should not be obsessed with their weight, but that is almost too obvious to be worth mentioning. (And yet, I still mentioned it :sd: ).

EmperorBrandon

02-17-2007, 04:47 PM

Is this Molly/Naru, or Luna, or both?

I was talking about Naru there. Who knows why they decided to give Luna the British nanny voice. It doesn't work at all, especially in the S Movie.

Serial Experiments Nobue

02-17-2007, 04:54 PM

The accent was probably put there to approximate the Japanese version (where she speaks in Osaka-ben).

Is this Molly/Naru, or Luna, or both?

Just Naru in this case... Luna in english has, of all things, an almost uptight British accent, like maybe a 65 year old English woman! I've never watched the S movie's english dub, so I wonder how that plays out when Luna turns into a human. That has to be an odd juxtaposition of voice and appearance of character if they left the voice the same. ;)

edited to add, haha.. EmperorBrandon read my mind as I was responding. :P

AbeChinchilla

02-17-2007, 05:42 PM

Just Naru in this case... Luna in english has, of all things, an almost uptight British accent, like maybe a 65 year old English woman! I've never watched the S movie's english dub, so I wonder how that plays out when Luna turns into a human. That has to be an odd juxtaposition of voice and appearance of character if they left the voice the same. ;)

It comes out really awkward.
They should have had someone else voice human Luna.

Njr Scrawl

02-17-2007, 06:22 PM

Luna as Mary Poppins :D

Javan

02-17-2007, 06:23 PM

[quote=shounen kakumei akio]
Who knows why they decided to give Luna the British nanny voice. It doesn't work at all, especially in the S Movie.

I do not know how old is Luna, but her Japanese voice fits are personality. If she is a young cat, giving her a mature dub voice would be inappropriate.

ohtori_akio

02-18-2007, 01:36 AM

Time for episode 5!

Episode 5 - A Youma's Scent! Chanelas Steal Love

Episode Summary

When Usagi's brother Shingo finds out that she has a cat, he buys a new type of pet called a chanela, which has a disturbing influence on his personality.

Episode Trivia

# This episode introduces Shingo's friend, Mika Kayama.

# This is the first and only appearance of Moon Tiara Stardust, a modified Moon Tiara Action which reverses hypnotic effects.

# This episode was the second to be left out of the North American dub.

touma

02-18-2007, 07:45 AM

Episode 5 - A Youma's Scent! Chanelas Steal Love

This is the first time that I was impressed with how Sailor Moon sometimes says some interesting, clever or funny things when she introduces herself to the monster, and the audience. This time it is "Frill-necked lizards, Mexican salamanders, and human-faced fish are all mad..."

This is the first time that Shingo meets Sailor Moon, and mistakes her for Sailor V. But he then becomes a Sailor Moon fan. I think that he accepts Luna, even though he was afraid of cats, because Sailor Moon asks him to. But I am not sure if I am remembering that correctly.

karen0586

02-18-2007, 08:54 AM

This is the first time I've seen this thread and I must say that I will comment on each episode. I bought both of the first seasons from ADV when they came out. Sadly, I wasn't able to get the S and SuperS seasons since they went OOP by the time I actually had the money to spend. Still, I taped them when they were in CN, so at least I'll be able to see them in some fashion.

Basically as I was watching this episode I was looking for the issues to which it wouldn't have aired on TV. Still, I loved it since it actually developed Usagi's brother character. I'll be watching the episodes one by one now... this is going to be nostalgic.

touma

02-18-2007, 09:38 AM

These comments are about this thread, not about the show.
This is not a complaint, just a suggestion.

I would really like it if you would change the subject of your post to show the episode number when you start the discussion of a new episode. ("You" can be anybody who starts a new episode.) I think that would make it easier to follow the discussion about a specific episode, whether you use Flat mode or Threaded.
You did change the subject for episode 2. But then you did not change it for episode 3, so the posts discussing episode three had "episode 2" in the subject. That was a bit confusing.
It also does not help that some sub-threads are getting completely away from the concept of an episode discussion and talking about things that will happen in future seasons. There is nothing wrong with that, but the subject should be changed to reflect what is actually being discussed.

I know that I might be expecting too much, considering that we have people here who will click "Reply" on some random post that they just happen to be reading and make an unquoted comment about something that they read 15 posts earlier in a completely different thread, but we can try to keep some semblance of order.
I really do believe that it would make the discussion more enjoyable.

OK. That is the end of my rant. I obviously have too much time and too much coffee on this rather boring Sunday morning. :sd:

Again, this is not a complaint and I am really happy that this discussion was started. It has been fun.

Thank you. :)

ohtori_akio

02-18-2007, 02:37 PM

I will try and do that. That's a good idea anyway ;)

Takato

02-18-2007, 02:51 PM

# This is the first and only appearance of Moon Tiara Stardust, a modified Moon Tiara Action which reverses hypnotic effects.One thing I always wondered was why Usagi only used her Moon Tiara Stardust in just this episode. She uses it to heal the brainwashed kids but in the later episodes she uses the Moon Stick to heal monster-transformed humans. In fact, when Luna tells Usagi to use the Moon Stick to heal the monsters, she acts like she thought it was impossible to heal transformed humans even though she did it with no problems in this episode. I just always wondered why Usagi never tried to use it later again and always had to rely on the Moon Stick. I also wonder if Shingo would be pissed off that he actually listened to what his sister told him to do if he ever found out Usagi was really Sailor Moon.

LimePie

02-18-2007, 06:33 PM

Shsway

02-18-2007, 10:30 PM

Isn't Luna a nag! Always amusing that Keiko Han is the seiyuu for both the ultimate villain, Beryl - & Usagi's closest confidante & pet. :D

Right on both counts, though how is Beryl "the ultimate villain"? (Or should I take this to mean that she's your favorite out of the ones featured throughout the seasons?)

Usagi seriously thinks that it would be great to sleep forever. Her friends can only shake their heads. :D

It seems to run in the family, as Usagi's dad thought that the "sleeping sickness" would be a wonderful thing to catch as well (though being a seemingly typical salaryman, he's entitled). I love that whole scene between him and his wife - seems like there's still some romance there. :)

Jadeite actually introduces himself formally to Sailor Moon in this ep.

Something I was really aware of, watching this one, was the BGM. There's a rockier version of Sailor Moon's transformation theme playing just as Jadeite is about to attack her. It and the usual mushy/sexy tune amused me. Also, Tuxedo Mask's theme sound more tinkly early on in the show, without the aid of the violins that eventually get added in.

Speaking of Tuxie, doesn't he sound a bit wicked, laughing the way he does as he leaves the scene?

Shsway

02-18-2007, 10:37 PM

# Jadeite and Queen Beryl's conversation in the penultimate scene marks one of the few times an evil minion has managed to satisfy their superior by the end of an episode.

Oh! That is true...

Who knows why they decided to give Luna the British nanny voice. It doesn't work at all, especially in the S Movie.

I can see your point, but I always thought that Luna's English voice was...appropriate, considering both her personality and her role in Usagi's life. :sd:

karen0586

02-18-2007, 10:43 PM

Speaking of Tuxie, doesn't he sound a bit wicked, laughing the way he does as he leaves the scene?

I totally agree :) . There are many things that I'm noticing as I watch the series with different perspectives. I can't wait for the rest of them, but I will restrict myself to going one episode per day. :sd:

Shsway

02-18-2007, 10:46 PM

I think that [Shingo] accepts Luna, even though he was afraid of cats, because Sailor Moon asks him to. But I am not sure if I am remembering that correctly.

A-yup.

You know, I only just noticed tonight that Shingo and Haruna-sensei are being played by the same actress, Kawashima Chiyoko. She later goes on to play Meiou Setsuna/Sailor Pluto (she also seems to specialize in "mom" voices, like Hikaru's mom in KOR).

I don't have much else to say, except that it's cool that Tuxedo Mask didn't charge in to the rescue this time. Bet you can count the number of times the story is scripted this way on one hand. ;)

ohtori_akio

02-19-2007, 02:29 AM

1000th post from me and what a pleasure it is to have it on the Sailor Moon thread!

Episode 6 - Protect the Melody of Love! Usagi is a Cupid

Usagi befriends Yusuke Amade, a jazz musician who is being followed by a Youma, and helps him confess to the woman he loves.

Episode Trivia

# Emi Shinohara (Sailor Jupiter) made her first appearance in the series here, playing Kyurene.

# This episode was the third to be left out of the North American dub.

touma

02-19-2007, 07:34 AM

Episode 6: The "adult musician" that Usagi transforms into is kind of cute, but I think that she looks more like a hooker than a musician.

Sailor Moon has another funny introduction, and puts a bit of a crack in the fourth wall, with this dialog:

Sailor Moon: Even the father of music Hayden is mad you know!
Luna: The father of music is Bach!
Sailor Moon: If you hadn't said anything they wouldn't have noticed. Anyway...In the name of the moon I will punish you!

I am not sure if that last part was addressed to the monster or to Luna.

Sailor Moon then redeems herself by coming up with the idea of using the concert hall sound system to turn the monster's sound attack against it. And she once again defeats the monster all by herself.

Takato

02-19-2007, 09:04 AM

Isuzu Inugami

02-19-2007, 10:24 AM

Speaking of Tuxie, doesn't he sound a bit wicked, laughing the way he does as he leaves the scene?

He's still very ambiguous at this stage of the series. You don't know quite what he's up to, but he definitely has his own agenda.

Njr Scrawl

02-19-2007, 10:32 AM

Episode six was always one of my favorite of the skipped episodes because it shows just how independent Usagi has become in such a short amount of time. Using the sound system as a defense against the monster was just a brilliant move and I also love how this monster is a little more creepier compared to most of the other monsters. Usagi transforming into an adult musician was also hilarious but I wonder what kind of parenting she has that she just hops into the car of a man she barely knows? :sd:

Usagi is somewhat forcibly being "made" through being Sailor Moon, & is finding herself & about herself. This series is about the forging of her basic character, which will get strengthened further by comradeship, respect & her experiences throughout all the series.

Shsway, Beryl is the nastiest Sailor Moon villain, the one who has no sympathetic background or past, & seems the embodiment of evil for its own sake, relishing in it. Even Galaxia in Stars is less bad IMO.

Shsway

02-19-2007, 01:20 PM

This is one of my favorite episodes of the series/franchise too. (It also got rejected for broadcast?)

I think this has got a little of everything, with the romance angle, the action-y stuff - heck, there's even a car chase in it! There's just something so awesome about the way that Usagi's hair looks, trailing out of the car window in those scenes.

Amade Yusuke is played by one of the recent additions to my list of favorite seiyuu, Wakamoto Norio. It seems like an unusual role for him, given the manly/wacky leading men that he usually plays.

The episode initiates another great Sailor Moon tradition: the introduction of guest characters (often famous ones within the BSSM universe), that provide the conflict f or the day's program, resolved in the second act.

Also, Ikuhara Kunihiko is credited as the producer.

Shsway, Beryl is the nastiest Sailor Moon villain, the one who has no sympathetic background or past, & seems the embodiment of evil for its own sake, relishing in it.

Ahh, OK.

EmperorBrandon

02-19-2007, 04:47 PM

Another little piece of trivia: this is the first Sailormoon episode with Ikuko Itoh as the leading animator. Her style is certainly different in the first season than when she takes over in S. It's much more rounded and sketchy.

One of the things I noticed it that the character designs seem to get inconsistent in Sailor Moon from one animation director to another. So they end up looking quite different in some episodes. Sometimes they just come out a bit odd (don't really like the ones with Masahiro Ando as animation director, as his style bugs me for whatever reason).

I will have to take note of Ikuko Itoh in these early episodes. She was an animator staring in the 80's, but I don't think her first role as a series character designer was until Sailor Moon S.

Shsway, Beryl is the nastiest Sailor Moon villain, the one who has no sympathetic background or past, & seems the embodiment of evil for its own sake, relishing in it. Even Galaxia in Stars is less bad IMO.

I don't really take Beryl in that light at all, but this may just be the result of my introduction to Sailor Moon, which was not with the anime. In the video game, Sailor Moon: Another Story, she was depicted as a good person during the era of the Silver Millenium and became corrupted due to Queen Metallia and her jealousy of Princess Serenity, since she loved Endymion too. I can't remember how much the anime touches on this, but it makes it more vague, though I think it still may touch on her love for Endymion. The game SM:AS is based upon an amalgamation of anime and manga plotlines, so it's kind of another universe in itself. I never have read the manga or watched the live-action series, so I don't know if Beryl was portrayed more sympathetically there as well

Collectonian

02-19-2007, 08:58 PM

I don't really take Beryl in that light at all, but this may just be the result of my introduction to Sailor Moon, which was not with the anime. In the video game, Sailor Moon: Another Story, she was depicted as a good person during the era of the Silver Millenium and became corrupted due to Queen Metallia and her jealousy of Princess Serenity, since she loved Endymion too. I can't remember how much the anime touches on this, but it makes it more vague, though I think it still may touch on her love for Endymion. The game SM:AS is based upon an amalgamation of anime and manga plotlines, so it's kind of another universe in itself. I never have read the manga or watched the live-action series, so I don't know if Beryl was portrayed more sympathetically there as well

Yes, in the manga Beryl has a similar background that makes her slightly more sympathetic.

mk2000

02-19-2007, 10:02 PM

Yeah, probably my favorite episode as well. :D

Usagi turning into an adult musician with her pen (which apparently means looking a like a skank) was outrageous.

Luna having to pretend she was a dead fur coat accessory was insane.

The greatest part of this bit had to have been when the waiter from the bar asked her what she wanted to drink and she's like, "Cream Soda!" and he's like, "Sorry, we don't have that" to which Usagi replies, "Oh, nothing then". :D

I don't know, if you've ever been to a bar and know the etiquette, this is a very funny scene.

ohtori_akio

02-20-2007, 12:05 AM

Time for episode 7!

Episode 7 - Usagi Learns a Lesson! The Road to Stardom is Tough

Episode Summary

Usagi, Naru and Umino aim to become celebrities, just as Jadeite initiates a plan to enslave people with dreams of fame.

Episode Trivia

# Naru's act, first with Usagi and later with Umino, involves performing Moonlight Densetsu.

# Mikan Shiratori's first name means "Tangerine."

# The dub episode featured an insert song called "I Wanna Be a Star".

# Mikan's name was changed to "Saffron" in the North American dub.

# North American Dub episode title "So You Wanna Be A Superstar"

touma

02-20-2007, 07:34 AM

Episode 7: Usagi and Naru's performance of "Moonlight Densetsu" is hilarious. I have to agree with Shingu when he says "Hey, stop killing the cat!"
Naru with Umino is even funnier. Umino in drag is just so...wrong. But the way that Naru manipulates him is so right. Again, knowing what is in the future for those two just makes this better.

Usagi is afraid of the monster, but she transforms and fights when Luna reminds her that Naru, Umino and others are in danger. "Crybaby Usagi" really is a brave girl, when it is important.

LimePie

02-20-2007, 06:00 PM

touma

02-20-2007, 06:32 PM

Sometimes they just come out a bit odd (don't really like the ones with Masahiro Ando as animation director, as his style bugs me for whatever reason).

Does anyone like Ando's designs? The chubby faces, skinny eyes, and pointy feet look really ugly.

I am now watching Sailor Moon for the fourth time and I never noticed any difference in the character designs. I am not saying that there is no difference, just that it did not make an impression on me.

ohtori_akio

02-21-2007, 08:10 AM

Episode 8 time! And it's an important one...

Episode 8 - Is the Genius Girl a Youma? Brainwashing School of Terror

Episode Summary

Usagi and Luna meet Ami Mizuno, a girl of genius level intelligence. While Luna is suspicious that she may be an enemy, Usagi is keen to befriend her.

Episode Trivia

# This episode, based closely upon Chapter 2 of the manga, introduces Ami Mizuno/Sailor Mercury.

# Dub Episode Title "Computer School Blues"

Njr Scrawl

02-21-2007, 12:23 PM

My introduction to Aya Hisakawa, & her gentle voice.

Ami-chan was & still is my favourite senshi. I think she looks best with the short hair she has in series 1.

This episode & Ami is what moves Sailor Moon up a gear, as it was becoming a little ho-hum.

Also Ami is a very nice opposite to Usagi. Bright, cool, calm while Usagi is airheaded, emotional (but kind) & panicky. They make a good combination.

So all we need is a fiery shrine maiden now...

AbeChinchilla

02-21-2007, 01:47 PM

I liked this one. Even though it was kind of retarded. With Luna suspecting Ami of being a youma and all.

karen0586

02-21-2007, 04:00 PM

Yay, we finally get other senshi involved. This is one of my favorite episodes.

Isuzu Inugami

02-21-2007, 04:11 PM

This episode & Ami is what moves Sailor Moon up a gear, as it was becoming a little ho-hum.

I agree... so much of the show's life comes from the interactions of the senshi... it feels a bit weak while Usagi is flying solo. It probably doesn't help that Usagi is my least favorite of the senshi, either... :sd:

Takato

02-21-2007, 04:28 PM

I loved Ami back in these early episodes because her problems of having her only talent be studying really was an actual problem. She actually had real social issues with getting along with the other students and I loved how Usagi helped bring her out of her shell more. But then in the later episodes they start revealing that Ami has all these amazing talents we didn't know about before, like she's an expert at chess, she's a pro swimmer, she can even repair automobiles and she became too Mary Sueish for my liking. I also liked how Ami's attacks were more offensive in these early episodes and she focused more on using her brains to help in fights as opposed to brute strength, whereas in later episodes she seems to focus more on using offensive attacks.

touma

02-21-2007, 06:25 PM

Episode 8: Hurray, Ami-chan is here. She is my favorite of all the girls. And it is interesting how Usagi immediately realizes that she can get Ami to help her study. I love the little devil image of Usagi in the thought balloon when that happens.

This is the first time that Luna uses the video game communicator.

Luna shows that she can use a computer, while Usagi does not have a clue. But then Luna proves that she is not all that smart by jumping to the wrong conclusion about Ami.

ohtori_akio

02-21-2007, 07:17 PM

The first time I cam across anything to do with Sailor Moon was through "Dorothee Magazine" (the French speaking members of the forum might know it). It had an article about the series that was going to start on TV soon and it showed the five sailor soldiers and had a short description of each of them. The high "Saint Seiya" feel of this introduction already had me REALLY interested in catching the show. Sailor Mars took my breath away from the first time I looked at the picture and as a result, I was a little disappointed to come across Sailor Mercury first. I also thought it would take as many episodes as it did before we got to Mercury to get with Mars, which was also a bummer.

Overall though, I liked this episode but as a kid I was incredibly disappointed by Sailor Mercury's "Bubble/Shabon Spray" as it seemed like a really lame move... It wasnt until I got a little older that I realised its utility... I didnt actually care much about Mercury till episode 45 where what happens to her touches me the most (after Sailor Mars of course!) and realised that she was probably the strongest in terms of character growth by that stage (Sailor Moon not included).

Another quick note about Mercury is that I always adore watching her transformation as it is the shortest and seems the most time-efficient and effective when the soldiers were required in a hurry...

Shsway

02-21-2007, 09:53 PM

About the only other thing that struck me about this episode is how similar this youma is to a daimon featured in one of my favorite installments of S: a baddie named [hide]Cenicienta, who was armed with green glass for a weapon.

Shsway

02-21-2007, 10:26 PM

Seeing this episode again, I couldn't help but think how weak some of Ami's dialog actually is. Well, weak in a blatantly angsty way. For someone who is intended to be kind of closed off to others because of how her intelligence and talents are perceived, she's awfully quick to come at Usagi with things like, "I don't have any other talent besides studying." Huh?

Well, that and I think her line about thinking that Luna might have been an angel falling from heaven was just...dumb.

On this viewing, I'm not getting why some trademark "sad" music is playing in the scene where Ami plays the video game. It's brief and a bit jarring.

Luna's base of operations is both cool and ridiculous. Ami's transformation is quite elegant...she really slips comfortably into this new role. And she happens to be my favorite of the Sailor Team, at present. Gotta love the smart, cute girls. :neko:

Random comments:
- Just what is that "OK Dai" building that keeps showing up in the backgrounds?
- There's a tennis raquet sitting in the corner of Usagi's room. She has never struck me as the athletic sort, at least at this point in her life...
- She doesn't specify for the transformation pen to turn her into a "beautiful" university doctor. Ha.
- Usagi's mom has an attractive side to her: I thought the animators drew her fairly well in the scene where she's asking Usagi about the results of a recent test

ohtori_akio

02-22-2007, 12:04 AM

Last episode in the single digits...

Episode 9 - Usagi's Misfortune! Watch Out for the Rushing Clocks

Episode Summary

The Dark Kingdom create chaos in Tokyo by distributing cursed clocks that alter the time perception of their owners.

Episode Trivia

# This episode marks the first appearance of Sailor Mercury's mini-supercomputer.

# Usagi and Ami were shopping in Tokyo's Harajuku district, which is known for its trendy shops and wild fashions.

# Dub Episode Title "Time Bomb"

EmperorBrandon

02-22-2007, 01:37 AM

ohtori_akio

02-22-2007, 01:47 AM

Overall though, I liked this episode but as a kid I was incredibly disappointed by Sailor Mercury's "Bubble/Shabon Spray" as it seemed like a really lame move... It wasnt until I got a little older that I realised its utility...

No one seems to realize the utility of Shabon Spray, unfortunately. It appears weak on the surface, but in actuality it's not. One interesting thing is that it's the same way in the Sailor Moon: Another Story game for SFC. It looks pretty wimpy, always doing extremely low amounts of HP damage, but it actually has a hidden effect that lowers the enemy's attack power (making many bosses quite easier). She's may not have the most powerful moves, but she has the most intelligent ones, and that suits her fine. :D

Although I actually dont mind the move now, I do think it works best in combination with another attack... There are other occurences that have the fandom believe that Sailor Mercury is the weakest soldier (Episode 45 being one example) but she is probably still one of the most reliable and effective... It's very rare that "Shabon Spray" does not actually "blind" Mercury's enemy and her success rate with that attack is probably the highest within the Inner senshis...

EmperorBrandon

02-22-2007, 01:55 AM

I do have to wonder how the "power rankings" are supposed to be. It seems that all of the Soldiers of the Inner Solar System seem to be similar in comparison, being eclipsed by Moon and later the Outers as far as raw power and the ability to finish off the enemies. They tend to be there to "soften" the enemies up. Though they get their chances for MOTW kills a few times early on, it rarely happens later - sometimes because the enemy needs some form of "healing", a power Sailor Moon usually possesses alone.

MrNice

02-22-2007, 04:39 AM

Yes, Shabon Spray did fill a nice niche, and it's a shame that Mercury moved onto more standard attacks later one. Ultimately all senshi attacks (except occassionally the Outer's) are overshadowed in pure power by whatever Sailor Moon get's upgraded to that season, by not competing on those grounds, Shabon Spray was ultimately more useful then Aqua Rhapsody et al.

touma

02-22-2007, 07:35 AM

Episode 9: Ami has her first shopping trip with Usagi. It was rather amusing when they compared books.
Usagi: It's all words!
Ami: It's all comics!

Sailor Mercury uses her visor for the first time.

Luna gives the computer to Ami, because Usagi would never figure out how to use it.
I found it interesting that the computer display was in English, including "TARGETING ARREST MODE - RAMUA-" and "PRIME DIRECTIVES." Was this originally in English or were those overlays for the ADV release?

MrNice

02-22-2007, 07:44 AM

I found it interesting that the computer display was in English, including "TARGETING ARREST MODE - RAMUA-" and "PRIME DIRECTIVES." Was this originally in English or were those overlays for the ADV release?Nope, like their attacks Ami's computer has always been in English.
I assume most people will have noticed that the text is a Robocop homage?

LimePie

02-22-2007, 04:52 PM

I love when Sailormoon de-ages; the acting was really on in that scene. Sailormoon imagining herself as an old lady was funny, too. :D

karen0586

02-22-2007, 05:45 PM

This was a very good episode. I liked that they decided to flesh out the friendship that was developing in between Usagi and Ami, especially their differences.

Mitsuki

02-22-2007, 07:00 PM

This was a very good episode. I liked that they decided to flesh out the friendship that was developing in between Usagi and Ami, especially their differences.

That's so true. I think one of my favorite parts about Sailor Moon is that Usagi basically saved the other girls from living lonely lives. (This is explicitly mentioned during the R movie's awesome Moon Revenge sequence.)

KomoriKiri

02-22-2007, 07:27 PM

On this viewing, I'm not getting why some trademark "sad" music is playing in the scene where Ami plays the video game. It's brief and a bit jarring.

It's been a while since I've seen the episode (I'm out of town at the moment), but watch Ami's reaction while she's playing the game. She doesn't look like she's enjoying it at all. Instead, she gets that look of intense concentration before realizing she has to run to cram school. I think the scene is meant to emphasize just how detached from ordinary teen life Ami is.

Ami's transformation is quite elegant...she really slips comfortably into this new role. And she happens to be my favorite of the Sailor Team, at present. Gotta love the smart, cute girls. :neko:

Definitely, on both counts. I've always enjoyed the wrapped-in-water of Ami's transformation, and the brevity puts it head and shoulders above the otherwise equally good wrapped-in-ribbons Usagi gets. None of the others really get a particularly nice transformation sequence.

Edit:

Forgot to address something:
--"she's awfully quick to come at Usagi with things like, "I don't have any other talent besides studying." Huh?"

This strikes me as completely in character for her. A lot of gifted kids tend to perfectionism (and you can see signs of this in her in later episodes, although Usagi and company do get her to ease up), so no matter how skilled/talented they are at something, they may not think they are. These ones also tend to react negatively to praise, since they see it as false/smarmy/etc.

Wraith
"I am Error."
-- Error (Zelda II)

ohtori_akio

02-23-2007, 03:14 AM

We are up to an exciting episode! My favourite soldier has finally arrived (yes 10 episodes was a long wait :P )

Episode 10 - Cursed Buses! Fire Senshi Mars Appears

Episode Summary

While investigating the case of a disappearing bus, Usagi meets Rei Hino, a shrine maiden with unusual powers.

Episode Trivia

# This episode marks the first appearance of Rei and her grandfather.

# This episode is the first to feature a Senshi (Sailor Mars) other than Sailor Moon defeating a Youma. This happens quite rarely.

# Dub Episode Title is "An Uncharmed Life"

"Akuryo Taisan" Trivia (As this might be interesting to some)

# In the North American dub, the attack was renamed to Mars Fireball Charge and bore no relation to her status as a miko. This led many fans to wonder why Rei could use her attack while untransformed.

# In the French manga, this attack is called "Vade retro, Satanas" which is a Latin exorcism.

ohtori_akio

02-23-2007, 03:24 AM

I must say, for the episode that introduces my favourite senshi, it is a little underwhelming... Sure it has its great moments (Rei using that ofuda on Usagi, her angry first "Fire Soul"). I also liked that Luna thought that Rei was the Princess as she does have this regal quality about her (I just love this girl!) Everything else well thought-out and it was a good episode but not a great one. I am looking forward to the next one as the tension between Usagi and Rei is built upon...

touma

02-23-2007, 07:45 AM

Episode 10: Is this the first time that the name "Dark Kingdom" was actually used for the enemy? As far as I can remember Luna was calling them just "the enemy." I had the impression that she did not know who they were, and still does not. I think that it is Queen Beryl who uses "Dark Kingdom."

I noticed that the same girls are getting on the bus on two different days, even though they were captured and confined the first time. Actually the animation was just reused. I guess they thought that nobody would notice. :D

Sailor Moon uses the tiara to confine the monster instead of hitting it. I think that was a first.
Sailor Mars uses Fire Soul for the first time and destroys the monster.

For the first time, but certainly not the last, Rei teases and torments Usagi and shows an interest in Tuxedo Mask.

Takato

02-23-2007, 09:03 AM

I also liked that Luna thought that Rei was the Princess as she does have this regal quality about her (I just love this girl!)I love how Luna criticizes Usagi for being dense but twice already she's mistaken a Sailor Soldier for being someone else that they're not. Rei is also my favorite Sailor Moon character and I always loved how even though she can be very blunt and argues constantly with Usagi, they're still the closest of friends, plus her attacks are really cool. The one thing I always wondered about this episode was how exactly was Ami able to open the gateway to the other dimension that Usagi and Rei were in? She just starts praying to her transformation stick and suddenly the gateway opens with no explanation and how did Tuxedo Mask get over there to the other side, too?

ohtori_akio

02-24-2007, 01:58 AM

vtr9kvictor

02-24-2007, 05:40 AM

New Episode! (Can't believe the previous one didn't have more discussion since it introduced Rei! What is wrong with you people?!? :( )

Episode 11 - Usagi vs Rei? A Nightmare in Dreamland

Episode Summary

While Luna searches for information about the princess, Usagi, Ami, and Rei investigate a suspicious theme park.

Episode Trivia

# Dreamland appeared for a second time in "Umino's Resolve! I'll Protect Naru."

# In the English dub of this episode, the music played when the Dream Princess's headless body was spinning around like a music box was Brahms' Lullaby.

# Dub Episode Title "Nightmare in Dreamland"! One that hasn't been totally changed...

This is probably my favorite of the early episodes. It's just so horrific, the mood, music, and animation give it this air of a horror film, especially the scene where the automaton girl's head is spinning. I really liked it. And yeah, Sailor Mars really is the World's Sexiest Pyromaniac Catholic Schoolgirl.

Njr Scrawl

02-24-2007, 05:51 AM

This is the 1st Rei episode that I really remember. Its because Rei & Usagi are alone together, & Rei shows what a contrast in character she is to both Usagi & Ami with her sharpness/meaness towards Usagi, & her more mature demeanour. At this time it seemed slightly unpleasant, but later through I increasingly enjoy Rei getting at Usagi (which is parodied & taken to extreme in Ebichu where Kotono M is Ebichu's seiyuu & Michie Tomizawa is "sempai"-owner).

Rei being voice acted by Michie Tomizawa was a shock I remember, as I'd only known Michie as the sweet domestic Manami Kasuga in KOR before. Later of course, as Sumire in Sakura Wars (Taisen), Michie plays meaner still at Sakura.

Has the ADV intro animation changed yet? IIRC the 2nd op has a scene where Usagi, Amy & Rei are walking meaningfully down a street in senshi costume towards an unseen enemy, like in a (cowboy) western scene. Its my favourite BSSM opening. The Japanese DVDs have this intro earlier than on the R1s.

touma

02-24-2007, 08:34 AM

Episode 11: Usagi and Rei have their first big battle, and the first innocent bystander get caught in the middle. Poor boy. :D

Rei notices that Mamoru looks like Tuxedo Mask, but Usagi refuses to accept that, mostly because she still thinks that Mamoru is a big jerk.

Another interesting exchange:
Sailor Moon: Hey, Monster. I can't forgive you for using the innocent hearts of dreaming maidens.
Sailor Mars: By maidens, are you referring to yourself?
Sailor Moon: Does it really matter?

Sailor Moon and Sailor Mars combine Moon Tiara Action and Fire Soul perfectly into one attack. Very impressive.

My favorite moments are still happening when the girls are just ordinary (well, sort of) girls, rather than sailor warriors.

Takato

02-24-2007, 08:52 AM

I love this episode because we learn that Rei is just as obsessed with Sailor V manga as Usagi. I remember the dub changed it so that Serena wanted to read Raye's "Sailor V Goes To Hollywood" book. :roll: Why couldn't they have just said "comic book"? Is that really such a foreign concept to them? The monster in this episode was one of my favorites because of how creepy and weird she is with that scene where she retracts her head. The scene where Usagi makes fun of Mamoru for riding on the kiddy train is still hilarious every time.

touma

02-24-2007, 08:58 AM

Has the ADV intro animation changed yet? IIRC the 2nd op has a scene where Usagi, Amy & Rei are walking meaningfully down a street in senshi costume towards an unseen enemy, like in a (cowboy) western scene. Its my favourite BSSM opening. The Japanese DVDs have this intro earlier than on the R1s.
ADV used that opening for the first episode, and they are still using it as of episode 22 which is where I am on my current rewatching.
I do not remember when they switch to the opening that has all five girls, but I think that they use only those two openings for the first season.

karen0586

02-24-2007, 09:39 AM

ohtori_akio

02-24-2007, 02:04 PM

New Episode! (Can't believe the previous one didn't have more discussion since it introduced Rei! What is wrong with you people?!? :( )

I am so sorry, I completely forgot to check the site for the episode discussion. I was doing other things at other sites :blush: .

I really can't say that Rei is one of my favorite characters overall, maybe because I was mad that she was interested in Mamoru (that doesn't look right to me for some reason). Still, she adds a new dimension to the team with her own style.

I would have liked to have seen more solo episodes with Mercury and Moon, but that wouldn't have worked well I guess. I think what gets me though is that they spend a lot of episodes with just the three before pulling Jupiter in. I haven't read the manga so I don't know how if it followed it pretty closely or not.

As for the episode, it's one that I rewatch all the time. And I agree, that princess doll is one of the most horrific villians yet. For girls at the age of 12-13, which is when I started seeing the series on tv, that's pretty much a fairytale breaker. It ruins the whole princess dream and whatnot.

I loved it.

I am so glad to hear I wasnt the only guy (girl?) freaked out by that monster. She looked so sweet and adorable and then CREEP!!!! It is actually funny to note that Ikuhara (Utena director) is the one directing this episode. That's probably why it is so unsettling...

With the Mercury and Sailor Moon thing lasting more episodes, I think it would have been a bit of a mistake too; since Sailor Moon tends to be really annoying and Mercury is fairly boring (in the sense that she wouldnt get into arguments or entertain the audience that way) so a combination of the two without much else would have made the show a little iffy. I think they also needed a new soldier in there quickly who looked powerful and Mars does with her red high heels "Fire Soul" attack... I'm glad we are getting this team for a while as I do like this trio. Now all I'm waiting for is Nephlite's arrival!

KomoriKiri

02-24-2007, 06:39 PM

I would have liked to have seen more solo episodes with Mercury and Moon, but that wouldn't have worked well I guess. I think what gets me though is that they spend a lot of episodes with just the three before pulling Jupiter in. I haven't read the manga so I don't know how if it followed it pretty closely or not.

The manga moves much, much faster. The first three chapters bring Moon, Mercury and Mars together, and then there's only a one chapter break before Jupiter comes in.

Wraith
"Odango-atama."
-- Mamoru ("Sailor Moon")

ohtori_akio

02-25-2007, 05:34 AM

Episode 12 - I Want a Boyfriend Too! A Trap on a Luxury Cruise Ship

Episode Summary

Rei wins tickets for a romantic cruise and asks Ami to join her, prompting jealousy from Usagi. However, the cruise is actually part of a plot by Jadeite.

Episode Trivia

# The fat lady from the first episode can be seen again, as one of the raffle customers.

# Dub Episode Title "Cruise Blues"

touma

02-25-2007, 08:35 AM

Episode 12: The pervert in me was disappointed that nothing was made of the fact that Rei invited Ami to go on a romantic cruise with her. At least Ami is adorably embarrassed when she realizes that they are the only female "couple" on the ship, but it is proven that there is nothing happening there when the monster steals the love energy from the passengers and neither Rei nor Ami has any love energy to steal, darn it. :>

Rei shows that she can be a lot like Usagi when she decides to attack the food and prove that she can eat as much as any ten normal people.

At the end of the episode we see that Queen Beryl is very close to the limit of her patience with Jadeite, not that she ever had much patience.

karen0586

02-25-2007, 09:07 AM

At the end of the episode we see that Queen Beryl is very close to the limit of her patience with Jadeite, not that she ever had much patience.

That's certainly true enough...

I actually couldn't help myself and marathoned the first 30 something episodes this saturday. At least I'm up to date with the episodes since it's been over two years since I've seen them.

As for this episode, I like how Usagi latched herself onto Jadeite's arm and he tried to figure out what to do with her :sd: . If I had been one of the passangers waking up and finding myself on a very rundown cruise, I would have freaked. :D

Mitsuki

02-25-2007, 02:45 PM

I love Rei cheating to win the cruise. :D

Rei & Ami on the cruise was funny too. I had almost forgotten about the humor in SM.

It was also interesting to see that the youma apparently had a thing for Jadeite. I like that there were always romance among the villains, too.

A recommendation for anyone who can't watch or who misses a couple are the episode summaries on Hitoshi Doi's page (http://www.tcp.com/doi/smoon/episodes/index.html).

ohtori_akio

02-25-2007, 03:52 PM

I loved this episode for many reasons. One being that Jadeite is actually one of the most handsome villains they ever have on the show so seeing a couple of people interested in him romantically really made my day.

The ship at the end was definitely freaky, I love how there is this element of horror that runs through many of these locations and familiar objects as they are ones that hit you the hardest.

It was a shame that Tetis died at the end of this episode as a longer subplot with her and Jadeite would have been great! Rei cheating to win and being so smug about it, and the hypocrisy of being mean to Usagi for things she does too was priceless. Kinda like Lucille Bluth in Arrested Development, which is another show I just adore!

Also guys, tonight will be my last night in Australia for about 6 weeks as I am going to visit my Dad, whom I havent seen for 7 years in Mauritius. I'll try and keep this thread going but I do not know how regularly I'll be able to post new episodes. If anyone could temporarily replace me, please pm me and I'll show you what needs to be done (though it should be quite obvious since I've posted a few eps so far...)Thank you!

The Chairman :P

ohtori_akio

02-25-2007, 11:57 PM

Episode 13 is upon us and it is a great one! Enjoy guys :D

Episode 13 - Girl Power! The End of Jadeite

Episode Summary

Having incurred the wrath of Queen Beryl, Jadeite is told to kill the Sailor Senshi or face death, so he challenges them to a final showdown.

Episode Trivia

# This episode marks the first appearance of Nephrite, as well as Jadeite's final appearance.

# Dub Episode Title "Fight To The Finish"

Tribute to Jadeite

Since this episode marks the end of our love/hate relationship with Jadeite, I thought of posting a link that reflects on him.

Tribute to Jadeite (http://wikimoon.org/index.php?title=Jadeite)

ohtori_akio

02-26-2007, 04:22 PM

This episode was great fun for me as it was the first time the girls really needed to work as a team and they really pulled it off.

Jadeite will be missed as we don't get many hot (manly) blonds like him on the show after and he was actually the most effective general (though one doesnt find this out till later).

I also liked the bit about Eternal Sleep (http://wikimoon.org/index.php?title=Eternal_Sleep), it is a shame we only see it happen once but it is a horrifying punishment all the same...

Looking forward to seeing more of Nephrite as he does have an interesting substory that I am dying to comment on when it reaches its conclusion...

plaidwolf

02-26-2007, 04:55 PM

ohtori_akio

02-26-2007, 04:59 PM

That is the problem with working for the Dark Kingdom if you are an evil General...

There are no retirement benefits because you dont live long enough to collect them! Not to mention the long hours, lack of paid vacations, lousy pay, and the boss is a real bitch.....

of course the good side is Beryl's kingdom has low unemployment and workman's compensation rates are pretty favorable....youma dont live long enough to collect anything, let alone a paycheck!

LOL! Indeed, a very cunning observation... Though I do have to wonder whether youmas ever wonder what is in it for them sometimes or if they are just slaves to Beryl and the generals... In a later episode, Naru apporaches the subject with Nephrite but not much is actually revealed there either...

Isuzu Inugami

02-26-2007, 05:04 PM

That is the problem with working for the Dark Kingdom if you are an evil General...

Sailor Moon is just one long history of abusing and disregarding middle management.

ohtori_akio

02-26-2007, 05:05 PM

plaidwolf

02-26-2007, 05:27 PM

That is the problem with working for the Dark Kingdom if you are an evil General...

Sailor Moon is just one long history of abusing and disregarding middle management.

Not as badly as Saint Seiya though, where all the saints do the work and the only one that gets the "thank you" is Seiya!

It works that way for the good guys too....the middle management (Inner Senshi) cant do much themselves...it often takes an outside consultant (Tuxedo Mask) to offer timely suggestions on fixing the current problem at hand, and afterwards,once the crisis is solved, the upper manager (Sailor Moon) gets the most credit and glory

Man talk about a show in need of unionization! Youma Local 0992 and Senshi Workers of the World local 10 should be on this case!

karen0586

02-26-2007, 06:26 PM

The last episode of Jadeite's saga has come at last. I really enjoyed the episode, specially the part in which the teacher touches Usagi's forehead to see if she has a fever or is sick.

I think that this episode hallmarks the coming together of the girls. All three of them together I mean. One the previous episodes we hadn't really seen all three of them working together with their strengths and capabilities.

*Loved how they had Usagi as target for the controlled planes. There's something about Usagi running all hysterical that just tickles my funny bone :D .

Serial Experiments Nobue

02-26-2007, 08:25 PM

It works that way for the good guys too....the middle management (Inner Senshi) cant do much themselves...it often takes an outside consultant (Tuxedo Mask) to offer timely suggestions on fixing the current problem at hand, and afterwards,once the crisis is solved, the upper manager (Sailor Moon) gets the most credit and glory

Man talk about a show in need of unionization! Youma Local 0992 and Senshi Workers of the World local 10 should be on this case!

Coming soon to bookstores everywhere: "Everything I Know About Business Management I Learned From Sailor Moon!" :D

...and now back to your regularly scheduled Sailor Moon episode discussion... ;)

Takato

02-26-2007, 10:41 PM

I love this episode because even though the girls thought Tuxedo Mask was dead, they still came through and defeated Jadeite on their own, which shows that the girls are just as capable of fighting on their own should anything ever happen to Tuxedo Mask. In all honesty, it's the girl power theme of Sailor Moon that really draws me into this series. For me Sailor Moon was one of the first animated series, Japanese or otherwise, I had seen where the main characters were girls who could kick ass on their own. In most American action cartoons, I always loved the female characters, but at the same time I always felt disappointed that they seemed to get shafted all the time. Like, if there ever was a female American cartoon character with superpowers, they were either really weak and always needed to be rescued or if they were powerful, they rarely ever did anything at all. I just always loved how even though the Sailor Soldiers were the main characters they were just as powerful as the guys were, if not more so, and the girls rescued the guys just as much as the other way around. I don't know why it is I love that aspect of the series. I just think girls that kick ass have this awesomeness about them.

ohtori_akio

02-26-2007, 11:04 PM

touma

02-26-2007, 11:16 PM

ohtori_akio

02-26-2007, 11:30 PM

Episode 14: Luna uses the video game communicator and learns that the enemy is the Dark Kingdom, and that they are after human energy.
We still do not know who is on the other end of that communication.

Touma, I really think you should post some of your observations/episode trivia on www.wikimoon.org under the relevant episodes as they tend to be worthwhile ones...

Also to all, expect some delays in posts of new episodes from me as I will be in Mauritius and do not know how often the Internet will be readily available but IF someone can pm me and let me know that they are interested in posting the following episodes, please do so ;)

karen0586

02-27-2007, 08:47 AM

I think I must admit that I never was really interested in the whole Nephrite arc. What I loved about this episode though was that Sailor Moon defeated the yaoma without Mars and Mercury. True, she was helped by Tuxedo Mask, but to me it brings memories of the first episodes.

*Also, who doesn't love a tennis ball sailor moon? That part is always hilarious. You would have thought that she would have figured out how to duck attacks instead of running around aimlessly and getting hit :sd: .

LimePie

02-27-2007, 04:20 PM

Usagi references another anime during the preview: "A youma can't Aim for the Ace!" :sd:

EmperorBrandon

02-27-2007, 07:46 PM

I've been wanting to follow this thread but got caught a little off-guard when it was starting (busy with some stuff), but... I decided to join in now and wanted to start with watching ep. 13, since watching Jadeite's demise is always fun (I'm not missing out on terribly much at least, I think - lots of good parts of the Dark Kingdom arc still to come).

Anyway, one thing I took note of was Usagi's pudgy friend. I know she shows up a few times early in the series, but she seems to disappear later on (don't even think she's in R...) Which is a syndrome for a lot of supporting characters, which seem to show up less and less, and pretty much all of them vanish in Sailor Stars.

Love how Usagi uses the humiliation tactic on Mamoru when he starts to badmouth Motoki (unwittingly). She definitely makes the crowd feel sorry for her, something I think I remember her doing later on...

Ah, and I just got love Jadeite in this episode. Don't hear Masaya Onosaka much in a straight evil role that often, and pretty much his type is a rarity among Sailor Moon villains in the anime. Many seem to have distractions that help them get a bit more sympathetic to the good guy side or else cause them to fail. Jadeite displays no such sympathy or commitments to anyone else (despite the powerful youma that seemed to have a crush on him). The Sailor Senshi's response to Jadeite's sexist comments was pretty cool; it was neat seeing him get owned there. :D

Ah well, and looks like I only have one more episode to get caught up from here. I'm going to enjoy following this one.

karen0586

02-28-2007, 07:53 AM

I don't know if anyone is officially taking over for shounen kakumei akio, but I'll post the info for the next episode. If someone else is already doing this, I apologize. Just set me straight :D .

Episode 15 - Usagi is Frantic! Rei's First Date

Episode Summary

Rei falls for Mamoru and persuades him to go on a date with her, whilst Nephrite targets the caretaker of a local park.

Episode Trivia

# Mamoru's name was revealed for the first time in this episode.

# This episode began the Rei-dating-Mamoru subplot that did not exist in the manga or live-action series.

# The dub name for this episode is not grammatically correct, as phenomena is the plural of phenomenon; more correct versions of the title would be "An Unnatural Phenomenon" or "Unnatural Phenomena".

# Dub Episode Title "An Unnatural Phenomena".

karen0586

02-28-2007, 07:58 AM

You gotta love Rei's shinnanigans to persuade/latch herself onto Mamoru's side. Something that surprised me was that this subplot only existed in the anime and not in the manga. I wonder what setting this up would accomplish. It might come to be that they believed this way they could show a bit of jealousy on Usagi's part and the idea of her being attracted to Mamoru being introduced to those new to the franchise.

*Favorite part of the episode is Luna being attacked by squirrels. There's just something about her writhing on the ground as those little devils bite her :> .

*Another scene is Usagi and Umino. The sight of those petruded lips would scare many :D .

Takato

02-28-2007, 09:24 AM

# The dub name for this episode is not grammatically correct, as phenomena is the plural of phenomenon; more correct versions of the title would be "An Unnatural Phenomenon" or "Unnatural Phenomena".Wow, DiC couldn't even get the grammar in their own episode titles correct. I never realized this until you pointed that out. Thanks for that trivia info. Another thing DiC screwed up on in this episode is that in the original Mamoru's name wasn't revealed until this episode, but the English dub had Serena and Molly already know who Darien was way back in English episode two and they try to make it seem like they've known each other for a long time, even though Serena and Darien just met in episode one. Does DiC think kids will start talking to strangers or something unless Serena already knows who Darien is? And another thing I find amusing is that DiC has a problem with showing gays on children's cartoons but they apparently have no problem with Usagi dating Mamoru, even though Usagi is 14 and Mamoru is in college. Double standards, anyone? :roll:

touma

02-28-2007, 09:45 AM

Episode 15: Rei sets her sights on Mamoru, and while trying to attract his attention she shows that she can be just as clumsy as Usagi.

This is the first time we see that Usagi's transformation seems to have an effect on Mamoru.

Some images that stick in my memory are Luna being attacked by squirrels, and Sailor Moon being nearly incinerated when Sailor Mars "rescues" her with Fire Soul.

(Sorry if these are redundant. I am just doing a quick copy and paste from notes that I wrote while watching the episodes. I have finished episode 26 and will probably watch several more today since I am not going to go to work because of snow. I had originally planned to watch each episode as it was being discussed here, but when I see Usagi and friends I need to have more. I just can't control myself. :sd: )

karen0586

02-28-2007, 12:55 PM

And another thing I find amusing is that DiC has a problem with showing gays on children's cartoons but they apparently have no problem with Usagi dating Mamoru, even though Usagi is 14 and Mamoru is in college. Double standards, anyone? :roll:

I don't really recall, but I think that they didn't actually mention Mamoru's age until the S season on the dub. And that was because they mentioned his college classes. Since they americaniced the show, I would guess that we could assume Mamoru is around 16-18 years of age since he drives a car and a motorcycle. But that isn't really shown until the R season. :P

When you look at the show and how he is drawn, you can assume that he's around their age unless otherwise stated by others. It's on the later episodes that you really notice how different he is from all the other 14 year old males in the show.

karen0586

02-28-2007, 01:01 PM

Njr Scrawl

02-28-2007, 06:07 PM

Usagi references another anime during the preview: "A youma can't Aim for the Ace!" :sd:

A little FYI here. IMO its a tip of the hat to a classic series, but also to Kotono Mitsuishi, whose seiyuu debut was a bit part in Top o Nerae. :)

Njr Scrawl

02-28-2007, 06:15 PM

As Takato says, I reinforce: "Girl Power all the way!" Strange how the term made its way into popular culture through the Spice Girls when it was coined in Sailor Moon so early on... Anyway, it is time for a new episode:

Episode 14 - A Powerful New Enemy! Nephrite's Evil Crest

Episode Summary

Nephrite is appointed as Jadeite's successor and begins selecting individual targets for energy, the first one being Naru's friend Rui.

Episode Trivia

# This episode marks the beginning of Nephrite's story arc, and sees the introduction of Zoisite.

# Dub Episode Title "Match Point for Sailor Moon". I personally dislike that pun...

And so the pattern is set. While Jadeite targetted groups of people, Nephrite & nearly all SM villains after him go for individuals. Series, after series after series. Stars is better & goes back to attacks on groups, but its now a long path of variations, magical changes etc.

touma

02-28-2007, 06:34 PM

Episode 15: Rei sets her sights on Mamoru, and while trying to attract his attention she shows that she can be just as clumsy as Usagi.

I had forgotten about this completely until I saw the episode again. The first time I ever saw this episode I couldn't stop laughing as Mamoru steps on Rei's head.
That is one of my favorite scenes in this episode. And I must admit that she did get his attention. :D

And really I hadn't thought of it that way. There are many things that are similar about Rei and Usagi when you start thinking about it. Especially since they're not that obvious at first.
Rei has psychic abilities and Usagi is a crybaby, but other than that I think that they are quite similar. Rei usually shows more control and composure than Usagi, but when she loses that composure, which Usagi often makes her do, it can be hard to tell them apart, except for the hair :D .
Another girl, who we have not yet seen, can also be very similar.

karen0586

03-01-2007, 12:04 PM

It's a bit late in the day, but here's the next episode:

Episode 16 - Dream of a White Dress! Usagi Becomes Bride

Episode Summary

Usagi decides to enter a home-made wedding dress contest, while her home economics teacher is targeted by Nephrite.

Episode Trivia

# This episode shares some similarities with Act 5 of the manga.

# Dub Episode Title "Wedding Day Blues".

karen0586

03-01-2007, 12:07 PM

I can't really say that this is a fav episode for me. I just didn't really feel as rapt about the plot as others.

*Favorite scene is the ending... It would have to be Ami who gets the bouquet instead of the overzealous Haruna, Usagi and Rei. I couldn't help but smile as the bouquet bounced from hand to hand as the three tried to grasp it :D .

touma

03-01-2007, 06:30 PM

Episode 16: There is a lot more Rei and Usagi comedy in this one. Rei tries flattery to get Usagi's mother to help her beat Usagi in the wedding dress competition.
Usagi sees herself as "The beautiful thief Usagi Hood" when she tries to steal her mother's curtains.

Sailor Mercury, Sailor Mars and Sailor Moon combine to destroy the monster without the help of Tuxedo Mask, who was not in this episode at all, except in Usagi's fantasy about her wedding.

EmperorBrandon

03-01-2007, 07:50 PM

Usagi sees herself as "The beautiful thief Usagi Hood" when she tries to steal her mother's curtains.

Heh, that part reminds me a bit of an episode in SuperS, where Usagi similarly decides to dress stealthily. :)

karen0586

03-02-2007, 07:27 AM

Episode 16: There is a lot more Rei and Usagi comedy in this one. Rei tries flattery to get Usagi's mother to help her beat Usagi in the wedding dress competition.
Usagi sees herself as "The beautiful thief Usagi Hood" when she tries to steal her mother's curtains.

That was simply hilarious. As I watched the episode, I couldn't help but try to remember what the dub had placed for that little scene right there. But alas, it has been way too many years to recall something like that from memory. :sd:

karen0586

03-02-2007, 07:31 AM

Episode 17 - Is Usagi a Model? The Focus of the Yaoma Camera

Episode Summary

Nephrite targets a gifted young photographer, while Usagi tries to achieve her dream of becoming a model.

Episode Trivia

# This episode saw the introduction of the first set of Communicators.

# Usagi's swimsuit shows up again in "The Summer! The Ocean! Our Youth! And a Ghost Too"

# Dub Episode Title "Shutter Bugged"

touma

03-02-2007, 07:39 AM

Episode 17: I think that this is the first time, but not the last, that Usagi tells Ami that she is wasting her precious youth by studying. Of course Ami disagrees.

Just so that we do not forget about her there is a picture of Sailor V on the cover of a magazine that Usagi is reading.

The girls get new communication devices and Usagi immediately abuses them.

Usagi showed some creativity in the way that she fixed the holes in her swimsuit.

Luna has to threaten and trick Usagi to get her to see the danger. But once she does see it she goes into action and uses Sailor Moon Kick. After some trouble Sailor Moon shows another flash of brilliance by using the mirror against the monster. Once again Sailor Moon wins a battle by herself.

karen0586

03-02-2007, 05:02 PM

Luna has to threaten and trick Usagi to get her to see the danger. But once she does see it she goes into action and uses Sailor Moon Kick. After some trouble Sailor Moon shows another flash of brilliance by using the mirror against the monster. Once again Sailor Moon wins a battle by herself.

I think that's one of the good points of the episode. It's good to see Usagi evolve a bit as Sailor Moon and be able to kick butt without having to be rescued.

*Loved the end of the episode where Usagi's family was commenting on how they would like her to be more like the girl that inspired the photographer while she sleeps, unknowingly in her bedroom from exhaustion.

karen0586

03-04-2007, 07:57 AM

Sorry for being late :sd: . I sometimes get distracted when I'm trying to do something.

Episode 18 - Shingo's Innocent Love! A Sorrowfull French Doll

Episode Summary

Shingo upsets his friend Mika, whose famous doll-making skills make her the next target for Nephrite's energy gathering.

Episode Trivia

# This episode once again featured Emi Shinohara (Sailor Jupiter) as a Youma.

# Luna was said to have a fear of the supernatural in this episode. This trait would only be referred to on one more occasion before being dropped.

# This episode marked the first appearence of the Mercury Goggle.

# The youma Jumo's name is a reference to famous French dollmaker Pierre Jumeau.

# Dub Episode Title "Dangerous Dollies".

karen0586

03-04-2007, 08:04 AM

Episode 19 - Usagi is Thrilled! Tuxedo Mask's Love Letter

Episode Summary

Nephrite plans to trap Sailor Moon by sending fake love letters from Tuxedo Mask to all of the girls in Juuban. However, his plan inadvertently draws the attention of Naru.

Episode Trivia

# Tuxedo Mask's real identity is revealed to the viewers in this episode.

# Naru's Tendency to get caught up in Dark Kingdom schemes comes into full play this episode, not only attracting Nephrite but seting up future events in the process.

# Dub Episode Title "Who is that Masked Man?".

touma

03-04-2007, 08:45 AM

Episode 18: Usagi actually tries to be a good big sister to Shingu, and mostly succeeds. It was a bit difficult though when Usagi learned that the "pig" doll that Shingu made was supposed to be Sailor Moon.

Rei has her first date with Mamoru.

Sailor Mars, once again, singes Sailor Moon ("Hot! Hot! Hot!") with Fire Soul (is that really happening accidentally? :D .) Then Sailor Mars, Sailor Moon and Sailor Mercury combine to defeat the monster and save Shingu's girlfriend, Mika, who is very cute.

touma

03-04-2007, 08:52 AM

Episode 19: Nephrite thinks that Naru is Sailor Moon. After he discovers his mistake he sees that she has a tremendous amount of energy, which he proceeds to take. Poor Naru, the enemy is always taking something from her.
Naru loves Sanjoin, Nephrite's human disguise. This becomes important later.

For the first time we see that Mamoru does transform into Tuxedo Mask. Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask have a chance to talk and get to know each other a little bit, though not under the best of conditions.

The lion monster was not destroyed. Is this the first time that a monster was not destroyed?

EmperorBrandon

03-04-2007, 12:54 PM

The Shingo-Mika thing was really cute, I thought. I think Mika is another of those minor characters that doesn't show up at all in later series (I suppose the "little kid" drama has to always revolve around Chibiusa by that point). Another episode animation directed by Ikuko Itoh, so no wonder it's cute and pretty. The dolls could definitely be pretty freaky-looking, though. :)

Takato

03-04-2007, 03:16 PM

One of the things I loved in episode 18 was how we got to see more of just how popular Sailor Moon has become with kids and now Shingo and Mika both think that Sailor Moon is cooler than Sailor V. Sometimes I have to wonder if Minako ever got jealous if she ever heard the kids saying things like that. :sd: And I still love the irony of Shingo being a big fan of Sailor Moon while completely unaware that she's really his own sister. I also always can't help but burst out laughing when Usagi thinks Shingo's clay doll of Sailor Moon looks like a pig and I loved his friendship with Mika, too. It's too bad they didn't spend more time developing the relationship between them more instead of dropping them off the face of the planet by Sailor Stars altogether.

Another one of my favorite moments is in episode 19 where Ms. Haruna tells her students not to listen to the fake love letters' invitations because someone dangerous might have sent them. At first it appears like Ms. Haruna is warning them not to go because of her duty as a teacher, but in reality she tells them because she was jealous that she didn't get a love letter, too. I just always found this aspect of Ms. Haruna to be hilarious because she tries to act like she's more mature than her students when she's really not any different than any of them. And does anyone else notice that Rei calls Ami by her name right in front of Tuxedo Mask at the end of this episode yet he for some reason doesn't seem to care at all that she just revealed Mercury's identity in front of him?

sedorna

03-04-2007, 04:42 PM

This was the first episode of Sailor Moon I ever saw, dubbed, back in 1995 at 6 a.m. (Actually, I taped it and watched it after school.) It was the show that got me into anime, and I still love it.

Though, I'll admit, my intense hatred for Nephrite has subdued a bit. Perhaps it was a difference in the dub characterization of the character, perhaps it was my youth, perhaps it was both, but I absolutely LOATHED him during this first episode that I saw, and my hatred never decreased. Rather, it only increased until
I was jumping up and down in giddy glee when Zoisite had him killed.

Now--well, I might not like him very much, but I know what happens, and I suppose that might somewhat tend to affect my opion towards him.

And now, on a lighter note, Usagi looked so cute when Haruna-sensei was telling the girls to be careful about the love letters from "Tuxedo Mask". Gosh, her pouting was utterly adorable! In fact, season 1 is just chock full of cute character designs.

LimePie

03-04-2007, 06:16 PM

karen0586

03-04-2007, 08:43 PM

The dolls could definitely be pretty freaky-looking, though. :)

There are two things in Sailormoon that send chills down my spine. Those dolls are one of them ('Princess Dream' from episode 11 is the other.)

I totally agree with this :D . There's just something about seeing a representation of what's cute and nice in the world and giving it that deep twist.

karen0586

03-05-2007, 07:53 AM

Episode 20 - The Summer! The Ocean! Our Youth! And a Ghost Too

Episode Summary

Usagi, Ami, Rei, and Luna take a vacation in order to train, but the hotel they have booked is haunted by a strange phenomenon.

Episode Trivia

# This episode was the fourth to be left out of the North American dub. It does not feature any of the regular villains.

# Like episode 67 of the second season, "The Sea! An Island! Vacation! The Senshi Relax", this episode does not play into the main storyline of the season. It also has a similar structure to the title.

# In this episode Usagi was revealed to have a fear of thunderstorms.

karen0586

03-05-2007, 08:01 AM

Sailor Mars, once again, singes Sailor Moon ("Hot! Hot! Hot!") with Fire Soul (is that really happening accidentally? :D .) Then Sailor Mars, Sailor Moon and Sailor Mercury combine to defeat the monster and save Shingu's girlfriend, Mika, who is very cute.

That's definitely true :D . I think it actually occurs on other times as the series progresses as well. I think Rei enjoys springing fire on Serena.

I love the relationship between Shingu and Mika. I would have loved for them to have been portrayed more as the series progressed but I guess with the arrival of Chibi-Usa we got all the kidness we would ever want or needed.

*I loved the scene in which Mamoru and Nephrite pass each other and stare at one another. They get this feeling of uneasy as they observe each other and still don't connect anything to their other senses. You would have thought that they would listen to their senses more than the normal person. :sd:

touma

03-05-2007, 08:07 AM

karen0586

03-05-2007, 08:07 AM

The lion monster was not destroyed. Is this the first time that a monster was not destroyed?

If I'm not mistaken, you're right. I think it has to do with the fact that the lion wasn't a normal yaoma. I don't recall well, but in how it appeared and managed itself, it showed that it was a different spirit altogether. I don't actually remember much of the episode except for the fact that Sailor Moon and Mamoru fight it alone and an elevator is somewhat important :sd: .

*What took most of my attention was when Nephrite was holding Naru in his arms while dressed as Tuxedo Mask. There was a tenderness to that scene that shows the turmoil that is starting to sprout inside of Nephrite when it comes to deal with Naru.

karen0586

03-05-2007, 08:11 AM

Episode 20: This episode is unusual, perhaps even unique, because none of the enemy are in it at all.

It is probably not a coincidence that the creepy mansion with the creepy staff is called "Pension Adams." This time both Usagi and Luna are frightened.Rei thinks, and even admits, that Usagi said something reasonable when she told Ami "You have to have fun when it's time to have fun."

I agree wholeheartedly. I can't say I didn't like the episode the first time I saw it, but I didn't enjoy it. Maybe it's because it doesn't seem to have much revelance on anything but the fact that the girls go on vacation and find a mansion full of scary characters...

*I didn't quite catch the fact that this was the first time that Usagi's fear of thunderstorms was first produced. That must say alot about my attention span to this episode :sd: . Usagi does let out a few screamers inside the mansion though, that's my favorite part. There's something about Usagi screaming that ups my enjoyment factor in this episode.

Takato

03-05-2007, 08:36 AM

I agree wholeheartedly. I can't say I didn't like the episode the first time I saw it, but I didn't enjoy it. Maybe it's because it doesn't seem to have much revelance on anything but the fact that the girls go on vacation and find a mansion full of scary characters... This episode may not be important to the plot, but it is semi-important to the character development because the scene on the beach where Usagi tells Ami that she should have fun because it's important to create special memories shows up as Ami's flashback in the R movie. I remember being confused the first time I saw the R movie back when I was still a dubbie because Lita's and Raye's flashbacks came from episodes that were kept in the dub and although I knew Mina's flashback came from one of the skipped episodes, I didn't know where Ami's flashback came from until I finally got to see the Japanese version.

EmperorBrandon

03-05-2007, 12:33 PM

This episode may not be important to the plot, but it is semi-important to the character development because the scene on the beach where Usagi tells Ami that she should have fun because it's important to create special memories shows up as Ami's flashback in the R movie. I remember being confused the first time I saw the R movie back when I was still a dubbie because Lita's and Raye's flashbacks came from episodes that were kept in the dub and although I knew Mina's flashback came from one of the skipped episodes, I didn't know where Ami's flashback came from until I finally got to see the Japanese version.

A very important part of the R movie, in my opinion too. The R Movie was probably one of my favorite parts of Sailor Moon - watched it several times.

Anyway, yeah, this episode has no relevance on the plot, and it is one of the few episodes in Sailor Moon where this is no enemy from one of the major badguy organizations (Dark Kingdom is not involved, apparently). It has its cute moments, though, like with Usagi getting freaked out while Rei and Ami are completely calm with the unusual inhabitants of the pension. Oh, and Sakiko is voiced by Yuriko Fuchizaki - I don't recognize it much (her male roles tend to sound somewhat similar, and even her older female ones, despite that I love her voice), but she does have great range. She's got a very cutesy little girl her on one hand, but she can also go to being a magical bishounen villain in Nurse Angel Ririka. ;)

karen0586

03-06-2007, 09:52 AM

Episode 21 - Protect the Children's Dreams! Friendship Linked by Anime

Episode Summary

Nephrite uses his most powerful Youma to target one of the animators for the new Sailor V movie.

Episode Trivia

# The animators in this episode are based upon real members of the Sailor Moon animation staff: Kazuko is based on Kazuko Tadano, Hiromi on Hiromi Matsushita and Asatou on Junichi Satou.

# In the episode, Asatou is preoccuppied with Sailor V's legs and is accused of wanting to make her sexier. However, according to a 1999 interview with Tadano, in reality it was she who decided to show more of the Sailor Senshi's legs by shortening their skirts.

# The first Sailor Moon drama CD revealed that Director Asatou's baby was played by none other than Aya Hisakawa.

# Dub Title for this episode: "An Animated Mess".

Takato

03-06-2007, 10:36 AM

One thing that I always thought was interesting about this episode was how Hiromi originally wanted to write the ending so that Sailor V dies in the end. I just found that to be an interesting parallel between this episode and episode 46...It's also funny how on ADV's trailer for the Anime Network that plays at the beginning of the Sailor Moon DVDs, they define anime as "not kid's stuff", but then Rei says in this episode that anime is for kids.

EmperorBrandon

03-06-2007, 12:34 PM

# In the episode, Asatou is preoccuppied with Sailor V's legs and is accused of wanting to make her sexier. However, according to a 1999 interview with Tadano, in reality it was she who decided to show more of the Sailor Senshi's legs by shortening their skirts.

Interesting. Though I think Junichi Sato would want the fanservice too, if his text interview on Kaleido Star: New Wings is any indication. :)

EmperorBrandon

03-06-2007, 04:43 PM

Heh, I think this another episode where Ami displays her intelligence and observational skills. She spots Nephrite and figures out something strange is going on at the anime studio pretty quickly.

Another trivia note here is that the youma Castor is voiced by Akiko Hiramatsu, who has a role in every season of Sailor Moon (most notably Calaveras in R)

karen0586

03-06-2007, 04:48 PM

Heh, I think this another episode where Ami displays her intelligence and observational skills. She spots Nephrite and figures out something strange is going on at the anime studio pretty quickly.

You've gotta love it when someone actually figures out what's going on. I also enjoyed the fact that the yaoma could duplicate the attacks of Sailor Mars and Mercury.

touma

03-06-2007, 06:28 PM

Episode 21: The value of teamwork and cooperation is a recurring theme in Sailor Moon, and one which I like, but I do not think that it is ever made so bluntly obvious as it is here.
The monsters Castor and Pollux are totally kicking butt on the sailor warriors when they are working together, but they fail to finish them off because they stop to argue about who should deliver the final blow. This gives Sailor Moon, Sailor Mars and Sailor Mercury time to coordinate their attacks perfectly and defeat the monsters. I think that this is the only time that Bubble Spray was combined with Moon Tiara Action and Fire Soul as part of the offensive attack.
I really like the song that plays in the background during the attack: Tsukini Kawatte Oshioki Yo (In Place of the Moon, We'll Punish You!), sung by Sailor Moon, Sailor Mercury and Sailor Mars.

karen0586

03-06-2007, 09:08 PM

*My favorite part of the episode was when both Rei and Usagi were screaming in delight at the animetor's work. It's such a scene that you realize the similarities in between Rei and Usagi and the impact that such a thing has in their personalities.

karen0586

03-07-2007, 07:02 AM

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

Episode Summary

Usagi, Tuxedo Mask, and Nephrite all infiltrate an embassy reception in search of the princess and the Silver Crystal.

Episode Trivia

# Kunzite makes his first appearance in this episode.

# This episode was based off of the fourth chapter of the manga.

# Dub Title of episode : "Worth a Princess' Ransom".

karen0586

03-07-2007, 07:08 AM

This was actually one of my favorite episodes. I started watching Sailor Moon in the middle of the second season; therefore, I searched the internet for images of the show and found one of Usagi in her ballroom dress and Tuxedo Mask falling from a balcony with her umbrella open. It took a bit of time before I could actually see it, but I spent most of the episode squealing.

# Favorite part of the episode is the kiss. You just gotta love the covert glances, coming together, and Tuxedo Kamen looking at her intently as he gets closer and closer. I squealed as the girl I was and still am, watching the episode over and over as soon as I finished taping it. :sigh: How I miss those days...

touma

03-07-2007, 07:39 AM

Episode 22: It seems that everybody wants the Silver Crystal. The Dark Kingdom wants it to revive their leader, who we have yet to see. Luna wants it because she thinks it will lead her to the Moon Princess (if only she knew). Mamoru/Tuxedo Mask wants it because he hopes that it will restore his memory.

Mamoru becomes Tuxedo Mask long before Usagi transforms. This seems to invalidate the idea that his transformation is caused by hers.

Naru is still in love with Sanjoin/Nephrite. That does not play a part in this episode but it will be important later.

Mamoru and Usagi both start to have some very vague memories of their past.

When Princess Diamond is wearing her glasses she looks a lot like a female Umino. This is not a good thing. :D

sedorna

03-07-2007, 10:11 AM

Naru really is so sweet in this episode. Even though she's wondering about what Sanjoin Masoto really thinks about her, she still was thoughtful enough to offer to tell Usagi she'd tell her about the secret treasure when Usagi expressed interest.

Nephrite, you know, it might not have been such a good idea to piss Zoisite off by taking his job. I mean, sure, Zoey was basically sabotaging Nephrite from the beginning, but still. Nephrite had to know what kind of a person Zoisite was. Did he really think angering him was a good idea? Then again, he did know first hand the effects of angering Queen Beryl, and all Zoey had done was use snide remarks.

And people, when possessed by Nephrite, turn purple. The question is, do they really turn purple, or is that just for the benefit of the home viewer?

karen0586

03-07-2007, 12:24 PM

When Princess Diamond is wearing her glasses she looks a lot like a female Umino. This is not a good thing. :D

Yes, but I noticed that after the glasses fall, she's actually good looking. She should start wearing contacts or more compact glasses :P . You could only imagine what Umino would look like without those huge obstructions in his face. He could be quite handsome if it wasn't for that hadicapt.

*I don't think they actually ever showed Umino glassless in the show. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

DrMM

03-07-2007, 01:21 PM

When Princess Diamond is wearing her glasses she looks a lot like a female Umino. This is not a good thing. :D

But when she takes them off, she's apparently very cute.

This was my first introduction to the glasses effect: Any character with glasses, no matter how unattractive they first appear, becomes instantly attractive without them.

As for the episode, the Tuxedo Mask, Usagi kiss makes my fangirl heart flutter. So, so cute. :)

LimePie

03-07-2007, 06:37 PM

A little off topic, but I thought it was impotant to note. 15 years ago, to the day, the first episode of Sailormoon was broadcast in Japan.

Happy 15th, Sailormoon! :neko:

EmperorBrandon

03-07-2007, 06:49 PM

A little off topic, but I thought it was impotant to note. 15 years ago, to the day, the first episode of Sailormoon was broadcast in Japan.

Happy 15th, Sailormoon! :neko:

Banzai! :D

NickFalzarano

03-07-2007, 07:44 PM

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

Episode Trivia

In addition, this episode was based off of the fourth chapter of the manga.

EmperorBrandon

03-07-2007, 08:11 PM

And people, when possessed by Nephrite, turn purple. The question is, do they really turn purple, or is that just for the benefit of the home viewer?

Maybe it is for the benefit of the viewer. You would think the security would have been a lot more suspicious if a purple-colored girl came by claiming to be Princess Dia's friend. Heh that scene was pretty funny, though.

sedorna

03-07-2007, 08:22 PM

Maybe it is for the benefit of the viewer. You would think the security would have been a lot more suspicious if a purple-colored girl came by claiming to be Princess Dia's friend. Heh that scene was pretty funny, though.

Well, I think security should have been a bit more suspicious anyways. I mean, they're *her* security, and they should know who is or isn't allowed. What were they thinking? "Gee, we'd better let this complete stranger into the princess's room. I'm sure nothing will happen. I mean, it's not like she's going to steal the treasure or kidnap the princess or anything like that. She's really friendly!"

And Diamond? I know she wanted to be liked for herself, but happily inviting in the first person who knocks on your door is not the way to do it.

EmperorBrandon

03-07-2007, 08:25 PM

Yeah, have to suspend your disbelief quite a lot in Sailor Moon. :sd:

bci110

03-07-2007, 08:44 PM

A little off topic, but I thought it was impotant to note. 15 years ago, to the day, the first episode of Sailormoon was broadcast in Japan.

Happy 15th, Sailormoon! :neko:

Oh, so that's the significance of your avatar. :sd:

Happy 15th Birthday to the series that got me interested in anime! :neko: :frog:

Serial Experiments Nobue

03-07-2007, 08:55 PM

A little off topic, but I thought it was impotant to note. 15 years ago, to the day, the first episode of Sailormoon was broadcast in Japan.

Happy 15th, Sailormoon! :neko:

Happy 15th Birthday to the series that got me interested in anime! :neko: :frog:

I'll echo this... Happy 15th Sailor Moon! :D If it weren't for Usagi and company, I may never have ventured into the world of anime either.

So, does 15 years earn Sailor Moon 'old-school' status yet? :neko:

bci110

03-08-2007, 07:21 AM

So, does 15 years earn Sailor Moon 'old-school' status yet? :neko:

I would say Sailor Moon earned both "classic" and "old-school" status now. :P

karen0586

03-08-2007, 07:24 AM

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

Episode Trivia

In addition, this episode was based off of the fourth chapter of the manga.

Thank you for the infor :blush: . I've been taking these directly from the wikimoon site and some of these episodes don't have that much information :sd: . It'll be added right now...

karen0586

03-08-2007, 07:26 AM

A little off topic, but I thought it was impotant to note. 15 years ago, to the day, the first episode of Sailormoon was broadcast in Japan.

Happy 15th, Sailormoon! :neko:

WOOHOOO!! I never knew that, and even though its kind of late :sd: , happy belated 15th anniversary Sailor Moon!

*Simply LOVE your avatar...

karen0586

03-08-2007, 07:28 AM

Episode 23 - Wish Upon a Shooting Star! Naru's Pure Love

Episode Summary

With Naru now infatuated with Nephrite's alias Masato Sanjoin, Usagi is powerless to stop her friend from being used by the increasingly desperate general.

Episode Trivia

# This episode shows for the first time that Moon Tiara Action can be aborted in mid-flight.

# Dub Title for episode : "Molly's Folly".

karen0586

03-08-2007, 07:30 AM

So, does 15 years earn Sailor Moon 'old-school' status yet? :neko:

I would say Sailor Moon earned both "classic" and "old-school" status now. :P

I wholeheartedly agree with this. It didn't need to get older to earn it either. It's been there for quite a long while... :D

touma

03-08-2007, 07:35 AM

Episode 23: Naru admits to Usagi that she loves Sanjoin. Usagi has to decide if she will tell Naru that Sanjoin is really Nephrite.

Queen Beryl is getting seriously pissed off with Nephrite, and that was before he protected Naru. This makes Zoisite happy, until he learns that Nephrite plans to get the Silver Crystal. Nephrite produces the Black Crystal which is supposed to find the Silver Crystal. I really don't know where he got that thing. He seemed to just pull it out of his astrological display.

I just noticed that at the arcade Usagi somehow sensed that Mamoru was behind her ("This aura...") before she saw or heard him.

Sailor Moon learns that she can stop the tiara after she has thrown it. She has gotten really good at controlling Moon Tiara Action.
In a strange turn of events Naru saves Nephrite from Sailor Moon, Nephrite saves Naru from Zoisite's monster, then Sailor Moon saves Nephrite from the monster.

Daniel_Perales

03-08-2007, 08:08 AM

A little off topic, but I thought it was impotant to note. 15 years ago, to the day, the first episode of Sailormoon was broadcast in Japan.

Happy 15th, Sailormoon! :neko:

WOW! It's been that long, already? How time flies. :sd:

I remember creating Sailor Moon wallpapers for my old Amiga 2000 computer (which just died a few months ago) way back then. I think that was the first anime related thing that I've ever done with that computer.

Danny

Serial Experiments Nobue

03-08-2007, 04:19 PM

So, does 15 years earn Sailor Moon 'old-school' status yet? :neko:

I would say Sailor Moon earned both "classic" and "old-school" status now. :P

I should hope so! :) It's been a classic for me anyway, so the amount of years gone by was irrelevant. I was speaking more in the general sense.

Sailor Moon better be a benchmark by now or something is terribly wrong in the world! :D

LimePie

03-08-2007, 07:05 PM

*Simply LOVE your avatar...

Thanks. It's based off the 10th LD cover of the first season. (the same image is on the 4th DVD cover.) I just did a little cropping, resizing, and added some text.

Shsway

03-08-2007, 10:10 PM

OK, crazy, ultimate-catch-up time.

One thing that actually stood out for me in "...Rushing Clocks" was this thing that Umino cited as an old saying: "Fall in love, life is short." It kind of reminded me of the little song that Yukihito (the assistant at the Ogami shrine) was singing, in ep. 12 of Kannazuki no Miko. "Life is very short. Hey, boy, why not fall in love?"

Random, but amusing (at least to me). So was the bus line going "Express", which, I suppose, might make the dub title a reference to Speed? :)

The episode villain was hot too.

Shsway

03-08-2007, 10:17 PM

This one had an interesting feel to it, with a fairly scary scenario to consider, if one didn't know that it was actually the youma kidnapping all these people. Plus, Rei's attitude is at its peak in this ep. I don't think I was ever that impressed with her again, in the show's entire run (not that I don't like Rei or anything).

I was amused by Rei adding the "san" to Usagi name. Even if they were still strangers then, it felt so weird, given what their relationship evolves into.

Shsway

03-08-2007, 10:34 PM

There's a line in this episode that, to my delight, becomes a recurring joke: :P

"Don't, Usagi-chan! You're only supposed to use that for justice!"

I swear, "for justice" used in practically any context just cracks me up.

I also loved Jadeite's warm, fluffy feeling towards the passengers: "Well, I wish you all find love, you fools."

Usagi's idea of a beautiful camerawoman was pretty dorky. And she was particularly dense at not noticing the glowing sphere that Jadeite and Tetis were bent over, from her excellent view into the captain's cabin.

What else?
- The flier for the cruise says that the ships passenger capacity is 666, though only 600 were ultimately aboard
-Tetis' chara design was awesome
- Usa lands on her feet rather well, after she's initially attacked by her
- the love energy collected at that point was being stored in...a disco ball?

Shsway

03-08-2007, 10:39 PM

The dumbest thing about all that was that Beryl "offed" Jadeite before he could talk about the girls' identities. Silly Beryl.

Great visuals all the way through. Jadeite looks his very best, there's a great shadow to full-color group shot of the girls + Luna, and that closing shot is EXCELLENT.

Shsway

03-08-2007, 10:45 PM

Doesn't Neph have one of the coolest bad guy bases? Also, I do believe he pioneers the whole "item posession" thing that the show swings toward.

I think this is also the first time we see Tuxie's extending cane weapon.

Shsway

03-08-2007, 10:56 PM

I remember wondering, the first time I watched this episode, whether any company in Japan ever sponsored contests like this one (or similar, anyway).

Yes, Ami catching the bouquet is fun, especially when you consider that she states in this very episode that she doesn't ever intend to get married (teehee).

This episode shows the first instance of Usagi begging to be taught a skill (sewing from Ami). Also:

- Usagi calls Rei a tramp. Like, whoa! And
- It hit me that Nephrite has an Akio car! Behold his pimp power :D :P

Shsway

03-08-2007, 11:07 PM

Ep. 17:

- Rei going to a "T.A." school. Someone refresh my memory, does this mean "Christian/Catholic", in some way Japanese? I forget... :sd:
- Nephrite’s skin is kind of tanned (I'm thinking of the scene where he rescues the photo genius on the cliff)
- who is Shingo kidding, when he says that models have to be “smart”? :sd: :sd:
- Usa’s facial expressions as she preeens in front of the mirror are great
- Like Touma was saying, the stakes got high when Ami and Rei were captured by Cameran, but moon delivered with
style (jump-over with a twist, then a “Moon Tiara Action” that left the baddie to
dissolve in a cool piece of animation)

- I found the Tsukinos’ real lack of faith in Usagi a little disheartening at the end of this ep, more than humorous or ironic. I've been having that reaction lately to similar gags or observation in other television shows lately

Shsway

03-08-2007, 11:25 PM

# This episode once again featured Emi Shinohara (Sailor Jupiter) as a Youma.

I knew it was her right off! Something about the way she was yelling in this ep...

One of the things I loved in episode 18 was how we got to see more of just how popular Sailor Moon has become with kids and now Shingo and Mika both think that Sailor Moon is cooler than Sailor V. Sometimes I have to wonder if Minako ever got jealous if she ever heard the kids saying things like that. :sd:

Maybe just a skosh, but given the way that the writers portrayed the character in the first season, she seemed pretty above this consideration.

I also always can't help but burst out laughing when Usagi thinks Shingo's clay doll of Sailor Moon looks like a pig...

And I was thinking that it looked more like a cow! I distinctly went "ushi" when I saw it (like a big dorkus).

In some ways, this ep was shoujo to the extreme, with the amount of pretty drawings and typical dramatic moments. And Usagi as an "onee-san"....way humorous, than surprisingly touching.

Other stuff:
- Evil Mika means she gets more and more make-up, as the episode progresses
- Ami's clothes at the show were pretty awesome, though they seemed unlike her (though there is also that blue, sleeveless thing that she wears sometimes to consider: the one that ties around her neck)
- Mamoru's reaction to the contents of his date with Rei felt very real, as well as funny
- Usagi LIKES cursed dolls?? Uh...
- I half-expected the Sailor Moon doll that appeared at the end of the episode to wink (the white bunny that closed things off was pretty cute)

Shsway

03-08-2007, 11:45 PM

One thing that I only just noticed on this watch were the characters in the UFO catcher machine - besides the standard BSSM stuff, characters from Goldfish Warning (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=1401), another series headed by director Sato Junichi, are there too (I'd really like to see that someday). Anywho, I feel as though I should know the prince in bright blue, upper left of the machine. There's a cute kappa there as well (isn't there always).

Looking around some of the backgrounds, I do wish that more of the signs had been subbed, unimportant as they might be. I know, I need to read Japanese someday...

My heart hurt a little, for how cruel Nephrite was being to Naru, though the silly thing did buy what he was saying rather easily and quickly. :sd: Also, has anyone ever noticed how Motoki's voice noticeably changes when Usagi's around? I suppose he's really trying to be a brother figure and all that, though it and some of the things he says to her might not be so good, seeing as how she's obviously attached to him in an adoring way.

Finally, I was impressed with how quickly Usagi recognized Nephrite, even a mask on him. That's more than quite a few Superman villains have managed, in years past...now if only her abilities extended to Tuxedo Mask.

And does anyone else notice that Rei calls Ami by her name right in front of Tuxedo Mask at the end of this episode yet he for some reason doesn't seem to care at all that she just revealed Mercury's identity in front of him?

I know I didn't catch it. Huh.

Shsway

03-09-2007, 12:21 AM

Fuchizaki Yuriko's got a very cutesy little girl her on one hand, but she can also go to being a magical bishounen villain in Nurse Angel Ririka. ;)

Oooh, I did not know of this...

Well, not one of the best episodes, but still an interesting change from the format. I was more amused by the recycled outfits on the girls than anything else (besides Usagi's swimsuit from ep. 17, as Karen mentioned earlier, there's Ami's doll show outfit from ep. 18). Also, mythical monsters afraid of ghosts are always good for a chuckle.

Usagi's daydream-y image of all kinds of hunky men really does much to remind you that this is a show made mostly for girls in mind. :P I did feel sad when Usagi (in her frustration at not being greeted by such spectacle), yells, "Who cares about the ocean?!" Man, I've been dying for a swim on some salt water shore for months now.

Shsway

03-09-2007, 12:33 AM

I really like the song that plays in the background during the attack: Tsukini Kawatte Oshioki Yo (In Place of the Moon, We'll Punish You!), sung by Sailor Moon, Sailor Mercury and Sailor Mars.

The mish-mash of BSSM background music in the song confused me...

There was some nicely animated stuff in this one (there kind of had to be, right?) In particular, I liked how the lines from Hiromi's pencil, unwrapped and levitated to create Castor and Pollux.

I noticed that the communicators feature bunny-shaped lights on the volume indicator: at least, they appear when Usagi is on the other end of the line.

Did anyone see the small Chibli sign at the studio? It must have been a pun on Studio Ghibli, though I'm not sure why it was in the spot where I read it.

"I'm sorry for really taking you up on your offer." - Ami :D

Shsway

03-09-2007, 12:56 AM

I just laughed out loud when Usagi stood in shock at Naru's confession about Sanjoin/Nephrite, than got hit and sunk by a beach ball. Priceless image, that. Naru in particular was very striking in that green bikini of hers, probably to emphasize her maturity in being in love, and with an older man no less.

- For whatever reason, the last planetary body depicted in Nephrite's summoning of the Black Crystal looked like a Big Mac to me...
- The "advice" scene is great because it (obviously) shows the differences between Motoki and Mamoru. I think at this point, I'm actually liking the latter
- The voices of Naru's mom and Usagi talking about her, placed over Usagi's present running action, works really well for the pacing of the story
- Did no one else chuckle when Nephrite throws a "Starlight" attack at Sailor Moon?
- There was a sign somewhere in the cityscape that read "Mamesen", which bothered me for some reason
- The youma's dual personality was interesting. I couldn't place the type of demon that its second incarnation was supposed to be, but the first version of it looked like a character from a Noh play to me

In a strange turn of events Naru saves Nephrite from Sailor Moon, Nephrite saves Naru from Zoisite's monster, then Sailor Moon saves Nephrite from the monster.

Haha. :)

Usagi's wish at the end was very sweet, and kind of heartbreaking. I didn't remember that being there at all.

Shsway

03-09-2007, 01:01 AM

All done with the catch-up.

I'm a little late, but I'm very happy to celebrate Sailor Moon's 15th this way. It was definitely one of the gateway drugs that got me hooked on this medium, and a real eye-opener on several levels.

For the love of all that's good, I'd sure like to see Sailor Stars licensed for an English-language release, before I start to experience memory loss. It might not be until the next format or two to come along, but I haven't yet lost hope. ;) I even hold on to the expectation that it may yet be dubbed properly and in its entirety...someday.

Goodnight, everybody!

EmperorBrandon

03-09-2007, 01:07 AM

Did anyone see the small Chibli sign at the studio? It must have been a pun on Studio Ghibli, though I'm not sure why it was in the spot where I read it.

I definitely noticed that as well, and thought it was a reference. Ghibli had nothing to do with Sailor Moon AFAIK, but I guess there since they're a well-established anime studio.

touma

03-10-2007, 08:04 AM

I do not want this thread to get pushed back too far so I am going to post my rambling thoughts.
Sorry for being impatient. :sd:

Episode 24: Sanjoin reveals to Naru that he is really Nephrite of the Dark Kingdom. Is this just part of his plot to learn Sailor Moon's identity? It seems like it is, but he is definitely confused about his feelings for Naru. When Naru is captured by Zoisite's monsters Nephrite says that he does not care about her, but still he goes to rescue her.

Nephrite does succeed in discovering that Usagi is Sailor Moon, but it kind of seems like knowing Sailor Moon's true identity is fatal for the bad guys.

Naru is never cuter and sweeter than when she is with Nephrite after he saves her. I really like that girl. Her love is very sweet, and tragic.
Naru makes Nephrite laugh when she asks if his evil organization gives him Sundays off. I never liked Nephrite up until this point. Now I think that it might have been nice if he had changed sides, as he had recently pretended he wanted to, and helped the sailor warriors. Alas...

Another well coordinated attack by the sailor warriors destroys the monsters, but it is too late for some.

karen0586

03-10-2007, 08:17 AM

I'm so sorry for being late :sd: . I didn't have any access to the internet yesterday, so I couldn't post this. I was kind of surprised that there were 20 new posts, and intimidated as well.

Here we go:

Episode 24 - Naru's Cry! Nephrite Dies for Love

Episode Summary

Still in love with Nephrite, Naru becomes an unwilling tool in the power struggle between Nephrite and Zoisite.

Episode Trivia

# This episode marks the death of Nephrite.

# Nephrite's impalement was not censored in the North American version, even though impalement of chracters has been edited in other series. For example, InuYasha was supposed to air on Toonami, but was moved to Adult Swim because the fact that the title character was impaled onto a tree was an important plot point and could not be edited. Several impalement impacts have also been edited in the North American version of Naruto.

# Dub Title for episode: "A Friend in Wolf's Clothing".

karen0586

03-10-2007, 08:23 AM

Episode 25 - Jupiter, the Brawny Girl in Love

Episode Summary

While Zoisite is sent on a mission to retrieve the seven Rainbow Crystals, Usagi meets Makoto Kino, a tough new student.

Episode Trivia

# This episode features numeorus firsts: Sailor Jupiter, Queen Metalia, the Moon Stick, and Moon Healing Escalation all make their first appearances.

# Current Rainbow Crystal count: Zoisite (1), Tuxedo Mask (0), Sailor Moon (0)

# Dub Title for episode: "Jupiter Comes Thundering in".

touma

03-10-2007, 08:31 AM

Episode 25: There are a lot of new things in this episode: The leader of the Dark Kingdom (still unnamed at this point), the rainbow crystals, the Seven Monsters, the Crescent Moon wand, "Moon Healing Escalation", the concept of Sailor Moon as the leader of the sailor warriors, and ... Mako-chan! Yes, Makoto Kino/Sailor Jupiter is finally here. And it does not take her long to find a boy who looks just like her senior who broke her heart.

Usagi again shows her better side by making friends with Makoto even after Umino warns her to stay away.

I thought that this, which happened the first time that Sailor Jupiter used her attack, was rather funny:
Sailor Jupiter: Supreme Thunder!
Sailor Moon: Supreme sundae?
(Shows you where Usagi's mind is, even when she is near death :D )

Luna says that they now have "all four" sailor warriors. Does she really not know about Sailor Venus? Or is she just keeping that from the girls for some reason?

karen0586

03-10-2007, 08:32 AM

I do not want this thread to get pushed back too far so I am going to post my rambling thoughts.
Sorry for being impatient. :sd:

I'm sorry for that. I hate it when I get behind things. Thank you for posting your thoughts regardless :D .

Naru makes Nephrite laugh when she asks if his evil organization gives him Sundays off. I never liked Nephrite up until this point. Now I think that it might have been nice if he had changed sides, as he had recently pretended he wanted to, and helped the sailor warriors. Alas...

I think this is my highlight in the episode as well. Nephrite is one of the bad guys that was almost ready to come to the good side. It definitely would have made for an interesting change if it had ever happened. It was really tragic in the end, in how this relationship between Naru and Nephrite was handled. You really can't help but feel for her as he dies and dissappears in her arms. It makes you wonder why their bodies dissentigrate that way.

This arc of the series isn't one of my favorites for some reason, but the rainbow crystals are coming right up. Most of those episodes are my favorites for the first season.

karen0586

03-10-2007, 08:37 AM

There are certainly a lot of things in this episode that are new. I love the introduction of Mako and how they deal with the rainbow crystals.

* My favorite part of the episode is when Usagi sneaks behind Mako and sees her lunch. Umino almost had a heart attack right then and there while Usagi went and made a new friend in her usual way. I loved the interactions between Mako and Usagi.

As a sidenote, I think the japanese title was definitely appropriate :sd: . She is certainly 'in love' in her own way when glimpsing at a resembling guy of her sempai. :sd:

Takato

03-10-2007, 09:08 AM

# Nephrite's impalement was not censored in the North American version, even though impalement of chracters has been edited in other series. For example, InuYasha was supposed to air on Toonami, but was moved to Adult Swim because the fact that the title character was impaled onto a tree was an important plot point and could not be edited. Several impalement impacts have also been edited in the North American version of Naruto.I think the main reason why the dub left in the impalement scene in episode 24 instead of cutting it out is unlike the violence in Naruto or Inuyasha, the blood in this scene was this unrealistic green color and it seems like the general rule of dubs is that it's ok to leave in blood as long as it doesn't look like real blood, at least that was Funi's rule back when they first dubbed DBZ.

Shsway

03-10-2007, 01:28 PM

One thing that always gets me about this episode is just how well the art and script complimented each other in getting the job done. There was development for Naru and Nephrite's relationship, and there could have been a lot more, to be fair. But I still felt so bad for the both of them, to see the sacrifices they had both begun to make for each other. Just look at Neph's eyes throughout this episode; they're noticeably gentle, and a bit wearied, no matter who he's speaking to. I give a lot of the credit to Itoh Ikuko.

I did like this villain and was sad to see him go. I thought that he had a lot of poise and justified pride - being at odds with Beryl and his lack of fear in the face of Zoisite's threats made me respect him. Great-looking hair on him too. :P It was nice for him to have been allowed such a noble, lovely exit from the show (complete with some cleaning up of his physical person and multiple sparklies). It was very smart of the director and the animators to focus on Naru reaction for the scene, rather than cutting between what was happening and the reactions from the Sailor Soldiers.

What else?
- Tux actually walks away from his one scene, rather than leaping off, running away, fading out, etc.
- Moon did pretty well in taking out THREE opponents at once with "Moon Tiara Action" (though it was in that cool combination with "Fire Soul"). Those powers are developing nicely
- Just think about the contrast between Neph's "I'm glad to have met you" in the previous episode, and the way it was used here

Shsway

03-10-2007, 01:42 PM

I actually like the alternate dub title.

Never noticed before that Shinohara Emi actually reads the "brawny girl in love" part of the episode title (or else I just didn't remember). Was this also true of the introductory episodes for the other Sailor Soldiers?

So, Mako wears that uniform because it's "more her style"? I guess that the school's administrators don't really care too much. I always had the impression that she wore this uniform because it was available in her size where the ones for Juban weren't.

I've since learned that other characters in anime have been known to say the "What year, month..." line that Rei employs in this episode, but it's still one of my favorites from her. I don't think this is the only time that she'll say it either...

Other things:
- Everyone seems to be drawn to that same arcade machine :P
- Has that Yumi character that Usagi talks to at the arcade appeared in the show before now?
- Joe drops and picks up one of those Goldfish Warning plushies that I mentioned in a previous post (for ep. 19), just before Zoisite attacks him
- Looks like he's not adverse to making an appearance in very public places (the cafe) without any sort of pretense or disguise
- Mako's complex with being so tall and strong begins to get chronicled here, poor confused thing
- Geisen's(sp?) character design was pretty neat, as hokey as the concept was. Besides the theme, a friend of mine tells me that it's the name is supposed to be a shortening of "Game Center" that the Japanese use

Luna says that they now have "all four" sailor warriors. Does she really not know about Sailor Venus? Or is she just keeping that from the girls for some reason?

I think that she doesn't really remember, despite her connection to events in all their pasts. Either that, or else the voice on the other end of the computer/Artemis has already told her that she only needed to seek out four of the team's members.

DrMM

03-10-2007, 03:52 PM

I do so love this episode. It begins a very familiar theme within Sailor Moon -- redemption, or redemption through love. Almost every single villian from this point on is redeemed or shown to have some sort of redeeming quality.

As for this, poor Naru. One of the things I miss in later seasons is the friendship between Naru and Usagi.

EmperorBrandon

03-10-2007, 05:23 PM

This episode shows one of the times (maybe the first?) where ADV confusingly used a dub name in the subtitles. They clearly say "Moon Stick", yet it's "Crescent Moon Wand" in the subtitles... :P

"REFRESH!!!" This is the first time we get the stock exclamation for a monster being restored/vanquished. Hehe... this leads to two somewhat amusing situations later on when Sailor Moon attempts to use Moon Healing Escalation on major characters who are not just a monster-of-the-week.

touma

03-10-2007, 05:46 PM

bci110

03-10-2007, 07:14 PM

This episode shows one of the times (maybe the first?) where ADV confusingly used a dub name in the subtitles. They clearly say "Moon Stick", yet it's "Crescent Moon Wand" in the subtitles... :P

I had watched that episode five times and never noticed that Luna said "Moon Stick." I thought that she was saying something in Japanese. I just watched that part again and by listening very, very carefully I can hear "Moon Stick." But if I would not have known what it was I would probably still not have recognized it.
Besides, "Moon Stick" sounds totally dorky. "Crescent Moon Wand" is much cooler. :P

I didn't notice it either, and I watched this episode several times. I guess I wasn't paying too much attention. :sd:

I can proudly say that the introduction of Mako/Sailor Jupiter was the moment in the series where I truly became a Sailor Moon fan. The Jaedite and Nephrite storylikes were good, but to me the series started to become more intersting when Mako entered the scene. I just think her presence and her demeanor were excellent complements to Usagi and the rest of the characters. Plus she has arguably the best magical girl attack in the genre with her powerful "Supreme Thunder" attack. :P

Njr Scrawl

03-11-2007, 03:29 AM

Ep.24 is the most serious & originally emotional episode of BSSM for me so far. What-makes-anime-unique.

Its also the first death that isn't just "another one bites the dust".

Nephrite is/was the best general - & most like Touma or Akio from Utena.

Thread title needs updating. :)

AFA Luna's knowledge goes - its not of everything. Can't remember if she recognises Artemis's voice as the person she talks to over her secret communicator.

I think Luna's confusion of 4 senshi being all may come from her at one time counting Moon as one, & at others 4 senshi + Usagi as the princess served by (the) 4 (other) senshi. Also had she known Sailor V was Venus, I'm sure that Luna would have contacted Minako sooner.

Do the manga & PGSM make the links more immediately?

touma

03-11-2007, 07:46 AM

AFA Luna's knowledge goes - its not of everything. Can't remember if she recognises Artemis's voice as the person she talks to over her secret communicator.
I think that there is a scene coming up that shows that she did not know who she was talking to.
Her memory does seem to be returning a bit at a time, possibly as a situation causes a need for the information. There are some things that she never does remember, at least not until after they have been revealed. I don't remember if we were ever given a reason for why her memory works like that, except that it is more dramatic. :D Not that my memory works much better. :sd:

karen0586

03-11-2007, 09:39 AM

I don't remember if we were ever given a reason for why her memory works like that, except that it is more dramatic. :D Not that my memory works much better. :sd:

I believe from the explanations that are given that her memory was blanked out when she was put to sleep and basically start to emerge if there was ever a need for the Sailor Senshi to emerge. I think that basically in every instance that she is confronted with the need to recall something, a piece of the surpressed memory bursts forth. I think that would explain why she just doesn't recall things more clearly or better :D .

karen0586

03-11-2007, 09:46 AM

Episode 26 - Bring a Smile to Naru's Face! Usagi's Friendship

Episode Summary

Naru is still devastated after the death of Nephrite, so Usagi and Umino take her on a trip to Yokohama to cheer her up.

Episode Trivia

# Mamoru discovers that he is Tuxedo Mask in this episode, while the first signs of romance between Naru and Umino can be seen.

# The Orgel* makes its first appearance.

# Katsuji Mori is credited for this episode, as Nephrite appears in a flashback.

# In the North American dub of this episode, Lita comments that she and Sailor Moon easily defeated Game Machine Man in the previous episode and Raye thinks that this only was so easy because they were aided by Tuxedo Mask; this is a mistake as Tuxedo Mask was not actually present in that fight.

# Current Rainbow Crystal count: Zoisite (1), Tuxedo Mask (1), Sailor Moon (0)

# Dub Title for episode: "The Power of Friendship".

karen0586

03-11-2007, 09:50 AM

# The Orgel* makes its first appearance.

*The Orgel was a star-shaped locket which Princess Serenity gave to Prince Endymion in the Silver Millennium, and a similar locket which Tuxedo Mask possessed in the present.

The Orgel would play an instrumental version of Moonlight Densetsu when it was opened. Tuxedo Mask dropped it in episode 26, and Sailor Moon retrieved it. When Endymion was brainwashed by Queen Beryl, Sailor Moon used the Orgel to make him remember his real self.

I hadn't realized that's what they called it. Orgel also means organ in Danish, Dutch, German, Norwegian (Nynorsk, and Bokmål) and Swedish. :sd:

touma

03-11-2007, 10:11 AM

Episode 26: Usagi has a new introduction for this episode. She talks about Sailor Jupiter, but not Sailor Mercury or Sailor Mars, except to say that they have "all four" sailor warriors.

Once again we see Naru suffer through the death of Nephrite. It is so bad that she misses a week of school. Usagi and Umino finally go to see her to try and cheer her up, but poor clueless Umino says all of the wrong things. Still, Naru does seem to feel a bit better.

We learn that Sailor Moon's new Crescent Moon wand can detect rainbow crystals. Rei says that Usagi will misuse it, and we see her doing just that even as Luna is saying that she has confidence in Usagi. So, it's a Crescent Moon hammer. :D

Zoisite goes after a rainbow crystal and Naru gets caught in the middle, again. That poor girl has the worst luck.
When they see Zoisite Luna tells Usagi to wait for Makoto, but Usagi says "Naru is in Danger! I can't wait!" and transforms immediately. Once again I am impressed by how Usagi forgets to be afraid when her friends are in danger. Unfortunately, Sailor Moon does not do well against Boxsy, the new monster, but Tuxedo Mask holds him off long enough for Sailor Jupiter to arrive and defeat Boxsy so that Sailor Moon can transform him back into a human.

Earlier Tuxedo Mask had saved Sailor Moon, which gave Sailor Jupiter time to get there, but Tuxedo Mask also took off with the rainbow crystal. It looks like the rainbow crystal transforms Tuxedo Mask back into Mamoru. Mamoru now knows for sure that he is Tuxedo Mask.

In the meantime Umino has risked his life to protect Naru. This is the first time. Naru bandages Umino's wound with the cloth that she had used on Nephrite, something that is very precious to her. Things are starting to look interesting for those two.

Makoto is impressed that Usagi cares so much about her friend.

Usagi finds the "music box" that Tuxedo Mask dropped. She does not know what it is, but does seem to sense that it is something important.

sedorna

03-11-2007, 10:22 AM

This episode was so utterly bittersweet.

I thought it interesting that Zoisite realized that Nephrite liked Naru before Nephrite realized it himself. Zoisite had to kill Nephrite. After all, Nephrite had taken what belonged to him (Zoisite) and, as we'll find out, Zoisite has a very strong ethical sense, at least in regards of what belongs to him. He does not forgive those who take what's his, and tends to hold a grudge.

sedorna

03-11-2007, 10:34 AM

Yay! I loved this episode. It was so awesome seeing my favorite inner confronting my favorite shittenou. I just loved how Mako threw her earring at Zoisite and then, when he was distracted, whacked him in the kisser.

This episode really shows Mako-chan's refusal to let an injustice happen. No matter what, she will get involved if something's not right. I adore that attitude.

Zoisite breaks a plate glass window in this episode. That makes the grand total of plate glass windows broken by Zoisite to be one.

sedorna

03-11-2007, 10:45 AM

One little thing about this episode I liked is how, when Naru saw Zoisite for the first time, she didn't immediately recognize him. That is, she knew she had seen him before but couldn't quite place it.

Then Zoey spoke, and Naru recognized him instantly. I liked that, since, when Zoisite first appeared near Naru, Naru's eyes were focused on Nephrite. She may have seen Zoisite out of the corner of her eye, and she did hear his voice, but this episode shows the first time she ever saw Zoisite face on. I liked how the animators remembered that, and didn't have her recognize him instantly.

touma

03-11-2007, 10:52 AM

Collectonian

03-11-2007, 11:09 AM

Ep.24 is the most serious & originally emotional episode of BSSM for me so far. What-makes-anime-unique.

Agreed! It is one of my favorite (with ep 23 of course). It is also one of the few where I love the dub as much as the sub. The dub Naru's voice was nasally most of the time, but her scream over Nephrite rips right through you.

Do the manga & PGSM make the links more immediately?

In the manga, when Sailor V appears, she and Artemis reveal her as the the Moon Princess and that they were training Sailor Moon through the Sailor V game. Her declaring herself the Moon Princess was to try and divert the enemy from discovering the true princess, of course. Just before Sailor V appears, Luna takes Ami down into the real control center under the arcade and she didn't seem surprised to meet Artemis (though she also had forgotten most of the past). They never actually note if she recognized his voice or not, though I'm guessing she knew.

If you can, read the manga for an interesting twist on just who those awesome generals were in the past and what happens to them. :D

DrMM

03-11-2007, 12:49 PM

Usagi's concern for Naru is very touching. I think it was when I saw this episode that I started to warm up to Usagi, since I generally found (and still find) her rather irritating. Her loyalty to her friends is her best characteristic and given how tactless and clueless Usagi usually is, her attempts at being tactful in this episode are quite surprising.

And Umino gets to be a hero. Good for him. :)

Takato

03-11-2007, 02:59 PM

Episode 26 is another one of my favorites because it shows the beginning developments of my favorite Sailor Moon couple: Naru and Umino. What I love about Naru x Umino more than the other Sailor Moon couples is that they aren't a couple that's brought together through destiny or because of a mission to save the world from evil. They're just an honest-to-goodness good 'ol classic boy meets girl, boy and girl fall in love meeting, with a "did she really go out with HIM?!" twist to it. And they don't just have them fall in love immediately because they saved their lives or because of a revelation of a past life but they actually start out as friends and it takes several episodes over the course of the series to fully develop their relationship. I also love this episode because it shows that Umino isn't just another flirtatious nerd. It really shows how much he's willing to protect the ones he cares about. And I also love how Naru bandages up Umino's wounds with the cloth she gave to Nephrite because it shows how strong she has become that she's able to move on from the past no matter how hard it may be, and also because it shows just how important all her friends are to her.

Shsway

03-11-2007, 10:17 PM

Zoisite had to kill Nephrite. After all, Nephrite had taken what belonged to him (Zoisite) and, as we'll find out, Zoisite has a very strong ethical sense, at least in regards of what belongs to him. He does not forgive those who take what's his, and tends to hold a grudge.

I'll be waiting to see more of Zoisite's personality revealed in this regard. As it is, I always got the impression that Zoi was attracted to Nephrite in some way, which is why Neph's attitude bothered him. But Zoisite was always goading him, even before Nephrite took it upon himself to seek the black crystal and finish Zoi's mission for him. So, Zoisite brought this conflict on himself through misdirected teasing? It also seems as though he always wanted Neph out of the way so that he (or better yet, Kunzite) would have more glory.

Shsway

03-11-2007, 10:20 PM

The dub Naru's voice was nasally most of the time, but her scream over Nephrite rips right through you.

I never saw the dub for the original series, but I always felt that Naru's seiyuu had a pretty coarse performance at times. It felt like she only cleaned up her speech and intonation when mooning over someone, like Nephrite.

If you can, read the manga for an interesting twist on just who those awesome generals were in the past and what happens to them. :D

I'm, like, on the verge of hunting for the books that I'm missing around the local shops. There is NO WAY I'm gonna try to get them on-line...

Shsway

03-11-2007, 10:28 PM

I am in full agreement with everything that Takato wrote. :)

Stuff that struck me this ep:
- It was pretty mean of Rei to pinch Ami like that :sigh:
- I meant to say this for the last ep, but Shinohara Emi is just so sexy as Kino Makoto (one could say the same for most of her roles). She's so cool and tough
- There was some crazy "engrish" all around. Boxsy's shounen-type lines amused me, and there were these things written some of the grave markers: "color black" on the one that Sailor Moon first appeared on, and "Sound Theater Library Produced by" on the one Tuxie landed on
- the "dead" crowd roaring for Boxsy/the priest was just a bit creepy
- So the priest gets not only "Moon Healing…" to save him, but also light from Heaven for the "Refresh"? :D
- The final shots of the show, starting from that fade out from Usagi looking at the newly opened music box to Mako standing with Luna, were nicely thought out. And that closing line! Just cooool.

Collectonian

03-11-2007, 10:32 PM

I'm, like, on the verge of hunting for the books that I'm missing around the local shops. There is NO WAY I'm gonna try to get them on-line...

If you can, it is so worth it! Not only for that difference, but for quite a few others between certain key aspects of the story (like the upcoming Sailor Moon's discovery of who Tuxedo Mask is (he knew who she was long before she did LOL) and the whole Tuxedo Mask going bad and how they get him back :D Of course, I also think the romance between Usagi and Mamoru is way more mature in the manga. I love the anime, but the manga rocks, even if we're stuck with the crappy TokyoPOP version. :sd:

karen0586

03-11-2007, 10:48 PM

I must say that a lot of you have a great eye for detail. This thread goes to show us of things that we haven't noticed before that others have and for that reason alone I'm glad that I've been reading it since the start. It just brings an even higher mount of enjoyment for me.

*Favorite part of episode is of course the locket. How the melody starts at the last part of the episode and Usagi fading against the bridge with her outline done in stars was just so kawaii for me. It was a very nice profile use of the character with the sentiment of the scene :D .

karen0586

03-11-2007, 11:04 PM

It's kind of early, but I certainly don't want to have another day without the episode so here we are...

Episode 27 - Love for Ami? A Boy Who Can Predict the Future

Episode Summary

Ami meets Ryo Urawa, a clairvoyant who has a crush on her. However, Urawa's power makes him aware that he will soon be transformed into a Youma by Zoisite.

Episode Trivia

# Ryo Urawa makes the first of two appearances in this episode.

# Current Rainbow Crystal count: Zoisite (1), Tuxedo Mask (1), Sailor Moon (1)

# Dub Title for episode: "Mercury's Mental Match".

sedorna

03-11-2007, 11:11 PM

I'll be waiting to see more of Zoisite's personality revealed in this regard. As it is, I always got the impression that Zoi was attracted to Nephrite in some way, which is why Neph's attitude bothered him. But Zoisite was always goading him, even before Nephrite took it upon himself to seek the black crystal and finish Zoi's mission for him. So, Zoisite brought this conflict on himself through misdirected teasing? It also seems as though he always wanted Neph out of the way so that he (or better yet, Kunzite) would have more glory.

Oooh, you have a good point. He did spend a lot of his time trying to get rid of Nephrite. However, before Neph took his job--or tried to, at least--his attempts consisted of him saying "hey, Beryl, ain't that Nephrite a loser? You'd be better off without him." (Paraphrased, of course.)

However, once Nephrite takes what's his, well, as the saying goes, now it's personal. Though it is interesting to think of why Zoisite never tried to be rid of Jadeite, who was clearly more successful than Nephrite? Did he think that Jadeite was a complete loser and not worth his time? Did the desire for power become more intense as he rose up in the "ranks"? Did Kunzite ask him to do it? (After all, in one episode, Nephrite asks Zoisite if Kunzite told him to spy on him.) Or did he secretly have a crush on Nephrite and had him killed not because he stole Zoisite's job, but because he fell in love with Naru?

sedorna

03-11-2007, 11:12 PM

Well, I'm glad this thread was created. Rewatching these episodes of Sailormoon has really been quite fun, as well as discussing them with everybody.

sedorna

03-11-2007, 11:13 PM

I'll probably make a more detailed post later, but I just wanted to comment that Ami looks a lot cuter in the pic of her eating the hamburger than the other one.

touma

03-11-2007, 11:23 PM

Episode 27: ADV is now using its second opening. This one shows all five girls. The translated opening credits show "Heart Moving" as the ending song even though it has now changed to "Princess Moon." I don't think that they ever correct that. They might be using the same credits for every episode.

Rei has another date with Mamoru, but he is distracted with worries about his memory.

Sailor Moon confronts Zoisite by herself to give Sailor Mercury a chance to get Urawa to safety. The method that Zoisite uses to get away from Sailor Moon seems to consist mostly of...flipping her skirt? :blush:

The Sailor Warriors work together to subdue the monster. Sailor Moon has yet another new move with the tiara when she lands it perfectly on the monster's head and apparently drains its energy. So the girls restore a monster to human form and recover a rainbow crystal without the help of Tuxedo Mask, who shows up only at the very end.

It was nice to see a boy pay some attention to Ami, even though it never had a change to develop.