Wedding Peach discussion thread

[Mr. Nail Bat]

I enjoyed going through Ai Yori Aoshi episode by episode, so I thought I'd do it again with a different series. And what better choice than a series aimed at 12-year-old girls?

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[Mr. Nail Bat]

This is my first exposure to Wedding Peach (even though I've had the ADV thinpak sets on my shelf for quite some time), but I'm certainly not a complete stranger to mahou shoujo. I've watched quite a bit of Sailor Moon, Cardcaptor Sakura, and Saint Tail, and read the manga of some other magical girl shows.

I'm watching the English dubbed version because it was dubbed by the people at Monster Island in Austin, who did some really excellent dubs in their time.

Just from the OP, this looks like it will be in the Sailor Moon "sentai" magical girl genre, with dark generals and everything.

Dead mother. Very typical.

Everything appears pretty standard, which is probably why I'm smiling. I don't know if I'm enjoying the campiness, or for the familiarity, but I'm enjoying it.

English dub is actually quite excellent--they really differentiate the serious and silly scenes quite well.

[Mr. Nail Bat]

Like all magical girl shows, we slip into a "monster of the week" formula until (I assume) the grander overarching plot kicks in.

I rather enjoy the relationship between Momoko, Hinagiku and Yuri. Sure, they're close friends... but that ends the instant that the boy they like enters the picture. Then, it's all-out war.

The battle outfit doesn't seem to bear even passing resemblance to the regular Wedding Peach costume, but considering the impracticality of the regular costume, that's not a bad thing.

Quite a bit of fun so far.

[Mr. Nail Bat]

This series is providing more genuine laugh-out-loud moments than I was expecting: the groups of adoring middle-school girls that are extremely hostile to each other was timed about as perfectly as possible.

And who among us wouldn't want to go to a wedding where the bride suddenly snaps and starts telling off everyone in the hall? I know I'd pay money to see that.

So far, the English voice acting has been really good (though diction hasn't always been as pristing as I would like), and certainly handles the quick changes from comedy to melodrama really well.

[Suwako Moriya]

The battle outfit doesn't seem to bear even passing resemblance to the regular Wedding Peach costume, but considering the impracticality of the regular costume, that's not a bad thing.

Sometimes I think they mainly wear the wedding dress just so they can take it off.:sweat:

[Mr. Nail Bat]

Sometimes I think they mainly wear the wedding dress just so they can take it off.:sweat:

Just like in real life.

[The Great Bear]

So far, the English voice acting has been really good (though diction hasn't always been as pristine as I would like), and certainly handles the quick changes from comedy to melodrama really well.

I haven't watched the show all the way through to the end (I've seen somewhere around 20? episodes), but as I remember (it's been a while since I last saw it), the dub holds up pretty well overall, though it's not a classic.

The main trio (Wolcott, Kafka, Witt) do work well together and are pretty solid. Most of the major roles are voiced well, but there is the occasional secondary, episodic and especially "blink and you miss them" character who is a bit rougher and less refined. By this time, Monster Island had gotten its act together for the most part and was putting out good quality dubs.

Perhaps I will dig out the old thinpak one day and have a re-listen.

[Mr. Nail Bat]

It was only a matter of time until Sailors Mercury appeared... or, rather, her non-union counterpart.

So, Yuri's mother designs wedding dresses, does she? I get the distinct feeling that I am going to be tired of wedding paraphernalia after 55 episodes.

The series does really seem to be keeping a nice balance between humor and action. Though the cheese does get laid on a little thick here and there.

It's still fun.

[Mr. Nail Bat]

And now Sailor Mars makes her appearance.

Okay, I kid, I kid. It's all too easy to find analogues between magical girl series because, yes, they are very formulaic. (Stop me when I say something that isn't obvious.)

So Hinagiku's family runs a florist business? So we've got a wedding photographer, a bridal dress designer, and a florist. What, no caterer? No cake baker? I suppose the antagonist should be a divorce lawyer?

I did like Hinagiku's parents though: idiotically stubborn and uncommunicative. And Heather Kafka, who plays Hinagiku sounds like she was separated at birth from Hilary Haag.

[Suwako Moriya]

I suppose the antagonist should be a divorce lawyer?

Wife: But I still lo....

Divorce Lawyer: You'll get all of his stuff.

Soon to be Ex-Wife: Let's divorce the jerk.

Yeah, I suppose it could work.

[Mr. Nail Bat]

So once all of the protagonists get introduced, it's time for the dark generals to start punishing their subordinates for their failures.

I'm not sure what the purpose of Pluie tying up Jama-P in thorns, then applying some kind of (looks like electric) shock could be. Yeah, failure is bad. I think he probably realizes that: I'm not sure that torturing him is the best way to ensure successful results in the future (as this episode demonstrates).

Clearly, Jama-P was being set up for failure: he obviously did not have sufficient training, nor was any sort of plan or advice given to him. He was reduced to spying on people and basing a battle plan on platitudes about love he heard from random 13-year-old girls.

And at the end, Jama-P has disappeared. I Wonder If That's Significant.

[The Great Bear]

And at the end, Jama-P has disappeared. I Wonder If That's Significant.

Methinks you're being cynical.

Though of course you're justified in that cynicism.

[Suwako Moriya]

Clearly, Jama-P was being set up for failure: he obviously did not have sufficient training, nor was any sort of plan or advice given to him. He was reduced to spying on people and basing a battle plan on platitudes about love he heard from random 13-year-old girls.

Exactly, he should have based his plans on stuff from 12-year-old girls instead. Or wait, maybe I should have said 14-year-old girls. Well, at least it's better than his old job as "ball" for the official games.

[Mr. Nail Bat]

Okay, I guess we've reached the phase in the show were things start getting *really* silly. Yes, sillier than people being possessed by a tennis ball with arms and legs. First up: a rice monster that makes rice super-fattening.

They should have eaten brown rice instead, which, of course, has a lower glycemic index.

Jama-P returns, much quicker than I expected, and this time supporting the cause of good over that of evil. Hinagiku and Yuri are suspicious, but Momoko, who appears to be more genre-savvy than I had suspected, clearly knows a mascot sidekick when she sees one.

Still enjoying the show quite a bit.

[The Great Bear]

Jama-P returns, much quicker than I expected, and this time supporting the cause of good over that of evil. Hinagiku and Yuri are suspicious, but Momoko, who appears to be more genre-savvy than I had suspected, clearly knows a mascot sidekick when she sees one.

Interesting interpretation.

I always put her quick acceptance of Jama-P down to Momoko's extreme naivete, since that is a trait that is often assigned to the lead character in shows such as this one.

[Suwako Moriya]

I always put her quick acceptance of Jama-P down to Momoko's extreme naivete, since that is a trait that is often assigned to the lead character in shows such as this one.

You've got to love the gamble that leads take in this regard. Sometimes it pays off and other times, well the results speak for themselves.:sweat:

[The Great Bear]

You've got to love the gamble that leads take in this regard. Sometimes it pays off and other times, well the results speak for themselves.:sweat:

Is it gambling so much as…stupidity?

Or am I just being mean? :P

[populuxe]

English dub is actually quite excellent--they really differentiate the serious and silly scenes quite well.

I was a little unsure of Karla Witt and Heather Kafka at first. Larissa Wolcott I had no problem with. I mean, I can't even think of a performance of hers I don't love. But Witt and Kafka grew on me, and the three of them really started to mesh well very quickly.

[populuxe]

I rather enjoy the relationship between Momoko, Hinagiku and Yuri. Sure, they're close friends... but that ends the instant that the boy they like enters the picture. Then, it's all-out war.

Yeah, the three of them together is always fun. And we get our first quasi-Grecian mini-skirted battle uniform. One thing I found odd about the show is that while the transformation music is playing, the regular music and sound effects will often play at the same time. It's like listening to one of Philip Glass's lesser pieces.

[populuxe]

And who among us wouldn't want to go to a wedding where the bride suddenly snaps and starts telling off everyone in the hall? I know I'd pay money to see that.

The writers of this show were obviously having some fun with that scene.

So far, the English voice acting has been really good (though diction hasn't always been as pristing as I would like), and certainly handles the quick changes from comedy to melodrama really well.

I liked that about the dub as well. Action, comedy, melodrama were all handled very well.

[populuxe]

The series does really seem to be keeping a nice balance between humor and action. Though the cheese does get laid on a little thick here and there.

I like the cheese. The melodrama is laid on with exactly the right light touch.

It's still fun.

Which is why I still watch this show from time to time.

[populuxe]

So Hinagiku's family runs a florist business? So we've got a wedding photographer, a bridal dress designer, and a florist. What, no caterer? No cake baker? I suppose the antagonist should be a divorce lawyer?

Yeah, there's a definite wedding theme to this show. Go figure. But fortunately, it never gets too deep. They're good parents, but we don't get to see much of them.

[populuxe]

Okay, I guess we've reached the phase in the show were things start getting *really* silly. Yes, sillier than people being possessed by a tennis ball with arms and legs. First up: a rice monster that makes rice super-fattening.

Yeah, that was a pretty odd looking villain of the week, but she's far from the silliest. The show goes through very specific arcs, and this is the "This week's villain of the week is going to be even sillier than last week's villain of the week" arc.

[populuxe]

I'm not sure what the purpose of Pluie tying up Jama-P in thorns, then applying some kind of (looks like electric) shock could be.

Mostly just to prove what a bad man Pluie is. And to give Jama-P a reason to disappear.

It's funny that you chose this show to do a discussion about, since I watched the first 16 or 17 episodes just before going on vacation. I plan on watching the rest when I get back.

[Mr. Nail Bat]

Got caught up a bit too much in that dreaded "real life." How utterly boring.

So, back to magical girls!

Hinagiku sounds a bit hoarse in this episode: did Heather Kafka get a case of strep throat that they couldn't wait out due to deadlines? Stranger things have happened in the history of dubbing.

Jama-P seems to have completed his transformation into plush-toy and trusted mascot: not even Hinagiku seems suspicious of him anymore.

Oh geez, how I loved the attempts of the three to wake their schoolfriend up. Silly fun.

Clowns are evil.

As if it weren't obvious enough who Momoko would be paired up with by series' end...

[populuxe]

As if it weren't obvious enough who Momoko would be paired up with by series' end...

True, but that still leaves Hinagiku and Yuri to fight over the dreamy Captain Yanagiba, with a token attempt by Momoko to pretend she's still in the running.

I'll have to relisten to that episode and see if Heather sounds a bit hoarse to me.

[Mr. Nail Bat]

Par for the course: Pluie tries to cause havoc, the Love Angels stop him, a mini-devil is "purified".

But there is something fundamentally wise-assed about this series. I'm not sure if it's the series itself or the adaptation, but it's genuinely humorous.

Interesting though: I did not know they were aware of the "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue" abroad: I thought it was unique to the English-speaking world. Hey, who says anime can't be educational?

[Mr. Nail Bat]

The interesting part of this episode was getting to see Yuri and Hinagiku's interests... (other than certain soccer team stars, that is).

Hinagiku, somewhat predictably, is a tomboyish judoist. And Yuri, somewhat unpredictably, ends up surrounded by some hilariously narcissitic club members... and fits right in.

Lots of clever bits in the dub--favorite line was probably the one about shock and awe.

[Mr. Nail Bat]

Listen!

Hinagiku Tamano has come unstuck in time.

Okay, that's enough literary references for one post. Kind of an interesting monster of the week, however. Design by Salvador Dali?

The show has not remotely begun to wear out its welcome yet. The comedy is quite enjoyable and the ratio of comedy to action is just about right.

[Mr. Nail Bat]

After a hiatus, it's back to the sparkly world of magical girls.

Ah, Yuri and Hinagiku as such wonderfully toxic friends.

...and they get their just desserts in the end. Haha.

50,000 Yen? That's some expensive fortune-telling. And the chick has it on her?

Maybe I'm wrong for thinking so, but possessed Reiko is kinda hot.

Ooh, Reiko was Shawn Sides? No wonder I thought she was hot.

[Mr. Nail Bat]

An episode about soccer? How very apropos!

Stalker much, Momo-P?

Kind of a risky proposition asking out her guy in that flood of letters, isn't it?

And all doubts are well-founded, as Momoko suddenly is on a date with the wrong guy.

Aww, soccer brought them together.

Whoa, Wedding Peach moves pretty darn quick.

Where there is a boy and a girl, and one of the two is naked, the boy is always the one at fault.

Kaji's got the Blue Water?

Ooh, Momoko's a groupie.

And an unexpectedly tender moment at the end.

[Mr. Nail Bat]

A bit more slapstick than usual to start off.

...but then things get oddly serious. After the ring is stolen, Momoko's spirit appears to be broken. And then the story that her father tells about Momoko's mother.

The Yosuke/Momoko relationship is actually turning into something interesting. The mutual animosity has turned into an easy friendship forged in kindness.

Amidst all the silly trappings, there is genuine human feeling in this show.

[Mr. Nail Bat]

Yousuke trying to figure out what's going on makes one wonder... how *do* magical girls usually cope with keeping things secret?

For that matter, why do magical girls keep things secret?

Momoko really seems unusually morose--and more so after Yousuke disappears.

Jama-P's devil mode made me laugh. So the difference between a devil and non-devil is... angles?

The devil Nocturne is surprisingly sensuous.

Hinagiku's nightmare is more, well, nightmarish than I was suspecting.

To be continued! But not tonight for me.

[Mr. Nail Bat]

Is Jama-P smaller than usual?

"So what if Momoko blames herself for Yousuke's capture and imminent death?" Niiiiice, Hinagiku. (And, awesome line, script adapter dudes!)

Uh-oh... Momoko's got "can only say her guy's name over and over" disease.

Ya just knew tentacles would show up at some point.

Hmm... that explosion looks suspiciously like the tragedy of Bashtarlle.

Ah, Pluie is supercharged now? It must be time for the Tragic Death of the first Dark General.

Oh, memory erasure. Such a cop-out.

[Mr. Nail Bat]

So, now that Pluie's dead, we need new antagonists. A Scottish devil? With three assistants dressed like glam rockers? Awesome.

And, in case you forgot, Momoko is an incompetent junior high student.

Hey, it's the incredibly coincidental almanac!

Devil rivalry.

Stock music is clashing with itself.

Heh. When the teacher is screaming with a giant head, she looks like Yankumi.

[Mr. Nail Bat]

Ah, the late-night love-advice radio dj trope. I wonder how many of these actually exist in Japan, as often as it pops up in anime and manga.

Momoko is a terrible liar.

And for the first time she shows jealousy... about Yousuke.

Wow, pretty rough punishment for bringing back an incorrect object. How exactly do people advance in the devil world if severe punishment is inflicted for simple mistakes?

Ooh, skanky biotch is back, and Momoko is uberpissed.

And Yousuke's torture is to be fanned by the wings of a giant wasp? That's just weird.

Okay, "Wedding Engagement Gift: Love For You" is the silliest attack name I've heard yet.

[Mr. Nail Bat]

And another trope raises its creepy head: the test of courage.

While Momoko's costume is far from scary--it actually is quite cute.

The students do seem to be extremely terrified however. Ambience?

Hinagiku seems to be doing a decent job. Nice surprised face.

Yuri... oh Yuri. Nice ulterior motives.

Wow, nice technique for finding the Love Angels--just start zapping random people.

I see a flight of stairs into the ground suddenly appear in a cemetery? I ain't going down 'em. Fortunately, Yuri is blissfully free of the ravages of common sense.

"We'd better go look for her. Let's just run off in random directions!"

So... with the "Love For You" attack, are the Angels killing the Devils, but nicely? Not really clear.

[ohtori_akio]

I am sad to see you are not getting much response from this thread, once you finish the series, I'll discuss it with you as I don't remember individual episodes since I have not watched the show in years...

[Mr. Nail Bat]

Ah, a beach episode. Though the trope is probably a bit different for mahou shoujo anime.

Ooh, Momoko and Yuri ganging up on Hinagiku. That doesn't happen often.

Wow... Hinagiku playing around on the beach with Saori almost seems like a yuri situation. No, a yuri situation, not a Yuri situation.

Interesting... Momoko is more and more open about her change in affection.

Really good dub performance from Kim Diltz as Saori. Both serious and silly as the scene requires.

And only one item from the Saint Something Four to be found. I wonder what they'll be on a quest to find after that?

Next episode: will bad Yuri result in bad yuri? Oh, sorry, I did that joke once already in this post.

[Mr. Nail Bat]

Yuri gone bad... not that bad actually. Yuri's not very good at being bad.

And surprise, it's all an act. But what a bizarre way of doing things--a middle schooler going undercover as a deliquent?

Yuri's idea to straighten out her friend is, frankly, utterly nuts. Though hanging Momoko up by piano wire does sound fun, and Jama-P does look hilariously miserable as a cat.

[Mr. Nail Bat]

Ah, Hinagiku and Yuri are so carefree. And so stupid.

Devious Hinagiku is hilarious. And Hinagiku role-playing is better than that.

'What are you doing here?' is a phrase that pops up a lot in this series.

I wonder if Yanagiba is a eunuch. Because Hinagiku is out-and-out throwing herself at him, and he doesn't even notice.

Ah, Yuri rage. Not to be confused with yuri rage... wait, don't start that again.

Ha ha, Hinagiku is dead.

Wait, now Momoko is throwing herself at Yanagiba? Doesn't she remember the last couple of episodes?

And now Dark General #2 is gone. Bring on the inevitable third!

[Mr. Nail Bat]

Ah, a snobby top honors student who looks more like a #$*&ing hipster.

Funny that Momoko is so friendly to him after he totally dissed her earlier.

"I want to be inside of you"? First with the yuri, now with the yaoi?

This dark general seems less of a devil and more of a life coach.

That is the most disgusting kiss face I have ever seen.

Momoko and Yousuke are a seriously dysfunctional couple. 'Takahashi couple' comes to mind.

And Yuri is easily distracted with flattery.

[Mr. Nail Bat]

New character... what are the odds she's going to be taken over by the devils before the end of the episode?

Nicholas Keene is really excellent as the devil Igneous. Insidious and persuasive.

Wow, poor Momoko. It's hard to impress with toothpicks.

Usually Yousuke is pretty perceptive, but that he doesn't catch on that Momoko was hoping for him to save her is kind of odd. Or maybe he's ticked about her ongoing Yanagiba obsession.

For a creature summoned by a devil, that bat was suspiciously cute.

Nice apology from Yousuke.

Okay, bat's not cute anymore.

Wow... how many minutes of stock transformation and special attack footage was included in this episode?

[Mr. Nail Bat]

Like all nerds, of course Takuro has a dating sim. Though unlike most, his is homemade.

A kissing vampire devil, of course. Looks vaguely like David Bowie in his "Aladdin Sane" persona.

Ah, so Momoko likes them both.

And nothing says love like blackmailing your crush into dating you.

Nice white suit.

I have a feeling Yousuke just failed a big test just there. Acting protective or jealous would have been acceptable responses.

Blushing virgin Yuri is embarrassed surrounded by couples in the park. Hinagiku on the other hand finds it quite, er, educational.

They seem quite okay to Yanagiba suggesting a three-way. (Okay, not exactly.)

Poor Jama-P: had to kiss a geek.

Beware the giant flying kiss marks. Eww, nasty looking tongue.

[populuxe]

But there is something fundamentally wise-assed about this series. I'm not sure if it's the series itself or the adaptation, but it's genuinely humorous.

I don't know if it's the show itself of the dub or more likely a combination of both, but you get the feeling they decided "We can't beat Sailor Moon, so let's just entertain ourselves."

Interesting though: I did not know they were aware of the "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue" abroad: I thought it was unique to the English-speaking world. Hey, who says anime can't be educational?

I wonder if it really is all that common knowledge in Japan. After all, they spend a lot of time explaining exactly what it is in this episode.

I like how they put a poster of a boxing ring in the background of Hinagiku's bedroom. Okay, I get it. She's a tomboy. I don't need a wash basin to land on my head.

[populuxe]

The interesting part of this episode was getting to see Yuri and Hinagiku's interests... (other than certain soccer team stars, that is).

Hinagiku, somewhat predictably, is a tomboyish judoist. And Yuri, somewhat unpredictably, ends up surrounded by some hilariously narcissitic club members... and fits right in.

Lots of clever bits in the dub--favorite line was probably the one about shock and awe.

The girls have a fight and their friendship is threatened, but they get over it, their friendship is renewed and the bad guy is defeated. It's a standard episode plot line, but it's the things that Hinagiku and Yuri do instead of the newspaper club activities that makes this one so much fun.

Heather Kafka as Hinagiku was killing me this episode. She was really into it with the judo club thing and her acting was hilariously good.

[populuxe]

Listen!

Hinagiku Tamano has come unstuck in time.

I read that book.

For me, the best part of this episode was the devil showing Hinagiku her future, and Yuri her past. That was handled very well.

[populuxe]

Ooh, Reiko was Shawn Sides? No wonder I thought she was hot.

Yes, she is very hot. Momoko's "Ahhh, don't we have a TV show to do here?" killed me. Should they really be doing "a toast with milk" when they're in the middle of fighting a giant monster?

[populuxe]

Stalker much, Momo-P?

Loved Momoka's fashion show, especially the battle fatigues.

And an unexpectedly tender moment at the end.

Very nice, just the sort of thing I enjoy.

Oh, and the comment about how fast Momoko moves in that wedding dress. I'd love to have that scene in an animated gif.

[populuxe]

The Yosuke/Momoko relationship is actually turning into something interesting. The mutual animosity has turned into an easy friendship forged in kindness.

Amidst all the silly trappings, there is genuine human feeling in this show.

All the setup episodes are over. Now the relationships can be set in motion. Larissa Wolcott and Gray Haddock as Momoko and Yosuke have great chemistry. Gray is one of my favorites of the Monster Island actors, someone I think is highly under-appreciated.

The story gets heavy at this point, but this is where is gains some real heart.

[populuxe]

Yousuke trying to figure out what's going on makes one wonder... how *do* magical girls usually cope with keeping things secret?

For that matter, why do magical girls keep things secret?

The first rule of the magical girl is you do not talk about the magical girl.

Momoko really seems unusually morose--and more so after Yousuke disappears.

That's not all that surprising. She was already very down about her mother's ring. Losing Yosuke just added to her worries.

The devil Nocturne is surprisingly sensuous.

Not just Nocturne. Momoko sitting in her room in her bare feet was surprisingly attractive. So was Hinagiku in her bath towel.

Hinagiku's nightmare is more, well, nightmarish than I was suspecting.

Yeah, that was quite intense. But it also proves you do not want to piss off Hinagiku.

And why do next episode previews always give away the big plot point?

[Mr. Nail Bat]

My week from hell has finally ended, so I've got time to get back to anime. And so...

If there's a list of warning signs that you're creepy, "Looking at pictures of her on your computer late at night with subtitles displaying her personal information" is gonna be high up there.

Oh, now Momoko is stalking Takuro? True, she's got a reason, but...

'Pity is the only way you're ever going to get kissed.' Awesome.

And straight from a fake crying jag to a proposal for a pretend wedding: I admire Takuro's complete lack of self-respect.

Ryuck looks like one of Joker's poison gas puppets from Dark Knight Returns.

And Limone finally deigns to put in an appearance.

'You idiot! Letting yourself be defeated by love!'

If anime has taught me nothing, it's that there are endless numbers of seaside cliffs with sunset views in Japan.

Note to self: don't reveal your ulterior motive to the person you're manipulating.

This show just makes me smile.

[Mr. Nail Bat]

Ah, I nearly forgot how these shows work. Takuro/Igneous was obsessed with Momoko for awhile, now it'll be Yuri, and inevitably, it will be Hinagiku in the future.

Hinagiku learns the risks of being a tomboy! Jama-P learns the risk of looking like a plush toy!

Aww, Hinagiku gets a golden shower.

And Momoko can't even fantasize right anymore, or so she thinks.

Silly devils. When they say "I feel the love wave", that means they are just minutes away from a royal butt-kicking.

What Momoko didn't say at the end: "Oh great! Yousuke and Yanagiba are sharing an umbrella! Now it's inevitable that they're going to have sex. Dammit!"

And that's it for box set 1. On to box 2 tomorrow (hopefully).

[Mr. Nail Bat]

Yay, new OP! Though as usual, it will take awhile to get used to. And though they aren't exactly a couple in the series, the OP makes no bones about Momoko & Yousuke.

Oh, nice Momoko. To avoid giving the guy you like a compliment, you insult a perfectly innocent party.

And... Takuro is back to stalking Momoko. Isn't it about time for Igneous to put him out of our misery?

Yes, Mr. and Miss Never-Appeared-Before-In-This-Show are obviously in love.

Why do I have a feeling that Akiko is going to get a makeover that includes getting rid of her glasses?

Ooh, nice Engrish. "Hair Saloon."

And now that she's gotten rid of her glasses, she's certain to walk into traffic and die... cutely.

Ah, Bride of Frankenstein hairdo and flaming gay hairdresser: that's the foundation of comedy right there.

Jama-P is a noisy sleeper.

Ooh, Hinagiku and Yuri play dirty.

Quite the extensive date Momoko had planned out.

And now Momoko's secret is well and truly blown, thanks to the unthinkable technique of looking at her.

[Mr. Nail Bat]

Ooh, a bath scene! It's... oh, it's Takuro. Never mind. And why is he bathing in chlorophyll, anyway? And now an overdecorated devil girl pops out.

Nice scary face, Hinagiku. Ooh, and now she's up to something. Ah, and now she's doomed.

"Staaaaaare. Staaaaaaare." I need to say that the next time I stare at something.

And so the Halloween party consists of... just giving kids handfuls of candy? Yeah, that sounds responsible.

Takuro is a terrible liar... yet apparently good enough.

Hah. One kid sounds like Adam Sandler.

Takuro's a cross-dresser? And apparently that's what everyone else thinks, too.

[Mr. Nail Bat]

Again with the computer...

'What were you doing?' Takuro should have answered: 'Looking at porn.' It would have been more believable.

It's a giant anthropomorphic... pump? Who... squirts water on people? Gotta say, it doesn't exactly fill me with terror.

So Igneous, like Takuro, divines the Love Angels' true identities through the process of looking.

Wow, the angels are absolutely useless against Igneous. What was the reason for having Angels, again?

Limone = deus ex machina.

How convenient--the bad guy dies but the good guys don't have to have dirty hands from having done the deed.

Igneous' dying words sure sound very BL.

[Mr. Nail Bat]

Gee, Potamus is doing an excellent job acting plausible. :eyeroll:

After Yuri told Hinagiku that the new girl knows what boys like, all I can hear in my head is the song with that title.

Ah, flirting with Yanagiba. Now the gloves will come off.

From the 'People die when they are killed' department: "It's so wonderful when things are wonderful."

Momoko hides her jealousy poorly.

And yet, jealous Momoko is hilarious.

Yousuke is sounding more and more like Tenchi.

That giant AIDS poster in the nurse's office looks out of place in a fluffy frilly mahou shoujo series.

And the ridiculous villain of the week is a bunch of turtles with parrot heads that freeze people.

[Mr. Nail Bat]

Momoko is doing quite a credible job of knitting. A bit of a surprise.

Ah, dreaming of Yanagiba and Yousuke? Oh you polyandrous Momoko.

Umm... did Jama-P go nuts?

Huh--that's surprising. I was expecting Potamos to get away with sabotaging Momoko's muffler.

"We can work our mouths and our hands at the same time." Am I the only one who thinks that line sounds rather dirty?

A devil that transports people to the Phantom Zone?

Ah, the Ariadne solution to the Labyrinth. Although I'm not sure I'd like to entrust my life to yarn.

This episode is weirdly disjointed.

"Hurry! Run!" Brilliant plan.

Yuri and Momoko picking on Hinagiku is a nice change of pace.

[Mr. Nail Bat]

Poor Momoko. Rivals with the most annoying female in the world.

Hinagiku is cruel. Awesome cruel.

And for her revenge for not nursing Yousuke, Potamos electrocutes the entire school campus? Do not piss this girl off.

Limone sucking the infection out of Lily's arm? Kinda sensuous there, Limone.

I wonder if the current situation will end EXACTLY LIKE IN THE PREVIOUS LIFE?

Nah, couldn't happen.

And now, just in case you missed the opening credits, all three couples should now be blindingly obvious.

[Mr. Nail Bat]

Must be nice to get free stuff just for being cute.

Ooh, three-way fight. And Jama-P is in the middle? I'm not sure if that's brave or crazy.

Ah, a cordon bleaugh chef.

If there is anything that can overcome Momoko's jealousy of Potamos, it's the potential of annoying Yousuke. Ah, Momoko, please, never ever change.

And shouldn't the girls be suspicious of a charm that works like a...well, charm?

If she could find Yousuke's location with her magic mirror, why did Potamos need to be taken to his apartment in the first place?

And now Yousuke is under control of the... comb of evil?

Ah, a toast with milk. Haven't seen that for awhile.

Next episode preview: "Could it be the fourth love angel?" Hard to say, since the next episode is called "The Fourth Love Angel" and all.

[Mr. Nail Bat]

Somehow, I get the vague idea that this episode will feature the fourth love angel.

Poor Momoko is in bad shape with Potamos around.

You know, Momoko's and Yousuke's awkward courtship really is a lot of fun to watch.

Ooh, some nicely done soccer animation.

I wonder how many onsen resorts actually *do* have outdoor mixed baths. Because in anime, every single one does.

Ah, a combo onsen/festival episode.

Whatever you can say against her, at least Potamos makes her intentions obvious. No hemming and hawing for her.

Been awhile since they toasted with milk...

And so the fourth love angel is the black ranger.

[Mr. Nail Bat]

The three girls actually use logic to try and figure out who Salvia is. They come to the wrong guess, but at least they used logic. Well done.

Ah, jealousy: it does a great job of making Momoko adorable. I especially like the jealousy fang.

Got to admit, the original three angels are fairly useless at first. They could stand to learn to use a bladed weapon or two, perhaps.

And some good plotting there from Hinagiku.

(I had more stuff written, but accidentally deleted it.)

[Mr. Nail Bat]

So, Salvia/Scarlett is a rich bitch, is she? And a school idol at that.

It strikes me that the addition of Salvia is screwing with the balance of the cast.

Telling Potamos that another girl sent Yousuke a love letter? That's some raw meat there.

And what better way to wreck revenge than with a giant snowman?

Salvia is an example of where pride turns into sheer idiocy.

What is this, 'Slap Salvia' Day?

I smell a flashback...

Freesia: Must kill!

Salvia: No, don't kill: have mercy!

Freesia: Okay! *Dies*

Salvia: On second thought, screw mercy. *Kills*

'Killing devils wouldn't make Freesia happy, would it?' Actually, I think Freesia would have been okay with it.

[populuxe]

"So what if Momoko blames herself for Yousuke's capture and imminent death?" Niiiiice, Hinagiku. (And, awesome line, script adapter dudes!)
I noticed that line, too. I just love how dense Hinagiku is.

Hmm... that explosion looks suspiciously like the tragedy of Bashtarlle.
Huh. Now that you mention it...

Ah, Pluie is supercharged now? It must be time for the Tragic Death of the first Dark General.
Don't forget the redemption. Can't have a Tragic Death if there's no redemption.

Oh, memory erasure. Such a cop-out.
Japanese writers sure do love the reset button.

And what is with Limone always showing up a few minutes too late?

[populuxe]

So, now that Pluie's dead, we need new antagonists. A Scottish devil? With three assistants dressed like glam rockers? Awesome.
"With a team like this, there's no way we won't succeed!" I love famous last words.

Hey, it's the incredibly coincidental almanac!
Well, they were in the incredibly coincidental almanac section of the library.

Stock music is clashing with itself.
That happens a LOT in this show. I'm not sure why the sound director chose to do that.

And again, Limone shows up only after they're in trouble. Why doesn't he show up at the beginning so they don't get in trouble in the first place?

We get our first goofy demon of the week in a long time. And we're officially onto the second big story arc.

[populuxe]

Ah, the late-night love-advice radio dj trope. I wonder how many of these actually exist in Japan, as often as it pops up in anime and manga.
That's a good question, but I really want to know how short-lived those pendants that played phone numbers were.

The sexy-voiced DJ was played by Shawn Sides. Excellent casting.

Okay, "Wedding Engagement Gift: Love For You" is the silliest attack name I've heard yet.
That's probably why I like it so much.

And now we've finally gotten the first of the Saint Something Four.

[populuxe]

The students do seem to be extremely terrified however. Ambience?
The students have a more active imagination than the script writers.

Yuri... oh Yuri. Nice ulterior motives.
And the dreamy Captain Yanagiba is dressed appropriately in yukata and geta. Don't they make a great couple?

I see a flight of stairs into the ground suddenly appear in a cemetery? I ain't going down 'em. Fortunately, Yuri is blissfully free of the ravages of common sense.
Apparently a lack of common sense is a great way to advance a plot in Japan. Also, I'm guessing zombie movies aren't big over there.

So... with the "Love For You" attack, are the Angels killing the Devils, but nicely? Not really clear.
Yeah, they seem to be glossing over that point. It sure seems like the angels are killing devils with kindness.

"Oh, Limone! Is Charles in Charge over? Glad you could finally make it."

[populuxe]

Ah, a beach episode. Though the trope is probably a bit different for mahou shoujo anime.
Shoujo or not, a beach episode is a good thing.

Ooh, Momoko and Yuri ganging up on Hinagiku. That doesn't happen often.
Her tomboyishness is such a great point to tease her about. It's her best feature.

Wow... Hinagiku playing around on the beach with Saori almost seems like a yuri situation. No, a yuri situation, not a Yuri situation.
Bad pun is bad.

Interesting... Momoko is more and more open about her change in affection.
I like how it's being handled. It's happening gradually enough that she's not even noticing it.

The scene with Hinagiku crying over the unconscious Saori is the most yuri moment in the show so far.

Next episode: will bad Yuri result in bad yuri? Oh, sorry, I did that joke once already in this post.
Yeah, but it works better here.

That Cloud has some pretty sizable tits for a magical girl show.

Hinagiku looks extra hot in that little mid-riff baring shorts and crop top outfit.

This is the first time Limone has showed up so late, not only was the danger gone but the girls were all back in their civilian outfits.

[populuxe]

Yuri gone bad... not that bad actually. Yuri's not very good at being bad.
But she's good at taking out creepy street guys. They're another trope. What is with these guys always trying to pick up girls and pull scams? It seems like every show with a scene in or around Shibuya always has those guys showing up.

Yuri's idea to straighten out her friend is, frankly, utterly nuts. Though hanging Momoko up by piano wire does sound fun, and Jama-P does look hilariously miserable as a cat.
Yuri even gets crazy eyes when she lays out her plan. That's never a good sign.

Um, isn't Momoko still tied to the piano wires when she walks away from Yousuke?

Shawn Sides makes her third appearance, this time as the ghost of the bad girl's older sister.

[populuxe]

Devious Hinagiku is hilarious. And Hinagiku role-playing is better than that.
That scene was hilarious. Heather Kafka was killing me with her performance. Also, that little yellow dress looked great on Hinagiku.

I wonder if Yanagiba is a eunuch. Because Hinagiku is out-and-out throwing herself at him, and he doesn't even notice.
And Hinagiku would make the most awesome of girlfriends.

Ha ha, Hinagiku is dead.
Love the angry faces of Yuri and Momoko.

Wait, now Momoko is throwing herself at Yanagiba? Doesn't she remember the last couple of episodes?
Old fantasies die hard.

And now Dark General #2 is gone. Bring on the inevitable third!
That was a short lived story arc. I think Sandra's downfall was giving Peach and company all the time they needed to transform and summon their spells.

[populuxe]

Ah, a snobby top honors student who looks more like a #$*&ing hipster.
Voiced very admirably by Joey Hood. I really like his performance as Takuro. Even better, he becomes a semi-regular.

Funny that Momoko is so friendly to him after he totally dissed her earlier.
That's what makes Momoko Momoko. And I'm sure it has something to do with that whole "Love Angel" thing.

"I want to be inside of you"? First with the yuri, now with the yaoi?
Can it really be a magical girl show without some shonen-ai? And Takuro's cries of pain and desperate "Get out of me!" at the end of the episode didn't sound like yaoi porn, no sirree.

This dark general seems less of a devil and more of a life coach.
That's part of what makes the whole Takuro/Igneous thing work.

Momoko and Yousuke are a seriously dysfunctional couple. 'Takahashi couple' comes to mind.
I don't get the reference. Either Yousuke Fuma is an idiot, or disrespecting, insulting and downright pissing off the woman you love is an acceptable part of the mating ritual in Japan.

And Yuri is easily distracted with flattery.
Don't forget that beauty club she almost joined earlier. She likes being praised.

EDIT: Oh, Rumiko Takahashi. Got it.

[populuxe]

Nicholas Keene is really excellent as the devil Igneous. Insidious and persuasive.
I agree. It's a very good performance. Just the right touch of melodrama.

Wow, poor Momoko. It's hard to impress with toothpicks.
And Takuro is right there to wheedle his way into her panties.

Usually Yousuke is pretty perceptive, but that he doesn't catch on that Momoko was hoping for him to save her is kind of odd. Or maybe he's ticked about her ongoing Yanagiba obsession.
A lot of characters get a sudden case of the stupids in this show. This is just another example.

Nice apology from Yousuke.
It's a real nice scene. Those are the parts of the show I like.

Wow... how many minutes of stock transformation and special attack footage was included in this episode?
I'm guessing they use the transformations and attack scenes not for dramatic effect but to fill out the episode and get the right run time. "We've got 18 minutes of show this week." "It's fine, we can make it up in the transformations!"

Loved Momoko's kick to the back of the bat-monster's head when she finished her transformation. In fact, that whole sequence of kicks was surprisingly well animated.

And a staring into each other's eyes dance sequence to end it all.

[populuxe]

Like all nerds, of course Takuro has a dating sim. Though unlike most, his is homemade.
Loved Larissa Wollcott's mechanical voice in that simulation.

A kissing vampire devil, of course. Looks vaguely like David Bowie in his "Aladdin Sane" persona.
Maybe more like his character from The Hunger.

And nothing says love like blackmailing your crush into dating you.
Well, that's more Igneous than Takuro doing the blackmailing.

Blushing virgin Yuri is embarrassed surrounded by couples in the park. Hinagiku on the other hand finds it quite, er, educational.
Those are such perfect examples from both of them. I love Heather Kafka's squeal when she says "I'm learnin' new things!"

They seem quite okay to Yanagiba suggesting a three-way. (Okay, not exactly.)
And thus a doujin was born.

Poor Jama-P: had to kiss a geek.
He's not the first.

Whenever Hinagiku pulls out her Memorial Candle of Love, she always has a surprised look on her face. I think it's because they keep reusing the stock footage from the first time Hinagiku summoned it.

[populuxe]

If there's a list of warning signs that you're creepy, "Looking at pictures of her on your computer late at night with subtitles displaying her personal information" is gonna be high up there.
I've never done that. Not yet, anyway.

Oh, now Momoko is stalking Takuro? True, she's got a reason, but...
Yuri and Hinagiku know how to press Yousuke's buttons.

'Pity is the only way you're ever going to get kissed.' Awesome.
Igneous knows how to reinforce Takuro's complete lack of self-esteem.

And straight from a fake crying jag to a proposal for a pretend wedding: I admire Takuro's complete lack of self-respect.
And yet Momoko falls for it. Which one should be more embarrassed?

Ryuck looks like one of Joker's poison gas puppets from Dark Knight Returns.
Ha ha! You're right! That's hilarious.

And Limone finally deigns to put in an appearance.
Yeah, but not until after they're in trouble.

'You idiot! Letting yourself be defeated by love!'
What did he suspect? "My annoying little baby demon will defeat the Love Angels!"

If anime has taught me nothing, it's that there are endless numbers of seaside cliffs with sunset views in Japan.
Which is odd since everyone lives on the east side of the country.

Note to self: don't reveal your ulterior motive to the person you're manipulating.
You know, this is sound advice any time.

This show just makes me smile.
Me, too.

[populuxe]

Hinagiku learns the risks of being a tomboy! Jama-P learns the risk of looking like a plush toy!
Little kids are monsters everywhere.

Aww, Hinagiku gets a golden shower.
I'm into a lot of different things, but watersports isn't one of them.

And Momoko can't even fantasize right anymore, or so she thinks.
Even better, that's not a fantasy version of Yousuke. He's actually standing right there for some comedy gold.

What Momoko didn't say at the end: "Oh great! Yousuke and Yanagiba are sharing an umbrella! Now it's inevitable that they're going to have sex. Dammit!"
That sounds more like something Hinagiku would say, what with all that education she got at the park an episode or two ago.

[populuxe]

Yay, new OP! Though as usual, it will take awhile to get used to. And though they aren't exactly a couple in the series, the OP makes no bones about Momoko & Yousuke.

Or Hinagiku and Takuro or Yuri and Yanagiba. And who's that hot red-head? That song has a real Earth, Wind and Fire feel to it.

Why do I have a feeling that Akiko is going to get a makeover that includes getting rid of her glasses?

Because glasses are never cute. Except of course, they are.

Ah, Bride of Frankenstein hairdo and flaming gay hairdresser: that's the foundation of comedy right there.

I do like that he doesn't lose the haircut for the entire show.

Ooh, Hinagiku and Yuri play dirty.

They're a great evil duo, aren't they?

And now Momoko's secret is well and truly blown, thanks to the unthinkable technique of looking at her.

If only she had a pair of Clark Kent glasses, she never would have been found out. And we get a new transformation song, so it's the full transformation for everyone. Hey, wait a minute. Did Takuro just get to see six naked transformation scenes? Lucky bastard.

New ending song, too. I like the little bit in the middle where they go from civilian to Grecian miniskirts to wedding dresses.

[populuxe]

Ooh, a bath scene! It's... oh, it's Takuro. Never mind. And why is he bathing in chlorophyll, anyway? And now an overdecorated devil girl pops out.

You don't know how disappointed I was when I realized it was Takuro in the bath. I love that devil girl. She's one of the best devils to appear so far.

I love it when Potamos and Igneous enter Takuro's body. "He has a bed?"

"Staaaaaare. Staaaaaaare." I need to say that the next time I stare at something.

Try as I might, I just can't imagine a scenario where I could get away with that.

And so the Halloween party consists of... just giving kids handfuls of candy? Yeah, that sounds responsible.

At least the girls look great in their halloween outfits. Hinagiku is especially cute in her green fairy outfit.

Takuro's a cross-dresser? And apparently that's what everyone else thinks, too.

He even has a monologue! That scene is hilarious. And then Hinagiku stops Momoko from repeating the monologue. Brilliant. And yet more new transformation music and finishing poses.

Jenny Larson is a riot of Potamos, doncha know? I'm glad she's not just a single episode character.

[populuxe]

Girls tailing guys always means cute undercover clothes.

So Igneous, like Takuro, divines the Love Angels' true identities through the process of looking.

Considering they do their transformations in the middle of the street in broad daylight, it's a wonder they haven't been made by the devils until now. Love their faces when Igneous calls them out.

Wow, the angels are absolutely useless against Igneous. What was the reason for having Angels, again?

Because guys don't look good in Grecian miniskirts.

Limone = deus ex machina.

Quoted for truth.

How convenient--the bad guy dies but the good guys don't have to have dirty hands from having done the deed.

This is a big reason why I like Potamos. She doesn't back down from what she believes, even if it's wrong.

Igneous' dying words sure sound very BL.

If there's not a shounen-ai pairing, is it really a shoujo anime?

Great flashback scene. Hinagiku as a little toughie preschooler is great.

Nice scene at the end with the three girls talking. Heather Kafka does a really nice job when Hinagiku is talking about Takuro. She sounds real genuine in that scene.

[populuxe]

Gee, Potamus is doing an excellent job acting plausible. :eyeroll:

Why do I think ditzy Izumi from Princess Nine when I see her human form?

After Yuri told Hinagiku that the new girl knows what boys like, all I can hear in my head is the song with that title.

Ah, the Waitresses. I had that album. Probably still do in the garage somewhere.

From the 'People die when they are killed' department: "It's so wonderful when things are wonderful."

I find it hard to argue with her.

And yet, jealous Momoko is hilarious.

There are a ton of new facial expressions from Momoko in that scene. Hilarious stuff.

And the ridiculous villain of the week is a bunch of turtles with parrot heads that freeze people.

Sure, why not? I admire the creativity, at least.

I love Wedding Peach's "And for that I can't forgive you!" speeches. Larissa Wolcott is clearly enjoying them, too. Larissa's been magnificent as Momoko so far. She just proves she's one of the very best in this business.

[populuxe]

Umm... did Jama-P go nuts?

That cracked me up. Chasing the yarn like a cat, but growling like a dog.

"We can work our mouths and our hands at the same time." Am I the only one who thinks that line sounds rather dirty?

Either that or it's a comment on dubbing.

Ah, the Ariadne solution to the Labyrinth. Although I'm not sure I'd like to entrust my life to yarn.

Jama-P is having so much fun unravelling those mufflers, too.

"Hurry! Run!" Brilliant plan.

Hinagiku is the practical one among them, after all.

[populuxe]

Hinagiku is cruel. Awesome cruel.

Isn't she? She just can't stop pouring it on. And I love that pink nurses outfit Momoko's wearing in her fantasy. And that cat face on Hinagiku! Beautiful.

And for her revenge for not nursing Yousuke, Potamos electrocutes the entire school campus? Do not piss this girl off.

Restraint isn't one of her strong suits.

Why does Lily's ultimate transformation get a guitar solo? She hardly strikes me as the heavy metal type.

The devil-of-the-week is a giant bug, and he has the voice of a... smooth ladies man?

Limone sucking the infection out of Lily's arm? Kinda sensuous there, Limone.

And now we get one more big chunk of the back story.

I wonder if the current situation will end EXACTLY LIKE IN THE PREVIOUS LIFE?

"You must kill me!" "I can't!" "Oh, okay."

Oh, that's right. We were in a flashback.

So love can cure a sword through the stomach. I didn't know that.

Nice of Potamos to wait until Limone and Lily have their tearful reunion before re-engaging them in battle.

[populuxe]

Ah, a cordon bleaugh chef.

You know, I kinda wasn't expecting that.

If there is anything that can overcome Momoko's jealousy of Potamos, it's the potential of annoying Yousuke. Ah, Momoko, please, never ever change.

It's a great plan. Now if only Momoko would face why she wanted Yousuke to eat Potamos's bad cooking.

And shouldn't the girls be suspicious of a charm that works like a...well, charm?

Oh, hey, we finally got to find out Yanagiba's first name after 33 episodes. Kazuya. Seems appropriate, somehow.

If she could find Yousuke's location with her magic mirror, why did Potamos need to be taken to his apartment in the first place?

She was just using Momoko to get inside.

Why do guys always use that "just kidding" line when they're being serious?

And now Yousuke is under control of the... comb of evil?

Better than the combover of evil.

Ah, a toast with milk. Haven't seen that for awhile.

I think it's a chance to see it one last time before things get crazy with...

Next episode preview: "Could it be the fourth love angel?" Hard to say, since the next episode is called "The Fourth Love Angel" and all.

Ssh! Don't give it away!

[populuxe]

Somehow, I get the vague idea that this episode will feature the fourth love angel.

I don't know where you got that idea.

Poor Momoko is in bad shape with Potamos around.

And Hinagiku sure knows how to push those buttons.

Nice earth tones on the three girls. Fall colors suit them.

You know, Momoko's and Yousuke's awkward courtship really is a lot of fun to watch.

Isn't it? And look how happy Momoko is now that Yousuke's talked to her.

Ooh, some nicely done soccer animation.

If it had opera as well, you'd be in heaven.

I wonder how many onsen resorts actually *do* have outdoor mixed baths. Because in anime, every single one does.

At least Jama-P took advantage of it. He has no idea how lucky he was.

Ah, a combo onsen/festival episode.

Two great tastes that taste great together. Why are girls in yukatas so damn hot?

Is that a gatling gun in Momoko's hand?

Whatever you can say against her, at least Potamos makes her intentions obvious. No hemming and hawing for her.

Aren't devils supposed to hate love? Aren't they supposed to destroy love wherever they find it? Didn't Potamos kill Igneous because he was losing his hardline stance against love? It seems to me Potamos is getting a little confused on the issue.

The mystery of Yousuke grows deeper.

Been awhile since they toasted with milk...

Kind of inappropriate timing, what with them facing a devil in the middle of battle and all.

And so the fourth love angel is the black ranger.

And she doesn't have time for this pussy-footing "toast with milk" crap. Love the sexy-deep voice of Salvia. This is the only performance by T. Lynn Mikeska I'm aware of. I'm really enjoying it, though.

Been a while since Raindevilla has had more than a couple of lines.

[populuxe]

The three girls actually use logic to try and figure out who Salvia is. They come to the wrong guess, but at least they used logic. Well done.

"Why is my head cut off in all the pictures?" Poor, clueless Potamos.

Ah, jealousy: it does a great job of making Momoko adorable. I especially like the jealousy fang.

And it causes great sideways glances from Hinagiku and Yuri.

Got to admit, the original three angels are fairly useless at first. They could stand to learn to use a bladed weapon or two, perhaps.

This week's devil is pretty sexy. So is Salvia, for that matter. It's the battle of the hottie swords-women. Salvia's sword does sort of put Lily, Daisy and Peach's little crystal baubles to shame.

"Passionate cake slice!" Great finishing move.

And some good plotting there from Hinagiku.

There's a flaw in that plan, Hinagiku.

[populuxe]

So, Salvia/Scarlett is a rich bitch, is she? And a school idol at that.

Those cool types always end up being idolized. And those fawning girls... "You treat us like shit! That's so cool!" Oh, and she doesn't like boys? Even better.

Oh, Momoko, Hinagiku and Yuri immediately figure out who Salvia really is. Isn't she surrounded by "You can't see who I really am" field just like they are?

It strikes me that the addition of Salvia is screwing with the balance of the cast.

It seems that way at first, but she really does turn into a great addition to the cast. The show finds a new balance with all four of them.

It takes a mountain of pink to melt Salvia's heart.

Angry Yuri is a rare but welcome sight.

Telling Potamos that another girl sent Yousuke a love letter? That's some raw meat there.

Oh yeah, that girl who had a crush on Yousuke way back in season 1. Hinagiku is brilliant in that scene. "A polite reply." Brilliant. That's worth watching a second time.

Why does Yousuke talk like a bad Elvis impersonator in Potamos' fantasy? Great job by Gray Haddock. He's one of my favorite Monster Island actors, and his Yousuke is terrific.

And what better way to wreck revenge than with a giant snowman?

Well, when your domain is water, there are only so many creatures you can invoke.

Salvia shows up in her wedding dress, wielding a sword. There's something scary-hot about that.

Salvia is an example of where pride turns into sheer idiocy.

Considering how tightly they've woven the bonds of friendship between Peach, Lily and Daisy, they needed someone completely over the top to rattle their cage. Salvia's certainly doing her part.

What is this, 'Slap Salvia' Day?

Reminds me of a scene from Airplane...

I smell a flashback...

Freesia: Must kill!

Salvia: No, don't kill: have mercy!

Freesia: Okay! *Dies*

Salvia: On second thought, screw mercy. *Kills*

'Killing devils wouldn't make Freesia happy, would it?' Actually, I think Freesia would have been okay with it.

I'm surprised Freesia doesn't haunt Salvia, rubbing it in that her death is on Salvia's hands. "Oh yeah, don't kill devils. Great plan! Now I'm dead! We were in a war with devils! Maybe we should kill a few devils after all, don't you think!?"

Scarlett's got a little wild streak in her, still. I like that.

Yuka Imai is Salvia, and Kotono Mitsuishi is Potamos. I'm going to have to try this show in Japanese one of these days.

Okay, I'm all caught up with you. I'm ready for the next episode whenever you are.

[Mr. Nail Bat]

Episode 38 'Passionate Farewell Kiss'

Reinedevila should learn the phrase 'pride goeth before the fall.'

"Fly, my monkeys, fly!"

It's been awhile since I've seen an episode. Were Yousuke and Momoko in blushing mutual attraction mode, or immature fighting mode? Looks like it's the latter.

"Let's you and me fool around." Well, at least Potamos knows how to be direct.

Extreme closeup of kissing lips is scary.

Ooh, rejected. Now we'll know that Hell hath no fury like a creature of Hell scorned. Wait, actually that's exactly the kind of fury involved.

Gah? Potamos is going to kiss Yousuke with that mouth? Ew.

Wait... is Limone actually makin himself useful? Well, there's a first time for everything!

Momoko's tactical thinking is pretty subpar--she ignores the three sword-wielding devils and pays attention to the sobbing wreck in the corner instead?

so, now that Potamos has been purified... do we find out where the purified devils drift off to?

So now she's been purified, she turns into an easy party girl. Shoulda known.

[populuxe]

"Let's you and me fool around." Well, at least Potamos knows how to be direct.
That's why she's my kind of devil girl.

Ooh, rejected. Now we'll know that Hell hath no fury like a creature of Hell scorned. Wait, actually that's exactly the kind of fury involved.
She didn't take it easy, did she? I guess that's to be expected of a devil, even one confused by love.

Gah? Potamos is going to kiss Yousuke with that mouth? Ew.
I'm not so sure I'd turn it down.

Wait... is Limone actually makin himself useful? Well, there's a first time for everything!
Surprised me, too.

Yuri: "I can't feel my body!" Considering what a fine body it is, that's a real tragedy.

Momoko's tactical thinking is pretty subpar--she ignores the three sword-wielding devils and pays attention to the sobbing wreck in the corner instead?
She does leave herself quite open. With all the battles she's been in, you'd think she'd figured out to take out the biggest threat first.

When Patamos was on the roof of that building, recalling Igneous, I really thought she was going to kill herself.

so, now that Potamos has been purified... do we find out where the purified devils drift off to?
Apparently it's the park.

Considering how over the top Jenny Larson has been playing Potamos, I really liked the simple acting she showed in the scene with Yousuke in the park. Very simple and genuine.

So now she's been purified, she turns into an easy party girl. Shoulda known.

I loved Salvia's reaction. "She works fast!"

[Mr. Nail Bat]

All three girls chase after Yanagiba, and as a result, he gets away--sort of the inverse of the saying about he who chases two hares gets none.

Petra the violent devil is... really freaky. Did he OD on 70's martial arts movies?

...now this episode has entered some serious WTF waters. Why is that guy reaching into his crotch and rummaging around? And pulling out a long...thing? Clearly the dub studio was aware of the WTF-ness of it all and added some appropriate reactions.

It's hard to harangue the masses if no masses show up.

Momoko takes the whole pen is mightier than the sword cliche a bit too literally.

I like the Schwarzenegger accent for the workout devil.

"My, mama, what a deep voice you have."

Yousuke and Momoko walking through Makeout Park at night... and the BGM is oh so very "NAUGHTY THINGS ARE HAPPENING."

"Young people come to this park to cuddle." Sure, Peach: 'Cuddle.'

With the newspaper and the soccer team on their side, how can they possibly fail?

[Mr. Nail Bat]

Episode 40 'My Love Is Being Sucked Away'

Wait, refresh my memory--didn't the freaky Bruce Lee impersonator only get his job because he used mind control on the principal? And wasn't the mind control erased at the end of last episode? So why he still have his job? Are the Japanese teacher unions that strong?

Nice surprised face, Momoko!

"Oh, we didn't see you come in, Mr. Iwamoto!" Very smooth, Yuri. Well played.

You know, Momoko and friends really suck at rebellion.

Wow, that vacuum creature is freaky. It would probably scare the fertilizer out of me if I saw something like that. Good voice acting by Michael Dalmon.

Limone makes himself useful... again? If he isn't careful, he might end up making a habit of this.

Salvia's got a point. The Angels have been acting like, I dunno, middle school girls?

"Limone has saved us from danger over and over!" So, Hinagiku gets an "F" for observing reality.

And so Limone and the Angels get sucked off to another world. Wait, that sounds not right.

Limone sacrifices himself, and of course, turns out all right.

WHAT, YANAGIBA IS LIMONE? OH CRAP

And amazingly, Hinagiku and Momoko appear to give up on Yanagiba once and for all.

[Mr. Nail Bat]

Episode 41 'Pretend Love - Great Skiing'

Hinagiku seems slightly bummed out. Perhaps she hasn't quite made peace with the idea that she's destined to be with the nerd.

Ah, the mysterious all-expenses paid vacation.

And Yuri acts just slightly suspiciously.

"Let's not call it a scheme. That sounds so disrespectful."

Oh crap... beware Yuri and Momoko. They make EVIL matchmakers.

Funny how in movies and TV when characters go skiing, hardly anyone ever wears a hat.

Takuro still has that bracelet?

So the supporting devil in this episode is a kitsune, eh?

Nice "JAMA!" splash screens.

And so we learn that Yousuke has a transformed form, as if it hadn't already been obvious.

Takuro has a love wave?

The kitsune looks seriously freaky after he's been purified.

[Mr. Nail Bat]

Episode 42 'Yuri's Lips'

A bunch of bike gangsters? Did this suddenly turn into Great Teacher Onizuka?

Oh, it's Petora, aka Devilman again.

And some more Yousuke foreshadowing.

well, if he actually goes all out and transforms, then this goes well past foreshadowing.

Ah, Yanagiba is exceptionally clueless. Yousuke is too.

You know, for a goalkeeper, Yousuke ought to be able to dodge Momoko's armor-piercing slap.

I'm getting tired of Petora. Apart from his colossal weirdness, he's doesn't have any redeeming features. And weirdness eventually grates.

"I love you too much to be with you." Yeah, that's the kind of brushoff I would expect from Limone the terminally dull and useless.

Oh no, Yousuke knows the secret. Now nothing will ever be the same.

"Wait, Takuro knew before I did? Does that mean... HE SAW MY GIRLFRIEND'S NUDE TRANSFORMATION?"

And Yuri is PISSED. "I was finally getting some action!"

Jama-P actually thinks strategically: get Salvia ASAP.

Limone goes all kamikaze on Petora's ass. However, somehow I doubt his death is going to stick.

[Mr. Nail Bat]

Episode 43 'The Truth About Raindevila'

And in other news, Limone is still dead.

Momoko actually tells Yousuke everything? That's... mildly surprising. I was half-expecting another memory erasure.

And a montage about Yuri's memories of Yanagiba--because Limone is dead. Yes, he's dead. He's so incredibly... aw, crap, he got better.

I see that Aphrodite addressed all the angels by name... even though Salvia wasn't present. I wonder if she'll ever resent being left out of all the reindeer games.

That Raindevila is one scary bitch.

So Raindevila's main beef against the angels is that the guy who she briefly saw and crushed on turned out to be taken? I'd say her retribution is a little much.

What's the point of the Wedding Dress transformation if they can't fight in it? Does making dramatic speeches work better in a dress than a glorified leotard?

Nice to know that blindness is mutual: they can't tell who Viento is despite his looks and voice.

I guess we are well and truly into the final plot arc.

[Mr. Nail Bat]

Episode 44 'Jama-P's First Love'

Momoko's a dove, Scarlett's a hawk, and the others are undecided.

And... with the title screen... is this a sidestory?

Jamapon sounds like he's trying to channel Cartman.

One of the sweeter "first kiss" scenes I've ever seen in anime.

Uh-oh... Jama-P is going to be the unhappy victim of Momoko the matchmaker. No good will come of this.

"THIS IS AN EMERGENCY! WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE TO BE IN LOVE?" I should try that sometime.

Ooh, new poses for the angels.

And in the end, Jama-P ends up with nobody. That's mascot law, after all.

Jamapon was Edwin Neal? *snicker*

[Mr. Nail Bat]

Episode 45 'Mama's Come Home'

I'll admit it, Momoko's "OH I'M SO EMBARRASSED" face made me laugh out loud.

I think her father might start to suspect something.

I wonder if being electrocuted by random costumed freaks will cause some kind of long-term trauma for Yousuke?

And time for backstory exposition.

Angel Celeste: relative of Utena and (Hayate's) Hinagiku?

So Celeste/Sakura gets one day with her family. "Um, Momoko? Could you sleep over at one of your friend's houses? Your mom and I need some alone time."

Depression does not become Yuri.

And Peach is unable to finish her speech. Actually quite an effective moment.

[Mr. Nail Bat]

Uh, Jama-P? Your devotion is impressive. Your intelligence, on the other hand...

As expected, Scarlett goes with the "nuke him from orbit" solution. It's the only way to be sure.

I like Hinagiku's subtle attempt to determine if Yousuke knows anything about his devil side.

You know, Gray Haddock's vocal resemblance to Matt Miller as Tenchi Masaki is really obvious in this episode.

Ooh, dissension in the ranks. Gotta say, Scarlett's being a pretty huge jerk here.

And, unintentional side effects!

And Peach is back!

"Will you just SHUT UP?" Ah, Hinagiku, you rock.

[Mr. Nail Bat]

Note to Yousuke: the fact that Momoko's parental situation is in some ways similar to yours JUST MIGHT be a hint. Pay attention.

"A devil is a devil is a devil." Well thank you, Gertrude Stein.

Momoko really was a cute baby.

Ah, appeasing feelings of guilt through food.

"When you meet someone in love you must kill them." This is the strangest audiobook adaptation of Leo Buscaglia ever.

Kill the guy she loves? Do these people not realize that they're in a magical girl series?

And of course, that plan is dependent on actually being *able* to kill the guy she loves.

"All right! Love actually won!" Yes, Jama-P, thank you for your wavering support.

Yousuke isn't taking the whole being part devil thing very well.

[Mr. Nail Bat]

Episode 48 'Loving is Painful'

Momoko trying to be cheerful while Yousuke pointedly ignores her is maybe the saddest moment in the series so far.

Yet more new devils. I'm not going to try to remember their names.

If nothing, this series memorializes how short men's gym shorts used to be, once upon a time.

I'm not sure if Scarlett wants to be vigilant so much as she wants to feel superior to the other Love Angels.

So Uragano was killed by Raindevila's henchdevils. I can see a three-way battle in the future.

Rachel Rivera played Hatred! Too bad it's such a tiny role: the world needs more Rachel. Angel Rivera as Jura--could that be her sister?

I wonder if it's really in Raindevila's best interest to awaken Yousuke's sleeping giant?

[Mr. Nail Bat]

Episode 49 'The Night for Just the Two of Us'

Wow... Momoko belongs in the stubborness Hall of Fame.

Scarlett seems more and more like the Japanese stereotype of an American: not a team player, ultraconfident in her own strength, unwilling to see the world in shades of grey.

I must say, I'm liking the shorts Hinagiku is wearing.

Jama-P seems kinda pet-like and infantile when he sleeps.

At home alone? Momoko asks Yousuke to take his shirt off? Ooh, Momoko's a bad girl!

Well, it looks like Scarlett's hiatus from the group didn't last too long.

So since these devils are a pure manifestation of hate, getting purified by the Saint Crystal essentially annihilates them.

[Mr. Nail Bat]

Episode 50 'Inseperable Hearts'

Yousuke knows how to get Jama-P's co-operation.

And now he's conducting a Satanic ceremony. Heh. It would have been fun to see the hubbub it would have caused if this series had ever been shown on broadcast telelvision in the US.

And Momoko temporarily stops him. Hmm... kind of unusual for the magical girl to be the voice of caution and moderation.

Raindevila's origin story is just plain pathetic. The guy she liked liked someone else, so EVERYONE MUST DIE.

I'm not too sure if Viento's strategy of "jumping in front of incoming fire and letting it hit your chest" is all that wise.

I liked Scarlett's non-chalant "Hi girls" after they all made their introductions.

Bring on the tentacle-like thorns! I'm sure that it fulfils someone's fetish.

Is that staircase... could it be... Limone the occasionally useful!

And has the Final Boss been defeated? It doesn't feel like it.

Oh, never mind, she was just dispelled to the devil world. Okay, so the final episode will be the final battle. Makes sense when you think about it.

[Mr. Nail Bat]

Final Episode 'Last Wedding'

Aw, I was half-expecting a return to the first OP for the final episode. Oh well, the second OP is really good too.

A wedding ceremony? Keep in mind, they are both in the seventh grade.

Yanagiba is an organist? Simply no end to his talents.

Raindevila is back... and she's PISSED.

Poor Takuro. The only mundane in the lot.

And, predictably, Limone's the first out of the fight. WUSS!

That thing opening up may look like a jewelry box... but I know that it's actually a can: a can of whoop-ass.

And after they kiss... they're floating naked? Uh...

And Raindevila's purified form is a demonic loli?

"Their love has saved the world." Thanks for the exposition, Aphrodite.

And that's the end! Until the OVAs.

[touma]

I have enjoyed reading this thread but it has been so long since I watched the show that I could not remember enough to comment on anything.
Since it is getting near the end I decided to watch the last disk of the series again.
Ooh, dissension in the ranks. Gotta say, Scarlett's being a pretty huge jerk here.
I am having trouble remembering times when she was not acting like a jerk.
Instead of preventing Viento from awakening she wants him to awaken so that she can kill him. It seems that she is also a homicidal maniac.

"Will you just SHUT UP?" Ah, Hinagiku, you rock.
I really wanted Hina to punch her. Seriously.
I guess that I am not a Scarlett fan.:P

[Mr. Nail Bat]

DX Episode 1 'Revival of the Love Angels! We'll Fight Even When We Go to the Beach'

This *must* be an OVA. That's an unusually cheesecakey view of Momoko in her night attire (may I point out again that she's thirteen years old?)

Mom is back with them again. Why does this feel like the final episode of Eva?

New OP!

The angels gazing longingly in different kinds of weather!

And... they have wings now? Have the angels powered up?

Looks like Momoko's parents are eternally in Rabu-Rabu mode.

...wait, Momoko had her memory wiped? WTF for?

Takuro takes his computer everywhere? NERRRRRD.

So all of the snacks have devil mascots? Weird.

And something evil is awakened.

BEACH EPISODE MUSIC VIDEO!

Obviously it's all fanservice (for who, though?), though I will admit I like Hinagiku's sundress/swimsuit.

Momoko undoes her top while tanning her back? I'm surprised at her daring.

And Hinagiku steals it. Even naughtier.

Yuri and Hinagiku want to pretend to be single? Not what I'd expect of them.

UNWANTED CROTCH SHOT

Yes, once again, evil is awakened.

Pantyshot even? This is not the shoujo series I remember.

Giant evil spider.

Everyone wants their memory erased? Nobody thinks that, in fact, this might be a bad idea? And that asking for the memory erasure of a third party is immoral?

But anyway, she gets her memory back almost instantaneously. So the point of the memory erasure was... what exactly?

New transformations! Hinagiku and Scarlett's are surprisingly revealing.

Lily's got a whip?

Peach has a frickin' GUN?

New ED. Seems to be a lot of nudity... oh, and they're with their guys who also appear to be naked. Remember, they're THIRTEEN.

(Wait a second... what are thirteen-year-olds even doing on a vacation by themselves?)

[touma]

Episode 48 'Loving is Painful'

Yet more new devils.
So this devil says "You really have to feel sorry for someone who is so weak as to fall in love." Sounds like Scarlett.

I'm not sure if Scarlett wants to be vigilant so much as she wants to feel superior to the other Love Angels.
I am adding egomaniac to her list.
Maybe I should give the girl a break.:sweat:

I wonder if it's really in Raindevila's best interest to awaken Yousuke's sleeping giant?

Especially after he just found out that she had his father killed.
All of the devils seem to think that Youske/Viento will hate his father for falling in love with a human, just like Youske/Viento did.
Seems like they are not putting a lot of thought into this.

[touma]

Episode 49 'The Night for Just the Two of Us'

Peach grabs Youske and jumps (flies?) off of the roof.
I didn't know that she could do that.

I must say, I'm liking the shorts Hinagiku is wearing.
And Yuri is not looking bad there either.

So since these devils are a pure manifestation of hate, getting purified by the Saint Crystal essentially annihilates them.

And Peach stops Scarlett and Youske from killing the devils, so that she can disintegrate them? I guess that it is OK if you purify them while you destroy them.

[touma]

Episode 50 'Inseperable Hearts'

Raindevila's origin story is just plain pathetic. The guy she liked liked someone else, so EVERYONE MUST DIE.
And unless I missed something the guy did not even know that she existed. She never talked to him or even let him see her.

Bring on the tentacle-like thorns! I'm sure that it fulfils someone's fetish.
<raises hand>:sweat:

Peach says that fighting just creates new reasons to hate.
Well, yes, but if the alternative was to just watch the devils kill all of my friends I think that I would go with the creating hate thing.

[touma]

Final Episode 'Last Wedding'

Raindevila is back... and she's PISSED.
In the tradition of all magical girl show villains Raindevila saves her strongest attack until the end, after the girls have powered up to the max, instead of using it in the beginning, when they had no power at all.

Peach has an instant transformation. I think that may be the first time.
And we have tentacles again.
And we have Limone again, without the stairs this time. It seems like everybody is forgoing the grand entrance and getting right down to business.

And, predictably, Limone's the first out of the fight. WUSS!
Maybe he should have used the stairs.

And after they kiss... they're floating naked? Uh...
It works for me.:)

And Raindevila's purified form is a demonic loli?
Excellent! The world needs more demonic lolis.

"Their love has saved the world." Thanks for the exposition, Aphrodite.
That was for those of us who were looking at the girls' legs instead of paying attention to the story.:blush:

And at the end we see:
Momoko with Youske.
Yuri with Yanagiba.
Hinaku with Takero.
Scarlett with Jama-P???

[Suwako Moriya]

And Raindevila's purified form is a demonic loli?

It's almost as if they were trying to tell us something. In any case, you've got to love how some villains are essentially checking their watches and thinking "Five minutes to the finale? Ok, time for me to stop being an evil ******".

[touma]

DX Episode 1 'Revival of the Love Angels! We'll Fight Even When We Go to the Beach'

When they are on the train talking about why the boys came to see them off Yuri says "There's no way that you could understand it, Scarlett, you poor thing, since you don't even have a boyfriend."
Zing!

When they are on the balcony looking out at the ocean Yuri says "It's très bien, you know."
A bit of an inside joke there.

BEACH EPISODE MUSIC VIDEO!
It seems like Scarlett is not making any effort to be part of the group, and it seems like the other girls don't care.
I actually do like this version of Scarlett, but I still have to wonder why she is even with them, since they do not remember being Love Angels and Scarlett goes to a different school.

Momoko undoes her top while tanning her back? I'm surprised at her daring.

And Hinagiku steals it. Even naughtier.
And Yuri pounds Hinagiku hard enough to leave a huge lump on her head.
This OVA Yuri is rather feisty. I like it.

Lily's got a whip?
Well, Lilly Lipliner was essentially a whip. Now they are just being more honest about Yuri's dominatrix nature.:devil:

Peach has a frickin' GUN?
Love Gun?

New ED. Seems to be a lot of nudity... oh, and they're with their guys who also appear to be naked.
And who is the guy with Scarlett?
And after that, the first naked embracing couple is ... Momoko and Scarlett???
And the second hugging naked couple is Yuri and Hinagiku!
Now Yuri and Hinagiku would not surprise me, but Momoko and Scarlett?
I know. Momoko is such a nice girl that she just does not want Scarlett to feel left out.:bigsmile:

And finally there are naked angels.

It seems like this OVA is intending to cover all of my fantasies and fetishes.:sweat:
I can hardly wait for the next episode.

[Mr. Nail Bat]

DX Episode 2 'Salvia's Love... We'll Fight, Even On a Luxury Liner!'

Scarlett looks unusualy elegant.

The guy she is talking to seems to have a Clark Gable mustache, but not the ears.

When the Hinagiku and Yuri were oohing and ahhing over the guests, I put on the subtitles to make sure the dub wasn't playing fast and loose. It wasn't.

Clark Oasis? Yeah, I should have guessed his name would be Clark. Or Rhett.

He's got to be at least twice her age. Which makes the kiss we saw earlier all the wronger.

That's some weird dance music.

And now we flashback to how they met... wow, that execution was perfectly executed, until they started shooting. Helpful hint: when hiring assassins, make sure they are not former storm troopers.

Reminiscence montage music video!

Momoko's drunk? PRODUCERS! THEY ARE THIRTEEN FRICKIN YEARS OLD! They should not be drinking or dating men in their thirties. Holy crap!

The useless assassins are back--though maybe this explains why they were unsuccessful in the past.

And Clark is EVIL. Well, no duh: he has a mustache. All people with facial hair are evil.

POWER OVERWHELMING

(Note, I typed this before Yuri actually said "The power is completely overwhelming him.")

Good strategy: fly away.

I guess falling in love with an evil angel is karmic comeuppance for Salvia's bitchiness about Yousuke?

Whoa... he turns into a devil again after being purified? I wasn't expecting that.

You know, even for karmic comeuppance, Salvia got a seriously raw deal here. That's gotta cause some mental/spiritual trauma.

Next episode preview: Potamos returns? Sweet!

[Mr. Nail Bat]

DX Episode 3 'Reunion - We'll Fight, Even on Christmas'

The love angels pursuing some villain through the skies of Tokyo. This really is starting to feel like a completely different series.

Yuri answers a phone call in the middle of a battle?

I'm kinda sympathizing with Salvia on this one. What complete and utter ditzes the other three angels are acting.

Meanwhile, as the other three angels are going on dates, Salvia is searching for the lost Ark of the Covenant.

Ooh, pretty jewel.

"Santa Claus Murder Case"?

And Momoko can't bear to see her friend single. Oi.

Potamos returns! And unfortunately has not been briefed about the idiotic "let's erase everyone's memory!" plan.

And Potamos gets a pantyshot.

Make that two pantyshots.

Ooh, competetive laughter.

"The hell is she doing here?" As I said before--Hinagiku? Never, ever change. You're awesome the way you are.

Takuro? You are forever a complete idiot.

And now... LONELINESS MUSIC VIDEO MONTAGE!

Won't the girls get a little chilly from walking around Tokyo all day in the winter in miniskirts?

Potamos does a lousy job playing innocent.

(Also: three pantyshots)

NEVER interrupt a magical girl mid-rant!

"Have I ever told you that you really piss me off?"

So, Golden Mask wants Potamos to give him head?

Little Kid Takuro: total pussy.

Next episode preview: Catgirls? Fetish ahoy!

[Mr. Nail Bat]

DX Episode 4 'The False Love Angels - We'll Fight, Even on Valentine's Day'

He's a photographer, so he gets a chocolate camera? You know, speaking from experience, just because I'm a developer doesn't mean that I want a chocolate computer.

Fruity villain electrocutes cats to turn them into his evil minions.

Evil chocolate-stealing cats.

Geez, girls, not all chocolates have to be themed. (I am impressed at Momoko's soccer chocolate-nice mixture of white and dark.)

GUH? Did I just see Hinagiku wearing only a ribbon? Saying "Just eat me up!"?

Stop being surprised at evil waves and devils!

Ah, the old body-swap episode.

Quite a lot of jiggling for a magical girl show.

Somebody didn't get the memo about Limone.

At this juncture, it would have been useful for the boys to be aware of the supernatural happenings of the last 54 episodes. But OH NO, you just HAD to have their memories erased.

Okay, Scarlett getting a case of the cutes was a genuine laught out loud moment.

They need a high-ranking angel. Um, why didn't any of them think about Momoko's mother?

SEARCHING MUSIC VIDEO MONTAGE!

And Yuri loses her once-in-a-middle-school-years chance to see her dear Yanagiba in a state of undress.

Why would cats in human bodies be attracted to humans?

Scarlett does a good job playing a bad girl.

And transforming back... the girls' breasts shrink? And they've got their shirts open. I think I should point out again, THEY ARE THIRTEEN FRICKIN YEARS OLD.

Convenient that they happen to have the same color bra as they were cats.

Fast-forward transformation? This is getting more bizarre by the second.

Chocolate doesn't lie! Scarlett and Jama-P are a couple!

And that's the end. Kind of an anti-climactic way to end the series, but it is what it is.

Overall, it's been a fun trip--I really enjoyed this series a lot more than I was expecting to. Fun characters, nice humor, good acting, and a very likeable romantic story to go along with the magical girl cliches. Definitely one of the better products of the Monster Island studio. Hard to believe it actually took me over half a year to watch this series though--of course a three-month hiatus and one-month hiatus are the chief causes of taking too long.

Okay, time for a new series. Something short, though: single cour, preferably. I think I'll hold off on Hidamari Sketch x365 until Populuxe gets his copy, so maybe I'll rewatch something I've enjoyed before...

[touma]

DX Episode 2 'Salvia's Love... We'll Fight, Even On a Luxury Liner!'

When the Hinagiku and Yuri were oohing and ahhing over the guests, I put on the subtitles to make sure the dub wasn't playing fast and loose. It wasn't.
I did the same thing. I even switched to the Japanese audio because I did not completely trust the subtitles. But they actually were accurate.

He's got to be at least twice her age. Which makes the kiss we saw earlier all the wronger.
Isn't Scarlett older than the others? She might actually be legal in Japan. Or maybe it is just her attitude that makes me think that she is older. In either case your point is still valid. She is much to young for him.
Speaking of age, they would all be a little bit older. Maybe they made it to 14.

Momoko's drunk? PRODUCERS! THEY ARE THIRTEEN FRICKIN YEARS OLD! They should not be drinking or dating men in their thirties. Holy crap!
Well, it was accidental. But yeah, there should have been some adult who was responsible for keeping the children away from the booze.

Good strategy: fly away.
Three of them do. Scarlett is still thinking it over.
So Lily's weapon is Saint Spiral Whip. Until I turned on the subtitles I thought that it was Saint Bridal Whip. Bridal whip?:sweat:

I guess falling in love with an evil angel is karmic comeuppance for Salvia's bitchiness about Yousuke?
And Scarlett tries to deal with Clark the same way that Momoko did with Youske. She wants to let love purify him. Unfortunately it does not work so well for Scarlett. And in the end she does to Clark what she had been telling Momoko to do to Youske. At least we know that she really did believe in what she had been saying.

You know, even for karmic comeuppance, Salvia got a seriously raw deal here.
Very true. She deserved better.
So what now? She goes back to Jama-P?:sweat:

[Mr. Nail Bat]

Speaking of age, they would all be a little bit older. Maybe they made it to 14.

Not necessarily. Yanagiba is still going to school with them, and he was a third-year, meaning that the main three girls and Yousuke are still first-years.

[touma]

DX Episode 4 'The False Love Angels - We'll Fight, Even on Valentine's Day'

Okay, Scarlett getting a case of the cutes was a genuine laught out loud moment.
It seems that Scarlett likes cats, especially Momoko.
Momoko seems to be very comfortable and contented with Scarlett holding her and stroking her back. Hmmmm?
Or maybe she is just happy because Scarlett promised to feed her.:)

They need a high-ranking angel. Um, why didn't any of them think about Momoko's mother?
Events in episode 3 would seem to indicate that they are all airheads.
Maybe this is a residual effect of the memory wipe?

And Yuri loses her once-in-a-middle-school-years chance to see her dear Yanagiba in a state of undress.
I am sure that Yuri would have lots of chances to see him naked, if she wanted to.
Oh, wait, how old is she again.:P

Why would cats in human bodies be attracted to humans?
Perhaps it is the same mysterious phenomenon that causes everything with tentacles to be horny for human females.

Scarlett does a good job playing a bad girl.
And Momocat says "Scarlett, you look so natural."

Fast-forward transformation? This is getting more bizarre by the second.
And Momomko saying "Fast and furious transform" indicates that it really is faster.
Which, of course, brings up the question of why they transform so slowly when they are being attacked by devils.
I wonder if the writers did that to poke a little fun at themselves, and magical girl transformations in general?

Chocolate doesn't lie! Scarlett and Jama-P are a couple!
I knew it!

And that's the end. Kind of an anti-climactic way to end the series, but it is what it is.
The devil got away, and Aphrodite said that their fights were not over. I wonder if the producers hoped to do more but it just never happened?

[populuxe]

I apologize for falling so far behind on this. A stretch of half a month with only one day off took me out of it just as you were heading for the home stretch. Now I've got an XBox 360 and a PS3, and my first big Right Stuf order has just arrived full of Hidamari Sketch, Aria and Maria Watches Over Us. Despite all these new diversions, I'm going to finish this up. Partly because I consider it an obligation I want to fulfill, but mostly because I like this show. I'm glad you started this thread as this show deserves a lot of love.

All three girls chase after Yanagiba, and as a result, he gets away--sort of the inverse of the saying about he who chases two hares gets none.
Momoko needs to explain why she's still chasing after Yanagiba when she knows exactly how she feels about Yousuke.

Petra the violent devil is... really freaky. Did he OD on 70's martial arts movies?
You know, an anime based on '70s martial arts movies would be hilarious.

...now this episode has entered some serious WTF waters. Why is that guy reaching into his crotch and rummaging around? And pulling out a long...thing? Clearly the dub studio was aware of the WTF-ness of it all and added some appropriate reactions.
Actually, that's almost exactly what the was on the Japanese track. But yes, that was clearly one of the more bizarre moments in the show. It's the mouse ears on the workout devil that makes him so awesome. And if he can hit the bell at the top, then what's the point of Petora?

Hey, Salvia is actually hanging out with other Love Angels. Is she softening up?

Momoko takes the whole pen is mightier than the sword cliche a bit too literally.
I don't know. I think Momoko's first idea is better.

Yousuke and Momoko walking through Makeout Park at night... and the BGM is oh so very "NAUGHTY THINGS ARE HAPPENING."
Those two are just so darned cute together.

Good ol' Salvia to the rescue. And I love Petora's exit. "You can handle those two. I'm outta here."

Great final scene with the fiery background. It's like a WWF promo or something.

T. Lynn Mikeska's performance as Salvia reminds me a lot of Wendy Tomson as Nenene Sumiregawa in R.O.D the TV. Both have nice, low voices and the same no-nonsense delivery. I'm loving David Stokey as Petora. It's completely over the top and the '70s martial arts sounds he makes are hilarious.

[populuxe]

Wait, refresh my memory--didn't the freaky Bruce Lee impersonator only get his job because he used mind control on the principal? And wasn't the mind control erased at the end of last episode? So why he still have his job? Are the Japanese teacher unions that strong?
I guess he went back and re-mind controlled the principal.

Nice surprised face, Momoko!
And surprise hair.

You know, Momoko and friends really suck at rebellion.
Who knows, maybe all you need in Japan is a junior high newspaper and soccer team protest to overthrow fascist regimes.

I like the scene with the six of them running laps. It sets up the awkward couples rather well. Nice to see Takuro getting some screen time, too.

Wow, that vacuum creature is freaky. It would probably scare the fertilizer out of me if I saw something like that. Good voice acting by Michael Dalmon.
Great bizarre squirrelly performance from Dalmon. I actually thought it was Ed Neal at first. It has that same unrestrained quality.

Limone makes himself useful... again? If he isn't careful, he might end up making a habit of this.
With Salvia there, he kinda has to step up his game.

Salvia's got a point. The Angels have been acting like, I dunno, middle school girls?
It is kinda tough being junior high school girls what with homework, first love, saving heaven from a demon invasion...

"Limone has saved us from danger over and over!" So, Hinagiku gets an "F" for observing reality.
She is the most sensible of them.

Limone sacrifices himself, and of course, turns out all right.
It's the power of Yuri. Not the same thing as the power of yuri, but it's good enough in this case.

WHAT, YANAGIBA IS LIMONE? OH CRAP
This just in: Racer X is actually Speed Racer's older brother Rex, thought lost in a racing accident many years earlier.

And amazingly, Hinagiku and Momoko appear to give up on Yanagiba once and for all.
After the big scene between Lily and Limone, it's kind of hard for them to say anything at this point.

[populuxe]

Hinagiku seems slightly bummed out. Perhaps she hasn't quite made peace with the idea that she's destined to be with the nerd.
Takuro's a good guy. She could do much worse. But realy, Takuro would be the winner if when that relationship came to pass.

Ah, the mysterious all-expenses paid vacation.
You never get something for nothing.

"Let's not call it a scheme. That sounds so disrespectful."
A great line delivered beautifully.

Oh crap... beware Yuri and Momoko. They make EVIL matchmakers.
Hinagiku doth protest too much.

Funny how in movies and TV when characters go skiing, hardly anyone ever wears a hat.
Only a skier would notice that.

Takuro still has that bracelet?
He may be kind of a wimpy nerd, but he's still got that darkness that makes him interesting.

So the supporting devil in this episode is a kitsune, eh?
It's about time they had one.

Nice "JAMA!" splash screens.
That is hilarious. Just a second of crayon Jamas flying across the screen.

Crashing into a tree is hilarious! Except when people die from it, of course.

Takuro is praying to Igneous?

And so we learn that Yousuke has a transformed form, as if it hadn't already been obvious.
He looks good as a devil.

Who knew the trick to winning against the Love Angels was simply pushing them over.

Takuro has a love wave?
It's not very good at sports, but it gets good grades.

And once again, the Love Angels take their eyes off the enemy and someone gets hurt.

The kitsune looks seriously freaky after he's been purified.
They all do.

Nice little hospital scene between Takuro and Hinako.

[populuxe]

A bunch of bike gangsters? Did this suddenly turn into Great Teacher Onizuka?
Bosozoku are about the last people I was expecting to see in this show.

[QUOTE]well, if he actually goes all out and transforms, then this goes well past foreshadowing.
Indeed.

Ah, Yanagiba is exceptionally clueless. Yousuke is too.
Yanagiba and Yousuke getting a clue? Not gonna happen.

You know, for a goalkeeper, Yousuke ought to be able to dodge Momoko's armor-piercing slap.
It's that whole "no clue" thing at work.

I'm getting tired of Petora. Apart from his colossal weirdness, he's doesn't have any redeeming features. And weirdness eventually grates.
He's no Igneous, but I'm still enjoying him. "What is this perky feeling invading my gloomy power?" Great stuff.

"I love you too much to be with you." Yeah, that's the kind of brushoff I would expect from Limone the terminally dull and useless.
Typical melodramatic crap. At least he had the balls to actually kiss her.

Oh no, Yousuke knows the secret. Now nothing will ever be the same.
He was the last one left out of the loop. It's about time he got on the clue bus.

"Wait, Takuro knew before I did? Does that mean... HE SAW MY GIRLFRIEND'S NUDE TRANSFORMATION?"
It's an awkward feeling, knowing someone got there before you did.

And Yuri is PISSED. "I was finally getting some action!"
Hilarious reaction from Yuri.

Jama-P actually thinks strategically: get Salvia ASAP.
That little furball is the only strategist in the group.

Limone goes all kamikaze on Petora's ass. However, somehow I doubt his death is going to stick.
I'm betting you've watched some shoujo anime before.

[populuxe]

And in other news, Limone is still dead.
I'm not holding my breath.

Momoko actually tells Yousuke everything? That's... mildly surprising. I was half-expecting another memory erasure.
Really good acting from Larissa Wolcott in that scene.

And a montage about Yuri's memories of Yanagiba--because Limone is dead. Yes, he's dead. He's so incredibly... aw, crap, he got better.
His death didn't even last half an episode.

I see that Aphrodite addressed all the angels by name... even though Salvia wasn't present. I wonder if she'll ever resent being left out of all the reindeer games.
She doesn't want to be a part of the reindeer games. Or rather, she prefers they be individual competitions rather that a team sport.

That Raindevila is one scary bitch.
She's not terribly cuddly with all those thorns.

So Raindevila's main beef against the angels is that the guy who she briefly saw and crushed on turned out to be taken? I'd say her retribution is a little much.
it's a shame, too, since she was a little cutie when she was young. Still, it was nice of her to give us all that backstory.

What's the point of the Wedding Dress transformation if they can't fight in it? Does making dramatic speeches work better in a dress than a glorified leotard?
I guess you can't really be Wedding Peach if you don't wear a wedding dress at some point.

Nice to know that blindness is mutual: they can't tell who Viento is despite his looks and voice.
And Peach's trump card, the saint crystal, doesn't work for the first time ever.

I guess we are well and truly into the final plot arc.
He actually called her "Momoko." That's an improvement.

[populuxe]

Momoko's a dove, Scarlett's a hawk, and the others are undecided.
And Momoko brings up the very point you brought up in the previous episode: Raindevilla's war with heave is based on very weak reasoning.

And... with the title screen... is this a sidestory?
But it's a Jama-P sidestory!

Jamapon sounds like he's trying to channel Cartman.
You're right. That's hilarious.

One of the sweeter "first kiss" scenes I've ever seen in anime.
I'll admit that was rather nice. That love wave of Momoko's is quite handy. Great confession as well.

Uh-oh... Jama-P is going to be the unhappy victim of Momoko the matchmaker. No good will come of this.
Larrissa Wolcott playing squeally teenager in love is English dub heaven.

"THIS IS AN EMERGENCY! WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE TO BE IN LOVE?" I should try that sometime.
I really don't think that's such a great idea.

Ooh, new poses for the angels.
And they look great.

And in the end, Jama-P ends up with nobody. That's mascot law, after all.
That's one tough law.

Jamapon was Edwin Neal? *snicker*
And Urara Takano in Japanese. Bizarre.

[populuxe]

I'll admit it, Momoko's "OH I'M SO EMBARRASSED" face made me laugh out loud.
And it's the perfect counterpart to all the gooey romantic mood that's been building.

I think her father might start to suspect something.
"You do understand me." That's great.

I wonder if being electrocuted by random costumed freaks will cause some kind of long-term trauma for Yousuke?
He's a soccer player. He can take it.

And time for backstory exposition.
Momoko sure is taking it in stride. "My mama who's been dead for years is home! I'll go get dad."

Angel Celeste: relative of Utena and (Hayate's) Hinagiku?
Until I see Hayate the Combat Butler, I'll just have to take your word for it.

Love the teary-eyed Jama-P in the middle of Sakura's story.

So Celeste/Sakura gets one day with her family. "Um, Momoko? Could you sleep over at one of your friend's houses? Your mom and I need some alone time."
I'm sure they got some of that in before the first night ended.

It must have been fun for Jama-P to play with everyone in the family without having to keep himself hidden.

Depression does not become Yuri.
Actually, it's made her a little spunkier. I like that.

And Peach is unable to finish her speech. Actually quite an effective moment.
More amazingly good acting from Larissa Wolcott. Her Momoko is really underrated because not a lot of people bought this show, so not a lot of people got to enjoy it. For that matter, I really like everything I've heard Gray Haddock do, and his Yousuke is no exception.

[Mr. Nail Bat]

Jamapon was Edwin Neal? *snicker*
And Urara Takano in Japanese. Bizarre.

Edwin Neal and Urara Takano share a role. The mind boggles.

[populuxe]

Uh, Jama-P? Your devotion is impressive. Your intelligence, on the other hand...
A little bit of humor to leaven the melodrama.

As expected, Scarlett goes with the "nuke him from orbit" solution. It's the only way to be sure.
Not a lot of love in that Love Angel. Or maybe too much love?

I like Hinagiku's subtle attempt to determine if Yousuke knows anything about his devil side.
Subtlety isn't her strong suit. But that's part of what makes her so great.

You know, Gray Haddock's vocal resemblance to Matt Miller as Tenchi Masaki is really obvious in this episode.
You know, I've never really watched Tenchi much in English. I'll take your word for it.

Ooh, dissension in the ranks. Gotta say, Scarlett's being a pretty huge jerk here.
I am having trouble remembering times when she was not acting like a jerk. Instead of preventing Viento from awakening she wants him to awaken so that she can kill him. It seems that she is also a homicidal maniac.
She's got her own agenda. You've always gotta have one of those hot heads. She's like the Condor Joe of the Love Angels.

And Peach is back!
And about time, too.

"Will you just SHUT UP?" Ah, Hinagiku, you rock.I really wanted Hina to punch her. Seriously.
I guess that I am not a Scarlett fan.:P
I love Scarlett as a character, even though she's a bitch with a pole up her ass. She adds the spice the other Love Angels need.

[populuxe]

Note to Yousuke: the fact that Momoko's parental situation is in some ways similar to yours JUST MIGHT be a hint. Pay attention.
Hinagiku and Yuri have a bad eavesdropping habit.

"A devil is a devil is a devil." Well thank you, Gertrude Stein.
But sometimes, a devil is just a devil.

Momoko really was a cute baby.
She's still cute.

Ah, appeasing feelings of guilt through food.
Nice to see the good relationship she and her dad have.

"When you meet someone in love you must kill them." This is the strangest audiobook adaptation of Leo Buscaglia ever.
It really sounds like Buscaglia, too.

Kill the guy she loves? Do these people not realize that they're in a magical girl series?
But that's the tension that makes it a magical girl series.

And of course, that plan is dependent on actually being *able* to kill the guy she loves.
Details, details.

"All right! Love actually won!" Yes, Jama-P, thank you for your wavering support.
And by defeating Viento all by herself, she proves she really doesn't need the other Love Angels.

Yousuke isn't taking the whole being part devil thing very well.
We still have four more episodes. Can't have a happy ending too soon.

[populuxe]

Momoko trying to be cheerful while Yousuke pointedly ignores her is maybe the saddest moment in the series so far.
Yeah, that's pretty harsh. But this is Momoko. She won't give up.

Yet more new devils. I'm not going to try to remember their names.
It's a lot of new devils to introduce at this late point in the story.

If nothing, this series memorializes how short men's gym shorts used to be, once upon a time.
I'm not so sure that needs to be memorialized. No, I'm sure. It doesn't.

Love Hinagiku's play by play commentary. Might make a great career for her when she's older.

I'm not sure if Scarlett wants to be vigilant so much as she wants to feel superior to the other Love Angels.
I am adding egomaniac to her list.
Maybe I should give the girl a break.:sweat:
The various expressions on Scarlett, Yuri and Hinagiku during their confrontation makes me think this would be a great series to make avatars from.

And then the tree sprouts a vagina!

So Uragano was killed by Raindevila's henchdevils. I can see a three-way battle in the future.
It all gets more and more messed up, doesn't it?

Rachel Rivera played Hatred! Too bad it's such a tiny role: the world needs more Rachel. Angel Rivera as Jura--could that be her sister?
Possibly, but I'm thinking the name "Rivera" is probably pretty common around Austin, Texas. I'm always grateful to any Rachel Rivera performance, but on the other hand, it's sad that a great talent was discovered just in time for the dubbing industry to collapse.

And Jura wasn't wearing much of anything. Why do devils get to be sexy but angels don't?

So this devil says "You really have to feel sorry for someone who is so weak as to fall in love." Sounds like Scarlett.[/QUOTE]
She would have made a great devil.

I wonder if it's really in Raindevila's best interest to awaken Yousuke's sleeping giant?
Especially after he just found out that she had his father killed.
All of the devils seem to think that Youske/Viento will hate his father for falling in love with a human, just like Youske/Viento did.
Seems like they are not putting a lot of thought into this.
He's a purified devil with an axe to grind. He's going to be more trouble than Raindevila can handle.

[populuxe]

Wow... Momoko belongs in the stubborness Hall of Fame.
She's pretty awesome there. I'd say it's Yousuke who's bucking for a spot in the stubborness hall of fame.

Peach grabs Youske and jumps (flies?) off of the roof.
I didn't know that she could do that.
It's not what I imagine when I think of the power of love.

Scarlett seems more and more like the Japanese stereotype of an American: not a team player, ultraconfident in her own strength, unwilling to see the world in shades of grey.
That's a good point. I hadn't thought of that.

I must say, I'm liking the shorts Hinagiku is wearing.
And Yuri is not looking bad there either.
They both have some pretty fabulous legs. I was mentioning it elsewhere, but good costume design is highly underrated. The clothes look interesting and flattering, but they still look like clothes they could find at a shop in Tokyo.

Jama-P seems kinda pet-like and infantile when he sleeps.
Great job with the contented sounds from Ron Berry.

At home alone? Momoko asks Yousuke to take his shirt off? Ooh, Momoko's a bad girl!
Reminds me of a scene from Marmalade Boy/Peach Girl/a hundred other titles.

Well, it looks like Scarlett's hiatus from the group didn't last too long.
And she hasn't changed at all.

So since these devils are a pure manifestation of hate, getting purified by the Saint Crystal essentially annihilates them.
And Peach stops Scarlett and Youske from killing the devils, so that she can disintegrate them? I guess that it is OK if you purify them while you destroy them.
Well, since they were created from nothing, it makes sense they'd go back to nothing.

The devil world had a set of rules and a social hierarchy that's been subverted by Raindeliva. So now we have a way out of this mess: return the devil world to the way it was before.

[populuxe]

Yousuke knows how to get Jama-P's co-operation.
By squeezing him like a melon. Oh, and appealing to his sense of justice.

And now he's conducting a Satanic ceremony. Heh. It would have been fun to see the hubbub it would have caused if this series had ever been shown on broadcast telelvision in the US.
"I don't care if it makes sense in the context of the story! It's satanic!"

And Momoko temporarily stops him. Hmm... kind of unusual for the magical girl to be the voice of caution and moderation.
Especially Momoko. She's always been act first and think second.

Raindevila's origin story is just plain pathetic. The guy she liked liked someone else, so EVERYONE MUST DIE.
And unless I missed something the guy did not even know that she existed. She never talked to him or even let him see her.
Yes, but you know, there are crazy women like that everywhere. They don't need a reason to be insane. They're insane.

Hey! A Takuro sighting. It's been a while. I was hoping he would be a little more prominent in the final arc, using his intelligence to help them out.

I'm not too sure if Viento's strategy of "jumping in front of incoming fire and letting it hit your chest" is all that wise.
It does seem to be his big go-to move.

I liked Scarlett's non-chalant "Hi girls" after they all made their introductions.
That was hilarious. Perfect delivery from T. Lynn Makeska.

Bring on the tentacle-like thorns! I'm sure that it fulfils someone's fetish.
<raises hand>:sweat:
Not so much me.

Is that staircase... could it be... Limone the occasionally useful!
Oh, Limone. Glad you could make it. Is "Charles in Charge" over?

And has the Final Boss been defeated? It doesn't feel like it.
Hey, look, Viento and Peach are working together to defeat the bad guys. I think they've finally hit on a strategy that works.

Oh, never mind, she was just dispelled to the devil world. Okay, so the final episode will be the final battle. Makes sense when you think about it.
Well... yeah.

Peach says that fighting just creates new reasons to hate.
Well, yes, but if the alternative was to just watch the devils kill all of my friends I think that I would go with the creating hate thing.
When you've got a crazy woman in charge of the devil world, you don't really have much choice but to fight.

[populuxe]

Aw, I was half-expecting a return to the first OP for the final episode. Oh well, the second OP is really good too.
It's always reminded me of an Earth, Wind and Fire song.

A wedding ceremony? Keep in mind, they are both in the seventh grade.
I kind of keep forgetting that.

Yanagiba is an organist? Simply no end to his talents.
Didn't he play piano earlier in the show?

Raindevila is back... and she's PISSED.
And that makes her all the more moe.

In the tradition of all magical girl show villains Raindevila saves her strongest attack until the end, after the girls have powered up to the max, instead of using it in the beginning, when they had no power at all.

Peach has an instant transformation. I think that may be the first time.
And we have tentacles again.
And we have Limone again, without the stairs this time. It seems like everybody is forgoing the grand entrance and getting right down to business.
I like that instant transformation. They should have done that more. But you're right. They're not wasting time on formalities.

Poor Takuro. The only mundane in the lot.
I would have thought his time with Igneous would have given him something to fight back with.

And, predictably, Limone's the first out of the fight. WUSS!
Maybe he should have used the stairs.
To run away on.

That thing opening up may look like a jewelry box... but I know that it's actually a can: a can of whoop-ass.
The whoop-ass of love.

And after they kiss... they're floating naked? Uh...
It works for me.:)
And as you've pointed out, they're only in seventh grade.

And Raindevila's purified form is a demonic loli?
Excellent! The world needs more demonic lolis.
And a new fetish arises! I always thought she was extra cute in her flashback scenes, but I wouldn't go anywhere near her. She would be like the world's worst girlfriend.

"Their love has saved the world." Thanks for the exposition, Aphrodite.
That was for those of us who were looking at the girls' legs instead of paying attention to the story.:blush:

And at the end we see:
Momoko with Youske.
Yuri with Yanagiba.
Hinaku with Takero.
Scarlett with Jama-P???
Hey, it works.

And that's the end! Until the OVAs.
They're a fun and silly way to finish this off.