Wanted for treason by two intergalactic powers, Tenchi
Masaki and his friends find themselves on the run across the galaxy. Their mission: get to Planet Jurai and clear
their names. Their problem: besides the
entire galaxy out to get them, there’s money problems, would be bandits, bounty
hunters (especially Nagi) and the general inability to lay low and not draw
attention. At this rate, it’ll be a
miracle if Tenchi can get to Jurai in one piece. If the universe doesn’t destroy him, a ship
full of volatile alien beauties just might.
I know I ended the last review on an uneven note,
wondering if going back to classic comedy after such a big series shake
up.
The more I think about it though,
even though there is an ultimate destination and a villain to defeat, how many
Anime have this same setup and still have some fun getting to the end?
Slayers immediately comes to mind.
Yeah Lina Inverse had big bad to topple and a
world to save…doesn’t mean she and her friends cant stuff their mouths with
good food and help out a town or two along the way.
That brings me back to Tenchi Universe.
Despite the urgency to get to Planet Jurai
and clear their names, Team Tenchi found time for some lighthearted and
sometimes rather touching fare during their trek through the sea of stars.
It helps that, much like the first half of the series,
the four stand alone adventures all have different flavors and vibes that make
them unique as well as fun.
It also
allowed for some nice smaller moments for some characters, particularly
Katsuhito and Nobuyuki.
I love that
Tenchi Universe has shown more of the familial bond between these two as
Nobuyuki was barely ever in Tenchi Muyo and Katushito seemed to play more the
Guardian to Tenchi than he did.
It’s
clear Nobuyuki married into the Masaki family through Tenchi’s mom but
Katsuhito still sees the lecherous but well meaning guy as his son
nonetheless.
Those moments I mentioned
were a little fleeting: the two getting on each others nerves over chess and
then sharing colorful commentary for the Swimsuit Contest…but theyre special
and one of the better examples of Tenchi Universe expanding on whats come
before.
Speaking of smaller moments,
special shout out to Ryo-Ohki and Ken-Ohki, who got to have a mini date during
the Swimsuit Episode, aint they adorable?
Yeah…Swimsuit Episode.
Tenchi Muyo is a Harem Anime franchise isn’t it?
Well while we got plenty of nudity in the
OVA, and in this TV Show from time to time, Swimsuit Episodes are a staple of
the genre and we were bound to see on here eventually.
Well, despite the animation being noticeably
different, and a bit of a mixed bag tbh, Tenchi Universe showed why it’s a
pioneer of this genre with a fun little outing that’s just an excuse to see all
the girls (except Sasami because standards and Washu was repairing their ship)
in skimpy swimsuits showing off their fabulous bodies.
The episode even had more fun at Nagi’s
expense…granted even though Ryoko stole her money, Nagi still won in a
surprisingly sexy suit.
Personally, it
was a tough call between Ryoko and Kiyone (with a cute tan).
Funny…I remember this episode being shown
during Tenchi Universe’s Toonami run and that show (and the rest of the Tenchi
Toonami offerings) had to be edited heavily for broadcast.
Why bring this up?
Well Outlaw Star aired at the same time and
there was an episode that never aired because of risqué swimsuit content.
I guess No Need for Swimsuits was tamer than
The Hot Springs of Planet Tenrei….scratch that there was flat out nudity in
that Outlaw Star episode, nothing in No Need for Swimsuits ever hit that level.
I mentioned that while Tenchi Universe was having a ball
with these little detours, it took some time to offer some heartwarming stories
too.
Sasami befriending a ghost of a
long dead ship could’ve taken a dark turn in another show, like poor Mirei not
wanting Sasami to leave.
But Tenchi
Universe isn’t that kind of show.
Still,
you knew that it would be hard to see Sasami and Ryo-Ohki part ways with Mirei
after having so much fun with her (poor Kiyone frozen solid by their prank).
Seeing the decayed vessel without Mirei’s
illusions was heartbreaking enough.
Still, that moment where you see Sasami and Ryo-Ohki added to Mirei’s
photo in her room is enough to make you cry tears of joy.
I was surprised Sasami got a second emotional
beat with her “uncle” showing up to save her and the others during their chase
through the checkpoint into Jurian space.
I wonder if we’ll see this guy and his subordinate, the guy who flirted
with Tenchi who was disguised as a girl, in the final act of the series.
Forget what I said about urgency, Tenchi Universe took
the Slayers approach to adventure and did it well.
But it looks like the good times are just
about done as we head into the final stretch.
It’s time for answers, revelations, drama and one epic final battle for
the fate of the Universe…also will Tenchi choose a girl in this series?
Personally my money’s on Ryoko but I guess
we’ll find out what happens Next Monday as we reach the Series Finale of Tenchi
Universe right here at the Gundam Anime Corner.
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