It is, however, a good friend of hers, a young tennis phenom named Rui Saionji.
Okay, look, they straight up name-dropped Martina Navratilova; that youmas mullet was no accident.
Also, I gotta say…
I feel a little uncomfortable with the imagery of an extending phallic symbol knocking out an obviously dykey figure.
Considering what a game-changing episode this is, it doesnt really develop the Sailor Senshi at all.
In fact, it develops everyonebutthem.
This isnt a bad thing, but its worth noting.
Actually, I take back my earlier statement.
It makes me wonder how long Usagi has known her if shes never heard of Rui before.
While under Nephrites spell, Rui becomes obsessive and hostile, and seeing how it affects Naru is heartbreaking.
Someone give this girl a fucking hug!
She needs it, for Christs sake!
And yet, this isnt even the most important point to be made with Miss Osaka.
No, Narus more significant development in this episode has to do with its star: Nephrite.
Yes, theres a new man in town, and his name is Sanjouin Masato.
Nephrites, or rather Sanjouins high visibility is but one aspect of a larger theme.
Right off the bat, it is established that Nephrites M.O.
is very different from Jadeites.
Jadeite wasnt a character with a lot of patience.
As such, he doesnt need a shitty new disguise every week.
Thus, having a consistent alias actually makes his job easier.
I dont think having Naru first lay eyes on Sanjouin in this episode is an accident.
Its for this very reason that Nephrites other major relationship is established here as well.
Yes, it is in this episode that we are introduced to Zoisite.
Excuse me for a moment.
OH, HOLY AMAZEBALLS HOW I LOVE YOU, ZOISITE, GOD OF BITCHCRAFT AND TREACHERY!
YOU GO, BOY!
YOU HOVER OVER EVERYONE IN FLURRY OF FLOWER PETALS AND JUDGEMENT!
BRING IT ON, BITCH!
Its never really stated why.
We already believe hed do it.
Thus, Nephrites relationships with Naru and Zoisite are interwined on a very fundamental level.
Its only fitting that both are established here.
Aside from Kunzite, the Shitennou were fairly one-dimensional in the manga.
Keep up with all ourSailor Mooncoverageright here.
Like us onFacebookand follow us onTwitterfor all news updates related to the world of geek.
AndGoogle+, if thats your thing!
Rating:
3 out of 5
