There’s no shortage of character development in the latest episode of Sailor Moon Crystal.
Here’s our review…
ThisSailor Moon Crystalreview contains spoilers.
And while I do take fidelity to the source material into account, it does not trump bad storytelling.
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- I am going to talk aboutSailor Moon R. Its going to happen.
Some may find such comparisons off-putting, but thats whats on the menu.
And now, onto the review:
This episode doesnt do much thats new in terms of story.
Thats okay, though, because where this episode really shines is characterization.
Holy crap, there is character development all over the damn place, and its magnificent.
Most of our time with her is spent showing her determination, her dedication, her ingenuity.
This was a really smart move on a couple of different levels.
In addition to highlighting her experience and bad-assery, it gives her some alone time with Usagi.
It also allows for some jumbling with the team dynamic.
Its kind of cool.
So, bravo for that.
Thus,Crystals Mamoru is a much better put together character.
And, as Ive mentioned previously, hes got his own supporting cast.
The cameo of the Shitenou was more than just a nice little bit of continuity.
Like Usagi, he had a quartet of guardians in his past life.
Unlike her, they are now dead.
Luckily, through his psychic powers, he can talk to them when he really needs to.
Its a bittersweet kind of reunion that really gives him a vibe that no one else has.
Mamorus psychic flashes arent some random bullshit.
They play a crucial role in the plot.
This scene also serves to highlight a problem many have with Tuxedo Mask: his lack of offensive potential.
Its always nice when someone close to a superhero starts getting hip to the fact that somethings up.
The good guys arent the only ones to nab some spotlight.
Given how little we get of them per episode, they establish quite a presence, with one exception.
Its never really made clear in any version of Sailor Moon what exactly Esmeraudes function is.
Esmeraude doesnt really serve a function in this elite inner circle.
It makes me wonder why shes there?
What valuable skills or contributions elevated her to this position in the first place?
Did Naoko just include her to break up the sausage party?
I like that Calaveras is the last one in the queue.
And I love that shes a medium.
InR, all four of the Spectre Sisters has more or less the same personality.
They were all shallow and vain.
Berthier was, by implication, smarter than the others.
Petz was the only one not fighting for Rubeus affection.
But for the most part, they came as a set.
They didnt really have very distinct personalities or functions.
Ironic, given how flat her characterization (though obviously not her bust in that corset) is inR.
Which, come to think of it, wouldnt surprise me.
And in fairness, Chibi-Usa did steal her brooch.
Thus Venus gets to take on Calaveras by herself, at least at first.
I do have to say that Usagis turn as Sailor Moon in this episode was kind of unnecessary.
In fact, the only character I couldnt stand this week was Usagi.
Instead, shes just this delicate snowflake whos always bawling into the shirt of the nearest available person.
You need a hug?
But Jesus… woman up, kid.
You saved the planet last week.
Rating:
3.5 out of 5
