Meanwhile, Chibi-Usa swings by to check up on Hotaru only to learn that shes a FREAKIN CYBORG!

Turns out Hotaru surviving that explosion several years ago was far less straightforward than she let on.

Im going to get this out of the way right up front.

This episodes teaser clocked in at 1:35.

There is absolutely no reason room couldnt have been made for it at the end of last weeks episode.

We could easily have ditched that Motoki/Reika scene on the train to make room.

The writers clearly know better.

I honestly dont know what the hell theyre thinking.

Ad content continues below

That aside, this episode was pretty great.

Lots of legitimate conflict based on the character actually using their words and communicating.

Its like a savory filet mignon, I tell you!

Top shelf liquor there!

Were she as cold-hearted as she lets on, that would be something of a relief.

It would certainly get them out of her way.

The stakes here are high, and the characters damage, both physical and psychological, is very real.

Weve learned bits and pieces about Souichi, mainly through dialogue, but this episode gives us the goods.

it’s possible for you to just see the coldness in his eyes.

Its not even malice.

The plot so deliciously thickens!

As for Hotaru, we really get a look inside her… literally.

The girl has cybernetic implants, for Gods sake!

It certainly explains how she was able to crush that pencil case.

Shes a loner, she doesnt have many friends, and she feels distinctly different from everyone around her.

Its no wonder that Chibi-Usa discovering Hotarus secret left Hotaru feeling so vulnerable.

It just doesnt happen.

Hotaru is befriending a second-grader because, well, whats the option?

That Chibi-Usa was even sent on such a mission was pretty awesome.

She was a footnote in that area.

Here, Sailor Chibi Moon is actually treated like the Senshi-in-training that she is.

As for the big battle at the climax, it was well-earned.

Right up front in this episode, Uranus and Neptune are targeted by the Death Busters.

Apparently, before they blew their cover, they were considered prime candidates to be made vessels.

I guess theyd be setting off red flags no matter what.

Ah, the best laid plans, huh, Kaolinite?

Got to give Cyprine credit.

She cuts right to the point, which is why she kind of works for me.

Theres no pretense, no scheme, and thus nothing to fall short of satisfaction.

You cant half-bake an idea that isnt even being had.

Nope, Cyprine goes right for the throat, and she is brutal.

The fight between the Inners and the Outers was hardcore and rather ironic.

They did it before.

They can and most certainly should do it again.

Rating:

3.5 out of 5